After the plan was settled, Kael rose abruptly. The short rest and nourishing meal had partially restored his strength, though a deep weariness still sat in his bones. "Get ready," he said to Elara and Lina, his tone once again cool and distant. "We're leaving immediately." He cast a disparaging glance at the few belongings the sisters had pulled from the charred carriage – a few bundles of clothing, a half-burned sack with indeterminate contents, a battered cooking pot. It was all just rubbish, unusable. He watched as Elara and Lina began to sort through the few undamaged items, their faces reflecting their disappointment.

  Fenrir, who had risen silently, stepped beside Kael. "I thank you, Ancient One," his voice entered Kael's mind, a hint of gratitude in it. "For allowing them to accompany us." Kael snorted softly. "I felt your gaze, Wolf. Your annoying principles." He glanced over at the women. "Besides, they might be useful." Elara and Lina returned empty-handed, their shoulders slumped. "There's... there's almost nothing left to use," Elara said with a sigh. "The fire destroyed almost everything. We only have what we're wearing." Lina clung to her sister, weeping.

  Fenrir observed the scene, then lay down before them with a surprisingly gentle movement, his massive body covering a large part of the small clearing. "If you only take what you carry with you," he said, his deep voice causing the ground to vibrate slightly, "then my back is broad enough. I can carry you all. We'll reach Silberfurt today." Kael froze. He stared at Fenrir in disbelief. He was supposed to share his companion's – his – back with this human vermin? Travel side by side with them, endure their closeness? The idea was absurd, another unbearable humiliation. he thought angrily. An icy rage coursed through him at the thought. But Fenrir was too important to him at the moment to anger. And since the wolf had offered, he could hardly back down without appearing weak. He pressed his lips together and remained silent, which Fenrir took as assent.

  The two women stared at the giant wolf with wide eyes. "Really?" Elara whispered in disbelief. "Are we allowed to? We're just common people... riding on a... a guardian spirit? That's... not even kings are allowed to do that!" Fenrir lowered his head slightly. "My master wishes to move on. And since I promised you protection until you are safe, this is the fastest way. It is my decision." Despite Fenrir's assurance, Elara and Lina hesitated. It seemed wrong, almost blasphemous, to use such a being as a mount. They exchanged uncertain glances. Kael lost his patience. "Either you get on now, or you stay here," he growled, his voice allowing no contradiction. The women flinched and hesitated no longer. Elara carefully helped her younger sister Lina onto Fenrir's broad back, just behind his powerful shoulders. Then she climbed on behind her. Kael swung himself up last, with suppressed reluctance, behind Elara. He made sure not to touch her, his hands instead gripping Fenrir's thick fur tightly.

  The journey began. Fenrir started to move, not with the breathtaking speed with which he had carried Kael alone, but still significantly faster than any human pace. He slowed his pace, ensuring his movements remained smooth so as not to throw off his unusual cargo. Nevertheless, it was a ride that took the girls' breath away. "At this pace, we should reach Silberfurt by early afternoon," Fenrir's voice entered Kael's mind. As Fenrir jumped over a deep root, Kael lost his balance for a moment. To avoid falling, he instinctively reached forward, and his hand unintentionally landed on Elara's chest. She flinched slightly but said nothing, her face a mixture of fright and fascination with the speed. Kael immediately withdrew his hand, a feeling of annoyance and... embarrassment? coursing through him. He gripped the wolf's fur tighter again.

  In the early afternoon, they reached the edge of the forest before Silberfurt. In the distance, Kael could see the walls and towers of the city, a jumble of stone and wood that stood out against the green landscape. Fenrir stopped under the cover of the trees. "We're here," he said softly. Everyone dismounted, their legs somewhat stiff. "I cannot enter the city in my true form, Ancient One," Fenrir explained. "It would cause too much of a stir, create panic." Kael nodded. That was clear to him. "What do you suggest? Can you stay in my shadow again?" Fenrir shook his head slightly. "That is possible, Ancient One, but it costs a lot of strength. If I remain in your shadow for half a day, I will be exhausted afterwards and no longer fit for combat. That would be unwise if you unexpectedly need help in the city." Kael understood. He couldn't use a weakened companion. "And now?" Fenrir knelt before Kael. "There is another way. I can adjust my size, hide my aura. I would then be no larger than an ordinary wolf of these woods." He looked up. "It will still draw some glances, a wolf in the city is not commonplace, but it is far less conspicuous than my true form. And I will retain my strength." Kael nodded curtly. "Do it." Fenrir closed his eyes briefly. Kael felt the powerful, ancient aura that normally surrounded the wolf suddenly fade, drawn inwards like an ocean at ebb tide. At the same time, Fenrir's body seemed to shimmer and shrink. The impressive size gave way to a significantly smaller form, which still looked strong and wild, but now more closely resembled a large dog or an ordinary forest wolf. The silver-grey fur appeared duller, the luminous eyes lost some of their supernatural intensity. The transformation was subtle but effective – the presence of the guardian spirit had almost vanished, replaced by that of a strong but normal animal. "This is better," Kael said appreciatively. He turned to the women, who had stared at the transformation with open mouths. "Go on ahead. Elara, you said you know the way. Lead us to the Adventurers' Guild." Elara nodded, still visibly astonished by the ride and Fenrir's transformation, and took Lina firmly by the hand. They left the protection of the forest and entered the wide, well-trodden road that led to the main gate of Silberfurt. Kael followed them with the now smaller Fenrir at his side.

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  The closer they got to the city, the busier the road became. Farmers with carts full of vegetables, merchants with heavily laden mules, travelers on foot and on horseback – a steady stream of people moved towards the gate. Kael observed them with cool detachment, his contempt for their loud, chaotic existence mixed with a reluctant need to study them. At the city gate, traffic backed up. A line of people and wagons waited to be inspected by the guards. The air was filled with a babble of voices, the neighing of horses, and the bleating of sheep. Kael wrinkled his nose at the smell of sweat, animal dung, and stale smoke. As they joined the queue, they immediately attracted attention. Not because of Kael, who looked inconspicuous in his simple clothes, but because of Fenrir. A wolf, even in this smaller form, was not an everyday sight near a city. People recoiled slightly, eyeing the animal suspiciously, whispering behind their hands. Fenrir ignored them stoically, remaining calmly at Kael's side, his eyes attentively observing the surroundings. When it was finally their turn, a guard in chainmail with a grim expression approached them. His gaze fell immediately on Fenrir. "Stop! What kind of animal is that? Wolves are not allowed in the city!" he said gruffly, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. Kael was about to give a condescending reply, but Elara quickly stepped forward. "Forgive me, Sir Guard," she said with a trembling but firm voice. "This wolf... he belongs to him." She pointed to Kael. "They... they saved our lives! We were attacked by bandits on the road outside. Our parents..." She swallowed. "This young man and his wolf drove off the bandits. They are now accompanying us to Silberfurt to our uncle." The guard eyed Kael suspiciously, then his gaze fell on Elara and Lina. He seemed to hesitate, then his eyes widened slightly. "Wait a minute... Elara? Lina? Is that you? Farmer Merrik's daughters from Eschenhain?" Elara nodded in surprise. "Yes, Sir Guard. Do you know us?" The guard visibly relaxed. "Of course, I know you! Your father helped me last autumn when my cart got stuck in the mud. A good man." His expression became sympathetic. "Bandits, you say? I'm sorry to hear that." He looked at Kael and the wolf again, this time with more respect. "Well, if you vouch for him and he saved you..." He hesitated, looking at Fenrir. "The wolf looks dangerous, but if he belongs to him and stays calm..." He sighed. "Alright. Pass. But keep that animal on a short leash, understand? And no trouble!" He stepped aside and waved them through the gate. "Welcome to Silberfurt. May the gods be gracious to you." Kael thought with inner scorn as they passed through the loud, bustling gate. However, he had to reluctantly admit that the women's presence had been unexpectedly useful. Without their intercession, he might have had to confront the guard, which would have attracted unwanted attention. he mused, taking in the overwhelming noise and smells of the city.

  "The Guild is not far from here, Kael," Elara said, having moved beside him, while Lina clung fearfully to her hand, staring at the many people. "Are you... are you an adventurer? Have you completed many quests?" Her curiosity seemed to overcome her shyness. "When you're finished at the Guild... would you like to get something to eat? I know a small inn nearby that makes very good food. Not as good as your rabbit yesterday," she added quickly with a smile, "but almost!" Kael was surprised by her directness, but the thought of another meal that didn't consist of roots was tempting. And he needed information. "No," he replied curtly. "I am not an adventurer. Not yet. I will be reporting to the Guild for the first time today to accept quests." He glanced sideways at her. "Food sounds... acceptable." Elara's face brightened. "Oh, then I can help you! I've been to the Guild many times when my father delivered goods there. I know how everything works." She began to explain eagerly as they walked through the bustling streets, past merchants hawking their wares, artisans working in open workshops, and a colorful mix of city dwellers. "You have to report to the counter first and give your name and skills. Then you get assigned a rank – usually, you start with Iron or Bronze. Depending on your rank, you can then take quests from the quest board." She pointed to a large, roughly built building with a sign depicting a crossed sword and a magic staff. "There it is! The quests are posted outside and inside. There's all sorts of things: monster hunting, escorts, errands, sometimes even stranger things." She chattered on, explaining the different ranks, the payment systems, and pointing out important buildings and districts of the city – the marketplace, the artisans' quarter, the temple districts. She seemed determined to help him with all the information she possessed, to show her gratitude in this way. Kael listened with half an ear, his main attention on the chaotic, smelly city around him, but he stored the information away. It might be useful.

  When they stood before the large wooden building of the Adventurers' Guild, its door constantly swinging open and shut as figures in leather and metal went in and out, Elara stopped. "Do you want me to accompany you inside, Kael? I can show you the counter." Kael observed the bustling activity. "No," he said firmly. "Wait out here with Fenrir." He looked at the wolf. "Make sure they don't cause any trouble – and that no one causes them any." He didn't want to attract any more attention by marching into the Guild with a wolf and two frightened girls. Fenrir nodded almost imperceptibly.