Trail of Bones: A Young Adult Fantasy Novel

by Chris Salisbury

  Thayne reached down and rubbed the wolf’s thick fur on the back of his neck. “Yes, but I found the trail, as I always do. But you have my gratitude for the assistance,” teased the barbarian.

  Ataris plopped down on his haunches next to his barbarian guest. “I wouldn’t let you wander for much longer. Perhaps another day or two,” said the wolf.

  He then stood and sniffed Thayne’s boots and hands. “I see your wife’s cooking has not improved since last we spoke. She overcooks every meal, takes all the flavor out.”

  Then the alpha wolf caught the eyes of young Adolphus’ stare. The boy quickly bowed his head as the wolf returned his glance. The boy so badly wanted to look up, but he did as his father had instructed.

  The barbarian chief noticed the quick exchange. “Ah, my son. You remember him? Adolphus. Come here, lad,” commanded Thayne.

  The boy hustled over but was careful not to raise his head or look directly at the wolf. He kept his eyes on his feet and the ground before him.

  “This is Ataris, son of Uvad, ruler and protector of Thornmount, and leader of the Shade Wolves,” said the chief as if he had rehearsed it.

  “Did I get that right?” he asked as Ataris looked on.

  “Close enough,” said the wolf.

  Ataris approached Adolphus, circling the young boy, getting closer with each pass. The wolf’s large snout bumped against the boy’s leg, then traveled around his body taking in deep breaths as the canine sniffed his scent. His black, wet nose brushed the boy’s cheek and blew the child’s hair as he let out a blast of air.

  Try as he might, the boy couldn’t help giggling from the sensation.

  “He’s grown since last I saw him,” said the wolf as he admired the boy. “Healthy and strong, too. A good first born. Perhaps he will lead your pack one day, Draghone. If he follows the wolf code I taught him, I have no doubt he will.”

  The boy’s head shot up. “That was you?” he asked before realizing he had just broken one of his father’s instructions. He quickly bowed his head again.

  Thayne and Ataris exchanged quick smiles. “Do you remember what I told you that morning, small one?” asked the wolf as he looked at Adolphus.

  The boy refused to raise his head as he responded. “Yes. I do. ‘Run with purpose.’ I remember everything you said, every word.”

  Draghone beamed as his son passed one of his first true tests. “Boy, do you think you are worthy to meet the Shade Wolf pups?”

  Adolphus’ excitement returned at the mention of the wolf pups. “Yes, Father, I am. If it pleases you, I brought my own offering for the wolves. May I…” he paused as he searched for the words his father had taught him.

  Ataris once again sniffed at the boy’s hair in an attempt to distract him.

  The boy continued, “…may I honor the pack with a small gift - a gift of meat and blood from a good … hunt.” He knelt and presented one of the rabbit pelts to Ataris.

  The wolf leader stood before Adolphus. “You may…” he started to say but realized the boy was still kneeling with his head down.

  “Stand up, Son. Look him straight in the eyes and don’t look away,” whispered Draghone.

  The son of the chief of Thornmount Village stood tall as he could. He held his head high and looked at the wolf. Their eyes met and a nod of respect was given by each.

  “You may present your gift, Adolphus, son of Thayne, heir and warrior of the village,” said Ataris.

  After uttering the final word, the alpha wolf threw back his head and let out a long howl. The rest of the pack joined in as Thayne, Adolphus and the rest of the barbarian group looked on with satisfaction.

  Ataris led the group into the opening of the largest cave. With each step they took, the large cavern seemed to grow warmer. The yelps and barks of the wolves outside began to fade as they traveled deeper. It was also getting darker as the sunlight from outside could only penetrate so far into the rocky shelter. Not a problem for the Shade Wolves as their vision in the dark was superior to all creatures on Illyia, with the exception of the great cats to the Northeast. But for the barbarians, like their distant cousins, the humans, their limited vision could only see a pace or two into the dark.

  As the barbarian chief reached into his son’s pack to retrieve a torch along with steel and flint, he heard a faint echo of high pitched yips and yaps travel through the cave. First one, then two, and then up to four distinct voices chimed in with a mix of quick barks, yelps, yips and even a few high pitched growls.

  Thayne lit the torch, and the light revealed the alpha female, Ataris’ mate, lying near one of the cave walls, as four Shade Wolf pups tossed and tumbled nearby. They continued their mock battle for a moment until they realized the light had brought strangers to their home, creatures they had never seen before.

  Two of the pups had dark fur just like their father’s. The third, a female, was white from nose to tail, a rare characteristic for a Shade Wolf. The fourth was silver with a trail of white fur running down his chest. Three of the four pups darted behind their mother, popping their heads up once they felt it was safe. The fourth, however, simply plopped down on his small haunches and peered into the light with curiosity.

  Thayne took a knee, careful to keep the torch as far away from the wolves as he could. He placed the elk carcass near the alpha female’s feet, lowered his head and then backed away, in the exact manner he had instructed his son to do.

  Ataris lay down next to his companion. As soon as his hide hit the ground, two pups trotted over to him, but were careful to keep their father between them and these large new intruders. One of the pups, a black coated male, gnawed on Ataris’ ear. “Yes, yes, I see you. This troublemaker is my first born, his name is Dain,” said the wolf as he nudged the pup with his snout.

  The all-white pup was the next to appear, climbing on her father’s back and side, yipping to get his attention. “And this cloud puff is Portia. As you can see, she’s as insistent as her mother and a rare beauty like her, too,” the alpha wolf continued.

  “The shy one, refusing to show himself, is Asher.” Ataris pointed with his nose to the silver-colored pup nuzzling against his mother.

  “And what of this one?” asked Thayne.

  The last pup, also with dark fur, still sat in his original spot. He didn’t make a sound, but unlike his siblings, he did not seem at all intimidated by the large barbarians. The pup titled his head as he looked at them, his green eyes flashing bright and full of life.

  “The runt? I’ve already caught him outside the cave twice. A clever little one for sure, but I’m not sure what to make of him.”

  “What’s his name?” asked Adolphus respectfully.

  Ataris swatted at Dain as the pup refused to stop biting at his ear. “He does not have one. Perhaps, young barbarian, you could give him one. It would be a great honor to me and my pack.”

  Adolphus swallowed. He had never named anything before, and this suddenly felt like a very big responsibility for such a young person. He had no idea what a proper name for a wolf would be, and not just any wolf but the offspring of leader of the Shade Wolf pack.

  His father sensed his hesitation. “It’s alright, Son. Give the wolf your gift. Watch what he does, listen to your heart, and the name will come.”

  The boy did as he was told and removed one of the rabbits from his belt. He crept a little closer to the sitting pup and placed the bounty a half-pace from its paws. He bowed his head and backed away. Once he returned to his father’s side, he looked up. To his amazement, he and the wolf pup were nearly nose to nose. The pup had completely ignored the gift and followed Adolphus.

  The chief’s son sat still as the pup first sniffed him, nudged him with his snout, and then put one paw on his thigh. The pup looked at him again without fear or hesitation. Adolphus looked back into the wolf’s eyes and then smiled. A name had come to him, and he was about to speak, but before he could utter it, the pup gave him a big, slobbery lick right across his nose and mouth.
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  Adolphus laughed as the pup continued to lick the boy.

  “Ok, ok, I will give you a name. You are Magnus, the Shade Wolf, son of Ataris, protector of Thornmount… and my friend,” said Adolphus as he ducked and dodged more wet kisses from the wolf pup.

  Incredible, the boy has a gift, thought the chief as he admired his son’s reactions.

  “Magnus. An interesting name, one I have never heard. Tell me young Draghone, what does it mean?” asked Ataris as he, too, watched with admiration.

  The boy giggled and laughed until Magnus finally plopped next to him as if they had known each other for many seasons.

  “It means bold one.” Adolphus said as he stroked the wolf pup’s black coat.

  The pup yawned and stretched.

  Thayne grinned and then spoke. “Magnus, the bold one.”

  “Well done. A fine choice and a worthy name for any Shade Wolf, even if he is the runt,” said Ataris. “You seem to know more about being a wolf than he does.”

  It was a perfect moment until a series of loud barks echoed through the cave. Ataris’ ears instantly perked up. It was no ordinary bark, but a warning. He sprung to his feet as the pups ran to the safety of their mother.

  “What is it?” asked Draghone.

  “Danger,” the wolf responded before sprinting out of the cave.

  “Corsar, what it is it?” Ataris demanded when he sighted his scout. He watched as the rest of the pack ran in circles and barking.

  “The Ghast have returned!” Corsar said.

  “The Ghast Gorillas? Are you sure?” asked the barbarian chief.

  “Yes. One of our patrols went missing several days ago. I sent others to find him. They only returned with this,” said Corsar.

  Another wolf trotted up to Ataris and dropped a tuft of gorilla hide from his mouth.

  “Where?” asked Ataris.

  “North of the River of Ash. Not far from our Southern border and…”

  Before Corsar could finish the sentence, Thayne interrupted. “…near my village.” His tone changed from curiosity to determination. “I’m sorry, my friend, but my visit must…”

  “Go, see to your family, Draghone. I will send Corsar with you and a few others. They will speed any word to me. Your people will not fight the Ghast alone,” the wolf leader said. .

  “What’s going on, Father?” asked Adolphus.

  “We’re leaving.”

  Thayne gave Ataris a quick nod, doused the torch in the dirt and ran toward the tunnel. The other barbarians followed at a brisk pace. Adolphus ran too, but before he entered the rock tunnel, he turned to look at the Shade Wolves.

  Standing at the mouth of the cave was Magnus, barking in objection to his new friend’s sudden departure.

  CHAPTER 7

  How boring, Korwin thought as he strolled down the streets of the City of Cordale. No magic, no style, nothing interesting at all, he mentally complained as he observed his surroundings. This was the capital city for the territory, nearly half the continent of Southern Illyia, and to the Storm Elf it was a complete disappointment.

  The buildings appeared to be constructed of simple bricks, stones, and mortar. Quaint, he thought. A few had wooden accents, and others had some chiseled markings and decorations, but for the most part the city was a collection of basic medieval-styled shelters. No imagination whatsoever, he scoffed.

  Korwin stuck out his hand and drug his fingers along one of the building walls as he continued walking. It didn’t respond to his touch at all. Not like Ohsmar, he pondered. There is no magic to this place at all. Wait till they see what I can do! I’ll have them falling at my feet. ’Korwin, please, use your magic again,’ they’ll say. ‘How did you do that? You’re the most powerful wizard,’ they’ll shout as I walk past their dirty, little huts. Humans. They know nothing of magic…

  He would have continued in his day dream, but his escort tugged at his sleeve. “We’re here, Sir. Let me make sure they know of your arrival,” said the teenage boy as he tapped the iron gate with a Copper coin.

  The messenger had taken Korwin to the gates of the Castle of Cordale, the home of the territory’s monarch, Gundir Cordale. As he waited for the gate guard to finish speaking with the boy, Korwin looked up at the tall battlements and spires of the castle. Yes, they look sturdy, and functional, but nothing more. Typical, he thought. These poor humans. A little light, a little smoke, conjure a few beasts, and they’ll be begging me to…lead their armies…rescue them from disaster… rule their kingdom! This is too easy!

  The messenger boy returned with a big smile on his face. “The king will see you now, Master Korwin. He has already sent word of your arrival. The royal court is assembling now. I will show you the way.”

  Master Korwin? I like the sound of that, thought the elf with a grin.

  The massive bronze gates swung open and the two proceeded to walk through the castle grounds.

  Korwin could feel the muscles in his throat and chest tighten. The surge of confidence he had felt only a few moments ago had vanished as he thought of performing magic in front of the entire royal court. The elf had planned on the king and perhaps a few attendants, or a handful of guests at most. He had never evoked magic in front of a large crowd like this before. He could feel his stomach twisting and turning with each step he took closer to the castle.

  Do this right, and you’ll have everything you need for the incantation. Then none of this will matter. They’ll respect and serve you, or they’ll fear you. Either way, Korwin, you’ll finally get what you deserve! he thought in an attempt to bolster his confidence.

  The boy escorted Korwin into the castle through a side entrance. After passing through a series of checkpoints, all guarded with men at arms, they arrived at an antechamber to the throne room.

  The Storm Elf’s throat felt scratchy and his palms were clammy. Standing before the King of Cordale sounded like a great idea when he was many jaunts away in the safety and anonymity of the Mythik Forest. The reality of his grand plan was starting to set in, and his internal battle against his doubts and insecurities was nearly crippling.

  “His grace, Gundir, King of Cordale, will see you now… Elf,” said one of the castle servants, dressed in a long and plain wool tunic.

  “I’m a Storm Elf from Eastern Ohsmar,” Korwin corrected, almost out of habit.

  “Pardon?” asked the servant, not bothering to turn around.

  Korwin got the message. He was a nobody on Ohsmar, and until he proved otherwise, he was a nobody on Illyia, too. It’s now or never, Korwin. Make it count, he thought.

  “Please, lead on,” he said as he cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

  The castle servant approached two ornate and thick wooden doors. A story of sorts had been carved into them, each panel retelling a significant event in the Cordale family history. An epic battle was depicted on one, the construction of the castle on another, followed by a speech of some significance, and finally a man wrestling a bear.

  When I’m king, this will be the first thing to go, he thought as he watched the guards open the doors.

  The throne room at Castle Cordale was far larger than Korwin had expected. Each step echoed like horses galloping through a mountainous pass. Large, silver and crimson banners hung from the ceiling and cascaded down until they almost touched the floor. Stained glass windows lined near the top of the walls were illuminated in an array of colors. Rows of onlookers, nobles, and other citizens of importance, filled the chamber leaving a path down the middle for Korwin to approach.

  Up a long series of broad, stone steps, adorned with black and gold cloth runners, sat King Gundir Cordale atop his gold plated throne. Korwin had never seen him before and had no idea what to expect. Gundir was average height and build for a human in his mid-forties. His face, however, made him look much older than his years would indicate.

  The ruler’s face was lined with deep wrinkles, as if his forehead and cheeks had been chiseled from a hard stone. His nose was lon
g and pointed, as was his chin. A thin black chinstrap beard was trimmed neatly and his shoulder-length hair was styled and pulled back behind his ears to showcase his golden, bejeweled crown. But it was the king’s eyes, which bothered Korwin the most. They were small, beady, and dark more like a devious rodent than the ruler of a kingdom. The king’s eyes and the look in them reminded the elf… of himself.

  “That’s close enough,” barked a guard as he lowered his spear, preventing Korwin from proceeding any farther.

  Korwin halted and gave his best royal bow. “Great King, I am Korwin Widestep, a humble Storm Elf from Eastern Ohsmar,” he said as he stood to address the king properly.

  Gundir did not respond; he simply stared with his beady eyes down at the visitor. He shifted in his throne, most of his weight on one side as he leaned against the right portion of his large seat.

  “I thank you for so graciously granting me an audience on this fine and glorious day…” Korwin began, but was interrupted before completing his sentence.

  “An elf? On Illyia? How did you gain passage to my realm? Any such request requires my approval, and I do not recall hearing your name?” asked Gundir as he squinted at Korwin.

  The elf gulped, thinking quickly. He had been so focused on his magic, he had not considered explaining how he had arrived on Illyia in the first place. He cleared his throat.

  “Your majesty, I have been on Illyia for some time. I accompanied Headmaster Zed from the Ohsmar Academy of Magic. During his last visit to your kingdom I humbly requested to tarry a while longer to study some of the creatures on your amazing world. I was under the impression such approvals had long been granted,” he said as he gave another deep bow.

  The king’s wrinkled brow furrowed. He grumbled a few words to an attendant but Korwin could not make out the words.

  “Very well. What is it you wish to show me?” the king asked as he redirected his stare back to the Storm Elf.