Follow the Yellow Brick Road

You look at your surroundings. Illya said there'd be some sort of trail, but you don't see one. As you look forward, you suddenly see the trees shifting, parting.. and making a makeshift path that you see begin to wind into the dense forest beyond. "Looks like there's our invitation, Master." You nod. "Yeah. Let's go."

You begin walking the trail laid out before you. As you step forward, the trail behind you disappears, leaving only dense forest. Even though you've only began your trek, you can't go back even if you wanted to. You look back at the dense forest with Rider and hear a wolf's howl in the distance. "We'd better get moving." You say. "We could get there faster if you would like for my to take you with my speed, Master." Rider replies. "Save your Mana for now, Rider. We'll do that if we come across any danger."

About 30 minutes' walk into the forest, a lone wolf edges close to the trail, directly in front of you.. He's hungry, and has picked up your scent as a possible meal. A low growl and aggressive bark is emitted from the wolf. Rider readies her nail-chain and dagger to protect you in case if the wolf jumps.

A tense moment passes. The forest is silent except for the wolf's growl and the sound of your heart pounding in your ears. The wolf skulks closer to the trail, then suddenly looks extremely frightened, and dashes off into the forest with a yelp. "It's not like wolves to suddenly run off once they're on the trail." Rider remarks. "We'll have to figure it out at the Castle. Let's move on." You say.

Thanks to Illya's magic, the trail protected you from the wolf encounter. And it makes what is usually a three hour trek through tough terrain a pleasant 45 minute walk. You arrive at Castle Einzbern after 15 more minutes of walking. The exterior of the Castle is indeed a Castle. It's HUGE. You and Rider approach the front door and rap on the knocker.

A minute passes, and a maid dressed in .. well, maid attire, answers the door. "Hello Shirou. We have been expecting you. Hopefully your journey here has not been too unpleasant. My name is Liz. Mistress Illya is ready to see you. Please, this way."