The leaves whispered in the wind, casting dappled shade over the sandy ravine, which overlooked a foaming river. Situated beneath the ravine was a shallow hollow, with crumbling stone encircling it, patched with ivy in places where the structure had collapsed completely. The clearing inside of the hollow was covered with grass, mostly yellowed and withered, but starting to regain their former vibrance.

I gloomily stared around at the dimly lit shop with a sigh. Ever since King Grawth took over the kingdom, we had all descended into poverty—save for the wealthy men and women, who had only been slightly impacted by the evil king's takeover. It had only made my situation worse.