After discussing the kingdom's affairs and instructing Neva Sterling to placate the elders and prepare for battle, Eleanor resolved to enter the forbidden land and claim her inheritance. She was certain it was the only path forward.
Neva protested her sudden decision, but in the end she understood… without the sword, the kingdom stood no chance against the might arrayed at its borders. They might fend off one army, but doing so would expose the other fronts. And even if they repelled the Troll King, the others would strike the moment their forces weakened.
At last, with a heavy heart, Neva agreed to Eleanor's plan. While Eleanor attempted to gain the inheritance, Neva would ready the armies for war. Whether Eleanor emerged from the forbidden land in time or not, the Wolf Kingdom would stand against the Troll King's advance.
When Eleanor reached the land behind the castle, an ominous sight greeted her. No signboard was needed; the thick, unnatural mist was warning enough.
