Chapter 6: Preparation

As Vesper walked, he considered how to deal with the griffin. "What if I set up a trap, like last time?" he mused, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yes, that could work."

With renewed determination, he hurried back to his hideout, eager to implement his plan. On the way, he collected dried leaves, fresh ones, and additional sticks for his new projects. He intended to build a makeshift bed to avoid sleeping on the muddy ground, which would help his wounds heal more effectively and reduce the risk of infection.

Back at his hideout, Vesper carefully inspected the area to ensure it was still secure. Once he was certain it was safe, he organized the materials he had gathered.

He began constructing his bed by layering sticks and placing fresh leaves on top.

"This should be more comfortable," he said to himself, testing the firmness of his new bed.

Next, he prepared a fire, this time with more ease since he was familiar with the process from yesterday. He then set up a smoker using sticks and fresh leaves to preserve the remaining meat, ensuring it wouldn't spoil. The task was laborious, especially with the persistent pain from his wound and the exhaustion from his journey.

'It's better to be dead tired than dead from starvation,' he mused with a wry smile.

Over the next few days, Vesper continued with his routine, focusing on healing and preparation. He diligently placed traps around his camp to prepare for the upcoming trial. His wounds gradually improved, and he could feel the difference with each passing day.

His daily efforts and careful planning were beginning to pay off. With his hideout fortified and traps set, he felt more confident in his ability to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Each small victory in his recovery and preparation brought him one step closer to ensuring his survival and ultimately completing his trial.

As Vesper's wounds continued to heal and his hideout grew more secure, he turned his attention to setting up more traps around his camp. He knew that with the upcoming trial looming, it was crucial to be prepared for any threats that might come his way. He spent the next few days meticulously crafting and positioning traps to ensure his safety.

One of the traps Vesper decided to build was a classic pitfall trap. He found a suitable location near his hideout where the ground was soft and easily dug. Using a stick and his hands, he started to dig a deep hole, ensuring it was wide enough to catch anything that might stumble into it. Once the pit was the right depth, he covered the top with a layer of sticks and leaves, camouflaging it with a thick layer of foliage.

'This should catch any unsuspecting creature' he muttered, satisfied with the concealment.

Next, he constructed a snare trap. For this, he used a flexible, sturdy vine he had found nearby. He fashioned a noose and set it up between two trees, anchoring one end securely and leaving the noose open to catch anything that walked through. He baited the snare with a piece of butterfly meat, hoping the scent would lure in any predators.

"This should work well for smaller creatures" he said, admiring his handiwork.

Vesper also decided to make a simple yet effective tripwire trap. He used a length of thin but strong vine, tying it across a narrow pathway near his hideout. He attached a small, sharpened stick to the vine so that when it was tripped, the stick would spring up and jab at whatever crossed its path. He carefully hid the wire with leaves and debris, ensuring it was nearly invisible.

'If something tries to get too close, this should give me a warning' he thought, pleased with the setup.

Finally, he crafted a basic noise trap using a few metal objects he had scavenged. He set them up in a precarious pile near the entrance of his hideout. If someone or something disturbed the pile, the metal would clatter loudly, alerting him to the presence of intruders.

"A noisy surprise," he chuckled, envisioning the clamor that would ensue.

As Vesper worked, he occasionally paused to check his surroundings, always on alert for potential threats. His movements were deliberate, each trap carefully planned and executed with precision. He knew that every precaution he took was vital for his survival.

Once all the traps were set, he took a step back and surveyed his work.

"These should provide ample warning and protection" he said with a sense of accomplishment.

The traps were now well-integrated into the landscape, designed to blend in with their surroundings while providing effective defenses against any potential threats.

With his traps in place, Vesper returned to his hideout, feeling a renewed sense of security. His hideout was now fortified, his traps ready to catch or deter any dangers that might come his way. As he settled down for the night, he couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. Each trap was a testament to his resourcefulness and determination, and he hoped they would help him successfully navigate the challenges of the trial that awaited him.

Vesper turned his attention to ensuring his wounds were properly tended to. He knew that staying in good health was crucial for facing the upcoming trial, so he took extra care in his daily routine.

He carefully removed the bandages from his leg, wincing as he examined the wound. It was healing but still needed regular attention.

"I've got to keep this clean" he muttered, reaching for the clean cloths he had set aside.

He cleaned the wound gently with water from the flask, which he had managed to fill just in time.

"No infections, please" he added, applying a fresh layer of ointment made from a mixture of tree resin and herbs he had foraged. He rebandaged the wound carefully, making sure it was secure but not too tight.

Next, Vesper made sure he had enough water. He had filled the flask earlier but knew it was important to keep a fresh supply. He decided to gather more water, just to be on the safe side. The journey to the pond was uneventful, and he filled the flask again, this time carefully filtering the water through a cloth to remove any impurities.

"Better safe than sorry" he said with a satisfied smile.

Back at his hideout, he organized his supplies, making sure everything was within reach and easy to access. The fresh leaves he had used for bedding had provided a bit of comfort, but he knew that every detail mattered for his well-being and readiness.

As dusk began to settle, Vesper lit a small fire to cook some of the butterfly meat. He took care to monitor the flames, ensuring they remained steady but not too large. Once the meat was cooked, he ate his meal with a sense of satisfaction.

"This is a good meal after a long day of work," he thought, savoring each bite.

With his stomach full and his supplies organized, Vesper finally settled down for the night. He lay on his makeshift bed, the soft leaves and sticks providing a surprising amount of comfort. The fire's glow cast gentle shadows around the camp, and he closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift into a well-deserved rest.

However, his sleep was abruptly interrupted by a loud, guttural growl emanating from just a few meters outside his camp. Vesper's eyes snapped open, and his heart raced. He lay still, straining to listen. The growl was deep and menacing, reverberating through the quiet night. He immediately tensed, reaching for his sword and preparing to investigate.

His traps were set, but he couldn't be sure if they had caught anything or if the sound was a warning of something more sinister approaching. The growl came again, closer this time, and Vesper's senses were on high alert. He slowly rose, careful not to make a sound, and peered out into the darkness, gripping his sword tightly. The night was eerily still, the only sound his own heavy breathing as he waited to see what might emerge from the shadows.

The growl faded, replaced by an unsettling silence. Vesper held his breath, every muscle tense as he listened intently. The night seemed to hold its breath with him, the crackling fire the only sound piercing the stillness. Whatever was out there was waiting, and Vesper knew that staying alert and prepared was crucial if he hoped to survive the lurking threat.