Chapter 113
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Chapter 113
The howl of a wolf carried through the air as Catarina sprinted through the trees. Fuzz had been scouting ahead, getting further and further from the rest of the group. Timothy and Catarina could have both kept up, but even mildly dangerous animals would be a threat to the handful of common folk they had with them.
There shouldnt be anything dangerous to Spirit Building cultivators, but Fuzz was weaker than that. He was just a little wolf pup. Well, very big for a pup but still smaller than he would be when full grown.
His defenseless and weak form lingered in Catarinas memory as she moved closer to where the sound came from. Soon she could sense his energy, but it was weak instead of vibrant. Closer, and she sensed a larger energy that was even more faded. Finally, she sensed another life, just before she came into view of the scene.
Blood was everywhere, soaking into the leaves and splattered across the bark of the trees. It took a moment for Catarina to figure out what one of the creatures was under all the blood and viscera. Some sort of large cat, bigger than a wolf. Its head might have been rib height on a human if it was standing.
It only took a moment for Catarina to find what she was actually looking for. Fuzz was there- along with a young girl somewhere around ten years of age wrapped around his bloody body. Was this Alva? She heard breath from both figures, but Fuzz sounded nearly as weak as when he had first been found- after the parasitic moss had been removed from him.
Catarina didnt have any medicines or treatments specifically meant for wolves, but she had coagulants to help stop the bleeding, bandages, and needle and thread for stitching. She carefully pried off the unconscious child, relieved that none of the blood seemed to be hers- though noting a broken leg.
Though she had little in the way of real medical training, Catarinas hands were swift and dextrous as she stitched closed the most grievous wounds. She traced her fingers along the patterns cut into Fuzz fur and above the new wounds without touching them. The practice of turning people into living formations was discouraged in Graotan because it often resulted in mutilations and death, but Fuzz had already been about to die.
Though he was visibly much worse looking at the moment, Catarina believed he was probably better off. His body was tempered with energy and though his durability had already been tested with his wounds, Fuzz' recovery should be higher. His flow of energy wasnt quite right, so she shaved more fur in an attempt to stabilize things. She had a feel for what was right, and some actual study on the topic now instead of what she had done spontaneously. When she was finished, if Fuzz wasnt covered in blood Catarina almost would have thought he was having a nap.
The little girl had bags under her eyes and was thin. Wandering around in the forest for a week was bound to be exhausting. She was lucky the area was warm enough for her to survive the night, and that she hadnt run into danger sooner. Catarina thought to let her rest, but they needed to set that leg sooner rather than later.
The first thing she did was cut down a small tree. A sword wasnt the best tool for the job, but with the addition of energy it was like slicing through a soft cake. She carved out straight lengths of wood to use as a splint. She didnt know if she should wake the girl up or set her leg while she was unconscious.
Finally she decided that waking up to pain wouldnt be a good first impression. Catarina gently touched her shoulder to shake her awake. It took more than just a little effort, but eventually the girls eyes opened. Hello, Catarina said softly. Are you Alva?
Alva nodded, staring for a moment. Who are you?
Im Catarina. Im hmm its hard to explain. Do you remember your great-grandpa Anton? He sent me to help you.
I wasnt, Anton said. And I only survived by chance. I was outside of town.
Anton knew the former owner of a small restaurant was called Reuben. Though most of his food was raised and prepared by his family, sometimes when they visited the main part of Dungannon theyd gone to eat at his place. Maybe not more than yearly himself, but they knew each other well enough.
In the giant snowstorm? Reuben shook his head. If it was someone else, I wouldnt have believed it.
It was a bad winter. People were hungry.
Dont have to explain to me. I know you well enough. A tough old guy, thats for sure. Reuben looked Anton up and down. You look younger? Maybe its just faulty memory, but you were a bit more wrinkled before.
Like a prune, Anton admitted. Cultivation helps somewhat.
I tried it once, Reuben said. Cultivation. Didnt get anywhere in a couple years.
Maybe I can point you in the right direction, Anton said. Itll be good for you to even get some initial success. Anton looked over towards Kohar. Ive found comparing experiences to be very helpful to my own cultivation. Id be glad to have you join us, if youre willing. She had enough time spent as a cultivator he knew she really should have useful insights despite being lower cultivation than him. Since she cultivated a different technique than the Ninety-Nine Stars he wasnt sure if he could help her surpass Body Tempering, but he wanted to try.
I would be glad to exchange thoughts, Kohar agreed. Because of my chosen path, I spend less time cultivating than I might like. Many find the study of law a waste of time, and trying to help others with it even more so.
Its a most honorable choice, Anton said. I have some thoughts about helping strangers in some potential future where I solve all of my own problems first, but at the moment this is mostly just for myself. He inclined his head to Reuben, Sorry to say it.
Hah! Reubens face spread into a wide smile, Im not going to complain about whatever reasons you had to help get me free. Besides, I know you have a good heart. You didnt ask me to swear eternal loyalty to you or sacrifice my life or anything.
Oh, did I forget to mention that part? Anton grinned.
It was nice, to be happy for a few moments, but he still had some of his most important steps ahead. He was absolutely willing to admit that his own family was worth more to him than other people, and Devon was waiting for him.
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Chapter 113
The howl of a wolf carried through the air as Catarina sprinted through the trees. Fuzz had been scouting ahead, getting further and further from the rest of the group. Timothy and Catarina could have both kept up, but even mildly dangerous animals would be a threat to the handful of common folk they had with them.
There shouldnt be anything dangerous to Spirit Building cultivators, but Fuzz was weaker than that. He was just a little wolf pup. Well, very big for a pup but still smaller than he would be when full grown.
His defenseless and weak form lingered in Catarinas memory as she moved closer to where the sound came from. Soon she could sense his energy, but it was weak instead of vibrant. Closer, and she sensed a larger energy that was even more faded. Finally, she sensed another life, just before she came into view of the scene.
Blood was everywhere, soaking into the leaves and splattered across the bark of the trees. It took a moment for Catarina to figure out what one of the creatures was under all the blood and viscera. Some sort of large cat, bigger than a wolf. Its head might have been rib height on a human if it was standing.
It only took a moment for Catarina to find what she was actually looking for. Fuzz was there- along with a young girl somewhere around ten years of age wrapped around his bloody body. Was this Alva? She heard breath from both figures, but Fuzz sounded nearly as weak as when he had first been found- after the parasitic moss had been removed from him.
Catarina didnt have any medicines or treatments specifically meant for wolves, but she had coagulants to help stop the bleeding, bandages, and needle and thread for stitching. She carefully pried off the unconscious child, relieved that none of the blood seemed to be hers- though noting a broken leg.
Though she had little in the way of real medical training, Catarinas hands were swift and dextrous as she stitched closed the most grievous wounds. She traced her fingers along the patterns cut into Fuzz fur and above the new wounds without touching them. The practice of turning people into living formations was discouraged in Graotan because it often resulted in mutilations and death, but Fuzz had already been about to die.
Though he was visibly much worse looking at the moment, Catarina believed he was probably better off. His body was tempered with energy and though his durability had already been tested with his wounds, Fuzz' recovery should be higher. His flow of energy wasnt quite right, so she shaved more fur in an attempt to stabilize things. She had a feel for what was right, and some actual study on the topic now instead of what she had done spontaneously. When she was finished, if Fuzz wasnt covered in blood Catarina almost would have thought he was having a nap.
The little girl had bags under her eyes and was thin. Wandering around in the forest for a week was bound to be exhausting. She was lucky the area was warm enough for her to survive the night, and that she hadnt run into danger sooner. Catarina thought to let her rest, but they needed to set that leg sooner rather than later.
The first thing she did was cut down a small tree. A sword wasnt the best tool for the job, but with the addition of energy it was like slicing through a soft cake. She carved out straight lengths of wood to use as a splint. She didnt know if she should wake the girl up or set her leg while she was unconscious.
Finally she decided that waking up to pain wouldnt be a good first impression. Catarina gently touched her shoulder to shake her awake. It took more than just a little effort, but eventually the girls eyes opened. Hello, Catarina said softly. Are you Alva?
Alva nodded, staring for a moment. Who are you?
Im Catarina. Im hmm its hard to explain. Do you remember your great-grandpa Anton? He sent me to help you.
I wasnt, Anton said. And I only survived by chance. I was outside of town.
Anton knew the former owner of a small restaurant was called Reuben. Though most of his food was raised and prepared by his family, sometimes when they visited the main part of Dungannon theyd gone to eat at his place. Maybe not more than yearly himself, but they knew each other well enough.
In the giant snowstorm? Reuben shook his head. If it was someone else, I wouldnt have believed it.
It was a bad winter. People were hungry.
Dont have to explain to me. I know you well enough. A tough old guy, thats for sure. Reuben looked Anton up and down. You look younger? Maybe its just faulty memory, but you were a bit more wrinkled before.
Like a prune, Anton admitted. Cultivation helps somewhat.
I tried it once, Reuben said. Cultivation. Didnt get anywhere in a couple years.
Maybe I can point you in the right direction, Anton said. Itll be good for you to even get some initial success. Anton looked over towards Kohar. Ive found comparing experiences to be very helpful to my own cultivation. Id be glad to have you join us, if youre willing. She had enough time spent as a cultivator he knew she really should have useful insights despite being lower cultivation than him. Since she cultivated a different technique than the Ninety-Nine Stars he wasnt sure if he could help her surpass Body Tempering, but he wanted to try.
I would be glad to exchange thoughts, Kohar agreed. Because of my chosen path, I spend less time cultivating than I might like. Many find the study of law a waste of time, and trying to help others with it even more so.
Its a most honorable choice, Anton said. I have some thoughts about helping strangers in some potential future where I solve all of my own problems first, but at the moment this is mostly just for myself. He inclined his head to Reuben, Sorry to say it.
Hah! Reubens face spread into a wide smile, Im not going to complain about whatever reasons you had to help get me free. Besides, I know you have a good heart. You didnt ask me to swear eternal loyalty to you or sacrifice my life or anything.
Oh, did I forget to mention that part? Anton grinned.
It was nice, to be happy for a few moments, but he still had some of his most important steps ahead. He was absolutely willing to admit that his own family was worth more to him than other people, and Devon was waiting for him.
Chapter 113The howl of a wolf carried through the air as Catarina sprinted through the trees. Fuzz had been scouting ahead, getting further and further from the rest of the group. Timothy and Catarina could have both kept up, but even mildly dangerous animals would be a threat to the handful of common folk they had with them. There shouldnt be anything dangerous to Spirit Building cultivators, but Fuzz was weaker than that. He was just a little wolf pup. Well, very big for a pup but still smaller than he would be when full grown. His defenseless and weak form lingered in Catarinas memory as she moved closer to where the sound came from. Soon she could sense his energy, but it was weak instead of vibrant. Closer, and she sensed a larger energy that was even more faded. Finally, she sensed another life, just before she came into view of the scene.Blood was everywhere, soaking into the leaves and splattered across the bark of the trees. It took a moment for Catarina to figure out what one of the creatures was under all the blood and viscera. Some sort of large cat, bigger than a wolf. Its head might have been rib height on a human if it was standing.It only took a moment for Catarina to find what she was actually looking for. Fuzz was there- along with a young girl somewhere around ten years of age wrapped around his bloody body. Was this Alva? She heard breath from both figures, but Fuzz sounded nearly as weak as when he had first been found- after the parasitic moss had been removed from him.Catarina didnt have any medicines or treatments specifically meant for wolves, but she had coagulants to help stop the bleeding, bandages, and needle and thread for stitching. She carefully pried off the unconscious child, relieved that none of the blood seemed to be hers- though noting a broken leg. Though she had little in the way of real medical training, Catarinas hands were swift and dextrous as she stitched closed the most grievous wounds. She traced her fingers along the patterns cut into Fuzz fur and above the new wounds without touching them. The practice of turning people into living formations was discouraged in Graotan because it often resulted in mutilations and death, but Fuzz had already been about to die. Though he was visibly much worse looking at the moment, Catarina believed he was probably better off. His body was tempered with energy and though his durability had already been tested with his wounds, Fuzz' recovery should be higher. His flow of energy wasnt quite right, so she shaved more fur in an attempt to stabilize things. She had a feel for what was right, and some actual study on the topic now instead of what she had done spontaneously. When she was finished, if Fuzz wasnt covered in blood Catarina almost would have thought he was having a nap.The little girl had bags under her eyes and was thin. Wandering around in the forest for a week was bound to be exhausting. She was lucky the area was warm enough for her to survive the night, and that she hadnt run into danger sooner. Catarina thought to let her rest, but they needed to set that leg sooner rather than later.The first thing she did was cut down a small tree. A sword wasnt the best tool for the job, but with the addition of energy it was like slicing through a soft cake. She carved out straight lengths of wood to use as a splint. She didnt know if she should wake the girl up or set her leg while she was unconscious.Finally she decided that waking up to pain wouldnt be a good first impression. Catarina gently touched her shoulder to shake her awake. It took more than just a little effort, but eventually the girls eyes opened. Hello, Catarina said softly. Are you Alva? Alva nodded, staring for a moment. Who are you?Im Catarina. Im hmm its hard to explain. Do you remember your great-grandpa Anton? He sent me to help you.I wasnt, Anton said. And I only survived by chance. I was outside of town.Anton knew the former owner of a small restaurant was called Reuben. Though most of his food was raised and prepared by his family, sometimes when they visited the main part of Dungannon theyd gone to eat at his place. Maybe not more than yearly himself, but they knew each other well enough.In the giant snowstorm? Reuben shook his head. If it was someone else, I wouldnt have believed it.It was a bad winter. People were hungry.Dont have to explain to me. I know you well enough. A tough old guy, thats for sure. Reuben looked Anton up and down. You look younger? Maybe its just faulty memory, but you were a bit more wrinkled before.Like a prune, Anton admitted. Cultivation helps somewhat.I tried it once, Reuben said. Cultivation. Didnt get anywhere in a couple years.Maybe I can point you in the right direction, Anton said. Itll be good for you to even get some initial success. Anton looked over towards Kohar. Ive found comparing experiences to be very helpful to my own cultivation. Id be glad to have you join us, if youre willing. She had enough time spent as a cultivator he knew she really should have useful insights despite being lower cultivation than him. Since she cultivated a different technique than the Ninety-Nine Stars he wasnt sure if he could help her surpass Body Tempering, but he wanted to try.I would be glad to exchange thoughts, Kohar agreed. Because of my chosen path, I spend less time cultivating than I might like. Many find the study of law a waste of time, and trying to help others with it even more so.Its a most honorable choice, Anton said. I have some thoughts about helping strangers in some potential future where I solve all of my own problems first, but at the moment this is mostly just for myself. He inclined his head to Reuben, Sorry to say it.Hah! Reubens face spread into a wide smile, Im not going to complain about whatever reasons you had to help get me free. Besides, I know you have a good heart. You didnt ask me to swear eternal loyalty to you or sacrifice my life or anything.Oh, did I forget to mention that part? Anton grinned.It was nice, to be happy for a few moments, but he still had some of his most important steps ahead. He was absolutely willing to admit that his own family was worth more to him than other people, and Devon was waiting for him.
