Exploring the Gray Forest

For more than 6 years, Hosh has used a cane to help him walk. He was also still able to ride a horse until he arrived at the Gray Forest. For him there are absolutely no obstacles on his way. Until he had to tie his horse and enter the forest alone. With minimal supplies, Hosh took the time to stare into the deep Gray Forest.

Gray Forest has distinctive trees. The trunk of the tree is jet black while the leaves are silver. Besides that, there are also lots of colorful plants like a rainbow. That said, every plant has its own effect if we treat it wrong. It is also the cause of many humans who end up strange and even crazy.

Slowly, Hosh began to walk into the forest. Occasionally glanced at the map and compass to make sure the direction he was heading was correct. The point he was aiming for was a large tree deep in the forest and right by the river. The location was easy, but Hosh wasn't even sure if he could make it there.

Hosh started to walk in confidently and he just ignored everyone who was there. Some of them seemed to really enjoy what they were doing in the forest. Some were seen dancing and laughing as well as drinking whatever looked intoxicating and came out of a tree trunk.

Hosh walked again and saw that there were several people who were crying and looked like they were hurting themselves. As if they had made a big mistake and regretted it all. Hosh really wanted to help, but he remembered his grandparents' message that no matter what he saw in there, Hosh just needed to keep going and ignore everything.

Hosh don't know how long he's been walking. The sun was almost over his head. That meant it was nearly noon and he hadn't even heard the sound of the flowing river. The condition of Hosh's sore leg made him move slowly. Hosh ended up under a shady tree and drank the water.

When he turned right and left, he could see a woman lying near a large rock and a tree. Hosh wasn't sure if it was because she passed out, fell asleep, or even died. The clothes look simple but clean. Hosh finally decided to come closer and check her out.

Hosh slowly touched the woman's shoulder. The woman he saw seemed to be asleep from her soft snoring. Hosh this time shook the woman's body which made her aghast. The woman immediately sat up and moved backwards in fear.

"Who are you? What do you want?" asked the woman whose face looked familiar.

“You… aren't you…?”

“Yes, I am Princess Wilona. Are you here to find me? Or… are you here to kill me?” Wilona is still limiting herself.

"Not. I accidentally saw you while I was also resting under that tree. I'm just making sure your condition," said Hosh.

"Then why don't you just help me? Get me out of here. My father, I mean the king will definitely reward you well.”

“Did… nobody find you here?” Hosh looked left and right.

"There isn't any. I've been here five days. I survive by eating fruit and drinking river water. I've been waiting and screaming occasionally, but no one has come.”

“Wait, did you say river? Is there a river around here?” Hosh asked again looking around.

"There is. It's about five minutes walk north. Are you looking for something?” asked Wilona kindly.

“I was indeed looking for something.”

“Just do that later. Handsome foreign man, help me get out of here," she begged, holding Hosh's hand.

Hosh did not immediately respond. It was impossible for Wilona to say it just so he could take Wilona out of here. No one ever called him handsome. Moreover, Wilona was so brave to touch him even though the risk of contracting it was very large. No one treated him well let alone a princess. Obviously Wilona might be hallucinating.

"What fruit do you eat?" Hosh asked cautiously.

"It. Reddish fruit that is bright red like a strawberry, but round like an orange, and has a filling like a pomegranate.”

“You shouldn't eat carelessly here. I'll help you get out of here. But I don't promise either. You better eat and drink from the provisions I brought. Simple, but better than anything this forest can provide.”

Wilona just smiled and nodded in agreement. Hosh could see how beautiful the daughter of the Zenith clan's face was. Hosh was increasingly convinced that this was the effect of the fruit that Wilona had previously eaten. He really felt sorry for her. He don't know how long Wilona will be able to survive in the Gray Forest.

Hosh took a deep breath seeing Wilona who was so engrossed in eating the sandwich he had brought. He was forced to give up his main goal to come. Saving Wilona would be even more important now.

"So Handsome Man, what's your name?" asked Wilona who was not fully aware of what was said.

“Ah yes. I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Hoshea Anushka Catra and I come from the Crosby clan.”

“Ah… the Crosby clan. I'm not too surprised you guys have a fit body. The work in the fields will surely make you strong and healthy men.” Wilona smiled shyly.

“Princess, I thank you for the compliment, but it is not what it seems. Don't you know how dangerous this Gray Forest is? This can make you hallucinate if you eat and drink carelessly. What is bad can appear good and vice versa. I'm not at all as good as I seem." Hosh tried to awaken this woman in front of him.

"Is that true? But my eyes work very well. I am not drunk and also feel very healthy.” Wilona even blinked her eyes many times, occasionally wiping them.

“I'm just saying. I don't want when you get out of here, you regret every word you've said to me." Hosh said politely.

"Ah, you are too modest. However you are still a good man for trying to help me. Whereas before you said you had another purpose for coming here. If I may ask, what are you looking for in this Gray Forest?” asked Willo again.

"Not a big problem. It's just… something left by my parents,” answered Hosh briefly.

"Why did your parents put that ‘something’ here?" asked Wilona confused.

"Who knows. Maybe it's just because it's a safe place they think."

"Is that true? I'm very suspicious of you. What big secret is hidden in this forest? And who are you, handsome man?” asked Wilona with a sharp gaze.