Easy, guys, I had a nightmare. It’s nothing.
Ona stared back at him, looking unconvinced. Lasgol went over to her and scratched her head.
How are you? he asked, and then petted Camu. The sun was already rising, and it looked as though it was going to be a good day. They would even be able to enjoy a little warmth, which was always welcome in Norghana.
I well, Camu transmitted.
Lasgol gave him a disbelieving look and bent down to examine him. Let me make sure. If you’re in pain, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. And in any case, an injury that’s not properly healed only leads to further complications – and even death.
I no death.
I hope so too, but we have to be sure you’re well and that the medicines I’ve given you are working.
For a long moment he checked Camu to make sure: firstly, that he did not have a fever, and secondly that he was recovering from the injury.
You don’t seem to have a fever.
I fine. I tell.
And the blow? Can you move?
Camu rose very slowly. It cost him a great effort, which was not a promising sign. He tried to take a couple of steps, but could only manage one. Then he had to lie down again.
You’re not fine. You can barely move.
Almost fine?
Not almost fine at all. You’re bad. See if you can turn and go back.
Camu did as Lasgol asked, and limped back very slowly. He lay down beside Ona and did not move, looking exhausted.
You’re definitely not well. You need more rest.
I rest.
Yes, you rest while I have a look at Ona.
Luckily the panther was healing much better. Her injured leg was less swollen, and it would not be long before she was fully recovered.
Ona, you’re healing very well.
Ona gave a pleased chirp and rubbed her head lovingly against his leg. Lasgol scratched her head in return, then turned to Camu. He was already asleep, but his breathing was stable.
I’m going to get fresh food and water. Look after Camu, he transmitted to Ona, who replied by gently putting her paw protectively on Camu’s body. Good girl, Lasgol said, and then left.
It did not take him long to reach the stream and fill his water-skin. Then he went hunting, and came back to his friends with two birds. He fed them and tended to them, making sure they were making good progress. By the third day Ona was much better. She limped slightly, but in a couple more days she would be fully recovered. Camu, on the other hand, needed more care. By the seventh day he was already acting as if nothing had happened, except that he could not do his happy dance because certain movements still hurt him a lot.
On the tenth day after the incident with the Ogre, Lasgol made the decision to go back. Very slowly they set out and began crossing the mountain ranges on their way to the village. Lasgol set a slow pace to make sure they did not hurt themselves again, either with the effort or in a moment of distraction.
At the foot of the last mountain, they found Trotter waiting for them, as Lasgol had asked him to. Lasgol was very happy to see him, and so was the pony to see him – Camu and Ona less so. Lasgol smiled and stroked the pony’s muzzle.
Ona, Camu, you stay here and rest. I’m going to go to the village with Trotter to see Chief Dolstar and tell him about our adventure.
Camu nodded, and Ona protested. She wanted to go too.
You look after Camu. He’s still not completely well,
I very well.
No way. Behave yourself. And pay attention to Ona.
Camu gave him a saintly look and lay down to rest. Lasgol knew he was still not fully recovered, and that crossing the mountains had exhausted him. He took his leave of them with a strange feeling about leaving them when they were not completely well, and mounted Trotter. He still needed to report to the Chief. Then he could come back to them and leave.
On we go, to the village, he transmitted to the pony, and they set off.
As they entered the village and made their way along the streets toward Chief Dolstar’s house, Lasgol realized that everyone was looking at him. As he passed them, the villagers followed him. As he imagined that they would ask him a thousand questions, he preferred not to give them the chance and went straight on to the Chief’s home. He dismounted and knocked on the door of the great house.
“Coming!” came Dolstar’s voice.
The door opened and the Chief appeared, leaning on his crutch.
“Lasgol! What a nice surprise! Come on in!”
Lasgol put the two leather bags he had been carrying on his back on the table.
“What happened? You’ve been gone for days. I was afraid something had happened to you too …”
“It was a close call, true …”
“By the looks of you I’d say you had a rough encounter.”
Lasgol smiled. “You’d be quite right.” It was true that he looked dirty and shabby. He had not realized the fact until this moment. He had been too busy looking after his friends.
“Tell me everything. What happened? Did you manage to take care of the problem, or is it still stalking my village and endangering my people?”
“All solved,” Lasgol said. He gestured reassuringly. “There won’t be any more cattle or people going missing round here.”
“That’s wonderful news!”
“Let me
