Another world, Celeste

Chapter Fourteen

Swiftly jumping from branches to branches high up on the trees then leap to the ground, using wind magic to cushion my fall. Without stopping to catch a breath, I run towards my destination while checking the map for any pursuits on my tail. A dot on the screen appears and moving fast. I pick up my speed to widen the distance between us. Just then, a howling sound echoes in the forest, but I ignore it and continue to run. Emerging from the shadow of the tall trees into the bright sunlight, the familiar structure of the village's gate is up ahead. With a final sprint, I arrive at the base and touch the door. To my dismay, Bane is already there waiting for me.

"Aww, so close," I say while heavily panting.

Bane barks.

"Not even close. It's your loss again." A guard approaches us.

"Good morning." I greet him.

"It is useless trying to outrun a Great Wolf." The guard comments.

"I know, but it's great to build up stamina."

"Even so, other than Mint, I do not think there is anyone who has the chance to keep up with the speed of a Great Wolf."

"That sounds like an interesting challenge." An unknown voice cuts in.

The guard reflexively moves his hand to the hilt of his sword but ease up once he sees the face of the visitor. A man, a human man to be precise. I would say his age to be around the mid to late twenties and he's carrying a sword and I can tell the robe he's wearing is enchanted. My guess is it's for defensive measures since I don't see him wearing any armour. He appears behind me without warning. Presence detection couldn't detect him either. Is he using concealment magic? I glance at Bane for his reaction, but he's not showing any hostility towards this unknown man. The rest of the guards also seem to recognise him. Just to make sure, an appraisal on his race confirms that he is human.

"Your early return is expected. Lord Kinai has ordered us to escort you to him when you return." The guard says to the unsuspicious man.

"He's putting me to work already. Can't I at least take a few moments of rest?" The visitor says.

"Please don't think of running away." The guard firmly says. "We've been ordered to take you by force if you resist."

The unsuspicious man put his hands up in defeat. "Fine. I understand."

I watch the guards escort the man into the village. From the back, it looks like they're bringing a prisoner more than a guest. Bane and I leisurely walk until my breathing slows down from the extraneous exercise. When I return to the house, I take off my running shoes and slip into an indoor slipper.

"Maya, I'm back."

My head peeks into her workroom. She's been spending an awful lot of time in there lately.