Deadly trap

The mount turned rapidly on its axis and tried to return to the top of the hill in search of a safe area.

Suddenly, a vision filled Elian's mind, and he grabbed the reins abruptly, forcing the beorn to evade to the side, then jump back.

Loud explosions echoed from the top of the hill, right where they had been moments before.

But before they had time to assess the situation, a tree burst out of the ground and slammed into the beorn's stomach mid-leap, knocking it off balance and fall on its side. They both ended up sprawled on the ground, their bodies buried in the tall, growing grass.

Elian jumped up and checked his surroundings once more in search of the figure of the woman, however, the only thing in front of him was other floating hills, strange plants, and more banyan trees obstructing the view.

'The rumors are true,' the woman thought as she surveyed the situation from a distance.