Kael turned his back on the scene of destruction, exhaustion weighing on his limbs like lead. The taste of battle, of unleashed power and cold revenge, had been intoxicating, a fleeting breath of his old divinity. But this mortal body was now paying the price. Every muscle ached, his head throbbed dully, and the energy he had drawn from his inner fire was now only a faint, flickering ember deep in his chest. Fenrir materialized silently at his side, ready to continue the journey to Silverford. But before they reached the shelter of the forest again, a hesitant voice reached Kael's ear. "Wait!"

  It was the young woman, the survivor of the attack. She stood trembling beside the charred remains of the carriage, the little girl still clinging to her skirt, crying. Her face was pale with shock, but in her eyes, there was also a strange mixture of fear and... hope? "You... you saved us," she stammered. "Are you... heroes? Protectors?" She didn't seem to know how to address the fearsome figure who had just caused a bloodbath. But she knew that without his intervention, they would have been lost. They can't be evil, she thought desperately, otherwise we'd be dead too.

  Kael and Fenrir stopped. Kael turned slowly, his face an unreadable mask hiding deep exhaustion and inner reluctance. He looked at the two humans – weak, frightened, useless. "Heroes?" he snorted softly. The idea was absurd. I didn't save them, he thought contemptuously. I only eliminated scum who dared to mock me. He gestured briefly towards the pile of plunder the leader had gathered, minus the amulet and the money he himself had taken. "Take this junk. I'm keeping the amulet. Figure out how to move on." With these words, he turned again, ready to leave. Their presence annoyed him.

  "No, wait! Please!" the young woman cried, more urgently now. She took the little girl by the hand and pulled her along. They hurried after Kael and threw themselves before him on the dusty road, their heads bowed so low their foreheads almost touched the ground. The little girl sobbed quietly. "We thank you! From the bottom of our hearts! You saved us from... from worse." Her voice trembled. "Without you, we would be slaves now... or dead. How... how can we ever repay you?"

  Kael stopped again, a deep feeling of anger and impatience rising within him. These clinging mortals! He turned, intending to order them in an icy voice to disappear, to make it clear that their rescue had only been a side effect of Fenrir's sense of duty and his own whim. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, a sudden wave of blackness washed over him. The massive use of magic – far more than he had ever dared before – the physical exertion of the fight, and the emotional force of his anger had finally overwhelmed this weak body. Not only did his muscles fail, but his mind, which had struggled for so long against the limitations of this fleshly prison, also gave way. The world before his eyes blurred, spun, then everything went black. With a soft groan, Kael pitched forward and collapsed unconscious on the dusty trade road.

  When Kael regained consciousness, it was evening. The oppressive midday heat had given way to a cool dusk. He lay softly, not on dusty earth, but on a bed of moss and grass. Above him, the sky arched, sprinkled with the first twinkling stars. He was in a small clearing, surrounded by the protective shadows of old trees. He tried to move, but his body barely obeyed. A deep, leaden heaviness lay on his limbs, every muscle aching dully. He felt incredibly weak, drained to the core. The blockage in his chest seemed tighter and more painful than ever, as if the attempt to forcibly break through it had only strengthened it. Panic briefly threatened to rise – this helplessness was unbearable! – but he suppressed it with iron willpower.

  A soft sound made him turn his head. Fenrir lay curled up beside him, not an arm's length away, his golden eyes fixed vigilantly on him. The great wolf raised his head when he noticed Kael was awake. An expression of deep relief was reflected in his gaze. "Thank God, Ancient One!" Fenrir's voice entered his mind, filled with unaccustomed concern. "You are finally awake. I had feared this body would not survive the use of your power."

  Kael could still barely speak, his throat was dry. He only managed a hoarse croak. He looked at Fenrir questioningly. What happened? Suddenly, another stimulus reached his senses. A smell. Warm, spicy, delicious. Food? The aroma made his stomach growl painfully. He laboriously turned his head in the direction the smell was coming from. A few meters away, a small, neat campfire was burning. Above it, on an improvised tripod, hung a small iron pot from which steam was rising, emitting that same tantalizing scent. "What...?" Kael whispered.

  "The women," Fenrir explained, as if he had read Kael's thoughts. "After you collapsed... they didn't flee. They brought you here, to this sheltered clearing. They took care of you, tended your wounds – you had some scrapes from the fight – and then... they cooked." Fenrir gestured with his snout towards the fire. "They just went to gather more firewood."

  Kael didn't know what to make of it. Care from these worms? It was absurd. Why were they doing this? Out of gratitude? Out of fear? Or was it simply the senseless, instinctive kindness he had sometimes observed in mortals and never understood? But the prospect of food and the realization of his own weakness left him no choice. To continue traveling as he had intended was impossible. With great effort, he tried to sit up, but his muscles trembled and failed. A frustrated growl escaped him.

  Fenrir noticed his efforts immediately. Gently, the large wolf slid behind him and supported his back with his massive body. The warmth and firm presence were surprisingly stabilizing. "Is this alright, Ancient One?" Fenrir asked with concern. Kael nodded weakly, leaning gratefully – though he hated to admit it – against the thick fur. "Yes... thank you, wolf." He breathed heavily. "Today... today we can't go any further. This human body... it's overwhelmed." A hint of self-loathing tinged his voice. "Maybe... maybe tomorrow."

  Fenrir nodded understandingly. "Rest, Ancient One. Gather your strength. I will keep watch." The wolf looked up at the sky, then back at Kael, an expression of awe in his eyes. "The magic you unleashed... I have never seen anything like it. Such sheer, untamed power... it was as if the sky itself had spewed fire. I would have thought a mortal body would simply... burst from such a discharge."

  A faint, pain-distorted smile flickered across Kael's lips. "Almost... it almost did." He thought of Elmsworth. The old man had done a good job, making this body more resilient than he would have ever thought possible. But Kael also knew he had gone too far. The thoughts of revenge, the anger at the bandit's mockery, had fueled his magic, swelling it into a destructive force he could barely control. If it hadn't been for Fenrir, he thought bitterly, I might have burned the girls in my rage too. And then collapsed helplessly, easy prey for anything lurking in the forest. He cursed this body again, cursed Aeliria for this pathetic existence. The power was there, but it was bound to this fragile cage, and his own emotions made it an unpredictable weapon. He had to learn to control it, not just unleash it.

  At that moment, there was a rustle in the undergrowth, and the two women returned with gathered kindling. When they saw that Kael was awake and sitting up (supported by the huge wolf), they dropped the wood and hurried to him. The young woman knelt beside him, her initial fear seemingly replaced by concern. "You're awake! Are you feeling better?" she asked sympathetically, her eyes anxiously scanning his pale face. Kael managed only a curt nod, his throat still parched.

  "Lina, bring him water," the young woman said to the little girl, who immediately ran to a waterskin they had apparently salvaged from the carriage. The young woman took the waterskin and carefully helped Kael take a few sips. The cool water felt infinitely good. "Thank you again," she whispered, while the girl stared at Kael with wide eyes. "You and... Fenrir." She looked reverently at the giant wolf. Kael felt something strange in his chest as he saw the sincere gratitude in the young woman's eyes. An unfamiliar warmth that had nothing to do with his inner fire. It was irritating. What is this? Pity? No... that can't be.

  The young woman noticed his gaze on the campfire and the pot. She seemed to understand that further questions were inappropriate at the moment and would only annoy him. "You must be hungry," she said gently instead, and stood up. She went to the cooking spot, took a clean wooden bowl, which she must have also saved, and ladled a steaming portion of the spicy stew into it. The smell was indeed enticing, and Kael's stomach rumbled again, louder this time. She brought the bowl to Kael. "Here. It's not much, just some roots and herbs we found, but it's warm." She held the bowl out to him. Kael looked at it, then at his trembling hands. He was too weak to hold the bowl himself, let alone eat. The realization was another wave of humiliation.

  The young woman seemed to recognize his plight. Without hesitation, she took a small wooden spoon she wore at her belt, dipped it into the stew, blew on it gently to cool it, and held it to Kael's lips. "Eat. You need strength."

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  Kael froze. Being fed? By a mortal? Like a helpless child? His pride rebelled; he wanted to turn his head away, to scream at her. But the delicious aroma and the gnawing hunger were stronger. Reluctantly, teeth clenched, he opened his mouth and allowed himself the first spoonful. The stew was surprisingly well-seasoned and soothed his parched throat. Spoonful by spoonful, the young woman patiently fed him, without saying another word, while the little girl watched Kael with a mixture of fear and fascination. Fenrir lay beside them, eyes closed, but Kael sensed the wolf was aware of everything, perhaps even with a hint of... amusement at the irony of the situation? It was the most absurd, humiliating meal of his infinitely long life, and yet it slowly restored his strength.

  After Kael had eaten, fatigue overcame him again. The two women also looked visibly exhausted from the day's events, their eyes heavy. The young woman yawned involuntarily. The atmosphere in the clearing was strange – a mixture of the silence after the storm, the underlying fear of the powerful stranger, and the unexpected intimacy of this shared meal. Fenrir, who had observed everything, rose quietly. His deep growl was soothing this time. "Go to sleep," he said to the women, his voice like the rolling of distant stones. "You are safe here. I will watch over my master – and over you. And over what's left of your belongings."

  The women nodded gratefully. They made a simple camp of leaves and moss near the fire, but at a respectful distance from Kael and the wolf. The little girl, Lina, plucked a small, bright red forest flower and hesitantly placed it beside Kael's bed before snuggling up to her sister. Soon after, exhausted by fear and exertion, they were asleep.

  Kael still leaned against Fenrir's warm body. He looked at the small flower beside him. A senseless gesture. And yet... The strange warmth of gratitude and the humiliation of being fed fought within him, but exhaustion won. Before he could prevent it, his eyes closed. The last thought before he slipped back into darkness was a confused one: Why did they do that? Why does this weakness feel... almost bearable?

  The next morning dawned clear and cool. Kael awoke with a feeling of relief. The leaden heaviness had given way to a tolerable fatigue; the muscle pain was now just a dull ache. He sat up without help and found that his body was recovering surprisingly quickly. The relentless training with Elmsworth had made this shell more resilient than he would have thought. A small consolation, he thought bitterly, but at least something. He stood up and stretched cautiously. Fenrir watched him with alert eyes. The two women were still sleeping restlessly by the extinguished fire.

  Kael stepped out into the clearing. The air was fresh and smelled of dew and pine. He began his morning routine, gathered wood, and lit the fire with a small, controlled flame – this time without the painful effort of the previous day. Then he discovered a sword lying carelessly beside the women's salvaged belongings, probably taken from one of the slain bandits. It was a simple but solid blade. He picked it up; the weight felt unfamiliar but not unpleasant. He began the exercises Elmsworth had drilled into him, making thrusts and parries against the morning air. His body still ached slightly, but it was a familiar pain, almost a trusted companion. The old man's training was worse, he thought grimly, forcing himself to make more precise movements.

  The sound of the sword cutting through the air finally woke the women. The younger one, Lina, sleepily rubbed her eyes, while the older one quickly sat up and watched Kael. When she saw that he could move again and was apparently regaining his strength, a relieved expression flickered across her face. She stood up and cautiously approached him. "Good morning," she said softly, still somewhat uncertain. "I'm glad to see you're feeling better." She gestured towards the fire. "Are you hungry? Lina and I were just about to prepare breakfast."

  Kael finished his exercise and lowered the sword. He nodded curtly without looking directly at her. His throat was still rough. He cleared his throat. "Do you need meat?" The young woman looked up in surprise. "Meat? That would be... wonderful! But we don't have any left, and we can't hunt."

  Kael called softly for Fenrir. The great wolf appeared instantly and silently at his side. "Bring meat," Kael ordered briefly. Fenrir nodded and then turned to the young woman with a surprisingly gentle inclination of his head. "What do you wish? A bear? A deer?" His deep voice made the woman flinch again, but this time it was more awe than fear. She stared at the huge wolf, then at Kael. This guardian spirit is actually his subordinate? Who is this man? "Oh... uh... a hare would be more than enough, great wolf," she stammered. Without another word, Fenrir turned and disappeared into the forest with incredible speed.

  Kael tucked the sword into the belt he wore. "Is there water nearby? A river?" he asked the young woman, still without looking at her. "Yes," she answered immediately, pointing in one direction. "That way, maybe a five-minute walk. A small, clear river flows there." Kael nodded again and walked in the indicated direction, leaving the two women at the campfire.

  He found the river quickly. The water was cool and refreshing. He took off his shirt and thoroughly washed the sweat and dirt of the previous day from his upper body. As he did so, he examined the slight redness and scrapes left by the fight and the magical backlash. They were already healing surprisingly quickly. He dived under briefly, letting the cold water awaken his senses and wash away the last remnants of exhaustion. The river wasn't deep, but it was wide enough for swimming. He began to fight against the current, using the opportunity for further training. I must continue, he thought, as he struggled through the water. The year with the master was only the beginning. The foundations are there, but I must use them, expand them. I must become stronger, break through the blockage. Until I have the power to confront Aeliria and take back what is mine.

  Slightly exhausted but refreshed, he returned to the camp. The smell of roasted meat and herbs filled the air. The young woman was turning the hare Fenrir had caught over the fire, while Lina plucked small berries from a bush. Fenrir lay quietly beside the fire, observing the scene. As Kael approached, the quiet conversation between the wolf and the women ceased. Fenrir rose and came to meet Kael. "The meat is ready, Ancient One. The food should be ready soon."

  Kael nodded and sat down on a fallen log near the fire. The aroma was indeed enticing, more intense and better than anything he had eaten at Elmsworth's or prepared himself. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate, to find the calm Elmsworth had taught him to gather his energies. After a while, he sensed a presence before him. He opened his eyes. The young woman stood there, a filled wooden bowl in her hands, but hesitated to speak to him. She didn't seem to want to disturb his meditation. "Is the food ready?" Kael asked, his voice clearer now.

  The young woman nodded, relieved. "Yes. Here, please." Kael stood up, took the bowl, and sat down again. He tasted it carefully. It was delicious. The meat was tender, perfectly roasted, and seasoned with herbs he didn't know, but which created a wonderful flavor. It was by far the best food he had eaten since being trapped in this world. He ate silently, but with an appetite that made the young woman smile.

  After everyone had eaten – Fenrir also got a share of the hare – they sat silently by the fire for a while. The women's initial fear seemed to have given way to cautious curiosity. Finally, the young woman cleared her throat. "Forgive me," she began hesitantly, looking at Kael. "We haven't introduced ourselves yet. And we would like to know... who are you? Who is this mighty wolf?"

  Kael regarded her coolly. Should he tell the truth? I am Kaer'Zhul, God of Dragons, banished and humiliated? No, that would be madness. He had to stick to his lie, even if it repulsed him. "My name is Kael," he said curtly. "I am a traveler from the far east." He gestured towards Fenrir. "This is Fenrir. He is... my companion. My subordinate." He sensed Fenrir's quiet amusement in his mind but ignored it. "We were in the forest to train when we came across you." He added, to satisfy their curiosity and at the same time explain his motivation: "I am on a journey... a journey of revenge."

  The young woman looked at him questioningly. "Revenge?" "A great injustice was done to me," Kael said, his voice turning icy at the memory of Aeliria's betrayal. "Someone took from me what was rightfully mine. I must avenge what happened. That is why I must become stronger, improve my abilities."

  The young woman seemed to understand, or at least to sense the intensity in his words. She nodded slowly. "A hard fate." Then she realized they still hadn't introduced themselves. "Forgive my rudeness. My name is Elara, and this is my little sister, Lina." She pulled Lina closer to her. "We come from a small village called Ashwood, a few days' march from here. We were on our way to Silverford to live with our uncle there, after... after our parents..." Her voice broke.

  "Silverford?" Kael repeated. That was his destination too. An unexpected turn. "We are also on our way there." Elara's eyes lit up hopefully. "Really? Oh, could we... could we perhaps accompany you? Alone... we don't know if we would make it." She looked around anxiously, as if new dangers could be lurking behind every tree. "Do you... do you perhaps already have accommodation in the city?"

  Kael felt Fenrir's gaze on him. The wolf said nothing, but Kael knew what he was thinking. Fenrir wanted to protect the girls, to bring them safely to the city. Kael sighed inwardly. More baggage... but accommodation and a guide in this stinking city would be advantageous. They may be worms, but even worms can be useful.

  "You may come with us," Kael said gruffly. "But on one condition: keep up. If you slow us down, we will continue without you." He looked directly at Elara. "And no, I have never been to this city. I don't know anyone there."

  Elara nodded eagerly, relieved by his consent. "Yes, of course! We certainly won't be a burden to you! It's only about a day's march from here to the city, maybe a little longer on foot." She seemed briefly embarrassed, blushing slightly. "But... if you don't have accommodation yet... our uncle has a large house. You could surely stay with him, at least for a start, until you find something of your own. That would be the least we could do." She smiled shyly. "And I've been to Silverford several times before. I know my way around a little. I could show you everything."

  Again Kael felt that strange, warm feeling in his chest, triggered by her sincere offer. What is this? he thought, irritated. Am I sick? Still weakened from yesterday? He pushed the feeling aside. He nodded curtly. "That sounds like an... acceptable plan." He stood up. "But first, you must take me to the Adventurers' Guild. That is my first destination."