Rane bit into the wolf meat hard, tearing it from the bone with his teeth and savouring the taste. Of all the game that wandered these mountains, wolves had the fattiest meat. Coupled with Loric’s herbs and spices, and it was easily the best meal they could get up here.

“And then he goes all wide eyed when they show us the gear,” Loric continued, lowering his meat onto the fire. “You should have seen the look on the bastard’s face I swear.”

“Why?” Rane asked, squirming a bit closer to the warmth. They’d set two large logs outside next to the cabin and lit the fire between them. “What was wrong with it?”

“The armor? Nothing,” Loric chuckled. “Something wrong with old Derd’s brain, more like. Poor man had never been on a march before. He was used to those old plates we wore to defend Lyfjaterg. Felt like wearing a bunch of anvils welded together, the damned things, and weighed twice as much. Still, the old rascal loved ‘em. So the new light chain mail the Silyrans gave us felt like nothing to him.”

“Still, didn’t he realise that he wouldn’t last in the sun with that much metal on him?”

“You’d think!” Loric laughed out loud. “Derd wouldn’t shut his gob for hours.” Loric stood and placed his hands on his waist in imitation. “I can’t scratch me horn. I can’t tie me laces. The grass tickles my balls when I move.”

Rane almost spit out his bite and snorted. “He went on like that for two weeks?”

“Damn well would have, if our commander hadn’t threatened to feed him his own tongue. Then he went back to grumbling by himself.” Loric smiled half bitterly as he fed the fire more wood. “He proved right in the end though. Stray crossbow bolt got him through the heart.”

“Ah,” Rane swallowed awkwardly. “I’m sorry.”

“Heh,” Loric laughed to himself, reaching over to mess with Rane’s hair. “It’s been years. Don’t even remember his face any more.” He took a breath and paused for a moment, as if reminiscing. “How about you?” he asked. “Managed to remember anything?”

Rane thought for a moment, chewing more than he had to. Lying about his memories made him feel somewhat guilty after Loric had shared so much. Perhaps… Perhaps he could tell the Lanar some of the things he’d been through. He owed the man that much. “Before you found me, I was a slave.”

Loric widened his eyes, looking up at him in shock.

“A deranged mage held me captive for months, under the threat that he’d hurt my friends and family. That’s why I have to find them.” It felt like needles stung his heart as he forced himself to remember. “He says– He says there’s a war coming. He wanted to use me as a soldier, because of a rare power I possess.”

“What power?” Loric tried not to show worry as he asked.

“I’m an empath.” Rane paused, thinking of the best way to explain. “I can feel the emotions of others, if they’re close and intense enough.”

“Empath?” Loric seemed puzzled. “I haven’t heard of such a thing. Then, what am I feeling now?”

“I don’t know.” Rane shook his head. “I can’t quite control this power. It used to only work for the most powerful of feelings, but lately it’s been getting more clear.”

“How did he get to you? And how did you manage to reach here?”

“I was a captive for as long as I can remember,” Rane said. “Tortured for days without end and forced to endure a life I wouldn’t wish on anyone. To get here… A stranger helped me escape.”

“I see.” Loric nodded slowly, almost carefully. He paused for a few more moments. The fire hissed in protest when he doused it with snow. “I won’t push you for more. Being able to remember this much, it’s… Well, it’s good.”

Rane smiled back softly. “Thank you.” Loric was more compassionate than he let on.

“I think it’s time.” Loric stood and stretched, letting out half a pained yelp. “Come here for a moment.” He motioned with his hand as he turned to the cabin.

“Time for what?” Rane followed him back inside and found him going through an old chest, lighting down on it with an oil lamp.

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“It’s gotta be somewhere here,” Loric mumbled to himself, leaning over until half of him was in that chest. “Got it!” He came back up, flinging wood dust from his beard. In his hands he held one tiny piece of wood. Loric gazed down at it, before placing it in Rane’s palm and closing his fingers around it.

Rane looked down at the softwood and the carving at its centre, a triangle surrounding three dots. “What is this?”

“Hard to explain in one human word.” Loric scratched his head. “Lurkan. It means protecting those that you care for, no matter the cost. My father gave it to me, and now I am passing it on to you. It represents a bond that can never be broken.”

“I–” Rane was at a loss. “Thank you…” He brought the carving close to his chest. It felt warm, somehow. “Can I really have this? It feels important.”

“It is!” Loric gave him a hearty laugh. “Aren’t you the one that wanted to be my friend? Don’t you have second thoughts now, brat.”

“I’m not!” Rane pressed it closer to his chest. “I’ll treasure it!”

“Good.” Loric smiled, then stole a glance outside. “Seems it’s gonna be a clear night. Come on, let’s go. There’s one more thing to do.” The Lanar opened the door and stepped out onto the snow.

Rane simply looked at him, puzzled. He picked up his sword and followed the Lanar up the mountain. For some reason, Loric liked sparring at its very top. Perhaps climbing was part of the training. The thick clothing they wore made treading through the snow harder still, and the path that ascended the mountain was narrow and windy, hardly visible through the night’s veil.

“Are we gonna spar?” Rane asked.

“No,” Loric replied without turning. “Tonight, we’ll forge a promise.”

Rane fidgeted with the carving in his pocket as they climbed. If anything, it made him feel anxious. He planted his boots in the markings Loric had left up ahead. He hadn’t explained the full extent of Leylin’s madness to the man. Couldn’t muster the strength to relive it, even in memory. Was he really someone worth such a precious bond? The ground turned level and the snow reached his knees at the top of the mountain. The pale light cast by the moon illuminated the snowy summit and hugged their forms. “Loric, do you really–”

“It’s peaceful.” Loric gazed all around. “I never get tired of this view.” He plopped down, letting his legs hang over the edge.

“I can understand it.” Rane sat cross legged a bit further back. He followed the Lanar’s gaze. “Don’t you ever wonder what could hide further north?”

“More ice and less life is my guess,” Loric said. “Doubt we’ll ever find out.”

Rane nodded, casting his gaze far into the distance, where the white haze of perpetual snowstorms blurred the horizon. They sat there on the mountaintop without speaking, appreciating the scenery and silence. The sounds of chirping and the wolf howls couldn’t reach all the way here. Tonight, even the wind had yielded. Silence this profound made each moment last several more, and the words that broke it carry a greater weight.

“Loric, why are you helping me?”

“Because I’m tired.” Loric sighed, glancing at Rane over his shoulder with half closed, wrinkled eyes. “Tired of losing those I love. War has cost me everything I had. My love, my friends, my dreams. My entire life.” His fist clenched. “No more. Even if there’s another war coming, I’ll make sure it takes nothing from me.” His voice veiled hatred. “It might be selfish, but that’s why I taught you what I know. That’s why I had you endure the pain and the hardship. And when a time may come that we have to fight together, I hope you’ll be able to stand by my side as an ally.”

Rane felt like a fool. At least he could remember his mother, had hopes of finding her. Loric, on the other hand, had long lost hope of seeing his family again. It wasn’t fair. He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “So you want me to join in the war against Andre?” he asked. Even if that was the case, Rane would oblige. Loric was someone he owed his life to. Without his aid, Rane would have probably died in these mountains.

“I want you to live without fear.” Loric stroked his beard. “The conflict ahead of us… I think it will be unlike any we have ever seen before. Whether you choose to run or stand your ground, you’ll need the strength to survive.”

“And what will you choose?"

Loric felt for his weapon, brushing the scabbard with his hand. “I can’t leave. I have a debt to this country that I have yet to repay. But this era and its ravenous people… I fear that it's not fit for you. You're way too young and pure of heart.”

“I’m just worried I’ll let you down when you need me,” Rane said. “I don’t think I’m worth so much trust.”

“Why are you saying that now? Who is the one who saved me from the dori, huh? You’re damn strong for your age, you brat!” Loric laughed, putting an arm around Rane’s shoulders. “Don’t underestimate yourself. You have potential I never had.” He snapped his fingers and the tiniest of sparks lit up for a fleeting moment. “My bloodline holds a cursed power. It is unsuited for combat, yet volatile and dangerous all the same.” He clenched his fist and turned to Rane. “But yours is pure. Powerful. Pair it with what I’ve taught you, and no single man will be your equal.”

Rane looked down at his own hands, spinning fire between his fingers. Spellcasting felt like second nature. “Do you really think so?”

“I know so.” Loric snorted.

“Then my choice is made simple, isn’t it?” Rane smiled. “I’ll stand by your side. Not as an ally, but as a friend.” That made the Lanar’s face redden.

“It’s rare to meet a human like you.” Loric turned, grasping his hand and squeezing it tight. “Let’s see if you can stay true to your word, friend.”