Willow saves a wolf cub, Ash, from hunters. Her mother-in-law Shen recognizes a scar on Ash, revealing a past debt to the wolf clan. Ash is Kael Blackwood's son, Lord Kael of the mountain wolves, and crucial for the mountain's spiritual vein. Willow returns Ash to Kael. Kael repays Willow by curing her incurable illness with a Bloodclot Herb. Kael promises help if Willow calls his name. A lasting bond forms.