Before Nicole could even begin to react, she found herself forcefully shoved into the water, plunging into the depths below where a swift drainage channel awaited, swiftly carrying her away in its current.
Roscoe had orchestrated this with meticulous precision.
His knowledge of the drainage channelâs location, coupled with Nicoleâs swimming capabilities, which he had personally honed, were key elements in his plan of sending her away.
During their time in the village, Roscoe had dedicated himself to teaching Nicole various survival skills, including swimming, archery, basic combat, and self-defense techniques, ensuring she was equipped to navigate perilous situations.
As the water rushed around her, Nicole could faintly discern the frantic voices of witches from the shore, intermingled with a manâs pained groan, before a profound silence enveloped her surroundings.
Fear gripped Nicoleâs heart as she realized that Roscoeâs sobriety might have been exposed.
Despite her efforts to swim against the powerful current, she soon found herself overwhelmed by its force.
The mountainâs drainage channels were akin to raging torrents, particularly during the rainy season, rendering even the strongest swimmers helpless against their might.
âs BunnyBookery Exhausted and defeated, Nicole reluctantly surrendered to the current, allowing it to dictate her course.
When she finally dared to open her eyes once more, she discovered herself nestled within the confines of a humble straw hut.
Panic surged within her, fearing she had fallen back into captivity.
A senior man with a gentle countenance approached.
âYoung lady, are you awake? Would you care for some water?â he inquired, offering her a bottle with sincerity shining in his eyes.
He bore the unassuming appearance of a mountain dweller, a stark contrast to the ominous witches Nicole had encountered earlier.
Though she eased her guard slightly in the senior manâs presence, she remained vigilant.
Accepting the water graciously, Nicole refrained from drinking immediately.
âSir, where exactly am I?â she inquired with curiosity.
âThis is Mount Yienswart,â the senior man responded.
Mount Yienswart? Realization dawned upon Nicole.
She had traversed beyond the valley into a different mountainous region.
Roscoeâs warning about the challenges of seeking assistance echoed in Nicoleâs mind as she observed the remote surroundings, devoid of any signal or means of communication.
Even if she managed to find help, the journey out of this isolated place would span at least a week, with rescuers likely taking another week to arrive.
By then, the witches would have vanished without a trace.
The valleyâs seclusion and inaccessibility had evidently appealed to thosee witches, serving as a haven for their nefarious deeds.
The senior man brought a plate adorned with freshly roasted game.
Prioritizing Nicoleâs well-being, he took a portion for himself before offering the remaining food to her.
âEat up, young lady.
You must replenish your strength,â he urged kindly.
Gratitude flooded Nicoleâs heart as she recognized the subtle gesture, the manâs act of consuming the food first to allay her suspicions of poisoning.
Nicoleâs stomach protested loudly, craving sustenance after a night spent adrift in the water.
The witches had intended to cleanse Nicoleâs body through enforced fasting, but hunger now gnawed at her insides, driving her to eagerly devour the meat before her.
With each satisfying bite, a welcomed warmth spread throughout Nicoleâs body, dispelling the chill of the nightâs ordeal.
Remarkably, her stomach welcomed the nourishment without protest, urging her to consume more.
Could it be the effect of the mysterious pill? Nicole pondered silently, her thoughts interrupted as the senior man, sensing her lingering hunger, tore off two additional sizable portions from the grill, offering them to her without hesitation.
âEat up, young lady.
Donât be shy.
We have an abundance of game here in the mountains.
â The senior man encouraged warmly.
Nicole needed no further invitation.
She indulged in the hearty meal, savoring the succulent flavors of the roasted game and refreshing herself with the pure water from the mountain spring.
With each bite and sip, she felt her strength returning, revitalizing her weary body.