11 The first adventure 2

The sky is now dark when Simon and Igor get together. The group is mounting the camp while John sees the strange couple coming from behind a rock face. The scene in the eyes of the boy is something unimaginable. Of course, John has already heard that magic exists in the world, but today it is the second time he sees the power of the gods.

The first time was hours before when Shimmer treated his daughter's ankle only thanks to its magical light. Now what he sees is something more tangible and fascinating. The stones of the wall begin to fold over themselves like the sheet of a book, on each one shines a strange symbol. It is Igor that tracing with his finger this magic symbol is able to make the rocks bend to his will.

The dwarf tells Gregor what happened. Obviously no one believes that Simon managed to put a puma on his own. Everyone is more likely to believe that the puma was injured alone during the landslide.

Meanwhile, John tries to copy the symbol seen on the rocks but nothing happens. Simon approaching "It will never work, it is the unique ability of the dwarf. Apparently where he comes from is quite common. "

The night passes without problems. The boys share the guards with the other two men but fortunately no animal approaches the camp.

The next day, arrived early in the valley indicated by Simon, the group meets to decide what to do.

Simon "I know that from here you get directly to the border. One of these paths is our way. Now it's time for Selin to help us to avoid spending the next week here looking for the right one by exclusion. "

The girl approaches the various paths and begins to check "I would say that in these two often pass animals, the traces are confused. Traces can be seen coming and going. In this other, however, the traces are even stranger. they are from a few days ago but it is quite evident that they are not just animals. Do you see here? "

Pointing two furrows in the muddy ground "Here someone dragged something and I also find traces that could be boots."

Simon "Well then the job was faster than expected. I am convinced that this is our way. "

Gregor "If so, you've just earned your pay and save a lot of time. I am only sorry that the road is already used by some merchant, but there is no remedy for this. "

Simon laughing in a low voice "Who knows eheeh"

The group starts along the path that runs along the side of the mountain. The passage seems quite safe and its width allows us to walk in pairs. After half a day of walking they are only a few kilometers from a settlement.

Gregor "Well here it is! That is a village of the Lubestain. We did it. Now let's camp and tomorrow morning we'll start again for Vanein. Now that we know the way we can go back with what we need to trade. "

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The morning after the euphoric group returns to Vanein. When they are now halfway down the path, Gregor stops everyone. "Guys, there's a problem. Throughout the journey I used my skills to evaluate rocks, grasses and anything else that might have value. At this point and a little later there were a series of ermine dens. With the fur of that animal you can create clothes for the rich nobles. But now the holes are all broken and looking good I saw traces of blood. I believe a predator is in the area. We must be very careful. "

The group is preparing. Desmond, George and Gregor in front, shield and sword ready. At the bottom of the group, Michael and John, and everyone else in the center. Proceeding at a slow pace, George is the first to shout.

"In front of us, they are hidden in the snow. They look like magical beasts. I would not be wrong but they are white wolves. "

Gregor "As far as I know they attack in numerous herds. If you are bitten, the body starts to freeze. They use this ability to conserve prey for the whole winter. Do not be bitten! "

Suddenly John "I'm not sure but I seem to see something moving even in the snow back here."

Igor "It's not good at all, we're surrounded!"

Gregor "Do not lose your position! The path is tight they will have to face us a few at a time. "

The wolves hear the screams start at the assault. A dozen wolves on each side engage in battle. Others are waiting in the snow, Simon terrified thinks "Even if we had to resist the first wave sooner or later they will breach, they are too many. We need something to scare them. "

"Selin? With your ability, how much can your hands warm up? "

"I can boil the water in a few seconds, but the heat is only close to my hands so I can not heat too much of it all together."

Desmond meanwhile resists with the shield to the blow of a wolf's paw. With his sword he hits him on the shoulder. The scene slows down the assault of others who begin to study prey. On the other hand, the situation is not the most rosy. Michael with difficulty, waving his sword keeps his distance. John with the bow tries to hit the wolves but these easily shot all the blows "

Igor scared moves to the rear and after having enchanted a stone with a rune throws it between the assailants. The bang has the same effect as Desmond's blow and the wolves slow down the assault.

In the center, Simon is heating two pots of water and every time the water begins to boil, he takes it and throws it to the edge of the path. After a minute of trouble, he turns to the dwarf. "Prepare me two of those stones and when I tell you, throw them at the edge of the path. One in front and one in back. "

Gregor impatient "What a waste! Focus the fire on the beasts! "

The dwarf in turn "Do not worry young! I'll do as you asked me, I really want to see what you're doing this time. "

Simon "When one is weak, he has to make his brain spin fast if he wants to survive."

Wolves share the assault. In front of the three succeed in blocking the assault. Behind Shimmer takes care of hurling arrows while the other two using backpacks as shields try to keep the animals better away.

Suddenly an exaggerated roar. After having simultaneously thrown the water down from the edge of the path and two explosive stones a bit 'ahead and a bit' behind, a layer of snow comes off creating a landslide. Half of the hidden wolves are overwhelmed and transported away. The other half hidden in the snow begins to escape scared.

Only wolves engaged in combat remain in their positions. Desmond taking advantage of the fright, assaults a sword in the chest to the first wolf and aided by the momentum, pulls the sword and forming a bow over the shoulder hits the head of the second. George overwhelms the third wolf with his shield, unbalancing him down towards the valley.

Gregor saw the sudden reversal of situation runs in the rear and leaning shoulder to shoulder with the two boys and forming a kind of wall, push the wolves back.

Simon fascinated by the runes, he asks Igor to charm an arrow and hurl it among the wolves in the rear, he blinds a couple thanks to the glow of the explosion in midair. Gregor takes advantage of it and smashes a pair of beasts.

The animals, aware of having lost the numerical advantage and risking to lose other members of the herd, withdraw from the fight and escape among the snow-covered trees.

Simon drops to the ground. John burst into tears, hugging Gregor for saving him. Desmond cleans his sword and George is already telling Selin how he killed a beast by just pushing it.

The head of the boys stands up and after a short bow to the girl he comments, "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving us, Milady. Had it not been for you it would have been a good trouble. Thanks to your skill we were able to create that avalanche. "

Selin with cheeks all red "My skill! Thanks Simon! I thought it was only for cooking! "

Igor "Ahah young man you really are a trustworthy boss. That's why these guys follow you even if you're so weak. haha "

Gregor seeing the scene smiles "Wow, know that I would not bet a copper coin that you were useful in a fight and instead look a bit what you have combined. We do not stay here too much though, the wolves could reorganize themselves. "

George after the departure walks rather backward than Desmond to talk with Selin "However, do not worry, if anything happens, my shield will not let anyone go to you!"

The girl with dreamy eyes "George I want to ask you something, but you have to be honest, okay?"

"Of course, my lady!"

"Simon has the girl? Do you think I have a chance? You know, when I saw him, I thought he would just die walking all this way and instead have you seen what he did? What was he able to make me do? "

George disappointed "I do not even know if he likes girls, sometimes I hear that he talks to Desmond about a certain Elza, but I do not know her."

The girl with determined eyes "It's not important, if I have to fight I will not hold back!"