Tales of the Wolf: Book 02 - Enter the Wolf

by A. E. McCullough

  Kang shrugged his shoulders once again. He was stuck in an unwinnable situation. He was only one of fifty that came from his clan to serve the Alliance and he was the least senior. Those few he trusted enough to talk with about his concerns wouldn’t act against Blackfang or even talk about it for fear of being overheard by Blackfang’s witch and accused of treason, which meant a trip to the Pit and very few survived that.

  Draks hissed at him. “Confound it Kang, get up here!”

  Kang looked around. He had fallen further behind than he wanted to, enough so that it had drawn the attention of their idiot leader. Without answering, the young scout quickened his steps but faltered when a shadowy figure disengaged itself from the cavern wall and fell upon the front three warriors.

  * * * * *

  Hawkeye froze when he heard the patrol approaching.

  They were noisy, extremely noisy for gnomes but that didn’t lessen the danger of the impending encounter. Glancing around, he studied the environment with an experienced eye, looking for any advantage. There wasn’t much to work with. The tunnel in this area was only about five feet wide and roughly ten feet tall. He grinned at that thought, at least it was an area he could stand upright. Swinging his weapons could possibly be impeded by the close quarters but it would also make it difficult for him to get surrounded.

  However, he did notice a small ledge about halfway up the wall and the beginnings of a plan emerged. Climbing up the wall, he perched himself precariously on the small ledge and hugged the wall. He hoped that he would blend into the cavern wall and just be another shadow.

  He wouldn’t even consider trying this if his furs hadn’t still been wet. He knew that his normal body temperature would give him away to the infravison aspect of the gnomes’ darksight. But with the wet furs covering him and the noisy gnomes approaching quickly, it seemed like his best chance at avoiding a confrontation. And it nearly worked.

  A minute later, the band of gnomes came around the small bend in the tunnel. Hawkeye could see that there were three gnomes, weapons still sheathed, leading the way. They were chatting away as if they didn’t have a care in the world. About five steps behind them was another warrior but he was lagging back and looking behind them.

  When the group of three warriors stopped almost directly underneath him and looked back at their leader, Hawkeye knew that the god of luck wasn’t smiling on him. The leader had called out into the darkness and the band had stopped in their tracks. He realized that his gamble had failed when one of the three gnomes reached up to wipe away a stray drop of water which had fallen from his still wet furs.

  Knowing he had lost the advantage of concealment, Hawkeye launched himself at the gnomes.

  Landing in between the three with a growl, he drew and lashed out with his weapons. Both scored hits but nothing serious. All three gnomes were wearing chainmail armor which encased their mid-section in protective metal. Hawkeye’s only advantage was that their weapons weren’t in play…yet.

  Time during combat is deceptive.

  In reality combat is fast and ugly; full of feints, strike, blocks and an untold number of other moves. But when you are fighting for your life, your awareness of the little things becomes so acute, that it seems to take forever to do something simple, like draw a weapon or block an incoming strike. This was one of those situations.

  Hawkeye knew he only had seconds to overwhelm the three gnomes before he would have to face whatever was coming at him from down the tunnel. He was satisfied when he felt the blades of his tomahawk and knife finally cut skin. The warm gush of blood as it sprayed onto him and the cavern wall both excited and saddened him. Excited because that meant two of his opponents were down and saddened because he wished he could’ve avoided the confrontation altogether. Pivoting to avoid a thrust of the remaining gnome’s sword, Hawkeye lashed out with his foot and landed a wicked kick to the side of the gnome’s head knocking him into the wall and unconsciousness.

  Unfortunately, the combination of blood, sweat and water from his furs had made the tunnel floor slippery and Hawkeye felt himself falling. Doing his best to shift his body position in that split second before he landed, all he managed to do was land flat on his back and force all the air from his lungs.

  Hawkeye was in trouble and he knew it.

  * * * * *

  Kang watched in amazement as the shadowy figure descended on the lead members of his patrol. The fight was quick and brutal. In the end, the barbarian was the victor. However, his last attack left him off balance and he slipped on the bloody floor.

  Draks rushed to take advantage.

  Kang saw the gleam in his patrol leader’s eye and the wicked grin on his face as he stood over the prone and dazed barbarian. It sickened him.

  Draks raised his sword high overhead in a two-handed grip and cheered as he began the downward stab. Kang didn’t even give it a second thought as he slid his dagger between Draks’s ribs and into his heart. Nor did Draks’ look of surprise and betrayal cause him any grief as his leader’s lifeblood flowed over his hand. Kang stepped back and waited to see what the large barbarian would do. He felt no animosity to the Highlander. He had decided it was time to discover the truth about Iraim. Moving back about five steps, he sheathed his dagger, sat down, pulled out a loaf of waybread and waited.

  Waybread was a type of pastry that was basically a combination of meat and fruit baked together into a bread-like substance in such a way that it would last for many days. There were numerous recipes for the rations but they all had two things in common, the use of salt in baking and they were all similar in taste; which is to say, tasteless. Even so, it had become the standard staple for warriors of all races for centuries.

  * * * * *

  Hawkeye was shocked to be alive.

  When he fell, he knew that he was dead. He was sure of it. There was no way that he would be able to regain enough breathe and balance to ward off two attackers. But the smaller, no that wasn’t right, the younger of the two gnomes had stabbed the one that was about to kill him. But instead of claiming the kill for himself, the young gnome moved back to give him room and sat down. When he pulled out the waybread, Hawkeye realized that he was making the first gesture of friendship for strangers meeting on the road.

  Terreth is a large land with many different customs. But one particular ritual that seemed to be adopted by every race and culture was the ritual of the Stranger’s Fare. It is a common thing to meet a stranger on the road but not every stranger is a friend nor are they automatically foes. So, the Stranger’s Fare Ritual became commonplace.

  In a chance meeting on the road, one party would offer a portion of his or her food, the other the drink. If both parties partake of the ritual then a truce would be in effect for the duration of the meeting, be it one hour or a whole day. Hawkeye knew that there were several legends in every culture where the hero tricks his enemy into sharing a meal and invoking the ritual.

  Hawkeye moved slowly and retrieved his weapons before sitting down in the empty spot in front of the gnome. Reaching into a belt pouch, he pulled out a small flask of moonshine. Taking a swig, he offered it to the gnome.

  Kang broke off a piece of the waybread, ate it and offered the rest to the barbarian. As they exchanged provisions, the gnome took a long swig on the flask and gagged as his throat burned from the potent intoxicant.

  Hawkeye smiled at the gnome’s reactions and took back the flask. Speaking the common tongue of Terreth he said, “Sorry about that. The first taste of moonshire or what we Highlanders call Luna’s Elixir always has a bite.”

  Taking another swig he handed it back to the gnome and followed the ritual by offering his name. “Kamots Hawkeye, at your service.”

  “Kang of Aad,” replied the gnome. Receiving the flask, Kang took a second drink and expected the worst. However, it wasn’t the liquid lava of his first sip that he experienced but the warm feelings of relaxation as the moonshine flowed through his body.

  Having nothing to lose, Ha
wkeye gestured to the bodies behind him. “My thanks for your aid; it was sorely needed and unexpected.”

  Kang shrugged his shoulders. “Draks was a fool. I will not grieve for him.”

  Hawkeye assumed that he was referring to the gnome that he had stabbed and let it go. He was in no position to argue but it was obvious that this gnome wanted something. Very few people do something just for no reason but Hawkeye was content to wait.

  * * * * *

  Kang studied the barbarian.

  He was dressed in silver wolf furs with a hollowed out wolf’s head acting as a helmet. His arms were bare to the elements and bore many scars, old and new. He was lean as a wolf and just as deadly as his former companions discovered. His eyes were a fierce grey that seemed to look right through him but Kang didn’t see any malice in them. At the moment, they seemed kind and inquisitive but not hateful; not like Blackfang.

  Unfortunately, Kang was forced to compare this barbarian to Blackfang and realized that they were indeed very similar in appearance.

  They both had strong square jaw lines, dark hair, piercing eyes and broad-shoulders but that’s where their similarities ended. Blackfang seemed to wear a permanent scowl and his mood was always foul.

  Many of his kinsmen had ended up in the Pit just because they didn’t move fast enough to please the tyrant. Even when his words were sweet and persuasive, if one looked into Blackfang’s eyes they would see hatred and disgust.

  This barbarian seemed different.

  Having nothing else to gain from waiting, Kang decided to ask the question which had haunted him for nearly two years. “Why did your people attack Iraim?”

  Hawkeye had no idea what Kang was referring to but it was obviously something important to him judging from his tone. He shook his head. “I swear by my goddess that I have no idea what or who an Iraim is.”

  “Iraim, the City of a Thousand Pillars, was our cultural home before it was destroyed. You and your people raided it two years ago and killed everyone.” Kang struggled to keep his voice hard but it nearly cracked at the painful memories of walking through the ruined city.

  Hawkeye immediately understood. “Let me ask you a few questions, first. Were all the men who weren’t killed in the defense crucified?”

  Kang nodded.

  “And the women were raped before being slaughtered like sheep.”

  Again, Kang nodded.

  Hawkeye’s eyes filled with tears.

  “But the worst was finding the younglings. They were all beheaded. Then, their heads were hurled against the closest wall. To add insult to injury, the corpses of the women and babies were urinated on.”

  Kang fingered his dagger. “By the gods, if we had not shared the Stranger’s Fare, I would kill you now.”

  Hawkeye shook his head. “Neither I nor my people did that to your kinfolk.”

  “But you had to! How else would you know unless you were there?”

  “I know because I lived through a similar attack when Blackfang destroyed my village. I was knocked unconscious during the initial raid and they nailed me to some wooden posts which they had brought in just for the occasion. Blackfang raped and killed my wife in front of me, then had my sons beheaded while I was forced to watch.”

  Pulling off his right bracer, Hawkeye showed him the scars left by the spikes where they had nailed him to the posts. “I would bet that it was Blackfang who did the same to your kinfolk.”

  * * * * *

  Kang was confused.

  For two years he and his kin had been blaming Hawkeye and his people for the atrocities committed on his clan. Of course, no proof had ever been offered except the ramblings of three old blind women the clan leaders had visited.

  They were said to be witches and possess great powers. It was their visions that led to the gnomes aligning themselves with the Alliance.

  Even though the story this silver furred barbarian recounted was completely opposite of what he’d been told, it rang true to Kang.

  Sheathing his dagger, Kang held out his right hand. “I grieve for your loss and offer my friendship.”

  * * * * *

  Hawkeye was confused.

  He had been fighting the Dark Alliance in one form or fashion for years. That meant fighting and killing gnomes. Now he knew why the gnomes were serving Blackfang. Even though his dwarven friend Rjurik had never liked gnomes, even he would begrudgingly admit that they weren’t evil, not as a race. Now he knew that they had been tricked into thinking that he and his people had destroyed their cultural home.

  Hawkeye only hesitated for a brief second before grasping forearms.

  “I too grieve for your loss and offer my and those that I lead friendship. It is my pledge that we will not make war on your people but will only act to defend ourselves and our homes.”

  “That is good enough for me.”

  Standing, the gnome scout cocked his head to the side as if listening.

  “We need to get moving. My patrol wasn’t the only one down here. I cannot speak for my kith and kin; I am only one pebble in a large rockslide. Many have succumbed to the hatred that Blackfang preaches and they will attack you on sight.”

  “I understand.”

  “Besides, there’s a bounty of five hundred golden eagles for your head.”

  Hawkeye whistled. “We highlanders do not place much stock in the gold coins of other lands but even I know that is a large sum.”

  Kang grinned. “A gnome could retire rich off the bounty for killing you. But for some reason, I don’t trust that Blackfang would honor his end of the agreement. He’s too greedy and spiteful.”

  Hawkeye smiled. “I think you’re right about that.”

  Kang held up his hand. Hawkeye froze and strained to hear whatever had alerted his new companion but didn’t hear anything.

  After a moment, Kang motioned for him to follow as he whispered. “Another patrol is heading this way, we must move. Follow me as quietly as you can.”

  Hawkeye nodded and followed his new friend into the dark corridors of the underground, unsure of how or why fate intervened but he wasn’t going to waste this opportunity.

  Chapter 2

  “Blackfang, you fool!”

  Jinx was startled awake by Lalith’s outburst. He’d only been back for a few hours from his impromptu meeting with his cousins but finding Lalith busy in her spell work, he figured it was a great time to take a nap. Stretching lazily, the ancient gargoyle glanced down from his rocky perch high overhead. He could see the dark elf sorceress staring into her scrying pool. The scene depicted was one of carnage and gore. Bodies seemed to be everywhere, hacked into little pieces. From his vantage-point, Jinx couldn’t tell if the bodies where highlander, dwarven, gnomish or cyclopean. Stretching once more, the gargoyle unfolded his leathery wings and glided down to land gently on the far side of the pool.

  His soft guttural voice invaded Lalith’s rage. “Is something amiss?” Looking up from the pool, Lalith’s features seemed even darker, more evil because of her rage. Jinx thought she had never looked lovelier.

  “Yes! It’s that bumbling fool, Blackfang. He’s let both Tatianna and Hawkeye escape!”

  “I’m sure he did his best.”

  “Damn his best! I want results! Blackfang was too arrogant in his attack. Now they’re loose upon the land, free to roam the Highlands which will only make them harder to kill.”

  Jinx shook his head and pointed at the mountains in the background. “Nay Mistress, look. The mountains are covered in snow and the sky is dark.”

  “So? What has that got to do with the price of tea in Asylum?”

  Jinx let her sarcastic remark slide by. “It’s simple. The weather in the Highlands during this time of the year is deadly. The refugees from Itasca will only have one place to go.”

  Lalith snapped her fingers. “Sikya!”

  “Yes, we have destroyed the other two, so they will be forced to travel the hundred or so miles to the western village in the middle of winter. I
f we are lucky, the weather will do our job for us. If not, they will still be weakened by their trip. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lose half of their remaining army on the journey.”

  Sitting back in her chair, a wicked grin crept over Lalith’s face. “I hadn’t thought of that. Terra tends to be very cruel this time of the year. The snows should be deep and deadly. I like it! I wonder if Blackfang had that planned all along.”

  Dipping his tail into the pool of blood, Jinx pulled it out and began to lick the thick substance off. “Could be, I wouldn’t underestimate Blackfang. He might be a barbarian but he does have a certain shrewd intelligence. If he didn’t, Clotho would’ve had him for dinner long ago.”

  “You’re right. It wouldn’t be wise to underestimate Blackfang again.”

  She flashed her pet a wicked smile. “That’s where you come in. Be sure to remind me if you think I’m doing it again.”

  Jinx paused long enough to grin back at Lalith while the blood ran down the side of his face and dripped off his claws. “Don’t worry Mistress, it’ll be my pleasure.”

  Chapter 3

  Grunk followed the somber procession at a discreet distance while wrestling with feelings he thought long buried. Other than the brief glimpse a month ago in the Black Fortress, Grunk hadn’t seen his father in nearly ten years. However seeing him humiliated by Blackfang in front of his kinsmen was painful, almost as painful as the day he was exiled from their homeland.

  The procession of cyclopean warriors made their way through the destroyed village and down the side of the mountain to the ragged camp of the Dark Alliance. Near the back of the camp was a series of large tents that were well lit with torches. In front of the largest tent stood a battered banner of crossed swords in front of a single red eye. The procession carried his father into this tent before taking up guard positions outside.

  Grunk stopped outside the range of the firelight and studied his kinsmen.