Logan raced toward the Verdant Lands, accompanied by Silvia and Emary, his newly appointed apprentice. Each rode a different flying mount: Logan astride Wyver, Emary on the mightiest of Thunderbirds, and Silvia guiding Zephyr.
They flew at top speed, pausing only for brief rests to eat and sleep. The group avoided using teleportation and instead sent the remainder of the beast back ahead of them. Fortunately, the Duke had provided an ample supply of food for the journey, which proved invaluable as they neared the southern border of the Verdant Lands. Beyond that point, they would need to seek out a small town or city to replenish their provisions—Logan hoped this task would be simple and without peril.
Crossing the border, the first sight that greeted them was a colossal tree, towering like a mountain but unmistakably verdant and alive. Its sheer size and lush foliage commanded their attention, leaving no doubt that it was indeed a tree.
