I was totally exhausted. There were scratches all over my face and night was too dark for walking but I couldn't stop. I knew that Jareh's body would have already been found. I had been walking for hours and I was trembling all over. Forest was quite scary as well. There were many boys who wandered through forests for days but I definitely was not one of them. It was new and difficult for me. Suddenly I felt that my feet got wet, I looked down and saw a stream. Being extremely thirsty, I immediately squatted to drink water but I felt strange headache and after seconds I was just lying in the stream, totally unconscious.
***
When I woke up, everything was a bit vague. All I could see was candle's light and a wooden wall. I realized that I was lying in a bed which increased my wonder and fear even more. I tried to move but that made my headache even worse. I looked around and I started observing every detail. Vagueness was gone and now I could see everything but that didn't change my amazement.
All I could see was a simple bedroom. Walls were wooden and room was lightened by small candles. I got up and started seeking for a weapon to somehow defend myself. There was nothing that I could use as a weapon. My heartbeat got crazy when I heard steps from another room. Someone was moving towards me and I realized that I was totally unprotected. I quickly climbed into bed and I pretended to be asleep. Door opened with a loud creak. I was lying there, moveless and breathless.
"I know you are awake. I heard your footsteps." I heard a deep voice. I slowly opened my eyes and saw a big man standing in the shadow. He slowly started approaching so that I could see his face.
He was huge. He was wearing simple clothing but his appearance was quite significant. Candle's light was proudly showing off his beautiful dark brown hair and eyes. His strong jaw and dark eyebrows increased his masculinity. He was 6'5"and 270 lbs, which made him much bigger than me. His body structure also differed from mine very much. He had powerful thighs and shoulders. He was mature and gruff but perfect for his age. I thought that he would be in his early 40s. Despite being a bit overweight, you could easily see his strong muscles and exercised body. In other conditions, I would definitely be attracted to him but at that moment all I was capable of was trembling in fear.
"Don't be scared. I just found you in a stream. I took you home and helped you recover. You seemed to have high temperature." He sat next to me. "I'm glad you are awake."
I was silent like a fish.
"I'm going to sleep now. I will be in the next room. If you have any problem, do not hesitate to address me." He understood that I was too scared to talk and added with a laugh. "I may look scary but you should not be afraid of me. I'm just the man who decided to help you. "
He stood up and left me alone. No sooner had he left the room, he returned and smiled nervously.
"I forgot to mention the food. I have rabbit's meat and some vegetables. They are on the table. You can eat, whenever you decide to."
I realized that I was suffering from terrible hunger and I decided to accept the proposal immediately.
"Thank you for everything. Food would be quite nice right now. I'm extremely hungry." I understood that it was quite rude to immediately ask for food but I was too hungry to think about manners. In addition, I tried to be as polite as I could while requesting.
"Come on, then." He said with a cheerful smile. I followed him in the dining room
I sat at the table.
"By the way, my name is Brag." He said with a grin.
"Trad, Nice to meet you." I answered shyly.
"So, Trad ... Are you one of those silly wanderers who think they will find something magical of extraordinary in the forest?"
"No. I wasn't planning to wander in the dark through the forest. I just needed to leave the village." I understood that I said too much.
"Which village..? Basinia or Tansus?" Brag gave me the plate full of rabbit meat.
"I'm from Tansus." I answered nervously and started eating. When I had the first bite, I nearly puked. I had never imagined that meat could be that bad. Brag noticed it and tried to defend himself.
"I know that I am a terrible cook. Actually, my wife died four years ago. She used to cook so the only thing I know is how to haunt."
"I'm so sorry" I apologized. "So do you live alone?"
"Yes, but I've gotten used to solitude. I'm a forester and only human contact I have is with the clients who want to buy wood and with merchants who I want to buy food from. It was not any different in the old times. My wife and I lived alone and didn't need anyone else. However, we had another room for our son who died when he was 3 ... He suffered from a terrible disease." That cheerful man suddenly transformed into a depressed person who suffered from terrible loneliness.
"I can't even imagine what it feels like." I said with terror in my eyes.
"I hope you never will." He answered with a sad and ironical smile.
After minutes of silence he decided to change the topic.
"Trad, What do you do?"
"Ah ... I'm just a peasant."
He looked at me for awhile, stood up and took the empty plate. "You look tired. I think you should get a sleep." I nodded and headed to my room. Before closing the door, I turned around and looked at the face of the lonely man. Desire to embrace and encourage him filled me but all I could do was to thank him.
***
Next day, when I woke up Brag had already been gone. I did not want to leave without saying goodbye. I decided to wait until he returned. Automatically, I started thinking about past events which totally changed my life. Jareh's deep blue eyes came up to my mind and sadness filled me. He and I didn't have a future. He would return to his duties and I would stay in my village, bringing water and dreaming about happier life. Even after that shocking event, I didn't regret this small amount of time spent with Jareh. This was the only period of time when I was truly happy. Sir Jareh's role was irreplaceable part of my life.
Fear of future changed the sadness and melancholy. I didn't have any plans. Only thing seemed a bit realistic to me was to escape from forest and run to the big city where I could secretly leave with a ship. I didn't have any other option.
In order to stop thinking about Jareh and help Brag, I decided to do housework and make a better meal from rabbit meat and some other ingredients. Having served as a servant for the king and his visitors, I learned a lot of things about cooking. At home, I was the one who was cooking for the family and I enjoyed it very much. It was like my hobby. Thus, I decided to return favor to Brag and help him with cooking and housework.
It was pretty exhausting but I really enjoyed the final result. House was much cleaner than before and hot meal was waiting for the big man.
After couple of hours, Brag finally returned. His confused smile while he entered the house made me laugh. He thanked me a lot. I could see how much he wanted to taste meal made by me. He quickly took the plate, his piece and sat at the table.
"Mm ... This is so tasty" He moaned and asked me to join him. I gladly accepted proposal and started eating. I liked my own food too. I was very proud of myself and Brag seemed to enjoy the meal.
After the dinner, he went out in the garden to look after the plants. I was cleaning the table when I heard sound of horses. I was too benumbed to move, so I stood next to the table holding the plates.
I heard the men stopping near the house which made me even more frightened. Finally, I managed run to my bedroom and hide under the bed. I understood that men were talking with Brag because I easily noticed his deep voice. Nonetheless, Voices were too obscure for me, so all I could do was to lie on the floor in complete silence.
After couple of minutes, I heard the door's creak. Fortunately, It was only Brag who entered the house. He started looking for me and I quickly climbed into the bed to hide my fear. He opened the door and entered my room. You could easily notice seriousness and feeling of pity in his eyes. He slowly opened his mouth.