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He moved in a southerly direction that night through the ancient woods, gripping the enchanted sword in his fist. The Ardmore was the largest forest in the Four Lands, and Wil had only a general idea where he was going. The sword’s crystal caste blade glowed with a bluish light and faintly illuminated the path befor him. He mainly wanted to put as much distance between himself and Hanging Tree as possible. Great oaks, maples, hickories, and pines grew tall and thick in Ardmore ever since the world began. All sorts of creatures made their home among the trees. Herds of deer roamed all parts of the woods. There were wild boars, badgers, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and skunks. Wil had even seen bears on occasion snuffling around the edges of the forest close to the village, looking for scraps of food and garbage. High amid the trees, eagles, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey nested in great aeries. And insects! When he was younger, Wil once tried to capture as many different insects as possible. He lost interest after catching thirty-three different species (twelve of which were beetles). Even now, great winged moths danced hypnotically around the glowing short sword as he walked.