As I lay on the wooden bed, the creaking of the planks as I sat down reminded me eerily of that encounter with the grey wolf. It has already been an hour at this point, but I can vividly remember the intense emotions I felt.
Although my mother's intense scolding had almost torn my ears off, I couldn't help but redirect my thoughts elsewhere.
My beating heart, the blood racing through my body, the constant thought of fleeing, and the rapid yet short breaths of air I had grasped as if I had been playing with the other kids for too long.
I reflected on myself and what I had done and didn't do.
Even though that was my first time being so close to death, it could've been my last moments in this life. In hindsight, there was a lot to think about, such as how quickly things could've ended.
I had barely dodged its first lunge and was certainly not dodging the next with how my legs gave it.
Had it not been for Sir Darragh's timely appearance, I would've been mauled to death painfully, eaten alive by the wolf.
Just thinking about it sent shivers down my spine, sweat coating my body as much as it did before. My body clearly remembers that brief moment, and so will my mind, going forward and perhaps until I lie resting in my grave.
It wasn't an experience I wanted to happen ever again.
However, I knew knights were often more than willing to lay their lives down for the sake of their cause.
For the first time, I doubted my convictions about becoming a knight.
I had thought myself unworthy of knighthood due to the disgraceful showcase in front of danger.
Now, I know I lack the courage to live as a knight. Should I still try chasing this hopeless dream?
An insignificant commoner such as myself?
I dozed off to sleep, contemplating such troubles.
By the following day, my father had gone to the village hall to discuss matters with the village chief and other adults. Since it was a matter I had no place being part of, even though I wanted to, I had to stay home.
He had warned the other villagers about the dangers of the forest, advising them against hunting for the day. The kids were dismayed, but the adults, understanding the implications of the warning, heeded his words closely.
Since my father is a trusted and capable hunter in the village, they trusted his words as he wasn't one to play around regarding such dangers. But it was evident by their reactions that the appearance of Sir Darragh added reason to his claims.
It wasn't often that such a noble figure would grace a humble village like ours.
However, since Sir Darragh was heading with my father to discuss the dangers of the forest, I unfortunately didn't have the chance to ask him the questions I was holding in, aware that now wasn't the best time.
What's worse, I was currently under house arrest. Since my secret outing had been discovered and almost cost me my life, on top of the increased monster sightings I overheard being mentioned, I ended up stuck in the house.
I pondered my next course of action as my thoughts kept me from eating, swirling my spoon in the soup prepared for me.
"Brother, where did you go last night?"
What brought me out of my thoughts was a sleepy and soft-spoken voice.
Alicia, my younger sister who recently turned 7, is only 2 years younger than I, but she follows me around everywhere. She's cute, so I don't mind, but I didn't tell her about my secret outings even though we're so close.
She's unusually persistent about where I go and hates it when she isn't involved. She must've noticed my empty bed and told my parents.
However, I told her the truth anyway.
"I went into the woods to play with my wooden sword."
Grabbing a seat next to me, I passed her a bowl of soup and a spoon. Since she isn't good with mornings, she often needs others to prepare things for her until she gets her energy in the afternoon.
Still a bit sleepy, she responded groggily.
"I was waiting for you to come home so we could sleep together…"
I felt bad, knowing she struggles to sleep if I'm not there.
"Sorry. I'll tell you first if I'm going somewhere."
"If you know, that's good."
She said with a sense of self-importance, her small arms crossed in front of her, making her look cuter instead.
Seeing her like that gave me a sudden spark of inspiration. As I pondered the details in my thoughts, Alicia devoured her food in small but quick bites, a testament to how long she must've stayed up, late into the dark, waiting for me.
I planned to enlist her help to plan a temporary escapade. But first, I'll wait until she's done eating.
"Yummy!"
Alicia may be young, but she's close with most of the older girls in the village, particularly those who aren't married yet or are about to be. They cherish her like their own, and I don't blame them for it. She's my adorable younger sister after all.
Anyway, I planned to rely on that affinity rooted in her cuteness factor to divert my mother's attention. Usually, I wouldn't even think of being so disobedient or such a troublemaker as to worry her caring heart twice, but I couldn't help but feel like there is something more to yesterday's incident.
For the most part, though, I'm just hoping to meet Sir Darragh again before he becomes too busy helping out.
"Do you understand what to do, Alicia?"
I asked tentatively, making sure our mom didn't hear us.
"Yep! Distract mom, right?" She nodded enthusiastically, excited to be part of this 'game,' she says.
"After I help, can I follow you, brother?" She asked energetically, but I knew she wasn't one to take no for an answer in this regard.
"Of course! But let's go through our plan again." I reassured her, knowing I couldn't do much against how stubborn she can be.
Still a bit worried, I wanted to confirm everything once more. I grabbed her hand gently and wrote on it with my finger, drawing images one at a time while asking her questions.
She stared intently at the images I drew, copying the pattern tentatively, which was worrying.
Alicia tends to rely on these imaginary images to help her memorize. Even though it only helps her remember a few specific things, and frankly, it doesn't help much at all. But that little assurance is better than nothing.
Wrapping up our little training session, Alicia, with boosted confidence, was rearing to go.
She still doesn't understand why, though.