Aiden's Quest

by Dane Bagley

Aiden felt little hope of reviving the man. Another day, perhaps hours, perhaps minutes, and the man would have been dead. Still, Aiden took his pouch and began to prepare a dressing. It may be wasted, but until the man stopped breathing there was some hope. Fortune had already smiled on him. If the dark forest hadn’t been nearly cleared of wolves from the battle, the wolves would have taken him already. But, with so few wolves left this man hadn’t been discovered by them.

  Three days had transpired. The man had been coxed to drink some water. His breathing had improved and the wounds were starting to heal. But, the fever was high and he’d not regained consciousness. Aiden hardly slept. He was too close to the wolves. He would have ventured miles beyond this area, had he been alone. Aiden was back to full strength and could fight and out run the wolves, but this man would become wolf meat if he was found. At night, Aiden had gotten the wolves to chase him away from the man. At that point, it was working, but he couldn’t keep it up forever.

  On the fourth day, the man showed some sign that consciousness was returning. He mumbled a bit, incoherently, and tossed around some. Aiden took the occasion to try and help him take some meat. The man choked, but got some down. Later that night, as the howl of the wolves grew louder, the man awoke. He shivered, and spoke irrationally, and looked fearfully at Aiden. Aiden sat quietly, peering into his eyes, hoping to calm him. He worried that he may make enough noise to attract the wolves. Eventually the man settled and Aiden offered food and water. The man took several bites but then collapsed with lack of strength. He lay on the ground conscious but weak.

  Aiden whispered, “you’ve been attacked by wolves. I found you nearly dead. You are still very sick, and weak from hunger and thirst.”

  The man listened but could barely nod.

  “When you feel a bit stronger take some more water. Eat if you feel up to it, but don’t make yourself sick.”

  Both men were quiet for a while.

  “The wolves are circling nearer to here. I may have to leave to draw them away. Don’t make a sound or try to move. You’ll be safest here.”

  Whether or not the man wanted to protest, he didn’t have the strength. Aiden listened for a long while. Then, he silently got up and left.

  The next morning the man awoke, normally, as if from a typical night’s sleep. Aiden’s eyes were open only by sheer force of will. His exhaustion had reached the climax. Still, he dressed the man’s wounds, and provided him with food, medicine, and drink. The man was very weak, but he was no longer incoherent. He looked as though he wanted to talk. That was a good sign, but Aiden required rest. Aiden crashed while the man ate. Aiden rarely allowed himself to delve so deeply into his subconscious, especially when in danger. But, his body could keep back the sleep no more. He slept the entire daylight away. The other man went in and out of consciousness throughout the day.

  Aiden awoke suddenly and looked around. He felt stiff and groggy. He looked over at the man whose eyes were shut. He watched his breathing for a time and realized that he was not asleep.

  “Hello,” said Aiden.

  The man feigned sleep.

  “How are you feeling?”

  The man feigned arousal.

  “You’re awake,” the man said.

  Aiden didn’t answer. He went to taking care of the necessities.

  “Who are you?” asked the man.

  “Aiden,” he said, not looking over.

  After dressing his wounds and providing food and water. Aiden was ready to talk.

  “Who are you?” said Aiden.

  “John…John Bennett.”

  “What brings you into the dark forest?” said Aiden.

  “Insanity,” said John. “What brings you here?”

  “I’ve lived here for most of the past several years.”

  “Are you alone,” asked John.

  “Yes. Besides you, I am now.”

  The men sat in silence. The wolves were far distant this night and Aiden sat vigil while John slept. They would trade sleeping morning and nights for two more days. John’s strength was slowly returning and they began to travel slowly away from the wolves—away from the entrance to the promise land.

  John did not bring up his history. Neither did Aiden. They spoke little and primarily about the practicalities of their circumstances.

  Aiden saw that John possessed great qualities. As his health, and strength, and vigor returned Aiden included him on the hunts. Hunting was relatively easy with so few wolves to compete with. John had a knack—more than a knack; he was a natural. For leisure and for hunting Aiden taught John archery and sword fighting. In a matter of weeks John was competent; his health was strong and Aiden couldn’t be more pleased with his companion.

  For John’s part, he thought often on Sarah. He often considered telling Aiden where he was from, that he wanted—needed to return to his girl. The longer they went without him telling, the more foolish it seemed to bring it up. John deduced that he could find his way back to the pool by heading back to the wolves. This brought a certain sense of comfort and terror to him. The truth is, if John had really wanted to go back, he could have. But, John was happy. He was enjoying his adventure in the wide open world. He loved the hunt, the howl of the wolves at night, the archery, the rock climbing, the chase, and especially the sword fighting. He’d left the promise land for a reason and he was very happy here. If he left, he’d be itching to return, and there is no way he’d bring Sarah here. When he was done with the wide open world, he’d return to Sarah and have no regrets.

  Slowly the weeks turned into months. Dromreign had not been spotted since its return to its lair after Agedon; clearly it had taken a lot out of the beast. John was a powerful companion, more so than Terrance. Aiden had been formulating his plan. He was ready to bring John in on it.