Howard stood and looked in open mouthed amazement at the scene before him. The warm sun cast a golden glow over the rolling hills and fields that stretched out before him, painting the landscape in hues of green and gold. The air was heavy with the scent of freshly cut grass and wildflowers, while the sound of birds chirping and bees buzzing filled his ears. He was standing in the midst of an outdoor scene that seemed to have been plucked straight from a painting.

In the distance, he could see a small farmhouse with a pan-tile roof and white walls, surrounded by a small garden of vibrant blooms. A path of well-worn cobblestones leading from the farmhouse to a nearby pasture, where a herd of cows grazed lazily on the lush green grass. The sound of their contented lowing filled the air.

He took a deep breath, savouring the fresh country air, and followed the path to a nearby grove of trees. As he walked, the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot is all that broke the silence. The trees, tall and broad, provided a welcome respite from the sun's warm rays.

In the centre of the grove, he came across a small clearing where a babbling brook ran through, the water sparkling in the sunlight. A wooden bench was beside the stream, and he took a moment to rest and admire the beauty of the scene around him. As he sat he let the cool, clear water flow over his toes. Howard revelled in the peace and tranquility of the moment.

Howard looked up and noticed a small flock of sheep grazing in the meadow just beyond the trees. Their white wool stood out against the green grass, and their soft bleating carried on the gentle breeze. He couldn’t help but smile at the simple, rustic charm of the scene before him.

The sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the grassy fields. Howard took one last deep breath, taking in the scent of wildflowers and the soft sound of the stream, before reluctantly rising from the bench and making his way back down the path towards the farmhouse.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over him. This welcome moment in the outdoors had filled him with a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, and he felt grateful for the opportunity to witness its beauty firsthand. At which moment Charles Pendle stepped out from behind a bush armed with a large sword and looking distinctly unfriendly.