Trail of Bones: A Young Adult Fantasy Novel

by Chris Salisbury

  The second gorilla swung the tree again, right at Dain, but he dodged the blow by sliding between the bowed legs of the other Ghast.

  The wounded gorilla flung his arms in an attempt to grab the wolf, but his lacerated muscles prevented full extension, and he was too slow to grapple its attacker. By the time the ape looked up, the tree trunk was on a collision course with beast.

  The club hit the Ghast square across the nose and eyes, and the crude weapon crushed bones just as it had shattered Asher’s.

  Dain watched the great ape’s body go limp, and the large beast fell with a crash. The gorilla was dead before its body hit the dirt. It lay motionless as the second Ghast roared again. It dropped the tree and knelt at the side of its fallen comrade. The ape picked up one of the dead gorilla’s arms and let go. The lifeless limb slammed to the ground.

  For a moment the wolf considered pressing the attack as the enemy’s attention was focused on his dead companion. He had a choice: continue the fight or look to his brother and warn the pack. Defeating a Ghast by himself was nothing short of legendary… but what good is that if no one hears of it, he thought. Asher needs me. There will be more Ghast to kill in the coming days!

  The Shade Wolf dashed to the edge of the clearing, looking for the wounded Asher.

  “Go… ,” he heard a faint whisper as he sniffed the ground to find his brother’s scent.

  Asher’s back legs were crushed along with a fair portion of his abdomen. His front legs still had strength, but there was no way he could walk.

  “Asher,” answered Dain as he found his wounded sibling huddled near the roots of a large tree. “Come on, we have to get out of here.”

  The younger wolf could barely breathe. “Did you get him?” he asked.

  “One of them. Magnus was right, there was more than one. But he’ll never trespass on our lands again,” said Dain as he tried to console Asher.

  “Good. I would hate for my demise to be for nothing.”

  “Don’t talk like that. I’ll take you back; you’ll be running on all four legs soon enough, right?”

  “No. I’m no good now. You must protect the pack. You’re the oldest. That is your place.” Asher whimpered.

  “Stop it. We’re both going home, so stop your complaining,” said Dain. Like his mother had done with her own cubs, Dain took his brother by the skin of his neck and began to drag him away from the clearing.

  Blood was seeping out of Asher’s mouth as he gurgled one last statement. “Run with purpose, brother.”

  Dain looked down and watched the life source leave Asher’s crushed body. He released his jaws and the wolf’s body slumped. “No.” Dain nudged his brother’s lifeless body with his nose. Asher’s eyes were closed and his chest did not move… he was gone.

  “I will avenge you, Brother, I swear it. I will kill every last Ghast if I have to, but I will avenge you.”

  A series of deafening grunts and hollers tore the air, all coming from the clearing. More Ghast, a lot more.

  The Shade Wolf gave one last look at his fallen brother before turning and racing through the forest toward home.

  ****

  Adolphus was surprised at how well he kept up with Magnus. Barbarians were not known throughout Illyia as long distance runners, and he was no exception. Even so, he ran beside his friend, keeping a brisk pace. Normally the young boy hated to run, but on this occasion, he didn’t want to stop.

  You are a Shade Wolf, Adolphus, strong and free. You run with your pack, and you hunt the forest. You howl with your wolf brothers and sisters. One day even the gods will remember your name. You are a Shade Wolf, fantasized the boy as he jumped over a small stream.

  “Are we there yet?” asked Adolphus as his young legs were finally feeling the strain from the long and uninterrupted run.

  Magnus stopped beside the barbarian boy. He panted for a moment to catch his breath, then pointed his nose skyward and inhaled the forest air.

  “Not quite,” he said as he looked toward the horizon and the setting sun. “We won’t reach Thornmount in daylight. Perhaps we should rest a while.”

  “What about the Ghast? Will they catch up to us during the night?” asked the boy, worried.

  Magnus sat on his furry haunches. “I doubt it. The Ghast can be persistent, but they like their sleep more than most any beast.”

  The young barbarian was not convinced.

  The wolf could sense the boy’s apprehension and see the concerned look on his face. Magnus sat next to his friend. The boy found some measure of comfort as he stroked the thick fur on the wolf’s neck and back.

  “Don’t worry. I will stand guard during the night. I’ll know if they come this way. I won’t let anything happen to you, Adolphus,” said Magnus as he dropped his head into the lap of the young boy.

  Adolphus smiled. “I know, Magnus. You’re my friend. I won’t let anything happen to you either. I’ll protect you.”

  He had always felt a connection with this boy. They both had, and now the wolf sat quietly and enjoyed the moment of peace. Under normal circumstances he would have enjoyed a nap, but his mind was alert. He was also worried about Dain and Asher. Danger was coming, and he knew it.

  The intrusions by the Ghast Gorillas into the Mythik Forest had become more frequent, and Magnus like his father Ataris, knew it was only a matter of time when the enemy would muster the confidence to attack. Apparently, that time had come.

  He did his best to remain calm, though his heart pounded and felt as if it would leap from his chest. But the wolf didn’t want the boy to continue to worry or panic. Clear minds and cool heads were needed, and they needed to get to the pack at Thornmount soon.

  “It’s okay; get some sleep,” said Magnus as he sat up and perked his ears to listen to the sounds of the forest. It was growing darker, and Adolphus curled up next to him, laying his head on Magnus’s warm fur.

  Sleep, young one, war is coming and you will need your strength. We all will. War is coming to the forest once more, he thought as his green eyes scanned the hillside.

  The sun had not yet crested the distant horizon, but the sky was filling with light. Magnus nudged Adolphus several times before the boy stirred.

  “We must go,” said the wolf as the barbarian opened his eyes and stretched.

  It took a moment for Adolphus to remember where he was and what he was doing. “How long was I asleep? Did you see a Ghast? Are we close to my village?” Adolphus asked in rapid succession.

  “Slow down. We still have some distance to travel, but we are close to Thornmount,” said Magnus, choosing to answer one question at a time.

  “What about my village?” the boy asked. “My father and my tribe can help you fight the Ghast, Magnus. There are many great warriors in my tribe.”

  “We must get to Thornmount first. The Ghast are sure to attack the pack. They hate us more than any other. After we speak to my father, we will run to your village.”

  Adolphus stood and stretched his legs. His young body was tired, but his muscles had recovered quickly from the long run.

  “Maybe we should split up. I can get to my village faster. They’ll listen to me, Magnus, I promise. They’ll help the Shade Wolves.”

  It was a good suggestion, but the boy had already lost his way in the forest once. They still had a fair distance to go, and Magnus did not want to leave the boy alone again. He had promised to protect the young barbarian and to part ways now could put the young one in jeopardy. If the Ghast sent scouts ahead of the war party, changed direction, and attacked the village first, Adolphus would not stand a chance. The apes would show no mercy, child or not. They would be out for blood, and anything or anyone in their path would suffer.

  “I know they will, Adolphus. Your father and his pack are noble. They will do the right thing, I’m sure of it. But… remember, safety in numbers. A wolf alone is vulnerable, but with others he is stronger,” said Magnus.

  He thinks I am a wolf, thought Adolphus. The boy could not imagi
ne a higher compliment. Yes, together we are stronger, Magnus. Together we’ll teach the Ghast a lesson.

  “I’ll stay with you, Magnus,” said the boy with a smile.

  The wolf nodded. “You can try,” he taunted as he wagged his tail. Magnus darted off and Adolphus followed.

  CHAPTER 13

  “The Ghast are coming! The Ghast are coming!” shouted Magnus as he entered the main clearing of the Thornmount lair. He was panting and tired, but as soon as he announced the impending attach, he felt a new rush of adrenaline.

  The warning created the expected reaction from the Shade Wolf pack. Barks, yelps, long howls, and noises came from all directions. Heads popped from caves, corners, and the surrounding forest, each wolf with their ears perked in attention. Soon the lair was a hive of commotion as the wolves ran, jumped, barked and nipped at each other.

  Portia was the first to speak to Magnus as the other wolves struggled to contain their energy and emotions. “Are you sure?”

  “Definitely,” answered Magnus between deep breaths. “Where is Ataris? Where is Father?” he asked.

  “Not far. I’ll go get him,” said Portia. She was all too eager to do something, and this felt important. The young female wolf had asked to accompany her brothers on the patrol, but Ataris kept a close eye on his only daughter and didn’t want her too far from the lair for now. He hoped she would assume the role of matriarch for the pack one day, and if so, her value was beyond words.

  Adolphus emerged from the tunnel and walked into the clearing and then next to Magnus. He had large, dark circles under his eyes and his face was pale. Sweat ran down the sides of his forehead as he attempted to catch his breath.

  The barbarian boy had done well for most of the journey, keeping a quick pace and running faster and farther than he ever had before. But the last leg of the journey had about done him in. He was still too big and Magnus too small for Adolphus to ride on the back of the wolf. As a result, they had to stop several times for the boy to rest. His weary legs just couldn’t keep up with the four-legged wolf.

  Magnus knew the return trip to the lair was taking far longer because of the boy, but the wolf refused to leave him behind. As anxious as he was, he slowed down, stopped, and waited for Adolphus to catch up. The base of Thornmount was a greater distance from the river than the village, but the barbarian insisted on staying with his canine companion.

  The young boy was excited to see all the wolves, especially as they were all running and barking about in frenzy. For a moment, he felt he was one of them: a wolf preparing and howling for battle. Then he got too close to one wolf as it ran by, and it nipped at his arm. The sharp fangs cut through his tanned leather tunic, but just missed the flesh of his arm.

  Magnus sprang to his friend’s defense, growling and even snapping at the wolf in response. The message was clearly received, and the over-hyped wolf darted away to howl somewhere farther away from Magnus’s bite.

  “Magnus. Where are Dain and Asher?” demanded Ataris as he trotted up to the front of the group.

  The young wolf finally caught his breath. “Near the River of Ash. That’s where we spotted the Ghast,” Magnus answered as he lowered his head in respect. The rest of the wolves did the same. Even Adolphus lowered his head and took a knee.

  “I knew this moment would come. How many? How many Ghast, Magnus?” Ataris continued.

  “One for sure, but I caught the scent of a great many more. At least a dozen or so I would say.”

  Ataris was calm, and the rest of the pack settled down as they followed the example of their leader. “On the northern banks of the river? Are you absolutely certain?” he asked.

  Magnus nodded.

  “The Ghast on the northern shore,” he said as he sniffed the air searching for the scent of the enemy. “Where are you brothers now?”

  The young wolf hesitated, feigning to catch his breath to give him time to put together his response. “They went to investigate. To see how many Ghast and which direction they traveled. We came back to warn the pack,” explained Magnus, his head still lowered. Adolphus and Magnus did not move their heads but exchanged quick glances with their eyes.

  “A wise plan. Why do you run with the barbarian boy? He belongs with his own,” Ataris said as he looked at Adolphus. “The forest is not safe today.”

  This time Magnus answered without hesitation, the truth was always easier. “He lost his way. We found him on our patrol and were escorting him back to the human village when we encountered the Ghast. The gods smiled on us, father, finding the boy led us to the enemy. Without him, we would not have been so fortunate,” said the young wolf.

  “Father!” shouted Dain as he entered the clearing. Once again the pack reignited its barking, running, and renewed energy. “The Ghast are coming this way. We must prepare the pack for battle!”

  Ataris clicked into another mode, vanishing concern for the human boy and considering only the welfare of the pack. “Take the pups into the deepest caves, ones the gorillas cannot pass through. Send scouts in every direction, but especially to the southwest.

  We must keep the high ground for as long as we can. And keep the pack together… families must stay together. The strength of the pack will see us through. Go!”

  The frenzy reached fever pitch as wolves ran in all directions, gathering the young, assembling into groups, sniffing and scouting the perimeter.

  Magnus, however, did not move but instead searched the faces looking for his brother. “Where is Asher?” he asked Dain, but the noise level made hearing impossible.

  “Where is Asher?” yelled Magnus. His shout echoed high into the trees, loud enough to be heard above any bark or howl.

  Dain paused.

  Ataris looked over, realizing what Magnus had shouted; one of his sons was missing.

  “He’s passed. He fought bravely, but he goes to hunt with our ancestors,” said Dain as he looked squarely into Magnus’s eyes.

  The barking stopped as if by command.

  “Asher? He’s gone? How can this be?” asked Ataris, stunned at the ill-fated news.

  “Magnus is right, the Ghast are coming. We spotted one poaching on our side of the river. No remorse, no fear, no respect for our territory,” explained the oldest of the wolf pups.

  “What did you do, Dain? Speak!” yelled Ataris, his upper lip curling in anger.

  “We took action! Just as you would have done. We can’t let them take food from our land,” Dain declared like a victorious general.

  “You saw the Ghast make the kill? On our shores?” Ataris asked.

  The young wolf thought a moment before answering. “Well …no, but he was eating an elk when we came upon him.”

  Ataris let out a loud bark. Adolphus jumped, as did several wolves.

  “You fool! What have you done? The Ghast have been known to take kills across the river just to tempt us, to lure us into conflict. You know this!” he thundered as Dain backed away.

  “Father, I thought…” Dain stuttered in defense.

  “You did no such thing! Over one elk! Asher has passed and you brought doom to our lair over one elk!” shouted Ataris so the whole pack could hear. “How could you be so blind? I knew it was a mistake to send you on that patrol. The Ghast have hated us long before I was born. They want nothing more than to take back this land, land they tried to steal from the Shade Wolves before.”

  “We’ve beaten them, Father, and we will do it again. This time, they’ll never come back.” Dain retaliated as best he could. A few barks and yelps from the pack supported the young wolf’s claim.

  Ataris, however, was not impressed. “At what cost? How many must see their end because of… because of your selfish pride, Dain? They would not be here, they would not have crossed the river were it not for you,” the alpha wolf chided.

  “Father, I’m sorry, I only did as I thought you would,” said Dain.

  The leader of the pack looked over at Magnus. You should have been my first born. My swift and c
lever, Magnus. You would never make such a mistake, would you? You brought the boy to safety, a wise choice to maintain our alliance with the village and to warn the pack. Strength in numbers. You should have been my first born, thought Ataris.

  “You will do as you’re told and nothing more. I am still the alpha wolf of this pack, and until I leave this world, you will do as you are told!” he ordered his son, who finally bowed his head in respect.

  Magnus stepped in. “What of the boy?” the wolf asked. “I swore to protect him until he was back in his village.”

  Ataris redirected his attention and frustration from Dain and walked closer to Magnus. “Indeed,” he looked around the pack as he spoke. “Put him with the other pups. That is the only safe place for now.”

  “But I can fight? Let me talk with my father. The village will fight too. You’ll see,” argued Adolphus, forgetting his place and not liking the idea of being tucked away in some dark cave with the other helpless ones. No barbarian would allow such a thing, not on the dawn of battle.

  “A noble offer, but not necessary. This is our war, young barbarian, not yours,” said Ataris.

  Adolphus fumed. He felt four paces tall; he felt like a wolf. During one of the most important moments in his young life, he was being treated like an infant.

  “I’m not going to hide. If you won’t let me fight with you, then I’m going home and you can’t stop me,” said Adolphus as he stomped off in the direction of the tunnel and the path back to the village.

  The alpha wolf sighed. “Humans,” he muttered. Stubborn, willful, arrogant. If I did not know better I would think they act like wolves… ugly naked wolves… but still wolves, he thought. Ataris pointed his muzzle at the boy and looked at Magnus.

  “Wait!” shouted Magnus as he trotted after the boy. “My father is only concerned for your safety, that’s all.”