Ascension to Eternity

"What story do you have from the place you come from?" Salvianna inquires, settling into a comfortable position, prepared to listen.

"He was an older man who loved me. The woman who raised me, Syberta, a great fighter, said of old Berntunn that he had no family, but neither did he attract anyone around him. He was a loner. I trained daily with my bow and knives. Berntunn was passing by, always dressed the same, in shorts and a striped sweater, the way fishermen used to dress. He came up to me and said,

"Young man, stop being so strict with your life. I'll be back before nightfall, and if you're still here, we'll go to the women together."

We often talked together. Syberta wondered.

"All his life, he has not talked to anyone as much as he is talking to you in a while. After he couldn't fight anymore, you'd find him in the same place on a rock. He looked at the sky, the forest, the water, and even the ground for hours."

"Speak closer to my ear. I'm ninety-three years old, and I can't hear well anymore," he said, looking around and telling me in a conspiratorial air.

I was amused when I realized I had been talking for nothing without him hearing me.

The point is that after a while, he told me that he had lied to me.

"I lied to you that I can't hear well. I asked you to speak in my ear to feel you closer. You have no idea what your breath told me without you knowing. Do you know who your birth parents are? There is a forest where a community of humans live together with wolves. Not many people can boast of having met them. Searching for your past is essential for you. You draw circles in the sand until a rock catches your eye. Watching the stone until it changes shape, you will see much in it, even the trails of snails that have passed over it."

Salvianna is delighted to have encountered a man like Kaer. He not only saved her life at a moment when she believed herself to be beyond rescue but also recently provided her with moments of supreme feelings that any woman would desire. 

Salvianna listened to him until the end, then scored dry.

"Elder Berntunn was referring to the legend of the Lycans Pack. It is said that a pack of werewolves lives away from the eyes of the world in the Black Wildwood forest."

"Werewolves?"

"Yes, those who are half wolf and half man. They are creatures that can change form."

"Are they real?"

"Legend claims it to be true, yet the truth is still a mystery. It is said that a witch made a pact with the deities and gave birth to them. As for myself, I have never visited the Black Wildwood. Few people are allowed in because there is a lot of danger around them. Only the strongest and most determined adventurers can venture into that forest and come out alive."

"Do you think they could know something about me?"

"There is a chance, yes. It would be an arduous journey, but worth the risk." 

"If the Black Wildwood is my destiny, then I will go, regardless of the dangers. Even if this trip kills me, at least I will die knowing I did everything to find my truth."

Salvianna nodded with a smile.

"Do you know how to get there?"

"I don't know, but you can ask. For example, here in Castlecrest, you can look for Redowad. He is known to sell information for money."

Kaer kissed Salvianna.

"Thank you very much for your help. I'm preparing a reception for your sister. If she's still alive, I'll bring Enneta home."

Dressed in lighter clothes, Kaer ordered a drink at a table, offered drinks to strangers, and asked about Redowad.

Over the next two days, Kaer spent time in various taverns, meeting people and chatting with strangers, until a man approached his table and asked permission to sit down.

"Redowad, that's my name. I heard you were looking for me."

"So you hear well, but do you understand just as well?"

"Oh, the gentleman is tough. What can I help you with?"

"With information," Kaer said.

"What are you interested in?"

I will pay for any useful information, but on one condition: Keep it confidential. What do you say, Mr. Redowad?

"Agree. I will enjoy working together, even if you look dangerous," Redowad said.

Kaer placed a leather bag on the table.

"You have here a thousand gold coins. Who do I call to get me on the water safely?"

"Are you looking for something cheap or want to pay for the best?"

"The second option is acceptable."

"Ask about the pirate Gartonk. It is the most famous here and in many other parts of the world. It can take you where you want on the water."

"It's Good so far. If I reach the Black Wildwood, who should I look for in connection with those who live with the wolves?"

Redowad's eyes widened, and he shook his head slightly.

"What is said about these werewolves? How were they created?" 

"Many stories are told. Most are invented. They were not created from magic or any kind of alchemy. Their creation is unknown. They can take any form. Their eyes change color with the passing of time and their ears grow pointed. When they reach a certain age, they become immortal." 

"Do they exist?"

"I do not know. I have never met one," says Redowad.

"What do they look like?"

"They look like humans. But they can take on other forms. Some have pointed ears, some have round ones."

"Do they eat meat?"

"Yes. And they also eat flesh."

"How old are they?"

"They are always in their prime. They do not grow old."

"What is their weakness?"

"They are very susceptible to fire."

"Where are they from?"

"The earth. The trees."

"What about the sea? The rivers? What about the air?"

"The sea, the rivers, and the air are full of their scent. They smell like death."

"And the sun, does it rise and fall? Is the sky clear or cloudy?"

"The sky is clouded over by the fog of their breath. The moon is hidden behind the veil of their skin. They walk among us, hiding in plain sight."

"What are they called?"

"The werewolf. The vampire. The ghost. The zombie. The ghoul."

"And what about us? What do we call ourselves?"

"The human."

"Why is it different?"

"It's not. We are all the same. Where will I find you tomorrow?" asked Redowad.

"Ask the innkeeper at the Blue Dragon to show you my room. Put a ticket under the door."

Kaer placed another bag of one thousand gold coins on the table, saluted, and left.