Seeing Kain and the dwarves tensing, Bai Lian raised a calming hand.
A moment later, a massive shadow emerged from the dense greenery around the tree.
It was a bear.
No—three bears.
Each one was nearly the size of a commercial transport truck, with fur like iron shavings and eyes that glowed with emerald-green luminescence. They stepped forward in unison, their movement fluid, predatory, but not hostile.
The dwarves froze again.
But this time, Bai Lian stepped in front of them and spoke—not aloud, but in a low, melodic rhythm. A language not of words, but of thought and resonance. A whisper that rode the wind.
The lead bear stopped. Tilted its head. Then let out a short huff of breath that sounded almost like acknowledgment.
"They'll serve as escorts," Bai Lian said. "The mines are far. A day's walk for these children. But on these three… it's only a half an hour ride."
Kain blinked. "That'll do."
The dwarves didn't seem entirely convinced at first.
