NOVEL WEB Chapter 4: The battle with the wolves
The next day, after the grueling battle with the goblins, Sebastian found himself facing a new challenge alongside Roland's team—the wolves. The howls of the pack echoed through the Enchanted Forest, sending shivers down their spines. The air smelled of pine and damp earth, with a trace of musk that chilled them to the bone.
"Listen up, everyone," Roland commanded, his voice as firm as steel. "We're up against wolves this time. Liam, be ready to use your agility and strike swiftly. Markus, your strength will be crucial in fending them off. And Sebastian, we'll rely on your archery skills and knowledge of plant-based poisons to support us in this fight."
Tension hung heavy in the air as they ventured deeper into the forest. From the shadows emerged the wolves, their yellow eyes gleaming with savage hunger. Their coarse, gray fur bristled with every agitated breath, and the stench of raw meat wafting from their jaws turned their stomachs.
The battle erupted in a flurry of movement and fury. Liam moved among the wolves like a shadow, his twin blades flashing in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the branches. He dodged snapping jaws with nimble twists and delivered quick, precise cuts, leaving a trail of dark blood on the fallen leaves. Markus, with a guttural roar, swung his sword with brute force, driving back the wolves with each blow. The impact of his steel against flesh and bone resonated with a sickening crunch.
Sebastian tightened the string of his bow, focusing on his breathing. His fingers moved with precision as he adjusted the arrow. He aimed at the closest wolf, tracking its movement with his gaze. He released the arrow, which hissed through the air and embedded itself in the animal's flank. The wolf howled in pain and staggered, but didn't fall.
Sebastian quickly rummaged in his pouch, pulling out a small glass vial containing a greenish liquid. Carefully, he smeared the tip of another arrow with the poison extracted from strange flowers he'd collected during their journey. The liquid shimmered briefly in the sunlight. He drew back the bowstring again, aimed, and fired. This time, the venom worked quickly. The wolf convulsed and collapsed, its legs twitching.
A wolf lunged at Liam, who barely managed to dodge its snapping jaws. The brush of its fangs tore his tunic sleeve and left a shallow cut on his arm. Liam cursed under his breath, clutching his wound. Blood began to drip onto the ground.
Markus, focused on protecting Sebastian from another wolf that was circling behind him, took a bite on his leg. The wolf clamped its powerful jaws into his flesh, and Markus cried out in pain. With a furious swing of his sword, he managed to break free, but the wound bled freely.
The battle raged on, a cacophony of growls, howls, the clang of metal, and the acrid smell of blood. Sebastian, his heart pounding, continued to fire poisoned arrows, trying to protect his companions. He saw the blood on Liam's arm and the wound on Markus's leg, and felt a pang of worry.
Finally, the last wolf fell, leaving a sudden silence that echoed even louder in the forest. The three of them breathed heavily, their bodies aching and covered in sweat and blood. Markus leaned on his sword, limping visibly. Liam clutched his arm, his face pale.
Roland wiped a hand across his sweaty face. "Well done… I think we need a rest."
They approached the fallen wolves, collecting some parts that could serve as food. Roland, with a determined look, volunteered to cook the meat. The crackling fire offered a respite from the tense atmosphere. The smell of roasting meat mingled with the scent of smoke and damp earth.
Markus, wincing in pain, sat by the fire, inspecting his wound. "Thanks for the help back there, Sebastian. Those poisons of yours were key."
Liam nodded, his face still pale. "Yeah, thanks. That bite wasn't pleasant."
Sebastian nodded with a slight smile, relieved the battle was over. "Just did what I could. But we should clean those wounds before they get infected."
Roland watched them with a serious expression. "Sebastian, you have a talent. But remember, in the forest, even victory comes at a price."
Silence fell over the group, broken only by the crackling fire and the sound of the wind through the trees. Night descended upon the forest, shrouding everything in shadows. Roland assigned the watches, and one by one, they drifted into an uneasy sleep.