We had been riding for the past 4 hours. I was pretty exhausted. But finally, we reached the Caro River. There was an old swinging bridge that led to the other side. The bridge looked like it could not handle both Schneider and my weight. I dismounted Schneider and walked alone.
" You wait here, friend. As soon as I reach the other side, I will call you. You can easily cross in your Piron form." I said.
I walked towards the bridge. It was in very bad condition. One wrong move and I might fall into the raging river. I carefully trod across the bridge. It was very unstable but I managed to keep my balance. Finally, I reached the other side. I then whistled at Schneider. His body started to illuminate and transformed into a big ball of energy. The ball levitated in the air and floated across the river. As it came to me, the energy ball transformed into a horse. I mounted him and we continued moving. We were getting close to a small Village called Borshaik. I decided that we could rest there for a couple of hours. It was getting dark as well. Both Schneider and I needed to replenish our strength to keep moving.
Half an hour later, we reached the village. The sun was setting. I came down and walked on foot grabbing the curb in my hand. The natives looked at us with hostile eyes. I didn't pay heed to any of them and looked for a place to eat. As I was looking around, I was stopped by a group of villagers holding tools in their hands.
"Stop right there!" A man exclaimed. He was small but pretty huge. "Come any further, and you shall be responsible for the consequence."
"I mean you no harm," I said. "I just need some food and a place to rest for a while. After that, I will be on my way."
"There is no place for you here Hunter!" A skinny man spoke with a scythe in his hand.
"We don't want the likes of you coming here and bringing death along with you." The first man spoke. "We are weak folks, the last thing we want is a godforsaken beast in our village. So we ask again, leave or we will force you to."
The villagers showed no sign of co-operation. While I thought that I had no chance but to leave, a man came rushing in. He was young. Probably in his twenties.
"Wait. You, you are that Hunter right?" The young man asked. "Do you remember me? You saved my life a while back."
When I looked a little harder, his face seemed quite familiar.
"You are the guy whom I saved from those Garchers right? You were headed to Bozark?" I said.
"Yes. Yes, that was me." The young man spoke.
"Brother this is the hunter I told you about. He saved my life."
"Are you sure?" The Man asked.
"Yes. I am sure." His brother answered.
His brother stayed silent for a while and then turned towards me.
"You saved my little brother's life. I thank you for that." He said. "But please, you cannot stay here for long. As I said, none of the villagers wants to be a part of your trade."
"Don't worry I just need some food and a little while to rest my back. I will be on my way after that."
The man finally agreed. They took me to a small hut. The pillars made of wood while the walls and the roof were made out of straw. It wasn't exactly comfortable if you ask a normal person. But to me, it was enough. The young lad took care of Schneider for me. Meanwhile, I was served hot food. There was a bowl of rice, some vegetables and a rabbit. The food was quite delicious. Later, the young lad's brother joined me.
"I am sorry we could not offer much." He said.
"It is certainly enough for me. Thank you for your hospitality." I said.
"My name is Boris. And that is Yuri, my little brother." He introduced himself.
"I am Case," I said.
"Where are you headed?" Boris asked.
"To Mourancha," I answered.
"I see. But why not go through the highway? This path is quite dangerous." Boris said. "You might have to cross Mount Derash if you head down. And that place is loaded with monsters. It might even be difficult for you to cross."
"Even with the Highway, it will take me at least ten days to reach Mourancha. This path however will take me there in half." I answered.
"But even with a guy of your skills, it is quite dangerous to travel through these woods at night," Boris said. "You are welcome to stay till morning. I know what I said earlier but still."
"Thank you for the offer but I think I will take my chances," I said.
"Your choice my friend," Boris said.
Meanwhile, an old lady came running to Boris.
"Boris, Mari she did not come home." The Old Lady said. "I looked for her everywhere. She is nowhere to be found."
"Good gracious. Where could she be? Don't worry Haba. We will find her." Boris said. "When did you see her last?"
"Just before Sunset. She said she was going to get some herbs and mushrooms from the woods for dinner. After that, I did not see her." The old Lady said.
"Oh no. This is bad. If she is still at the woods, Griechers might go after her." Boris said. " Don't worry, I will take some men with me. We will bring her back Haba."
"Wait!" I called Boris. "If it is Griechers, then I don't think any of you will be a match for them. It will be suicide. I will get her back."
Boris was speechless. He did not know what to say. I asked for any of Mari's belonging. Haba ran to her house and brought me her dress. I walked to Schneider and placed it in front of his nose. Pirons had an amazing ability to track the life force of both humans or monsters. Schneider neighed at me. I immediately climbed on to his back and galloped him. Schneider ran at light's speed towards the woods.