"Verdant Emera," Raelana said, her eyes narrowing. "I know of it. A giant wilderness that spreads much larger than the eye can see. Rumors say strange folk live there."
"What sort of strange folk?" Taeryn demanded.
The bandit leader shook his head. "Don't know, don't want to know. Smart people give the forest a wide berth. That's all I can tell you, I swear!"
Darian studied him for a long moment, then stepped back, nodding to Raelana. She released the hold, and the bandit collapsed to his knees, gasping.
"Run," Darian commanded.
"And if I ever see you on this road again, I won't be so merciful."
The man scrambled to his feet and fled without a backward glance, disappearing into the forest. Darian turned to his companions, his expression grim.
"It's getting messier than I thought. I have already sent a word to Morgana. Hope she can come to our rescue in case something happens to us.
