The Road

Together with Arwa, we set off towards the house of the sick. The path seemed to stretch endlessly before us, and the earthy trail lay ahead like an ancient river leading us into the unknown. We walked, chatting with Arwa, and felt the soft texture of the earth under our feet.

"Young man," said Arwa, her eyes shining with deep concern, "do you remember the stories told to you when you were young? I don't want you to go to that cursed place known as the Forest of the Gods. When I was a child, my elders used to tell terrifying stories about it. These were the kind of stories no child should hear. They say there's a monster in the forest. Once you see it, you'll never return. It drags those who enter into the deepest darkness and hunts them before the sun sets. I'm telling you again, my dear, never go there."

Arwa's voice trembled with the experience and fear of years. I pursed my lips and responded.

"Well, they're just stories," I said. "Perhaps these are just little white lies told to keep us away from the forest. Besides, did you ever see the monster with your own eyes?"

Arwa sighed, tilting her head slightly. "Ah Alek, sometimes I don't know what to say to you. Even though I want to yell and scold you, I can't. I don't want anything bad to happen to you," she said, her tone both irritable and filled with affection.

Lying to her gnawed at me. The truth was, I had seen something in the forest. But still, I was determined to go back.

"Arwa, I understand your concern. I'll be careful," I tried to reassure her.

"Young man, being careful isn't enough! Daneel is an old soldier. When he returns from the city, he can teach you how to fight. You're still young; you need to learn how to protect yourself. And don't forget, one day you'll have to protect your wife too," she said, her tone more like a piece of advice, but at the same time, serious.

Arwa's words made sense. If I was going into the forest, I had to learn to defend myself. If I wanted to understand the language of the cedar trees and what the monster truly was, I needed to be stronger.

"Ah! You're right, I want to learn to protect myself. But I'm not ready for marriage just yet!" I said with a slight smile. My words made the old woman smile too, even turning into a short laugh.

"Alright, dear, when Daneel returns from the city, I'll bring it up with him. He'd be glad to teach you," she said.

"Thank you for your help, Arwa," I said sincerely.

She waved her hand. "No need for all this formality. You're like family! But... you've also made my hand hurt, would you carry the basket for me?" she said, giggling.

I smiled and took the basket. "I spent some time with Daneel," I said innocently.

"It shows. You're just like him! You need to learn how to treat a woman!" she said, laughing heartily.

To close the subject, I just nodded. Along the way, I admired the nature surrounding us. The trees and the stream, the chirping of the birds, the whisper of the wind… all of these gave me a sense of peace. As we continued, we entered an area where the bushes were more plentiful and the trees fewer. The atmosphere was becoming livelier; the sounds of birds, insects, and distant voices replaced the silence with a lively vibe.

Finally, we reached a building resembling an old, shabby farmhouse. Arwa paused for a moment, and a look of displeasure appeared in her eyes.

"My dear, we won't linger at the house we're going to. I don't like the hosts, especially the man of the house. Even breathing the same air as him irritates me. But I wouldn't have come here if I didn't pity the poor little girl. Fortunately, her father has gone to pasture the sheep. Let's quickly finish our business before that cursed man returns," she said.

"Alright, Arwa," I nodded in response.

We passed through the garden surrounded by stone walls. We reached the front of the house and carefully opened the old wooden door to step inside.