"A war is almost certainly inevitable," Carolina replied. "The difference, if we do this, is Stormrider will only be coming for the king. If we do not he will see anyone in this city as worthy of being punished, and you can be certain Myraz will feel no obligation to protect even his own men. Now stay quiet, that cloth will stop people seeing you, it won't stop you being heard however." With that she pulled the reins gently, the two horses pulling the cart setting off at a gentle gallop. Although they saw guards in the streets they managed to go largely unnoticed until they reached the gate, where a soldier in ornate maroon armour stepped into their path.<br/><br/>"Halt in the name of King Myraz," the man said. "What business do you have outside our city?"<br/><br/>"Is that any way to speak to your favourite teacher Aryn?" Carolina asked with a sweet smile.<br/><br/>"Lady Carolina, my apologies," Aryn said, bowing. "I wouldn't ordinarily interrupt, but the king has ordered us to inspect all transport in or out of the city."<br/><br/>"Feel free to inspect it," Carolina said. "I have nothing to hide." Aryn signalled a younger man, who walked to the back of the cart. Carolina's heartbeat quickened momentarily, hoping beyond hope her passengers wouldn't give themselves away. After a few moments the soldier turned back, shaking his head.<br/><br/>"My apologies m'lady," Aryn said. "I hope your journey is successful." He stepped aside, signalling the guards manning the gates themselves, the gate slowly creaking open. Carolina pushed on through the gate, riding until they reached the imposing treeline that lay to the north of the city walls.<br/><br/>"This is where my part in this journey ends," she called to them. "Get out, I have two presents and some advice to give you before we part." Her two horses were visibly distressed at being so near the forest, making her still more uneasy.<br/><br/>"This is the Forest of Shadows?" Vennar said as he jumped out, almost jumping out of his skin as a loud howl echoed through the forest.  "I used to think this place was a small grove of trees exaggerated to scare small children, but even I have an uneasy feeling about it."