‘Of course not, there is barely an oceanic planet in the galaxy that was touched by the Universal Beacon. I doubt there’s a single talking shark alive.’
‘Oh, yes, you’re probably right.’ said the March Hare, turning away and going quiet.
‘So?’ pressed Star Wolf.
‘Oh, yes, my learning, of course. One thing’s for sure, you’re going to an awful lot of trouble to keep the Bear happy. What about the Badger, the Dog, the Hare and most importantly the Wolf?’
‘You’re saying I’m favouring Kodiak,’ said Star Wolf, talking to the March Hare’s back. The Hare had turned away but glanced back over his left shoulder.
‘As you should, he’s the most fearsome animal on this bucket of steel just don’t forget your other followers. If you leave them too long they might not be your followers for long.’
The March Hare leapt back up into the rafters, walking slowly away over the metal. Now paying attention Star noted the faint patter on the metal long after the March Hare moved around the corner.
THESE DAYS STAR WOLF couldn’t decide which he preferred, the blistering heat or the freezing cold. He had bounced between the two so much in recent months it was hard to pin down a preference. Stood at the edge of another tropical rainforest the icy winds of Lupus called to him. Irrelevant now as he had no choice but to venture into the jungle, he was still well short of capable fighting creatures to take on the Winter Tiger. Reason and sense prevailed at present. His journey into the deep greenery wasn’t alone. Badger, Dog, Hare, Bear and Wolf accompanied him. The Wolf trio Ash, River and Sky looked as thrilled as he did at the prospect of entering the humid and close environment.
It was Bloodhound’s turn to stand beside him and offer words of advice.
‘We’ll be in and out in no time,’ he said with a wide grin, ‘the Leopard temples are enormous structures. I guarantee we spot one in the next fifteen minutes.’
The March Hare burst into laughter behind him.
WITH TWO HOURS PAST and the sun beginning to set Star Wolf hadn’t even come close to spotting one of the infamous Golden Temples, structures revered across the galaxy for their build quality and religious power. As it transpired, they were not numerous and were buried deep within the jungle. The trek saw them encounter all types of mindless creatures and yet not a single Leopard crossed their path. Soon Star’s nose stung with the whiff of a predator. Leopard scent was all around a faint odour, marked here and there, nothing more.
‘Are there even any Leopards on this planet anymore?’ asked River, he kept glancing up to the trees, void of his usual confidence.
‘Why don’t we ask them and find out?’ said the Night Badger, his agitation at being dragged out into the jungle was all too clear to Star Wolf; as were the mounting complaints from others about the Badger’s laziness.
‘Ask who?’ snapped Sky, also scanning the branches above. She stayed close to Star throughout the trek and he kept catching her awkward glances before she would turn back to the trees.
The Night Badger had obviously seen something, and yet Star saw nothing.
The March Hare nodded and so too did the Bloodhound, though Star couldn’t decide if the pair merely faked their awareness.
‘There!’ barked the Night Badger, who despite the scorching weather persisted in wearing a black, long-sleeved leather jacket. The Badger pulled out his emerald axes, which Star had been meaning to ask him about. All legendary weapons had names but as of yet he hadn’t overhead the Badger mention any names for his two axes, which in their time must’ve handed out more kills than a thousand blades combined.
Star followed where he pointed, and at first he saw nothing but as he focused his eyes, staring through the hazy treeline, he observed faint markings carved into something in the background. A cursory glance would have shown nothing more than further trees in an endless jungle, but closer inspection would reveal the base of a Golden Temple.
‘And what makes you so sure Shadowfang is there?’ demanded Ash Wolf, his wearied face was slick with damp fur. As were the faces of the entire Band of Breeds.
‘Who cares, I’m hungry and it’s the first temple we’ve seen. The Leopard can provide me with dinner,’ said Kodiak.
‘Careful there, old chum, or you might become dinner,’ said the Night Badger, in an oddly pleasant tone, ‘we’re being watched. Why don’t you come out, Shadowfang? It’s only me.’
It was the March Hare who recommended the services of Shadowfang, but it was the Night Badger who conversed with the Leopard without fear. The Hare stood in the shadows not uttering a word as a stocky Leopard stalked its way, almost vertically, down a tree trunk. Any creature, be it rodent or insect, fled the path of Shadowfang. His padded steps were silent, no matter how hard Star listened.
‘What have we here?’ said Shadowfang, a glorious black and brown spotted Leopard. He was another big cat with a smooth and sultry voice. ‘A Badger, Bear, Dog, Hare and a pack of Wolves, this has the makings of a great song. I know how you love songs Night.’ The Leopard moved with flawless grace. Stood upright he was on a level with Star though his shoulders were much thicker.
‘Don’t tease me you conceited old fleabag, it’s hotter than hell out here. Take me to your temple and get me a drink.’
Silence fell over the group, even Kodiak the mouthy bear remained quiet, no one sure as to how the insult would be taken. The answer was physicality. Shadowfang and the Night Badger charged at each other, locking in a furious grip by squeezing the life out of the other.
And then the laughter came.
‘Good to see you.’
‘And you friend, it’s been too long.’
Star Wolf stood, leaning against a tree, confused as to why the March Hare kept quiet and why it was the Night Badger who embraced their newest potential recruit. Why didn’t Night Badger suggest him?
In fact the Night Badger hadn’t suggested anyone as of yet.
‘Marchy, stop hiding, come out of the darkness. I didn’t recognise you,’ said Shadowfang.
‘Oh, very clever, don’t pretend you haven’t been tracking us for the last hour.’ The March Hare bounded forward, the strange quietness strangling him was gone in a burst of erratic words and movements. The March Hare twitched, his nose bouncing uncontrollably.
‘How do you all know each other?’ asked River. Star remained quiet but was glad his friend asked the question burning a hole in his head or was it the blazing sun bursting through the leafy branches overhead that burnt his forehead.
The Night Badger, Shadowfang and the March Hare all turned, the same amused expression mixed with a deep sadness etched across their face, it was the Night Badger who answered.
‘We’ve fought on the same side of many a battle.’
‘You all fought for the Lion?’ asked Sky. She was the sharpest Wolf Star knew and was piecing together the conversation as they went along.
‘Aye, we all had our reasons but none of us ever really joined the Lion. The Lions weren’t keen on forming a varied species army, they like the Tiger believed themselves too superior.’
‘But the Tigers had the numbers,’ added Ash.
‘Ash, oh my this is a collection of legends,’ enthused Shadowfang, moving to embrace Ash. Ash was another who had drawn blood on behalf of the Lions’ side of the galaxy; though he never talked about it Star had heard the tales. ‘What’s with all this talk of the Tiger?’
Another awkward silence washed through the group.
Crickets echoed in the vast jungle expanse.
‘We need to talk,’ said Star Wolf.
Shadowfang turned to the warriors he knew, he gave Kodiak a look for the first time and Star didn’t like the flash of fury that swept over the Leopard’s face, eventually he turned to regard Star.
‘So you’re the leader, young Wolf?’ he asked the question with respect, no hint of scorn in his mention of age. Star nodded. ‘Well, if these fine creatures follow you,’ again he gave Kodiak a queer glance, ‘I will. Tha
t is once you explain to me what the hell your business is with the Tigers.’
Upon their arrival at the base of the Golden Temple Star was simply overawed by the beauty and construction quality of the building. A perfect pyramid shape, four symmetrical sides creating a square if you were looking down from space, and this was a building worthy of gazing at from above. Given how large the stone structure was, painted entirely gold, Star couldn’t understand how they took so long to find the place.
Only when Shadowfang explained, sort of, that they picked a spot sunk into the ground, surrounded by the thickest parts of the jungle did it make some sense that the structure remained hard to find. Though Star thought some things were left unsaid, the place had something he couldn’t put his paw on, an aura, magic almost. Not that he believed in magic, that was for the mages and shamans of more primitive planets on the outer reaches of the path the Universal Beacon had taken millennia ago.
From inside the temple emanated of low, dull humming. The source remained a mystery to Star as Shadowfang took them to a concealed entrance buried in the ground. Once inside they were led by torchlight through narrow, dusty tunnels whose walls were covered in complex artwork, scratched into the surface of the stone. In some parts Star couldn’t help but note reddish-brown, which looked a lot like dried blood but there was no smell anymore.
The Leopard was a secretive and highly religious race. Compared to the Wolves they bordered on fanatical. The Wolves lived with rigid structure and loyalty whereas the Leopards seemed different, wild.
‘This way,’ said Shadowfang, near-invisible with his dark spots and golden-brown fur against the stone backdrop. The torch in his hand illuminated his enormous canines, the source of his legend, and power, some said. A silent assassin, who Star would’ve backed as the most likely to destroy the Winter Tiger. ‘Watch your step.’
Below foot came a cringe-worthy crunch.
They were walking on bones.
Star held a gasp as best he could, Sky and River less so.
‘Please take a seat,’ said Shadowfang as they entered an impossibly large, open room teeming with vivid white light from an opening in the wall, way above, at a forty-five-degree angle, which was impossible as the sun was setting outside. ‘I’ll have refreshments brought in.’
With the clap of his paws Shadowfang brought out three Leopards, wearing nothing but thin silk dresses of varying pastels colours. They were beautiful, Star had never seen such beautiful creatures in all his life and yet he gazed upon a different species. The Wolf didn’t mix with other races, it was unheard of, but still he stared, taken aback by their graceful curves and fluid movements.
Wine was poured, Shadowfang drinking first, a gesture appreciated by all given the clandestine nature of their venture; poison would be a stupid way to die at this stage. Star winced when he caught Sky giving him a disapproving glare. River was grinning, a beaming smile, which was nice to see but as always, it came at Star’s expense.
‘So you want to kill all the Tigers?’ asked Shadowfang, directed at Star Wolf. Its seriousness reverberated around the stone structure as Star composed himself.
‘I don’t want to kill anybody, if I don’t have too. Death should be a last resort, but the Tiger must be brought to heel, otherwise the entire galaxy will be at their mercy for thousands of years to come. I don’t want to be ruled by the Tigers, and to stop that I think one death will be required.’ said Star Wolf, his tone low, he didn’t enjoy speaking about death so openly. The approving glances he received from a handful of creatures who excelled in killing showed him his words rang true, just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you have to enjoy the task.
‘Wise words, Star Wolf.’ Shadowfang stood on hind legs to walk into the most brightly lit part of the room. ‘And you want the Leopards to join your Band of Breeds yes? Your numbers are small.’
‘Yes I do.’ Star rose to stand toe-to-toe with Shadowfang. He’d learnt creatures of such nature respected strength and straight talk. Star liked the life of an elite warrior, he just needed to prove he was one. ‘And our numbers are not so small. Should the need require the Wolf can amass twenty thousand fighting Wolves. That alone would outnumber the Tigers.’
‘True enough but for every Tiger ten Wolves would be required, and my reports suggest the Tigers have at least ten thousand fighters, that we know of.’
‘You’ve been monitoring the Tiger?’ asked Star.
The rest of the group gasped a little.
‘Of course, you don’t think the Wolves are the only ones who distrust the Tigers do you? We are the stealthiest creatures in the galaxy, and we monitor any species we deem a threat, and all from the shadows. You’d be surprised what the Leopard knows.’
‘And that’s exactly why we want you,’ said the March Hare, thumping his foot excitedly, ‘I,’ he paused, ‘we need your secrets to help with our plans for the Winter Tiger.’
‘Ah, yes, the one Tiger to rule them all, the one Tiger that binds their race, even above the Elder Three if the rumours are to be believed. White and black ruling orange and black, the delicious irony of that race is astounding. Their arrogance is a weakness make no mistake, but as is our pride.’ said Shadowfang, lifting one of the flaps on his flowing silver-studded black leather shorts.
Beneath a gash from knee to hip ran down the side of his leg.
‘A token of affection from the aforementioned Winter Tiger.’
‘You’ve fought him before?’ asked Star Wolf.
‘As have you,’ said Shadowfang with a sly smile, he’d heard about the battle of Ranae, ‘and by the looks of you, you fared a lot better than I did.’
‘He’s tough this one.’ Ash sat cross-legged, his obvious pride beaming out in a broad grin.
‘Indeed.’ Shadowfang placed a hand on Star’s shoulder. ‘Perhaps you, Star Wolf, are the one that can take down the Winter Tiger.’
‘Here, here!’ roared the Kodiak, accompanied by the Night Badger, the Wolves and Bloodhound.
The March Hare remained silent, when Star caught the Hare’s eyes he nodded once.
‘I will follow you Star Wolf,’ said Shadowfang, ‘but to kill the Winter Tiger we will need stealth, so I suggest we keep our Band of Breeds small.’
Star went to protest, his learning always taught him numbers won wars.
Shadowfang caught his intentions and silenced him by continuing to explain how he saw things, ‘wars are won with numbers but don’t jump so eagerly into one. If we can take out their leader we may avert thousands of creatures having to take up arms. It’s a slim hope, perhaps a romantic fool’s hope but surely the whole point of this is to stop the galaxy being crippled by war.’
The eloquence of the words moved Star but also steeled him to the task.
‘Agreed,’ said Star Wolf, shaking Shadowfang’s paw before turning it into a hug. ‘Welcome to the Band of Breeds.’
The catchy title was set in stone.
Perhaps something that Star and his followers would make worthy of a song.
17. Back To Lupus
After another long journey across the endless expanse of space Star Wolf was beyond delighted to return home. Constantly flying across the galaxy had taken its toll on Star and his Wolves, and some of their other companions; though none of them would admit to their fatigue. Star Wolf was surrounded by bravado and pride.
Upon his return and greeting his father with the Band of Breeds he couldn’t decide if Sun was proud of him or disgusted, or little bit of both, the last one seemed most likely. Sun Wolf was practical if nothing else, he would understand the value in having a team of elite killers, but the deep structure and rigidity of the Wolf engrained in him would always make him struggle to welcome other creatures to Lupus with open arms. Sun welcomed them openly on The Council of Worlds, he seemed to enjoy the interaction and working toward common causes just as long as it wasn’t on Lupus. Star was sure the concept of banding together varying breeds of different animals was something that had
never crossed his father’s narrow mind.
Lupus was sacred to Sun Wolf; he’d spent most of his life here.
It was where he would die and be buried, a place of honour awaited him in the House of Lupus way down deep under the roots of the great forest.
Star’s father kept his guarded and respectful tone, calm personified as he walked down the line shaking creature’s hands. Dog, Bear, Hare, Leopard and finally Badger. He reserved a special welcome for the Badger, a clever and diplomatic gesture given the tensions between Badger and Wolf over the years, and after all the Night Badger had saved his son’s life.
‘To we celebrate the alliance of the Band of Breeds, drink deep, eat well and rest,’ Sun’s words echoed up and out of the stone hall, the wooden benches full of Wolves, ‘for you are about to embark on a mission of grave importance. The fate of the galaxy rests in your hands, but know this,’ he stood before his carved throne of oak and iron, ‘The Council of Worlds no longer recognises the Wolf or our words.’ He glared at Star at little too long before continuing, ‘They will not come to your aid and nor will they support your efforts. Once you set out on this quest, a fool’s quest most would say, you are on your own but take heart for it is better to live a life chasing a fool’s dream than submit to meek subservience underneath the tyranny of a race such as the Tigers.’
The eloquent words stunned the hall into silence.
A ferocious Bear call broke the quiet, Kodiak clapping in agreement.
‘I can’t wait to see the look on the Winter Tiger’s face when I remove his guts and feed them to him,’ said Kodiak, no one commenting or disagreeing with the grandiose statement.
Star didn’t care who killed the Winter Tiger.
All he cared was that no innocents suffered as a result or because of their efforts.
He longed for a swift resolution, having had his fill of travel, he was ready to settle back in on Lupus for a while and not venture off into some long series of events hunting the Tiger’s leader.
Star Wolf: A Space Opera Fantasy (Songs of Star & Winter Book 1) Page 15