The story continues

He simply stood and watched. Then suddenly he lifted his head and howled again—but this time it was a different howl. Dull. A warning. From the distance came a reply. Then another one. The forest was coming alive. Henryk understood—the wolf wasn’t calling for help for itself. He was calling for the pack. Gathering the last of his strength, Henryk tried to rise. His hands were shaking, his legs were failing, but fear drove him forward. He knew one thing: if the poachers returned, he wouldn’t get a second chance. He took a few unsteady steps, steadying himself with the tree trunks. The wolf walked beside him. Not in front of him. Not behind him. To the side.