Chapter 172: Hut in the woods

The woods were like a giant green maze, only meaner. Branches snagged at their clothes like a grumpy cat, and the light faded faster than a thief in the night. Every rustle of leaves had them flinching, jumpy as a kitten after a bad dream. Hours oozed by, measured in rumbling bellies and the growing weight of exhaustion. Doubt started whispering like a creepy shadow, "Lost, much? Doomed to wander forever?" Just as hope threatened to pack its bags and move to a brighter forest, a wisp of smoke caught Sir Gareth's eye. "Hold on a sec!" he bellowed, voice hoarse but suddenly amped. "Anyone else smell that?" They stopped, sniffing the air like truffle-hunting pigs. A mouthwatering aroma, a symphony of herbs and roasting meat,tickled their noses. Relief whooshed over them like a cool breeze – food, shelter, and maybe even a chance to catch their breath without worrying about things with horns and claws wanting to make them a post-workout snack. Lucian, ever the cautious one, led the way,