Willow (NES)/Rock mountain

The old blacksmith of Dew village and an old woman in Death forest ask Willow to complete two side quests...

Rugged forest (west)
Go straight west from the beginning, and enter a small cave. Inside, a shield can be found.

As soon as the possessed Bogarda was defeated, the spell on the bridge was lifted, and Willow can pass (as well as Kchil and the Nail clan).

Death forest
Death forest and the base of Rock mountain form a single maze with several dead ends. You might think that the name "Dead Forest" was more appropriate, but the enchanted tree stumps justify the name.

Bogarda of Dew Village told you about Cherlindrea; in the Death Forest, two Brownies named Franjean a Rool tell you more.

Also, an old woman asks you to find her pet Po, and gives you some medical herbs for him. It is apparently an optional quest, but the reward will be extremely useful.

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Rock Mountain cave
Entrance from the north of Death forest.

After the first portal, Willow can collect all the items simply by following the wall to his right, and entering the corresponding portals. In order:
 * 1) Gold shield;
 * 2) Flame sword;
 * 3) Green scale (bring it back to Dew village);
 * 4) The thieves's bracelet from Matanda (it opens the exit to the next area);
 * 5) The magic ocarina from Po (it allows to fly between friendly locations).

After speaking with the harmless dragon Matanda, the bracelet can open up the passage near the very entrance, thus allowing Willow to continue on his adventure.