The day the two-week deadline expired, Liam arrived at a vast clearing inside a leafless forest.
The sun was rising on the horizon, bringing warmth that would melt the snow on the ground and trees, but two places were already without it despite the cold. The clearing featured a large lake, and a small village stood on its shores.
"What village is this?" Liam asked.
"Senior," Old Joe gasped, still hanging from Liam's grasp. "This should be Dimshore."
Old Joe truly seemed to know everything about the area, even when it came to an inconsequential, hidden village of mortals. Despite his annoying presence, he was making himself useful.
'We haven't agreed on a meeting spot,' Liam thought, 'But …'
The village only had mortals, but Liam focused, and something stood out. It was well hidden, perfectly blending with the area, but a faint, unnatural trait eventually appeared.
