7. A shady character along the way

As she walks, Malene is barely awake enough to stay cautious, so it’s a surprise when the woodsman appears seemingly out of thin air.

“Hello there.”

“OH!” Malene jumps away, “Gods, you scared me.”

“No worries.” The man smiles, “It seems we’re walking in the same direction, perhaps we can walk together. Afterall, there’s safety in numbers.”