Nolan followed the creature through the forest moving with cautious trust. The animal walked slowly as if making sure he could keep up. Its large tail swept across the ground carving lines in the glowing mist. Every few steps the creature glanced back at him like a silent check Are you still here Are you still willing
Nolan kept walking because fear had settled into something steadier like the kind of focus he felt when handling injured hawks or coyotes. The forest air carried a soft hum almost musical and the mist swirled at the creature’s ankles like it enjoyed its presence.
The creature finally stopped near a fallen tree covered in thick moss. It lowered itself onto its haunches like a giant cat settling for rest. Nolan approached slowly. The creature did not growl. It simply watched him with gold eyes that felt too intelligent to be random wildlife.
Nolan knelt beside it keeping his movements smooth. He lifted the broken collar again examining the cracked metal. The symbols pulsed softly when his fingers brushed them. The creature leaned forward nudging the collar with its snout then tapped its own damaged piece.
Nolan understood.
The collar was important something the creature used or needed. But the fracture running across the metal prevented it from working. Nolan touched the break and felt a faint spark like static electricity. Not dangerous but strange.
You want this fixed he said gently
The creature lowered its head in clear agreement.
Nolan studied the break. He was not a blacksmith not an engineer not even a trained magical anything because magic did not exist in his world. But he had hands steady from years of animal care and a stubborn heart that refused to quit when something relied on him.
Let me try he whispered
He pressed the two pieces of the collar together. The blue mist gathered around his hands curling like threads pulled by an invisible magnet. Nolan held his breath because the mist felt warm almost alive. It seeped into the metal like it was stitching the fracture.
A soft hum filled the air. The symbols lit up brighter brighter until the collar shone like molten silver.
Nolan almost dropped it.
The light faded. The collar was whole again.
The creature exhaled a low gentle sound like relief. Nolan extended the collar and the creature lowered its head allowing him to slip it back into place. The metal clamped with a soft ring then released a pulse of golden light that ran down the creature’s spine.
Its body shimmered. Scales shifted into a smoother pattern. Its posture rose taller stronger. The damaged look in its eyes faded replaced by bright awareness.
Nolan stepped back unsure if he had just helped the creature or accidentally awakened something far beyond him.
The creature made a soft sound then bowed its head toward him. A clear respectful gesture.
Then a voice formed in Nolan’s mind.
Soft clear calm.
My name is Kaelun
Nolan jolted. He looked around expecting someone else to be hiding behind a tree. But it was only the creature. Its golden eyes glowed faintly.
Kaelun spoke again without moving its mouth.
You restored my bond collar. You returned my strength. I am in your debt
Nolan stared speechless.
Okay he whispered you talk. Inside my head.
Only to those who mend the broken Kaelun replied Only to those the forest accepts
The forest acceptance part worried Nolan but he pushed the fear down.
Kaelun lifted its head.
You are not from this world. The forest spoke your arrival. It said a traveler from a dry land would cross the sand of stars and awaken what was sleeping
Nolan rubbed the back of his neck. I think the forest has the wrong guy
It does not Kaelun said calmly
The creature stood to full height towering over him. Not threatening only vast like a guardian statue brought to life.
If the forest calls you then your path begins now
Nolan breathed out slowly. He looked around the glowing mist the trees that stretched like ancient giants the strange heartbeat of the world humming under his feet.
Whatever brought him here was bigger than anything he understood. But Kaelun watched him with trust waiting for an answer.
Nolan gave a small nod.
Okay then. I will walk with you
Kaelun lowered its tail curling it gently around Nolan like a protective gesture.
Then your journey starts with the first step keeper from another world