They are a small Easter egg from Wayfarer; also they serve some small purpose.
In Wayfarer you're not supposed to go that way - here you are warned right before and suggest to "tryeth quick battle" i.e.
use Quick Combat.
Mini-spoiler (select text to read)
Day 1 victory is possible and the final tricks are required.
Originally map ended at day 1 but I decided to allow alternative routes.Have fun!