Another week passed and I continued my work with Rivern. One day, he surprised me with something special and I felt honored he would trust me with such a responsibility.
“Belion, you’ve been invaluable to me these past few weeks,” Rivern explained. “I would like to ask you for one more favor.”
“What is it?” I asked.
He answered, “A couple of nights ago, I managed to come across Rak’Shiri and Shy Rotam’s new den. As I told you in the past, those two are the elder frostsabers in this area. They are the most powerful among them and not to be trifled with. I have no hope of taming those two for they will remain forever wild and dangerous. But their cubs…”
Rivern flipped a cover next to a box that was beside him, “Their cubs can be tamed. And when grown, they are the most rare and elite of all the frostsabers.”
I looked at what he had just revealed. Under the cover cloth was a cage that held a young frostsaber with markings I had never seen before. The young male cat was white with turquoise stripes. He was magnificent.
“This one looks just like her mother Shy Rotam,” Rivern said.
“She is amazing,” I said in awe.
“Good,” Rivern added, “because I’d like you to take her as your own.”
I blinked and stared at Rivern. “What?”
Rivern smiled as he took the young cub out of the cage. “You’ve been more than helpful here. I don’t have the time to fully devote my time with this one. I am trusting you that you will be able to raise her well.”
“I don’t know what to say…I don’t know if I deserve such an honor.”
Rivern laughed. “Don’t be modest. You’re a good hunter and I trust you. I can’t think of anyone else I who would give this cub a better home and life.” He handed me the cub who curled up around me.
“Thank you,” I said.
I left Frostsaber Rock that evening, still in shock of the gift that was given to me. I had the cub nestled in the wraps of my cloak as I made my way back home. The little cub looked up at me and our souls connected.
“I shall call you Hermestra.” She purred with joy.
