Ningan and Imogen eventually arrive and absorb the breath-taking view before them. "Where are we?"
"I'm not sure…" Laurel murmurs, still mesmerised by the scene. "I don't remember this place at all…"
He steps down from his horse and approaches the herd of antelope cautiously. He had never seen anything like them before: sturdy like deer, but horned like cows, painted with patterns of black-and-white markings.
"What are you?" he asks inquisitively.
Don't come any closer, hunter. they warn him, and huddle closer together.
"Halt!" a sharp voice startled them. Laurel, Ningan and Imogen turn to see another horse bounding towards them, bearing unusual black-and-white stripes. On its back, it carries a man in camouflaged clothing. They watch, astounded, as the exotic horse pulls up next to them, sending a cloud of dust in the air. A pair of heavy boots hit the ground as the rider dismounts: a tall well-built man with a moustache, wearing a pith helmet, a pair of sunglasses and a pair of binoculars hanging from his neck. He carries a spear in his hand which was now pointed at all three of them. "Drop your weapons! Or prepare to fight!"
"Who the hell are you?" Ningan retorts with a sneer.
"I said drop your weapons!" the man repeats. "Or prepare to fight!"
"Are you sure you wanna take that chance?" Ningan says, drawing his daggers from his belt. "You're outnumbered three against one."
"Let's not be too hasty now, Ningan!" Laurel quickly intervenes with his hands held high. "Look, we don't want to cause any trouble! We're just a little lost, that's all!"
"Actually, we're right on track." Imogen says, deep within the pages of her spell-book. "If we just keep heading north-"
"If you keep heading north, you'll run into trouble!" the stranger snarls. "You've entered a restricted zone! If you don't leave right now, I'll be forced to arrest you!"
"Under what authority?" Ningan growls.
The man steps forward angrily and thrusts a golden badge into his face. "I am Lieutenant Seth, the Chief Patrol Officer of the Zinzuri Wildlife Protection Agency! This is a protected zone, and those without official documents are prohibited from entering!"
"Zinzuri Wildlife Protection Agency?" Laurel says, intrigued. "You protect animals?"
"That's right, son! We protect these here antelopes and others from scumbag hunters like you and your lowlife friends!"
"No, no, we're not hunters!" Laurel explains. "We're just travellers! I love animals!"
This was true. Laurel had been raised in Ordon Village and worked for his father as a ranch-hand, caring for Ordon goats. He was gifted with the ability to communicate with animals from an early age, and shared a special bond with his loyal steed, Aurarius.
"Enough chatter!" the Lieutenant booms. "The three of you can come with me and explain yourselves to the authorities!"
"No chance!" Ningan laughs.
"Wait, Ningan!" Laurel hesitates. "We should probably follow him to see if there's a village nearby!"
"Laurel's right." Imogen nods her head, closing her book. "We could stock up on supplies and maybe find somewhere to stay for the night."
"Besides, Aurarius needs to rest." Laurel adds. "We've been walking round those woods for hours."
Ningan groans. "Fine. But if we get ourselves locked up by some loons, don't hold me responsible."
The Lieutenant mounts his horse once more. His horse charges, stomping its way through the long withered grass, passing the herd of anxious antelope. Imogen, Ningan, Laurel and Aurarius follow closely behind, curious to see where their adventure will lead them.
