3. The Answers

Time passed in an indistinct haze before Caleb’s awareness gradually returned. He found himself in the dimly lit interior of their room, the crackling embers in the fireplace cast a warm glow through the open door and onto the ceiling. As he slowly regained consciousness, his eyes focused on the concerned features of Alena's face as she hovered above him. Her eyes locked onto his, portraying a mixture of worry and relief. Strands of loose curls continued to drape both sides of her face, drawing his eyes to the lines that formed between her brows.

The tail of her braid cascaded messily over the shoulder of her sun-kissed blouse, the cotton fabric bearing faint traces of the forest's scent. The floor creaked beneath her, but her eyes remained fixed on Caleb’s with an unwavering concentration, never once breaking her vigilant watch. He couldn’t help but notice the roughness of her palms as she grasped his hand.  

"What happened? How did I get back?" Caleb struggled to sit up as the bandages encircling his waist tightened, and pain pulsed through him.

She began to reach for him to help but hesitated; her gaze briefly darting away before returning. The atmosphere in the room carried a sense of unspoken worry as she began to share the events that transpired.

"A stranger brought you back." She paused, "but he left a few hours ago." She informed him as she reached for the pitcher and cup that rested on the bedside table.

As she recounted the story, Caleb worked to piece together the fragments of his memory. He could vaguely remember a mysterious figure carrying him through the trees and back into the safety of the cabin.

"You were in really bad shape," She winced at the memory. "And he helps me fix you up. I don’t think I would have had the strength to do what I did if he wasn’t there with me." The worry in her eyes softened as he reached up to comfort her.  

The tranquility shattered as the door groaned open, admitting a mysterious cloaked figure. His presence filled the room with an undeniable intensity, the air crackling with energy. His every step resonated across the room as the flickering glow of firelight outlined his silhouette in the doorway.

~~~

            Pain pulsed across Caleb’s chest as he carefully shifted in his chair. He held the armrests with an iron grip as Alena adjusted the bandages. The wound began at his collarbone and extended to his navel. The burns from the cauterization made the appearance of the injury look more severe than it would have appeared had it healed naturally.

"At least the scar hasn’t got you looking any worse," Alena teased as she mercilessly fastened the knot. The clanking of a mug impacting the table drew their attention to the unfamiliar face that was seated across from them.

"I can't thank you enough for what you did." Caleb began, his voice strained but sincere. "I'd be dead in that ditch if you hadn't found me."

The bearded man nodded solemnly. "No need for thanks. I just happened to be in the area," he replies, humility evident. The man indulged in a lengthy sip from his cup, setting it down before speaking again, "I was on my way to the village when I noticed you darting through the trees." He paused briefly, inhaling before continuing, "When I heard you screaming, I was intrigued. I couldn't resist checking if you needed help. That's when I found you at the bottom of the gully, covered in mud and blood."

Alena finished fiddling with the bandages and she looked up at Caleb with concern. "What exactly happened out there, Caleb?"

Caleb glanced at the stranger, then back at Alena. “I was being chased… by a wolf, a very large wolf. I've never seen anything like it. I panicked and ran into the woods. That's when I fell down the gully and got this.” Caleb said, gesturing to his chest. “The next thing I remember was waking up in bed with you watching over me."

Alena's eyes widened in shock, "A wolf? But they're so rare. Are you sure that's what you saw?"

He slowly nodded, the memory still vivid in Caleb’s mind. "Yeah, I'm sure. It was a wolf."

"The woods are very vast around here, maybe it wandered in from elsewhere."

Caleb shook his head, trying to wipe away the horrifying image of the wolf hunting him. He stared at the man seated across from them, trying to recall if he had previously introduced himself. "Regardless, I owe you. How can I repay you, mister...?"

He chuckled lightly, "Just call me Julien. I was just passing through, but I think I got lost" he began, attempting to sound casual. "Perhaps you could repay me by pointing in the direction of Siltwood? I have business to attend to there, and I must have gotten off the trail while bringing you here. A guide would be greatly appreciated." Julien’s eyes met his, then Alena's. Even though his face was young, the tiredness in his eyes told a different story.

Casting a brief look in Alena's direction, Caleb noticed uncertainty etched across her face. While his strength hadn't fully returned, the debt he owed this man for saving his life weighed heavily on his conscience. Unable to secure any food today, a visit to the village seemed like a mutually beneficial request.

"I reckon we've got a debt to settle, and it wouldn't hurt us to head into town," He glanced out the window, the sun beginning to hang low over the horizon. "Best we make the journey in the morning; walking to Siltwood takes a few hours. Heading out now would mean arriving in the dark, and Siltwood ain't the friendliest come nightfall."

"Then it's settled," Julien said, pushing his chair back as he stood from the table. "I'll just set up camp outside while there's still light." He moved with a quiet grace that was at odds with his monstrous form.

Caleb watched Julien step outside, a part of him still trying to piece together what had happened only a few hours ago.

Alena rose with clear intentions to escort him out, yet Julien had already left, shutting the door behind him. "I'll check if he needs help, a way for me to thank him for bringing you home," Alena said, her hand grazing her brother’s shoulder as she circled the table. She swung the door open, revealing an empty space. No trace of Julien. He'd closed the door just moments before; logically, he should've been descending the porch steps, but an eerie absence remained.

Alena stood there for a moment. Julien's ability to disappear so quickly left her speechless. Alena shook her head slightly as she re-entered wearing an expression of wild bewilderment. “He's already gone," she said, almost to herself, as she resumed her seat at the table.

"Like a shadow," Caleb joked, and Alena laughed briefly before her features solidified again.

"Caleb, did you really see a wolf?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

He leaned back in his chair, feeling the ache in his chest. "I wish it was something else, Alena. But I remember its eyes, the growl. It was no ordinary animal."

Alena chewed at her lip, her gaze fixed on the door. "It seems so strange to have a wolf around here."

Caleb nodded, equally perplexed. "That's what worries me." They fell into silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The sun dipped lower in the sky, and the light cast shadows across the kitchen.

Julien maintained his distance, visible intermittently as he constructed a modest encampment on the far side of the property. When darkness fell, the faint light from the fire he built cast shadows on the surrounding trees, creating an atmospheric scene.

~~~

The flickering fire emitted a subdued warmth, just enough to ward off the encroaching cold. Julien’s dinner revolved lazily over the flames, and the aroma of the roasting meat evoked a sense of tranquility, reminding him of how long it had been since he’d savored a meal in safety.

The audible approach of footsteps prompted him to rise, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his blade. Julien’s eyes effortlessly pierced through the darkness, revealing the silhouette of a slender figure drawing nearer.

"It's me, Alena," her gentle voice was an added melody to the quiet of the night. He released the grip on his blade and settled back onto his seat. "I didn't mean to startle you." She stepped into the orange glow of the fire. "I just came to thank you, again." Her voice was soft and sweet. She stood there, a bit awkwardly.

"Would you like to have a seat?" He motioned, pointing to the stump opposite him. She glanced back at the cabin, its darkened windows suggesting Caleb had retired for the night. After brief hesitation, she took a seat.

Her hair remained in a braid, and its tail cascaded lazily over her shoulder. The dancing flames cast a warm glow on her figure, highlighting the simple yet functional attire she wore. She was clad in a white tunic that, despite its worn appearance, was notably free of blood. Around her waist, a belt cinched her curves, its leather was weathered but sturdy. What caught his attention most, however, was the hilt of a short dagger that peeked over the band. The way it rested against her, so naturally, as if an extension of her own will, spoke of a familiarity with the weapon. A smile involuntarily graced Julien’s features, and she looked up, meeting his gaze. "You were really great in there today." He’d started. "Did someone teach you how to do all that?"

"My mother taught me a bit, she even showed me how to harvest the herbs and turn them into ointments. When Caleb was younger, he would get hurt a lot, and that's when she taught me how to stitch him up." Her lips curved slightly, as she recounted the memories with her mother.

"Where is she now, your mother?" He approached the subject gently.

"She died. Five years ago." The sparks in her eyes faded away. "Who are you, Julien? What were you doing in the woods?" she asked, her genuine interest stirring something within him as she changed the subject.

"Like I said earlier, I was just passing through," Julien poked at the fire with a stick, encouraging the fire to burn hotter. Staring into the flames, he could feel the weight of his deceptions increasing.

"But that's a lie." She said bluntly. "We're too far from the main road that leads into town. The only reason someone would be this far out would be to avoid the patrols." Her gaze fixed on his.

"I suppose, in a way, I am steering clear of the soldiers," He admitted with a soft smile, the words felt both true and incomplete. "I'm just a simple traveler who's been searching for someone. I was told I could find him in Siltwood, but I'd rather not draw attention from the soldiers, while I gather information.”

"How did you, a simple traveler, manage to get your hands on a sword like that?" she remarked, her attention turned to the blade that rested on the ground beside him.

"Now that is a long story," He chuckled, attempting to steer the conversation away from deeper truths. "But the short version of it is that I won it in a duel." Julien looked up at her, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"That sounds like an amazing story." She leaned in, her interest was unnerving.

"Every weapon has a story, but some stories aren't meant to be retold," He said, hoping to keep his past to himself. He met Alena’s gaze briefly, then looked away.

"You really are a mystery, Julien. There's a lot about you that isn't as it appears." She noted, her voice playful yet serious.

"We all have our secrets, Alena. Some are better left in the past." He said, his words a fortress guarding his shadows.

Her soft voice carried a longing that resonated within Julien. "Maybe so, but I find myself wanting to know more about yours."

Julien paused, torn between the desire to share, and to speak the words that could relieve the weight he carried on his shoulders for so long. "Maybe if we cross paths again, I will share my story with you."

They sat in silence as the fire crackled, its flames dancing between them. "I hope you find who you're looking for, or at least information about where to find him." A quiet lull settled under the watchful gaze of the stars. "We'll be leaving at first light." She rose, turned away from the fire, and gradually disappeared into the darkness.