For several hours Alfred walked, deep in thought and misery. The forest around him was dark and foreboding, not the living, green friend he knew from his youth. It was like all life disappeared with the coming of the orcs. Nothing was to be seen of heard, not even the owls hunting. He didn't have trouble finding his path, for he knew the forest for several leagues around the castle well, although it was dark, and moon had already gone below the horizon. His future seemed uncertain at best. Villages all around were burned and destroyed by the orcs. No road, village, or house was safe for leagues around. He only had supplies in his backpack to last him around a week, but he knew that he could catch his meal in the forest if and when the need arose. When dawn neared, he found a tall oak tree where he decided to rest. After he comfortably settled high in the tree, he fell to sleep.

When he awoke, the night was well over and it was near noon. Bright sunlight streamed thtough the openings in the trees. Forest was alive with sounds, and everything seemed peaceful, as if last night was just a nightmare. But his backpack, the medallion around his neck, and his sore muscles reminded Alfred of the yesterday's events. He came down from the tree and made a fire. Soon he had roasted one of the rabbits, and after heartily eating a good portion of it, put the rest in his backpack, put the fire out, and set out northwards.

The forest was gay, and there was no sign of the destruction and misery in the outside world here. Sun broke through the treetops here and there and formed islands of bright light in the sea of green shadow. The sky above him was azure blue, and no cloud marked it's expanse. His advance was fast, for the forest was clear and the path was well marked, but it was visibly not often used by beast or man. By late afternoon, when he stopped at a small stream to rest a little, Alfred was already well on his way in the forest, and out of his familiar hunting area. After a brief rest, and after filling his canteen with water, he was ready to continue. Suddenly, he heard noises from the bushes in the side of the path. He quickly hid behind a tree, and soon a group of four people passed the path in a great hurry, followed by a group of orcs. When Alfred saw orcs, blood ran hot in his veins and with a hard smile on his lips, he jumped out in front of them. The orcs didn't have the time to recover from the surprise, and in a space of a few heartbeats he had hacked at three of them, striking and killing them. The remaining dozen or so got together and when they only saw one lone warrior in their path, charged him screaming with their terrible voices. They were armed with hatchets, shortswords, hammers, and scimitars forged of dark iron, and they were all clad in armor of leather. Alfred awaited the first group with a smile and only parried the jabs until the second group, with the orc leader, approached him. Then suddenly he leaped among them and sweeped with his longsword. His greater height, the length of his blade, and his superior number took its toll. Orc heads rolled faster than even orcs can run, and within a minute all orcs in the group were slain, except for one small fellow, who used his wits and ran before asking permission, and that saved his life. The people hunted by the orcs heard the noises of battle and turned back only to see in wonder a lone warrior hacking down the last orc. The fair-haired one, only female in the group, also saw something else, the big orc leader, only wounded by Alfred's sweep, trying to place a dagger in Alfred's back. Alfred heard her scream, and turned suddenly and slit the blade of his sword in the orc's throat. The orc gurgled blood and fell to the ground, slain by the slash. The people hurried toward him to thank him. Four figures stood before Alfred. Three men and one woman, they looked pale and haggard. The men wore clothes of finer make, leather breeches and tunics, and one of them, a short and wide fellow, also wore a surcoat of fine cloth. The woman wore a gown, colored white and blue, and also had a brown cape covering her figure. The people then introduced themselves. They were the only remains of a trading caravan that was going from their duchy to the dwarven mines to trade. They were ambushed by the orcs, and only these four managed to escape into the woods. The three men were the head merchant, Rissog, a servant named Datun, and Mr. Arowthorn, custodian of the lady Wilemina, the young woman who now smiled brightly at Alfred. Alfred bowed to lady Wilemina, and thanked her for warning him.

-I thank you, noble warrior, for saving us. But you didn't tell us your name.

-Yes, lady, because I am no noble warrior, but a simple messenger with a mission.

-And yet you deserve to be called warrior, because you fight like one, and do good without asking.

-I just happened to be here, that is all. But you have to hurry now, for one of the foul creatures escaped, and they will soon be after us. And I have to continue my journey northward.

The merchant was shivering with fright, and pleaded to Alfred:

-Couldn't you possibly stay with us and guide us to some place that was safer, a town or a fortress? I can pay you well! Please, I am no fighter, and slaying orcs is not my favorite pastime.

Mr. Arrowthorn, who was silent since the introductions, now looked down on the merchant and sneered on him:

-No, Rissog, you are no fighter, but you could at least show some courage, and ask for the girl, not your cowardly self. Sir, I plead you to protect the lady Wilemina, not because of myself, but because of her.

For a moment everybody was silent, while Alfred was considering. Taking them with him would slow him immensely, but again, leaving them here meant death for them as certain as if he killed all four with his own blade. Then he looked into the eyes of the lady Wilemina, and decided. He would look worse then an orc in his own eyes if he let foul things happen to this young woman, even if his mission is to be delayed. So he just stepped off the path and motioned them to follow. The merchant sighed with relief, Mr. Arrowthorn looked sharply at Alfred, and then they all followed him. They went for some time, until the shadows started lengthening, and he was pretty sure they were far enough from the path that the orcs wouldn't dare follow. Now they came up to a small clearing with a cold spring in one corner. There Alfred lit the fire with his tinderbox, and made a meal. Mr. Arrowthorn, the servant, and lady Wilemina left with almost nothing but spare clothes that the servant brought for the lady and a small dagger of Mr. Arrowthorn's. The merchant, in his greed, took all the gold of the caravan in his retreat, but was forced to leave most of it to the orcs, and now had only a couple of silver pieces left in his change-purse. Alfred hadn't planned for his supplies to feed five people, and now there was only enough for a couple of days at best. This began to worry Alfred, so he decided to stray from the path that led straight to the north a little, and head for the old ranger's cabin in the Olmwood to the southeast from here. He knew though, that he would have to make a big circle to avoid the orcs on the roads. Having decided, he went to sleep with his mind at ease. The people from the caravan couldn't sleep that easy. Wilemina had never been in the forest, and it looked dark and terrifying in the night. She couldn't sleep. Mr. Arrowthorn took it upon himself to stand guard, while the merchant kept whining about all the gold he lost, apparently not realizing that he should be grateful for keeping his life. Sometime after midnight they all gradually became very tired and fell asleep. Alfred took guard duty from Mr. Arrowthorn and the rest of the night was very quiet.

When Alfred woke them all up, it was barely daytime and forest was still dark and silent. Rossig, the merchant, grumbled but went after the task of preparing breakfast, while Wilemina went to the other end of the clearing to wash her face in the spring, and her servant accompanied her. Alfred took this time to talkwith Mr. Arrowthorn about the old ranger's cabin.

-Mr. Arrowthorn, since you are the only one here who is showing any sense at all, besides lady Wilemina, please listen to me. When I started my journey, I didn't expect to be forced to feed five mouths with my supplies, and they will not last for more that two days more. The only place I dare leave you at is the old ranger's cabin, about two days walk to the southeast, in a part of the forest called Olmwood. But we will have to make a big circle to miss the orcs, and the food will not last us that long.

-So, what do you propose, Sir...

-You can call me Alfred. No, just Alfred. I think the only way is to show you the path, and let you follow it with the rest of you, while I go hunting in the forest. I can always find you, and the path is easy to follow. Otherwise we will run out of food about midway to the cabin, and then we would have to stay in one place until I hunt enough game for us to continue. I don't have time to lose. So, here, let me show you the path.

And with this Alfred took a small map out of his backpack, and showed it to Mr. Arrowthorn. The scrap of parchment showed the forest and the river, with some hills, and had a line drawn out for the path to the ranger's cabin, marked with a small circle. Mr. Arrowthorn looked intently at it for a small time, and then looked up and said:

-It seems easy enough to follow. I think you are right. Again, I thank you for your courageous rescue, and for helping us further, when there is no immediate danger.

-No need to thank me. I won't allow those orcs even that small pleasure of catching four more people for their amusement. But I have to go now, to fill our cauldron.

Alfred smiled darkly, and left for the deeper parts of the forest. When lady Wilemina returned, she was surprised of Alfred's disappearance, but Mr. Arrowthorn calmed her down. They collected their few belongings and continued down the path Alfred marked on the map. The path was clear, and forest was less dense here. They walked until midday, when they stopped to rest a little.

While they were heading northeast, Alfred went south. The best hunting grounds were to the south, but so were the orcs, thus Alfred was very careful. Forest was quiet, and even the birds were silent. He walked for some time until he heard a rumor of harsh voices. A small company of orcs was camping on a forest clearing. They were talking among themselves, and some of them were carrying large sacks. From their talk Alfred realized that these orcs had raided a small village north of the Duke's castle. An idea flashed through his mind. He quickly went around the clearing, so quietly even the sharp ears of orcs didn't hear his soft footsteps, and threw some stones on that side. Orcs heard the stones and quickly came to investigate. Alfred smiled and started to run back, making as much noise as he could. Orcs are unfamiliar with forests, and Alfred had no trouble in keeping out of their reach. They chased Alfred deep into the forest, until they realized they've lost him. While they were chasing him southwards, Alfred circled around and came back to the clearing. Orcs left only one guard to keep their treasure safe. Alfred sneaked up on him, when some keen feeling warned the orc that something was behind him. He turned only in time to see the blade falling on his neck, that was the last thing that orc ever saw. Alfred then rummaged through the sacks, destroyed the food he found, for orc food is not fit for Men to eat except in the worst throes of hunger, and took most of the treasure. These orcs evidently only took things they were able to carry, so Alfred found many rings, valuable gems and several medallions. This surprised him somewhat, because usually orcs had no use for fine medallions and only took unworked gems to sell to the goblins. However, he took all he could and hid the rest in the rich mossy roots of a nearby tree, and went northwards to join Mr. Arrowthorn and the others. On his way there two rabbits fell to his arrow, so he wasn't empty handed, when, sometime around evening, he caught up with them.

The first person to notice Alfred was the merchant, Rossig, who almost cried in alarm before he recognized Alfred. Mr. Arrowthorn cried with relief, and came to Alfred and asked him:

- Good heavens, you are here. I almost thought you got killed by the orcs when you didn't catch up with us by midafternoon. I see you were successful with your hunt - he said and pointed to the two rabbits Alfred held. Alfred put them down.

-Yes, but the reason I'm late is that I had a rather 'pleasant' orc encounter.

And he then told them all about it. When he talked about treasure, he took some out of the sack and showed it to them. There were some beautiful pieces of jewelry there, and, seeing no use from it, Alfred gave out most of it to the merchant and lady Wilemina. While lady Wilemina was only delighted, the merchant couldn't stop thanking Alfred. Mr. Arrowthorn and the servant only smiled, and so did Alfred. They went on for several more minutes, until they came to a place where an old oak had recently fallen, and Alfred decided to make camp here. They lit a small fire, where the lady Wilemina's servant showed his cooking skill, for Alfred had found some spices in the orc's treasure. The dinner consisted of rabbit stew, boiled in a small pot Alfred carried in his backpack. They all ate well, and went to sleep. Alfred took first guard shift, and was then replaced by Mr. Arrowthorn. The night was silent.

Alfred had the feeling that he'd hardly closed his eyes when Mr. Arrowthorn woke him up. The rigors of last day had really exhausted him, even as he only now noticed how much. They made ready to move, and after a small breakfast they were moving once again. Alfred led the way. The trip was uneventful. Near the evening they came to an area where forest was much denser. Here they found a small open space near another forest spring. They stopped here and made camp. There was still some time tlil dusk, so Alfred went hunting and returned after sundown with another pair of rabbits. They had supper, and were preparing to go to sleep. Alfred was talking with Mr. Arrowthorn.

-I am planning to take you to the old ranger's cabin which is a few hours of walk from here. I would prefer to leave you at some place with strong walls, but the roads are insecure for miles around and I am not willing to take the risk of traveling in the open. Manetor, the old ranger I am talking about, lives in a cabin in the woods, and is it's protector. As far as I know, no orc, alone or in company, will dare to enter his realm. There you will be secure until the roads become safe to travel once again. Then you can continue your voyage.

-What about you Sir? We have no way to properly thank you for saving us, knowing naught of you but your name. Do you hail from a noble family, so that we might seek you out afterwards?

-As for my name, it is Alfred and nothing more. I myself will continue with my mission. I am sorry for not being able to stay with you, but I am afraid that my errand cannot wait.

-Would you then be offended, Sir Alfred, if I asked as to the nature of your errand?

-No, but I cannot tell anyway. It is something personal if you would understand.

-But of course. Now, I thank you again, and will have to wish you good night right now, for my old bones require some rest if I should demand some more effort on their behalf tomorrow.

-Good night, Mr. Arrowthorn.

And Mr. Arrowthorn retreated for the night. Everyone settled in for sleep. The camp was quiet. The fire slowly died to burning embers. Alfred was deep in thought.

Wilemina couldn't sleep well. She kept waking up at the slightest of sounds, and finally decided to drink some water, hoping it will ease her enough to enable her to sleep. When she got up, she looked around for a couple of seconds until her eyes adjusted to the darkness around her. She saw Alfred nodding to her and returning to his watch. She took some water from the canteen, and, then, some quirk of curiosity made her approach Alfred.

-Good night, Sir Alfred. That is your name, isn't it?

-Good night, lady. Yes, it is.

-Then I can now properly thank you for rescuing us.

She rose, and made a dignified pose.

-Sir Alfred, even if your title is not such at this point, from now in the hearts of those who you saved, it will be so. We thank you and can only hope to be able to reward you when we get to our own homes.

Alfred kissed her hand slowly, like a real knight, and for a moment he felt so. Wilemina sat down again, and Alfred spoke again:

-Why, this is such an honor, lady. I do not really deserve to be called a knight.

-Well, from now you do. My father is Count Hornsteck, and my family has the right to knight people as we see fit. Now you are a real knight, whether you were or weren't one already. Although it's supposed to be a whole ceremony, and you are supposed to enter a jousting tournament, but that's just custom, and we can dispense with it here, I think. But tell me, what an errand made you go through the forest alone? I saw you are a great warrior, but you must also be very brave, for none pass through forests here unaccompanied.

-No, they usually don't, but I don't take any companions, and I know the ways of the forest. For me it is a good friend, providing me with everything I need and protecting me from my enemies.

-But you still haven't told me of your errand.

-That is because I do not wish to do so.

-You wouldn't tell it even to me. Don't you think it is not right for a knight to deny a lady?

-No, I don't think so, lady, but my errand is so personal, and it holds have no interest in it for you.

Lady Wilemina made a slight frown as she heard Alfred's answer, but shrugged it off.

-Very well, then let it be so. I bid you good night, Sir Alfred.

-Good night, then.

Wilemina rose quickly and went to sleep. And yet she couldn't take Sir Alfred and his mysterious errand out of her mind. Since she usually got what she wanted, she decide not to bother herself with it until tomorrow, and with that she went to sleep.

The camp was silent. The fire had gone out hours ago and even the ashes were cold now. Alfred silently rose from his post and walked into the dark woods. He walked for several minutes, until he found his goal. He stood in front of a magnificent oak tree, the forest patriarch. The tree's girth was so large four men holding their hands couldn't make a circle around it. The tree's branches seemed almost to bend down in keen watchfullness as Alfred approached the gnarled bark. He found a small hole in the side of the tree somewhere around the level of his chest, and knocked inside the hole four times. The sound was sharp and quick, and soon a tall figure cloaked in a grey cloak and dark green robes emerged from the shadows. It made a hand signal, pointing up with the small finger and the pointing finger, and holding the rest of fingers down, and Alfred answered with the same signal. The face that approached Alfred was old and careworn, skin burned by the sun and living outdoors. The man came closer and spoke:

-Who are you? Who knows the secret place and the right signs, and yet I know him not?

-Allow me to introduce myself, master Manetor. I am Alfred, stepson of Duke Harnslow's sage, Eyral.

-Well met, Alfred son of Eyral. But tell me, what urgent errand brings you to my home?

Alfred's face was grim and hard, as he related to this man the urgent needs that brought him here:

-Evil is afoot, master Manetor. I bring terrible tidings from the south. The Duke's castle was raided by the orcs, and burned down. Duke himself was killed. Eyral, your friend and my master and stepfather, died, too. I was with him at the moment of his death. When the orcs came, I was hunting in the forest. I came back too late to help. I could only bury the bodies, and hurry northwards.

-You bring evil tidings indeed. My animals informed me that orcs were on the rampage again, but I didn't know it was as bad. But you are not alone, or my forest friends are playing games with me.

-Yes, master Manetor. On my way here, I ran into a group of four people hunted by a group of orcs. I fought of the orcs, and helped them run away, for more orcs were on the way. They are the only ones left from the merchant caravan orcs attacked; lady Wilemina of Hornsteck, her servant named Datun, Mr. Arrowthorn, her custodian, and Rissog, caravan's head merchant. I led them to you, for my stepfather left me with an important errand in the north, and the roads around here are not safe anymore.

-You did wisely for telling me the truth, for I knew already. About those four, if they are honest and respect the forest, they are free to stay with me as long as there is a need. Now, it is late, and you need to rest; I see you haven't slept tonight. Go now back to your camp, and we will talk more tomorrow. Good night, Alfred son of Eyral.

-Good night to you, master Manetor.

The figure disappeared into the forest. Alfred felt very tired. He returned to the camp and woke up Mr. Arrowthorn, who took up the guard post. Alfred crawled into his sleeping bag, and quickly fell asleep.

The Wilemina's servant awakened him. Breakfast was already ready, and everyone else had already eaten. He quickly ate his portion, and then led them to the ranger's cabin. They soon reached two huge oaks that made a tall portal, which led into a clearing encircled by old trees, in whose center stood Manetor's cabin. Animals of all kinds walked freely within the enclosure, looking at people with their curious eyes, not showing any fear. The cabin itself was made in a hole in a living oaken tree, and it looked completely natural, as if the tree itself grew in such a manner as to provide living space to the old ranger. Manetor appeared at the door, clad in the same dark green robes Alfred saw him wear last night. He came down from the porch, and greeted them.

-Greetings, Alfred son of Eyral. Greetings to you, too, lady Wilemina of Hornsteck. Mr. Arrowthorn, Mr. Rossig, you are both welcome to this house. My name is master Manetor of Olmwood, and I am this forest's protector. But come in, come in.

Alfred saw surprise on their faces when master Manetor called them by the name, and he smiled faintly. It was obvious that they didn't believe him when he told them that master Manetor ruled this part of the forest and knew everything and everyone who passed through it. Of course, knowing as he did that he himself informed Manetor of their names, he smiled again, thinking how they didn't bother ask how Manetor knew these things, presuming instead some magical deliverance. It was funny to Alfred how people took so many things for granted, not thinking about their causes at all.

Manetor led all of them inside. The space inside was strangely much bigger than it could be guessed from the outside. The house consisted of a small hallway, where they left their cloaks, a large living room, with a long table, and two smaller rooms, master Manetor's workroom, and his bedroom. Outside the house were stores where food was kept for his animals, and their shelters. They all came in, and master Manetor bid them sit down at the table. He disappeared outside, only to return in a moment with his hands full of different foods. He brought them a thorougly agreeable meal: pies of all fruits of the woods, wild berries, some cooked roots and small biscuits. They ate heartily, although they had just had breakfast. While they ate, master Manetor unobtrusively spoke to each of them. First, he talked to lady Wilemina:

-Lady, now, tell me what brings you to these parts? Your father's land lies many days of riding to the northwest, and these parts aren't exactly a right place for a lady traveling without escort.

-Just curiosity, I suppose, master Manetor. I wanted to see the world, and now it seems that it would have cost me my head if it weren't for valiant Sir Alfred and his timely rescue.

-Well, I believe you will enjoy your stay here. I would like to be able to send you to your father's castle, but I only rule in this forest. All of the land outside it is now infested with orcs and roads are insecure.

-I think, master Manetor, that you were most generous for receiving us here, while we can offer nothing in return.

-Do not thank me, thank Alfrson of Eyral, for he is the one who bid me to receive you in here. And now enough talk, you should eat.

After this master Manetor spoke briefly to Mr. Arrowthorn, telling him of the situation around here, and then he spoke to Mr. Rossig about the trading caravan which he led. After he satisfied himself with their answers, he ate himself. After the meal was over, he led them outside and showed them his animals. Lady Wilemina was very surprised to see different animals live together in peace. Foxes, rabbits, badgers, small birds, deer, and an old grey wolf all walked around without the slightest hint of their natural animosity toward eath other. Wilemina asked master Manetor how was that possible.

- Lady Wilemina, these animals are my friends, and they all live with me. They are much more intelligent than you think. Besides, they were brought up together and never learned to be enemies.

- I see, master Manetor. But shouldn't they all become like their kind, no matter the fact you brought them up together?

- No, because I am a ranger, and a poor ranger would I be if the living beings in my care destroyed each other constanly.

With that comment Manetor smiled misteriously. Seeing the frown on Wileminaús face, he then hastily added:

- And now, will you please follow me.

And he led them to the back side of the clearing, where there were smaller houses inside large oaks. He assigned lady Wilemina and her servant into one, and Mr. Arrowthorn and Mr. Rossig into the other. He then instructed them that they are free to go around the clearing and the nearby forest as they wish, but that they should not go outside the clearing after dark. After that, he called Alfred to follow and led him to his workroom.

After he sat down Alfred in a comfortable chair, master Manetor sat down himself and lit a pipe. He sat there for a time, blowing smoke rings in the air, and then he suddenly turned around and asked Alfred:

-Well, lad, are you going to tell me or I have to drag it out of you?

-What, master Manetor?

-Alfred son of Eyral, I may be old, but I am no fool. You didn't tell me the whole story down there at the signal oak. Eyral gave you something you don't wish to talk about, didn't he?

Alfred just sat, silent as the stone itself.

-Well, if you don't wish to tell me what it was, I can tell you instead. Eyral gave you the Scarlet Medallion, didn't he?

-How did you know that, master Manetor?

-Eyral, lad, was a close friend of mine, and you are still naught but a boy. We talked about what will happen if either of us died prematurely, and have decided what to do in that case. Eyral had the medallion in his keeping for years now, and I knew that at his final hour he was going to give it to you. Now tell me, do you have it with you?

-Yes, master Manetor - and Alfred showed him the medallion around his neck.

-Good. Never take it off your person. It is vital that it reaches Ebening safe.

-Why Ebening, if I may ask, master Manetor? And why is this medallion so important?

-Lad, it's story is too long to be told now. It will suffice to say that it has a latent power resting in it. Once there was a powerful object called Ramas, or Crystal of Power in elven. It got divided in three parts. One part you hold around your neck, the second one is in hands of Kras, old sage who lives in Ebening. The whereabouts of the third one are unknown. It is important that this medallion does not fall into the wrong hands. Kras will tell you what to do with it.

-But why, master Manetor, shouldn't you keep it? And why did the orcs who raided the castle and Duke's land seem to be searching for a medallion?

-What did you say? The orcs are searching for it? How do you know it?

-When I went hunting two days ago, I played a few tricks on a small group of orcs, led them on a merry chase, and later sneaked to their camp and took some of their treasure. Within it I found many pieces of jewelry, although I know it is not their habit to take jewelry, for they cannot sell it.

-It seems that someone already knows where to look for the Scarlet Medallion. It is a reason more that I can't keep it here. The enemy is closer than I thought. Alas, you will have to hurry northwards. I see you already have a good set of armor for the journey, as well as a trusted sword. Good. I will give you sackful of arrows and food to last you a month. But you have to hurry. You should leave even now, as soon as you are ready.

With this Manetor led Alfred to his stores, and supplied him with four dozen good arrows in a quiver, and a fair amount of good traveling food, and some elven waybread. Alfred was already going through the entrance arch, when he heard lady Wilemina calling him. He stopped and waited for her.

- Sir Alfred, are you going already? And I don't even have time to say goodbye.

- I am afraid I must, lady. My mission has just become more urgent, and I can't delay any more.

- Please take care of yourself, and thank you again for saving me.

- I will, and I promise to return.

- I will wait for your return as long as it will take, be it here, or at my fatherús castle. Good luck be with you, knight!

- Goodbye, and good luck to you too, lady Wilemina.

And Alfred turned around and started into the forest. Lady Wilemina looked after him until he got behind the trees, and then returned, suddenly saddened, to the clearing. She didn't know why, but this young knight has made her think about herself, and the ways of the world. Will he ever come back? She didn't know, but she promised herself she will wait for him here, or at her father's castle, as the times will allow it.

Alfred was moving with greater speed now. He was walking through clear and passable parts of the forest, and wasn't turning any more. Sometime about noon he stopped shortly to eat some biscuits from his backpack, and to fill his waterskin with the water from a nearby stream. Hours of jogging put little rest to his troubled mind, already burdened with more questions that one is usually due all at once. What was this Ramas? He had never read or heard any mention of it anywhere, and he read all the books in Eyral's considerable libraly. The medallion that hung around his neck seemed to seethe with an unquiet of his own as Alfred crossed small streams and walked in the forest full of shadows. Finally, after a walk of several hours, in the early afternoon he passed the border of the master Manetor's territory, and entered the unknown forest to the north.