"What story do you have from the place you come from?"

"He was an older man who loved me. The woman who raised me, Syberta, a great fighter, said of old Berntunn that he had no family, but neither did he attract anyone around him. He was a loner. I trained daily with my bow and knives. Berntunn was passing by, always dressed the same, in shorts and a striped sweater, the way fishermen used to dress. He came up to me and said,

"Young man, stop being so strict with your life. I'll be back before nightfall, and if you're still here, we'll go to the women together."

"All his life, he has not talked to anyone as much as he is talking to you in a while. After he couldn't fight anymore, you'd find him in the same place on a rock. He looked at the sky, the forest, the water, and even the ground for hours," says Syberta.

"Speak closer to my ear. I'm ninety-three years old, and I can't hear well anymore," he said, looking around and saying in a conspiratorial air.

I was amused when I realized I had been talking for nothing without him hearing me. The point is that after a while, he told me that he had lied to me.

"I lied to you that I can't hear well. I asked you to speak in my ear to feel you closer. You have no idea what your breath told me, without you knowing. Do you know who your birth parents are? There is a forest where a community of humans live together with wolves. Not many people can boast of having met them. Searching for your past is essential for you. You draw circles in the sand until a rock catches your eye. Watching the stone until it changes shape. You will see much in it, even the trails of snails that have passed over it."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Salvianna listened to him until the end, then scored dry.

"Elder Berntunn was referring to the legend of the Lycans Pack. It is said that a pack of werewolves lives away from the eyes of the world in the Black Wildwood forest."

"Werewolves?"

"Exactly. The werewolf is also called a man who can turn into a wolf and possesses extraordinary power."

"Do you know how to get there?"

"I don't know, but you can ask. For example, here in Castlecrest, you can look for Redowad. He is known to sell information for money."

Kaer kissed Salvianna.

"Thank you very much for your help. I'm preparing a reception for your sister. If she's still alive, I'll bring Enneta home."

Dressed in lighter clothes, Kaer ordered a drink at a table, offered drinks to strangers, and asked about Redowad. Over the next two days, Kaer spent time in various taverns, meeting people and chatting with strangers, until a man approached his table and asked permission to sit down.

"Redowad, that's my name. I heard you were looking for me."

"So you hear well, but do you understand just as well?"

"Oh, the gentleman is tough. What can I help you with?"

"With information," Kaer said.

"What are you interested in?"

"I pay for any information worth paying for, but I pay with one condition: Keep others from hearing. What do you say, Mr. Redowad?"

"Agree. I will enjoy working together, even if you look dangerous," Redowad said.

Kaer placed a leather bag on the table.

"You have here a thousand gold coins. Who do I call to get me on the water safely?"

"Are you looking for something cheap or want to pay for the best?"

"The second option is acceptable."

"Ask about the pirate Gartonk. It is the most famous here and in many other parts of the world. It can take you where you want on the water."

"It's good so far. If I reach the Black Wildwood, who should I look for in connection with those who live with the wolves?"

Redowad's eyes widened, and he shook his head slightly.

"Where will I find you tomorrow?"

"Ask the innkeeper at the Blue Dragon to show you my room. Put a ticket under the door."

Kaer placed another bag of one thousand gold coins on the table, saluted, and left.