Kopii's heart began beating like mad. Cold sweat covered his whole body. He hoped that it was only his imagination, that he had simply gotten lucky. But Kopii's reflections were interrupted when the curtain was flung open and Raven climbed into the cart. Seeing the familiar face, he calmed down a little.
— That gloomy look again. You can trust me, — he smiled again, coming closer and closer. — After all, I'm a future hero.
— I got it, — Kopii rasped. It was easier for him to speak than when he had woken up, but still a little painful. — I wanted to ask…
— Of course, of course, you can ask whatever you want, — his smile grew even wider, because Kopii had shown initiative.
— You said it was you who found me. Right? — He nodded to Kopii. — I want to know exactly how you found me.
— Alright. You've probably already guessed that this is a merchant caravan heading to the city of Orario. Well, in short, we stopped by a river to water the horses and gather water for the journey ahead. And when I was walking by the river, I noticed something strange. I was curious, and I decided to take a look, and then I realized it was you. When I found you, I thought you were already dead, and to tell the truth, I wanted to leave you, but I saw that you were breathing. Your body was battered, and you had only meager clothing on. So I decided to carry you to the camp. Of course, it was a miracle that you stayed alive with such wounds, my uncle said. Well, that's how it all happened.
Kopii analyzed the information he had received.
— Alright, I understand, — Kopii paused a little and said: — If what you just said is true, then thank you for saving me. I'm very grateful to you.
«At least once, I got lucky.»
– No, it is I who should be grateful. After all, you became my proof that I'm a hero.
Kopii did not understand what he meant, and did not dwell on it.
– I'm a future hero, and as a hero, I couldn't leave someone in need of my help, — he beamed with joy as he said this. He definitely liked being praised. — I'm very glad that you're alright. — After these words, he fell silent, but not for long. — If so, then I also have a question: how did you end up in such a state? I'm very curious.
Kopii remained silent. He did not want to tell the truth; he did not fully trust him yet, and even if he did, he still would not have told the truth, but saying that he had been attacked by monsters also seemed pointless. Kopii remembered that he had been shot, so Raven would immediately realize he was lying. After a little more silence, Kopii spoke:
— Well, I was attacked by bandits, and I wanted to swim across that stream, but I was shot. Because of my wounded shoulder, I couldn't swim properly. And, well, perhaps I lost consciousness from the pain when the adrenaline wore off. — he said, as if on his last breath, carefully watching Raven's reaction. His face was thoughtful, but then that smile appeared again.
— Alright, I understand, you've had it hard. But anyway, — he waved his hand. — That's all behind you; you're safe now.
But before he could finish the sentence, Kopii began first: — As I understand, you want to become an adventurer?
— Yes, that's right, I want to become an adventurer! I want to be like the king of mercenaries! To be hope. I want to see people's smiles! – with every word, a spark lit up in his eyes. – I just want everyone to be happy. – He said, without that fanaticism in his voice.
— Alright, I understand. And how old are you, if it's not a secret?
— Of course, it's no secret. I'll soon be sixteen. And how old are you? I'm curious too.
— I'm fourteen. We're almost the same age.
— Yes, almost. So call me "big brother."
— No, — Kopii's answer followed instantly.
— Well, fine. I was just joking. — It's already getting dark, — he said, looking outside. — Oh, I forgot, I need to examine your body and change the bandages; I completely forgot, — he said, coming closer and closer to me. — Can you sit up?
— Yes, I can, — Kopii answered, slowly beginning to sit up.
— Do you need help?
— No.
— Your face says otherwise, — Raven said, helping Kopii into a stable position, ignoring the look Kopii was giving him. — Alright, let me begin; you know it's going to hurt.
— Yes...
«Pain again...»
After the affirmative answer, Raven began to slowly untie Kopii's bandages.
— Done, I've removed them. This remedy will help your wounds heal faster.
— What is it?
— It's an ointment my mother made. I'll tell you right now, it's going to sting, so be ready, — he began applying the ointment to Kopii's wound. He hadn't lied; it stung quite a bit. — There, all done. Raise your arms so it's easier for me to apply a new bandage.
— There, all done, you can lie back down and relax, just be careful.
— Well, I'll be off, I have my work to do. I'll be back soon, — he said before climbing out of the cart. Now Kopii was alone again with his thoughts. He heard fragments of conversations, but could not make out what they were about. With every second, Kopii grew more and more bored.
«How boring» — he thought, continuing to stare at one spot. He did not know what to occupy himself with. He did not want to admit it, but without Raven, it was boring. Kopii moved his hand, clenching and unclenching his fist. His muscles still ached just as much as when he had woken up.
— Maybe I tore them during the fight? Is that why there's such pain? — But Kopii immediately dismissed this hypothesis. He knew this pain. It was the same pain as when he had first started training, only twice as strong, or even three times. But what interested Kopii was not that, but the fact of why all his muscles ached. He could not remember what kind of strain had been placed on his muscles during the fight, and what he could have done to bring his body to such a state. He remembered only in fragments.
Time passed, and it grew darker and darker until night fell. Kopii heard someone trying to climb into the cart. Kopii looked. His eyes had already adjusted to the darkness, so he immediately understood who it was.
«Raven.»
— Oh, it's so dark in here. But it's no big deal, — he said, taking out a candle and lighting it. — That's better, don't you agree? I brought you something to eat. You need to eat well to recover. Here, eat this; it's simple porridge. It's quite tasty, — he watched as Kopii sat up. He noticed that for a moment Kopii's face stretched in pain, but it quickly passed. So he said nothing.
Kopii began reaching for the bowl of porridge, but he could not even lift it. Seeing this, Raven could no longer bear it and took the bowl. Kopii looked at him questioningly.
— I'll help you eat, so open your mouth. Aaah.
Kopii frowned at his suggestion.
— No, thanks for the help, but I can manage this myself, — he did not argue and handed the bowl back. Kopii took the spoon, scooped up some porridge, but could not hold it for long; it fell from his hands.
— Are you sure you don't need help?
— No, I can manage, — taking the fallen spoon again, he scooped up the porridge again, but just like before, he could not hold it in his hand, and it fell again. Kopii looked at the porridge slowly spreading across the floor. That was the second attempt. Kopii, without thinking long, decided to shove his pride aside.
— Alright, help me.
Hearing this, Raven smiled. — You should have said so right away, — taking the porridge and spoon, he said. — Now open your mouth and say: aaah. — Kopii reluctantly opened his mouth, accepting the first spoonful of porridge. Raven fed him slowly and carefully, watching every swallow. Kopii felt awkward, like a small child, but hunger took its toll. The porridge was warm and filling, and with every spoonful, he felt a little better.
— That's all, — Raven said, setting the bowl aside. — Well, I'll be right back. — Kopii watched as Raven climbed out of the cart. And once again, Kopii was left alone with his thoughts. In this cart, there was only one source of light. Kopii focused his gaze on the flame.
«This was rather unsafe, Kopii thought.» – continuing to stare at the candle. The candle's flame trembled, casting strange shadows on the walls of the cart. — Ha, — Kopii sat up and blew out the candle. He extinguished the only source of light.
Kopii simply stared into the darkness. And sleep did not keep him waiting long.