The journey to Bramblewood continued, the forest around us growing darker and more oppressive as we went. The path was narrow and winding, with thick underbrush that seemed to close in around us. The horses, sensing the tension, moved cautiously, their ears flicking at every sound.
As we neared the village, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. Shadows moved at the edge of my vision, and the occasional rustle of leaves put me on high alert. I kept my magic at the ready, prepared for any threat that might emerge from the dense forest.
Finally, just as the last light of day was fading, we arrived at Bramblewood. The village was small and seemingly deserted, the few buildings huddled together as if for protection. Smoke curled from the chimneys of a couple of cottages, but there was no sign of the bustling activity one would expect from a village nearing dusk.