To the southwest of the Brabant Prime Minister's castle lay two small towns. Both the towns and their residents had once been the Prime Minister's territory and subjects, and the area was famous far and wide for its pottery.
There were also estates and towns belonging to other lords north of the castle. In other words, Leona and her companions had only one direction in which to flee: the woodland between the towns. Beyond it lay a vast stretch of undeveloped primeval forest. For bandits who had lived year-round in remote mountains and deep woods, it was easy terrain, but it was unfavorable for their pursuers.
Fortunately, it had been snowing for several days. Though the snow in the forest was not deep, it had left footprints behind, and for now they could still follow them.
The sound of dogs barking came from deep within the forest.
"Who brought hunting dogs?" Georgiana asked the others.
No one could answer her, so she ran in the direction of the barking.
The forest was filled with misty moisture. At first, the patchy sunlight filtering through the treetops could still penetrate it, but later only scattered spots of light remained. By the time she noticed and stopped, only Fiegel and Ali were beside her.
"We should go back," Fiegel said.
The moment she finished speaking, a pitch-black shadow appeared atop a small hill nearby. Ali immediately put his hand on the dagger at his waist.
At a glance, the shadow looked like a dog, but it was far too large to be an ordinary dog. It resembled the Beast of Gévaudan more closely.
"Move!" Ali urged.
Georgiana did not move. She drew her wand and cast Lumos, then hurled the ball of light toward the shadow.
She had expected it to dodge, but