After finishing breakfast, the Baron and Atlas left the manor and headed towards the mining site. While he had already relayed instructions to the appropriate people and assigned leaders for the task, the young prince wanted to visit the site for a final check and ensure that everything proceeded smoothly.

Walking alongside the crowds of boisterous people already having begun their respective work for the day, the duo quickly reached the edge of the town.

A line of tall, thick trees marked the beginning of the uncharted forest beyond the town. Their crowns branched out abundantly, blocking the already diminished sunlight and darkening the area underneath the trees. The faint morning mist and the overreaching chillness that pervaded the entire area cast a sufficiently mystical and eerie feeling to the entire forest.

Looking at this sight, Atlas finally understood why the forest was named, the Dark Brooding Forest, by the aboriginals.

‘Oh, it’s definitely dark enough alright.’ he thought to himself. ‘And it’s making me brood too. They really got the name right.’

After staring at the eerie tree line for a few more seconds, Atlas was shaken out of his thoughts by the noisy clamor coming from a distance.

"Oi! Watch it!"

"Don't stand in the middle if ya don't want to get your head knocked!"

"Look at this hairless pig! Oi! Are ya gonna do some work, or stand there like an idiot!"

Workers, or woodcutters to be more specific, had already arrived at the forest’s edge. Atlas has asked them to start their work in the direction of the coal deposit and gradually head inward. This would allow them to break into the forest and create a proper road towards the mine, cutting down on traveling time and increasing productivity.

The workers gathered in groups of twos and threes, with each group hacking away at a single tree. The work was still in its initial stages as not a single tree had been felled yet. However, looking at the general progress of work, it wouldn’t be long before the team of woodcutters started showing results.

“They’ve already begun work,” the Baron commented, impressed. It had been nearly a month since he had arrived here with this group of people yet never before had he seen such energy and motivations amongst the townspeople.

“My liege’s speech seems to have struck a chord with the townspeople. I’ve never seen them so motivated before.”

“That’s because you didn’t know how to properly lead them, Baron Helm,” Atlas replied. “People work harder and are naturally motivated when there is a tangible result to look forward to. To spark activity, it is important to set an appropriate goal.”

“Your servant lacks your wisdom, my liege.” Baron Helm bowed slightly, honest appreciation and awe filling his heart.

“Enough bootlicking,” Atlas waved his hands, annoyed. “Let’s not disturb the people here and catch up with the coal miners.”

Due to being wildly engrossed in their work and the noble duo being slightly away, the woodcutters hadn’t noticed the arrival of the Baron and the prince. Not wanting to deal with the group of overzealous townspeople once again, Atlas wanted to leave this place and catch up with the coal miners who had already left the town.

“Of course, my liege,” The Baron consented and the duo entered the dark forest.

Having learned of the general location of the coal deposit from its discoverer, Jason Porlciks, earlier, the Baron led while the little prince followed. Thick coats covered the duo’s backs and warded them against the dampness and the cold. A single oil lantern hung from the Baron’s hand, providing illumination for the party.

As they walked for a few minutes, Atlas noticed a peculiarity.

“Baron Helm.”

“Hmm? What is it, my liege?”

“Is it just me or is there a disturbing lack of sounds around us,” Atlas whispered. It was only now that he noticed the strange, oppressive silence of the forest.

It was quiet. Too quiet even. Atlas couldn’t hear the rustling of the leaves, the cracking of branches, or even the annoying chatter from birds and critters.

The forest was simply quiet.

‘This isn’t normal. Forests aren’t quiet. They are supposed to have all these sounds. Granted, I haven’t ever been to a real forest during the entirety of my life, but I’ve seen enough National G*ographic to know that they are supposed to make sounds! Lots of sounds’ Atlas panicked.

“Oh, that’s normal, my liege.” Baron Helm turned around and reassured the little prince with a smile. “Not only is this forest dark all year round, but these trees also seem to have some strange, magical property that blocks all sounds from traveling far.”

“It was one of the reasons why we decided to build the town this far within the forest.”

“I see,” Atlas nodded his head feeling partially reassured. “Does this apply only to humans, or is it the same with monsters and beasts?”

“I don’t know about any monsters living within this forest, my liege.” The Baron confirmed his ignorance regarding the den of monsters inhabiting the forest. “However, the beasts are also affected by the silence. In fact, the oppressive silence keeps most of them out of the woods.”

This was new information for Atlas. Although, when he thought about it, it made sense. Living within such oppressive silence would be uncomfortable for humans, not to mention unintelligible beasts.

“Then the wolf pack that attacked my family?” the prince asked.

“An outlier, my liege. The forest keeps out most, but not all. The tragedy that befell the Royal Family must be the work of a pack that managed to adapt to the strange forest.” He answered in a bitter tone.

Clenching his fists, the Baron stared severely at the young prince for a moment and spoke, “You needn’t worry, my liege. While the chances are slight for a beast pack to appear, I vow on my life that I shall not let a single scratch land upon your highness. You shall and will remain absolutely safe. This, I swear!”

The Baron spoke these words with such intensity that even Atlas found himself a little speechless and lost. Staring into the Baron’s eyes which were inches away from his own, Atlas gulped and replied, “O-okay.”

The Baron showed a full smile on his ugly, pig-like face before turning around and continuing his walk.

“Do keep close to me, my liege. This servant will protect you from all harm.”

Atlas quietly nodded his head and followed the Baron. His face, hung low and hidden from sight, sported a confused expression.

‘Did I just receive a knight’s oath of protection from a middle-aged, bald, pig-looking dude?’ Atlas wondered. ‘What the fu*k?’

He had seen and heard similar lines being spoken in movies, books, and other media. However, those cases usually revolved around a handsome young lad and a stunning young lass.

A giant, middle-aged dude and a short, prepubescent kid?

‘That sounds like a whole different story without context.’

---

Thirty minutes later.

“I can’t… I can’t anymore, Baron Helm,” Atlas huffed and wheezed.

He weakly raised his slumped head and stared at the panicking Baron, the light of life slowly fading from his eyes. His body leaned against the damp trunk of a tree, bruised and battered by the forest. His spirit, previously so vibrant and exuberant, now lay broken.

Opening his cracked lips, he softly spoke, “I feel… cold…”

“No! My liege! Don’t say that!”

“...and weak.”

“My liege! You must get up! You need to fight this!” Tears fell from his eyes as the older man begged.

“You… promised me, Baron Helm… You… promised to… protect me.”

“My liege, but–!”

“Yet… here I lie… harmed… and broken…” Saying those final words, Atlas closed his eyes.

“My liege! You cannot rest in the middle of the forest! Please get up!~”