The child of wolves (English version)

The childhood part 3.

After the emotional day, Astral returned home to his parents. He quickly ate the hot stew that Thelaria had prepared, then went straight to bed. His body was exhausted, weighed down by the day's adventures and the biting cold of Frosthelm's winter. As soon as his head touched the pillow, sleep took him. Carried by the light of the stars and the clarity of the moon, he drifted into a world of dreams where he explored vast lands with his friends, running through endless meadows and climbing snow-capped mountains, free and carefree. He felt the cool wind, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the sound of his companions' joyful laughter echoing in the valleys.

The night passed peacefully, cradled by the silence of a sleeping village.

The next morning, Astral awoke with the first ray of sunlight filtering through the wooden shutters of his room. He dressed in his thick clothes and went downstairs to join Thelaria and Virion for breakfast. That morning, the atmosphere was focused. Thelaria served warm porridge with nuts and honey, while Virion was already discussing the day ahead.

"Today, you have a lesson with Thoria, the oracle of Frosthelm," Virion reminded him while cutting a slice of bread. "She'll teach you about the principles of the world and the laws of nature. Pay close attention to what she says—she's wise."

Astral nodded as he ate his porridge. He knew that Thoria wasn't just a wise and mysterious old woman but also a Transcended, one of the few people able to bond with an elemental creature. His mind was already buzzing with questions he could ask, especially after yesterday's tales about the wolves of the Nightblade Forest.

After finishing his meal, he dressed warmly and hurried out to meet his friends in front of the village's great hall. This imposing building, constructed from thick wood and stone, was used for gatherings, councils, and sometimes as a school. That morning, snow covered the thatched roof, and frost garlands hung from the windows. Small plumes of smoke drifted from nearby chimneys, adding a visual warmth to the crisp, cold air.

When Astral arrived, most of the village children were already there, gathered in small groups, their breath forming clouds in the frosty air. Some ran in circles to keep warm, while others laughed, throwing impromptu snowballs. Astral joined his friends, sharing in their excitement.

"Good morning, children! I see you're all on time, very good," announced Thoria, an imposing woman despite her silver hair and advanced age. Her piercing gaze always seemed to uncover the deepest secrets.

The children gathered around, forming a semicircle in front of her. Thoria stood before a roughly hewn wooden table, upon which lay various mystical objects: dried herbs, rare bird feathers, and a small colorful frog perched on a piece of wood. Behind her, the great hall's walls were adorned with animal skins and ancient tapestries depicting legendary hunts and battles.

Astral felt a shiver of excitement seeing these artifacts. Each item seemed to tell a story, every feather or dried leaf hiding a secret of the Nightblade Forest. His eyes briefly settled on Myco, the colorful frog, whose black eyes seemed to watch him with an almost human curiosity.

"Today, we will study the laws of nature that govern this world," Thoria declared. "Do you know why the Nightblade Forest is so different from other forests?"

The children exchanged uncertain glances. The Nightblade Forest was a mystical place for all, a place that inspired both fear and fascination.

"The forest is alive," Lya whispered timidly. "It can feel our presence."

"Yes, that's one way to see it," Thoria replied with a smile. "But more than that, the forest is a place where forces few humans truly understand intersect. That's why it's important to know the laws governing these forces. Those who bond with them are called the Transcended."