The sounds in the forest grew louder, deep growls and the snapping of branches. Tension gripped the knights as they tightened their grips on their weapons.
Though they were all seasoned warriors, veterans of countless battles, they knew better than to underestimate the dangers of the Forest.
Everyone braced themselves, expecting a bloody battle. But just as the first figure stepped out from the trees, the entire caravan froze in shock.
It was not a horde of magical beasts that emerged,it was a mount of Elves.
Riding atop sleek black panthers, they moved as one, their silver crescent-shaped blades gleaming under the sunlight. Their light armor allowed them to move swiftly, and their expressions were cold, sharp, and battle-ready.
For a moment, silence hung over the caravan as the knights and mages processed the sight before them. Then, whispers broke out among them.
"What the hell! That many elves?"
"And they're riding magical beasts?!"
