Qen woke to the warm rays of sunlight filtering through the trees and the cheerful chirping of birds welcoming the new day. His body ached slightly from the battle last night, but the gentle sounds of nature gave him a sense of peace. He stood up, stretched his arms wide, and let out a deep breath before heading to a nearby lake. There, he washed the dust and sweat from his face, filled a bucket for his horses, and allowed the cool water to refresh his weary spirit.
Afterward, he strapped his sword to his waist, gathered his belongings, and returned to the wagon. With a whole loaf of bread in hand, he continued his journey, chewing slowly while the wheels creaked over the uneven road.
The journey grew lonelier as he pressed onward. He passed through scattered villages surrounded by endless rice fields, their golden stalks swaying with the breeze. Beyond them rose towering mountains capped with mist, and at their feet stretched the dark, looming forests. The road was rough and scarcely used—unpaved, broken by roots and stones, and eerily silent. Few dared to travel eastward, for everyone knew this part of the kingdom was cursed with danger. Tales spoke of goblins lurking in caves, packs of wolves that hunted under the moon, and monstrous beasts that prowled freely without fear of men.
Qen halted the wagon to let the horses rest. He untied them from the harness, fastening their reins to a tree nearby, and fed them fresh grass. While resting, he suddenly heard a mournful howl echoing through the trees. It was close—too close. Curiosity and instinct pushed him to investigate. He crept carefully through the undergrowth until his eyes widened in surprise.
A massive white wolf lay before him, its fur matted with blood and its breathing ragged. Qen instantly knew this was no ordinary wolf. It was a direwolf—a creature whispered of in legends, feared even by seasoned hunters.
The beast growled weakly as Qen approached, baring its fangs and swiping at him with its claws. One strike grazed his arm, leaving a shallow scratch. He stumbled back but didn't retreat. Instead, he slowly stepped forward again, lowering his posture to show he meant no harm. Perhaps sensing his intentions, the direwolf quieted and allowed him near.
Examining its wounds, Qen's eyes hardened. "These aren't wolf bites," he muttered. "They're from… a bear."
The thought made his blood run cold. He spun on his heel, worried for his horses, when a faint growl escaped the wolf's throat. Not a threat—but almost a plea, as if begging him not to leave it behind.
Qen hesitated only a moment before scooping the enormous wolf into his arms. Its weight nearly toppled him, but determination pushed him forward. He sprinted back toward the wagon, his heart pounding.
Then came the sound that froze his blood.
"GROOOAR!"
The forest trembled with the roar of a beast. Branches cracked. Heavy footsteps—stomp, stomp, stomp—shook the earth as a colossal bear emerged from the shadows. Its eyes locked onto Qen, fury burning in their depths.
He quickly set the wolf down and rushed to free the horses from the tree. But there was no time. The bear charged. Qen barely managed to draw his sword before the beast's massive paw raked across his shoulder. Blood splattered, pain searing through his body.
He gritted his teeth, steadied his stance, and met the beast head-on. The bear's claws slashed again, but this time he dodged and countered, his blade slicing across its thick hide. The bear roared louder, enraged, its massive form looming like a wall of muscle and fury. Blow after blow, Qen struggled to find an opening, his arms trembling under the relentless pressure.
Then, in a blur of white, the direwolf leapt into the fray. With a snarl, it clamped its powerful jaws onto the bear's neck. The sudden distraction gave Qen his chance. With all his strength, he drove his sword deep into the beast's chest, piercing near its heart. The bear thrashed violently, then stumbled, weakened, until at last it collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Qen staggered back, panting heavily, blood dripping from his wound. His vision blurred, but a shaky laugh escaped his lips. "Still alive… again."
The direwolf limped toward him, its silver eyes meeting his. Qen crouched and patted its bloodied fur. "You saved me," he whispered, his voice warm with gratitude. Carefully, he lifted the wolf into his arms once more and placed it inside the wagon. Using a strip of torn cloth from his pack, he dressed its wounds as best he could.
After checking the horses, he hitched them back to the wagon and continued his journey, this time with a new companion lying weak but breathing at his side.
By dusk, the wagon rolled into the outskirts of Guana Village, a small settlement with wooden fences and humble huts. Qen stopped by the gate and called out to a villager nearby.
"Excuse me! Is there an empty hut here?"
The man blinked at him, then hurried off. Moments later, an elderly man approached and extended his hand warmly. "Welcome, traveler. It is an honor to have you in our village. Come, I will show you a place to stay."
Qen shook his hand and thanked him sincerely, slipping the elder a pouch of a hundred silver coins. The old man's eyes widened, but he quickly bowed in gratitude. When Qen asked about herbs for wounds, the elder ordered a villager to bring medicinal supplies from storage. Soon, a bundle of herbs was placed in Qen's hands. He nodded gratefully before returning to his wagon.
Inside the hut he was given, Qen carefully carried the direwolf and laid it on a mat of straw. The wolf gave a soft, relieved growl as if acknowledging its new shelter. After unpacking his belongings, Qen sat beside it, gently stroking its fur. Surprisingly, the direwolf licked his hand, a gesture of trust.
Smiling faintly, Qen fetched a loaf of bread from his pack and divided it in two, offering half to the wolf. It ate eagerly, and together they shared the simple meal. Crushing the herbs with a mortar, Qen spread the poultice over the wolf's wounds. When his work was done, exhaustion finally claimed him.
He lay down on the small bed provided, the sound of the wolf's steady breathing beside him. For the first time in a long while, Qen felt he wasn't entirely alone.