The Bend was quiet the following morning, the kind of quiet that came after a long night of talking and planning. A few goblins stirred near the fires, poking at embers or stretching sore limbs, but most were still asleep.

  Others were not resting at all.

  Near the center of camp, Medics moved quickly from patient to patient, checking bandages, changing poultices, showing their new recruits how to wrap wounds and splint limbs. Many goblins still lay on mats or leaned against logs and tent poles, recovering from the battle.

  Not far from them, Builders crouched together with Tor around rough sketches in the dirt and on scraps of wood. They argued quietly as they traced lines for walls, longhouses, watch posts, and storage pits. The beginnings of a permanent camp were already taking shape.

  Grub worked alone near the edge of camp.

  He checked the straps on Sable’s saddlebags, tugging each one twice. He double checked the supplies in each one. Dried meat, sealed water skins, bundles of roots and berries, a bit of fire-starting bark. It was enough for several days at least. His pouch of stones hung at his hip, the familiar weight settling into place as he tied the cord tight. His dagger slid into its sheath. His staff rested nearby leaning against a tree.

  The last thing he picked up was the broken spearhead.

  He examined it as he turned it over in his fingers. The metal was jagged where it had snapped off the shaft. A Bonegnasher’s mark was still scratched across one side.

  Dravak approached him first, the familiar heavy steps crunching the dirt. Throk came with him, still half asleep, Kesh with her slate tucked under one arm, Hask rubbing the back of his neck. Rika walked up last, Ashpaw padding quietly at her heel.

  Kesh eyed the broken spearhead. "You are taking that for the Humans."

  "Yeah," Grub said. "They wanted proof. This is the agreed upon sign. They said to plant it in the clearing when the Bonegnashers were dealt with, so I will."

  Throk crossed his arms. "They better be satisfied."

  Grub grunted with amusement. "They will be," Grub said. "The tribe that bothered them is gone. They don't need to worry about how."

  Rika laughed softly. "Think they expected us to integrate them?."

  Grub shrugged. "Not my concern. If they have a problem with it, I'm sure they'll tell me when I get there. Won't change what we did, so they'll just have to accept it."

  Dravak grunted, approving. "Good enough."

  Sable nudged Grub’s shoulder and began circling him, impatient to move. Grub scratched behind her ears, and she leaned into his hand for a short moment.

  Hask watched him. "You're really going alone." "I'll be fine," Grub said. "I've got Sable with me. Besides, I'm not disappearing forever. Just... running ahead for a while."

  Something tight twisted in his chest. He exhaled. "Just… don't let the Bend fall apart while I'm gone." Hask snorted. "You wish. We aren't helpless children, runt. We will be fine."

  Throk slapped his chest. "That's right. Go do what you need to do, we can handle our business."

  Kesh nodded. "We will work together to make sure the Bend grows strong, and stays standing." Rika rested a hand on Ashpaw’s neck. "And we will make sure nothing nasty walks straight into camp."

  Grub smiled, a little embarrassed. "Okay. Just checking." He looked at each of them in turn. Chief. War Leader. Scout Master. Wolf Commander. It felt like enough. If he wasn't confident that they'd manage without him, he wouldn't have dared to suggest leaving them. He took a deep breath and steeled himself.

  Dravak stepped closer, expression solid. Grubs eyes flicked up to meet his Chiefs gaze. "When you meet with the Humans, leave word for me at the cavern. I will hear it when my group arrives." "That works," Grub said. "I won't be there when you get back anyway. I am planning on heading north right after talking with them."

  Kesh tapped something onto her slate. "We will start the layout today. Buildings. Patrol routes. Everything we discussed." "Good," Grub said. "Make the Bend look like something worth returning to." Hask stretched. "We will still be here when you come back. Try not to get eaten."

  Grub grinned widely at Hask. "That is always the plan," he said.

  Rika tapped Ashpaw’s side. "Sable will watch your back. She is smarter than half the warriors anyway." Throk snorted a laugh, and Sable huffed proudly as if confirming it to be true.

  Grub climbed onto the wolf’s back. Her muscles coiled beneath him. Dravak nodded once. "Go." Grub nodded back, and tapped Sable lightly on the neck. Sable lunged forward toward the treeline.

  The watching goblins stepped aside as wolf and rider swept across the clearing and vanished between the trees. He did not look back.

  There would be time for that later.

  Sable moved through the forest like an arrow. Once they passed the Bend’s treeline, she stretched into her stride, paws pounding a steady rhythm into the forest floor. Wind tore past Grub’s ears. He leaned low, gripping her thick fur at the base of her neck, letting her find the path on her own.

  They cut west through the old Bonegnasher territory first. Claw marks scarred the trees. Grub tracked them with his eyes as they raced past. "Not your land anymore," he muttered. Sable panted and ran harder.

  They crossed into what was once Duskroot territory next. The air felt cleaner, the trees denser. Sable continued to weave through them effortlessly, keeping a breakneck pace. Grub did not know how she managed to avoid every root, every snuggling brush that would stop her momentum, but he was simply along for the ride.

  They continued like that for hours, and slowly but surely the morning shifted toward noon. Noon into afternoon. Sunlight flashed, then dimmed under thicker branches.

  The distance that had taken goblins five days of marching to traverse passed beneath Sable’s paws in less than half a day.

  By late afternoon, the treeline opened.

  The clearing appeared exactly as before. The flat ring of grass. The tall standing stone. Open sky above. Sable slowed to a walk. Grub slid off her back, legs tingling. He stretched long and deep, feeling the tension leave his body. He threw Sable some dried meat, which she gobbled up happily.

  He walked to the central stone, unwrapped the spearhead, and planted it firmly in the ground at the agreed point.

  "There," he said quietly. "There is your proof."

  Sable sniffed around, then settled at the edge of the clearing, curling her tail around her paws.

  Grub scanned the trees. No figures. No voices. But he could feel eyes watching him. Always watching.

  "Guess we camp here," he said to Sable. She just blinked her yellow eyes up at him, her head already resting on her paws.

  He gathered sticks, coaxed a fire to life, and ate quietly. Night settled, orange light flickering over the grass. Sable dozed but never fully slept, one ear always twitching.

  The clearing stayed silent.

  "They will come in the morning," Grub told Sable. "Then we will venture deeper into the forest."

  Sable simply huffed.

  Grub curled up next to sable, kept warm by her large furry body. His eyes drooped, and he fell asleep soon after.

  Dawn came gray, the mist hanging low to the ground. Grub sat on the stone, staff across his lap, watching the treeline.

  Sable stiffened, and let out a quiet yip. They were coming. Her ears pricked. Her head rose and she stared towards the south side of the clearing. He waited patiently for the Harvest to approach. Grub heard controlled footsteps a moment later. He stood. Sable rose beside him.

  Figures emerged from between the trees.

  Jin stepped into the clearing first, his coat clasp gleaming faintly. Five others followed behind him, their skull masks hiding their faces. Only their eyes and mouths were visible.

  Beside Jin walked someone Grub recognized instantly.

  Orion.

  Same pale hair tied back. Same steady way of moving. Same spellbook at his hip.

  "Finally," Grub muttered to himself.

  He stepped off the stone and walked forward to meet them. Sable matched his pace.

  Jin stopped a few paces from Grub, near the spearhead, his gaze flicking to it. He and the others quickly cast their language spell, and the familiar shimmer settled over them.

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  “I expected more blood,” Jin said.

  Grub blinked. “And I expected a nicer hello.”

  A couple of the humans snorted behind their masks.

  Jin ignored them. “The Bonegnashers were vicious. You were told to handle them. Instead…” He nodded at the planted spearhead. “You folded them into your numbers.”

  Grub shrugged. “So, you were watching after all. I was wondering if you would." Jin inclined his head, "of course, we had to make sure the bargain was upheld. I must say your methods are quite... unorthodox." "You never said how to handle them. You just said they needed to stop being a problem,” Grub replied. "They're not a problem for you anymore. Good enough, right?"

  “Most tribes would have killed them,” Jin said. "It's what we were expecting, not... that."

  “Yeah, well, we aren't most tribes. If you wanted them wiped out, you should have just said that. Not that we would have agreed, but you could have asked.”

  Another human quietly laughed behind his mask.

  “In the end,” Grub added, “they are not a threat anymore. So you get what you wanted.”

  Jin considered him, then dipped his head. “Fair enough, you're right. I suppose it does not matter, as long as they aren't continuing to be a thorn in our sides. Pass our thanks to your Chief. The Ironfang did well. Your part is finished. The promised lessons can begin any time you like now. Orion is ready.”

  Grub lifted a hand. “Wait. That is part of why I am here.”

  Jin paused and tilted his head questioningly. "What do you mean?"

  “I mean, I am not going back to the river,” Grub said. “Nor back to our other home. At least not for a while. I'm leaving. Today. I'm going north to explore the forest."

  The humans straightened, interest sharpening behind bone.

  “If I have to run back to this clearing every time I want a lesson,” Grub said, “that wastes everyone’s time. And I want more than just a spell or a few words.”

  He glanced at Orion.

  “I want to understand humans,” Grub said. “And magic. And what is beyond the forest. I have never seen anything outside these trees.” Jin’s eyes narrowed. “And what exactly are you suggesting?”

  Grub took a breath.

  “I want Orion to come with me. North. To accompany me while I explore the forest. If you're worried for his safety, I promise to protect him, and return him to you safe and alive."

  For a moment, there was silence.

  Then laughter.

  It broke out muffled and immediate. A few of the masked humans doubled slightly at the waist.

  One said, “A goblin protecting a human mage in the wild. That is a new one.”

  Another shook his head. “We saw what you did with the dirt last time. That little trick will not save you, or him for that matter, out there.”

  Grub’s eyes narrowed. “I can protect him.”

  Another human let out a skeptical sound. Grub sighed.

  He plucked a stone from his pouch, channeled his mana into it, and watched as it shifted and elongated until it was a sharp spearhead, and then flicked it at a nearby tree.

  The Stone Spear sliced through the air and slammed into the trunk, driving deep.

  Before anyone could react, Grub clenched his fist, and willed his mana into the spear to cast Stone Fragmentation.

  It exploded.

  Stone shards ripped bark apart and sent splinters across the clearing.

  Silence fell across the clearing again. The Harvests heads turned as one back to Grub and he could see the shock, disbelief, and interest apparent in their eyes. "Do you believe me now?"

  Jin’s eyes widened behind his mask. "What was that?"

  Grub lowered his hand. "That is Stone Spear. And Stone Fragmentation. I am not as helpless as I make myself look."

  Orion stepped forward a half step. “I appreciate the offer. But I am not helpless either. I know magic and I can defend myself.”

  "I know," Grub said. "I am not saying you are weak. I am saying I will not stand there and watch something kill you because I am scared. I am heading north to fight things that scare me. I cannot do that if I hide under everyone else’s shadow."

  He drew in a breath and let it out slowly.

  Jin watched him for a long moment, then turned and gathered the Harvest into a tight huddle. They spoke quietly. Some gestured sharply. Others glanced at Grub and Sable with wary curiosity.

  After several minutes, they separated again. Orion stepped forward before Jin could speak.

  "I will go with you," Orion said. "If you're willing to have me. I can teach you the language spell, and our tongue, and more. And I can hold my own."

  Grub grinned. "Good. In exchange I can teach you about my culture, my people. And you get to explore the forest. Then we both get what we want." The other humans still looked uneasy, but none of them objected.

  Jin cleared his throat. "Then there is one more matter. How do we contact your tribe again when we have more work to offer?"

  “Give them a week or two to settle,” Grub said. “When the Ironfang are ready, they will mark this clearing again. Something like this spearhead so you know we want to talk.”

  Jin nodded. “And you? How long will you be gone?”

  Grub shrugged. “No idea. As long as it takes.” Jin studied him for one last moment.

  “Then go,” he said. “Learn what you set out to learn. And return alive.” “That is the plan,” Grub said. Jin nodded and motioned to the others, and he and four of the humans began moving out of the clearing. Mist curled across damp earth as the Harvest stepped farther back, leaving Grub and Orion alone in the clearing.

  The Harvest withdrew toward the treeline, watching.

  Grub turned to Orion. “Before we go north, I need to talk to my tribe. The ones at the cavern. I have to tell them what happened in our conquest and how to signal you next time. I will not be gone long.”

  Orion nodded. “I can wait here. As long as you are not gone a full day.”

  Grub snorted. “I will be gone a little over an hour. Maybe two.” He walked over to where he'd planted the broken spearhead and yanked it out of the ground, before tucking it into a small pouch. He climbed onto Sable’s back. “Come on, girl. Home.”

  Sable bounded forward, cutting back into the forest with eager speed.

  The distance from the clearing to the Ironfang cavern was only a couple of hours on goblin feet. Sable crossed it in closer to thirty minutes.

  Soon, the dark mouth of the cavern yawned ahead. Two guards straightened as Sable slowed and they approached. “Grub? You're back already? How did it go? Did we win?” Grub could see the eagerness in the Warriors eyes as they shared a glance and looked up at him expectantly.

  Grub quickly recapped everything they missed, and by the time he was done talking, they were grinning ear to ear. "Knew we could do it," one said. Grub interrupted them, "listen, I can't stay long, I need to return to the forest. Dravak is coming with his group in four or five days, so make sure the cavern is ready for his arrival. I also have a message for our Chief, that I need you to pass along to him. Can you do that for me?"

  They gave him their full attention.

  “When he comes, tell him the Harvest approved of how we dealt with the Bonegnashers. No complaints. They said we kept the bargain.”

  Both guards relaxed a little.

  “Tell him this too,” Grub added. “If he wants to talk to them again, he needs to plant a broken spearhead in the same clearing we used before. Same spot. That is the signal.” He handed one of the guards the broken spearhead he had used. "This one will work," he said. The guard nodded solemnly and tucked the broken weapon into his belt.

  Together, the two guards nodded hard. “We will remember. We will pass your words to the Chief,” one said.

  “Good.” Grub climbed back onto Sable. “I'll be back before you know it, stronger than ever.” He gave the guards a grin and a small sharp salute, which they returned. He patted Sables neck, and she turned fluidly beneath him, then sprinted back into the trees the way they had come.

  They reached the clearing again a little over an hour after they had left it. Orion still stood near the central stone, staff planted lightly in the ground. He was engrossed in his spellbook. He snapped it shut when he heard Grub arriving again, and looked up.

  “You were fast,” he said. “Sable,” Grub replied. Nothing else had to be said. Sable flicked her tail at the praise.

  Grub slid off her back. “Before we head out, you should meet her properly. Not just look at her.” Orion eyed the dire wolf. “Meet her.” “Yes,” Grub said. “Let her sniff you. You do not want her wondering if you are food later. Don't worry, she won't bite you. Probably.” He gave Orion a big grin when he said the last part.

  The man swallowed nervously. “That is... mildly horrifying,” Orion muttered, but stepped closer.

  "Go on girl, say hello," Grub said, and motioned towards Orion. Sable padded toward him, head low but relaxed. He stood still as a statue, his eyes the only thing moving as he tracked her. She sniffed his boots, then his gloves, then the mask hiding his face. Warm breath puffed against the wood.

  Orion held still.

  After a moment, Sable nudged his hand with her nose. “She likes you,” Grub said.

  Orion released a slow breath. “I never thought I would be petting a dire wolf.”

  “You'll get used to it,” Grub said. "Doubtful," he muttered, but he moved his hand anyways. Orion set a hand on Sable’s head. Her fur was thick and warm beneath his palm. She leaned into the touch briefly before padding back to Grub’s side.

  "Ready to go?" Orion checked the straps on his satchel, loosening one and tightening another. Sable watched him with unblinking amber eyes, measuring him.

  Grub swung himself up onto her back again and patted her shoulder. “Alright, Sable. North for real this time. No more distractions.” Sable huffed once and shook her head, her tail swaying.

  Orion approached with a cautious but steady gait. “I will have to walk. I cannot keep up with her.” “I know,” Grub said. “We go at your pace." Sable did not argue, though she lifted her head higher, clearly believing her pace was the correct one. Grub decided to Identify Sable before they left, and see her progress. He was inwardly pleased as he read what the System showed him.*

  Name: Sable

  Race: Dire Wolf

  Level: 11

  Class: Disciples Shadow

  Health: 70/70 | Stamina: 90/90 | Mana: 60/60

  Orion planted his staff in the dirt. “I can manage that. There is one more thing I should mention. The language spell I'm using only lasts about thirty minutes. I will need to recast it often.” “That's fine,” Grub said. “Just warn me before you do it so I don't think you are being attacked by ghosts.”

  Orion let out a small laugh. “I'll keep you informed.” They began walking northward toward the edge of the clearing.

  At the treeline, Jin lifted a hand once more. Grub returned the gesture.

  “Ready?” Orion asked. "Do you have any destination in mind or are we just vaguely heading north?" "Vaguely north. I know about as much as you when it comes to what awaits us further in," Grub replied. Orion just shrugged, "good enough for me. Lead the way."

  Grub leaned forward slightly as Sable shifted her weight. “Once we start moving, stay behind us, but not too far. If something jumps out, I want you close enough that I can help you.”

  Orion raised a brow. “Should I be worried?” “Probably,” Grub said. “The forest can be a dangerous place. But I am not letting you die on the first day. That would make me look terrible.” Orion snorted. “Oddly comforting.”

  Sable started toward the northern trees at a steady, controlled trot, slow enough for Orion to keep pace. The forest waited just beyond the line of trunks and shadow.

  After a few moments, Orion spoke. “Have you ever been beyond the forest?” “No,” Grub said. “All of this is home for me. I know the caves and the trees, but that is it. No villages. No cities. Nothing you grew up around. How about you?”

  Orion was quiet for a heartbeat. “I was born outside. Out there, this forest is a warning in stories. A place to avoid. They call it the North Wilds.”

  Grub nodded thoughtfully. "Is that this forests name everywhere?". Orion nodded, and opened his mouth to answer, but Grub continued, “They're more right than they know out there. The forest is dangerous. I know it firsthand. I lived in it alone before the Ironfang found and captured me and took me in. Before I met Sable. A fox almost killed me back then. I had no real control over my magic. No staff. No plan. I got lucky.” He looked ahead into the trees.

  “That was then,” he said. “Now I have real spells. I have a weapon. I know how to track, how to hide, how to fight. And, most importantly, I have Sable. I am not prey anymore. I am done acting like it.”

  Orion listened quietly.

  “I won't lie,” Orion said finally. “I am nervous being here. The North Wilds were always the part of the stories that ended badly. But at the same time I'm also… excited. Most of my people never come this deep. I might be the first to see what is really out there, and live to tell the tale.”

  Grub smirked. “Then we both get something new from this arrangement. You get your stories. I get stronger.” Orion nodded. “Seems fair.”

  He lifted two fingers toward his mask and murmured a short incantation. The language spell refreshed, and Grub’s words sharpened again in his ears.

  “Thirty more minutes,” Orion said. “Thirty minutes at a time is enough,” Grub replied. “We can get into plenty trouble in thirty minutes.”

  The day slowly passed as they walked north, and by days end, they had entered what was once the Red Tusk territory. They made camp in a natural hollow that evening, eating dried meat heated over a small fire and talking about nothing in particular. Grub knew the simple and easy days were going to be few and far between as they went further north, so he decided to enjoy this one while it was here.

  The real fun would soon begin.