The day began with heavy clouds in the sky, while the forest appeared cold and depressing. The air was filled with a smell of rain and dead leaves carried by the wind that swept through the branches of the trees. Next to the camp stood Kael, with two wooden swords strapped on his back. Even though his arms were sore from yesterday's practice, he maintained his body's posture in perfection.
The man was standing before him as always, calm and silent. The man looked into the forest further where there were shadows around towering trees. He realized that the man's eyes were very sharp and seemed to detect things from afar as well.
"We move now."
Kael did not stop to ask any questions and just followed. They traveled through the narrow passages that were filled with roots and broken twigs. As they entered deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became more and more silent. Not a bird could be heard singing, nor did any insects make noise.
Not long after that, they reached an area where some stones were lying around in between trees. Claw marks were deeply engraved into the ground, and bones that were broken were lying next to them. Kael's chest felt constricted when he saw them.
"A Fang Wolf was here."
Kael widened his eyes in shock because he knew their stories well. The Fang Wolves were quick animals with enormous bodies and sharp teeth. They could only be hunted when they were in large groups.
"You will face it."
Kael froze. Fear rushed through him.
"I've never fought a monster."
The man looked at him calmly.
"Then today is the first time."
Slowly, Kael drew out his wooden swords from behind him, but instantly, they seemed insufficient and powerless in his hands. He moved towards a tree and stood by it.
"Only if you die will I help you."
Before Kael had time to reply, a loud growl reverberated around the clearing. Kael whirled around to see two glowing yellow eyes staring at him from the darkness. The gigantic black wolf stalked forward with its immense, rugged body, large fangs protruding from its jaws and scars marring one side of its face.
Kael's heart pounded. The wolf lowered itself and watched him like prey.
The man spoke from behind him.
"Watch its movement, not its teeth."
Kael found himself compelled to breathe slowly. Bending his knees, he raised both his swords. The wolf began to shift first to the left, then to the right. Kael turned slowly, watching its shoulder blades and legs.
Suddenly, without any hint, the creature pounced towards him. It was difficult for Kael to escape from the attack; its claws dug into the ground where Kael had just been standing.
"Too slow."
With gritted teeth, Kael sidestepped another strike from the wolf's formidable paw, positioning his swords in a cross-block stance. But the impact of the strike sent him sprawling backwards, his arms burning from the exertion as one of the swords shattered.
He pushed himself up and stared at the broken weapon. Fear told him to run. Pride told him to stand. He remembered the academy laughter and tightened his grip. He snapped the broken sword shorter and held it like a dagger.
The wolf lunged once more. Kael, however, kept his eye on its shoulders. As soon as it leaped, he moved out of the way. He then stabbed the animal's front leg with the cracked sword. Though it was not deep, the wolf roared in pain.
The man's voice came again.
"Good."
Kael lunged forward again and hit the wolf's leg using his second sword. The wolf was thrown off balance and bit at him crazily. It barely missed his face as its teeth tore a gash on his cheek, but he pressed onward without faltering.
He circled the beast, making it turn on its injured leg. Then he attacked again. And again. Each hit slowed the wolf down. Each breath made Kael stronger.
At last the Fang Wolf dropped to one knee with a roar. Kael stood before it, breathing hard, body shaking, clothes dirty and torn. He raised both broken weapons.
The man spoke one final time.
"Finish it."
Kael took a step forward and then stopped. He stared into the wolf's eyes. It was dangerous, but it was also hurt and just trying to stay alive. Kael slowly put down his weapons.
The wolf stared at him for a moment, then limped back into the trees and disappeared.
The clearing was quiet. Kael turned to the man, not sure if he had failed. The man walked by and nodded slightly.
"Your choice."
Kael frowned.The man continued walking.
"A weapon kills. A warrior decides."
Kael stood still, repeating those words in his mind. Then he followed the man through the trees, carrying two broken swords and the first victory of his life.