Nicola travelled in the woods she was familiar with- up to a point. She loved being in the outdoors and this day was a gift from the gods: the sun beamed through the tall branches and lit a path as if directly from Nike's torch for Nicola to follow. Her wolf bounded sometimes behind her and sometimes in front of her. The day was warm but a light breeze followed them and as Nicola was in no hurry- this was not a battle after all- she delighted in her ride. She rode thus for a day and part of another making camp when needed.<br/><br/>She rode for several hours, greeted by the song birds and other inhabitants of the wood. They did not fear her or she them- they enjoyed each others presence and passing with no problems. Suddenly, Nicola heard her wolf howling..she stopped her charger for a moment and ran her hand along his flank.<br/><br/>"I wonder what is wrong..she is baying to alert me..she would not do that for any inhabitant of the forest for this is their home and we live together in peace..she has come across someone or something!"<br/><br/>Nicola approached the clearing cautiously on her charger where her wolf howled. She could not see anything from a distance and so she dismounted..coming closer she recognized an asp hissing at her baying wolf. She knew this asp did not belong here for if it did, both animals would have gone on their way.. She looked around..wondering..a small uncomfortable feeling forming in her stomach..a sense that something was not right..she grasper her dagger at her side- ready to strike if necessary.