82: JOURNEY TO THE HOWLING PACK (2)

JOURNEY TO THE HOWLING PACK (2)

Iris picked up a chunk of rock and gave it to Cane, after which he used his claws to clean the rock and get the magic stone out of it.2

"Water magic stone," Cane said, as he looked at the stone in his hand.

On the other hand, Iris could see that she got the right stone. She needed to remember the feeling that she felt earlier. In that way, she would be able to distinguish between the elements of the stones.

"I found it," Iris said softly and then turned her body around to walk toward the carriage.

Cane didn't follow her, but the young guard walked right next to her. Apparently, he was quite a chatterbox. "How did you do that, luna?"

Iris tilted her head because she felt the young man was talking to her. "What?"

"How can you find the magic stone?" He repeated his question. His eyes lit up with excitement, which made Iris feel a little bit taken aback. "Oh, I am sorry for being rude, Luna, I am Joel from the third unit under gamma Ethan."

"Oh, nice to know you, Joel," Iris replied.

"You are so amazing, Luna, how can you do that?" He was awed to see Iris' ability. Before this, he had heard about how she managed to locate forty five magic stones, but then he didn't truly believe it.

Yet, witnessing it with his own eyes, he couldn't help agreeing that it was not just any random rumor.

"I don't know, I just did," Iris replied, because she herself didn't know how she could manage to do that.

However, instead of feeling like his enthusiasm was dampened, the young guard looked amazed by that. "That must be a gift!"

Iris laughed dryly when she saw his expression, but the genuine curiosity and amazement toward her were the things that softened her heart.

"Oh, Luna, I know that you definitely don't know about me, but I want to thank you for what you have done." They stopped in front of the carriage and he looked a little bit nervous and timid. "I want to thank you for sending water to me when I was in the dungeon. I thought I would die when they starved me for two days after whipping me."

Iris flinched when she heard that. She didn't feel it was right for them to be grateful for the little effort that she put in after they had suffered in the hands of her father.

However, she didn't want to argue and prolong this awkward conversation, because she didn't feel comfortable with people showing their gratitude openly like this.

"I am glad I can be of help for you." After saying that, she scurried inside the carriage, while Joel bowed his head respectfully.

The rest of the night was the same as yesterday, the sky was still gloomy, but the air was so dry. They said there would be a storm at night, therefore, they didn't stop for lunch. They settled for having something while they kept moving, so they could reach the Howling Wolf pack right after sun down.

However, the plan didn't go smoothly, because when the rain started pouring down the earth, they were attacked by monsters before they could reach the gates of the Howling Wolf pack.

"MONSTER ATTACK!" There was a shout from the middle part of this long entourage, which echoed throughout the chasm, as the guards and warriors shouted at their comrades before they shifted into their beasts and started to fight them off.

Iris didn't know what was happening outside, but she was aware that they stopped moving.

Did they already arrive at the Howling Wolf pack?

Iris opened the window of the carriage, but she was surprised to see Cane right outside, his expression grim. He turned his head when he noticed Iris poke her head out in curiosity.

"There is a monster attack, stay inside," he said. His dark eyes met hers.

Iris nodded and then closed the window again, she sat down there alone, feeling nervous, since she didn't know, nor could she comprehend what was happening out there.

She jolted in her seat when someone opened the carriage door.

"I am sorry to startle you, Miss, the alpha told me to keep you company," Hanna said, as she sat down across from her. This carriage was not too spacious, but it was big enough to accommodate two people inside.

Iris pulled Hanna to sit down next to her. "What is happening out there?"

"It is a goblin attack." Hanna tilted her head to listen to the chaos out there. "It is almost winter, so many monsters will migrate to warmer places and make preparations for hibernation."

Iris read what Hanna said attentively.

She knew a little bit about goblins.

This creature was not really a threat when it was alone, but the problem was; they always attacked in hordes and this could be a headache, since this little creature was so mischievous.

Since their proliferation was so high, their number could vary from a hundred to a thousand of them.

"It's okay, this will end soon. The alpha is leading the warriors to fight them off." Hanna then closed the window because the rain was soaking her dress. "But, I am more afraid that we will be trapped in the storm tonight."

Iris looked around this small space and could only pray this would end sooner, but as usual, no one heard her prayers, as Hanna shrieked, her expression became aghast.

"What happened?" Iris was alarmed to see the sudden change of expression on Hanna's face.

"Troll! There are trolls!" Hanna started to panic.

As if on cue, the carriage started shaking violently, which made both of them scream in fear, while the carriage fell to the other side.

Iris and Hanna were thrown out of the carriage. Soon Iris felt wet and hard ground beneath her, on the other hand, Hanna shifted into her wolf almost immediately. She took a defensive stance in front of Iris, as a troll stood before them.

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