The arrival of winter brought a festive air to the nearby town. The Great Festival was a time of celebration, where the villagers gave thanks for the year's harvest and prepared for the cold months ahead. The town buzzed with activity, and travellers from the distant capital had arrived, including a group of knights escorting an important noble.

During one of our secret meetings, Alexius excitedly shared the news with me.

"The town is so lively right now," Alexius said, his eyes sparkling with excitement despite his fatigue. "There's a festival going on, and so many people have come to celebrate. There's even a noble with a group of knights staying at the inn. I saw real knights! They were wearing full armour!"

I listened intently, imagining the bustling town and the festivities. I wished I could see it for myself, but I knew it was too dangerous. The thought of so many humans in one place made me anxious.

"That sounds amazing, Alexius," I growled softly, wishing I could communicate better with my friend. "I wish I could be there with you." I tried to convey my wish by nuzzling into his side.

Alexius seemed to understand my sentiment.

"Maybe someday, Or, you will come with me... Maybe when I get bigger, I can protect you. But for now, it's probably safer if you stay here in the forest."

I nodded, though my heart ached with the desire to join Alexius.

"Stay safe, Alexius." I whimpered a bit as we said our goodbyes each day.

*

On the day of the festival, I waited for Alexius at our usual meeting spot, but the boy didn't show up. My heart sank with worry. I paced back and forth, wondering what could have happened. I decided to wait a little longer, hoping Alexius would appear.

As the sun began to set, I heard familiar voices behind me. I turned to see my mother and father approaching, their faces filled with concern.

Of course, they found me... how difficult would it be to follow my scent and the road I take os often...

"Orphelin, where have you been?" Lorish asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"We've been looking for you," the King added, his tone stern. "You shouldn't be out here alone."

I felt a surge of frustration and anger. I knew they were worried, but I couldn't leave Alexius alone.

"I was waiting for my friend," I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Alexius needs me. He's in trouble, and I can't just abandon him."

Lorish and the King exchanged worried glances.

"You can't keep sneaking off like this," the King said, his voice firm. "It's too dangerous, and we need you to stay safe."

My eyes filled with tears of frustration.

"I can't let him suffer... his uncle and aunt hurt him a lot. He's my friend, and he saved my life. I have to help him."

When I spoke about uncle and aunt, I saw King's expression tighten... he knew I meant a human. Lorish's expression softened, and she touched my cheek with her nose.

"We understand, my baby. But you have to be careful. We can't lose you." Her voice was soft.

"No, I can't..." Dad started speaking, but Mom interrupted.

"Give him a chance," Lorish pleaded with the King. "Let him go and check on his friend."

The King hesitated but finally nodded.

"Be quick and be careful," he said. "We'll be waiting for you at home, but if you take too long, I will go to look for you."

I nodded, my heart pounding with gratitude and determination. I turned and sprinted towards the town, hoping I wasn't too late.

I moved through the shadows, avoiding the bustling streets and the crowds of festival-goers. The town was alive with laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of food. Brightly coloured banners hung from buildings, and children ran around with sparklers, their faces alight with joy.

As I neared the part of the town, where Alex lived with his uncles, I heard angry shouting and the unmistakable sound of a whip cracking. My heart raced as I ran toward the house and peered around a corner. There, I saw Alexius's uncle, a large, brutish man, beating the boy mercilessly. Alexius was on the ground, barely conscious, his body covered in bruises and cuts. His aunt stood next to him with disgust on her face.

"Come on, hurry. We'll deal with him and go during the event," she was trying to make her husband beat the boy faster, or maybe...?

"No!" I whispered in horror, my heart breaking at the sight.

I knew I had to do something, but I also knew I couldn't take on the uncle alone... They could make a ruckus, not to mention that I couldn't carry Alex by myself. I needed help. With a desperate plan forming in my mind, I turned and sprinted back towards the town centre, hoping to find the knights Alexius had mentioned.

The festival was in full swing, with people laughing and dancing in the streets. I darted through the crowds, my size allowing me to move quickly and unnoticed. I dodged between legs and under carts, my ears filled with the cacophony of the festival. I reached the inn where the knights were staying and burst into the courtyard, causing a commotion.

"What's this?" one of the knights exclaimed, drawing his sword. "A dog?"

"No! It's some kind of monster!" Another one roared reaching for his sword.

Such typical human behaviour by the way...

I didn't wait to see what he was going to do. I turned and ran back towards the farm, hoping the knights would follow. The sound of shouting and clanging armour told me they were.

As I led the knights back to the farm, I could hear the uncle's cruel voice carrying through the night air.

"Useless brat! You think you can slack off during the festival and no one will notice? That's it! We were benevolent on you and for what?! It will be easier on us without you here!"

The knights exchanged grim looks, their pace quickening. They lost me along the way, as I ducked under some wagons, but the shouts made the knights follow to the scene. When we arrived at the farm, Alexius's uncle was still beating the boy, his face twisted with rage. Alexius lay on the ground, barely moving, his eyes closed in pain.

"Stop!" one of the knights commanded. "In the name of the King!"

The uncle froze, his face pale with fear. The knights quickly surrounded him, their swords drawn. One of them stepped forward and grabbed the uncle's arm, pulling him away from Alexius.

"What's the meaning of this?" the uncle sputtered, but his bravado was gone, replaced by fear. His wife screaming and trying to run away with - what appeared to be - jewellery in a sachet.

"Silence!" the knight barked. "You've been caught in the act of abusing this child. You will answer our Lord's questions!"

The knights quickly subdued the uncle, binding his hands and pulling him away from Alexius. The boy lay on the ground, his breaths shallow and laboured. I watched from the shadows, my heart racing with relief and worry. I saw a nobleman, richly dressed and with an air of authority, step forward and gently lift Alexius into his arms. He seems to have arrived just now on a horseback with few more knights.

"We'll take care of you, child," the nobleman said softly. "You're safe now."

As the knights and the nobleman carried Alexius away, the boy opened his eyes and looked around weakly.

"Or..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.

My heart broke at the sight. I wanted to run to Alexius, to be with him, but I knew I couldn't. I watched as they disappeared into the night, tears streaming down my face.

The nobleman held Alexius gently, his voice soothing as he spoke to the knights.

"We must get him to the inn and tend to his wounds immediately."

"Yes, my lord," one of the knights replied. "We'll ensure he's well cared for."

As they moved away, I followed them from a distance, staying hidden in the shadows. I couldn't bear to leave Alexius alone, not after what I had just witnessed. I watched as they ventured further into the small city, which still was in a bit of a chaos. I knew I couldn't follow.

I stayed there, behind some wooden crates, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. I had saved Alexius, but I didn't know if I would ever see my friend again. The minutes felt like hours as I stood there, my mind racing with thoughts of what could happen next. And if I should risk my life running there? No... my family would be devastated if something were to happen to me...

Then suddenly I saw the same nobleman on horseback, with some knights following.

"How's the boy?" he asked as they were passing my hiding spot.

"The medic is taking care of him. But it looks bad. Years of abuse and malnourishment" one of the knights said.

"Let's see those people and the treasures you told me they were hiding... Maybe we just found what we were looking for" the nobleman said.

It sounded strange, and I tried to follow but then, the nobleman looked around, his eyes scanning the darkness. For a moment, I thought he might have seen me, but the he turned on the saddle and continued forward.

My heart ached with the desire to run to Alexius, to be by his side and ensure he was truly safe. But I knew it wasn't possible. I had done all I could for now.

With a heavy heart, I made my way back to the forest, my mind filled with worry and sadness. I had saved Alexius, but the uncertainty of our future weighed heavily on me.