The Keeper

The attackers left all the merchants alive, loaded the goods into the carts with perfect coordination, and then departed.

They traveled for four days deep into the Hodgewild Forest, where few dared to go because those who tried never returned. The settlement of these predatory bandits was well-hidden and guarded. The dense forest helped them remain as discreet as possible, integrating them perfectly into the surroundings. Only those with a keen eye could spot the armed men hidden in the trees and thick underbrush.

The primary purpose of the settlement was to provide housing and a transit point for captured goods. From there, the goods were transported to an auction area in a large warehouse on the other side of the country, serving the rich and influential who could afford the most precious and rare items.

They safeguarded the camp from the external world by making it seem as unattractive as possible. They would lead predators in the wilderness toward the camp, causing their presence to blend into the background of the more lethal wildlife.

Furthermore, the perimeter was fortified with traps and numerous snares to ward off unwelcome visitors. The first line of defense consisted of warning signal traps. No barrier could be easily scaled or crossed—nothing that could be walked straight through.

The traps were not designed to inflict significant harm; rather, their purpose was to alert the guards concealed within the wilderness shadows. Triggering these alarms would provide the crew with precious time to either evacuate, reinforce their position, or ready themselves for incoming trespassers.

Moving inside the settlement was difficult, with access points that were hard to reach, only accessible through underground tunnels or caves. These paths were well-hidden and heavily guarded by armed men. Communication with the outside world was rare, mainly to exchange information about cargo shipments or the location of upcoming raids.

Syberta assigned two fighters to handle Kaer's training. Every day, his focus was on archery and fighting with two knives.

Early in the morning, Kaer would quietly get out of bed and make his way to the yard. Since he had learned to climb using his legs, he had no problem reaching the training area. There, Syberta taught him about discipline in battle and the art of stealth. Kaer appreciated her greatly because she was highly respected.

Kaer began to feel that he was being watched. One day, he decided to ask her about it.

"Why are all the girls looking at me?" he asked.

Syberta smiled without answering.

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked again.

"No," Syberta replied. "Girls have started to see you as something more than a boy."

"More than a boy?"

"Yes, Kaer. Soon, you will become a man in the fullest sense of the word. Let's go practice," she said. "Get your bow and knives."

A young woman named Aspera, a beautiful and lively blonde, trained alongside Kaer. The two spent more and more time together and eventually made a vow never to be separated.

Aspera spoke to him, "When I'm a grown woman, we'll run away together."

"I will take you to my house, where we will live the rest of our days," said Kaer.

Sometimes, they went with friends to hunt wolves and deer or catch wild horses and tame them. With the arrival of spring, Kaer and Aspera sneaked through the nearby forests to scout the surroundings.

"Aspera, I love you," said Kaer.

"What are you saying?" replied the surprised Aspera. "I love you too!"

He started kissing her passionately and unbuttoning her blouse.

Aspera was shocked but curious.

They kissed again, and she sat up, wrapping her legs around him. He entered her slowly and deeply and then began thrusting faster and deeper while he watched her face and how she smiled. He started to lose his mind and lose control. His body trembled as he felt himself explode inside her. He fell to the ground beside her, still buried deep inside her. They embraced and kissed. As they lay in each other's arms.

"You are hot, continued Kaer. I love your body, your long black hair, and your eyes. I am so excited with you; let's enjoy this, and I want to have sex with you every day. I can't control myself, but it will be our secret."

"And I love you too, whispered Aspera. I have been wanting to tell you that for a long time, but I have never had the courage, and I have been dreaming about us doing it."

"I will be your first and your only one, Aspera; no other man can have you."

"Of course not; no one else can have me; you are the only one who can have me; nobody can have me but you."

"We are going to live together, far away from everybody, and we will have lots of children."

The next day, they're running to home.