The Dark Forest was a place forbidden to humans, as well as extremely dangerous. The trees were dense, with almost no light entering, bringing more dark creatures to lurk. But for those who ventured and survived, they could find a castle among the trees, where one of the greatest witches of those lands lived.

The place was protected by a gargoyle, a servant of the witch who gave life to the stone. He flew over the place, observed the invaders and passed direct information to the woman. She just didn't count on him being loyal to the point of loving her - feelings weren't in her spell, but she didn't break it.

One night, the gargoyle was flying over the forest as usual, doing his patrol when he saw royal guards among the bushes. Concerned, he returned to the castle, his landing on her bedroom balcony making a rather loud noise.

"My lady..."

He called out to her, his booming voice reverberating through the room, only entering when she gave him permission.

"There are five men at the entrance to the forest, all armed. They appear to be carrying the symbol of royalty."