The fight with the Plyburg had ended, leaving behind an air of uneasy tranquillity. With Gareth's wound dressed and the threat momentarily abated, the trio finally settled back into an uneasy rest. The dark blanket of midnight enveloped them, their breaths slowing as they succumbed to exhaustion.
Morning came swiftly, casting a soft glow over the campsite. As usual, Gareth was the first to wake. The adrenaline from the previous night had long since worn off, leaving him acutely aware of the pain radiating from his stabbed thigh. He glanced down, grimacing at the sight of his bandage, now soaked through with blood. It was time for a change.
With slow, deliberate movements, Gareth began undoing the bandage. Each layer he peeled back brought a fresh wave of pain. He steeled himself, his jaw set in determination. As he reached the final layer, the bandage stuck to his clotted wound. Taking a deep breath, Gareth gritted his teeth and pulled them away, feeling the sharp sting as the dried blood tore free.
Instead of screaming, he swallowed the pain, his expression hard and resolute. He reached for the bottle of antiseptic, or rather, the bottle of healing herb extract he kept in his supplies. Alchemy, or more precisely botany, was well understood in this world. People like Gareth knew which plants could heal wounds, soothe stomachaches, or cure fevers. This knowledge, passed down through generations, was considered traditional medicine rather than magic.
Gareth poured the liquid over his wound, the cool sensation offering a momentary relief before the sting set in. He didn't flinch, his focus unwavering as he cleansed the injury. The herb extract began its work, promoting healing and preventing infection. Gareth then wrapped the wound with a fresh set of bandages, his fingers moving with practised efficiency.
The campsite was quiet, the early morning stillness only broken by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. Gareth took a moment to appreciate the calm before the others woke. He knew they needed to move soon, but for now, this peaceful moment was a rare gift.
As he finished securing the new bandage, he glanced towards Luke and Tora. They were still sleeping, their forms relaxed and undisturbed. Gareth allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Despite the hardships, they had made it through the night. The challenges ahead were unknown, but they would face them together, stronger for the trials they had already overcome.
As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, Tora began to stir. The tiger's senses were finely attuned to Gareth, able to detect even the subtlest changes in his movements or vibrations. Perhaps it was the rustle of Gareth's bandages or the quiet grunt of pain that signalled to Tora it was time to wake up. Rising gracefully, Tora stretched his powerful limbs, shaking off the remnants of sleep.
Tora followed his usual morning routine, padding around the campsite and sniffing the air for a source of water. The night breeze had dried his throat, and he needed to quench his thirst. He wandered off in search of a stream or pond, his instincts guiding him through the underbrush with silent efficiency.
Meanwhile, Gareth knew he needed to express his gratitude to Luke. Unable to walk due to his injured thigh, Gareth resorted to crawling, using his hands to drag himself closer to Luke. Each movement was a struggle, but determination drove him forward. He needed to convey the depth of his gratitude, to make Luke understand how much he had done.
As he approached Luke, Gareth's thoughts turned inward. He felt an overwhelming sense of indebtedness to the young man who had saved him not once, but twice. The recent Plyburg attack and the earlier confrontation with the Aerdeich had both been life-threatening situations. Despite being a knight, ready to face death at any moment, Gareth had experienced a primal fear of dying each time he was rescued. It was a stark reminder of human nature's deep-seated fear of the inevitable.
As a knight, Gareth knew the difficulty of killing a monster. A Plyburg, while formidable, could be taken down by a group of knights working together. Yet in the darkness of the previous night, he had been alone, battling for his life. The Aerdeich, a legendary monster with no known weaknesses, had been an even more harrowing encounter. In both instances, Luke intervened, saving Gareth from what seemed like a certain death. Gareth realized he had taken Luke's bravery for granted, not fully appreciating the danger his companion had faced.
Drawing closer to Luke, Gareth felt a mixture of humility and awe. Looking into the eyes of the Aerdeich had made Gareth understand how fragile his life was. And in those moments, when death seemed imminent, it was Luke who had stood between him and oblivion. Gareth's heart swelled with gratitude, and as he finally reached Luke, he whispered.
"Thank you, Luke. You saved my life. Twice. I owe you more than I can ever repay."
Luke stirred at the sound of Gareth's voice, opening his eyes to find the knight beside him. He saw the sincerity in Gareth's eyes and the depth of his gratitude. Luke smiled softly, understanding the bond that had formed between them. In this world of dangers and uncertainties, they were not just companions; they were lifelines for each other.
"Good morning, Gareth. How's the wound holding up?" he asked his tone light yet concerned.
Gareth gritted his teeth through a smile.
"Morning, Luke. It's still there, so I guess it's doing its job," he replied with a chuckle, trying to downplay the pain.
"Is that how all knights acted? Always toughing it out? Just let me know if you need anything, alright?" Luke laughed, shaking his head.
Before Gareth could respond, Tora returned from his morning wander, his fur slightly damp from a stream he had found. The tiger gave a satisfied huff and settled down near the camp, watching the two men with alert eyes.
"Look like it's time to pack up," Luke said, getting to his feet. Gareth attempted to assist, but his injury made it difficult. Luke waved him off. "I've got this, Gareth. You just take it easy."
Gareth frowned but conceded, knowing he would only slow things down. Luke efficiently packed their belongings, securing them onto the carriage. Tora, sensing the preparation, moved closer, ready to be attached to the vehicle.
Luke turned to Gareth.
"Let's get you upfront," he said.
He helped Gareth stand and guided him to the carriage steering seat, ensuring he was comfortable and secure. Gareth winced slightly as he settled into place but managed to keep a brave face.
"Thanks, Luke," Gareth said sincerely.
"Don't mention it," Luke replied, giving Gareth a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He then attached Tora to the carriage, checking the harness to make sure it was snug but not too tight.
With everything in place, Luke climbed up next to Gareth, taking the reins.
"Ready to head out?" he asked.
"Yeah. Let's get to the City of Purewood," Gareth nodded.
Gareth urged Tora forward, and the carriage began to move, the wheels creaking slightly as they started their journey. The path ahead was filled with the promise of new challenges and discoveries, but for now, they were just two companions on the road, sharing the quiet morning and the bond forged through adversity.
As they travelled, Gareth couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and respect for Luke. Despite the strangeness of his origins and the differences between their worlds, Luke had proven to be a true ally. Together, they pressed on toward the City of Purewood, each step bringing them closer to their destination and the unknown adventures that awaited.
The carriage rolled steadily along the dirt path, the early morning sun casting long shadows from the trees that lined their route. The rhythmic clatter of wheels and the gentle sway of the carriage created a tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous night.
Luke, holding to the seat, felt a sense of purpose and determination. He glanced over at Gareth, who was staring out at the horizon while managing the reign, lost in thought. Despite the hardships they had faced, there was a shared resolve between them to reach the City of Purewood and uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.
As the landscape gradually changed from dense forest to rolling hills, the two companions found a quiet camaraderie in the journey. Tora trotted along at a steady pace, occasionally flicking his ears at the sounds of nature around them. Birds chirped in the trees, and a soft breeze rustled the leaves, adding a soothing soundtrack to their travels.
Luke couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety for what was to come. With each mile, the bond between him and Gareth grew stronger, and the path to Purewood became not just a destination, but a shared quest for understanding and survival in this strange new world.