**Chapter 20: Shadows of Greenhaven**

The group trudged on, their footsteps weary and their hearts heavy with concern for the wounded healer and the distraught woman and child. As they crested a small hill, the ruins of Greenhaven came into view, and their collective gasp echoed through the air. The once-thriving town was now nothing but a smoldering ruin, its buildings reduced to rubble and ash. The streets were littered with debris, and the sound of wailing and cries for help filled the air. Lyra's eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the devastation. "By the gods," Kael whispered, his voice laced with dismay. "What happened here?" Eira shook her head, her eyes scanning the desolate landscape. "I don't know, but we need to find shelter and tend to Althaeon's wounds." As they made their way through the ruined streets, a figure emerged from the shadows, her eyes scanning the group before coming to rest on Eira. A look of surprise crossed her face before she rushed towards them. "Eira! By the gods, it's you! I've been searching everywhere for you," the woman exclaimed, her voice trembling with relief. Eira's relative, Niamh, rushed towards them, her arms open wide. She enveloped Eira in a warm hug, before turning to the others. "Come quickly, I can get you to a makeshift shelter. It's not safe out here, not with the...not knowing what might be lurking." Niamh ushered them towards a small, makeshift building constructed from scavenged materials. The group followed her, their movements weary and cautious. As they entered the shelter, Niamh's eyes landed on Althaeon, who was struggling to stay upright. "Oh, dear gods, he's hurt," she exclaimed, rushing to his side. Eira nodded, her expression concerned. "We found him like that. He was attacked by a dire wolf while trying to protect that woman and her child." Niamh's hands moved swiftly, assessing Althaeon's wounds as she gently guided him onto a makeshift bed. "I need to get him cleaned up and bandaged," she said, her voice firm. "But first, tell me, what happened to Greenhaven? It looks like...like a war zone." The group exchanged somber glances, and Lyra spoke up, her voice low and measured. "We encountered a group of bandits on the road, but they didn't seem to be associated with any particular faction. We were ambushed, and they seemed to be heading here." Niamh's expression darkened. "I see. Well, you're safe now. For a little while, at least." As Niamh tended to Althaeon's wounds, Eira couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something was off about Greenhaven, something that didn't feel quite right. She pushed the thought aside, focusing on Althaeon's care, but her instincts were screaming that there was more to this story than met the eye. The group settled in, trying to rest and recover from their ordeal, but Eira's instincts were on high alert, warning her that their troubles were far from over.