There was something in the forest, they said.
Something valuable.

Many had set off to find it, they said.
But none had ever returned.

Then how do they know there is something there?
But I am a sucker for tales such as these, and my mind was already made up.
I shall go to the forest, I told them, and I shall return.
I bought one final ale, sank back into my chair, and considered my journey.

A week later, I set off. Leaving the village that marked the edge of our territory behind.
At first, all was familiar – I wandered through the richly cultivated fields of our outlying farmsteads. Soon though I left all civilisation behind.

I crossed plains and hills so numerous that to recount my journeys though them here would be impractical. Eventually, I perceived a darkness on the horizon. I was finally nearing the forest.