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Rukj slowly opened his eyes, still not having connected fully with the remnants of his mind, and feeling a nasty iron taste flooding every corner of his mouth. That wasn't the first time he had regained consciousness after having lost in a fight, so he ignored the few remaining vestiges of rationality in his mind and decided to take it easy before making any other moves. Staring at the blurry ceiling of the tent, he tried to keep ignoring the chill, the nagging pain in his neck, and the burning feeling that ran through his chest as he tried to sharpen his senses as much as possible, at least given the circumstances, to find out what had happened. It was difficult to recall any memories and his head ached terribly if he tried to access them, so he simply let time pass, while little by little, the images in front of his pupils slowly came into focus.

At the same time, his ears began to capture a minimum of information. He could hear, always in the background, the typical routine murmur that ran through the camp: the sounds of a conversation in the distance, the hiss of the door of a canvas tent as it was drawn back, the creaking of a wooden cart bending under the someone's weight, and other sounds of activity. However, there was another sound much closer to him. A rhythmic sound, faint, almost like the sound of leaves falling from the trees and accumulating on the ground, or of snowflakes falling on the roof of the tent. Rukj knew that sound: it was the slow whisper of quiet breathing.

His sense of touch also urged him to pay attention, but the pain was too intense for Rukj to think. However, he would have sworn that below his chest wounds he felt a strange sense of warmth and softness; something heavy resting on his belly, and the steady pace of that strange breathing, blowing a breath of air that caressed his fur.

It took a few minutes to build up enough strength to lift his head and discover exactly what had happened, but his nose had already caught a familiar scent a few moments before that he was able to recognize from several weeks ago. Loki, sitting beside the bed where he lay, had fallen asleep with his arms resting on his abdomen and his head between them. The wolf could not avoid feeling a warm appreciation, realizing the lynx must have spent a long time watching him sleep, perhaps worried about the possibility that he would not wake up, and unable to stand it any longer, had surrendered and fallen asleep. He smiled gently, feeling appreciated, as he continued to carefully observe the relaxed expression of the lynx asleep on his belly. He could not deny that, in spite of the circumstances, he had developed a fondness for the envoy of the Kara's Order Cubs, so much that, after all, he almost felt sorry for the fact that their feelings on this matter were so different and could not be reciprocated.

At that moment, Loki's expression changed slightly and a shudder ran through his body, as if he had perceived the black wolf's change of position. Just seconds later, his eyes opened with some difficulty, before directing a sleepy look towards Rukj, who remained still while watching him with curiosity. Even without having fully recovered from the blow to his head, he was able to perceive how the drowsiness was replaced by a look of absolute embarrassment in the deep blue eyes of the lynx, while an intense blush covered his snout under his fur.

-I... -he mumbled, turning away abruptly from his body and lowering his head to disguise the fact his muzzle had reddened -. Sorry! I was...

-Don't worry -Rukj interrupted him before he could continue his apology, aware that, in reality, the lynx did not have to ask his forgiveness. In addition, there was a question that was pressing at that moment -. What happened? Where is Raon? And what about the wolf?

Loki took a while to answer, still red from embarrassment.

-They are safe -he replied finally, looking up but still not daring to look at the wolf directly -. Both arrived at the camp yesterday when it was nearly dark, carrying you with them as well as they could. Although his hand's wounds had been reopened, Raon insisted on staying with you in case anything happened... I had to convince him -Loki scratched his head, staring -. Jarek also wanted to stay, and he had suffered a severe blow...

Having no more to say after those words, he turned his gaze to Rukj, curiously, as if he was indirectly asking what had happened between them as the attitude of the copper wolf had changed so much. However, Rukj only nodded slowly, as if not surprised at all.

Loki wondered if there was anything that could really surprise him.

-And these bandages? -asked the black wolf, feeling his head and glancing at his chest, which was mostly covered by bandages-. Did you...did you do this?

Again, Loki blushed, but this time he seemed to work up enough courage not to shrink away and try to remain looking at Rukj.

-Y... yes -he replied, unable to keep his voice steady -. But it was Raon who found the arnica and Ailec who got alcohol to help your wounds heal... So really you should thank them.

-I know who to thank for this, do not worry -Rukj replied, carefully getting up a little. For a moment a hint of a smile threatened to grace his snout, but finally his expression remained neutral -. I'm glad you've been with me all this time, Loki. Someone once told me -he continued, ignoring the growing blush on the lynx's cheeks -, that the proof of a good friend is demonstrated when you wake from a dangerous situation and you find him watching over you beside your bed.

-I... I could not leave you lying there -the lynx replied, in a thin voice, but could not look away, somewhat embarrassed -. And I worried that you might not wake up. I have no intention to judge you, but I have to say that lately you've had too many blows to your head... Don't you think?

This time, a slight smile crossed Rukj's muzzle.

-Who knows. maybe -he lifted a paw to rub his neck, feeling somewhat brighter. The pain in his head was almost gone, and if he didn't make any sudden movements he could almost ignore it-. By the way, I would like to talk with Jarek. There's something I should tell him. Alone.

Again, Loki's expression showed his curiosity, however, the lynx was too busy trying to tame his blushing to show it openly.

-I think he went for a walk with Raon -he said, but did not sound very convinced -. By the way, he said... he said he is willing to carry out his mission as a Link -Rukj looked at him, slightly surprised -. I don't know what has changed, but... since returning yesterday, he was convinced he wants to fight for the Web as everyone expects it.

Rukj remained silent for a moment, thinking, until he finally looked away and admitted:

-The truth is that I knew he would end up making the right decision. It was only a matter of time and giving him enough space for him work it out.

-That's what I told Inoa... -Loki sighed, rolling his eyes -. As for Jarek, as soon as he return to camp, I could tell him to talk with you.

-All right -said the wolf, leaning back against the bed and letting out a long sigh -. I'll wait, then.

Loki would have liked to ask about what had changed between him and Jarek, but at that moment, the door of the tent was opened and an imposing figure appeared at the entrance. The lynx was rather alarmed, and turned quickly, feeling nervous, but once he discovered who it was, his expression softened as he smiled broadly.

-Ailec -he said softly, tilting his head.

-Loki -replied the bull from the entrance, smiling back -. Rukj -he added, somewhat less enthusiastically. Then he again turned to the lynx -. I was waiting for you to wake up. Would you mind going with me for a short walk? There is... something that I would like to talk to you about.

-I'll leave in a second -Loki promised, blushing softly and his smile widening a bit more from intuition, embarrased by the real reasons that Ailec wanted to see him outside the tent.

Ailec nodded, somewhat more seriously, and disappeared from the entrance while Rukj, suspicious, looked at Loki with a curious eye. The lynx, still blushing and wrapped in his thoughts, got up from his chair and gave an apologetic look at the wolf.

-It will not be long.

-Take all the time you want -Rukj reassured him, almost sensing what had happened a few nights ago between Loki and the caravan leader's son.

Loki smiled and walked to the door of the tent, running the paws through his clothes to smooth them out a bit and to give the impression of being somewhat more presentable. Having spent the night there, sleeping in that position so strange yet so comfortable, his clothes ended up completely wrinkled.

However, on reaching the canvas door and just before leaving he turned to Rukj, curious, and asked:

-Hey, Rukj... I know it's none of my business, but... exactly who was it that told you that phrase?

-What? -the wolf asked, not understanding what he was referring to.

-You know... The thing about the proof of a good friend is when you wake up and he worries about you beside your bed.

Loki suddenly realized he had made a mistake after he finished asking the question, because Rukj again acquired a grim expression, just like any other time he dared to look back and rediscover old memories from his past.

However, his response was not to pray.

-It was -he growled, with a hint of bitterness in his voice -the Guard's Commissary of Frostmoon, Sek Urunna.

The lynx took a few seconds to remember exactly who that name belonged to, but once the memories of what had happened in the Frostmoon prison nights ago returned to him, a shadow of sadness spread over his face, realizing that Rukj had his own ghosts and these will forever haunt him wherever he went. He needed to say something to comfort him, but inwardly knew that nothing he could say would help the wolf and, after all, his consolation would come too late.

So, still with a spark of understanding in his sad eyes, Loki opened the tent door and went outside, wondering if, ultimately, Rukj had not suffered the most from that distant and stupid war that had started so many years ago ...

-So, you won't join us on our journey?

The lynx's question hung in the air for a few seconds, unsure, as if deep down he was afraid of the response that it might trigger, a response that had planned from the very moment he opened his mouth.

-I'm afraid not -said Ailec after a long look of apology -. Please understand, I have to stay here with my father. I know he says that he's fine and has everything under control, but I know that's not completely true... and do not want to risk that someday something may exceed his strength. Being the leader of the caravan, especially knowing the dangers that he is exposed to, it is not an easy task.

Loki nodded thoughtfully, and looked away. The bull noticed a change in his expression, a subtle shadow of sadness, and somewhat concerned, asked:

-Are you okay? It... doesn't bother you, right?

-No, don't worry -Loki answered, looking up and smiling slightly -. I understand.

-Are you sure?

-Of course. Just as I know that my mission is to bring the Links to the place where they will find the key to change things, I know yours is to stay here in the caravan, and help your father in all you can -he paused, turning to look away -. But the truth is that I would rather have you come with us...

He did not have time to finish the sentence before that one of Ailec's arms closed around his back and gently pulled him, giving him a warm hug. Loki closed his eyes and enjoyed the contact with the bull's body, knowing that probably, this moment would not be repeated for a long, long time.

-I know -Ailec whispered, gently stroking the back of the lynx, who rested his head against his broad chest with a sigh -. And believe me, I too would like to accompany you. But, I just... I know I should not. My father is my priority now. And day after day I see how his forces are waning, though he strives to conceal that fact as much as possible ...

-He's a strong Beast -Loki whispered, trying to reassure him -. I think he can take much more than you think.

-Yeah, but for how long?

The lynx had no answer to that question.

He remained leaning against the body of the bull, simply synchronizing his breathing with the bull's and sharing their warmth, for an indeterminate period of time that might have been seconds, minutes or hours. The truth was that neither would have known exactly how long they had been enjoying the contact of each other's touch when, after a while, Ailec broke the silence:

-By the way, what have you been doing with Rukj? I've seen you spending time with him lately, you know?

Loki suddenly opened his eyes and slightly turned away from the bull's chest an inch, feeling his cheeks burn with shame beneath his fur. For a few seconds, he looked in vain for an excuse to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling, but eventually realized there was no way out of responding. After all, although the fact that was he could not lie to Ailec, he was also greatly influenced by how well he had been treated, and still wore the pendant around his neck that identified him as a member of Kara's Order Cubs.

And that, after all, meant he would not lie to anyone. Whatever he asked him.

-I have... I have to admit that I... I quite like him -he managed to say, after several seconds of struggling with himself -. But no, I have done nothing with him -he very reluctantly said -. I have been accompanying him these days because I was worried about his health and because I owe him a lot. He saved my life on several occasions, and if not for him, I very likely would not be here right now. I think... I think that ultimately is one reason why I like him so much.

-Well... -Ailec answered after a few seconds -. Who knows. Maybe with all this journey thing he may start paying more attention to you. I would not be surprised -he added, giving him a look of affection, as softly caressing his head between the ears.

Loki again rested his head against the bull's chest with a slightly bitter smile, while gently stroking the muscles of his back with a paw. He could tell that although those words seemed to be full of good intentions and tried to downplay the issue, that deep inside, Ailec did not feel completely comfortable with the idea that the black-furred wolf who the lynx also liked would accompany him during this trip. In fact, he almost had the feeling that the bull felt somewhat... threatened.

-I don't think so -he replied simply to reassure him.

-Why not?

This time, the response from the lynx took a little longer.

-The night we arrived in camp I decided to confess my feelings. And, although he did not intend to hurt me at the time... it became clear that he did not share them.

Ailec took a few seconds to react.

• Oh! -he understood -. Is that why you were so upset the night we met?

-Yeah -the lynx responded, without any further explanation, and closed his eyes wearily.

Suddenly, he felt the strong arms of the bull return to hug him with affection, and felt the soft touch of a kiss on his forehead. It was as if the memories of what had happened that night completely dissipated, or as if, at least, the sadness they carried had vanished.

-I'm sorry -whispered the bull, with some sorrow -. I don't know how it is possible for him not to realize just... how amazing you are.

-Although he is not attracted to me that does not mean he doesn't respect me -Loki spoke timidly, but really did not know if he believed what he was saying.

In any case, the words of the bull had reawakened a doubt inside him, a doubt that had long remained dormant. He knew he was in love with Rukj, or at least still felt the same for him as he had felt almost from the first time they had met, even though in the beginning the feeling had been almost invisible and insignificant, but with the passage of time, had been gaining momentum. Ailec had been there to soften the feeling when he had discovered that there was no possible way to make his dream come true, when he had reached the disappointment conclusion. He had been the arnica that soothed his wounds during those days, but despite that fact the scars still remained.

That was precisely why there was something that was still troubling him.

Now that he would have to spend 24 hours a day next to the black wolf, would he be able to contain his feelings?

Or worse yet ... how would he be able to live with the knowledge that he could never satisfy them?

Twilight was falling on the camp and the last rays of the sun stained the snow red when everyone gathered on the outskirts of the camp.

After their walk, Raon and Jarek had sought to find Loki in the camp, to inform him of their decision to leave sooner, possibly that very afternoon. When the lynx, incapable of not thinking that it meant he would have to say goodbye to Ailec earlier that expected, had asked why, Raon had simply shrugged his shoulder and had said something like "The sooner get out of here the sooner we finish our, work, right?" Inwardly, Loki agreed the Human, but still could not stop his surprise at the radical change the Human had suffered as a result of recent events, as if the disappearance of Jarek had caused him to put his convictions in order once and for all.

At that moment, watching the sunset in silence, Loki wondered thoughtfully, if there was something that he had missed, something that had taken place in his absence and that he had not been able to notice. Because it was clear that something had changed in Raon, although he still did not know what.

-Be careful that a blizzard doesn't surprise you -Raizac advised them, once they had assembled all -. And above all, be very careful so that no one can find you. We can not permit you to be discovered or everything we've done now is in vain.

-Don't worry -Rukj reassured him with a gesture -. We will watch the sky and be discrete. And, if someone finds us, we will be prepared.

-I hope so -Raizac replied, nodding thoughtfully.

At that time, Raon, who had remained in the background, listening to the conversation of the wolf and the leader of the caravan, intervened timidly.

-Raizac ... -he began -. You see, there's something that Jarek and I wanted to ask you... it might be something important.

The bull looked surprised and exchanged a confused look with Rukj, who returned a questioning look, raising an eyebrow. Apparently, neither knew what the Human meant.

-Go ahead -Raizac finally uttered, somewhat uncertainly.

-This is... -Raon began, but finally stopped and started over -. You see, when we found Loki and Rukj a few days ago they were not alone.

Raizac blinked a few times.

-What do you mean?

-There was a whole camp of massacred human Trackers -Jarek replied, appearing next to Raon while directing a worried look to the leader of the caravan -. The same man who burned Rukj and Raon's cabin was with them, someone had killed him.

-Han -Rukj understood, with a low growl, looking away.

-Exactly -corroborated Raon, nodding slowly and swallowing -. What we are wondering is if it was you that ordered them killed, because if it was not you -he paused -we may have another powerful armed group and closer to us than we would like.

A long, tense silence followed the words of the Human.

Raizac exchanged glances with Rukj, who understood the circumstances without the bull needing to answer the Human's question. Loki, meanwhile, was frowning, not knowing exactly what to say or how to react. At the end of the day, when all that had happened he was unconscious, and he had not a single memory of the massacred camp that Raon and Jarek spoke of.

-No, it was not us -answered finally the caravan leader, quietly -. I try to avoid any kind of confrontation that would endanger the group. We didn't even see the Trackers that you talk about, but take my word, that even if we had met face to face with them, it would not have been me who would have started the fight. I care very much for the safety of this caravan.

-I see ... -Raon murmured, casting a worried glance at Rukj.

-We'll have to be twice as careful then -decided the black wolf, crossing his arms and frowning -. We should exercise extreme caution and travel only at night. This will make it safer for everyone.

-And we will be able to withstand the cold? -Loki intervened at that time. When all eyes turned to him, could not help feeling a little nervous, but eventually overcame it -. I mean... the temperature these days is not exactly the most appropriate for travel. Jarek and you may be able to better handle the low temperatures, but Raon and I will not have it as easy. I understand that there are threats around and stealth suits us, but I do not think we should risk catching pneumonia.

-I must admit you have a point -Jarek said in support, earning a grateful look from the lynx.

-I'm with the young lynx -added Raizac -. In addition, you will be taking two of my caravan's canvas tents. It would not make sense if you were using them during the day, when most of the time you can sleep in the open. They would be a dead weight on your journey -he paused -. So I guess you will have to risk traveling during the day.

Rukj took a moment to answer thoughtfully.

-Yes, you are right - he responded, after a moment, looking away -. Then we will advance slowly. And we will have to carefully choose the places to set up camp each night.

-We are not in a hurry -Loki said, with a slight smile -. If we have to move more slowly to stay alive, so be it.

Rukj gave him an approving look and the lynx's smile widened, although once Rukj's amber eyes had strayed from his, he had to look elsewhere to conceal who was blushing. Despite everything that had happened since his arrival at the camp, his precipitous decline to plead his feelings before the black wolf, and then to have found in Ailec a balm to his wounds, he knew it would have been absurd to try to deny that he still felt something very intense towards the Beast that had saved his life on several occasions.

Again, he held his gaze with a long look, top to bottom analyzing him surreptitiously and again feeling his cheeks burning, until finally he looked away, still with a faint smile. However, this was frozen on his face when in the distance and approaching them at considerable speed, he saw a figure that, with the passage of days, he had learned to recognize and fear about the same time. A figure with large elongated ears. An approaching figure striding toward him like there was no tomorrow, and that, in all likelihood, was not exactly in a good mood...

-Oh, no... -whispered the lynx, ears down and fearing the worst.

The others followed his gaze and discovered the reason for his concern. Jarek swallowed theatrically, which caused a soft laugh from Raon; Rukj, however, rolled his eyes and simply waited for the show to end. Raizac soon turned as well and once they had seen her coming, let out a long sigh in dismay.

Inoa reached them in just a few steps, as if she had moved much faster than possible for her small body.

-Going somewhere? -she spoke, rather dryly, once she had reached the level of the group, raising an eyebrow -. Nobody had told me that you were leaving this afternoon.

Loki glanced at Rukj, with a silent plea for help, but the wolf was impassive, as if he knew already beforehand that that situation was like a blizzard that had caught them in the middle of nowhere, all they could do was hold on and wait for it to subside . The lynx sighed, staring back at the hare and mumbling something unintelligible before replying:

-I'm sorry, Inoa. We decided a while ago. We have not had time to tell you.

-Too bad -she said, reviewing all those present staring at her. Each of her words sounded like a cobra about to pounce on its prey -. It turns out that Ailec knew where you were. It is fortunate, because if not for him I would not have found you.

-Oh... -Loki murmured, understanding. Perhaps it was not such a good idea to say goodbye to Ailec alone, after all.

-And, if I had not found you, I could not leave and travel with you.

-What!? -exclaimed Jarek and Loki at the same time, their eyes widening.

-As you heard. I decided that since I have the feeling that Loki is taking too many liberties when it comes to helping you on your mission, my supervision would definitely help -she said with ears pricked -. You need someone who will help you to focus on the mission you have ahead, or you will begin to be constantly distracted by your nonsense. In the few days that we have met, I have seen celebrating festivals, picking fights, running away... -she emphasized the words as if their mere mention would provoke nausea -. So, after the spectacle you have assembled in camp, I think you need my help more than ever.

These words were followed by a long uncomfortable, and incredulous silence. Raizac seemed about to laugh, while Jarek had dropped his ears and had tucked his tail between his legs, as if the very idea that the hare might travel with them had terrified him. Loki exchanged a look that seemed to scream "Help!" with Raon, who did not know exactly how to react. Meanwhile, Rukj almost seemed bored watching the scene.

-But... Inoa... -the lynx began after waiting a few seconds too long -... Are you sure you have thought this through?

-Of course. I've been thinking you needed help from the moment I first saw you.

-Well... I... -Loki began, shifting from foot to foot and looking at the others, uncomfortable, hoping for help -... I...

-What Loki is trying to say, Inoa, is that it is not a good idea to come -Rukj said dryly.

The hare blinked a few times, surprised, and then her nose wrinkled in disgust.

-And why not, pray tell?

-It is... a very hard journey... -Loki began, his hand on her arm and smiling shyly.

-Yes, and besides, we only have two tents -Raon continued, with some outrage -. If you come with us we would not have place to stay at night.

-And we have a priority of being stealthy -Rukj dropped, pinning an accusing look at the hare -. Stealthy -he repeated, separating the syllables, as if he was hoping that, having said it a second time, Inoa would understand that, from their point of view, she had even less stealth than Jarek.

The copper-furred wolf, meanwhile, simply shook his head at the idea that Inoa might accompany them on their journey, while Raizac was trying to contain his laughter.

Inoa's expression changed from annoyance to anger in just seconds, as soon as she digested what they had said.

-Okay -she muttered, between her teeth -. I guess I can not force you to accept my company...

-It is not that, Inoa -Loki interrupted her, trying to avoid making the situation even more uncomfortable -. The fact is... we did not think of it that way. Actually it would be a great inconvenience to travel with someone else right now. I think we might have too many already.

-And this is a guy's journey -said Jarek, eventually causing a soft laugh to escape from Raizak.

-I see -said the hare, apparently somewhat calmer, though still with a glint of anger in her eyes -. Well. In that case, I wish you a good trip.

She said those words with the same coldness of an iceberg, before she turned and, with her chin high and ears erect, strode away from the group. All saw her marching away, containing equal parts laughter and relief.

-She won't be angry for long -said Loki with an apologetic shrug of his shoulders -. Basically, it is possible that she regrets not having been chosen to the Kara's Cubs Order. I don't know to what extent she is right about it: the fact is that she takes all this much more seriously than I do.

-That's precisely why -Raon sighed, looking away.

-Well, I don't regret they have chosen you in her place -Jarek said, laughing -. Did you see her face...? Offering herself as if we really needed her?

-Stop it -Rukj interrupted them with a gesture. Despite his inscrutable expression, something in his eyes did see that the situation was also humorous in some way -. We should leave instead of wasting more time. If we are to setup our camp before dark, we can not waste any more time.

-That's right -Loki realized.

Raizac addressed them all with a new look, carefully analyzing them as if trying to capture a mental image of the group, or to find out to what extent they would be able to go ahead with the trip and be able to give of themselves what everyone expected from them. He was aware that this probably would be the last time he would see those four and, if things went as Kara Mother years ago predicted, that would be the group that would finally change the relationship between Beasts' and Humans' Land. <<Who knows?>> he told himself, as he watched Raon with a gleam of interest <<Possibly in the future, this boy will lead the fall of the Borderline... once for all>>.

-I wish you a good trip -he said, finally -. Take care of them, Rukj. Keep them out of trouble... or at least, not too much.

-I will try to keep them at bay -Rukj replied, somewhat amused, as he carried over his shoulder two canvas tents -. And now, if you have nothing else to say... we should go now. I remind you that Loki has yet to explain exactly what your mission is.

-That's right -the lynx sighed, feeling the pouch that hung at his side, with some relief.

-We will meet again in the future -Raizac promised them, gesturing with one of his hooves -. Good luck.

After leaving, the group began to walk towards the place where, days earlier, and Raon and Rukj had found Jarek after he had fled the caravan. The Human glanced back over his shoulder, while a few steps ahead of him, Loki gently chided Rukj for doing too much after being injured for so long, while the black wolf downplayed it. However, Raon was unable to pay attention to these things.

Behind him was the only safe haven he had known since the shack he had grown up in had been reduced to ashes by Han and the Trackers. And now he was returning to the unknown, the aridity and indifference of the Lands of the Beasts, and was afraid of losing the protection that the place had given him in recent days. It was a protection with several mistakes, as evidenced by the bandages wrapped around his left hand yet, but it was still protection, after all.

-Hey, what are you looking at? -Jarek asked, putting an arm around his shoulders to force him to turn towards the front. The touch of the copper wolf made him feel slightly better.

-I was thinking that we may never again see a place like that -Raon replied, looking down -. I sincerely hope that things will go well from now on...

-I'm sure they will, you'll see -the wolf promised, moving a little closer to him to infuse some encouragement -. We just have to be strong. In that sense, you'll find it easier than me...

-Oh, come on, don't say that -Raon asked, giving him a soft blow on the shoulder, while both continued walking, still together. After a few seconds, he seemed to remember something and let out a soft laugh -. So this is a "guys trip", right?

-Don't laugh! I could not think of what else to say -the wolf said, taking his paw that was not near Raon's neck and scratching the back of his head, a bit embarrassed -. And I did not want her to come with us. You neither, did you?

-That's true -the Human replied, smiling.

Jarek smiled and squeezed a little tighter against him, while following in the footsteps of Rukj and Loki, the two were heading to a destination until then unknown to them. No matter what the price was, both were willing to fight because, in the future, the world will cease to be a hostile place; and not only for them but also for all those who defend that, beyond the fur, the fangs and claws, there was no difference between Humans and Beasts.

Their real journey began at that time.

They stopped a few hours after they had lost sight of Raizac's caravan camp behind them, once they had crossed the threatening chasm where the remains of a bear now rested at the bottom. Rukj had led the march all day, as if he knew where to go, which reinforced Raon's theory that Loki had already spoken to him about his mission, at some point in the past. After all, the information relating to their mission and the place they should go was within the lynx's pouch, and if Rukj was guiding them to someplace in particular, that could only mean that he knew its contents. On the other hand, Raon seriously doubted that the black wolf had taken a look at whatever it was that was inside the bag without having asked permission from Loki first.

They chose a place to lay their little camp on a small open area next to a rock wall with an almost vertical slope, which would protect them from the wind during the night if it did not change direction. In any case, Raizac was generous enough give them two tents, so even if they had not found a suitable place to settle that night, they would have slept peacefully.

Under Jarek's watchful eye, Rukj lit a fire with some pieces of coal that the caravan had given them, and pulled out some food for everyone.

-Yay... -the copper wolf murmured, once he received his corresponding piece of dried meat -. I have already forgotten about the "luxuries" of sleeping outdoors.

-It's all we have -Raon replied, shrugging -. You'll have to conform.

-I know -Jarek sighed as he took the piece of meat in his mouth and gave it a good bite. Walking all day had managed to give him an appetite -. Well, Loki -he said, between bites -, I do not want to sound unsympathetic, but... I think you need to explain what we are supposed to do to fulfill this mission that they're all so excited about.

The lynx took a few seconds to swallow the meat he was chewing before answering, with an embarrassed smile:

-Yes, I know it's my fault I have not done so before. I mean, if anyone really deserves to know everything about your mission, it is you. After all, you are involved -he paused and set the piece of meat aside, before carefully opening pouch he was wearing, slowly, as if he feared he might damage the contents in some way -. This -he said at the time, gently removing some of the crumbling and yellowing papers from the bag, which seemed to have been profusely written on -is what Mother Kara left you as a witness. What she wrote about the Links.

Without further delay, he approached Raon to hand him the writings. The young Human took them and quickly glanced at them, still chewing the meat. Jarek, beside him, put his head on his shoulder so he could see them too. After a few long seconds, Raon looked up and confessed, timidly:

-Uh... Loki. I don't know how to read.

-Me neither -replied the wolf, letting out a gentle laugh.

The lynx blinked a few times, quite surprised.

-What do you mean, you can not read? -he repeated, as if he could not believe it -. Jarek, you've lived your whole life in Frostmoon. Someone should have taught you!

-Yeah, but my parents never took me to school, they were never partial of having a public life, as you already know... -he replied, still smiling with embarrassment -. Once they tried to teach me, but... I did not do well. Eventually, they gave up.

Loki kept his eye on him for a few seconds, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Finally, he turned to Rukj, who sat at his right, and glaring at him, asked:

-And how is it possible that you did not teach Raon to read?

-I thought he would never need it -said the black wolf, shrugging -. It seemed more important to teach hunting and defense than to get lost in the pages of a fantasy novel.

-Not everything that you read has to be a fantasy novel... -Loki sighed, rolling his eyes -. Well. That changes things.

-Really? -Jarek asked, starting to feel a little guilty for not ever having learned to read.

-Yes... -the lynx replied, while Raon returned the papers to him -. I thought perhaps the words of Mother Kara might make some sense when you were the one that were reading them.

-Make some sense? -Rukj repeated, raising an eyebrow.

-Well, the words she wrote here may make sense... or they may not -said Loki, blushing a little -. The problem is that the information from Mother Kara mainly comes from the visions she had, and they don't have any relationship with this world, and that makes her texts sometimes completely incomprehensible.

Jarek and Raon exchanged glances, and then both of them stared at the lynx, as if still not believing what they had just heard.

-Do you mean... -Raon began, in a tone of disbelief -... we are the ones who must give a sense to the words of Mother Kara?

Loki looked away, somewhat embarrassed.

-Well... yes. Exactly -the lynx finally uttered with a small voice -. I can try to help you understand if you want... after all, in the reflections of Mother Kara there is much symbolism regarding the order.

-Come on, in the end we have to do all the work ourselves -understood Jarek, frowning with a sullen expression.

-Make no mistake, Jarek -Rukj said seriously, at that time -. I remind you that if it were not for Loki, you would not even know of message that is written in these papers... and you still do not know to what extent you're going to need help. Do not discredit any help from the envoy of the Order.

Loki gave him a look of gratitude, while the copper wolf fell silent, feeling rather embarrassed. Then the lynx glanced at the papers he held in his hands, and suddenly his face grew more serious, as if inwardly he sensed that what he was about to read was something extremely solemn.

And the words that he read were these:

"The Vindicator will be the one who opens the scar, and the Links of the Chain will be responsible for healing it. Without the action of any of them, the disintegration of the Web would be imminent, and like a fly struggling in a dense web, we would wrap ourselves in the disaster that we have created.

We must not despair, since the arrival of the Links is not far away. The seventh descendant of the Vindicator, a Human raised among Beasts, and a Beast raised among Humans will be those who, through their decisions and actions, save what remains to be saved of our world.

Both will again connect the Web returning in place the Circle and showing the truth to all of us with memories and vivid images, they will help us to understand once and for all our gray past, the origin of all things. They will show the truth in our minds.

Only this way will we be what we were again. Only this way will save the Web.

The Vindicator awaits the Links at the foot of the mountains that open like daggers in the depths of the wilderness of our world. He will be the light to guides them on their way. Without it, our future is black and our lives in peril.

If the Links fail to find him, there will be no hope for the world. "

Loki finished reading, with a lump in his throat, and although his gaze slipped again as his blue eyes looked over the text, he did not hesitate to once more look at Jarek and Raon, who watched with astonishment. His last words reverberated for several seconds from the hillside they had settled their camp beside, and was lost into the silence, swallowed by the soft moan of the wind. Rukj had frowned and, with crossed arms, he silently watched Loki, his expression inscrutable.

The copper furred wolf and Human had been approaching one another during the course of the narrative, as if those words had further clenched the bond that existed between the two, and at that time, the Jarek's arm was around the Raon's waist, as if to protect him from any nonexistent danger. In fact, neither of them could quite understand what those words meant inside, which was really what the message entailed; but if they were sure of anything it was the strange anguish that soaked their soul during the lynx's reading.

It was a strange sensation and Raon, trying to take refuge from Jarek's touch, could not help thinking that it almost gave the feeling that those words belonged to a distant memory that, long ago, both had forgotten... Almost like a childhood dream that had been buried, after many years of painful existence, beneath the life that now both wanted tochange.

-Let's see if I understand... -Rukj then began, breaking the silence, with a tone of concern -. You said to me that we should head towards the moors, into the innermost inhospitable part of the Lands of the Beasts -he paused -. And the reason why we have to go there is because Jarek and Raon must meet with the old Vindicator? With Aron?

He let out the last word with a certain toughness, almost as if it was difficult for him to believe what he was saying, or as if the idea seemed absolutely ridiculous. Loki looked down, rather nervously.

-So it seems -he answered weakly.

-You might have told us before -Rukj growled, dryly -. So we could have saved ourselves this trip. This mission was doomed to disaster from the very beginning.

• What? -Jarek asked, waking from the strange trance that the lynx's words had plunged him into -. Why?

-Aron died over a hundred years ago -said the black wolf, without hiding his disappointment -. Yes, Raon is his seventh descendant, but that does not mean he is still alive. The words of the Mother Kara make absolutely no sense, not even to herself -he paused again, ignoring Loki's pained expression -. It is impossible for you meet him at any time, unless you dig his corpse full of worms up to ask if...

-Mother Kara knew what she was saying! -Loki interrupted him, rather annoyed and frowning -. Was not her prediction about the Vindicator fulfilled? Have not the two Links met?

-I understand your blind trust in that druidess, Loki, but you must understand my point -the black wolf sighed, looking away -. Aron can not still be alive. He just... can not.

-But why not? -Raon asked, though instantly felt stupid for doing it.

-More than one hundred years, Raon -Rukj replied, giving him a look of skepticism -. Nobody has heard from him since then, and it would be absurd to think he could still be alive in the wilderness somewhere, waiting for you to go to look for him...

The fire crackled and Jarek gave him a rather nervous look of warning. Raon, who sensed his worry, moved a little closer to him and then looked up Rukj, decisively.

-Well, of course it would be so foolish as to think that two young people of fifteen, a wolf and a Human, could end the hatred between our races.

Rukj opened his muzzle to say something, but found no words with which to contradict Raon at that point. Now satisfied, he grinned and slid his gaze to Loki, who seemed somewhat discouraged.

-We will go there -he promised, still smiling -. After all, we have already started the mission. I am willing to do everything that Mother Kara has decided to do, until the end. After all... we don't have that much more to do, right?

-That's true -said Loki, smiling.

All eyes focused on Rukj, who watched the scene with a gleam in his eyes of disbelief. Yet, he still seemed as unperturbed as ever.

-Okay -he murmured -. I will guide you there then. Although I hope, for our own good -he paused, glancing all present - that this trip worth it.