The smoke grew thicker as we approached, weaving between ancient trees that seemed to watch our every move. Maya leaned heavily on Rowan, each step clearly causing her pain, but she refused to stop. That was Maya – stubborn to the end.
A clearing emerged ahead, revealing a small wooden cabin. It looked weathered but well-maintained, with a vegetable garden to one side and what appeared to be an herb garden on the other. Smoke curled from a stone chimney, carrying the mouthwatering scent of cooking food.
We hesitated at the forest's edge.
"What if they're dangerous?" Rowan whispered, voicing what we were all thinking.
I gripped my training sword – the only thing I'd managed to keep from our old life. "Stay behind me."
Before we could move, a voice rang out from behind us. "My, my. What do we have here?"
We spun around to find an elderly woman watching us, her arms full of gathered firewood. She had silver hair tied in a neat bun and wore simple brown robes. Her eyes were sharp and alert, taking in every detail of our appearance.
"Three children, far from any town, one badly injured," she observed, her voice neutral. "Running from something, I'd wager."
Maya tensed beside me, a weak flame flickering to life in her palm. The old woman's eyes narrowed at the display of magic.
"A fire mage, and a powerful one at that," she mused. "Even injured, your mana control is impressive, child."
She set down her firewood and spread her empty hands. "I am Vera. This is my home, and you look like you could use a hot meal and proper medical attention."
I kept my sword ready. "Why should we trust you?"
A sad smile crossed her face. "Because, young swordsman, if I meant you harm, I would have struck while you were watching my cabin instead of announcing myself." She gestured to Maya. "And because your friend won't last much longer without treatment. Those ribs need proper healing."
As if to prove her point, Maya suddenly coughed, flecks of blood staining her lips. Rowan struggled to keep her upright.
"Fine," I said, lowering my sword but not sheathing it. "But any sign of trouble..."
"Of course," Vera nodded. "Caution is wise these days. Come, let's get inside before dark. The forest is not safe at night."
Don't we know it, I thought bitterly.
The cabin's interior was warm and cluttered in a comfortable way. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling, and shelves lined with bottles and jars covered every wall. A pot bubbled over the fire, filling the air with the smell of vegetable stew.
"Set her here," Vera directed, indicating a bed in the corner. As Rowan helped Maya lie down, the old woman began gathering various bottles and bandages.
"You're a healer?" I asked, watching her work.
"Among other things," she replied cryptically. Her hands began to glow with a soft green light – healing magic, far more controlled than Ms. Clementine's had been. "This will hurt, child," she warned Maya. "But it needs to be done."
Maya screamed when the magic touched her, her back arching in pain. Rowan tried to rush forward, but I held him back. We watched in tense silence as Vera worked, the green light pulsing as it knit broken bones and healed internal injuries.
Finally, the light faded. Maya lay unconscious, but her breathing was stronger, more regular.
"She'll sleep now," Vera said, wiping sweat from her brow. "The worst injuries are healed, though she'll be sore for days." She fixed us with a penetrating stare. "Now, while the stew finishes cooking, perhaps you can tell me what drove three children into the forest alone."
I exchanged looks with Rowan. Could we trust her? Should we tell her about the wolf, about the orphanage?
But before we could decide, Vera spoke again. "A monster attack, I'm guessing. From the extent of her injuries and the fear in your eyes... a high-level beast. A B-class, perhaps?"
"How did you—" Rowan began.
"I've lived in these woods for forty years," she interrupted. "I know the signs. And I know that B-class wolf has been terrorizing the region for months. The Guild has sent three hunting parties after it. None returned."
My blood ran cold. "Hunting parties? With trained adventurers?"
She nodded grimly. "Which makes me wonder how three children managed to survive an encounter that killed experienced hunters."
"We ran," I said quietly. "While others died to give us the chance."
Understanding filled her eyes. "Ah. And now you carry their sacrifice with you." She stirred the pot over the fire. "Well, you're safe for the moment. Eat, rest. We can talk more tomorrow."
As she ladled out bowls of stew, I found myself studying her more carefully. Something about her seemed... different. The way she moved, the confidence in her actions, the power in her healing magic. This was no ordinary forest healer.
Who was she really? And could we truly trust her?
But as exhaustion and hunger overwhelmed my suspicion, I realized we had little choice. For better or worse, our fate was now tied to this mysterious woman.
I just prayed we hadn't escaped one danger only to walk straight into another.