Chapter 32: Hands On Learning
With one last glance towards the township, Irene and the others were on their way back to the forest. However, to the apprentices' surprise, they led their horses around the outer edge of the tree line until they found a somewhat worn path that went to the heart of the forest.
With a knight in the front and another at the back, they searched for the landmarks that signified wherever they dipped into the forest the last time and found evidence of goblins everywhere.
Sir Phillip at the front was the first to see a boulder he recognized and he abruptly stopped his loyal steed which caused the horse to rise onto its back feet for just a moment.
"Woah!" he called to his horse and got the beast of an animal to calm back down. "Left this way!"
His voice carried far and could be heard easily since everyone's horses had ceased galloping by then.
The noise soon returned and the knights and apprentices navigated their way through uncertain footing and thick trees. With every tree covered in leaves due to the season, some had to duck while others had to renavigate entirely to avoid all of the obstacles in their way.
Shortly, the group found a clearing at the center of the forest and they crossed it, redirecting north as they followed Sir Phillip. It was only when they reached the other side of the trees that the knight instructed them to get off of their horses.
"The rest of this place is a bit overgrown," Sir Gunnar announced from the back. "We will leave our horses in the clearing and create a path for ourselves. Keep your eyes open. There's a likelihood of goblins having returned since the night before. Normally I wouldn't have you dull your blades on vegetation but there's no other choice but to have your swords out."
At this, the apprentices knew it was time to pull out their weapons.