Summary

Vaedan, Quul, and Uni track a strange deer exhibiting unnatural behavior. While Vaedan focuses on the hunt, Uni struggles to keep up, noisily tangling herself in the forest undergrowth. Uni uses magic to silence her footsteps, and Vaedan reminds her not to use magic in his forest.

Following Quul’s lead, the group finds the deer in a clearing, its eyes flaring with an unnatural purple light. Vaedan traps the deer, but it becomes frenzied and breaks free. Uni uses a magical barrier to protect herself, while Vaedan and Quul try to subdue the deer. Vaedan shields Uni from the deer’s charge, but in the process, he is injured. The deer flees, leaving the group with more questions than answers. They set up camp and Uni tends to Vaedan's injuries.

Analysis

As they reflect on their failed attempt, their conversation shifts to...