Hmmm...when do we start?

[kulibrnda]

The festivities

Colorful lanterns were already glowing in the dusk, and loud music echoed through the streets, carried by laughter and cheerful shouts. Reng had always loved festivals. The dance, the glow of lanterns, and the enticing scents wafting from the kitchen always reminded him that even in the oasis, there were moments when people allowed themselves to forget the weight of daily life.

But this year… this year was different. The music sounded off-key, the laughter seemed too loud. The joyful atmosphere felt like a poorly fitted mask, barely concealing the growing tension beneath.

[kulibrnda]

A stranger

He didn't know how long he had been out. But when he finally came to, pain was the very first thing he became aware of. And then thirst. His throat was parched, his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.

He reached for his chest. There was nothing—no open wound as he had feared—just the sharp taste of his own suffering.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. Above him, branches swayed, leaves rustling softly in the wind. Between them, he caught sight of a few winged haravs squabbling among themselves. He had no idea where he was.

"Took you long enough to wake up."

The voice startled him. He turned his gaze to the side and focused on a stranger sitting at the base of one of the burial mounds. The man was absentmindedly cleaning the dirt from under his nails with a knife, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

"You were out like a baby," he smirked, his tone suspiciously friendly. "For a moment there, I actually started to worry I might have killed you by accident."

The graveyard.

Reng finally realized where he was. Memories were trickling back in broken fragments, and with them, the pain intensified.

And right in front of him sat the man whose bare hands had so effortlessly brought him down.

[kulibrnda]

A cemetery

On the other side of the quiet valley, just beyond the stone bridge, steps carved into the rock led up to the local cemetery.

Serena's gravestone stood at its very edge, where small stone cairns marked individual graves. Noel often brought a bowl filled with sweet josan fruits, which Serena had loved during her life. The same fruits were a delight for the little scalies who built their nests in the crevices of the cairns and feasted extravagantly on the offerings left behind.

The cemetery, thanks to these creatures, was a place full of diverse life, which was perhaps another reason why Noel loved coming back here. He would talk quietly to himself and watch as the scalies nibbled away at the gifts he had brought.

[kulibrnda]

15. Lanis the cook

The cook Lanis was known for being a hearty and very corpulent woman. To Reng, she had always seemed peculiar. On the one hand, she radiated life and energy, but on the other, her presence stirred a strange unease within him. Whenever he heard her loud laughter—which was frequent and joyful—her massive frame would jiggle in a way that fascinated and terrified him in equal measure.

Sometimes he wondered whether the buttons on her shirt could withstand the strain. And if not, who would pay the price?

[kulibrnda]

13. Harmony

“Did you miss me? Even a little?” she asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “A little,” he lied. It was the most transparent thing he could have said.

Her soft laugh hit him deeper than he wanted to admit. “You’ve always been a terrible liar,” she whispered, her fingers brushing over his shoulders. Her touch was slow, almost searching, as if trying to find where the old Reng she once knew had gone.

“You’ve changed,” she observed quietly. “You’re different since the last time we saw each other. More grown-up.” “And you’re still the same,” he replied softly, and for the first time that day, he smiled genuinely.

He pulled her closer until their bodies touched. He pressed his lips to hers and winced in pain. She laughed at his honest reaction and then gently kissed him again, carefully avoiding his injuries.

He could feel how well she knew him, how she played him, pulling strings she understood better than he did. And yet... he didn’t care. She was his weakness, his only certainty in this gray world.

“You know what fascinates me about you?” he whispered. “You’re always exactly where I don’t want you to be.” Ela laughed quietly. “And yet you never tell me to leave.” “I just... can’t get you out of my head,” he whispered, not daring to meet her gaze.

She froze for a moment. A flicker of unexpected uncertainty crossed her eyes, but it vanished before he could fully grasp it. She smiled. “I know. And that’s why you’ll always find me,” she said, pulling him closer, unaware that this time, something was different.

Ked, who had been sent home early from his shift by the foreman, unable to bear the sight of him struggling with pain, stopped quietly at the foot of the stairs leading to the attic. He strained to listen, then allowed himself a faint smile. He realized that behind everyone’s backs, a story was unfolding in this house—one powerful enough to turn everything upside down.

And the fact that he stumbled upon it now changed his circumstances. Dramatically.

For the first time all day, Ked felt like he had something that could push him closer to turning the situation in his favor. Not now. Not yet. But soon.

With that thought, he hobbled back to his room to get a good night’s sleep for the important day ahead.

[kulibrnda]

12. REUNION

Reng sat down on the hard mattress with a resigned sigh. When Ela returned, she was carrying a bowl of water and a small jar of tojas ointment. Before he could say anything, she began tending to his wounds. Slowly, she wiped the dirt and blood from his face. Occasionally, Reng winced in pain—Ela wasn’t exactly a master of gentle touch, and he felt every movement of the cloth down to the bone.

“I know, I know... But someone has to fix you up, right? And do you have anyone else to do it?” she sighed as he flinched for the third time.

Then she rubbed the ointment into his wounds. The pain quickly subsided, replaced by an unpleasant numbness. He grimaced.

“You’re like a little boy,” she chided playfully. “And you’re the worst tormentor I know,” he muttered. “I know,” she laughed. Then she looked at him curiously. “So? Does the other guy look worse at least?” “Definitely,” he grumbled, picturing Ked limping to his shift.

Tomorrow would be hard. Noel would figure out what had happened, and it certainly wouldn’t help their upcoming conversation.

Ela watched him closely. Her eyes searched for something more than he was willing to say. She looked worried, and he could sense her unease. He guessed this wasn’t how she’d imagined their meeting, just as it wasn’t how he had imagined it either.

“Is there something I should know?” she asked quietly.

Reng considered telling her everything he had overheard. The words burned on his tongue, but every time he opened his mouth to speak, he realized how little he truly knew. For now, all he had were suspicions, fragments of conversations, and countless questions. Ela deserved more than uncertain theories.

With a sigh, he finally said, “By being here, we’re both taking a risk.”

Her expression softened, though a flicker of disappointment shone in her eyes. “Do you want to be alone?” she asked softly.

He knew he should nod, send her away to protect them both from what might come. But he couldn’t do it. Instead, he shook his head and gently pulled her closer. He did it carefully, as if afraid she might vanish at his touch.

[kulibrnda]

11. SURPRISE

When Reng returned home, the house was engulfed in silence and darkness. He exhaled gratefully. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. He just needed to take off his dirty clothes, wash, and sleep. Everything else could wait.

Exhausted, he climbed up to the attic. He pulled off his bloodstained shirt and draped it over the lamp to dim the light. Then, he tried to wash the dirt and blood off himself in a small basin. The cold water chilled his skin as his thoughts spun.

“I was hoping you’d come back sooner.”

He recognized her voice immediately. Startled, he turned and accidentally knocked his elbow against the basin. The tin container crashed loudly to the floor, spilling water over his feet.

Ela was sitting on his bed, her expression glowing with amusement in the dim light. “Well, that was dramatic.”

Reng was speechless. What in the world was she doing here?

“Is someone there? Reng!” Noel’s groggy voice called from downstairs.

“Nothing happened!” Reng replied quickly. “I tripped. Sorry!”

He heard the sound of Noel’s bedroom door closing again, and the tension eased. Turning back to Ela, he saw her casually leaning on her elbows, as if this were her daily entertainment.

Reng took a deep breath. He grabbed his dirty shirt, wiped the wet floor with it, and wrung it out into the basin. Washing was definitely over for the night.

“You’re angry,” Ela said, her voice quiet but clear.

Reng flinched. She moved closer to him, barefoot, wrapped in a robe that barely stayed together. She smelled of anaku and smoke—unmistakable signs she’d come from one of the lively parties she’d loved so much when she lived here. Apparently, she still did.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he muttered, turning away. But it was too late. Her eyes were already fixed on his face.

Ela squinted. “What happened to you, Reng?”

Ignoring his protests, she reached out. Her fingers gently brushed against his face.

He flinched. He didn’t want her to touch him. He didn’t want her pity.

“What happened?” she pressed.

“Nothing,” he answered curtly.

“This isn’t nothing.” Her voice carried a mix of reproach and concern.

Reng stayed silent at first, but he knew Ela would wait all night if she had to. He gave in. “I ran into an idiot who had nothing better to do than pick a fight. Happy now?”

Ela narrowed her eyes but silently pushed him closer to the lamp. The light revealed his injuries in full detail. Her expression darkened, and she pursed her lips in disapproval. “Sit down and wait,” she ordered. Before he could protest, she disappeared.

[kulibrnda]

10. FIGHT

Ked’s punch caught Reng off guard, sending him crashing to the ground. Blood from his split lip tasted of iron, leaving a metallic tang in his mouth. Stunned by the unexpected blow, he heard Ked hiss in pain and curse as he cradled his visibly injured right hand. Despite his own pain, Reng smirked. Noel had once taught him how to protect his body in a fight. Ked had clearly skipped those lessons.

With effort, Reng got to his feet and seized the opportunity created by Ked’s distraction. He lunged at him, grabbing his shirt, and slammed them both against the wall. They wrestled for a moment until Reng loosened his grip just enough to unbalance Ked. A sharp kick to the shin sent Ked to his knees with a cry of pain.

Reng didn’t hesitate. He forced Ked to the ground, pinning him mercilessly. The first punches were driven by pure rage, and Ked’s defenses weakened with each blow. Eventually, Ked lay beneath him, barely moving, shielding his head as Reng vented his fury. Ked’s cries echoed faintly until Reng was yanked off him by powerful hands and thrown to the ground.

Reng landed hard on his back, looking up to see the foreman standing over him with a face devoid of mercy. “Touch him again, and I swear I’ll break your damn bones!” the foreman roared.

Reng’s anger evaporated, leaving only the taste of blood on his tongue and the sting of his split lip.

“You’re both worthless! One as bad as the other! Who was supposed to be on shift today?” “I was,” Ked admitted. “Then why was he there? And why, for the love of everything, is neither of you at the line now?”

Ked stayed silent. Reng knew there was no point in explaining; it wouldn’t change anything.

“Fine,” the foreman growled. “You’re both losing your bonuses. And tell Noel that if he doesn’t sort you out, I will. And trust me, you won’t like it.”

Neither of them spoke, but they obeyed. Ked shuffled back toward the halls, spurred on by the foreman’s sharp words. Reng stood still, watching their retreating figures. Ked turned back once, his gaze filled with anger and disappointment.

Reng swallowed hard, a heaviness settling in his chest. He knew something had changed. Maybe it had changed long ago, and he had just failed to see it. Tomorrow would be difficult. Noel owed him answers. But Reng realized some of those answers he would have to find on his own.

[kulibrnda]

9. Conflict

Reng waited until Grandpa’s silhouette disappeared into the streets of Karhen Rouz before stepping into the moonlight. “If I were you, I’d stay out of it. That man will use you and toss you aside. That’s his style.” Ked flinched, surprised that someone had been listening. He hesitated for a moment before putting on his usual defiant mask. “Since when do you sneak around eavesdropping on other people’s conversations?” he snapped, though his voice carried a note of uncertainty. “Since I started cleaning up your messes instead of sleeping,” Reng retorted. “While you’re cozying up to a scumbag.” “Grandpa is not a scumbag!” Ked shot back defensively. “Noel wouldn’t agree,” Reng countered. “What he thinks doesn’t matter to me,” Ked said sharply, but his eyes betrayed something different. Reng shook his head. “You’re naive. Grandpa has betrayed everyone who trusted him. Why would you be the exception?” “Maybe because what my father says isn’t the truth, but slander,” Ked hissed, his gaze turning threatening. “And you believe him because it’s easier than thinking for yourself. Do you really think you have the right to threaten me? When you don’t know anything?”

Reng felt defiance rising within him. Ked expected him to back down, as usual. But today, Reng wasn’t in the mood to let it slide. He stepped closer and shoved Ked hard. “I won’t back off! If you or he try anything, you’ll be the one to pay!” Ked froze, stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered. “You have no idea what’s going on, yet you threaten me,” Ked spat. “You don’t understand how hard it is to deal with my father. He doesn’t listen to anyone. But Grandpa has to talk to him. It’s important for all of us.” Reng frowned. “Why?” “That’s none of your business,” Ked refused to answer.Reng considered his next move. “You told Grandpa I’d cause trouble,” he said quietly. “And will you?” Ked retorted. “Maybe. That depends on you,” Reng replied. “But Noel has to know you’re working with Grandpa.” Ked hesitated, then glared at Reng, his hands clenched into fists. Reng waited, unsure if Ked would respond…or walk away.

[kulibrnda]

8. SECRET

“Remember what you said? ‘I’ll handle it no problem, buddy…’” man´s voice mockingly imitated Ked’s tone. Ked flinched, clearly offended.

“Yeah, but that was back then...” he replied weakly.

“Back then? Admit it, you’ve been lying all along!”

“I wasn’t lying! I just didn’t expect it so soon...” Ked’s voice grew faint.

Man shook his head. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time. You said you could handle it. So do it, or at least admit you’re not up to it.”

Reng held his breath. He recognized the second man. They called him Dědek, a nickname inspired by the streaks of gray that had marked his hair since youth. He had once been a good friend of Noel’s, but these days Noel spoke of him reluctantly. Ked, however, had clearly gotten involved with Dědek.

“I could handle it, but... Ela came back,” Ked admitted. “She’ll mess up the whole plan.”

“Your sister?” Dědek stroked his beard. “If she’s anything like her father, she’ll only complicate things. Can you keep her out of it?”

“She hates me. If she finds out I’m planning something, she’ll do the exact opposite.”

“A little Noel in a skirt,” Dědek growled.

“And then there’s Reng. He’s like his shadow. He’ll definitely cause us trouble.”

“That timid drifter?” Dědek smirked. “I’m surprised he hasn’t left already, especially after Noel double-crossed him.”

Ked blinked in confusion.

“You don’t know? Noel shut down that ridiculous request of his,” Dědek said with amusement. “He wants to keep him tied down.”

Pressed against the wall, Reng heard every word. Dědek’s claims echoed in his mind. Was he telling the truth? Why would he lie? It seemed Noel had pretended to support him but had betrayed him behind his back. Anger flared in Reng’s chest. How could he have been so blind?

“Maybe we can use this,” Dědek mused. “But whatever the case, you need to get Noel to meet me without witnesses.”

“Noel doesn’t want anything to do with you,” Ked sighed.

“I know,” Dědek nodded. “But I know him well. I’ll convince him. You just do what you promised, or at least stay out of our way when we handle it differently.”

Ked lowered his head. “I’ll figure something out,” he muttered.

“Talk less, act more,” Dědek concluded before disappearing into the shadows. Ked stood silently, his face etched with pain, watching him go.

[kulibrnda]

7. FARM

Above the entrance to the farm hall hung a sign with the slogan: "TOGETHER WE BUILD EXTRAORDINARY TOMORROWS." However, a stain covering the syllable “EXTRA” transformed the slogan into the much simpler "ORDINARY TOMORROWS." This amused Reng. The council of the oasis might have hoped that calm had returned after the last storm, but the grumbling workers and the stain on the sign suggested otherwise.

Reng, on the other hand, welcomed the increased shifts. It promised greater rewards, which he was saving for his fresh start. Once his request was finally approved, they would come in handy.

Ked’s shift, which Reng had taken over, was easy enough. All he had to do was start the conveyor belts that brought waste from the feeding fields onto heavy screens, where pliersbug larvae were sifted out. Reng sorted their pale, wriggling bodies by size while his thoughts wandered. He thought about Ela, whom he hadn’t seen in 396 days. He regretted that she hadn’t waited for him today. But who was he to claim her time? She had family and friends, while he had only his work on the farm, his wandering in the Vrchy, and a kernal that was constantly trying to kill him.

Time dragged on, and Reng’s frustration with Ked grew. He should have been back by now. Reng finished the first batch, shut down the screens, and dumped the bucket of larvae onto a fresh feeding field. Then he stepped outside for a moment. A cool night breeze hit him, clearing the heavy smell of the feeding fields from his nose. He looked up at the stars overhead, but when the harsh light from the hall blinded him, he decided to find a quieter spot further away.

He strolled slowly through the night shadows, and the farm, ugly by day, seemed almost otherworldly in the light of the two moons. But when he heard muffled voices ahead, he stopped. It was unusual for anyone to be wandering around this late. It was suspicious. So he hid in the shadow of one of the halls and crept closer to find out who it was.

To his surprise, he recognized Ked’s voice. It seemed he hadn’t lied. He really was meeting someone. But who?

[kulibrnda]

6. KED

Still, today held a surprise for him. He immediately recognized the light coat hanging by the door. The fine fabric and fresh scent of perfume brought back pleasant memories. He would recognize it anywhere. Just like her. “Hey, you look really weird doing that,” Ked sneered with his typical crooked grin. Reng noticed him too late. He let go of the sleeve and smoothed the fabric, ignoring the remark. “When did she get back?” He didn’t have to say her name. They both knew who he was talking about. “This morning. Right after you and Dad left,” Ked replied. Reng cursed under his breath. If he’d known, he would’ve skipped the hunt. “Did she leave a message?” “Yeah. She said we shouldn’t wait for her at dinner.” Reng felt a bitterness in his throat. That answer hurt more than he wanted to admit. Without a word, he headed for the steep stairs to the attic, where he had his little corner to himself. “Hey, man,” Ked stopped him. “Do you have plans tonight?” Reng sighed. Ked wanted something. “What is it this time?” “No need to get snippy. I’m just asking for a favor.” “I’m really tired,” Reng admitted. His thoughts were already with the bed above him. “Yeah, I get it, but could you cover my shift? I’ve got a meeting with someone, and it’s really important. I won’t make it in time for the start, and the foreman will lose it. You know I’m already in trouble with him from last time.” “And can you blame him?” Reng growled. “I’m not saying I blame him. I’m just saying I won’t be there,” Ked shrugged. Reng sighed in resignation. He knew he wouldn’t change Ked’s mind. “Fine, I’ll take the start. But you better show up later, got it?” he yelled after him, but Ked was already at the door, waving a casual agreement.

Reng cursed. It was clear that instead of bed, he was in for a night shift. Because of Ked. Because of everyone else. Yet again.

[kulibrnda]

5. KARHEN ROUZ

Reng's home was a small house on the very edge of the oasis, overlooking the gray wall that surrounded the entire settlement. Reng didn’t mind living away from others. Having his peace suited him, even though it often led to misunderstandings with the locals. The only person who truly understood him in this regard was Noel, whom Reng had long regarded as his own father.

Still, Reng knew that life within the walls wasn’t for him. He had always felt drawn to the outside, and everyone knew it. Yet, when he submitted a request to leave the oasis, it caused a stir. In Karhen Rouz, it was expected that children would stay and give back to the community that invested in them. However, Noel's family had always gone their own way. Noel’s eldest, Ela, was the first to leave, accepting an offer to study in Prim. Reng enjoyed reading her letters, scented with the city, finding hidden messages meant just for his eyes. But as time passed, the messages grew shorter, and the words colder, confirming to him that there was nothing left in the oasis to keep him.

Even though everyone knew him, his request caught the local Council by surprise. Perhaps it was because he regularly supplied the kitchens with game and was a valuable asset on the farms. People like him weren’t easily let go. So, each day, when he returned home, he hoped to find his request approved, only to feel the same disappointment as on many days before. Today was no different.

[kulibrnda]

4. KERNAL

Reng rode a young kernal, a creature with a long, graceful neck and a stubborn temperament that made it difficult to tame. Noel had accepted it as an unwanted repayment of a debt. A scrawny kernal riddled with bad habits and scars. The old man wanted to get rid of it, but Reng took an immediate liking to the creature. “If it breaks your neck, it’s on you,” Noel had said.

Reng soon regretted his decision. Sirnak, as he had named the kernal, repeatedly threw him off the saddle, snapped at him with its beak, and once kicked him hard enough to almost break his ribs.

Over time, however, their relationship improved. What began as outright hostility turned into a fragile truce. Even so, riding Sirnak remained a constant gamble. Reng never knew if he’d return home in the saddle or on foot.

Today was no different. The leerd prowling near the camp had spooked Sirnak. The kernal was now trembling, its eyes darting wildly, and its short, pointed ears swiveling to catch every suspicious sound. Reng had his hands full convincing it to be saddled. But as soon as the saddle landed on its back, Sirnak leapt upright. Reng felt a hard knock to his forehead that sent him sprawling to the ground.

“By the Whiptail!” he swore, rubbing his aching head. He didn’t let go of the rope—without it, he’d be walking home. Sirnak bucked wildly, but Reng tightened the straps, all while dodging another snap of the kernal’s massive beak. Its two rows of leathery teeth snapped shut on empty air.

“One day, I’ll roast you myself,” he muttered. Sirnak responded with a mocking squawk: “KER-nal! KER-nal!”

“That animal’s worthless. It belongs in the slaughterhouse,” Noel grumbled.

Reng remained silent. This wasn’t a battle he could win. He had to hurry; Sirnak was as tense as a drawn bowstring. A single moment of hesitation could leave him trampled. The kernal stomped angrily and tossed its head, but Reng skillfully hoisted himself into the saddle. He tightened the reins to calm the animal, feeling it gradually yield under his control. He nodded to Noel to signal he was ready.

The old man guided his own kernal onto the rocky path with deliberate care.

[kulibrnda]

3. CAMP

“Shame about that krelinyak,” grumbled Noel instead of a greeting. “It wasn’t my fault.” “Maybe. Or maybe you’re just too slow and leaving a trail like a rookie.”

Reng stayed silent. He sat by the fire, poured himself a mug of laghota from the kettle, and buried his nose in the cup. The hot drink warmed his body, but it couldn’t melt the chill of Noel’s cutting remarks about his failures. Defending himself was pointless. Noel never changed his mind.

“Lanis will be upset. She’ll miss that piece of meat,” Noel added. “Yeah, she will. But she’ll manage. She always does,” Reng shrugged.

That was all there was to say. Neither of them was particularly talkative. Their hunting trips often boiled down to just a few words, yet they never felt like they’d said too little.

Reng then silently packed up the canvas shelter. Noel tossed one last log onto the fire, letting it burn out while keeping a discreet eye on the young man. Between them was a quiet routine, honed over years of surviving together in the wild.

Within moments, their kernals stood saddled and ready for the journey home.

[kulibrnda]

2. PREY

And so it begins. Reng is a hunter. He's barely nineteen years old, though it's hard to count. His world is different from ours, just as the lives of the people living there are different.

Reng doesn't really need to hunt. His oasis, where he resides, has its own food sources, but for him, hunting is the one activity that sets him apart. He knows how to hunt, traverse the Heights, and survive.

"By the whiptail," he swears silently as his foot slips on a rock hidden under dry grass. He freezes. The rustling of golden stalks warns the krelinyak grazing on a tojasi bush. The hunter holds his breath. He can't afford another mistake.

The krelinyak rises on its hind legs. Its long ears twitch, trying to catch any suspicious sounds. The spines on its back rattle, it sniffs the air and snorts nervously. Black, beady eyes focus directly on Reng. He would swear it is looking straight into his soul. But then, to his relief, the creature returns to nibbling at the bush. Reng smirks. Today is a good day.

He focuses. Bolaso, his trusty tool, sways. He spins it above his head and skillfully throws it. The krelinyak, realizing its life is at stake, leaps at the last moment. But the sturdy cords wrap around its body and pull it to the ground. Wasting no time, Reng moves swiftly and silently. He pulls out a knife and, with one precise motion, ends the animal's life.

A sharp whistle pierces the landscape.

Reng freezes. He knows what it means. Noel, who is on guard, warns him. He is no longer alone.

[kulibrnda]

1. HUNTER

And so it begins. Reng is a hunter. He's barely nineteen years old, though it's hard to count. His world is different from ours, just as the lives of the people living there are different.

Reng doesn't really need to hunt. His oasis, where he resides, has its own food sources, but for him, hunting is the one activity that sets him apart. He knows how to hunt, traverse the Heights, and survive.

"By the whiptail," he swears silently as his foot slips on a rock hidden under dry grass. He freezes. The rustling of golden stalks warns the krelinyak grazing on a tojasi bush. The hunter holds his breath. He can't afford another mistake.

The krelinyak rises on its hind legs. Its long ears twitch, trying to catch any suspicious sounds. The spines on its back rattle, it sniffs the air and snorts nervously. Black, beady eyes focus directly on Reng. He would swear it is looking straight into his soul. But then, to his relief, the creature returns to nibbling at the bush. Reng smirks. Today is a good day.

He focuses. Bolaso, his trusty tool, sways. He spins it above his head and skillfully throws it. The krelinyak, realizing its life is at stake, leaps at the last moment. But the sturdy cords wrap around its body and pull it to the ground. Wasting no time, Reng moves swiftly and silently. He pulls out a knife and, with one precise motion, ends the animal's life.

A sharp whistle pierces the landscape.

Reng freezes. He knows what it means. Noel, who is on guard, warns him. He is no longer alone.