The Stonehearted Knight

The shouts, cries, and howls reached Hex before he had reached the farm.

’So many?’ Hex thought, sensing the presence of people and wolves nearby. ’I didn’t think they would have more than thirty wolves attacking the farm.’

He put more haste into his steps, almost flying over the ground. When the farm and the wolves came into sight, he summoned the Dragon Bear Soul again. He could always explain his presence by claiming he had left it to hunt nearby. Summoning him in the middle of the battle would leave a lasting impression, drawing too much attention to him.

It seems we caught one of the many who were on their way to attack the farm.

That seemed indeed to be the case. Hex detected three other Druids nearby. Each commanded a pack of ten to fifteen wolves. He could see a line formed by the old grandpa and his cattle. The old man seemed to be doing okay. Surprisingly, he defended with goats and dogs, with the oxen and horses jumping close to kick those that landed close to the fence.

Will you use him hostage to negotiate?

The Dragon Bear tilted his head, pointing at the Druid encased in a block of Ice. He was still alive but frozen. He would survive within a limited span of time.

’No. We will capture all of them. You can start. Just...try to be a bit careful.’

Hex wasn’t afraid about the Dragon Bear getting injured. He would stand as long as Hex could sustain infusing him with energy. The issue was the pain. All the attacks the Bear suffered were transferred toward him. He had to suffer all the pain. Hex wasn’t weak. But that didn’t mean he liked being subjected to continuous pain.

With a roar, the Bear darted toward the wolves. The suddenness of the attack caught both sides unprepared. The old man and his children stood stunned, wondering perhaps what kind of creature could emit such strength.

The wolves yelped and scurried toward each other. One or two even got too close to the fence, earning kicks from the nearby cattle. They didn’t seem to be fazed by the arrival of the Bear.