Chapter 11 - Departure at Dawn

  Kaavi awoke to the faint crackling of a fire and the weight of exhaustion pressing down on his limbs. His body ached—every muscle stiff, his wounds throbbing dully beneath the bandages wrapped around his torso. For a moment, he didn’t move, his mind caught between the haze of battle and the unfamiliar warmth around him. The scent of herbal salve clung to the air, mixed with the faint aroma of burning wood.

  His last clear memory was the cliff’s edge—the moment Oleg slipped, his furious eyes widening in shock before the wind swallowed his scream. After that, Kaavi had pushed himself away from the battlefield, forcing his battered body through the snow, one step at a time, until even his will couldn’t keep him upright.

  Someone must have found him.

  Slowly, he opened his eyes. The dim interior of a small wooden hut greeted him—rough-hewn walls, a single flickering lantern, and the comforting weight of thick blankets covering him. He shifted slightly, testing his strength, and a dull sting shot through his ribs.

  A quiet rustle to his side caught his attention. Viktor lay curled up on a mat nearby, his breathing steady. Safe.

  Kaavi let out a slow breath, tension easing slightly from his shoulders. They had made it back.

  Pushing himself upright, he winced but didn’t stop. He couldn’t afford to stay idle. The bandits in the mountains were gone, but the threat wasn’t over. He needed to prepare.

  The faint glow of dawn seeped through the small window, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Kaavi swung his legs over the bed, planting his feet firmly on the ground. It was time to move.

  Kaavi stepped outside, breathing in the crisp morning air. The village was serene in the early light, a stark contrast to the tension of the previous night. The snow-covered ground sparkled, and the surrounding forest was a mix of dark shadows and golden hues as the sun began to rise.

  He made his way to the small storage shed where the villagers had generously offered supplies for their journey. Kaavi selected the essentials: dried fruits, bread, nuts, some water. And also found some medicinal herbs.

  As he was securing the supplies, the village elder approached him, a warm smile on his weathered face.

  Elder: "Kaavi, leaving so soon?"

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Kaavi: "Yes, we need to continue our journey. Thank you for everything, old friend."

  Elder: "No need to thank me. It’s good to see you again, despite the circumstances."

  Kaavi: looking down "I must apologize. Because of me, the bandits were bothering the villagers. I never intended to bring trouble here."

  Elder: placing a hand on Kaavi’s shoulder "Nonsense, Kaavi. You’ve helped me more than you realize. I’m grateful for your help in getting rid of those bandits."

  Kaavi: "Still, I regret putting everyone in danger."

  Elder: "Let’s not dwell on that. Come inside, have breakfast with us before you leave. You and Viktor need your strength."

  Kaavi nodded, appreciating the elder's kindness. They walked back to the house, where Viktor was now awake, stretching and rubbing his eyes. The smell of freshly baked bread and a pot of hot tea greeted them as they entered.

  Inside, the village elder's wife had prepared a hearty breakfast. The table was laden with bread, porridge, fruit, and tea. The cozy warmth of the house was comforting, a brief respite from their journey.

  Elder: "Come, sit. Eat."

  They all sat down, and the elder’s wife served them generous portions. Viktor’s eyes widened at the feast before him, and he eagerly began to eat.

  Kaavi: "Thank you, this looks wonderful."

  Elder’s Wife: "It’s the least we can do."

  As they ate, they talked about old times and shared stories. Kaavi felt a sense of peace, knowing that at least for now, they were safe.

  Elder: "So, what’s your plan now, Kaavi?"

  Kaavi: "We head north. The journey is long, and we need to stay ahead of any more threats. I have to find out who’s behind this hunt."

  Elder: "Be careful. The north can be treacherous, especially in winter."

  Kaavi: "I know. But it’s the only way."

  Elder: "You have our support. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask."

  Kaavi: "Thank you, old friend. That means a lot."

  After breakfast, they gathered their things and prepared to leave. The village elder walked them to the edge of the village, where the path to north began. The forest ahead was dense and covered in a thick blanket of snow, the trees standing tall like silent sentinels.

  Elder: "Take care, both of you. Remember, you’re always welcome here."

  Kaavi: "We will. Thank you for everything."

  Viktor: "Goodbye elder! Thank you!"

  With a final wave, Kaavi and Viktor set off on the path north. The forest was silent, only the crunch of their boots on the snow. As they walked, Kaavi’s mind was filled with thoughts of the journey ahead and the challenges they would face. He glanced down at Viktor, knowing that their destination would be a surprise for the boy.

  Kaavi: "We're heading to the northern mountains. There's a hidden dwarven kingdom where your grandfather lives. You've never met him, but he's a strong and wise man. He can help train you."

  Viktor: eyes widening but then returns normal "My grandfather? I have a grandfather?"

  Kaavi watching the boy’s reaction knows he still has not recovered from his parents’ death,

  Kaavi: smiling "Yes, and he’ll be very excited to meet you."

  The landscape around them was beautiful yet foreboding. Tall pine trees covered in snow, their branches heavy with frost, lined the path. The air was crisp and cold, their breaths visible in the morning light. The sun, though weak, cast a golden glow on the snow, making the forest look almost magical.

  Viktor: "Do you think the bandits will follow us?"

  Kaavi: with a reassuring smile "Don’t worry, Viktor. They won’t bother us for a long time."

  They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps the only noise in the vast, silent forest. The journey was long, but Kaavi felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Viktor by his side, he was determined to uncover the truth and protect those he cared about.

  As they disappeared into the forest, the village elder watched them go, a mix of worry and hope in his eyes. He knew Kaavi was strong and resourceful, but the unknown dangers of the north were always a concern. Still, he had faith in his old friend, and he prayed for their safe journey.

  The forest swallowed Kaavi and Viktor, the path ahead uncertain and full of challenges. But they walked with determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The bond between them strengthened by the trials they had faced, and the hope for a better future guiding their steps.