Kip. 7: The Wolf Dances With Monsters

7

Fel insists on a shortcut through Griffon territories, so Mukouda spends the whole time terrified. Along the way, Mukouda discovers rare healing mushrooms can even heal stab wounds and broken bones. Sui eats one and gains a skill to produce multiple types of healing potions, including one so powerful it can save people from certain death. A griffon challenges Fel to a duel to prove himself the dominant griffon among his flock. Fel wins, requiring Sui's new potions to save the griffon. Mukouda notices Fel was also injured, a feat few have achieved, and the other griffons agree that Griffon is the new leader. Griffon gives Mukouda a feather guaranteeing him safe passage in Griffon territory forever. Fel is furious that Mukouda has been forgetting his offerings to Ninrir. After six weeks on the shortcut, they exit Griffon territory and find a trading caravan under attack by bandits. Fel scares the bandits into surrender, and the caravan's grateful owner Lambert invites them to accompany him to Karelina, a city close to where Mukouda wanted to visit the ocean. Ninrir later forces Mukouda to grovel for neglecting her offerings and only relents when he offers a huge selection of Western-style desserts. (Source: Wikipedia)