The decision to leave for Siller Town came quicker than I’d expected. After I agreed to go live with my grandmother, my father discussed the matter with William’s family. They were understanding, especially after hearing about my grandmother’s failing health and her need for someone to care for her. My parents assured them it would only be for a year, and they readily agreed to the arrangement.
It was decided that my older brother Lior would accompany me on the journey to ensure my safe arrival. I learned from my parents that Siller was a small, quiet town of fewer than a hundred people, mostly retirees who sought peace away from bustling communities. The thought of living in such a secluded place felt strange, but I knew I had little choice.
---
The morning of my departure was a blur of emotions. My mother, as usual, was worried and kept checking my belongings over and over, ensuring I had everything I could possibly need. My father spoke with Craven, a trader who frequented our village and had agreed to take us as far as Adios City with his caravan.
“You’ll do fine,” my mother whispered as she hugged me tightly. “Take care of your grandmother, and don’t forget to write to us if you need anything.”
“I will, Mother,” I promised, holding her close.
Lucas, my younger brother, stood nearby with a sad look in his eyes. “You’re really leaving?” he asked softly.
I knelt down and smiled at him. “Only for a while, Lucas. Be good, alright? Look after Mother and don’t get into too much trouble.”
He nodded solemnly before throwing his arms around me in a tight hug.
After saying goodbye to my parents and Lucas, I climbed onto Craven’s cart alongside Lior. The trader gave us a cheerful wave before urging his horses forward, and soon our journey began.
---
The road to Adios City was long but peaceful. Craven was a talkative man, full of stories about his travels and the various towns he had visited. Lior listened politely, occasionally chiming in with questions, while I mostly stayed quiet, observing the changing scenery.
When we finally arrived in Adios City, the sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling streets. The city was much larger than I had imagined, with tall stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and an endless stream of people going about their business. Merchants called out to potential customers, carts rumbled by, and groups of armed men—guards or perhaps mercenaries—walked confidently through the crowd.
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“This is Adios City?” I whispered, marveling at the sights and sounds around me.
“Yes,” Lior replied with a small smile. “It’s a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it.”
Craven dropped us off near the city’s edge, waving us off with a hearty laugh and a promise to look out for us if our paths crossed again. We thanked him before making our way to a nearby inn.
The inn was modest but clean, with a warm atmosphere that put me at ease. We rented a room with two beds, ate a simple dinner of bread and stew, and went to bed early. I lay awake for a while, listening to the faint hum of the city outside, before finally drifting off to sleep.
---
The next morning, we had a quick breakfast at the inn before setting out once more. We hired a cart to take us closer to Siller, the driver an older man with a quiet demeanor. The city gradually gave way to open fields and rolling hills, the air growing cooler and quieter as we traveled farther from the bustling roads.
By midday, the cart stopped at a fork in the road. “This is as far as I go,” the driver said, gesturing to a narrow dirt path. “Follow that trail, and you’ll reach Siller.”
“Thank you,” Lior said as we climbed down from the cart.
The final stretch of our journey was on foot. The trail was narrow but well-worn, winding through dense patches of trees and open meadows. The air was crisp, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds.
---
As we walked, the quiet serenity was suddenly broken by the sound of low growls. My heart stopped for a moment as shadows emerged from the underbrush. Wolves.
They moved slowly, circling us with hungry, predatory eyes. There were five of them, their sleek gray fur blending seamlessly with the forest shadows.
“Stay behind me,” Lior said sharply, his voice steady as he drew the small sword he always carried at his side.
I obeyed, taking a few steps back, but my mind was racing. The wolves were calm, almost calculating in their movements—too organized for ordinary animals. I couldn’t afford to rely solely on Lior’s strength.
Clenching my fists, I activated Appraisal with a single thought.
Forest Wolf - Level: 7
I shifted my focus to another.
Forest Wolf - Level: 6
Forest Wolf - Level: 8
Finally, my eyes locked on the last of the group.
Forest Wolf - Level: 10
A chill ran down my spine as I absorbed the information. This wolf was far stronger than the others, and even the lower-level wolves could be deadly in a pack. I had to think quickly, but I also knew I couldn’t share this information recklessly.
“What are you doing, Mira?” Lior called over his shoulder, his eyes darting between the wolves. His tone was firm, but I caught a hint of worry.
“Just staying alert,” I replied, forcing my voice to remain steady. I didn’t dare say more. My Appraisal skill was something I couldn't shared with anyone, and now wasn’t the time to explain.
The wolves growled, inching closer, their eyes flicking between us like they were deciding how to attack. Lior tightened his grip on his sword, his muscles tense.
“Stay behind me,” he repeated. “If they charge, run.”
Run? I clenched my fists at the thought. No, running would make me an easier target. Instead, I needed to find a way to help without revealing too much.