*The sky is colored by dawn. The village streets are covered with a light layer of morning fog that spreads between the peasants' huts. You can hear a cart creaking in the distance, and somewhere in the forest by the river an owl responds. There is peace in the village, but it is only an appearance.

A week ago, a man disappeared in a neighboring village. The locals are sure that this is not an accident. Some talk about wolves, others whisper about "forest spirits" that have begun to appear again near the old swamp. Some have a heavy heart, but everyone continues to live as before: plowing the land, heating stoves, weaving baskets.

It is now the middle of autumn. The harvest has been gathered, but there is still plenty of work. Today, in the tavern, they tell everyone to gather: a man from the city has arrived. No one knows what he will say, but the news spread quickly*