"Stop...." Alan who was gazing intently at the monster suddenly spoke firmly with such authority that everyone froze. Even the beast stopped in its track.
"Why are you here? Why did you leave your territory?"
Despite their terror, every one staired at Alan with a puzzled look.
The panther looked at Alan, its head cocked to one side and roared. It's aura and killing intent clearly palpable to everyone.
"I don't want to kill you, but if you act all high and mighty then you will regret it." Alan said with a grin. "I know you are injured and in pain. Let me help you. Once you feel better, you can take one and go. Alan pointed his hand towards the dead wild boar's body.
The panther looked at Alan in puzzlement. "How does a human understand it? No one ever had tried to talk to it before." It still contemplated skeptically, but, the pain it was in was unbearable, and was driving it to the brink of madness.
It let out a grunt and stood casually indicating it was not going to attack. Alan smiled and placed his sword back into its storage ring.
"Relax everyone, he is not going to attack. But don't move, it might make the beast act instinctively." Alan started to move towards the Panther casually without any weapons.
"Alan, no.....", Mary called out in fear. He stopped and turned at her, smiled warmly. " Don't worry great aunt Mary, its fine."
Alan then stood infront of the beast, looked up and said, "relax and sit down. I have to check your body."
The beast sat down, lowering its head and laying it on its paws. Everyone were in shock seeing the sceen infront of them. How can a human communicate with a wild beast!?
Alan placed his hand on the head of the monster and closed his eyes searching its body for the injury.
A cool sensation washed over the monster making it to shiver but it still was sitting calmly. After a couple of minutes, Alan removed his hand and looked at the monster smiling, " You are a she, not a he." The panther growled. It felt like it was asking "So what?"
Alan shook his head smiling, " Nothing. I just .... ah forget it. Ok this might feel odd but try to endue it. After saying that, Alan pushed his healing mana into the Panthers body.
The Panther shuddered once but still did not attack Alan. Alan was glowing green. The glow his body emitting was mesmerizing. After a few seconds it enveloped the panther also.
Everyone were holding their breath in anticipation. They were affraid that the monster would suddenly attack Alan any moment once he lowered his guard.
After almost 10 minutes the Panther let out a whining sound.Alan opened his eyes, the glow around his body dimmed and it gradually extinguished.
The night suddenly felt darker and everyone blinked several times to get used to the dimly lit surroundings.
Alan patted the beast's head once and smiled. "Take one for now. We will leave the other one on that tree," Alan pointed towards a huge tree. "You can have it tomorrow again. You will feel hungry after getting healed. After resting for a few days, go back to the misty mountains. You will have your cub soon."
What!!! everyone were shocked. Did he healed a beast? Impossible, how can any human heal a beast? And he is even saying it is about to give birth? Samual was shaking his head in disbelief and awe.
Harry smiled," Your grace, didn't I tell you that he is the best healer I have ever seen." Harry beamed at Alan like a proud father.
The panther licked Alan's face purring with gratitude. "Hey cut it out, it tickles." Alan started laughing and the panther affectionately started licking his face and neck.
No one in their wildest dream had imagined something like this. Everyone was looking at the scene with their mouths hanging open.
Hey come on guys. Alan beaconed the boys, who, without a second thought jogged towards the beast, with eagerness evident in their face and smiling.
The beast tensed for a moment but Alan's soothing touch relaxed it.
"These are my friends. And he is my master. Remember them. They are very strong. Like me. If you some how end up in a bad position or came across them, they will help you." At Alan's words the panther purred once and started sniffing all of them , remembering their scents.
The legendary beasts were well know for its keen senses and intelligence. Once they came across you, they will never forget you till the die.
All the boys patted its head as it sniffed each of them. " Ok now, you can take one boar and go. We have to cook for everyone." Alan shooed the beast, which bobed its head like agreeing to Alan's request. It then Went toward the boar corpse's and held onto one's jagular and dragged it effortlessly into the forest disappearing from everyone's sight.
Remenber to eat the other one tomorrow. It will be on the tree. Alan shouted at its back. They heard a purr. It felt like an acknowledgment by the beast.
Everyone let out a sigh of relief. The killing intent and the murderous aura emitting from the beast felt almost suffocating to everyone.