Chapter 1: Into Haranshire

"I am also concerned about you. I have heard that those injured by werebeasts become such themselves. Do we need to fear you turning on us?"

"Oleanne probably knows more about werecreatures than I can tell you, but I do know the animal side does not take over completely. It can be a bit overwhelming the first few times a change happens, like for Maxim here, especially if you don't have a clue what's happening or no one to help you, but there's always a human side in there. It's only when people willingly give in to the bestial side that they eventually will become consumed by it.

That is to say, I don't expect Maxim to turn back into his human form anytime soon and we can't afford to just wait here until it happens. I'm not sure if he can comprehend our discussion right now, but I'm pretty certain he's calmed down a bit and reassured we mean him no harm. He'll have to travel back with us, in his current state. Hopefully we'll be back before nightfall so we won't have to spend another night in the woods. As for myself... it's less than a week till the Blood Moon. Guess we'll find out."

Devon paused to consider what Kuiper just said. "So you want to just take a casual stroll back with a werebear tagging along?"

The warrior glanced over at the downed bear where it lay. He reached down to pick up the net which he discarded, starting to straighten it out. "In case we end up needing these again..."

Almadel sighs at the news.

"OK, we can give it a try, but if it gets loose, we're using the silvered weapons this time."

"That isn't very reassuring," Aldeera responds, gathering her net.

"Things aren't always that simple" Kuiper remarks, as he assists the untangling of the bear. "I'm just stating the facts. I can't be any more reassuring, and I can't force Maxim here to change back into his human form. Don't think he's a risk anymore, although I'd appreciate it if we stuck to the no weapons thing till we're back."

With the nets removed, the bear now shambles along behind you, especially Kuiper and Hanzel, who it seems to have somewhat of a fondness for, as you make your way back to Kuiper's farmstead. As you near last night's campsite, memories of the dawn battle return to put you on edge. You approach the area with increased caution, and it proves to be a good decision. Six more orcs are inspecting the battle scene, and their fallen comrades' bodies. You can tell they're of the same group, because these too bear shields with the same symbol as the ones you defeated. Whatever it is that's got their attention, it seems to be significant enough for them to argue in their gutteral language and not hear your approach, despite your numbers, and a bear following right behind you.