3.

The days that passed, I remember vaguely. The fever that struck me, kept me captivated in a bed. Most of the times I slept, but sometimes I would wake up with extreme headache. Everything was turning and I felt sick to the stomach. The small wounds started to fester. Something cold was laid on my head and a small cup was brought to my lips. I drank deeply and heard Thalor talk to me. “You’re going to be alright. Drink in small bits.”

I don’t know how many days went by but at some point, I opened my eyes and was able to say more than just groans of pain. Thalor was in the room, collecting clean bandages for my wounds. “How bad is it?” it was weird to hear my voice again. It sounded hoarser than I could remember. “It’s not that bad anymore. The wounds are healing properly and it feels like the fever is almost gone.” Thalor answered when he stood up and started to refresh the bandages on my shoulder and stomach. Then I realised something. Thalor was just a human as far as I knew. He would never understand my friendship with a wolf. And the fact that I could talk to him.

“Where is Artemis?” I asked as fear struck me like cold water. Thalor looked at me, no emotion showed on his face. “Artemis is fine. His leg is still recovering. It has been broken during the battle and the open wound was infected as well. But you’re lucky that I’ve worked in the army and know how to treat battle wounds without the help of a doctor. You should be very careful with your relationship with the wolf. I thought you could handle a battle like that, but apparently, I was wrong. And I’m sorry for letting you go off like that. I think I didn’t see another solution through my anger. I’ve had the speech of my wife so don’t go cursing me, I know I was wrong. She will come and bring you some food later, now stay still as I refresh your bandage.” He said as I was trying to sit up straight. This was the first time I saw my wounds clearly. It looked like wolf scratches. The hide was red and bloody, but the colour of the blood looked healthy. There was no pus coming from the wounds. I wondered what Artemis’ leg would look like. “I’d like to see him,” I answered his story.

Thalor didn’t even look up at me when he answered: “He is lying in the living room in front of the fire hearth. But I don’t think it is wise for you or him, to walk right now. Give your body the time to heal and gather some strength before you go walking everywhere.”

He pulled the blanket tight around me and tucked me in, as if I was his little girl.

Than he gave me a quick emotionless smile and left the room.

The room where I lay in was not big. Next to my bed was a small table with some medicines on it. There was a large window covering almost the entire wall next to my bed. White curtains were bounded aside so that the morning light could lit up the room. In the corner, next to the door stood an old wardrobe. The wood was dark and here and there small holes started to appear. Thalor had put open the window. The smell of winter’s morning filled the air. The bed I lay in was covered with white linen. The sides of the blanket were decorated with delicate net-like fabric made with fine thread. And so, soft. I pulled the blankets closer about me and breathed out. Letting all the stress go.

I wanted to try and see if I could still speak with Artemis. We not only had to figure out what we exactly confronted in the cave, but also what happened to me. As I closed my eyes I could feel Artemis soul tucking at me. Artemis? Are you still there, buddy? I send the thought straight to him.

I’m still there, Wen, I heard him say in my head. Relieve washed over me. What happened in there Artemis, I thought I couldn’t use my magic, that it was blocked somehow? I asked him. I could almost hear and see him thinking of an answer. If it was completely blocked, how are you able to talk to me than? That made me think. I was indeed able to talk to Artemis without any problems. But Barnabas always told me he couldn’t teach me for I was blocked to him. So how could I be able to talk to animals? Maybe it’s just a part of you that is blocked. And you can use minor magic but not the real stuff. If you know what I mean, Artemis filled in my question.

I think you are right. So now I need to find a teacher? I asked him

No! We stick to the plan. Besides you have taken those books. First travel to Anduîn, find out what Barnabas was after and then we’ll see.

It didn’t even surprise me that he knew about the spell books. Somehow, he always knew everything I did.

The door creaked open and a woman of middle age walked in. She smiled sweetly carrying a tray of food. Her brown hair, streaked with grey, was bounded behind her head. She wore a simple white, yellow dress. “Hello, my name is Faelwen,” I started the conversation. She put down the tray and looked at me. “Hello, child, I’m Gwen. Nice to meet you.”

“Actually, I’m not a child any more. I’ll be twenty years old next month,” I replied. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Pardon me, young lady. You look quiet young for your age.” I smiled at her. “I know, you’re not the first and will definitely not be the last. What day is it today?” I asked her before she left the room. “It is the 13th of the fifth moon,” she answered me and left the room. 7 days. I missed 7 days of traveling. 7 days of rest is how I like to see it, Artemis intruded my mind. You know the food is very nice here. And I like the woman. She pets me behind my ears like you do and always gives me her last pieces of pastries.

I smiled, as long as you don’t get too fat, I’m okay with it.

Besides, the Hunters haven’t found us yet.

You’re right. I wonder how long it will take until they figure out that we’re here, I said to Artemis, worry filling my heart and soul.

For now, I would rest. I picked up the tray of food and ate some of the bread and hot soup.

It was indeed delicious.

We stayed for three months. Thalor taught me how to use a sword properly, so that next time I could defend myself better. He was a former kings guard, his wife told me. And retired after he got badly injured on his leg. Now he lived as a farmer of his land and the milk from his cows. I grew very fond of this man and his sweet wife. As Gwen taught me how to make a nice meal of ingredients you could find in the nature, Thalor taught me how I could take care of battle wounds myself. I helped them a lot on their land, gathering crops and scattering new seeds. I took care of the cows and the horses. Artemis always trotting behind me. I trained every night with my bow and sword. Increasing my speed, increasing my power and my skills. Soon I saw much improvement. I could also see improvements with Artemis’ skills.

On my birthday, the 23rd of the sixth moon, Gwen had made me a cake. All night we drank wine and told funny stories to each other. Laughing till mornings dawn. I wish I could stay here for ever. But we all knew that there would come a day, I had to leave.

Unfortunately, that day came sooner as expected.

It was the 28th of the eight moon. A beautiful day. The sun was shining in a cloudless sky, I was working on the field running after Artemis who tried to kill a goose. The cows were mooing in the meadow. Birds tjirping filling the air with their beautiful songs. It was still a little cold for spring. But whenever the wind disappeared and the sun shone on your skin, you could feel summer was near. As I was running after Artemis, I heard Thalor coming with his horse cart. He’d been to town to sell some of his supplies on the market. I stopped chasing Artemis and his prey to wave at Thalor. But he didn’t wave back. He looked sad and worried. I looked one more time at Artemis, who shut his wolf mouth over the goose’s neck. Poor thing. Then I walked towards Thalor, he kept looking over his shoulder as if he suspected someone might come. “How was the market today?” I asked him. He looked straight at me. A frown between his brows. “My dear, I think the day has come we bid you farewell.” I was confused. “Why?” I ask anxiously, fear creeping up on me.

From behind me Gwen walked out of the house and joined us next to the horses. “They’re here. They’ve come for you.” His voice became a whisper on the last words. Gwen took in a shuddering breath. “Listen good to me, child. You will travel on. I suggest you avoid big cities. Find the Sorcerers. Last I heard of them they were near the lake of the Anduîn,” Thalor told me.

“I’ve prepared a backpack for you, dear. Follow me,” Gwen pulled me with her looking anxiously back at the main road. Inside the house, she pulled out a small backpack from under the sink. It was filled with blankets and a beautiful, old map. I quickly gathered all my stuff and put that in the backpack as well. Thalor came inside and started rumbling through an old chest. I fastened my quiver over my shoulder and pulled my cloak closer around me. As Gwen fastened a bedroll on my backpack, Thalor pulled me aside. “I have something for you. I’ve sharpened it recently for when you would finish your training with me. As a gift. Now our training will end sooner than expected.” And showed me his sword.

“Thalor, that is very sweet. But I cannot accept your gift after all you guys have done for me. It is your sword. Your loyal friend in battle,” I answered gratefully.

“You need it more than I do now. Take it. As a reminder of us.” He smiled at me and presented me his sword. I bowed and held his sword in my hand. It was lighter than I expected. The sheath was decorated with small oaken leaves carved into the leather. When I pulled the sword out, I felt it had a good balance for my small hands. The blade was simple with no decoration and the hilt was bound with leather.

I fastened it on my belt and appreciated the shortness of this weapon. Unlike an average sword, this one was shorter so that the point wasn’t lower than my knee. “I thank you greatly, master, for this beautiful gift.” And bowed again, but he pulled me close. Hugged me and whispered in my ear, tears choking his voice. “Stay alive, my dear.”

Gwen and Thalor smiled down upon me. “I’ve always admired your courage, sweet child,” Gwen said proudly then saw the look on my face and laughed. “I mean young lady, for you left your childhood behind you.” I bowed again and answered: “Thank you for everything. Now I know I have a home to come back to.” It broke my heart to abandon them like this. They had taken care of me, even though they knew what I was. They had given me a home.

With my right hand, I touched my heart and then gestured towards them with a cupped hand, as if I gave my heart and love to them. I bowed my head and turned around to leave the room. I don’t know why I used such a gesture as a goodbye. I’ve always done it whenever I said goodbye to people who were dear to me.

It was late in the afternoon when the last bit of the farm faded away in the distant. Now only long grassland awaited me, cold nights and salted pork with old breath for as long as I was travelling. Fortunately, I had Artemis as my companion. So, I wasn’t completely alone.

Our plan was to travel to Anduîn like Barnabas. And maybe we could find other sorcerer’s who could help us. We avoided the main route and travelled through the grass fields, guided by a compass and a map. The Anduîn lay somewhere in the north, but we had to walk around the Wetlands, also known as the Marshes of the Fiend. There goes a main route through these wetlands towards the temple of Veras, but nobody takes it. They’re all afraid of the Fiend, taking them to the underworld. Even though he hasn’t been seen in 42 years to be exact. Anyway, we were going to travel a little northwest first and then at the three-way intersection we would head for Erandur. Just like Barnabas. When night fell, we rested and set up our camp. I made a little fire and Artemis went hunting for meat. He brought me two rabbits. One he ate himself raw, the other I cooked over the fire. After the simple but delicious meal, I sat down and calculated the route. How many days ‘till we’re coming across a new town? Artemis asked. I looked at the map. We walked around 30 miles I guessed, today. And we were still near the water. “I think it’s still almost 165 miles until we reach Dew,” I answered. “It will be a long walk, buddy. Count on that.” Artemis grunted in dissatisfaction. I folded the map back in my backpack when I said: “Why are you so discouraged for this long walk? You’re a wolf, you’re supposed to be happy, sleeping under the stars and strolling through grassy fields.” I smiled. “You’re a strange wolf.”

I’ve been among humans for too long. I look more like one every day, I guess. Then he curled himself up near the fire and fell asleep. I smiled at him and then lay myself to rest as well. My thin blanket was not enough to keep the cold of the night at bay, but I knew summer was coming and the nights would be warmer. It was a bright night tonight. You could count the stars and the moon made everything glitter in silver light. I closed my eyes.

I dreamed.

I dreamed of my mother. My father. My home.

“What is that mother?” I asked pointing at the small box in her hands.

“That, my darling, is a music box. Come and see,” she smiled at me and gestured me closer. I walked towards her and climbed on her lap. “look, when I put the key inside the lock and turn it, then...” the litter of the box opened and beautiful music danced out of it. Mother hummed the tune. The two figures danced with each other in everlasting circles. “You see what is written around the sun, Faelwen?” I looked at the sun, strange markings were written around it. I nodded. “It says: Ír nidh-tana-dhir í fû ón í medui calad uin í aur.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“One day you will understand it. Now it’s bedtime for you.” The music stopped and she closed the music box. I climbed of her lap and she gestured me out of the room. “Shoo shoo, go to bed, young lady. It’s way past your bedtime.” I run to my bed and as my mother tucked me in she whispered. “This music box is very special. It’s our little secret and we will keep it safe, okay?”

“I will protect it with my life,” I answered. My mother smiled and kissed me on top of my head. “My little hero.”

I woke up by Artemis wet tong in my face again. I pushed him angrily away reminding him how nasty I found his saliva on my face. He grinned at me as always. We packed our stuff very quickly and continued our long walk. I couldn’t stop thinking of the dream. I took the music box out of my backpack and opened it. The music flew around me as it always did. But this time it sounded sad. I closed the burned litter and swallowed away my tears. “Ír nidh-tana-dhir í fû ón í medui calad uin í aur,” I whispered the sentence. What did you say? Artemis voice resounded in my head. “The words around the sun,” I answered vaguely.

Is it the same language the demon used? I frowned. It could be, but then no. It’s not the same. This language sounded more harmonious than the language the demon used. Which sounded harsher somehow. It looked as if Artemis shrugged his shoulders and walked on. We will find out someday, he said. Yes, we will, I thought.

The days that followed we didn’t talk so much. I read a lot while we walked and sometimes I’d inspect the map with my compass. The spell books were very interesting, unfortunately they didn’t explain how to use your magic. They were only a summarize from spells and which words you had to utter to use the spell. In the nights, I tried several small spells such as an orb of light. But all failed.

Finally, on the sixth day, when the sun went down in the west, we saw a small village appear over the hills. The red roofs gleaming with the last bit of sunlight from this day.

The sun had already gone away, when we entered the town. This town was called Dew. And around 30 miles west lived a group of farmers. Between Dew and that little farmer’s village lay fields full of crops. Sheep and cows walked in the meadows. Dew was known for his hospitality. It was build full of inns. Many travellers would stop here for a few days to rest and gather new supplies before riding on towards Westray. It was far smaller than Townhaven, but not less busy. The streets were dirty and rain started to fall out of the skies. There was no gate or wall, the village lay upon a hill. A little outside the centre of Dew lay a burrow. This burrow was surrounded by a city wall and could inhabit all the villagers inside it’s wall. Here the landholder lived with his family. If you looked at dew from the distant, you could see where the gentry lived. Near the burrow in beautiful decorated houses.

As we walked into the town, the rain started pouring down out of the sky. As if the gods were crying. It was busy, even at such a late hour. Horsecars raced through the streets, making other people jump aside in the mud. Drunk men sang to each other in the rain, each holding up a bottle of rum. Most of the inns were full. Warm, yellow light coming from the windows. I chose a smaller inn around the corner, away from the busy main street. On the sign hanging outside the door you could see two minstrels making music and dancing. I walked inside, drenched from the rain. The smell of beer, warm food and a fireplace filled my nostrils.

The inn was decorated with oaken wooden tables and on the walls, hang the heads of dead animals. Probably, the gain of a good hunt. It kind of creeped me out, the way these dead heads would stare at you as you entered the room. On the opposite side of the bar was a big fire hearth, illuminating the room in a golden light. There were not many people in this inn. Nevertheless, it was noisy. The room was filled with roaring laughter and loud music from the minstrels. I took a seat at the table closest to the hearth. My wet cloak over the chair so it could dry a bit. Artemis curled himself up under the table in the shadows at my feet. Nobody seemed to have noticed him. A, some bit, older man from middle ages with a chubby face and red cheeks walked over to my table. He had a smile that made everyone feel welcome in his home. His curly grey, blond hair bounced up and down as he walked towards me. He had a beard that covered almost his entire face. “Welcome to the Merry Minstrel, little lady. What can I offer you?”

“I’d like a good cup of tea, a warm meal and a room for the night, please,” I ordered.

“A good cup of tea, a warm meal and a room for the night, is what we offer. That will be three copper pieces for the tea, five for the meal and two silver pieces for the room, little lady,” he answered. I rummaged through my backpack until I found my money pouch and gave him the money. He nodded and smiled at me. “Coming right your way, miss.” He turned around and strolled away. I quickly dropped some salted meat on the floor for Artemis to eat. Keep your head down, buddy. I don’t think they are very fond of wolves in their inns, I told Artemis. He grumbled softly as an agreement and started eating his meal. Not much later the innkeeper came back with a plate of fresh breath smeared with a thick layer of butter, a mug of hot soup, a chunk of cheese, and a cup of tea. He put it all in front of me. “Enjoy your meal, little lady. Hear is the key to your room, it is the third door to your left up the stairs. You can turn in the key the next morning as soon as you’re about to leave.”

I nodded. “Thank you for your hospitality, sir.” He started laughing. A thundering laughter that made everyone look at us. I started blushing looking down at my plate of food. “You don’t need to call me sir, little lady. Everyone calls me Buster.” I looked up at his grinning face and smiled awkwardly back. “Very well then, Buster.” Buster turned around and yelled through the inn: “What are you guys gawking about?!” then everyone started laughing again and continued their conversations. I shouldn’t draw attention to much with the Hunters on my heels. The smell of the delicious meal soon got me thinking of nothing else then my rumbling stomach. And I started eating greedily. Sneakily dropping pieces of bread on the floor for Artemis to chew on. It might be strange for a wolf to eat bread, but I knew Artemis almost ate everything I ate as well. After we finished our meal, we waited until the room was almost empty and only drunken men were still singing with the dancing minstrels. As quick and stealthy as we could, we slipped up the stairs towards our room.

The room wasn’t big, but it was cosy and warm. A fire was burning low and illuminated the room in red, golden light. There was a scented candle burning in the corner on a small table, filling the room with lavender. The sheets on the bed were white and clean. There was even a hot tub to clean yourself with. A chunk of soap and a small towel lay on the chair next to it. “Well, this is quite comfortable for the night. Don’t you think?” I expected a sarcastic comment back, but all I heard was his snoring by the hearth. The lazy wolf had claimed the warm spot on the carpet in front of the hearth. I shook my head laughingly. “Lazy wolf.” He stretched himself out, and repositioned himself, making little satisfying noises. If there is luxury, why not enjoy it and be lazy for a moment. I will need my strength in the journey ahead of us. There I’ll be a wolf again. Now, I just want to relax, he answered me sleepy.

I smiled at him. “Right you are, buddy.” I walked towards the tub and cleaned my entire body with the hot water and lavender smelling soap. Then I washed my clothes and hang them to dry in front of the hearth. As I crawled into the soft, a little chilly bed, I suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Like somebody was watching me. With the candle in my hand, I stepped out of bed and started investigating the room. There was nothing there. Not a peephole where someone could watch us without being in the same room. There was nobody listening at the door. It must have been nothing. Just my own imagination. But still I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was about to happen. I tugged the curtains closer to each other and climbed back into bed again. This time I blew out the candles, leaving us in complete darkness. I stared at the ceiling. Feeling suddenly very empty and hollow. Old memories danced in front of me, and a pang of grieve overwhelmed me. I let the tears run down my cheeks. I don’t know why I suddenly felt this. Why suddenly the pain became too much to bear. Maybe it are too many changes in a short period of time, Artemis whispered in my head. Sometimes the demons inside your head become so strong, that you cannot win from them. You cannot hide from them anymore. It’s okay. You’re not alone. I heard Artemis soft paws walking towards me. And then a familiar weight landed on the bed next to me. He pushed his nose under my arm and let his head rest on my chest before falling asleep again. I stroke his rough fur until finally my body and mind became to weary of the pain and tears that I too fell asleep. A dreamless sleep, full of darkness. Nothing.

I opened my eyes. Something had awakened me. A thump by the door. I softly sat up straight and saw that Artemis was already sniffing it out. Suddenly his fur stood out. Low on his paws in attack position, he growled a warning. Shh! I hushed him. He immediately stopped but kept his attack position. There came a new thump on the door. Louder than the first one. Then someone was whispering something. “Let us through, we have the key.” My eyes grew wide and fear struck me. With a swiftness, I didn’t know I had, I jumped out of bed and pushed a big chest for clothing in front of the door. I quickly got dressed. I heard the man whisper again. “Stop, stop! I believe we awakened her.” They were quiet for a moment and so was I. But then I heard the key turn in the lock. I quickly grabbed my cloak, put on my buts and fastened all my stuff on my back and around my belt. Artemis tried to pry open the window with his paws but I was the one pushing it wide open. Climb out, I ordered him. Behind me I heard the men curse for the door was blocked by a heavy chest. They started pushing and slowly the chest moved aside. I looked down from the window, it was too high to jump. But, fortunately, underneath us was a hay stack. So, we would land softly. First Artemis jumped out. That gave me a quick moment to glance behind me. I saw two men through the narrow opening of the door. One was pushing against the door and the other was trying to get through. Half of his body was already in the room. They were dressed in black and their faces were veiled. But the emblem on their clothes, revealed they were one of the Hunters. The man already half through the door, saw me climbing on the railing of the window. “You little…” I couldn’t hear his last words for I jumped down and landed in the hay stack. He probably cursed like he did before. With difficulty, I climbed out of the hay stack. Finding Artemis covered with small hay strings in his fur. I probably looked the same. Didn’t matter. We had to get out of here. I never thought I would do this, but the loud crack of the chest breaking against the wall, made me run for the horses. On my way, I grabbed a saddle and some reins. I chose a calm looking male horse in the corner of the stall. It was as if he felt my hurry. He stayed completely still as I put the saddle on his back and fastened his reins over his head. I found a saddlebag big enough for Artemis to fit in and bound that to on the horse as well. Then I put Artemis in it and climbed on the back of the horse. I kicked my heals in his stomach. “Run! Run as if death is chasing you,” I said to this horse. His ears turned to me and then to the sound of the Hunters coming our way. As if he understood the meaning of what I said, he stretched his neck and shot away. Like an arrow from a bow. The Hunters blocking the entrance from the stall had to jump aside if they didn’t want to have a hove in their face. I clang to the reins and tried to stay in the saddle as he galloped into the night. During our wild flight, I heard Artemis complain continually over his situation, claiming he would never again ride on a horse again. That he demanded from me to put him out of this bag immediately. That he was a wolf who could run himself. I ignored his complains, because I was too busy not to fall of my stolen horse. I hoped Buster wouldn’t be too angry about it. Not much later I heard four horses following us. I turned in my saddle and saw four of the Hunters kicking their horses and shouting. One of them loaded a crossbow. So, they wanted me dead or alive. It clearly didn’t matter. I duck low over the neck of my horse to make myself as small a target as possible and made my horse sway a little. Which would make us a more difficult target to hit. The first crossbow arrow shot over our head. Artemis whined. Faster beast! Faster! I heard him pushing his thoughts towards the horse. Shockingly it listened and when the second arrow flew past us, the horse made a leap and run faster. More arrows followed but they all missed us by inches. Luck was with us tonight. I had no idea which way we were running or what the time was. For the night was clouded and dark. And I had no time to look at my map. We just ran. Just anywhere possible. We were still surrounded by grassland, so I assumed we were going somewhere in northern direction. I hoped we were going somewhere in northern direction. The arrows passing over our heads, became less. Until they completely stopped coming. I looked back and saw the riders falling behind. Suddenly the horse made a leap towards the left and I almost fell off. We rode towards a small piece of land covered with bushes and trees. I had no idea how long we were already running, but I could see the sun rising in the east as the morning birds started to sing their songs. And we still ran on. Now and then we trotted a little through the trees. One time we even walked, the horse breathing loud from exhaustion. But not even an hour later we heard our pursuers again.

We galloped through the trees and when we emerged on hilly grassland again, our pursuers were gone. They had given up the chase, I thought. In the distant I saw an old abandoned barn. There wasn’t much left, but I knew we could stay there for the rest of the night. Even though it was already midday. The horse started trotting. Completely exhausted from the long chase. When we reached the barn, I found some hay and made sure Artemis and the horse were comfortable. I dried a bit of his sweat with some hay. Artemis stood watch by the door. I suggest one of us keeps watch. And we switch so that both of us get enough rest.

“I agree,” I answered Artemis while I stroke the small horse over his head. “You are as swift as an arrow flying of its bow, my friend.” The horse made a horse sound and pushed his head against me. I smiled. “Now take your deserved rest, my friend.” I made my way back to Artemis, leaving the horse. Stroke his fur behind his ear and went to sleep. I knew he would take the first watch.