The day broke early for the group, their campsite swiftly cleared as they got ready for the journey ahead. The forest around them seemed denser than they had imagined. "Never realised just how dense this forest is," Astrid commented, sweeping aside a low-hanging branch.

"Agreed," responded Kenji, batting away an irksome fly. They were clad in long trousers and sleeveless tops, their feet encased in sturdy boots. Weaponry and rucksacks secured; they began their trek.

"At least the tree canopy is offering us respite from the sun," Adara mused, eyes scanning the dense foliage.

"Indeed," Storm echoed, squinting up at the dappled sunlight filtering through the verdant canopy. "Today feels like it's going to turn hot."

Adara, leading the way with Storm safeguarding the rear, guided the group along the forest trail with impressive efficiency.

"Approaching the steep incline," Adara cautioned, looking back at her friends, "should we take a quick breather or keep going?"

"Press on," Astrid replied resolutely, a hint of exertion in her voice.

Kenji concurred, "I don't want to break the momentum," he added, gasping slightly for breath.

Storm, silent yet unwavering, followed his companions as they began the arduous uphill climb. The group fell silent, the air filled only with the sound of their laboured breaths. A gruelling passage of time later, they found themselves back on flat terrain.

"We need a rest," Storm managed, panting heavily. They all agreed, sinking down onto the forest floor. Their water ration was consumed with a desperate thirst, followed by a quick snack to replenish their energy before they resumed their journey.

An hour later, the group came to a sudden halt as Adara stopped abruptly.

"What's the matter?" asked Kenji, barely avoiding a collision with her haversack.

"I can hear water. The river on the map must be close. We can replenish our water supply there," she said, striding off in the direction of the sound.

"Oh, thank goodness," Astrid exclaimed, her voice strained, "I'm parched."

"Aren't we supposed to have passed the South-South-West Village by now?" Storm queried, remembering their study of the map the previous evening.

"Yes," Adara affirmed.

"I'm surprised we haven't run into anyone yet," Kenji remarked, taking a moment to admire the vibrant flora surrounding their path.

Astrid squinted up at the sun, now at its zenith, "Don't worry, I've got a feeling we'll be meeting some of them soon."

Their anticipated arrival at the riverbank soon came, and they all dashed eagerly towards the soothing water.

"Water! My long-lost friend!" Kenji declared dramatically, eliciting a round of laughter from Astrid as she eagerly filled her leather bottle.

Adara approached Storm with concern, "Are you alright?"

He responded with a nod, offering her his empty leather bottle, "Just thinking about the intensity of the training waiting for us at the capital. If this is bad, what we're heading into would be so much worse."

Adara crossed her arms in agreement. "I wonder how the others are faring. The first groups must've arrived at the capital by now."

Once their water bottles were filled, they cooled themselves off by splashing water over their faces and bodies.

"We have another half-day's trek to finish before we can think about resting," Adara announced, standing tall.

"I'm really grateful that you're so resilient, Adara," Astrid said sincerely. "Without your perseverance, we'd still be at the bottom of that incline."

Kenji nodded in agreement, "Lead the way, captain."

Just as they prepared to depart, Storm rummaged through his haversack, extracting a mini pot, and relocating it with a disgruntled grunt. As he stood up again, he met their curious gazes. "The blasted pot was digging into my back," he grumbled.

With a shake of her head and a chuckle, Adara led them back onto their trail, sticking close to the riverbank, making use of the occasional opportunity to splash themselves with water to cool down.

The day continued with little event until Adara stopped abruptly, causing Kenji to bump into her this time. "Adara!" he muttered, rubbing his nose.

"Hush!" Adara hissed, silencing the group as they strained their ears. A faint sound echoed through the forest, something akin to a cry. Their faces turned serious, and they took off in the direction of the sound.

As they approached, the cries grew louder, and another sound emerged, an animalistic growl.

"Is that...a bear?" Storm asked, disbelief colouring his words.

Once they reached the source of the noise, they found themselves facing a gigantic bear. In front of the imposing creature were a small girl and an elderly woman, likely her grandmother. Behind the bear, a cub was visible.

"I think the girl might have attempted to pet the cub, causing the mother bear to react defensively," Astrid conjectured.

"Seems likely," Kenji affirmed, just as the bear swiped a massive paw towards the cowering child and elderly woman.

Without a second thought, Adara dashed forward, shielding them from the impending attack while Astrid and Kenji swiftly pulled them to safety. The bear's claw grazed Adara, leaving a gash above her left eye. Storm quickly pulled her back, saving her from further harm.

"Play dead!" Astrid ordered, "Lie on your stomachs, hands behind your necks, spread your legs and be silent!"

© Crimson B