Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1

CHAPTER 16 - WHISPERS OF DANGER

Three days of relentless travel had led us through the unforgiving snow-draped mountains. The journey had been exhausting, each step a battle against the piercing cold.

Every evening, when the sun left the sky, Egon made a stop deep in the woods. It was evident that exhaustion never seemed to catch up with him. He could likely continue travelling for days without ever feeling tired. However, that wasn't the case for me, and I felt thankful for each time I had the chance to stretch my stiff legs and dismount from the horse. Yet, Egon never voiced any complaints and never made me feel like I was a burden to him.

We spent hours talking and getting to know each other. During our talks, I learned what drew him to horseback riding, a question I had posed considering how he can transform into an animal himself that easily can bring him from one place to another.

Egon explained his desire to embrace both his human and animal instincts. For him, horse riding always provided him with a peaceful state of mind and he found great pleasure in this very human activity. Furthermore, he pointed out that the ability to communicate with me was something he couldn't achieve in his shifter form. That alone justified his preference for travelling in a more human manner.

In turn, Egon showed great interest in my life in Terrassen, asking numerous questions. I had anticipated feeling down when discussing it, but Egon's attentive listening and engaging questions somehow made me feel as if my hometown was still alive and present.

As the days passed by and we descended further down the mountain's slopes, the landscape around us slowly changed. The snow gave way to a dry, yet green scenery. The air became thick and heavy, indicating that the scorching heat of the summer waited for us once more. It was strange to think that just days earlier, I was shivering from the cold, whereas now, I could feel beads of sweat appearing on my forehead.

I exchanged my warm cape and thick attire for a lighter, more comfortable dress that was stowed away in our bag. The dark blue skirt of my gown fluttered in the gentle breeze as our horse galloped along the winding forest trail.

Just as I started to wonder how long it would be before we took another break, a large town suddenly appeared ahead of us.

"Eisendal," Egon announced as the town gradually revealed itself, growing in size as we approached closer.

I marvelled at the town, filled with awe at its beauty. It was stunning. I had never travelled beyond Terrassen, not by my own free will anyway. I only stepped beyond my hometown's walls when we had to escape. However, at that moment my main focus was on water, food and the well-being of my father rather than paying attention to my surroundings. But now, safe and comfortable on the horse with Egon, I could peacefully enjoy my surroundings.

The houses, made from polished brown stone, hugged the hillside, creating an arrangement that gave the impression of being stacked atop one another. The earthy browns of the buildings blended seamlessly with the natural tones of the hill and the sandy landscape. The deep blue slate roofs stood out in sharp contrast, mirroring the sunlight from the scorching sun above.

"How about we spend the day here?" Egon suggested, catching my expression.

I looked up at him, my eyes wide with excitement.

I wanted nothing more than to stretch my legs, and the idea of spending an entire day with Egon in this unfamiliar place was incredibly appealing. But I knew that his pack awaited him in Blackbridge, and considering the days of travel ahead, I shook my head. "Your pack is waiting for you in Blackbridge."

Egon shrugged. "What's one more day of waiting? I reckon they're mostly pleased. They no longer have a pestering Alpha breathing down their necks."

"Are you sure?" I questioned with a hint of doubt in my tone.