Tales of the Wolf: Book 02 - Enter the Wolf

by A. E. McCullough

  Smiling, Tatianna knelt down beside the young girl and placed her hand gently on Amani’s shoulder, “Outstanding! Absolutely outstanding! We’ll make a mage out of you yet! How did it feel?”

  Beaming with pride at her accomplishment and the praise from her mistress, Amani looked up. “It felt great! But why am I so tired all of the sudden?”

  Sitting down next to her pupil, Tatianna looked to the north. “Amani my dear, I’m going to tell you three secrets about spell casting, two I have known all my life. The last I just learned this past year from a new friend but I do not doubt the truth in his revelation.”

  Pausing, she looked deep into Amani’s dark brown eyes. “First, spell weaving is the ability to tap into the fabric of the universe to create a spell with the desired effects.”

  The way Amani periodically nodded her head Tatianna knew her pupil grasped the concept.

  “Most of the spell’s energy comes from the fabric of the universe itself and only a small part coming from the mage. Basically, when you weave a spell you are lending some of your life force to the binding. When you cast the spell your life force is released.”

  Nodding her head, Amani interrupted excitedly. “Which explains the release of energy just before the spell went off? I released the binding I had placed on the spell and as my life force returns I feel a sense of fatigue. Right?”

  Tatianna shook her head. “No, but that is what I was taught and always believed to be true.” She looked back toward the north. “The truth is when you released your spell your life force is spent; in effect making your body age slightly in the process. Therefore for every spell you cast, you age.” She pointed at the blasted rock. “For a simple spell such as the one you have just cast the aging would be minimal, probably just a few minutes; but the more complex the spell, the more the aging.”

  Amani’s mind froze with that thought. It meant that if she were to keep casting spells, then she would age quicker than the other kids in the pack. That thought intrigued her for a moment before the reality of it also crept in; it would also mean she would live a shorter life than the others. Amani stayed with that thought for a moment before another thought crossed her mind. “Mistress, how do you know this to be true?”

  Smiling, Tatianna glanced down at her belly and gave it a gentle rub. “When Aquilo the Master of the Northwind told me the true secret of magic he had a purpose.” She nodded toward her belly. “You see the normal gestation cycle for an elven female is eighteen months yet it has been only five months since the conception of the Chosen One but he will be born within the next month. Probably on the Spring Equinox,” shrugging her shoulders, “at least that is what I’m shooting for.”

  “You mean that you have purposely been casting spells to speed up your aging so the Chosen One will be born early?”

  “Yes. There isn’t any way Blackfang and his Dark Alliance wouldn’t be able to find me and possibly kill the child before he was born if I carried him full term. Our only hope is an early birth.” Looking away, she stared off into the distance. “Then we can hide him anywhere on Terreth we want, safe from the prying eyes of the Dark Alliance.”

  Standing slowly, Amani reached out to help her mistress stand.

  “Sometimes I forget the true reason you were brought to us.” A grim look crossed Amani’s youthful face. “I will make you this promise though; I will do everything in my power to aid the Chosen One when the time comes.”

  Tatianna smiled and put her arm around her young protégé as they turned back toward the village. “I’m sure you will, Amani. I sure you will.”

  Chapter 23

  There were times that Hawkeye seriously doubted that Master Pau was blind.

  This was one of those times. There weren’t any trails leading north from Hidden Harbor but somehow Master Pau seemed to walk as if he was on one. Hawkeye was as skilled a woodsman as there ever was and he wouldn’t have been able to lead them through this rocky and wooded region as easily. At sunset on their third day out from Hidden Harbor, Master Pau stopped. The woods had given away hours earlier to an open rocky terrain that was constantly bombarded by the wind and flying surf of the Sea of Torment. The wind and water didn’t seem to slow the old man down. It was as if he was driven or called to this point.

  Hawkeye scanned the horizon.

  They had been traveling north and the mountains that marked the edge of the Highlands still lay several days ahead of them. Its rocky slopes were still snow covered showing that winter’s grip was holding onto the Highlands even though the region they were traveling through was already feeling the slightly warmer effects of an early spring.

  Seeing nothing threatening, Hawkeye finally broke the silence. “What is it Master Pau? What’s wrong?”

  “Listen.”

  Hawkeye and Midach both cocked their heads to the sides in the attempt to enhance their chance of hearing whatever had alerted the monk but the only thing they heard was the wind and the surf. Midach shook his head and shrugged his shoulders at his barbarian friend.

  Hawkeye agreed. He hadn’t heard anything alarming either. “I’m sorry Master Pau but I don’t hear anything out of the ordinary.”

  Master Pau turned his scarred face toward the Highlander. “That’s the point. We are only a day’s travel from the Pharos, we should hear evening vespers.”

  “What do you mean,” asked Midach.

  “When my order was disbanded, one of our grandmasters made it known that he was returning to the Pharos to reestablish the monastery that in ancient days oversaw the light. Several masters and about a dozen apprentices accompanied him.”

  “How long ago was that?” asked Hawkeye.

  “Five years. A few of the villagers remembered them coming through but they haven’t seen anyone in years. At first, I wasn’t alarmed. The Godai tend to stay isolated from everyone but we are close enough that we should be able to hear them.”

  Hawkeye was about to say something when Ronin interrupted.

  “Master…master. What is that?”

  Everyone looked in the direction the young monk was pointing. At the edge of the tree line, something moved. In the lengthening shadows of sunset, it was unclear exactly what it was but they could tell it was large and struggling. Suddenly, the scream of a large bird echoed across the slopes.

  “By Hyperion’s chariot, no!” Master Pau’s face had turned ashen. “Run! Save her! Save her!”

  Not really knowing who the old monk meant but realizing that someone important was in danger, Hawkeye took off running up the slope. Ronin was doing his best to keep pace with the longer stride of the barbarian but Midach trailed behind; dwarves are not known as sprinters due to their short legs.

  Minutes later Hawkeye crested a small rise and was close enough to take in the situation. A majestic beast with the front half of an eagle and the hindquarters of a lion was fighting a dozen huge spiders. The spiders had already lassoed the griffin’s wings and were doing their best to ensnare the slashing talons of the mighty beast.

  Without waiting for his companions, Hawkeye dropped to one knee and quickly restrung his horn bow. Taking aim on the pony-sized spiders, he began firing as fast as he could. Only one out of ten of his arrows failed to hit their mark. None of the strikes were deadly but they did exactly what the Highlander had intended; they stole the attention of the eight-legged monsters from the griffin. Turning toward the barbarian, the spiders began scuttling in his direction.

  Ronin and Midach rushed by the barbarian without pausing. Ronin was once again armed with his ironwood sticks and leapt to the attack as soon as he was in reach. Midach was a wielding the short sword Hawkeye had given him and a small wooden buckler.

  The dwarven warrior and the nimble monk waded into the fray. Even though the two warriors had never worked together, they made a formidable pair. Hawkeye fired three more arrows before dropping his bow, all were direct hits but his quiver was empty. Pulling forth his knife and tomahawk, Hawkeye called on the blessing of Luna and shif
ted into his hybrid-wolf form and joined his two friends in the melee.

  Four of the spiders were already down but they were starting to get organized. It was strange to think that these spiders were intelligent but there was no other way to explain their actions. Once the last three spiders had completely ensnared the griffin, they moved to join their brethren. But instead of coming straight at the companions these three split up; two went left and one to the right.

  Hawkeye recognized that these last three were planning on flanking them but without arrows, he had no choice but to fight hand-to-hand and wait for their arrival. The five spiders already in the fight kept moving and jumping around; no one spider would stand for long in battle with the deadly dwarf or nimble monk. This meant that every spider was at least injured in some form or fashion, not counting the arrows each had in them. Once the barbarian joined the fray, the spiders encircled the companions and began spinning an elaborate web.

  Soon the three companions were fighting back to back to back. As one of the spiders would lunge forward in attack, whoever was closest would counter-attack.

  When Hawkeye spoke, he tone was more guttural than normal. “This isn’t good.”

  Blocking an attack with his buckler, Midach countered with his short sword and grinned as he felt the blade bite deep. “Nope, I’ve never seen spiders this big before.”

  Ronin leapt in the air, spun completely around and lashed out with a kick, knocking a spider backwards several feet. “These are Clotho’s children. Judging from their size, they are still adolescent.”

  Midach snorted. “Adolescents? I would hate to see the full grown ones.”

  It was apparent to the Highlander that the spiders were trying to stall any attempt of the companions to breakout until their trap was ready.

  Knowing they had to do something, Midach and Hawkeye rushed forward and finally killed the two closest spiders. Unfortunately, they found their avenue of escape blocked by a wall of webs that was already taller than the barbarian and only getting taller with each passing second.

  Shifting back to his human form, Hawkeye said, “This isn’t good.”

  Midach laughed. “You already said that.”

  Hawkeye chuckled. “True…but that doesn’t lessen the statement.” He could see the movement on the outside of the web but was at a loss at what to do. “Any suggestions?”

  Ronin took a good look at the web wall. “If you give me a boost, I can get over it.”

  “Then what? There are at least six spiders left alive. Even as talented a warrior as you are those are not good odds.”

  “True…but what other options do we have?”

  Neither Hawkeye nor Midach could come up with anything else and they knew that time wasn’t their ally in this endeavor. Cupping his hands, Hawkeye braced himself. Ronin took two steps back and rushed forward. As soon as Ronin’s foot landed in Hawkeye’s hands, the barbarian pulled upwards with all his force and launched the young monk up and out of the web corral.

  * * * * *

  Ronin didn’t really know what to expect when he volunteered to go but he was the logical choice. He was the lightest and the fastest, maybe not as deadly as the other two warriors but he also realized that would only come with time and experience.

  Ronin had studied the barbarian and realized how deadly he really was, even if the warrior didn’t know himself. Hawkeye always seemed to keep a tight rein on his killing instincts; it was as if he was afraid to lose control of the beast within. Ronin made a mental note to himself to discuss this observation with his master…if he survived the next few minutes.

  Completing his flip, Ronin landed in a fighting stance and readied his fighting sticks. Nothing attacked him. As a matter of fact, the area was littered with spider body parts. Looking around, Ronin did a double-take. His master was talking with the newly freed griffin. Remnants of spider webs still clung to her fur and yellow ichor covered her talons.

  Master Pau looked up and smiled.

  Even after all this time, Ronin suspected that somehow the old man could see. There was no other explanation for some of the things his master did. Even after spending five years in the complete darkness of the underground, Ronin knew he was a competent fighter without the use of his eyes but there was just something mystical about the way his master moved and fought.

  Shrugging it away, Ronin moved to his master’s side and bowed low.

  The majestic griffin returned the bow with a slight nod of her head and a small flap of her wings. When she spoke, her voice was light and slightly musical.

  “I see you have an apprentice these days Pau.”

  “Greetings favored daughter of Hyperion, I am Ronin.”

  “Ah yes, the Blade of the Wave...where are the Hammer and the Wolf? I foresaw their arrival also.”

  Ronin had never heard himself referred to as such but knew that ‘Blade of the Wave’ was a literal translation of his name. He could only guess that the Hammer and the Wolf she was referring to was Midach and Hawkeye.

  “They are trapped inside the web wall.”

  “That will not do…”

  The majestic griffin cocked her head to the side for a moment before she limped her way over to the web barrier and lashed out with her talons.

  * * * * *

  Hawkeye and Midach strained to hear what might be happening on the other side of the web wall but they didn’t hear anything. They had expected to hear something, some form of battle, anything. But no, they were confronted with silence. Midach had tried to hack a way out of the barricade but even his dwarven blade bounced off the thick webs. They were trapped for the moment. Logically it was only a few minutes, it seemed much longer.

  The two warriors were getting antsy and contemplating their options when the wall behind them was torn apart by the razor sharp talons of the griffin.

  Hawkeye was immediately lost in the golden-yellow eyes of the magnificent beast before remembering his manners.

  “Greetings honored messenger of Hyperion.”

  “Greetings father of the Wolf, your timing and aim was exceptional.” Turning back toward the two monks, she started limping away. “Come. We have much to discuss.”

  Hawkeye saw a large gash on the back of her left leg that was seeping blood. “You are injured Great One. Is there anything I can do? I have some skills tending wounds.”

  “Cassandra.”

  Hawkeye cocked his head to the side. “Pardon?”

  “My name is Cassandra or Cassie if you prefer, as opposed to Great One, I would rather that you called me by name or would you rather I call you Archer?”

  “Good point.”

  She turned her large eagle head to face the barbarian. “Thanks but no thanks on your offer of tending my wounds. I will heal.”

  Midach moved up beside them. “A griffin…by the beard of Bromios, I never thought I would actually see a griffin.”

  She turned her attention to the dwarf. “Child of the Maker… just because you haven’t seen me that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen you. I know all about you Midach Bonecrusher.”

  Midach was at a loss for words. Not only had he met a creature of legend, one of the messengers of the Lost Gods, it knew his name; this was a monumental day in his life. Of course, he really didn’t know what it signified but he suspected it wasn’t going to be good.

  Minutes later, the four companions and the majestic griffin were seated around a small campfire. They had set up their camp in the lee of a large boulder which blocked most of the wind. Hawkeye had been able to retrieve twelve arrows that were still useable and immediately set out to hunt. By the time he returned with a small deer, it was nightfall and the fire was going. Midach had already started cooking some stew but eagerly added the venison. A quick glance from his dwarven friend was enough to tell Hawkeye that neither the griffin nor the old man had talked about anything important.

  Once dinner was on the fire, Hawkeye shifted his position until he faced the two mysterious members of their troupe and
said, “Okay, this has gone on long enough.”

  Master Pau cocked his head to one side. “What do you mean?”

  “You two. It’s obvious that you know each other or that you were expecting to find her here. Fine. I can understand having secrets but I’m guessing that you want something from us and I would like to know what it is.”

  “I see what you mean Pau; he is very observant and direct. The Sisters have chosen well.” Cassandra shifted her position slightly and lowered her head until she was eye level with the barbarian. “You are right; I do want something from you…your help.”

  Hawkeye started to speak but the griffin held up her talon.

  “Before you say anything, hear me out.” Cassandra waited until the highlander nodded before continuing. “You are right; Pau did know that I would be in the area since I called him. However, I did not know of his affliction since I have not seen him in many, many years. Now I am forced to lay the burden at your feet instead.”

  As the evening wind picked up, Cassandra shifted her lioness body slightly and fluttered her wings a bit.

  “It is true…I am the daughter of Hyperion and his loyal messenger. Even though his temples have been torn down and he is no longer worshipped as he was in the beginning, it does not lessen my duties. Those responsibilities tend to take me all over Terreth but even I like to have a place to call home. The Pharos was once a happy place, full of life and the followers of the Dyhana. It was here I made my nest. And now…”

  Midach interrupted, “It has been invaded.”

  The eagle head nodded. “Yes. Somehow, Clotho’s Children have found my nest and turned it into a giant trap. I cannot get close enough to retrieve that which is most dear to me.”

  Hawkeye realized that there was only one thing that would force a creature so proud into asking for help. “Your eggs.”

  Cassandra nodded. “Yes. There are three of them. They are not due to hatch for decades but they are my only clutch.”