Fraeya set a demanding pace for Dior and Beluar behind her. The bear encounter hadn’t been unexpected. Everyone who traversed the woodland was prepared for the risks. They could have survived on their own without the wolf's intervention, but at what cost? 

Fraeya's heart pounded in excitement and adrenaline. The elders needed to know.

The forest has provided us with a new guardian!

She broke through the tree line and sprinted across the open field. The gates to Unn Thalor, her home, opened and a swarm of Elven soldiers let the patrol pass before creating a defensive perimeter. Fraeya caught her breath and stood tall.

A village elder greeted her. “Welcome home, child. Why have you hastened your return? Are we in danger?”

Fraeya met Ciyradyl's eye...

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