Fred and Astra Obey the Spirits

This left them in a bit of a quandary. Would they attempt to cross the river, or travel eastwards to a point where it would be easier to cross? There was a third alternative, but it would have meant going back on themselves in order to get the boat, and both felt they shouldn't risk it. Considering what they'd been through since the day they'd stepped through the portal, they decided to follow the river back to a safer crossing spot. Free from the slight oppression that the cursed jungle had seemed to bear down on them, they made good time and had soon forded the river and begun to follow it back.

Upon reaching the shore, they moved diligently first to the south, then to the south west, and finally to the west, following the shoreline as closely as they could. A few miles along they stopped for a short breather before continuing on.

They heard the sounds of various jungle animals getting closer and closer and realised that the invisible barrier that had seemed to seperate the two areas of jungle had now gone. Given time, there would be no sign that what they had called the Empty Lands had ever existed. There was something Fred felt was odd. Creatures that would normally had fled at their presence, didn't. Maybe it was because they'd never encountered humans before. It was good in one way, as it gave them something to talk about. Or rather, Fred would ask questions and Astra would answer them.

Hearing a slight splash, they turned towards the lake and saw a fish leap up and swallow one of the many insects that were flitting over the water's surface. Astra gave a little gasp of delight as a beautiful butterfly alighted on her briefly before gently fluttering away. They were in awe at the vibrancy of this jungle which was a complete contrast to the one they had just left.

Pushing aside some of the thicker undergrowth they were suddenly amazed to see,

1. A crumbling temple. Yes, does seem a bit like a cliche, doesn't it?
2. A dragon. Or rather, the head of one. It blinked, then said, "ooh. Visitors!"
3. A portal. Yes, it looked the same as the one that they had stepped through, and yes, it did appear to show the island that had been their home.

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