Argo raised his hands toward the Plainwalker, calmly speaking, hoping the beast would understand. ''I mean you or your kin no harm. I'm heading to the Southern Shore. May I pass through your herd?''
The creature's dark eyes widened at his words as it understood, then nodded in agreement, permitting him to pass with a bellow as the Matriarch accepted him as a friend. Argo exhaled in relief as he thanked the Mammoth. ''Thank you. If I get any Ironfruit, I'll bring some for you, girl.''
When the old creature heard this, she nodded, using her trunk to nudge against his body in a friendly motion. After giving the fluffy beast a stroke, he began heading south, chewing on rabbit meat his mother had prepared before her departure. While doing that, Athena's voice echoed in his mind.
'Thanks to being the Beast Master, you're able to communicate with all beasts on Arda but only when you get better at using the skill,' she revealed.
Argo glanced up at the Grey Owl, who was flying across the blue sky, keeping watch for any predators or enemies. He was confused by her words as she wasn't meant to know such things, which prompted him to ask. 'How do you know this?'
'The goddess told me during our many conversations,' Athena revealed that important detail as if nothing. 'Don't ask because I'm forbidden from telling you most things until she gives me permission.'
''Did Erda send you to me when I was a baby?'' he curiously asked.
'That she did,' the beast answered honestly. 'Said the Watcher was born to guide the Beast Master, so here I am becoming friends with the one I'm meant to help.'
Argo chuckled as he held out his arm, causing Athena to land with a hoot as he fed her a strip of meat, replying. ''Thank you for coming back. I missed you, girl.''
The Grey Owl stared at him with her big blue eyes before nudging her head against his. 'It's good to see you become a strong warrior, master. I would've loved to see you grow, but I was somewhere that would help us both.'
''Not going away again?'' he whispered.
'Not until you go to the great beyond,' Athena responded and took off to keep watch on the surrounding landscape.
Following that, Argo couldn't help but smile as he continued traveling across the grasslands; the land stretched out like waves of green rippling under a sky so vast it seemed to swallow sound itself. Herds moved across this sea of grass, looking for places to graze while dodging predators that were on the hunt.
Far to the north, mountains rose in stages, peaks cloaked in endless snow that glowed rose and violet in the light. Rivers of cloud spilled down their flanks. Here and there, waterfalls plunged thousands of feet, catching the sun. When reaching the top of a hill, he spotted a herd of deer grazing by a river.
Beyond them, he spotted giant River Beasts wallowing around under the morning sun; the creatures were hippos, but larger and more aggressive. 'Damn beasts, I remember mother telling me how they attack fishermen when they aren't looking,' he thought.
Argo continued until noticing some commotion in the distance, prompting him to call for Athena, who landed on his arm seconds later. ''Can you check out what that is?'' he asked.
The Grey Owl agreed, taking off and heading toward it as she shared her vision. He could see the beast trail they were on. Soon enough, he realized it was a trade caravan being attacked by a group of wolves, snapping at the warriors who held them back. 'Should we help, master?' Athena questioned.
It looked like the beasts were toying with the warriors who had already lost three of their members. He wouldn't normally help, but he only knew his mother and craved to talk to other people. When he noticed a child was being dragged off by one of the beasts, it caused him to make up his mind.
Making his decision, Argo took out his dagger, sling, and battered spear, weighing each in turn before shrugging with an excited grin. Extending his arm, he recalled Athena landing on his forearm as the American Lion stepped out of the Beast Realm. ''Let's go, Aslan, cover my rear. Athena, harass the wolf's leader and draw his attention so I can finish him.''
Following that, Argo sprinted toward the wolves, getting closer only to see one of the beasts lunge at one of the Varna warriors. He was already on top of it and pulled his arm back, launching the spear. The tip sliced through the air before burrowing through the creature's neck as the rest spotted him, but it was too late when they tried to attack.
[Experience Gained: 10]
[Beast Points Gained: 1]
Aslan lunged over him, crashing into the wolves, who were torn apart by the massive lion as his pulse raced thanks to the fight. As this happened, Argo slid under another lunging beast, stabbing it in the stomach, dragging the blade down its underbelly just as he jumped up and lunged at the pack leader, who was being dive bombed by Athena.
[Experience Gained: 10]
[Beast Points Gained: 1]
The rest of the pack backed off while the caravan's warriors looked at him, shocked and fearful expressions appearing on their faces. Some backed off in fear, others whispered Beast Master as the wolves forgot the near-dead caravan; now a stronger force appeared. Moments later, he came face-to-face with a giant wolf.
This one was the size of a pony and missing one eye due to a past fight. The creature let out a growl, scaring the other warriors off. Argo grinned, stepping aside as he called out, excited to test out his new bond. ''Aslan, show me what you can do.''
The lion didn't wait; he exploded forward, a black streak across the green, paws thundering like war drums, scaring the surviving Varna. The one-eyed wolf had barely turned when the lion hit, shoulder-first, four hundred pounds of power slamming into it, knocking it senseless and confused.
Argo watched as the beast flew sideways, crashing into the dirt with a yelp that cut off sharp as Aslan's jaws clamped down on its throat. Blood burst hot and thick, spraying across the grass. The wolf thrashed, claws raking deep gashes along the lion's flank, but it didn't flinch as its fangs tore through muscle and tendon, spine cracking like wood.
A wet, choking snarl bubbled from the wolf's maw as its hind legs kicked uselessly, carving bloody furrows in the earth. Argo stood amazed, sling dangling in his grip, pulse roaring in his ears. The lion twisted hard, jaws wrenching sideways, and the wolf's head tore free in a crimson arc of flesh and fur.
[Experience Gained: 50]
[Beast Points Gained: 5]
The body hit the ground with a heavy thud, twitching once before going still. Blood pooled beneath it, soaking into the grass. Aslan stood over the corpse, chest heaving, muzzle dripping red. He lifted his head and roared, a sound that shook the plains, sent the last wolves bolting into the distance, tails tucked in terror.
The caravan warriors stared, mouths open, some dropping to their knees. A child's sob cut through the silence as her mother clutched her tight. Argo smiled as Aslan moved forward and dropped the wolf's severed head at his feet with a wet slap. Blue eyes met his, calm now, almost gentle.
A low chuff rumbled in the lion's throat. He reached out, fingers sinking into the blood-matted mane. ''Impressive, thank you for that. I wanted to see how powerful you are,'' he whispered.
The American Lion placed its head against his, and he felt the beast's happy emotions swirling inside. Argo stroked the lion as an older man and woman approached, looking nervous as Athena landed on one of the wolf's bodies so she could feast. He looked at the Varna traders before turning to Aslan.
''Eat, you've earned it,'' he said, rubbing the lion's ear as he growled before walking off.
Argo turned to the couple as the older man finally spoke. ''Are you the Forsaken Beast Master everyone's gossing about?''
''That I am,'' he answered, trying to act normal, but was nervous, even more so than when facing the beasts.
The woman beamed. ''Your banishment was downright wrong. I pray for Mother Erda to correct such a mistake and show the world your light. The Varna need a warrior like you ever since that useless Spear Hand pretends to run things.''
''I'm Argo, son of Tarek and Morgana,'' he introduced himself. ''Forsaken Beast Master that's traveling to the Southern Shore.''
''I'm Tar, and this here's Pam,'' the man said, jerking a thumb at the woman beside him, her eyes sharp despite the caravan's bloodied state. ''We're Trade Leaders from a town in the Southern Lands. You've got a way with beasts, friend. Will you guide us the rest of the way?''
Argo tilted his head, sizing them up, a half-grin tugging at his lips. ''And what's the trade for my trouble?''