Chapter 49: Naive

Seth exchanged a glance with Malia.

"We're looking for information and a safe place to rest for a while. We mean no harm."

Elder Rykal studied them for a long moment before nodding.

"Harm is not welcome here. But neither is idleness. If you seek refuge, you must prove yourself. The wilds are dangerous, and we cannot afford to harbor strangers who might bring ruin."

Before Seth could respond, a young woman emerged from the crowd, her piercing green eyes locked on them.

She carried a bow slung over her shoulder, and her steps exuded confidence.

"This is Mira," Rykal introduced.

"A hunter and our scout. If you truly mean no harm, perhaps you can assist her. Bandits have been troubling us for weeks, and we have little strength to fight back."

"You misunderstand us, we aren't adventurers or mercenaries..."

The village elder then looked at Malia whose dress said otherwise.