The elf gets the evil eye from the bandits, but his display seems to have worked, as they keep their distance. As Ard rides through the village, he sees most of the inhabitants reel away from him, heading indoors after the stunt he pulled, though a few remain outside, quietly mocking the bullies who were so publicly humiliated by an elf.
For a few hours, Ard rides peacefully through the countryside, the road winding through peaceful, well tended fields and well maintained forests, good sights for the people living here, but a poor omen for a person who makes a living hunting monsters. As the sun begins to dip beneath the horizon, however, Ard hears a piercing female scream. Looking up, he sees an old Aen Seidhe fortress atop a hill, long since crumbled into ruins.
Another scream sounds out, echoing against the broken stones of the fortress.