We set off with Arwa towards the house of the sick. The road stretched on as though it had no end, the earthen path before us resembling an ancient river guiding us into the unknown. We walked side by side, talking quietly, feeling the soft texture of the soil beneath our steps.

  “Young man,” Arwa said, her eyes gleaming with deep concern, “do you remember the tales told to you in your youth? I do not want you setting foot in that cursed place known as the Forest of the Gods.

  “When I was a child, my elders told dreadful stories about it. They were not the sort of tales meant for young ears. They say a monster dwells within the forest. Whoever sees it never returns. It drags those who enter into the deepest darkness and hunts them before sunset. I tell you again, my dear — you must never go there.”

  Her voice trembled with the weight of years and fear. I pursed my lips before replying.

  “They’re only stories,” I said. “Perhaps they’re little white lies told to keep us away from the forest. Besides, have you ever seen this monster with your own eyes?”

  Arwa sighed, lowering her head slightly. “Ah, Alek, sometimes I do not know what to say to you. I wish I could scold you properly, yet I cannot. I simply do not want harm to come to you,” she said, her tone cross yet deeply affectionate.

  Guilt gnawed at me. The truth was, I had indeed seen something in the forest. And yet I fully intended to return.

  “Arwa, I understand your concern. I’ll be careful,” I said, attempting to reassure her.

  “Young man, being careful is not enough! Daneel is a former soldier. When he returns from the city centre, he can teach you how to fight. You’re a young man — you must learn how to defend yourself. And do not forget, one day you may have a wife to protect,” she added, her voice both advisory and firm.

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  There was truth in her words. If I meant to enter the forest again — if I wished to decipher the language of the cedars and understand what that creature truly was — I would need to grow stronger.

  “Ha! You’re right, I do want to learn to defend myself. But I’m not ready for marriage just yet!” I replied with a faint grin. My words coaxed a smile from the old woman, which soon turned into a soft laugh.

  “Very well, my dear. When Daneel returns from the city, I shall speak to him. He’ll be pleased to teach you,” she said.

  “Thank you for your help, Arwa,” I said sincerely.

  She waved a hand dismissively. “What need is there for such formality? You’re practically family! But… you’ve nearly crushed my hand, child — would you carry this basket?” she added with a chuckle.

  Smiling, I took the basket. “I have spent a little time with Daneel,” I said innocently.

  “It shows. You’re as wooden as he is! You must learn how to treat a lady properly!” she said, laughing heartily.

  I merely nodded, letting the subject drop. As we continued along the path, I admired the nature surrounding us. The trees and the stream, the birdsong, the whisper of the wind — all of it filled me with a quiet peace.

  Gradually, the landscape shifted. Bushes grew more plentiful while the trees thinned. The atmosphere became livelier; birds, insects, and distant human voices replaced the earlier solitude with a sense of life.

  At last, we approached a structure resembling a weathered farmhouse. Arwa paused for a moment, an expression of displeasure crossing her face.

  “My dear, we shall not linger in this house. I have no fondness for its owners — especially the man of the house. Even sharing the same air as him vexes me. Were it not for pitying the poor little girl, I would not come at all.

  “Fortunately, by luck, her father has taken the sheep out to graze. Come now — let us finish our business swiftly before that wretched man returns.”

  “All right, Arwa,” I said, nodding.

  We passed through the garden enclosed by stone walls. Reaching the front of the house, we carefully opened the old wooden door and stepped inside.