At dusk, in a small village at the foot of the mountain, a few thin wisps of cooking smoke drifted gently into the air. Three or five young children ran about, laughing and playing between the houses. Meanwhile, a large black dog lay lazily outside one of the homes.0

By the fields, some farmers were still working the land. The scent of food drifted on the wind, mingling with the smoke curling up from cooking fires. Mist clung faintly to the surrounding mountains, making Old Pine Ridge seem all the more steep and foreboding.0

A young herdsman played a pastoral tune on his flute, sweet and meandering, adding to the tranquil beauty of this countryside scene. It was a peaceful and harmonious village.0

Thud, thud, thud…0

The sound of hooves approached from the distance, shattering the village’s calm. The...0