The dirt road wound through the dense forest, the muddy tracks offering little comfort to William's already battered spirit. He trudged onward, the weight of his expulsion and Elric's harsh words a heavy burden on his shoulders. The forest around him was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping insects, a symphony of nature that did little to soothe his troubled mind.
He had no destination, no plan. Just a desperate need to put distance between himself and the Temple of Ascendancy, the place that had promised him a destiny only to snatch it away. He didn't even have his backpack anymore, lost somewhere during the chaotic teleportation.
The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced ominously among the trees. A chill wind whipped through the branches, sending a shiver down William's spine. He needed to find shelter, and soon.
A low growl echoed through the trees, sending a jolt of fear through him. He stopped, his senses on high alert. The growl came again, closer this time, followed by the sound of rustling leaves.
Three pairs of glowing eyes pierced the gathering darkness. Wolves. Their lean bodies emerged from the undergrowth, their fangs bared in a silent snarl.
William's heart pounded in his chest. He had never faced a wild animal before, let alone a pack of wolves. Panic seized him, his mind flashing back to the Corrupted creatures Elric had described. Were these wolves corrupted too?
The wolves lunged. William stumbled backward, narrowly dodging their snapping jaws. He raised his arms in a feeble attempt to shield himself, fear making his limbs heavy and uncoordinated.
He turned to run, but it was too late. Sharp teeth sank into his right forearm, tearing through his flesh. He cried out in pain, stumbling and falling to the muddy ground.
Just as he braced himself for another attack, a blur of motion cut through the air. A figure emerged from the trees, a sword flashing in the fading light. With a series of swift, precise strikes, the figure dispatched the wolves, their lifeless bodies slumping to the ground.
William looked up at his savior. It was a man, tall and powerfully built, with a thick black beard that reached his chest and tanned skin that spoke of a life spent outdoors. He wore a leather jerkin and carried a long sword strapped to his back, its hilt intricately carved with images of snarling beasts.
"Are you alright, lad?" the man asked, his voice gruff but kind.
William nodded, cradling his bleeding arm. "Thank you," he managed to say, his voice trembling.
The man knelt beside him, examining the wound. "Nasty bite. We need to get you back to the village."
He helped William to his feet, supporting him as they walked. "I'm Gorn, a hunter from Willow Creek," the man said. "What's your name?"
"William," he replied, grateful for the man's assistance.
They walked in silence for a while, the only sound the crunching of leaves beneath their feet. As they approached the village, William saw flickering lights through the trees. A sense of relief washed over him. He was safe, for now.
Willow Creek was a small village, a cluster of wooden houses nestled amongst the trees. As they entered the village square, curious eyes followed them.
"Who's that with Gorn?" a woman whispered, her hand shielding her mouth.
"Never seen him before," an old man muttered, leaning on his staff.
"He looks hurt," a young girl said, her eyes wide with concern.
Gorn led William to his home, a cozy cottage with a thatched roof and a small garden. A woman with kind eyes and a warm smile greeted them at the door.
"This is my wife, Elara," Gorn said. "And this is our daughter, Maya."
Maya was a young woman, about William's age, with long, flowing black hair and bright, curious eyes. She blushed slightly as she met William's gaze.
Elara quickly took charge, leading William to a chair by the fireplace. She gently cleaned his wound, her touch surprisingly gentle despite her calloused hands. Maya fetched bandages and herbs, her movements quick and efficient.
As they tended to his wound, William felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in a long time. These people, these strangers, had welcomed him into their home without hesitation, offering him kindness and care.
He may have been rejected by the Hero Squad, but he had found a new kind of acceptance here in Willow Creek.
Once Elara had finished bandaging William's arm, she placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of him. "Eat, child," she insisted. "You need your strength."
William gratefully accepted the food, his stomach growling in protest. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until the aroma of the hearty stew filled his senses.
Gorn settled into a chair opposite him, his gaze curious. "So, William," he began, "where are you from? We don't get many travelers this far out."
William hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. He couldn't tell them the truth about being summoned from another world. He needed a believable story, something that would explain his presence without raising suspicion.
"I... I'm from a noble family," he said, choosing his words carefully. "But I was... expelled."
He saw a flicker of surprise in Gorn's eyes, then a hint of understanding. Perhaps William's refined features and clean-cut appearance lent credence to his story.
"Expelled?" Maya asked, her voice soft. "What did you do?"
William forced a wry smile. "Let's just say I wasn't living up to their expectations."
He didn't elaborate, and thankfully, they didn't press him for details. Gorn nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.
"Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you need," he said. "Willow Creek is a peaceful village, and we always have room for those in need."
William's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I appreciate your kindness more than you know."
Elara smiled warmly. "You're safe here, William. Rest and recover."