– Teacher, we will return soon. Don't worry, – said Baios, though his voice held a hidden fear. He didn't know what awaited them ahead, and this uncertainty frightened him.
– And don't forget to take care of yourself. Eat meat; you need to stay strong, – added Anfar. His smile was shy, as if he was trying to distract himself from troubling thoughts.
They stepped closer and hugged the Teacher tightly, like children saying goodbye to their parents. The Teacher felt the trembling of their bodies and sighed. His heart clenched with sorrow, yet he knew this was inevitable. He stroked their heads, as if bringing them back to childhood when the world seemed so simple.
– Forgive me... – he whispered, his voice barely audible.
He knew he was sending them into a dangerous world and was prepared to accept the possibility that they might not return. This was one of the hardest moments of his life.
Noticing the tremor in the Teacher's voice, Baios and Anfar held him tighter. They understood that behind these words was not only farewell but immense love.
– Don't apologize, Teacher, – Baios said gently. His voice was firm, though there were traces of concern deep within.
– Yes, – added Anfar, nodding. – We knew this day would come. And we will return.
The Teacher fell silent for a moment, gazing into his students' eyes. They were filled with youth and determination, but he could also see the uncertainty faced by anyone stepping into the world for the first time.
– You are my students, – he began with pride in his voice. – And being a student means being part of a family. But family is not only those who stay together. It's those who go their own way.
He sighed, feeling as if a part of himself was leaving with these words. The wind picked up, and he heard the leaves rustling outside, reminding him that times were changing.
– My duty is to let you go in peace. I am here, wishing you luck and happiness, – his voice softened to a whisper. – And remember… if the meaning of your life is not worth it, consider that you have failed. So, don't rush.
The young men nodded, with slight smiles on their lips, though tears were already rolling down their cheeks. This was not just a farewell – it was the first step into the unknown.
– Yes, Teacher.
They bowed slowly and, without saying another word, turned around. Their footsteps grew distant, the sound fading as did their presence. The Teacher watched them until they disappeared over the horizon, seemingly melting into the rays of the setting sun.
But suddenly, he noticed a strange movement in the forest, at the edge of his vision. Silhouettes seemed to move among the trees, as if watching Baios and Anfar. The Teacher frowned, his heart beat faster, but he decided not to disturb his students, saving this observation for later.
When the last trace of their silhouettes disappeared, the Teacher felt the wind take over once more, blowing across his face. He took a deep breath, suppressing the wave of emotions that overwhelmed him.
At that moment, his old friend, who had been observing the scene from afar, approached.
– You're really letting them go just like that? – he asked, his voice carrying notes of doubt.
The old man didn't turn, continuing to look into the distance, where his students had vanished.
– Yes... For the meaning of my life is to help them find theirs, – he replied quietly, closing his eyes and sinking into his thoughts.
Baios and Anfar's first destination was the Free City of Zina. Known for its tall white walls, behind which lay cozy streets filled with colorful merchant stalls and the bustle of a lively crowd, Zina's towers adorned with banners of heraldry rose above the rest of the architecture, as if a reminder of a glorious past.
The air smelled of spices, fresh bread, and the sea, as the city bordered a wide bay. The path to the city led through the mysterious Forest of Hope, which was said to hold not only beauty but also dangerous secrets.
The Forest of Hope was shrouded in a mystical haze that seemed to live a life of its own. Tall, ancient trees stretched toward the sky, their branches intertwining, creating a thick canopy through which sunlight barely penetrated. The air carried a sweet scent of flowers and damp earth, but amid this aroma was a faint hint of danger emanating from unknown creatures lurking in the shadows.
They had left the monastery at dawn, and by sunset, they reached the forest's edge, where they decided to stop. Baios expected they would enter the forest immediately, but Anfar suggested setting up camp and starting fresh in the morning.
– Moving through a dark forest at night is not the best idea, – noted Anfar. – The forest is full of shadows and sounds that are much more frightening in the dark.
Baios agreed without objection. Though they were not experienced travelers, they understood the basic rules of survival. Moreover, the Teacher had shared his knowledge, recounting many situations and how to handle them. He often repeated that caution saves more lives than a sword.
– Fine, – Baios sighed. – Let's continue tomorrow. For now, it's best to set up camp.
– Right by the forest? Maybe we should move a little farther away? – Baios couldn't hide a note of worry. The forest looked ominous at dusk, and who knew what might be lurking in its dark depths.
Anfar, turning to him, calmly took out the Teacher's notebook and read one of the lines:
– It's easier to gather firewood and hide from the wind near the forest. Far from it, you'll be exposed to all winds and eyes.
– Alright, – Baios reluctantly agreed. – Let's stop nearby.
The decision was made, and they immediately began preparations. Anfar removed his backpack and started setting up the tent. Meanwhile, Baios gathered kindling for a fire, glancing occasionally at the forest from where strange sounds emanated.
The fire blazed, casting long shadows on the trees, and the flames played softly on their faces, creating an illusion of warmth and comfort in the cold and tense night. A gust of wind swept across the forest edge, making the trees whisper ancient secrets, as if warning them of dangers hidden in the darkness. Baios, in the meantime, ventured a bit further into the forest to dig some pit traps and hung a lantern on a branch to better illuminate the surroundings.
When Baios returned, Anfar had already gathered sticks and lit the fire, the flames gently illuminating their faces. Suddenly, from the depths of the forest, they heard a faint crack of branches. Both brothers froze, listening. For a moment, it seemed someone was cautiously watching them from the darkness. Baios cast a quick glance at Anfar, who nodded, gripping his blade a little tighter.
– This should do for one night, – Anfar said, nodding toward their small camp.
– We'll enter the forest tomorrow, – Baios added. – But for now, it's time to rest.
– How should we keep watch? – Anfar asked.
– You first, – Baios offered.
– Alright.
Baios handed him the hourglass enchanted with time magic and reminded him:
– Once the sand runs out, flip it, wait until it runs out again, and then it'll be my turn. This hourglass is set for midnight: half the night is yours, then half is mine.
Anfar nodded and gripped the Gray Blade named Just, his face tense as he looked into the forest. Shadows flickered at the forest edge in the lantern light, their movements swift and elusive, as if the forest itself had come alive. Between the trees, eyes gleamed – wild, hungry, ravenous. Tree branches creaked, as if warning of impending danger, and the shadows around them thickened, turning the forest into a true maze of fears.
– Umm, this is… – Baios started, his voice trembling.
– Looks like we really should've camped further from the forest, – replied Anfar, not taking his eyes off the bushes.
– Well, it's too late now, – Baios said, shaking his head. He drew his sword and shield, preparing for whatever might come.
They spoke calmly, but their movements were confident and swift, readying themselves for battle. They knew that sooner or later, such a situation would arise, and better now while they still had strength.
– Whoever they are, there are quite a few of them, – Anfar said quietly, listening to the steps approaching from the forest depths.
Right after his words, a pack of wolves lunged at them, but suddenly, from the depths of the forest, a loud roar echoed, as if something far more terrifying than the hungry beasts was approaching.
Baios and Anfar exchanged uneasy glances, understanding that this might be only the beginning of their trials that night. Anfar didn't falter – his arm swung with the blade, and the first beast was slashed horizontally from snout to tail. Blood splattered on the ground, but it didn't stop the others.
The next wolf leapt at him, but Anfar swiftly plunged his blade into its side. He felt the steel pierce flesh, blood spraying in droplets. His movements were flawless and ruthless, as though performing actions long ingrained.
He was no ordinary mortal but a Higher Man, and the beasts sensed it, yet they continued to attack, as if something was driving them forward.
With one hand, Anfar cut through wolves, while with the other, he grabbed their necks, breaking bones. The beasts ignored the deaths of their companions, instead fiercely charging at him as if madness had overtaken them. Bodies fell one by one, and the ground was covered in blood and entrails.
– Their movements have slowed, and they're barely resisting, – noted Anfar, his gaze cold, though something stirred within him.
Hearing his words, Baios looked closer and realized with horror:
– Wait... they're incredibly thin. Look at their ribs; they barely have any flesh on them. Even the leader – just skin and bones.
Anfar examined the wolves closely and shook his head:
– They attacked out of hunger. They had no choice.
– That explains everything, – Baios nodded, lowering his weapon, though Anfar, not noticing, continued to fight.
– They had a choice – die of hunger or die in battle. But we're fighting for our lives, and we can't hold back, – Anfar said, his eyes glinting in the lantern light.
– If that's so, let's try to help them, – Baios suddenly suggested, pulling out some pieces of dried meat from his bag. Anfar paused for a moment, as did the remaining wolves, who watched Baios with hunger and fury in their eyes.
– What are you doing? – Anfar's voice held irritation as he watched Baios approach the wolves with meat in hand.
The wolves, sensing food, became even more aggressive, but in their eyes, a spark of hope flickered. Anfar sighed heavily and, swinging his blade again, killed a few more of them.
– Baios, your kindness could be fatal. Saving them now might cost the lives of dozens they'll destroy later. Even if you feed them, they'll be hungry again tomorrow.
– Even so, I'll still try, – replied Baios, undeterred. He slowly approached the wolves, holding out the meat.
The nearest wolf lunged at him, trying to grab his hand with the food, but Baios managed to step back, keeping the beast at a distance.
– You're incorrigible, – Anfar said in frustration.
– Your compassion might leave us just as hungry and thirsty as they are. Baios, you can't save everyone.
– Anfar, as always, you're so cold, – Baios retorted, not taking his eyes off the animals.
– That's the way of our world, – Anfar replied, turning to him.
– Life or death.