Chapter 20. Ride to Qarax

CAIVAN

I’ve been here for a while, I don’t know how long, but time must have gone by fast. When I finally shake off the mire of an unconscious sleep, I find that I’m thirsty as hell. The horse had bolted off with my food and water, so I’m stuck here. Cases like this make me want to take off my leash and go full wolven. And as always, I rein in myself.

The Wolf finally howls for me when a cart comes down rumbling down the forest road. The man riding the vehicle looks to be in his late fifties; gray-bearded, with black and white hair, and a few wrinkles on his face. He hums a tune to himself, but his eyes dart here and there, on the lookout for possible trouble.

I am considering my options. I could easily take him out, and steal his cart. Or I could just ask him for a ride. The odds that he would acquiesce to my request are small, as far as I know. I settle on asking him for help and take his cart if he doesn’t yield. I step into the road, waving my arms, trying my b