I made my way through the forest, feeling a slight weariness and weakness from the fall, but determination would not let me go. The sky was strewn with stars, and rare beams of moonlight broke through the thick canopies of trees, illuminating my steps. I tried to tread carefully, for it was easy to get lost or fall into a trap in an unfamiliar forest.

Suddenly, a faint smell of smoke wafted towards me. I froze, listening, and heard sounds: muffled laughter, a voice full of malice, coarse whispers. A heavy scent reached my nostrils, reminiscent of decay. Striving to make no sound, I slid forward, trying to locate the source of the noise.

As I approached, I saw a camp. Rough and massive figures sat around a fire. There were five of them. All were carelessly dressed, exuding vulgarity and depravity, their faces smeared with dirt and twisted into ghastly grins. One of them, apparently the leader, lazily reached towards the fire, a knife glinting in his hand. His movements were quick and cruel, much like his entire demeanor.

Watching them, I felt a cold resolve rising within me. But what compelled me to act was the sight of a fragile elven girl tied to a stake by the fire, looking almost my age. Her clothes were torn and dirty, her face pale and gaunt. She looked like a small, lost creature. I saw the fear in her eyes, a fear born alongside those wretches.

I must help her. There is no other choice.

I needed to act quickly and quietly. Taking a deep breath, I tried to restrain myself from launching an immediate attack and planned my course of action. I would have to take them out one by

one—remove each without raising the alarm. I drew my dagger, and the blood rushed in my ears.

I crept up to the nearest slaver, who sat with his back to the fire, rummaging through his bag in search of food. Silently approaching from behind, I delivered a swift strike to his neck. He gasped, the sound barely escaping his lips before it was cut off as I lowered his body to the ground.

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While the others laughed at some joke, I slid over to the next one, and then to the third, taking them out just as quickly and silently. Two left. The tension was building, but I tried to keep my composure.

The fourth one was slightly more attentive; catching some noise, he turned around, his eyes flashing with suspicion. I froze, holding my breath in the shadows of the trees. He looked around, muttering something about “beasts in the woods,” and returned to the fire. That moment was enough for

me—I attacked him from behind, fast and soundless.

However, the leader, with the scar on his face and a heavy, corrupt gaze, noticed my approach. He lunged for his sword and jumped towards me, his face contorted in an angry grimace.

— Little pup! Do you think you can take me on? — he roared, thrusting his sword at me with terrifying force.

I tightened my grip on the dagger and stepped forward to meet him. We clashed in combat, and with each strike, I felt his strength surpassing mine. Blow after blow, the metal rang, sparks flew in all directions, and I stubbornly held on, dodging and searching for a weak spot. He was a more experienced fighter, but I knew my chances were not solely dependent on luck.

He feinted left, and I barely managed to dodge to avoid being cut down in place. Focusing, I waited for my moment. Finally, his defense faltered, and I made a sharp maneuver, deflecting his sword to the side and delivering a strike that caught him off guard. The leader staggered and fell.

When the last enemy fell, I approached the elven girl. Her delicate hands trembled, and her face was dirty, but even in this helpless state, she radiated a strange nobility. I extended my hand to help her up, and she hesitated before placing her cold fingers in my palm.

— You are safe, — I said quietly, trying to sound soothing. — My name is Ellard. I will help you get out of here.

She looked at me with surprise, her large eyes reflecting disbelief, but then something softened in her gaze. She got up, her clothes tattered and dirty, but her look remained clear and piercing.

— Thank you… Ellard, — she whispered in a trembling voice. — I… my name is Sianna.

Now, standing beside her, I understood that salvation was only the beginning.

New dangers and a long journey awaited us ahead. But looking at this fragile figure, I knew I would allow nothing and no one to harm her.