Your body feels warm, but not from the fireplace, where the wood gently crackles and pops. The warmth comes from inside you. As you and Burt become glued to the crochet couch, the hieroglyphics on the walls begin to move. These symbols aren’t scattered randomly throughout the cottage; they tell a story. As you stare at the iconography across the walls, trees and plants begin overtaking everything around you. Is this the Eastern Forest? As the moments pass, the images you were studying become reality, and you find yourself a part of the very story you were just reading…

The Wandering Brook, which flows into Spirit Lake from the north, meanders through valleys of lush emerald fields of trees and shrubbery. You and Burt have been following Soraya for almost half a day, with Burt surprisingly keeping quiet. However, Burt has been constantly giving you silent warnings about Soraya. The water bird you summoned found a great spot to rest in the hood of your cloak. The extra member of the group does not appear to be a burden, resting gently the entire journey. You’ve become quite fond of it…