Morning came with the muted glow of dawn filtering through the inn's small window. Vassek stretched, rolling the stiffness from his shoulders before splashing cold water on his face. The previous night's events still lingered in his mind—the fight, the memory, the whispers that followed him through town. But today, he had work to do.
As he descended the creaking stairs, the scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air. The innkeeper, a stout man with graying hair and sharp eyes, glanced up from behind the counter.
"You're up early," he remarked.
Vassek nodded. "Figured I'd get moving."
The innkeeper studied him for a moment before setting down a wooden plate with a hunk of bread and some dried meat. "Name's Orwin," he said. "Figured if you're staying under my roof, I ought to at least know what to call you."
"Vassek." He took the plate, offering a nod of thanks before eating in silence.
Orwin leaned on the counter. "You stirred up a bit of talk last night. Some folks think we should be grateful. Others…" He trailed off, his expression unreadable.
Vassek met his gaze. "Others think they should be afraid."
Orwin shrugged. "Folk don't like what they don't understand. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
Finishing his meal, Vassek stood. "Thanks for the food."
Orwin only grunted in response as Vassek made his way outside.
The town was already waking, merchants setting up their stalls, blacksmiths stoking their forges. But as he walked through the streets, conversations dimmed, and wary eyes followed him. Whispers carried through the crisp morning air.
"Did you hear? He killed that thing alone."
"No normal man does that…"
"Should we be worried?"
Vassek ignored them, keeping his stride steady as he approached the main gate. Calder was already there, arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression in place. But beside him stood another familiar figure—Rainer.
The younger man looked less hostile than before, though his gaze still held a hint of skepticism. He nodded once in acknowledgment.
Calder pushed off from where he leaned. "You're on time. Good. We've got something different today."
Vassek glanced between the two men. "Not logging?"
"Nope." Calder adjusted the strap of his belt. "We're hunting."
Rainer exhaled sharply, gripping the hilt of the short sword at his waist. "Something's been circling the outskirts since last night. If we don't deal with it, we'll have more than just claw marks on the wall next time."
Vassek considered that. The bear had been one thing, but if there was something else lurking in the woods, it meant trouble for Highfall. And for him.
Calder motioned for them to move out. "Stay sharp. We don't know what we're dealing with yet."
As they passed through the gates and into the dense forest, Vassek felt a familiar sense of purpose settle over him. The scent of damp earth, the distant rustling of leaves—it felt almost natural.
Only this time, he wasn't just cutting wood. He was preparing for something more.
And he intended to be ready.