The true north

Ezer wakes up when the cold provokes it, the night was approaching and his body began to tremble. Never in his life had cost him to get up as much as now, he forces himself with his left arm trying to help his wounded body stand up.

"I-I'm so cold... Even though it's summer, why...?" But he understands when sees the row of holes in his shoulder that bled again with the movement.

“So that's it… I lost too much blood. I don't know if I'm going to make it through tonight.” He has no strength and only has a few herbs to treat his wounds.

Ezer walks unsteadily to a fallen tree completely white from the years it had been dead. He removes some small branches and with energies that not even he knew where they came from, lights a small fire.

“Yes… if I'm not mistaken these worked better with saliva.” He puts some small dried herbs in his mouth and then spits them out to place on his bleeding wounds.

“Not even enough to cover half. So let the most serious ones take priority...” Even though he knew they were all serious.

Grits his teeth and bear the pain, the herbs did not have to be placed superficially. Rather, they were to fill the wounds and seal them, but this clearly caused great stabbing pain.

His wounds were treated as well as possible and the fire secured, Ezer falls asleep instantly only to wake up an hour, or maybe two, with a fever.

"It's going to be another long night.” He smiles so as not to sink into agony.

One by one fangs protruded from the bear's jaw, as well as a pair of claws and if it wasn't for the fear of the other beasts, maybe even the entire skin. Ezer wanted to claim his trophy, he needed to take something to honor the extraordinary battle against the white beast.

“I have no experience and no strength...besides a useless arm.” The task was already difficult for him with just his unskilled arm.

His condition hadn't improved since the night, he continued with a constant fever as well as every muscle in his body aching, and of course, his shoulder.

He continues his way west at a slow and painful pace, avoiding beasts and resting when his body needs it. A day passed without major incidents or unexpected events, but Ezer felt that his limit was approaching every second.

It happened on the second day, Ezer collapses after running out of options and having to run to get away from a herd of bison, maybe they were the same as before and that's why they were so upset. Ezer didn't know and he didn't care, only the tiredness and pain dominated his body making his eyelids close.

The movement wakes him up a second before his consciousness goes out again, the last thing he can see is his legs marking the ground as they are dragged.

Something cold touches his forehead in contrast to his high body heat and he feels fingers running around his wounds making his body instinctively relax. Although the tranquility is replaced again by pain and the fingers that were previously pleasurable only cause more suffering by digging into his wounds.

Ezer is conscious, but for some reason he can't open his eyelids, it seems as if he has lead tied to them. He falls asleep again and his reality is distorted, confusing it with dreams, he no longer knew if the pain was part of one or if it was true.

His eyelids open suddenly and the smell of burning meat fills his nose, his body writhes in pain and the eyes that failed to adapt to the light lose life again, his mind falling back into a deep sleep.

For a fraction of a second his eyes were able to capture the color white or maybe it was an illusion from the dream, he didn't know, but this brought back memories of the past that left a slight and almost imperceptible smile.

“I had to do it... I had to go. If I knew you would end up this way...”

The same fingers that had caused him excruciating pain now caressed Ezer's cheek.

"If this goes on like this, I don't think he can make it... If I take him, they'll treat him like an abomination... No, I have to do as much as I can alone." Determination was reflected in his eyes and she doesn't doubt it for a moment, even knowing what it would cost her.

The footprints at the cave entrance were those of a person, but the ones that came out were those of an animal.

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"Sir, there is a tributary nearby, if you wish, perhaps we can-"

“No need, the fire has already consumed any trace.” He raises his hand and dismisses the soldier's idea.

The cabin was completely engulfed in flames and any trace of the hunter was gone. Erk clenches his fists in frustration knowing he missed his best chance.

“Sir! Do we chase him?” His men were ready for the order at any moment.

Erk hesitates momentarily thinking about his priorities and the safety of his men.

“Do it! But don't split up, and if you don't find him by nightfall, back off and head back to camp.” Without splitting up they would cover little ground, but it was better than having dead men.

“Yes sir!” Instantly they start off and the hooves of the horses hit the ground.

“I have to send a letter requesting more resources if I want to lengthen the search. Having so many men and for so long in their land... no matter how weak the Inmerlan are I don't think they will allow it any longer. It's up to luck, but I personally want to catch that kid.” He takes his hand to the scar left by the dagger that only magic was able to heal.

“I will look for you, even if it is only the bones.” He looks up at the mountains spitting those words.