A rowdy bunch

There were no other attacks. Hex heard distant roars and shrieks in the forest but no beast approached them.

The elderly man, who had talked with Hestia, had introduced himself as Bast and was the head of the gathering team. 

"There are few resources in this area of the forest. It makes gathering fruits and herbs hard but relatively safe," Bart explained as they moved along. The other men handled the wares on the cart. Hex noticed them steal glances at Hestia and Althea, beauties rarely seen in these parts, but he ignored them. No matter where they would go, these two ladies would attract the attention of others. If he would fight everyone, there would be no end to it. 

When they descended, Althea had told them that the forest was the thinnest in this part, making it the number one choice for travelers and wanderers. 

After they traveled half an hour, Hex noticed the trees growing sparse. There were more bushes around them.