Growing Moon

Nox felt stronger than usual, as if he had gone back in time by at least six months. He looked at his mark again; the moon appeared fuller. 'I must be going crazy... Or maybe this is all a dream? I have to wake up,' he thought.

The narrow crescent seemed slightly thicker than before. He lightly pinched his own cheek.

He had no idea how it was possible or what had happened, but one thing was certain: this wasn't his end yet. Somehow, in a magical way, he managed to extend his life... or someone else had done it for him.

He racked his brain trying to make sense of everything that happened, his uncertainty overshadowed by joy, relief, and hope. His thoughts turned to his brother, Abram, and his father. He should write them a letter, or better yet, visit them in person as soon as possible.

He wondered if he was in trouble. Would Torven punish him? Would he be angry? He thought about the door, was it still locked? Was Velkan standing on the other side? He decided he will try it in a moment.

He sat on the bed, trying to make sense of the escape and everything that had happened afterward. Then he looked at his mark again and came to the conclusion it had really happened. His replenishing Mark was proof.

He glanced down at his leg. He began to move his toes without any issue. Then he carefully moved his foot in a round motion. There was some resistance, but no pain. His skin looked normal. He couldn't see any scars or signs that his bones had ever been shattered. Nox sat for a long while, deep in thought.

He had no idea how much time had passed when he heard the door handle turn. The door creaked open slowly, the familiar sound breaking the silence. He seemed a bit awkward, maybe uncertain.

Torven stepped inside but didn't come any closer. From a short distance, he asked:

"Good morning Nox, Feeling any better?"

"Yes, thank you," Nox replied. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Torven cleared his throat.

"I found you in the forest. I couldn't leave you there."

He paused briefly, then added,

"I'm sorry for keeping you locked up. You're free to move around the entire estate, except for that one outbuilding next to the stables. I understand if you want to write a letter to your family. I'll help you send it. But I ask that you stay here a little longer, at least until you start feeling better."

Nox furrowed his brow slightly and asked,

"How do you know my name?"

He looked at Torven with suspicion.

"I read your farewell letter, remember? You signed it with your name." Torven sighed.

Nox nodded. "Ok," Then, as if suddenly remembering, he asked the question that had been weighing on him:

"Did you call a healer? Someone with blue Mark?"

Torven studied him for a moment before answering,

"Yes. Something like that. I hope your leg heals properly. I'll let you rest now".

Torven sighed, then offered a faint, almost apologetic smile turning toward the door.

As he reached for the handle, he paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"If you need anything, just ask. Someone will be nearby."

Then he opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind him with a quiet click. The silence that followed felt heavier than before, but not unwelcome. Nox remained seated on the bed, staring at the closed door, taking note of Torven not having locked it after his exit.

On the same day, the first thing Nox did when he felt a bit better was to run to the stable.

"Run" was perhaps too strong a word. Although his ankle looked fine, after just a few steps, he could feel the joint stiffening. He knew it would take weeks before he could walk without limping again, if that was even possible. He followed the familiar, weed-covered path toward his friend.

Just as Torven had promised, the stable was unlocked. He almost cried when he saw Gerhart. This time, he could freely step inside and gently stroke the horse's neck. Gerhart rubbed against Nox in joy and softly snorted.

"Sorry, I left you behind. I'll make it up to you once I'm better," Nox whispered, kissing his stallion's nose.

As he was leaving the stable, he encountered Velkan. He nodded in a friendly manner toward him, and Velkan returned the gesture. No words were needed, they shared an unspoken understanding.

Nox took a deep breath and allowed himself a moment of calm. Despite the pain and uncertainty, seeing Gerhart and Velkan reminded him that he wasn't alone. He didn't even know when he started considering Velkan as his friend.

Strength, he realized, would come not just from healing his body, but also from the support of those who stood by him.