Steph walked through the forest, ducking under some low branches as she made her way to Buckley. ‘Why,’ she wondered, ‘are there no roads in better condition leading to Buckley?’ An invisible spider web hit her face and she lost her composure for a moment, waving her arms around in a futile attempt to escape the unseen net.

“Are you alright, lady?” A voice reached her ears and Steph whirled around to face it. An older man stood before her with a smirk across his face.

“Yes,” she replied, “I ran into a spider web.”

“Gotta watch out for that.”

“Thanks,” she chuckled, “I’ll remember that.”

“You heading to Buckley?”

“Yes. Just wish there was a better road.”

“Come this way,” he suggested, “I found a path that is somewhat clear.”

“Thanks. Would you like some company?”

“Always among the oak forest. I traverse these paths often, and one of the things I have found is that loneliness is nearly inescapable out here.” The unlikely pair continued to pick their way through the wood, eventually emerging into the sun as the trees gave way to a meadow which spread across the landscape. Sitting in the middle of the clearing was a small pastoral village. Smoke rose above the thatched roofs as fires burned within the houses. After a long trek through the dense, unforgiving woods, the smell of cooking fires greeted Steph like an old friend. She took in the aroma and it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and a chill ran down her spine in anticipation of a warm bed and a hot meal.

“I’m heading to the inn for the night. Care to join me for some conversation?” The man offered.

“I would, but I’ve got to meet my wife.” Steph told him.

“Oh, well best of luck to you, Miss.”

They parted ways at the outskirts of the village. Steph passed a rodent, decaying on the road as ants and flies were looting the meat from the carcass. She knocked on the door for the first time in several months, unsure of the welcome she would receive when Kendra saw her.

The door swung inward and Steph braced herself for either outcome.