Several days later.
Drum Island.
The biting wind carried goose-feather snowflakes, wantonly slicing through the frigid air. A lead-gray sky hung low, shrouding the entire winter island in a bleak expanse of silver-white.
The sprawling cedar forest bent beneath the weight of thick snow, forming a natural snowy barrier along the forested coastline.
Under the cover of the wind and snow, several figures seemed to have been gently placed there by an invisible hand, landing soundlessly on the cedar-covered shore.
Their landing left only a few shallow dents in the deep snow, which were swiftly covered by the falling flakes, erasing all traces.
Four women of distinctly different beauty and one unusual animal straightened the clothes that had been ruffled by the cold wind, their eyes warily and curiously sweeping over this unfamiliar world of ice and snow.
They had barely stepped out from the edge of the cedar forest when a patrol of soldiers in heavy winter clothing approached them.
The leader was tall and burly, with a resolute face. It was Dalton, captain of the Drum Kingdom guards. His sharp gaze swept over them, carrying the caution characteristic of winter island residents.
"What are you here for?"
Dalton's voice was deep and steady, carrying the tone of routine official business.
Baccarat, the eldest and leader of this trip, stepped forward, a trace of perfectly timed embarrassment and concern appearing on her face.
"We're here to seek treatment."
She spoke softly, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible tremble. She did not specify what illness it was, but her hesitant expression and flickering eyes seemed to speak of an unspeakable ailment.
Understanding flashed through Dalton's eyes. Drum Island was famous as a medical power, and people came endlessly seeking doctors and medicine. He had seen scenes like this far too