Chapter 12: Chapter 11 Guide and attack
The Druid, named Carus, was a wise man whose wisdom and insight were unmatched in the world. He has a deep vision that seems to see into everyone's mind. His figure always appeared calm and mysterious, like the guardian of the forest.
After escaping the dwarf fortress with Carruth and Leah, Ethan temporarily rests in a secluded spot in the forest. Ethan knew he had to ask Carruth for more help. He decided to tell Carruth his story, but to be on the safe side, he decided to make up a version.
"Carruth, I need your help." Ethan looked into the Druid's eyes and his voice was full of pleading.
Carruth nodded and motioned for Ethan to continue.
Ethan took a deep breath and began, "I'm not from this world. I come from another world where everything is completely different from here. I don't know why I was brought here, but since I got here, I've started to experience some strange dreams. The dreams were frighteningly real, and the experience seemed to affect me in real life."
Carruth listened quietly, without interrupting Ethan. His eyes were still deep and focused, as if they were thinking of something.
"Lately, I've discovered that I seem to have a strange power, but it's not stable." Ethan continued, "In my dreams, I found out that I seemed to be a werewolf, but in reality I wasn't sure. I hope you can help me find a solution."
Carruth was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Your situation is very special, Ethan. From what you're saying, you may have a blood problem. Such questions are usually related to blood and magic."
Ethan stared at Carruth, full of hope. "What do you think I should do?"
Carruth thought for a moment and then said, "First, we need to confirm your bloodline. According to your description, you were a werewolf in the dream, which means you may have werewolf power mixed in your bloodline. However, this force is not stable in reality and can cause a range of mental and physical problems."
Ethan nodded, feeling that Carruth's words made perfect sense. He never thought his problems would be so complicated.
"I suggest you seek out a witch. They have a deep knowledge of blood and magic." Carruth continued, "A witch can help you probe your blood and find the root cause of your problems."
"A witch?" Ethan hesitated. "Will they help me?"
Carruth smiled, "The power of a witch is unparalleled in this world. They often live in remote places, but their knowledge and magic can solve many problems. You must be careful, though, because not all witches are friendly."
Ethan took a deep breath and felt he had found a new hope. "Thank you, Carruth. I will seek out the witch and probe my blood."
Carruth nodded. "There's one more thing we need to take care of before you go."
'What is it? Ethan asked, confused.
Carruth walked over to Ethan and examined his wound. There was a glint of intelligence in his eyes, as if he were analyzing something.
"There is a strange smell in your wound," Carruth said, "which seems to be a means of tracing." The werewolf tribe may have left some kind of magical mark on your wound to track your movements."
Ethan was surprised. "Can you lift the mark?"
Carruth nodded, "I can try, but it will take some time and certain materials." You must remain vigilant to avoid detection by the werewolf horde."
Ethan nodded and gratefully said, "Thank you, Carruth. You are my only hope now."
Carruth smiled, "You're welcome, I'm just doing my job." Get some rest, and I'll prepare the necessary materials to remove this tracking mark for you as soon as possible."
Ethan felt a sense of relief. He knew he had found a true ally. He decided to seize the opportunity to regain his strength as soon as possible and be ready for the rest of the journey.
Carus went into the forest and began gathering herbs and magical materials. Ethan, accompanied by Leah, is quietly waiting for Carruth's return. They know that this is just the beginning and that many challenges lie ahead.
After a while of hard work, Carruth finally got the materials he needed. He drew a complex magic circle on the ground, then motioned for Ethan to sit in the middle of the circle.
"Relax, Ethan. This may hurt a little, but you have to bear with it." Carruth said, his voice firm.
Ethan nodded, closed his eyes, and tried to relax. As Carus began to chant the incantation, the magic array glowed faintly, and the herbs and materials gradually fused together to form a powerful energy.
Ethan felt a sharp pain coming from the wound, but he clenched his teeth and held on. After a few minutes, the light faded and Carruth stopped the spell.
"Well, the tracking mark has been lifted." Carruth said, smiling at Ethan.
Ethan felt a relief, as if a large stone had fallen from his heart. "Thank you, Carruth, for saving my life."
Carruth nodded slightly, "This is only the first step, you have a long way to go." Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, never give up hope."
Ethan looked at Carruth gratefully, filled with determination. "I will, Carruth. I'm going to find out."
Over the next few days, Ethan gradually regained his strength with the help of Carruth and Leah. He knew he had to go as soon as possible, to find the witch, to find out about his blood.
On the morning of their departure, Ethan, Carruth, and Leah stand together at the edge of the forest, watching Ethan embark on his new journey.
"Good luck, Ethan." Carruth said, his eyes filled with anticipation and confidence.
Leah squeezed Ethan's hand and whispered, "Be careful. I'll be right here waiting for you."
He turned and stepped into the thick forest, full of hope and determination. He knows that this journey will be challenging and dangerous, but he is ready to face anything. He believed that if he persevered, he would find the true answer to his nightmare.
At the moment of Ethan's departure, the Druid Carus felt a sense of unease. Although he had used magic to untag Ethan, he had a vague sense that it wasn't so simple.
Carruth, however, didn't show it. Turning to Leah, he smiled and said, "We must be vigilant and try not to reveal our whereabouts."
Leah nodded, feeling a little nervous, too. She knew the werewolf horde would not let them off lightly.
A few hours later, Carruth and Leah were about to move on when they felt a strong wave of magic. Carruth's face suddenly turned serious. He knew that danger was approaching.
"Leah, hide! Carus commands in a low voice, his eyes scanning his surroundings for the best position to fight.
Leah quickly ducked into a thick thicket, her heart racing, knowing that a fierce battle was coming.
Soon after, the warriors of the werewolf tribe appeared at the edge of the forest. They're obviously following Ethan's last position before he disappeared. Harold looked coldly at Carruth, murderous in his eyes.
"Carruth, it seems you underestimated our tracking ability." Harold sneered.
Carus clenched his wand and there was a determined glint in his eye. "I won't let you get away with this."
Fighting broke out instantly. Using powerful natural magic, Carus quickly grows trees and vines to form a solid barrier in an attempt to hold back the werewolf attack. The wolves roared and rushed toward the barrier, tearing trees and vines with their sharp claws.
Carruth knew he had to buy time to give Leah a chance to escape. He went all out and did his best magic. The ground began to shake, and huge stones rose from the ground and fell on the werewolf warriors.
However, the warriors of the werewolf tribe were no slouches, and they quickly dispersed, evading Carus' attacks and pushing on. Harold himself led a few elite warriors and broke through Carus's defenses.
Carruth felt his strength draining and knew he could not go on much longer. He turned his head, looked in the direction Leah was hiding, and shouted, "Leah, run! Don't look back!"
Leah's eyes filled with tears, but she knew Carruth was trying to protect her. She gritted her teeth and quickly dashed out of the bushes, running deep into the forest.
'I won't let you catch her! Carus roared, working his final magic, and a strong light burst from his staff and hit Harold and his warriors.
After the light, Carruth's body faltered, and he knew his power was exhausted. He fell to his knees and watched Leah disappear into the depths of the forest.
"You paid a heavy price, Carruth," Harold said coldly, "but you couldn't stop us."
The werewolf warriors quickly surround Carruth, and Harold steps forward and grabs Carruth by the skirt, a fierce twinkle in his eye.
"Tell me, where did Ethan go?" Harold threatened.
Carruth gave a sneer, his eyes fixed despite his weakness. "You'll never find him."
Harold roared and punched Carruth in the face. Carruth spat a mouthful of blood, but remained silent. He knew he could never reveal Ethan's whereabouts.
Harold turned to his hand and ordered, "Take his clothes, and we'll follow the scent to Ethan."
The werewolf warriors quickly tore off Carruth's clothes and prepared to follow Ethan's scent. Carruth watched them leave, filled with pain and helplessness. He knows he's done his best, but the fate of Ethan and Leah remains uncertain.