Marcus lifted the mage carefully, her limp body draped over his shoulder as he adjusted his grip, to hold her steady. The mage’s head rolled against his back, face pale and drawn.

Adrian walked just a few paces ahead, scanning the path for any hidden roots or rocks, glancing back every so often to check on the others. The archer, barely keeping her balance, leaned heavily on the rogue, who had fortunately woken up just in time to help. Everyone looks like they've been through a lot. I hope this camp isn’t much farther.

Soon, the light from a campfire was visible up ahead. Adrian quickened his pace, pushing aside a few overgrown branches as he led the way into a modest clearing where the adventurer's camp had been set up.

The rogue helped the archer to a patch of ground next to her bedroll, and she sank down gratefully, bow slipping from her grasp to rest beside her. She rubbed her shoulders and let out a long breath. “Nothing feels better than this right now."

She shifted on the bedroll, closing her eyes as she leaned back, relaxing as she let her weight settle into the ground. Marcus lowered the mage gently onto another bedroll, brushing a stray leaf from her forehead before straightening up and rolling his shoulder.

Adrian settled onto a nearby log, then looked around at the group, observing the mix of relief and weariness in their faces.“So… who exactly are you people?"

Marcus glanced at him, a faint smile breaking the lines of exhaustion on his face. “Just regular ol' adventurers,” he replied with a hint of pride.

He pointed to the archer, who offered a weak smile from where she sat. “That’s Anisa, our resident sharpshooter."

“Over there,” Marcus continued, nodding toward the bedroll where the mage was resting, “is Helen, our mage. She's done a lot for us… maybe a bit too much this time.”

Finally, he turned to the rogue, who had silently taken a seat beside Anisa, busying himself with examining a small cut on his arm. The rogue looked up, meeting Adrian’s gaze with an appraising glint in his eyes.

“And this one’s Seth. He gets in and out of places before you even notice.”

Adrian shifted slightly on the log. “Name’s Adrian. And I uh, I got lost,” he said, offering a slight smile. No need to go into every detail, it'll be hard to explain things as is.

Immediately, Anisa let out a sudden laugh. “There’s no way you’re just some kid. Not after what we saw back there.” She leaned forward slightly, despite her obvious exhaustion. “Let me guess… a wandering mage-in-training? Or maybe you're the son of some great archmage?"

Adrian forced a chuckle, lifting his hands in mock surrender. “I promise you, I’m really just a kid who got lost.”

Seth snorted, a smirk playing on his lips as he shook his head. “Lost or not, you pack a punch most ‘kids’ wouldn’t dream of. Are you really just some random boy?"

"I am, but whether you believe me or not is a different issue."

"Don't take it personally kid, but I think even you understand that it's really weird how a group of experienced adventurers have to be bailed out by some kid who just happened to wander in the woods."

"That's… fair, but the fact is that's exactly what happened."

"Oh that I can agree on, but my real problem is—"

Marcus raised a hand. “That's enough. Adrian saved our lives, it’s not our place to pry if he’s not willing to share.”

Adrian met Marcus’s gaze and nodded, appreciation shining in his eyes. “Thank you.”

He paused, looking around at the group, their bruises, cuts, and the weight of exhaustion etched into every face. “Anyway, what brought all of you out here in the first place?”

Marcus leaned back, letting out a tired sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. “We’d just wrapped up a dungeon run a few miles north of here. We were heading back to Willowbrook, a small town nearby, hoping to rest up and resupply.”

Anisa, reclining on her bedroll, let out a snort. “Except we weren’t exactly expecting to be chased down by trolls. Thought we were in the clear, and then one troll turned into five.”

Marcus nodded, grimacing at the memory. “We would’ve been done for if you hadn’t shown up. You saved our lives, Adrian, no question.”

Adrian shrugged modestly. “Happy to help. You all looked like you could use an extra hand.”

But then Seth’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he tilted his head, scrutinizing Adrian’s left arm. “Don't mean to be rude, but what's up with those strange marks on your arm? Didn’t see the arm move once all this time either."

Marcus shot Seth a quick look. “Seth, that’s… a little forward, don’t you think?”

"No, it's fine." Adrian said.

He held up his good hand, offering a small shake of his head. “It’s because of a curse. Triggered it by accident while exploring some ruins.” Hopefully this sounds plausible enough.

Anisa raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “A curse from exploring ruins? You sure you’re not pulling our leg, kid?”

Adrian’s heart skipped, a pang of uncertainty creeping in. He tensed, hoping they wouldn’t press further. Was that too far-fetched? He searched their faces, his fingers fidgeting against his knee. But before he could respond, Marcus interjected, giving Anisa a sidelong glance.

“After what we’ve seen from him tonight, I’d believe it,” Marcus said.

Seth didn’t say a word, only grunted softly, but Adrian could tell the rogue’s curiosity hadn’t vanished. At least they’re not questioning me outright. He let out a slow breath, nodding in acknowledgment toward Marcus. “Thank you. And like I said, I was happy to help.”

The silence that followed was heavy, but not uncomfortable. They each seemed to savor the respite, the chance to simply breathe and let the adrenaline drain away.

After a moment, Anisa leaned forward, her gaze lingering on the glowing embers. “You know, we don’t often run into someone out here who can wield fire like you do. Did someone teach you?”

“Yeah… someone did teach me,” Adrian said quietly. Dodging all these questions isn't going to be easy. Hopefully something happens to distract everyone.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

As if sensing the shift in his thoughts, Mimi padded up from his lap and climbed onto his shoulder, curling her small form against his neck. Her green flames flickered softly, casting a gentle glow that danced along his cheek.

Anisa’s eyes widened as she took in Mimi’s emerald-green gaze and the delicate way her fiery tail flicked back and forth. “Aww, who is this little beauty? I’ve never seen anything like her.”

Adrian allowed a small smile to tug at his lips. “This is Mimi,” he said, gently stroking the small fox’s back. “My… master entrusted her to me as a companion. She’s been by my side ever since.”

The admiration in Anisa’s gaze deepened, and she extended her hand carefully, fingers hovering near Mimi as if asking for permission. Mimi looked at Adrian for reassurance before leaning forward and nudging Anisa’s hand with her nose. Anisa’s face lit up, and she gently stroked Mimi’s soft, flickering fur.

Marcus watched them with a soft smile before looking back at Adrian. “So… this master of yours, is she the one who taught you fire magic?”

Adrian nodded. Excellent, they seem to be buying it. “She taught me everything I know. But one day, she disappeared without a trace. I’ve been trying to find her ever since.”

Marcus’s gaze softened. “That’s a tough thing, kid. But you’re welcome to stick with us for as long as you need. We’d be glad to look after you until you find what you’re looking for.”

He turned toward Anisa, as if seeking her agreement, but found her entirely engrossed in Mimi. She was scratching the fox’s ear, an expression of pure delight on her face. Mimi’s eyes closed, her small body leaning into the affectionate touch.

Anisa finally looked up, blinking as if she’d forgotten where she was. “What’s up?”

Marcus let out a chuckle, and Seth’s lips curved into a smirk. “I think Adrian and his little friend have a new fan."

Anisa shrugged, unembarrassed, and scratched Mimi behind the ears once more. “Can you blame me? I mean, look at her! Isn't that right you cutie?"

In response, Mimi let out a pleased trill, nuzzling her head against Anisa’s hand. Adrian couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Good to see that Mimi is growing more comfortable with people.

Marcus clapped his hands together, his voice low but firm enough to draw everyone's attention. “Alright, listen up. We’ve had a rough day, but let’s get some rest. We’ll start heading back at dawn, and with any luck, we’ll reach Willowbrook in a few days or less. Sound good?”

Anisa, still petting Mimi, let out a soft groan, leaning back against her bedroll. “Sunset feels like ages away."

Seth shrugged, checking his dagger and tucked it back in its sheath. “The sooner we’re out of this forest, the better. I don’t care for any more surprises.”

Adrian nodded in quiet agreement. Though he’d managed to keep his energy steady through the evening, he could feel the edges of fatigue creeping in. A full day’s walk... I’ll manage, he thought, glancing at Mimi, who was now curled contentedly in Anisa’s lap.

Honestly, these people are pretty nice. Maybe eventually, I can convince one or two of them to help me with finding Seven and Sister Selena. I'll have to find the right time to ask for that kind of favor though.

***

Adrian stirred as a warm, gentle tickling brushed across his nose. He scrunched his face, trying to hold on to sleep, but a soft, insistent lick forced his eyes open. Mimi’s eyes were inches from his, her little tongue darting out to nudge him awake again.

Adrian chuckled, reaching up to scratch behind her ears. “Alright, alright, I’m awake.”

He rubbed his eyes, sitting up slowly as Mimi gave a soft, encouraging trill. “Are the others up yet?"

Mimi’s bright gaze held steady, and she gave a tiny nod. Adrian took a deep breath, stretching out his arms. “Guess I should go say hi, then.”

He slipped on his boots, feeling the cool earth beneath his fingers as he pushed himself to his feet. The tent flaps rustled softly as he stepped outside, and the crisp morning air filled his lungs.

The group was gathered near the fire, where the remains of last night’s embers had been rekindled into a steady, comforting warmth. The smell of something simple but hearty filled the air: porridge, maybe, with a faint hint of roasted herbs. Anisa held a steaming tin cup close, cupping it with both hands as she took a sip.

Adrian’s gaze shifted, catching sight of Helen the mage. She sat quietly beside Marcus, her back straight despite the unmistakable exhaustion that lined her face. But she smiled faintly when she noticed Adrian, lifting a weak hand in greeting. She’s pushing herself to be here, even after all she went through.

Anisa spotted him next and gave a lazy wave. “Morning, Adrian. Glad to see you didn’t oversleep."

Marcus nodded in greeting, gesturing to a pot resting near the fire, a small wooden ladle sticking out of it. “Come join us. We’ve got just enough porridge left for you."

Adrian took a seat on a flat rock near the fire, savoring the warmth that contrasted with the brisk morning air. He glanced at Mimi, who had settled beside him and looked up at the others, her green flames flickering softly.

“Looks like everyone’s awake and ready,” he murmured, mostly to himself, as he accepted a bowl and took his first bite. The porridge was plain but comforting.

Marcus glanced at Adrian with a small nod, then turned to Helen, who was sitting quietly across the fire. “Helen, I’d like you to properly meet Adrian. He’s the one who helped you with your… situation last night.”

A faint, grateful smile touched Helen's lips as she straightened slightly. “Thank you, Adrian. They told me what you did, I'm not sure how you pulled it off, but the results speak for themselves.

Adrian waved a hand, brushing off the praise with a modest smile. “It was nothing, really. How are you feeling?”

Helen took a steadying breath, wrapping her fingers around the tin cup in her lap. “Better… but I need to go easy on talking for a bit.”

Seth glanced over, raising an eyebrow as he gave her a faint smirk. “Then maybe you should follow your own advice and rest up."

Helen’s smile grew a fraction wider, and she nodded. “I’ll… I’ll try. Thanks.”

Anisa, who had been observing the exchange with an amused glint in her eyes, grinned and leaned forward. “Aww, look at you two,” she teased.

Both Seth and Helen flushed a deep shade of red, their gazes darting away from each other. Seth cleared his throat, his expression shifting into a frown as he looked pointedly at the fire, while Helen hid her face behind her cup, trying to stifle a smile.

Marcus chuckled, a hearty laugh that seemed to ease the morning chill. “Alright, alright, enough teasing for now. Let’s get a move on.” he said, giving Anisa a look that was both amused and gently reproachful.

Anisa held up her hands in mock surrender, still grinning, and then got to her feet. “Fair enough. Guess it’s time to shake off the morning cobwebs.”

Seth rose next, slinging his pack over one shoulder, though Adrian didn’t miss the slight glance he gave Helen as she stood up slowly, still looking a bit pale. Adrian watched her, his own thoughts drifting to what he could do to help her if her symptoms flared up again. She should be fine, probably.

As they finished packing up, Marcus clapped his hands once, signaling the group to fall into line. He took the lead, guiding them along a narrow, well-trodden path winding through the trees. "If nothing else, let's move."

They walked at a steady pace, the crunch of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds breaking the silence. Marcus kept a close eye on their surroundings, his steps confident and sure, while

Anisa fell into step beside Adrian, her eyes sweeping over the trail ahead. “So, Adrian, ever been to Willowbrook?”

He shook his head. “Can’t say I have, unfortunately."

Anisa’s face brightened with a hint of enthusiasm. “It’s a cozy place. There’s this little inn by the main square that serves the best stew, thick enough to stand a spoon in. Trust me, after a—"

Seth suddenly held up his hand. “Quiet! We’ve got a thunder wolf up ahead.”

Adrian followed Seth’s gaze and spotted a massive wolf with thick, gray fur that bristled with arcs of blue lightning crackling along its coat. Two twisted horns jutted from its head, curling back in sharp arcs, and its eyes glowed an eerie yellow. The ground sizzled beneath its paws, faint scorch marks trailing wherever it stepped.

Helen moved closer to the others, whispering, “Is there any way we can go around it? That thing looks ready to fry anything in its path.”

Anisa shook her head, her gaze serious. “No chance. This is the narrowest part of the trail. Even if we tried to double back and take another route, thunder wolves can sense movement through vibrations in the ground.”

Marcus let out a shaky chuckle, glancing between the wolf and his companions. “Of all the luck in the world, we had to stumble into this. Trolls yesterday, now thunder wolves? I’m starting to think someone’s cursed us.”

Adrian kept his eyes on the wolf. Then, he took a slow breath, letting a plan form in his mind. “Stay calm everyone, I’ve got an idea.”