With the old woman's words echoing in his mind, Mariod set off in search of the seven swans. He ventured deep into the forest, following every sign and clue he could find. Eventually, he came to a clearing, and there he saw them - seven beautiful white swans, their feathers shimmering in the sunlight.

The swans seemed to beckon him, and he followed them as they flew through the forest. They led him to the edge of a river, and there they disappeared. But when he looked across the river, he saw a sight that took his breath away.

There, on the other side of the river, was a vast,...