Chapter 10 The Bears Purpose

(Kael)

Overwhelmed by a surge of raw emotion at the woman's cry for help, I felt the frustration ringing deeply in her voice.

Then my body began to shift. My bones cracked and reshaped, muscles expanding, as I transformed into the dire bear. The process was both painful and exhilarating, my senses sharpening with a supernatural clarity. With a powerful leap, I took to the skies as massive wings, normally hidden within the folds of my back, burst forth with a rustle of feathers. They beat with a strength that lifted me effortlessly above the treetops, allowing me to soar towards the forest below.

The night air rushed past me as I flew, my enhanced senses guiding me. I could smell the faint scent of the Weaver's tribe, a blend of sweat, fear, and determination. My heart pounded with urgency as I zeroed in on their location.

I descended into the forest, landing silently among the trees. There, through the dense foliage, I saw them–a group of weary subjects, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. And there she was, the woman from my dreams, leading them with a fierce resolve. She was even more striking in reality, her emerald eyes glowing with the same determination I had seen in my visions.

I stepped forward, my massive form breaking through the underbrush. Gasps of fear and awe rippled through the group as they saw me. She turned, her eyes widening with recognition. Without thinking, I moved closer, lowering my head to nuzzle her gently. She reached out to touch my fur, her fingers trembling.

"It's you," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "The Guardian."

I walked beside the tribe, my massive form casting a protective shadow over them. Every step I took was deliberate, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger.

The subjects watched me, their fear dissipating in the presence of the dire bear. I could see their shoulders relax, their pace quickening as they drew strength from my silent promise of protection.

Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush snapped my attention to the right. The scent of sweat and iron filled my nostrils–imperial guards. My muscles tensed, a low growl rumbling from deep within my chest. The subjects froze, their eyes widening in terror as the guards emerged, swords drawn and eyes gleaming with malice.

A primal rage surged through me, and I charged. The ground shook under my weight, my claws slicing through the air. The first guard barely had time to scream before my paw sent him flying, his armor crumpling like paper. I roared, the sound echoing through the trees, and lunged at the next guard, my teeth sinking into his shoulder with a satisfying crunch.

Chaos erupted around us, the guards' shouts mingling with the panicked cries of the subjects. I fought with a ferocity I hadn't known I possessed; my every move driven by an instinctual need to protect.

One by one, the guards fell, their blood staining the forest floor. Their weapons were no match for my fury, their armor offering little protection against my relentless assault.

The last guard tried to flee, but I was on him in an instant, my claws raking across his back. He collapsed with a gurgled cry. I stood over him, my breath coming in heavy pants, and growled a final warning to any who might think of harming those under my protection.

Silence fell, broken only by the ragged breathing of the subjects. I turned back to them, their eyes wide with gratitude and newfound hope. The Weaver stepped forward, her emerald eyes meeting mine. She reached out, her hand trembling, and gently touched my fur. A silent understanding passed between us–she was safe, for now.

Reluctantly, I knew I had to leave. I couldn't stay, not yet. I had an obligation to the rebels as well, and leaving them behind would not be honorable.

With one last look at her, our eyes locking in a silent promise to meet again soon, I leapt back into the sky, the wind carrying me away from the tribe I had sworn to protect. [MN46]

I landed outside the rebel camp, the transformation back to human form leaving me drained. I stumbled toward my tent, my body aching from the exertion. As I reached it, Annis approached me, her eyes wide with concern.

"Kael, where have you been?" she asked with a worried voice. "I had to protect her," I replied, my voice rough with emotion. "She is the Weaver, she's my soulmate."

Annis's eyes widened in understanding, and she nodded slowly. "Then we must prepare, Kael. The Weaver will need [MN47] all the support we can offer."

I nodded. The dreams had led me to her, and now I knew my purpose. Together, we would challenge the empire and forge a new destiny. The bond between us was unbreakable, and I would protect her with my life. [MN48] I would lead the rebels and return to her soon, and this time she would see me as Kael, not a dire bear guardian.

Later, after breakfast, I sat across from Lyra. The map of the region lay between us [MN49] . The trip I took in my dire bear form still lingered in my mind, the image of the Weaver and her tribe etched deeply into my consciousness.

"Lyra, I need to talk to you," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. " The Weaver [MN50] ... I-I was with them last night and I saw them with a map. It showed the location of Aeloria."

Lyra's eyes widened, her interest piqued. She leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Aeloria? The lost city? Are you sure?"

I nodded, the certainty in my gut undeniable. "I'm sure. The map was glowing, alive with magic. They're heading there, and I believe it's where we need to go too."

She considered my words carefully, her fingers tracing the worn lines on the map before us. "If they're heading to Aeloria, we need to know more. We can't risk running into imperial forces unprepared."

"I can handle them, but I wouldn't want to risk the lives of the rebels. We should send trained scouts," I suggested, my mind already racing with possibilities. "They can gather information, look for signs. We need to ensure the path is clear for both the rebels and the subjects headed for Aeloria."

Lyra nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Agreed. I'll assemble a team of our best scouts. They can leave at first light."

"I want to go with them, Lyra. I need to see her. I need to understand our connection."

She looked at me, concern in her eyes. "Kael, mother would never risk your safety. We need you here."

"I know," I said, my voice firm. "But I have to do this. There's a connection between us, something deeper. And if Aeloria holds the answers, then I need to be there. With her"

Lyra studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Kael. Prepare yourself. We'll leave at first light. But be careful. We can't afford to lose you. I'll brief mother."

I stood, feeling the weight of the upcoming journey settling on my shoulders. "I will. Thank you, Lyra."

I found a high tree and leaned against a wide branch. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths, centering myself. The Weaver's face appeared in my mind, her emerald eyes filled with defiance and hope.

I focused on that image, letting it strengthen my resolve. My muscles tensed and relaxed as I stretched, the familiar routines grounding me.

First light couldn't come soon enough. I knew that the journey to Aeloria would be perilous, but the pull toward her was something I could no longer ignore. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, driven by the unshakable belief that our fates were intertwined. [MN51]