As they walked to Ursa, Thaddeus heard the distinct clink and jingle of the Bearmen’s dæmons. They traveled at a steady pace for weeks, staying as much as possible in the cover of trees and brush. The hot August sun scorched them like a mad demon terrorizing them in waves of heat. Thaddeus and Sabrina rode alongside the marching war band. Sweat poured down Thaddeus’ face and drenched his clothes. His white undershirt stuck to his chest, and his body stunk of a musky scent.

Despite the sweat and musk, Thaddeus enjoyed the travel through the unknown forest. Sabrina, on the other hand, looked miserable. She wore a scowl on her face. Her gentle demeanor was replaced by a hot temper, one that matched her sunburn.

“We’re just west of clearing. We’ll settle down there for the night. There’s a spring drinking and bathing,” the eldest Bearman announced.

Hearing the word “bathing,” Sabrina’s countenance greatly improved.

The small clearing was at the base of a hill with brush on two sides that made it secluded. There was a stone fire ring in the center, with charcoal logs, that had been used sometime in the past to cook. Around the fire pit were large logs resembling benches to sit and stay warm. Thaddeus, Sabrina, and the warband collapsed weary from their travels onto the logs.

However, they only sat and rested for a minute, before Armstrong started shouting orders to refill the water flask, finding kindling, and hut game. Thaddeus was used to these orders, and usually, the most arduous task went to him. He knew they were testing him, but he didn’t care.

“Halfling, today’s your turn to hunt and cook. Human girl go refill the water flask,” Armstrong ordered.

“Call me girl one more time, and I’ll burn all your hair off with this potion,” Sabrina shouted angrily.

“Fine. Go refill the water flask,” Armstrong cowed, remembering the last time Sabrina attacked him with a potion that caused him indigestion and diarrhea.

With her victory, Sabrina stormed off to fulfill her task. Thaddeus couldn't help but admire her spirit, even with Armstrong’s higher stats and being a warband commander, she wasn’t afraid to stand up to him. He watched her disappear into the brush; her resolve as fiery as the sun that had tormented them throughout the day.

With Sabrina off to gather water and the Bearmen setting up camp, Thaddeus turned his attention to the task assigned to him. Polymorphing into a bear, he raced off to hunt. Quietly, he stalked prey downwind like Dhruvah had taught him. His sharp hearing could detect the various animals, birds, and insects.

Thaddeus moved with practiced ease, his senses attuned to the slightest rustle of leaves or snap of a twig that might betray the presence of his quarry. The hunt was something familiar, a reminder of the days he spent with Dhruvah and Brax. Sniffing the ground, he picked up the scent of a herd of caribou. Just from the smell, he could glimpse the outline of the stag and does who left the trace. Making his way through a dense thicket, he crept along stealthily smelling the scent along the way. Just where the trail ended, he could make the herd of caribou he tracked.

From the brush, Thaddeus watched the herd with a predator's focus. The caribou grazed, oblivious to the danger lurking at the edge of the thicket. Thaddeus waited patiently, pinpointing where he would strike. Feeding five Bearmen required several pounds of meat. His heartbeat and breathing were in rhythm with the natural world around him.

Finally, the moment arrived. A small group had separated slightly from the herd and provided the opportunity he had been waiting for. With a burst of speed, he charged out first on four legs then on two, jumping into the air he took out his axe from this storage ring and sliced four deer at once. The caribou, startled, scattered in panic, but it was too late Thaddeus’s battle instincts took over, and in moments, the hunt was over, Thirty deer lay dead. Putting his axe and the caribou into the storage ring, he quickly began field-dressing the deer.

Meanwhile, Sabrina reached the spring and undressed. The serene beauty and gentle water cooled her temper. The soap from her storage was like balm to her sunburnt skin and frayed nerves. The peace of the moment allowed her to reflect on the journey, and whether she was truly able to stand by Thaddeus. The challenges he faced were difficult and seemed insurmountable to her. Yet he found the strength each time, could she say the same? Returning to the present, she quickly finished bathing before walking upstream to fill the flask.

By the time Sabrina returned to camp, Thaddeus was roasting venison steaks and racks of ribs. Seeing her brought a smile to his face. Just from looking at her, he could tell she felt refreshed, and her mood was visibly lighter. It was clear to him; that the bath had not only washed away the grime and sweat from the travel but also soothered her spirit.

“Dinner smells good,” she complimented noticing the skillfully butchered filets.

“I used to cook a lot when I was homesteading. But it’s one of the things I gave up when the residents arrived.”

“I never asked, but how’d you learn to cook?”

“Michelle, Josh’s wife in White Pines, gifted me some of her cookbooks: [Cooking for Novices], [Edible Plants, Herbs, and Flora for Novices], and [Campfire Cooking]. Thanks to her, I was able to pick up herbs and vegetables on the way back.” Thaddeus explained how he picked up the scent of wild herbs and vegetables. In the underbrush, he found rosemary, thyme, garlic, safe, potatoes, and mushrooms.

As the sky darkened, Thaddeus finished cooking. The aroma of grilled venison and the warm glow of the campfire filled the clearing as night descended upon the group. The Bearmen, drawn by the scent of cooking meat, gathered around the fire. The Bearmen warriors did their best to hide their salivation from smelling the mouthwatering aroma. The fire crackled, as they sat down to eat.

Thaddeus offered a humble smile, passing a plate of herb-crusted venison fillets with roasted potatoes to Sabrina. On her plate sat fillets of venison coated in a crust of finely chopped herbs and garlic, served atop a bed of oven-roasted carrots and potatoes, with sautéed wild mushrooms as a garnish.

Then he served the rest of the group pot roast with herb vegetables, skewers, fillets, and braised ribs. The Bearmen tore into the food with a frenzy. They gulped down the pot roast with thick strips of venison and a medley of aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables. They wiped clean the grilled skewers marinated venison cubes, garlic roasted carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. Finally, they swallowed fillets and the tender braised ribs with an herbaceous sauce.

When everyone finished eating their bellies protruded and their eyes struggled to open. The Bearmen, notorious for their hearty appetites, were visibly impressed by Thaddeus's culinary prowess. The warmth of the fire and the satisfaction of a delicious meal created an atmosphere of camaraderie and peace, a stark contrast to the day's earlier tensions and the harsh journey that lay behind them.

“I never thought, I be able to eat the comforts of home on the trail. Cub, you are quite talented,” said the oldest Bearman.

“Halfling your cooking is commendable. When your fraud is exposed, I’ll have your sentence commuted if you swear to serve me as my chef!” Armstong praised.

“You’ll never get a complimented from Armstrong, he loves our aunt too much!” laughed the youngest Bearman. “Thank you, Thaddeus,” his voice soft with genuine appreciation.

“Bel—” Armstrong started to say, “That’s enough!” Armstrong, the once stern, and imposing figure now appeared more relaxed and approachable, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Those siblings always fight!” the last Bearman laughed.

The eldest Bearman, his voice deep and resonant, spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over the group. “Tonight, you've honored us, cub. Your skill and generosity have shown us the strength of your character.”

“Don’t forget you have first watch Halfling!” Armstrong ordered, turning in for the night.

As the fire dwindled and the night deepened, the group settled into a comfortable silence, each person lost in thought. Eventually, one by one, they began to retire for the night, seeking out their bedrolls and blankets. Thaddeus and Sabrina, left alone by the dying fire, shared a quiet moment, reflecting on the day and the journey ahead.

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“Today was a good day," Sabrina whispered, leaning her head on Thaddeus’ shoulder.

"It was," Thaddeus agreed, his voice low. "I’m glad you’re here. You know, you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. I admire how you threatened Armstrong.”

They watched the embers fade, the stars above shining brightly in the clear night sky. In the silence of the forest, with the Bearmen sleeping soundly around them, Thaddeus and Sabrina found a sense of peace and determination. They knew Ursa would be fraught with danger, but the unity and strength they had found in each other gave them hope.

In the morning, the camp stirred to life with the first light filtering through the trees, casting a soft glow over the slumbering figures. The night's tranquility gave way to the day's bustle as the Bearmen, and their human companions prepared for the journey ahead. The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves, the crackle of reignited fire, and the murmur of sleepy voices gradually gaining strength.

Sabrina, waking to the gentle nudges of Thaddeus, stretched, and smiled at the memory of the previous night's conversation. The warmth of his encouragement lingered with her, bolstering her confidence. She rose, determined to face the day's challenges with a newfound resilience.

Thaddeus, taking his duty as the first watch seriously had spent part of the night mulling over their path to Ursa. The camaraderie of the previous evening had strengthened the bonds between them all, yet he knew that the road ahead would test those bonds in ways they couldn't yet imagine.

The Bearmen, now fully awake, shared quick, hearty meals of leftover venison. The aroma of roasted meat filled the clearing once more, a final reminder of the previous night's feast. They packed their gear with practiced efficiency, the anticipation of reaching Ursa lending speed to their movements.

“We’ll be in Ursa by nightfall. You’ll be able to enjoy our capital’s hospitality, before your trial tomorrow,” Armstrong mocked.

As they set out, the forest seemed to awaken with them. Birds chirped overhead, and the rustle of small animals could be heard in the underbrush. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of pine and earth.

Thaddeus and Sabrina, riding alongside the war band, felt the shift in the atmosphere. The woods grew denser, the air cooler and the sense of stepping into another world intensified. It was here, in the shadow of towering pines, that they encountered a patrol of Bearmen warriors. The Warband led them through the woods with unerring precision, their knowledge of the land evident in every choice of path and pace.

It wasn’t until they reached the fortress atop a large hill did the forest trail gave way to cobblestone. On horseback, Thaddeus stone fortress with thick walls and a massive portcullis. Penates of angry crowned bear fluttered on four tall towers. Sentries saluted Armstrong and his Warband as when they entered through the iron doors. Thaddeus noticed castle town was larger than Woodhaerst.

The captain called a halt to Armstrong who was forced to hand over papers. Looking over the papers she turned to look at Thaddeus and Sabrin with an angry snarl.

“You sit atop your horse when meeting the royal guard!” The captain yelled, grabbing Thaddeus’ legs, and hurling him off his horse.

Polymorphing in a great brown bear, Thaddeus demanded, “I am Baron of the Akkadian Empire. By assaulting me you have breached imperial law!”

“No one will know if I kill you both,” Captain smiles viciously, smashing her fist into Thaddeus' face.

The punch jolted Thaddeus backward and to the ground. Feeling hazed, he looked up to see a system message.

System Message:

You lost -345 HP

Thaddeus quickly summoned Dhruvah and cast [Erosion] burying the captain’s body in the ground, before charging at her. Thaddeus planned to behead her to impress his dominance. At least that was his plan before the captain of the guard freed herself and grabbed his axe bear-handed.

“I don’t care if you are a priest, today I teach you the penalty for disrespecting the royal guard!” she yelled angrily punching him in the face and then kicking him in the chest.

Once again, Thaddeus found himself on the ground with more messages.

System Message:

You lost -824 HP

System Message:

You lost –875 HP

System Message:

You lost -887 HP

System Message:

You lost -841 HP

System Message:

Congratulations your dæmon has leveled up. Condolences your dæmon has died. Penalty: 48 hours until recovery.

System Message:

You have -3,772 HP

“Stop” Sabrina pleaded, threatening to use a dangerous.

“It’s okay, it’s my fault,” Thaddues said apologetically.

“Good, now get out of my sight! Oh, and I’m confiscating your horses!” the captain said.

Thaddeus was angry but said nothing. He knew if he fought her, he’d die. And there was no point in dying repeatedly. Instead, he pulled up his stats. He was still stuck at Level 62. It had been six months since his last level-up. When he returned home, he promised himself he focus on bringing up his status to Level 65. Top of FormBottom of Form

Name: Thaddeus Brown

SKILL NAME

SKILL LEVEL

Race: Human/Bearkin

Earth Magic

53

Class: Artisan

Two-Handed Axe

15

Sub Class: Druidcraft

Lumberjack

81

Titles: Pioneer/ Baron

Analyze

76

Level: 62 (42,156/47,611)

Surveyor

52

HP: 1,640/5,412

Field Dress

14

MP: 627/627

Woodworking

101

STR: 80

Cooking

16

AGI: 74

Leatherworking

72

VIT: 66

Tailoring

60

INT: 33

Forging

74

WILL: 19

Smelting

66

CON: 82

Toolsmith

75

Charm: 9

Architecture

15

Free Attribute Points: 0

Wagoner

6

Free Skill Points: 2

One Handed Axe 

56

Fame: 35

Cleave

49

RACIAL SKILLS:

Bash

50

Oversized Weapons

Fast Slash

38

Nature Affinity

Growl

33

SPELLS:

Druid Grove

8

Rock Wall

Polymorph

12

Erosion

Fletching

5

Arrowhead

Herbalism

9

Rock Dome

Track

9

“Hear take this health potion,” Sabrina offered. It pained her to see him hobbling away from the captain.

“Thanks” Thaddeus tried to smile, but his face was too bruised he could only wince. After taking the advanced potion, his HP was fully restored.

Armstrong broke the happy couple moment, with his laughter, “Watching you get pummeled was entertaining. Ah, I hope to see that again.”

They continued to journey northwestward until they reached their destination by dusk. The gargantuan capital city of Ursa, nestled in the heart of the Bearman Kingdom, rose majestically against the backdrop of the setting sun. Its towering walls, constructed from massive blocks of gray stone, seemed to merge with the rugged landscape, a testament to the Bearmen's mastery of fortification. These walls, easily five the height of a human and thick enough to withstand the fiercest of sieges, were topped with battlements that spoke of a city prepared for any threat.

As Thaddeus and Sabrina approached, the sheer scale of Ursa became apparent. Just from the exterior, they could tell Ursa was larger than Redwood. The secure gatehouses, fortified with iron-bound doors and guarded by Bearmen warriors in full armor, were the first indication of the city's military strength. Each gatehouse was flanked by tall towers, their pennants bearing the emblem of the Bearman Kingdom—a crowned bear—fluttering proudly in the evening breeze.

The road leading to the main gate was paved with cobblestones, worn smooth by the passage of countless feet and hooves. Lanterns hung at intervals along the walls, casting a warm glow that illuminated the approach. Even from a distance, the sounds of the bustling city reached them, a mix of shouts, the clatter of wheels on stone, and the occasional clang of metal from the forges.

Above the gatehouses, lookout towers rose into the sky, each manned by vigilant guards. Their sharp eyes scanned the horizon, ever watchful for signs of danger or the approach of visitors. The craftsmanship of the towers, with their sturdy construction and strategic positioning, spoke of a people who valued vigilance and strength.

Beyond the walls, the tops of tall buildings and the spires of grand temples could be seen, their architecture a blend of beauty and utility. The city was a fortress, yes, but also a place of culture and civilization, where the Bearmen had built a society that mirrored their values of strength, honor, and community.

As they passed through the gatehouse, Thaddeus' eyes grew wide with what he saw next.