Arin awoke to the sound of rain tapping softly against a wooden roof. His body ached, and his leg throbbed with a dull pain. He blinked, his vision blurry, trying to make sense of his surroundings. A rough voice broke through the surroundings surprising Arin.

"So, you’ve opened your eyes, boy."

Arin's vision slowly cleared, revealing a small, muscular man beside him. The man wore simple white clothes, his beard hanging down ruggedly, and his face bore a few wrinkles that spoke of a hard life. His eyes, however, were sharp and attentive.

"Where am I?" Arin managed to speak, with his weak voice and dry throat.

The man crossed his arms, studying him for a moment before answering. "You're in my cabin, deep in the forest. You were unconscious, half-dead, after that storm passed through."

Arin tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through his leg. He glanced down to see it bandaged carefully. "Who brought me here?" he asked, curiosity mixing with gratitude.

The man grunted, waving off the thanks. "Name's Galen. It was Dustin who brought you in from the forest. He found you just in time."

Arin nodded slowly, his mind still foggy. "I'm Arin. I was... I was trying to get back to my mother."

Galen's expression softened slightly. "Must've been a strong lad to survive that. But you're lucky Dustin found you. The forest can be a cruel place for a child like you."

Arin looked around the small, cozy cabin. It was simple, with wooden furniture and a few shelves lined with jars and tools. A fire crackled warmly in the hearth, casting a comforting glow. The cabin was filled with the scent of herbs and medicines, and Arin noticed a sturdy wooden cabinet against one wall. Its shelves were stocked with various bottles and jars, some filled with dried plants, others with colorful liquids. Bandages and medical supplies were neatly arranged alongside strange, rune-inscribed tools.

Arin's gaze shifted to a window that offered a view of the outside world. Through the rain-streaked glass, he could see other small houses clustered together, forming a village nestled within the forest. The homes were built with sturdy wood and stone, their roofs peaked and chimneys puffing thin trails of smoke into the air. he was busy observing the surroundings from the window. But if one could see Arin was looking at the people he was surprised seeing them everyone was as short as him but everyone was muscular.

He turned back to Galen, curiosity piqued. "Why is everyone here so short?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Galen let out a hearty laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "We’re dwarfs, lad. Built different from you taller folk. Have you never heard of us from your parents? Did you live in a mountain or something?"

Arin shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips despite the pain. "I guess I didn't know much about dwarfs. I don't know about anything other than beasts ."

Galen chuckled, stroking his beard. "Well, you’re in our village now. Dwarfs have been living here for generations, away in this forest. We might be short, but we’re strong and resourceful. And we know how to take care of our own."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Arin felt a sense of relief and gratitude. Despite the strange turn of events, he was safe for now. "Thank you, Galen. For everything."

Galen's expression shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing as he regarded Arin. "Rest up, Arin. We’ll get you back on your feet soon enough. But you should know, that Dustin made me work all night to treat you. Used up some of my precious potions on your leg."

Arin noticed a hint of something in Galen's tone—perhaps a reminder that nothing comes without a cost. He nodded, understanding the unspoken expectation. "I'll find a way to repay you. "

Galen's expression softened again, and he gave a curt nod. "We’ll discuss that when you're better. For now, just rest ."

The evening air was cool and lively as Arin lay on the small bed in Galen's cabin, the sounds of the village settling around him. The pain in his leg had subsided to a dull throb, thanks to the dwarf’s careful treatment and potions. As he stared at the wooden ceiling, thoughts of his mother and the storm swirled in his mind.

A knock on the door broke the peace. Galen, who had been tending to the fire, glanced up. "Come in," he called as if expecting someone already.

The door creaked open, revealing a sturdy dwarf with a thick black beard and strong, muscular arms. He wore simple but well-crafted clothes, the kind that suggested a life of hard labor. His eyes, dark and sharp, scanned the room before settling on Arin.

"Dustin," Galen greeted, standing up. "Good to see you."

Dustin nodded, stepping inside. "How's the boy?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Arin tried to sit up, wincing slightly. "I'm okay," he replied, looking curiously at the newcomer.

Dustin gave a small, acknowledging nod. "Aye, I did. Went into the forest to gather wood for making coal. Helps with my smithing. Didn't expect to find a young lad like you, injured and alone."

Arin's eyes widened. "Thank you for saving me."

Dustin waved off the gratitude. "It was the right thing to do. Couldn't just leave you there."

Galen motioned for Dustin to take a seat. "He’s been resting well. Should be back on his feet soon enough." He discussed with Galen and turned toward Arin

Dustin sat down, his gaze thoughtful as he regarded Arin. "You don’t seem to know much about the world outside, do you?"

Arin shook his head. "No, I don’t. I’ve lived in the forest with my mother for as long as I can remember. She told me stories, but I’ve never been anywhere else."

Dustin's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Never met a dwarf, then?"

"No," Arin admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Dustin chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "Well, now you have. Dwarfs like us have been living in these parts for generations. We’re muscular

, good with our hands. I’m a blacksmith, as you might’ve guessed. Make all sorts of tools and weapons."

Arin's curiosity was piqued. "Do you make everything yourself?"

"Mostly," Dustin replied, a note of pride in his voice. "Takes skill and patience. And a lot of good coal, which is why I was out in the forest."

Arin nodded, absorbing the information.

As the conversation continued, a loud growl interrupted them. Arin's stomach grumbled, making him flush with embarrassment. Dustin and Galen exchanged amused glances.

"Sounds like the lad could use a bite to eat," Dustin said with a chuckle. He stood up and moved to a small cabinet in the corner, opening it to reveal a variety of foods and supplies. He picked out a ripe, colorful fruit and handed it to Arin. "Here, try this."

Arin took the fruit eagerly, his hunger overriding his manners. Without thinking, he bit into it ravenously, juice dripping down his chin as he devoured it with the ferocity of a wild animal. Dustin and Galen watched in stunned silence.

When Arin finished, his stomach grumbled again, even louder than before. Dustin raised an eyebrow, exchanging a look with Galen.

"Are you a beast or something?" Galen asked, half-jokingly.

Arin looked up, confused and slightly embarrassed. "I’m sorry... I was really hungry."

Dustin chuckled, shaking his head. "You eat like you've been starved for days. But no worries, lad. We’ll get you fed properly."

Galen sighed, still amused. "Just try to remember your manners next time. You’re among friends here."

Arin nodded sheepishly, grateful for their understanding. Despite the awkward moment, he felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time. As the evening wore on, he listened to Dustin and Galen

Dustin's expression softened slightly. "Just glad I could help. But remember, lad, you’ll need to repay the kindness. Galen and I used up valuable supplies to get you back on your feet."

Arin nodded earnestly. "I understand. I’ll find a way to repay you both."

As the conversation lulled, Arin’s thoughts drifted back to the forest. He remembered the moment Dustin had found him, his vision blurry and his body weak.

Galen stood up, breaking the silence. "It’s getting late. You should get some rest, Arin. Dustin and I will be around if you need anything."

Arin nodded, settling back into the bed. "Thank you, both of you."

Dustin gave a curt nod, standing to leave. "Rest well, lad. You’ve got a lot to recover from."

As the door closed behind them, Arin stared at the wooden ceiling, his mind a swirl of gratitude, curiosity, and determination. He knew he had a long journey ahead.