《Elwin's Banishment》


 Part One

    Paws pounded against the soft earth. Ears twitched at every sound. Hunt or be hunted. That was the law of the land.


    Howl! Low pitch, but a touch gravelly. That must be Torvar. He and his sons have been badgering Elwin for months.


    This is what he got for hunting in their territory. It may belong to the pack, but the woodland elves hold claim to these lands and he used to be one before the elves banished him. Hunger drove Elwin, and he had to take the risk.


    Howl! Louder this time. Shiro, the eldest. He always led the charge whenever they were on the hunt. Every wolf had a unique voice that made it easy to tell them apart.


    Elwin sensed his wolf''s spirit thrashing within its cage inside his mind. He had no other choice. He released the spirit and let his animal instincts take command.


    Shiro leaped out of the bushes, tackling from the side. Teeth cut into his shoulder. Elwin used the momentum to twist his body and fling the wolf off him. He wasted no energy pouncing and sinking his canines into Shiro¡¯s larynx and bit deep.


    Howl! The voice sounded tentative. Torvar brought his youngest son Edon along today.


    No chance to enjoy the kill. He needed to get back to his cave.


    Too late.


    The fight cost him time, allowing Torvar and Edon to reach him. Elwin held his ground and watched Edon creep closer, ears pulled back, mouth open in a snarl. His father sat in the opposite direction blocking any escape.


    Elwin regained enough control from the spirit and looked for an opening. He growled at Edon and displayed his teeth in a challenge. The young pup''s lack of experience compounded with his impatience cost him. Edon charged for his throat. Elwin swiped his paw across Edon¡¯s muzzle and pushed it away. He dashed in and sunk his canines into the wolf''s hind leg.


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    Howl! Torvar ordered a retreat. The pack leader never fought such battles himself. He held his ground as Torvar disappeared into the forest with Edon trailing with a limp.


    Elwin existed within a spirit wolf after Silvertree, the wood elf¡¯s god, transformed him. It took years for Elwin to regain his identity and dominate the spirit. When the memories of his past returned, it nearly broke him.


    He squatted on his haunches and the vision of that fateful day arrived. He let the memory bring him back to the event that ruined his life.


    ***


    Elwin, Trivana and Chiyan were on patrol along the border of their territory inside the Whispering Meadows. It had been early morning in the first days of springtime.


    Still youthful at age fifty, Elwin followed the two veterans. This had been his initial outing as a scout. He wanted nothing more than to honor his family and prove himself. He spent decades training before they had deemed him worthy.


    None of this mattered when challenged by the evil that lurked in the shadows including the beasts who crawled from the abyss. Such a monster confronted the three wood elves. He noticed the sun¡¯s rays shied away from the darkness that hid its body. Elwin now stared death in the face, and it stared back.


    Trivana and Chiyan reacted on instinct and charged the creature wielding their curved blades. Unable to see its true form, they sliced into the shadows only to come up empty.


    Chiyan had been the first to go. Sharp claws protruded from the obscurity and raked across his chest. Coughing up blood, the elf faced Elwin and spoke one word.


    ¡°Run.¡±


    Chiyan fell to the ground holding his stomach. The beast rammed into the injured elf smashing him into a nearby tree, swung around, and charged into Trivana. She flew back, skidding along the dirt. Trivana stood up eyeing the creature and walked between Elwin and the monster. She too gazed at Elwin and said, ¡°Survive Elwin. Don¡¯t let our deaths be in vain.¡±


    Elwin ran.


    He could hear Trivana scream in defiance against the creature. The wood elf never glanced back.

 Part Two

    Elwin shook his head, snapped out of a haze, and turned towards his cave at a trot. It sat inside a sheer cliff face that towered above the surrounding forest. The wolf spirit dwelling inside him discovered the entrance not long after the transformation and his first unfortunate encounter with Torvar and his pack.


    An indent in the cliff created a pocket with only one way in and out. A large bush hid the crack in the wall allowing a creature of only his stature access to.


    A rumbling belly echoed in chorus with the spirit¡¯s howling. He dared not let it out of its cage now. This served as only a reminder of his failure to fill his stomach. Elwin sat down and groomed the fur on his paws.


    Would it be possible to befriend the elves and find shelter within their walls?


    Childish fantasy. Hope couldn¡¯t fill his belly.


    Elwin ignored the rattling in his mind and focused on the surrounding forest. The need for larger game had to wait for another day.


    The wind shifted. Movement in the bushes. The crunch of dead leaves against the packed earth. Teeth chewing. His muscles tensed before Elwin burst into motion. A blur of fur dashed into the clearing and away from him.


    Why did I let him change my very being? I want to use a bow!


    This had not been the first time Elwin wished he could hunt with a proper weapon instead of claws and teeth. Those doubts vanished under hunger¡¯s iron will. His prey wouldn¡¯t wait for him.


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    He gave chase and ignored its back-and-forth pattern. Straight as an arrow, Elwin intercepted the rabbit and snapped the creature''s neck. Savoring the taste, the spirit wolf couldn¡¯t wait to tear the creature apart. Elwin agreed.


    With the coming breeze came a scent that wolves knew on an instinctual level.


    There were wood elves nearby.


    Elwin ripped into the rabbit with abandon and devoured it. He left the carcass behind and turned back towards the pack''s territory and the scent of his people.


    They may have abandoned me, but I will never forsake my vows to them.


    Fifteen tense minutes later Elwin reached the wood elves patrol. Careful to stay upwind, he took advantage of his tan brown fur and blended with the forest. He crawled behind thick foliage and monitored their progress. Two men accompanied a female. Her posture and the tone of her voice told the wolf she held dominance over the other two. This female smells familiar. How do I know her?


    A new scent filled his nostrils causing the wolf spirit to thrash in its cage.


    Sniff. A bear! Sniff. A cub too?


    The elf is in danger!


    He positioned himself to the right of the patrol where the foliage had been thickest. The bear they were on an intercept course with was off to their left.


    That left one choice.


    Howl! Elwin sprinted towards the threat disregarding stealth in favor of speed.


    Roar!


    Confronted with two giant paws and an open maw hovering above him, Elwin assumed he had the bear¡¯s attention. Elwin took a chance and glanced back. The female elf held her ground.


    The bear leaned forward, claws diving towards him. He vacated the impact zone and dashed to the side. His foe now stood between him and the elf. It had been a risk allowing the bear to stand between him and the patrol. Would the bear turn around?


    Roar!


    Rows of meat-tearing, bone-crushing teeth came straight towards him.


    Great. Now what?

 Part Three

    ¡°Pick up the pace, Dior. I want to finish patrolling our border before the sun sets.¡±


    Fraeya eyed the newest member of the Wataki Soma tribe¡¯s patrol unit. Ever since Trivana, her mentor, died years ago at the hands of the now-banished tribesman, it became her responsibility to lead the newest members on their first deployment outside of the town.


    She stood tall for a wood elf with a lean, fit body from years of training and combat experience against the local wildlife.


    Beluar, a seasoned warrior joined the team. As Chiyan''s only son, he took every opportunity to search for the outcast and exact his revenge. Beluar never admitted it, but most of us knew better.


    They walked into a clearing splattered with blood. One wolf lay dead.


    Fraeya held up her hand and halted her two companions. She knelt and scrutinized the ground surrounding the deceased animal.


    ¡°This wolf attacked another only to have its throat ripped open.¡±


    She stood up and continued to scan the impressions and recount the events.


    ¡°Two more wolves entered the clearing, but only one attempted to attack. It must have failed since they retreated. One must have been limping according to the trail.¡±


    Dior tried to keep up with her assessment without stepping on any of the animal tracks as she roamed the clearing. The stoic wood elf Beluar scanned the forest for threats.


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    Fraeya walked to the edge of the clearing and then faced her unit. ¡°We need to move. There¡¯s nothing left for us here.¡±


    Travel became slowed by the thick foliage that clouded the forest floor. Wildlife ambushes were common in this stretch of the route.


    ¡°We are not alone.¡±


    The female elf kept her voice low but stern. Fraeya felt an unknown presence circle around the patrol. Hidden in the foliage. Wood elves respected the forest. Unless provoked, they did not engage with the wildlife.


    Howl!


    A tan-brown-furred wolf darted out of the bushes to her left only to disappear inside of a thicket.


    Roar!


    She dashed around the dense population of trees in the disturbance''s direction. Beluar and Dior stayed by her side.


    To Fraeya¡¯s astonishment, a bear stood in front of her, already up on its hind legs. Only the teeth and claws of their brown-furred defender stood between them and a bloody encounter. How did I not sense it?


    Her would-be furry protector held his ground against the bear towering over it. He turned his head, eyeing Fraeya.


    She held the animal''s gaze before looking back to the beast as it lunged forward, claws leading its charge.


    The wolf dodged the attack and circled its foe away from the elves. The bear whipped around ignoring Fraeya and her companions.


    She took a moment and scanned the forest.


    I won¡¯t be caught off guard again.


    The two animals shifted position revealing a cub hidden behind a bush. That wolf now stood between a mother and her child.


    Dior reached for his sheathed blade.


    A firm hand on his shoulder from Beluar and a disapproving head-shake from Fraeya dissuaded him from such action.


    ¡°Have you already forgotten your vow to never harm unless provoked?¡±


    He took the reprimand from Fraeya without complaint and let his hand fall to his side.


    Massive paws lashed out at the creature forcing it back.


    Dior shifted around nervously and then asked, ¡°Did the attack hit?¡±


    Howl!


    After one final cry, their protector retreated.


    Fraeya made eye contact with both men before falling back towards home.


    Why did that wolf protect us?

 Part Four

    A single massive paw became Elwin''s entire world. Instinct-driven reflexes drove him back. Pain sliced into his ear.


    Survive!


    Elwin shied away further after the bear landed her blow. Fearful, the spirit wolf took over and lashed out at the cub hidden in the bush behind him. The cub whined in protest when his paw raked across its face.


    Roar!


    Fear drove the spirit away from certain death. Powerless to resist, Elwin ran.


    Countless trees flashed left and right. Thorns dug into his fur. The plants protested his unwanted incursion.


    Elwin stroked the spirit''s fur with his mind and calmed it. Be at peace. We are safe. Locked in its cage again, he stopped to catch his breath.


    Silence stilled the woods leaving only echoes of his beating chest. Darkness crept at the edges of the forest in front of him. Nothing ever penetrated its evil grip. I''ve seen this before.


    Something moved within the shadows. No! Not within, but the shadow itself.


    Bloodshot eyes pierced the veil. A predator on the hunt. Those eyes burned into his soul. Does it come to finish what it started years ago?


    Nothing can survive long enough to penetrate the darkness wrapped around the creature that lurks inside. Has death found its way back to the disgraced elf who left his brothers in arms to die?


    I refuse to die!


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    Elwin prayed to Silvertree that the bear hadn''t strayed far away from where he left it. This would be his best shot. Please forgive me for what I''m about to do.


    Elwin ran.


    Paws pounding to the beat of his heart. Committed to his course of action, he only hoped the monster didn''t catch him first.


    A cold chill crept up Elwin''s hind leg and squeezed. It felt like a noose around his neck.


    Move!


    Muscles responded sending him skidding to the left just a nose length away from smashing into a tree.


    Bark peppered his right flank in a shower of debris.


    Not fast enough.


    Icy tendrils sliced into his shoulder.


    Howl!


    I don''t want to die.


    Roar!


    Elwin ignored the pain and forced himself to move forward. Wounded, his only hope rested on the bear attacking the monster before killing him.


    Roar!


    The mother stood her ground as the cub fumbled its way up a tree.


    Once again, her massive paw came crashing down on Elwin¡¯s head, but this time it connected. The strike knocked him to the ground.


    Dazed, he lay there helpless and at the mercy of two predators. The mother dove in for the killing blow.


    Elwin closed his eyes, but the attack never came.


    Roar!


    The shadow monster leaped over Elwin and plowed into the bear driving her back. She fought back, but her attacks drifted through its ethereal body.


    She only wanted to protect her young. It wasn''t right. Why did Silvertree let a creature so evil exist?


    Get up! Don''t let her death be in vain.


    Elwin forced his battered body off the ground and limped away from death and toward his only sanctuary. His once tan brown fur could not be distinguished from the blood that seeped from his wounds.


    The cub cowered in the tree hopelessly watching its mother fight an unbeatable foe. Claws dug into the dark brown fur with abandon.


    Teeth burst from the hidden depths and latched on to the bear''s throat and ended its life.


    I''m sorry.


    This would be the most dangerous part of his desperate plan.


    Escaping before it decided to finish him for good.


    The shadow swarmed the carcass. Bone-crushing and meat-tearing sounds disturbed the silence.


    Elwin left a trail of blood, but there wasn''t anything he could do about that. His only hope rested on him making it back to his cave alive.


    Will I ever see that elf again?

 Part Five

    How could the day get any worse?


    Hunted by wolves. Faced off against a mother bear not once, but twice and survived.


    Elwin arched his head back towards the trail he left behind in red. His right eye had swollen shut from the bear strike, severely limiting his ability to see.


    The pain in his shoulder turned into a dull ache. This did little to ease his progress. With nothing left to lose, Elwin pushed forward.


    A cold chill swept across the forest floor.


    It just got worse.


    His energy reserves evaporated, causing his legs to buckle under his weight and collapse to the ground.


    Elwin refused to give in.


    He lifted his head and used his good eye to stare defiantly at death.


    The sun hovered over the horizon, but even its meager light did not penetrate the all-consuming darkness.


    Dear god, thank you for your grace and the opportunity you provided despite my failings.


    Claws dug into the ground leaving deep gouges. Saliva dripped from its gaping maw dissolving any living tissue it touched. Elwin wouldn¡¯t have noticed if not for the steam it left in its wake.


    Weak from blood loss, Elwin did nothing but look up at his encroaching doom.


    White light flashed behind him.


    The darkness resisted, turning it into a power struggle with Elwin stuck in the middle. The creature fought back against the purity that overwhelmed the forest. Pressure from both foes forced his head to the ground, powerless to resist.


    The blinding light condensed leaving Silvertree in front of Elwin in the form of a deer. His god roared in a silent scream that drove the darkness away.


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    Be at peace child. I shall save you this one time. If you wish to succeed, seek out those who would stand by your side. Rest now Elwin, I will take you home.


    Safe at last, Elwin closed his eyes and let sleep take him.


    Morning dew covered his fur when he opened both of his eyes only to close them against the glare of the rising sun. Tentative at first, he stretched his muscles and found himself at full strength in front of his cave.


    How is this possible? I feel stronger than before.


    Realization struck him at his core.


    I can no longer deny who I am. It¡¯s the only way I can become what I¡¯m meant to be.


    The cage he spent years perfecting inside his mind melted away leaving him alone with the spirit wolf. A whirlwind of energy deep within grabbed his soul and entwined the two spirits. Elwin transcended his limitations and achieved true peace and harmony. He no longer fought against the truth.


    I am neither a wolf nor an elf, but something far greater.


    I know what I must do.


    After hunting down a rabbit, Elwin left his home to find those who would stand by his side. He wanted to earn the trust of his people again. Elwin could only wait for an opportunity to present itself.


    Torvar and the rest of the wolf pack would be his best shot. The pack leader ruled with impunity. That left only one viable option.


    He had to challenge Torvar for the right to rule.


    It would be a hassle to fight his way to the center of their camp, so Elwin took his time avoiding detection. It took half the day to traverse the forest while keeping the wind from blowing his sent in the wrong direction.


    A low gravelly howl reverberated around the forest.


    It¡¯s time.


    Elwin sucked in a sharp breath and let out a strong commanding howl. He strolled confidently into the middle of their camp, ignoring the threatening growls from everyone. Either his gambit would work, and they would grant him a one-on-one battle or they would swarm him.


    Howl!


    Every wolf lowered their head in deference to Torvar and the alpha female by his side. Elwin stood his ground, head held high. He would be the new alpha male.


    Teeth and claws clashed in a fury of movement as the two forces collided. The veteran leader held up to his attacks. but that would not change the outcome.


    He dashed in and swiped at his opponent¡¯s face forcing Torvar back. He let the alpha counter with a strike of his own aimed at his throat. Elwin ducked low and rolled onto his back below the attack.


    Committed, Torvar could do little to stop Elwin from digging his claws into the leader¡¯s belly and slamming him down to the ground. No ordinary wolf had ever maneuvered in such a way.


    Elwin wasted no time leaping up and sinking his teeth into Torvar¡¯s neck. He bit down and ripped. Elwin stood over the dead wolf and howled. The pack responded in kind acknowledging him as their new alpha.


    His new mate closed the distance and settled by his side. Elwin howled. He fought for more than his existence or for the elves who turned their back on him.


    Elwin was the Alpha male.

 Part Six

    Fraeya set a demanding pace for Dior and Beluar behind her. The bear encounter hadn¡¯t been unexpected. Everyone who traversed the woodland was prepared for the risks. They could have survived on their own without the wolf''s intervention, but at what cost?


    Fraeya''s heart pounded in excitement and adrenaline. The elders needed to know.


    The forest has provided us with a new guardian!


    She broke through the tree line and sprinted across the open field. The gates to Unn Thalor, her home, opened and a swarm of Elven soldiers let the patrol pass before creating a defensive perimeter. Fraeya caught her breath and stood tall.


    A village elder greeted her. ¡°Welcome home, child. Why have you hastened your return? Are we in danger?¡±


    Fraeya met Ciyradyl''s eyes and smiled. ¡°Our god has provided our people with a new forest guardian. We came across a mother bear, and a wolf who had been watching over us risked its life to engage the bear long enough for me to lead these two to safety.¡±


    Ciyradyl nodded in understanding. ¡°One elf in the guard tower thought he saw a bright light in the distance before you showed up.¡± The elderly woman raised her eyebrow and asked, ¡°Any thoughts on this matter?¡±


    Dior, Beluar, and Fraeya all shook their heads before being dismissed.


    The following days grew hotter and longer. It had been several moon cycles since her first run-in with the forest guardian. Reports filtered in that claimed a new wolf took over the pack that roamed in their territory.


    Fraeya thought it might be her protector.


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    Today Beluar and Keerla joined her on a hunt. Signs of an unfamiliar predator roaming the woods had the elders worried. Keerla specialized in hunting with a bow and would be vital against such a strong opponent.


    The elves always strived for balance and whenever a beast disrupted the forest, they removed it.


    Fraeya outclassed both of her companions in tracking and took the lead in the hunt. She found wolf, bear, and deer tracks among other small wildlife. Keerla discovered the tiger prints at the same time as her.


    They both looked at each other and grimaced. Beluar glanced over at the two crouched women and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    The female scouts stood and replied, ¡°Tiger.¡±


    After several attempts, Fraeya locked onto a fresh trail. They moved silently through the woods; weapons drawn.


    Howl!


    It came from behind them!


    All three elves halted and reversed direction. Beluar moved in front, sword held in a defensive posture.


    Howl!


    It felt like an entire pack of wolves were charging toward them. Keerla raised her weapon and nocked an arrow. A strange energy flowed through Fraeya¡¯s body and she lowered the hunter''s bow then shook her head.


    To her surprise, the pack parted around the trio and continued in the same direction as the tiger tracks.


    It couldn¡¯t be true, could it? Did the guardian become the new alpha so he would be strong enough to protect her people?


    When they were alone again, she whispered, ¡°We follow the trail. Keerla if you have a shot at the tiger, take it. That is our mission.¡±


    Keerla nodded and the three of them returned to the hunt.


    By the time they arrived, several wolves lay sprawled on the ground. The forest guardian faced the tiger alone while the others stood ready to engage.


    The tiger lunged and clawed at the wolf who moved faster than any normal animal of its size should have been able to accomplish and dodged the strike.


    Keerla fired two arrows in quick succession. Each hit its mark. The first struck its hind leg and the other to its head.


    The pack pounced on the opportunity and charged at the wounded animal. Her guardian at the head of the attack bit down on the tiger¡¯s neck for the killing blow.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to go, Beluar and Keelra.¡±


    With the forest in balance once again, Fraeya nodded to the wolf and the rest of his pack before turning around and heading back to the village to report.

 Part Seven

    Elwin stood proud over his new family. Vanima, the alpha female, stood by his side. Over the last several moon cycles he earned their respect, even Torvar¡¯s youngest Edon, by leading every hunt instead of waiting in the back like the previous alpha male.


    Now that Elwin had become one with the spirit wolf, he could understand and communicate. To any other sentient being it would be just another wolf howling, but to his ears, it came out in his native tongue.


    Carca returned with the rest of the scouts and sat in front of Elwin, tail thumping the ground.


    ¡°Elwin! I have returned. We have caught the scent of a new beast. What would you have us do?¡±


    Howl! ¡°Listen up! It is my responsibility to protect and defend our land. You must aid me in this. Warriors to me!¡±


    Fifteen of his finest ran through the forest with Elwin. He cared little what gender they were. All were given the chance to prove themselves worthy.


    He let Carca take the lead in the hunt. They encountered little wildlife and those that they did run across did their best to hide or run away.


    All were ignored. They were after bigger game.


    A familiar scent entered his nose and Elwin knew it had to be her. The elf had returned to the forest and she wasn¡¯t alone.


    Did she hunt the same beast?


    He knew that his pack would intercept the elves before engaging the predator. Elwin ran to the front next to Carca and howled. ¡°Leave the elves alone! They are not our prey.¡±


    He put faith in his family and charged forward. Elwin and Carca broke away in different directions as they passed by the three elves. He glanced back long enough to see that his orders had been followed. His pack left them behind and charged straight into danger.


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    Howl! ¡°A tiger! It will not go down easy. Stay away from its claws and maw! Attack from the sides.¡±


    His pack would strike the tiger''s flank, but as an alpha male, he would attack from the front.


    Elwin charged forward while the others circled before closing the distance.


    The tiger swiped at his face and missed when he pounced up in the air and landed on its left shoulder momentarily before lunging forward digging his claws into its back and pushing off.


    Enraged, the tiger lashed out at Elwin''s retreating form. Elessar, one of the youngest females in this fight, stepped in taking the full force of the strike before crashing into Elwin. He stood over the dying wolf and howled in rage.


    Carca led the first wave of wolves that bit and clawed at the tiger¡¯s flanks.


    Not every warrior dodged the beast''s strikes. Massive claws sent two of his brothers to the ground. Carca fought back to protect his own. Teeth sank into the scout¡¯s neck and snapped it before tossing the wolf to the ground.


    A mournful howl turned enraged as another wave crashed into the tiger with abandon.


    Again, Elwin faced the beast only to be forced back or risk a similar fate. Several members of their family now lay on the ground wounded or dead. He knew this fight would never be in their favor.


    He caught the elf¡¯s scent again mixed with two others and knew she had arrived.


    Howl! ¡°We are not alone! Surround the beast.¡±


    Elwin grabbed the tiger¡¯s attention and circled the beast so its back faced the elves. He used his increased reflexes to keep its eyes on him while evading the constant barrage.


    An unfamiliar woman stood up from the brush holding a bow and fired two arrows into the tiger¡¯s hind leg and head.


    Howl! ¡°It¡¯s wounded. Everyone with me!¡±


    Those that could still stand, charged with Elwin at the forefront. Three wolves leapt on the tiger¡¯s side knocking it to the ground. The arrow in its hind leg prevented any resistance. The rest bit down trying to hold it in place.


    Elwin slashed at the tiger¡¯s face, blinding it before latching on to its neck for the killing blow.


    Blood dripped from his mouth as he locked eyes with the familiar elf who nodded before turning around with her companions and leaving.


    Howl!


    Everyone joined in celebrating the victory of the kill.


    Out of fifteen wolves, five did not survive. Carca, Elessar, Tinwe, Huine and Ceuran.


    After eating their fill, the strongest among them helped drag the corpse back to their den.


    Now that Carca had fallen, Edon took his place next to Elwin.


    Howl! ¡°You all fought bravely today. We can feast tonight knowing that our young can rest in peace.¡±

 Part Eight

    Howl! ¡°Elwin! Why so few of you return?¡±


    Elwin ignored the young pup. Corym didn''t understand how cruel the forest could be. Rather, he nuzzled up against Vanima seeking comfort from his mate. She licked his wounds before lying down by his feet.


    ¡°Know your place, Corym! Do not question your betters,¡± Edon snarled, baring his teeth in a challenge.


    Corym whimpered in fear. Tail tucked between his legs, the pup backed away in supplication.


    Gael stepped forward in challenge. ¡°Elessar never should have been allowed to go! You are not fit to rule us.¡±


    He had noticed Gael arguing with Elessar before she joined the hunting party. They were born at the same time, but Gael lacked Elessar''s dedication to the pack.


    Elwin stepped between Edon and Gael before they came to blows. ¡°I accept your challenge.¡±


    He found Corym hiding in the background and held the young wolf''s gaze. ¡°Pay attention pup, remember this lesson well.¡±


    Elwin circled the challenger, vaguely aware of the pack''s movement as they surrounded them. Neither of them could escape now. Trying would only result in their death as they were torn apart by everyone present.


    The challenger had the right to the first attack and Gael wasted no time.


    Howl!


    Claws lashed out at Elwin¡¯s flank but missed their mark when he sidestepped the attack and bit down on Gael¡¯s tail. Unwilling to let it go, he yanked Gael off his feet and used the momentum to toss the wolf to the ground.


    He raised his paw and raked it across the wolf''s face. Gael growled and rolled to the side, dodging the second strike. Elwin closed the distance slamming into the wolf before he could dodge. He took the advantage and pinned the challenger to the ground.


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    Gael lay helpless on his side now that the alpha stood over him. When the subdued wolf growled in protest, Elwin bit down on the wolf¡¯s throat hard enough to draw blood. It would only take a small effort to tear into the wolf.


    All tension dissolved in Gael¡¯s body. He whimpered, ¡°I surrender.¡±


    Elwin released the wolf returned to Vanima¡¯s side and addressed everyone. ¡°Anyone who feels the same may step forward. Know this, death is always an option and I have never lost a challenge.¡±


    Edon howled in reverence causing a chain reaction that spread through the entire pack.


    Vanima leaned in and cooed into his ear, ¡°Join me, Elwin.¡±


    Edon, the pack¡¯s new omega and highest rank below the alpha¡¯s, noticed their departure. He would lead the pack while they were absent.


    When Elwin and Vanima were alone drifting between the trees, she spoke. ¡°It¡¯s time that you know the truth about me.¡±


    He got lost in her soft white fur and shades of tan brown. He thought any chance at love had vanished when his people had cast him out, but that had been before he met her. Fierce, loyal, and determined.


    Torvar found her wandering the woods years before Elwin¡¯s transformation and had taken her in. When Torvar¡¯s mate died giving birth, she earned the right to lead next to the alpha¡¯s side.


    All this had been revealed after Elwin took over.


    ¡°You are not the only one who has been touched by the gods.¡±


    Elwin¡¯s mind shattered with the possible implications.


    How does she know? I never told them I used to be an elf.


    He fumbled with his thoughts, only managing to ask, ¡°How?¡±


    She moved next to him and sat down before saying, ¡°I lived in an elf village far to the East. I fell in love with a warrior. He was my everything and they exiled him.¡±


    Tears welled up in Vanima¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°He claimed that the forest god had spoken to him. It told him to send aid against a foe shrouded in darkness to a village we rarely heard from. They tossed him out, and against my own family''s wishes, I found a way to escape and run after him.¡±


    Vanima nuzzled up against Elwin¡¯s fur. ¡°My love had found the magical beast and tracked it. I managed to find him before it attacked. None of our efforts made a difference. Only one of us had a chance to survive. After it devoured him, it came for me.¡±


    Elwin placed a paw over hers and let her continue. ¡°I never stood a chance, but before it delivered the killing blow, the forest god revealed itself and forced the creature back until it fled. When he offered  me the chance to live as a wolf, I took it.¡±


    She stood up and began to walk, Elwin not far behind.


    ¡°Torvar saved me and I owed him everything. I let the spirit wolf inside me take over so that I could hide from my responsibility, but not anymore. You set me free Elwin.¡±


    Elwin nuzzled up against his mate and vowed, ¡°Together, we will find a way to defeat this dark beast.¡±


    She bared her teeth in a fierce grin. ¡°Yes, we will."

 Part Nine

    Time passed and winter¡¯s icy grip over the land sent a chill through Elwin¡¯s bones. His bond with Vanima blossomed further after she revealed the truth of her past.


    Together, they prowled the woods late in the evening. While out on patrol, Elwin caught the scent of that female elf again and came back to bring her along.


    His thoughts drifted back to the elf as he walked next to his mate. They shouldn''t be out in the forest this late in the day.


    ¡°Why do you seek this woman out every time she enters the forest?¡± Vanima''s tone bordered with curiosity and unease.


    He turned to his mate and said, ¡°I¡¯m drawn to her, but I don¡¯t know why. My memories from before the transformation are shrouded in darkness.¡± Before she could respond, Elwin continued, ¡°Nothing will change the way I feel about you.¡±


    Vanima rubbed her fur against him and curled her tail around his. ¡°Silvertree brought us both here for a reason, but I gave my heart to you freely.¡±


    Elwin breathed in her scent and let her love wash over him. ¡°I made a vow to save my people and I will do everything in my power to achieve this, but you are what I live for.¡±


    The wind delivered a fresh scent that set off alarms from the predator within him. Vanima growled in anticipation, waiting for Elwin to make his move.


    The two of them went on the hunt for the new threat. The crunch of the snow was the only indication of their silent approach. The sun dipped below the horizon plunging them into darkness.


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    Spurred on by a sense of urgency, Elwin ran.


    His ability to see in the dark aided him when he approached the black panther snarling aggressively towards the three elves. The woman with the bow that had helped Elwin kill the bear before could be seen among them, but she did not attempt to use it.


    Instead, the patrol chose to back away from the animal. He could taste the fear emanating from the jaguar.


    He halted a few yards from the panther and met his mate¡¯s eyes. ¡°There¡¯s only one reason why it¡¯s in this forest.¡±


    They shared a knowing look and Vanima said, ¡°It must have chased the creature here. What else could it be?¡±


    This battle, like any other, could be his undoing so he nuzzled up against Vanima and ordered, ¡°Whatever happens to me, do not harm the elves.¡±


    She stayed true to her unwavering loyalty and nodded in acceptance.


    Panthers are not like other feline predators. They prefer to use their massive jaws to crush the skull of their victim. Attacks would be swift, and every claw strike would be potentially fatal.


    He wouldn¡¯t have the numbers to back him up as he did against the tiger.


    Together, they rushed the panther while its attention was on the retreating patrol.


    Why do they not fight back?


    The two of them lashed out at the hind legs, sinking their teeth into muscle. Still synchronized with his mate, Elwin retreated. Only now did he notice one of the elves held his arm close to his chest.


    The panther turned around and lunged for his face, jaw open wide. He leaped to the side, but the animal rolled onto its back and raked both claws out to the side cutting deep into Elwin¡¯s flank.


    The blow had been unexpected. He lay there in a pool of his blood. Despite his vision blurring, he witnessed Vanima swiping at the panther¡¯s eyes, never leaving his side.


    In a shallow whimper, he said, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Before he passed out, he heard a howl of defiance then nothing.

 Part Ten

    ¡°We have been following these tracks for hours, Fraeya. It''s too dangerous to continue. The sun will disappear soon.¡± Keerla held her bow, arrow nocked and ready.


    Beluar nodded in agreement. ¡°Keerla is right. I feel eyes on us, and I don''t like it.¡±


    Fraeya and her companions spread out where the tracks came to a dead end.


    She stood up from her crouch and noticed how dark it had become. ¡°I agree. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    A feral cry from the tree canopy forced her head up to the black panther descending towards her friend.


    The feline crashed into Keerla after she managed to fire an arrow. The experienced archer used her bow to intercept the panther before it landed on top of her.


    Her friend smacked into the ground, bow string snapping from the panther¡¯s weight. Beluar roared in defiance when Keerla screamed in pain as the claws dug into her hands and legs.


    He pulled his blade out and lunged. The panther pushed off Keerla and pounced on Beluar¡¯s arm before he could strike, sinking its teeth into his flesh.


    Bone fractured within the panther¡¯s grip. He screamed in pain, galvanizing Fraeya into action with one fluid motion, striking out at the animal the moment her sword left its sheath. The panther released Beluar''s arm before it lost its head.


    Fraeya stood between the animal and her two companions. Beluar held his broken arm to his chest, sword somehow back in its sheath, and Keerla managed to get up, still clutching her useless bow. They would be no help in a fight and Fraeya didn¡¯t know if she could survive this encounter on her own.


    Two wolves raced into the fray, attacking the panther from behind, forcing its attention on them instead of her. The feline retaliated and aimed its ire at the wolf on the left, maw poised to clamp down on its head for a death blow.


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    Fraeya barely recognized the one wolf who looked out for her as he dodged the strike only to be slashed in the side by the panther when it rolled on its back and extended its paws. The wolf¡¯s companion defended the injured wolf by swiping at the panther¡¯s eyes, held her ground, and howled in defiance.


    Quick and silent as the wind, Fraeya plunged her blade into the panther¡¯s chest and leaped into the air in a smooth spiral, aiming her strike at the feline''s neck on her descent.


    She didn¡¯t miss.


    Blade left on the ground, Fraeya knelt in front of her protector and his companion. His blood soaked the forest floor. Despite the growl from the uninjured wolf, she held up her hands in supplication. The wolf licked her fingers before whimpering at the unconscious wolf under her.


    She looked the wolf in the eyes and said, ¡°I can save him, but not here. I must return to my village.¡±


    Fraeya lifted her furry friend into her arms and nodded in gratitude as Beluar placed her discarded blade back into her sheath. The three of them moved through the darkness towards their home, the only protection they had being the four-legged friend that fought beside the wolf who now lay unmoving in her arms.


    They cleared the forest and put on a burst of speed as they scrambled across the open land that separated their village and the tree line. Torches blazing along the wall became beacons of safety that Fraeya sorely needed.


    When the archers manning the gate aimed their bows at the wolf leading the patrol¡¯s mad dash to safety, she screamed, ¡°Do not shoot!¡±


    A warning shot landed in front of the wolf regardless, halting the animal''s progress.


    Her companions made a final push, leaving her alone with the new wolf. ¡°Believe in me. He will see you again. You have my word.¡±


    The wolf howled and vanished into the night.


    Fraeya entered the village in time to find the healers tending to Beluar¡¯s broken arm and Keerla¡¯s head and scratches across her arms and legs. When the healer rushed to her and scowled, she demanded, ¡°You will heal this wolf.¡±


    The elf cringed but did as requested without any fuss.


    With nowhere else to go and a refusal to dump him outside the gates, she argued with the elders to keep the wolf in her home. They conceded by demanding that a guard be posted nearby.


    Her forest wolf lay in a pile of hay on the floor, chest gently rising and falling in slumber. Fraeya lay beside him and whispered, ¡°Thank you for saving me.¡±


    Sleep soon took her back to the day she turned down the one she loved because her father forbade it, and she wept.

 Part Eleven

    An unknown mix of scents invaded Elwin¡¯s nose. Pain lanced through his side reminding him of his latest attempt at defending his people. He forced his weary eyes open because of her undeniable presence. The elf he found himself drawn to time and again.


    She lay curled up next to him, defenseless, but peaceful. Her light brown hair fell across her face.


    Why do I feel like I know you? Who are you?


    He must have verbalized his thoughts since the woman lifted her arm to brush her hair from her eyes, then gently brushed his fur. Elwin flinched at the contact yet found himself relaxing into her touch.


    Vanima!


    Elwin cried out in frustration and the shame that washed over him. How could I forget about my mate?


    Despite his injury, Elwin forced himself to rise only to howl in pain and collapse into the pile of hay. One of the guards stationed outside rushed in and was dismissed by the elf sitting beside him. She placed his head in her lap and soothed him with a soft melody.


    Sleep dragged him down.


    Her voice stirred him from his slumber hours later. He lifted his head and got lost in her eyes.


    ¡°You remind me of an elf I once knew," the elf said. "You would have liked him. Brave, honorable, and devoted to the protection of our home. Do you want to know how the village¡­how I repay him for his dedication?¡± He could hear the regret in her voice. The sense of loss in her eyes.


    Elwin found himself shaking his head, but it went unnoticed. She continued, ¡°We blamed him for what we refused to believe and banished him so that he could face his death in the wild.¡±


    Tears trickled down her cheeks. ¡°I chose to blindly follow my father and the elders over the man I loved. I pretended that he meant nothing to me when he confessed.¡±


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    She bent down and kissed Elwin¡¯s forehead and whispered, ¡°Thank you for looking out for me. I don¡¯t know if I deserve it.¡±


    Elwin missed Vanima, his mate, but a part of him felt drawn to this elf. He licked her face and then placed his head back into her lap. The two of them lay there in silence.


    He lost track of time as the days flowed by, stuck in her home. Elwin wanted to know if Vanima returned for him, but he didn''t have the strength to find out for himself. Please watch over the pack, my love.


    Strangers appeared now and then, but never for long. Some of them helped tend to his injury. When Elwin had enough strength to move around, he glanced at the entrance of her home and wagged his tail.


    She must have understood since she stuck her head out to talk to the guards before looking back at him pointing to her feet. Elwin guessed that she wanted him to stay by her side, so he obliged her request. She smiled, ruffled the fur on his head, and walked out, Elwin close behind.


    Elwin knew there were two elves following them, but she paid them no mind, so neither did he.


    They traveled around the village meeting the various residents, but his attention lay elsewhere. I miss Vanima. I miss my pack. I want to return but find it difficult to leave her side.


    She led him to a fountain in the center of town and sat on a bench. Conscious of the guards at his back, Elwin left her side and sat in front of the fountain. Have I been here before?


    Pain shot through his head releasing a memory locked away from before he became a wolf. A boy pouring his heart out to the girl he loved only to be turned down. Elwin didn¡¯t know how, but he knew that boy had been him. Does that mean the girl is¡­?


    He turned to the elf sitting on the bench and whimpered when the realization struck him. Fraeya?


    Concern washed over her face and she beckoned Elwin over to her side. The pieces started to fall in place on his way over to the elf.


    Elwin heard that name from the others before, but it never meant something until now. Wait! Fraeya said she turned the one she loved down when he asked. Did that make me the one who loved her? The one she cared for?


    The truth hit him hard. Sorrow at what she had done, what she let them do to him years ago became a weight he could not bear. Fraeya sprang to his side as he collapsed in front of her. There were so many questions he wanted to ask her but understood that would not be possible.


    He was tired, oh so very tired. Elwin barely noticed her pick him up into her arms and carry him back to her home. The home he had wanted to share with her.


    Did it matter anymore? Could he turn away from Vanima, who accepted him for who he was, for this elf?


    His mind raged until sleep became his savior.


    Fraeya, Why didn''t you say yes? We could have been something.

 Part Twelve

    "Help me! It killed them. The evil my father promised would show has arrived."


    The gates to Unn Thalor opened their arms to him. He stumbled into its warm embrace and collapsed.


    Covered in Chiyan''s blood, he screamed, "The beast fought in the shadows. None of our attacks could reach through the darkness." Elwin raised his hand and pleaded, "Please help me."


    "Liar!"


    "Murderer!"


    "Traitor!"


    "Exile him!"


    The crowd gathering at the entrance shouted in rage.


    Beluar, Chiyan''s only son, tackled Elwin and started pummeling his face. "You killed my father! You killed them only to justify your father''s wild imaginations!" Soldiers pealed Beluar off Elwin and dragged him back to his mother who pulled him in for a hug.


    Elwin pushed up on his knees, now with a broken nose, split lip, and a swollen eye. He found Fraeya in the crowd and reached out.


    "Please, believe me."


    Faced with the loss of her mentor, Trivana, Fraeya wiped away her tears, shook her head, and walked away.


    Elwin''s heart began to break.


    The high Elder Ciyradyl walked in front of Elwin, turned her back to him, and raised her hand to quiet the crowd.


    When the courtyard had become silent, she turned to him and said, "Elwin, we have tolerated your father''s wild notions from you for your mother¡¯s sake, but to murder two of our best. You will gain no more sympathy from us."


    Confused, Elwin started to stand, only to have the guard kick him in the back of the leg knocking him back down. Forcing himself back on his knees, Elwin begged, "Please you have to believe me. Why can''t you look for yourself?"


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    She turned back to the people ignoring him and announced, "From this day forth, Elwin is no longer a member of the Wataki tribe and is banished from Unn Thalor."


    Face to face with Elwin again, Ciyradyl said, "May you find peace in the forest''s embrace."


    His heart continued to splinter.


    Two men picked him up to escort him out of the gate. When he looked up he saw his mother, Alma, quietly crying in the background. She met his gaze, shook her head, and turned away.


    Her rejection slammed into his chest smashing his heart into a million pieces. Elwin let them drag him out, strip his armor and weapons, and kick him to the dirt.


    Elwin stood up and started walking across the open field towards the forest, barely conscious of the gates that slammed shut behind him.


    Moving forward, he cared little whether he lived or died after losing everything. The sun followed him across the sky. Its presence was his only companion.


    Eventually, its warmth left him as the night took over. Elwin stumbled through the darkness until he fell to his knees before the remains of his patrol. Only scraps of leather and two blades remained.


    He waited for the beast to claim its prize, and it didn''t fail to do so. It roared into the night.


    Elwin had second thoughts about letting the creature who destroyed his life kill him without a fight. He howled back in defiance picked up the two fallen blades and charged.


    "I will not go quietly into the night!"


    He lunged forward swinging both blades in a downward arc towards the black swirling mass in front of him. The creature passed through him sending icy tendrils of pain into his body.


    Elwin lost his balance and fell to the ground. He shrieked when claws dug into his back and ripped.


    Before the killing blow could come, a blazing white light blinded him and sent the creature back, whining in protest.


    When sight returned to his eyes, Elwin looked up at the stag bathed in white. It spoke into his mind.


    I will offer you the same choice that I gave your father, Erume. Will you become my champion against the darkness?


    Coughing up blood, Elwin managed to ask, "What happened to my father?"


    He fought bravely, but he chose to fight alone and failed. Will you take up the mantle and succeed where he did not?


    Elwin could feel his life draining away and knew this would be his only chance. "What must I do, god of the forest?"


    You may call me Silvertree and you must be born again new in order to join the forest.


    He whispered one simple word and changed his life forever.


    "Yes."


    The pain he felt as his bones broke and reshaped caused him to pass out.


    When he woke up, he stood on four paws. He felt another presence inside of his head. It shoved him aside and howled.


    Silvertree spoke one last time.


    You have been given a chance to save this forest, your home. Do not fail me, Elwin.

 Part Thirteen

    His revelation at discovering who Fraeya, this female elf who now took care of him, was to him must have freed the memory of that fateful day. How could he have forgotten how he watched his friends die? The pain and guilt from being blamed for their deaths and then abandoned by the ones he loved?


    The elder Ciyradyl would rather sentence an innocent to death than admit to the possibility that Elwin might be right. Despite knowing the truth of her feelings and betrayal, he still loved Fraeya.


    He could no longer hide from his past.


    Elwin felt her body pressed against his fur, arm wrapped around his body. She stirred, giving him enough room to slip out of her grip and sit up. The desire for a life he lost overwhelmed him, Elwin climbed on top of the sleeping elf and nuzzled his head on her chest. He brushed his nose against her cheek, breathing in her scent.


    He lifted his head and their eyes met. Knowing he might never get a chance like this again, he pressed his nose against hers, then licked her mouth. Fraeya proceeded to roll him off her and franticly wipe his drool off her lips.


    "You just had to ruin the moment and slobber me with a kiss. What is that taste?"


    Elwin sat there wagging his tail in bliss watching her change into her leather armor. With a smile on her face, Fraeya waved at him and called out, "Let''s go for a walk."


    Escort in tow, Elwin took the lead on their trip through Unn Thalor. He walked with purpose and knowledge. No longer a stranger to these winding paths, Elwin''s heart beat in anticipation as he drew closer to his destination. He wanted to see her one last time.


    Fraeya stopped at the fence surrounding a small cottage. Flowers bloomed on either side of the door with lush grass blanketing the front yard. Under a small apple tree sat a woman on an expertly crafted bench.


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    Elwin closed the distance, nuzzled up against her leg, and then sat at her feet. Eyes closed, he breathed in her scent and tried to remember the days before he ran into that beast.


    He heard soft footsteps then a voice. "Hello, Alma. How are you?"


    Silence answered her question with a deafening roar.


    "This is the wolf that saved me and my patrol in the forest. His loyalty and bravery reminded me of your son." After a slight pause she continued, "I wonder why he came to see you?"


    The wind filled the gap where Alma''s reply should have been.


    Elwin felt the ground shift as Fraeya knelt and stroked his fur. He looked up at the tears rolling down her cheeks. She faced Alma and confessed, "I loved him. Even so, I convinced myself to distance myself from him as the elders demanded."


    Drowning in sorrow, Fraeya forced down her guilt and continued, "I''m sorry that you lost your husband and only son. I''m sorry that I turned my back on him when he needed me most. Please forgive me."


    Alma placed her hand on the crying elf''s head and spoke for the first time in years.


    "Thank you."


    Fraeya lifted her head and asked, "For what?"


    "For loving my son."


    Elwin sat up and pushed his head into his mother''s hand. This time she acknowleged him and sank her fingers deep into his fur. He wagged his tail in response.


    One cough from their escort and Elwin knew his time had been cut short. Alma wiped away Fraeya''s tears and smiled.


    Together, they left Alma to her thoughts and headed back towards Fraeya''s home.


    When they reached the fountain, A howl reverberated across the sky that he knew all too well. Vanima!


    Elwin left Fraeya''s side and dashed through the town towards the entrance. "Please don''t go!"


    He heard her plea, but couldn''t ignore the bond that tugged him towards his mate. Luck on his side, Elwin made it to the front courtyard and dashed out the gate before they could close it. The guards, under orders from the elders, raised their bows to fire at the fleeing wolf but stopped when Fraeya begged them.


    Vanima ran towards him in the open field and Elwin pounced when they closed the distance. The two of them rolled around in the dirt. Two hearts joined as one.


    "Elwin, my love, you''re alive! I missed you. The pack misses you."


    Deep down he knew that the bond he shared with Vanima could never be broken.


    "I remembered more of my past. My mother. The day my people turned their back on me and left me to die alone."


    Vanima curled up beside him and asked, "Do you still want to protect them?"


    With no hesitation, he said, "Yes."

 Part Fourteen

    Reunited with Vanima, Elwin took up the reins and guided his pack. Days past him by, but Elwin resisted the urge to find the elf whenever her scent came across him.


    "I tried to ignore Silvertree, but I almost lost myself because of it. Elwin, I know you are struggling. Have faith in our love and follow your nose."


    Elwin let Vanima''s words wash over him and he knew what he had to do. Despite that, his fears held onto him. "I can''t do this alone. I need you."


    She pressed her body against his and intertwined her tail with his. "If you''re in trouble, I will always be there with our family to support you."


    With love in his heart and resolve in each step, Elwin ran. This time he did not scamper away but dashed towards a future he would fight and even die for.


    Reflecting on Vanima''s parting words, Elwin let nature''s ambiance wash over him. Following Fraeya''s scent, he zeroed in on her location. What he found when he arrived baffled him.


    "Lorthen! If you fidget over every sound you hear, you''re going to get someone hurt. This may be the farthest you have ever been from home, but you''re a forest elf for jukkete''s sake. Stop acting like a gotii from the human realm and grow some pambas."


    Fraeya''s outburst at the young man appeared out of character to Elwin. It had been years since he heard an elf curse in the old tongue. He turned his attention to the second man holding a bow, arrow nocked and ready. She turned her ire on him.


    "Morco, how many times have I told you that there is no reason for you to be armed the entire time? How will you ever learn to react and draw an arrow properly if you never give yourself the chance? Keerla even offered to train you and she is one of the best archers we have."


    Both men mumbled under their breath. Morco rolled his eyes and Lorthen just smirked. Fraeya let out a sigh and continued walking.


    Elwin felt bad for Fraeya, so he decided to mess with the two idiots giving Fraeya such a hard time. He snuck behind them and stepped on a twig causing it to snap. Both men jerked around. Lorthen yanked out his sword so hard that his arm swung back and bumped into Morco''s bow. Startled, Morco accidentally released the readied arrow. It flew in Elwin''s direction. He had been prepared for that inevitability and deftly dodged it.


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    Proud of his accomplishment, Elwin swung around and brushed against Fraeya''s leg before she could berate the men for their incompetence. Her body tensed at the surprise but relaxed when she saw him. Ignoring the two elves, she knelt and sunk her fingers deep in his fur then brought him in for a hug.


    She whispered in his ear, "I know what you did to them and I appreciate the gesture. I''m glad the arrow didn''t hit you. Thank you for coming back. I didn''t know if I would ever see you again."


    When she let go, he licked her face and wagged his tail. That''s when Lorthen and Morco turned back around and noticed the new addition to the patrol.


    Lorthen pointed at Elwin and shouted, "A wolf is attacking!"


    Morco shared his friend''s sentiment, fumbled for an arrow, then let it fly directly at Elwin.


    "Morco no!"


    Her warning ignored, Fraeya reacted in an instant pulling out her blade and swinging. The ping of the arrowhead bouncing off the edge of the blade echoed between the trees. In an instant, his beautiful female elf darted forward, punched Morco in the nose with the hilt of her weapon, spun around, and tripped Lorthen before he could defend his friend.


    Both men lay on the ground glaring at the woman.


    "Listen up you piece of traako. No one threatens or attacks our forest guardian. If you make a move against him again, I will cut you down myself. Do I make myself clear?"


    Elwin chuckled at her reaction drawing their attention to him for a moment. I''ve taken a dump more interesting than them.


    Lorthen narrowed his eyes at the wolf, but a snarl from Elwin and a sword to his throat from Fraeya ended the argument. She pointed in the direction she had been walking and said, "Both of you will be taking point. I can''t trust you at my back anymore."


    Grumbling, they got back on their feet and started walking. Elwin joined Fraeya and continued behind the idiots.


    The forest shadows began to darken. The two elves in front started to shiver from the cool breeze. None of this made any sense to Elwin. Realization struck him and he snarled. Everyone stopped to look at him, but his eyes never left the darkness that moved closer.


    Fraeya leaned down and asked, "What is it? What''s out there?"


    Elwin moved to stand between the evil that he knew moved towards them and Fraeya. When the shadows devoured the patrol, even the elves knew that something hunted them. All three faced the encroaching darkness and stood there.


    Knowing that they could not survive such an encounter, he began to tug at her pant leg in the opposite direction in an attempt to convince Fraeya to run away.


    An eerie sound boomed from the forest causing the two males to quiver in fear. When the beast stepped into view, shrouded in black mist, Elwin looked up at Fraeya and saw the realization in her face.


    Does she believe me now?

 Part Fifteen

    Fraeya let Elwin tug her away from the looming danger. It"s real! The creature actually exists!


    In a moment of weakness, Fraeya whispers, "We''re all going to die."


    Elwin bit down on her leg hard enough to bring her back into the moment. She met the wolf''s piercing gaze and found her resolve.


    "Morco! Lorthen! We can''t fight this creature. Our only hope is to run."


    Lorthen snarled and faced the evil stalking them. "That''s enough out of you. I''m tired of taking orders from a cowardly elf who prefers the company of a rabid wolf to her flesh and blood. The only reason we are stuck with you is because of this stupid animal. We all know the elders are only punishing you for not controlling it in the village."


    Joining his friend, Morco held up his bow and said, "That''s right! We are not just pawns to be used. We are warriors."


    Paralyzed with fear, Fraeya could only watch Thoren charge at the darkness, ready to impale the creature with the tip of his sword.


    "Thoren!" Morco shouted in surprise when his friend vanished. Hands shaking, he fired an arrow, only to gawk when it too disappeared into the inky black haze. His friend''s cry of pain pierced the air in response.


    The beast roared and pounced from his protective cloud of darkness, teeth ripping into Morco''s outstretched arm. Thoren roared in defiance and burst through the shadows. Ice covered his body causing him to shiver. He gritted his teeth and slashed down at the creature holding Morco''s arm.


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    Fraeya watched in abject horror as the monster let go of Morco, jumped back, and let Thoren strike down his friend instead.


    The attack sliced into the elf''s neck causing Thoren to drop his weapon. Morco screamed in pain as he fell to the ground, hand clutching his wounded neck. Thoren could do nothing to save the elf, so he yanked the arrow lodged in his shoulder, picked up his blade, and faced the darkness.


    Elwin tackled Fraeya to the ground and growled. Back to her senses, she ruffled his fur and pushed him off so she could rise. Fraeya could tell the beast would take its time playing with her men before finishing them off.


    I''m next if I don''t escape.


    Fraeya put on a burst of speed and ran with her forest guardian by her side. She could still hear the screams of the dying clinging to her like a cloak of shame wrapped around her.


    We were taught never to leave an elf behind, yet here I am. They may have been complete fools who didn''t know any better, but no one deserved that kind of fate.


    The wolf''s presence comforted her, even when silence reigned supreme over the land once more. Her companion howled loud enough that she had to cover her ears from the pain.


    Forcing herself to look back, Fraeya wished she hadn''t.


    It came for her. Fighting past the disparity of the situation, Fraeya started to sprint.


    A pack of wolves howled to her right and the wolf beside her responded in kind. Distracted by the new arrivals, Fraeya tripped over a tree root sticking out of the ground and face-planted into the dirt.


    Tears poured down her face as she struggled to catch her breath.


    I''m going to die if I don''t start running, so stop crying Fraeya, and save your people!


    Elwin licked her tears away and joined the pack as they collided with the monster. She sent them a silent prayer of thanks, pushed off the ground, and forced herself to run back home.

 Part Sixteen

    Howl! "Distract but do not engage! Keep it busy long enough for the elf to escape. She is our only hope of spreading the truth of this beast."


    Elwin looked up at the dark clouds rolling in before he rallied his pack as they engaged the creature. Vanima, who had led the initial charge joined her mate. Both alphas barked orders while guiding the darkness away from the elf.


    "Virion, you¡¯re getting too close."


    "Rhistel, keep moving."


    "Ryo, stop! Let her go."


    Snarling, their foe pounced on Saria before she could dash away. Ryo howled in rage before leaping into the moving shadows. A yelp followed by bone snapping hushed the pack.


    Ryo''s body flew out of the blackness and crumpled next to Saria.


    Howl! "Keep moving and never surrender!"


    Vanima''s order brought the pack in line and renewed their vigor. Elwin smiled in admiration at his mate''s strength.


    Elwin took charge and barked out another directive, " Rotate out, Samblar. You''re hurt. Zaos, guard his retreat."


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    Tisha, the pack''s strongest contender for a female alpha, yelped in pain when the beast bit into her hind leg and tossed her into a tree.


    "No!" yelled Darshee, Tisha''s best friend.


    She stood between the darkness and the wounded wolf. Darshee never wavered.


    He could do nothing but watch the two females face the end. Vanima brushed against him and whispered, "We have lost enough, my love."


    The sky opened up and Elwin nodded in agreement.


    "Retreat and don''t look back."


    Out of the thirteen brave souls who followed Vanima into hell, nine raced behind her. All wet and struggling for survival against the encroaching darkness.


    Helpless, he could do little but encourage those who fell behind. "Esta! I beg of you, don''t give up. My heart can''t bear to lose another."


    "I can''t." Esta fought to keep up. Blood flowed freely from the wound on her side. Wincing in pain, she pleaded, "Please forgive me. Tell my sister, Rina, that I died bravely for the pack."


    With one last act of bravery, Esta held her ground and howled in defiance until the shadows surrounding the darkness consumed her.


    Boom!


    The entire pack was knocked to the ground. Dazed by the bright flash, they all looked up in time to see a flaming tree collapse behind them.


    Not wasting any time, Elwin shouted, "Run!"


    When everyone had reached the entrance to their den, the eight remaining wolves collapsed from exhaustion. Vanima lay panting among them.


    Elwin noticed a blood trail and found Tasar crumpled on the ground outside the den. He nudged the wolf, but it was too late.


    The pain he felt reminded him of how his heart had shattered the last day he had been an elf.


    His family joined him in mourning for the fallen.


    Vanima managed to pull him away from Tasar before curling up beside him inside their den. Elwin let her warmth and beating heart soothe him into a deep slumber.

 Part Seventeen

    Blinking in puzzlement, Elwin looked around the forest outside his den, or so he thought. Everything appeared as it should but lacked something. The entire forest shined brighter than could be possible given the trees that blocked the sun.


    Silvertree walked out from behind a tree and stood next to Elwin.


    Now I know I''m dreaming.


    Very perceptive of you. The time has come for you to fulfill your destiny.


    Elwin took a moment to compose himself, then nodded.


    Please show me the way.


    His god glided over the ground, the absence of snapping twigs or scuffling of dirt, an indication of his power.


    Despite his trepidation, he followed.


    They walked in tranquility. Ghosts of his past appeared one by one, elf and wolf alike.


    Trivana and Chiyan died so that he could live. Torvar and his son Shiro. Both were slain by his hands so that he could fight for the future he was promised.


    Carca, Elessar, Tinwe, Huine, and Ceuran sat next to a tiger. Each one fell because he ordered them to fight a battle they couldn''t win.


    Tears flowed down his muzzle when Ryo, Saria, Tisha, Darshee, Tasar, and Esta walked up beside him. Faithful loving friends who died so an elf could live. All because he asked them to.


    Forgiveness washed over him from them all as they vanished in a puff of smoke.


    The rest of the journey was uneventful. Elwin focused on his surroundings since he would be required to make this trip again when he awoke.


    Lost in thought, Elwin hadn¡¯t realized his paws were held firm to the ground. He looked up at Silvertree to ask why but stopped when he followed the god¡¯s gaze to Fraeya.


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    Before you ask, child, no it¡¯s only a representation of what could be. It¡¯s up to you to make it a reality. Now go and see what must be done.


    Not wanting to argue with a forest god, asleep or not, Elwin walked up to Fraeya and sat by her feet. She scratched behind his ears causing him to wag his tail in pleasure which only brightened her smile.


    Turning to the vines that covered a hidden structure behind her, Fraeya pulled her sword from its sheath at her hip and cut them down with swift precise cuts before returning it to her waist.


    A bright flash of light dazed Elwin when he crossed the threshold. He stood inside of a tomb. Fraeya knelt in front of him and placed a necklace around his neck. The power it held coursed through his trembling body.


    Overwhelmed, he jerked awake which woke up Vanima.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Elwin leaned into her fur and replied, ¡°Silvertree visited my dreams. I know what must be done now.¡±


    His mate returned his affections and whispered, ¡°I will watch over the pack. Please be careful, my love. I don¡¯t want to be left behind again.¡±


    A war between his desire for his mate and the responsibility placed on his shoulders forced him to pause before he rose and licked Vanima¡¯s nose.


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    He wasted little time retracing his steps back to the hidden tomb located towards the hills where the sun goes to sleep. Any doubt that it existed for real vanished. Empowered by his reinvigorated hope at defeating the darkness, Elwin let his inner beast run wild towards his former Elven home.


    Absorbed in his own hubris, he failed to realize a wild animal can¡¯t walk up to a settlement and expect a warm welcome. Several warning shots from the archers manning the wall peppered the ground at his feet.


    Oh, right. I¡¯m a wolf.


    Elwin retreated to the edge of the forest only to return each sunrise. The guards welcomed his morning howls with arrows, never aimed to wound, but to send a message. He knew all too well the prowess of an elf''s accuracy with a bow. The sun rose for the fourth time when the gates opened up and Fraeya walked out.


    Eager to begin, he ran forward and rubbed his head into her outstretched palm.


    "My friend, why have you come?"


    He ran behind her and pushed her legs in the direction of the forest. When she turned around and pushed him away, Elwin began to whimper. Renewing his effort, he started to pull on her pant leg.


    "Fine! I get it. You want me to follow."


    Elwin howled in excitement and wagged his tail in anticipation.


    Fraeya scratched behind his ear and grinned. "I will be right back."


    The gates closed behind her. His growing concern vanished when she reappeared. Dressed in full leather armor with a bow over her shoulder and a sword strapped to her waist.


    "Lead on my furry companion. Let''s go on an adventure."

 Part Eighteen

    Unn Thalor welcomed the Elven warrior back with open arms. Fraeya collapsed on the ground gasping for breath. Her tears had dried up long before she reached the gates. Still in shock, Fraeya could only stare up at the sky.


    Ciyradyl stepped into her field of view, placed a hand on her cheek, and asked, ¡°What happened child? Where are Morco and Lorthen?¡±


    Voice barely audible, she looked up into the old woman¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°It killed Morco and Lorthen. The darkness consumed them.¡±


    Shock flashed across the woman¡¯s face but was quickly replaced with concern. ¡°Darkness?¡±


    Deep loathing towards herself and the elders bubbled up to the surface and erupted from her lips.


    ¡°The Monster that attacked Elwin¡¯s Patrol. The one we didn¡¯t believe existed. The excuse you used to banish him, for jukkete''s sake. Everything he said was the truth.¡±


    She forced herself up on her feet grabbed the front of Ciyradyl¡¯s shirt and screamed, ¡°You convinced me to push away the only elf I ever loved but that wasn¡¯t enough for you, was it? You had to send him to his death after he watched two of our finest soldiers die fighting this monster.¡±


    Two guards yanked Fraeya from the elder and dragged her back. Still enraged, she yelled, ¡°The only reason I¡¯m even alive is that the forest protector used his pack to save me.¡±


    After Ciyradyl smoothed over her ruffled shirt, she walked up to the distraught elf and slapped Fraeya across the cheek.


    ¡°You need to control yourself, girl. You have been spending too much time with that wolf and he has corrupted you somehow. I am confining you to your home for your own good. Morco and Lorthen have run away while out on patrol before. There''s no reason to lie to us.¡±


    Rage spent, she let the guards drag her home and toss her inside. Fraeya could hear the wolf howling in the distance the following morning but could do nothing about it.


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    Her furry companion kept returning at first light to howl before he was scared off again. On the fourth sunrise, the men watching her home knocked and opened the door for the captain of the guard.


    Relaxed, he strode in and said, ¡°The elders refuse to believe that some creature is out there killing our men. The only Elves who may know the truth are you and Elwin.¡±


    Her heart ached at the reminder of what she did. She looked out the window and said, ¡°But Elwin is dead.¡±


    Fingers rubbing his temples, the captain gave a short nod and said, ¡°Which is why I¡¯m ignoring my orders and asking you to go out there and find out what that wolf wants.¡±


    She reached the gates and the captain ordered the men to open them up. When Fraeya walked out, the wolf ran up to her and rubbed his head against her outstretched hand.


    ¡°My friend, why have you come?¡±


    The wolf tried to push her towards the forest. Confused, she pushed him off only to hear him whimper and tug at her pant leg.


    ¡°Fine! I get it. You want me to follow.¡±


    She smiled in amusement when he wagged his tail and howled in excitement. She felt a connection with this wolf that filled a hole she thought would never be whole again.


    Fraeya scratched behind his ear and grinned, ¡°I will be right back.¡±


    Once inside, the gates slammed shut behind her. Ciyadyl''s voice sliced through the air as she ordered the captain restrained by two of her guards. None of the other elders showed interest in the situation.


    Why do they bother showing up when she makes all the decisions anyway?


    Ciyradyl stepped forward and spoke. ¡°It appears that the captain has made several poor decisions and will be stepping down from his post. As for you, child, you will be escorted back to your home.


    In a blink of an eye, Fraeya plowed into one of the guards holding the captain, knocking him to the ground and relieving him of his weapon. Before anyone could react, she shoved the old woman down and placed the tip of the sword on her throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m done playing your games.¡± Pointing to the gate and the wolf outside with her free hand, she continued, ¡°I¡¯m getting my gear and leaving with him. You can decide if I¡¯m banished or not, I don¡¯t care.¡±


    Tossing the sword aside, she left Ciyradyl on the ground speechless, and walked back home for her armor and weapons. When she returned to the courtyard, Fraeya noticed the captain and twenty of his men had captured the elders and their retinue.


    She nodded in silent thanks and left without ever looking back.


    Someday they will thank me for this.

 Part Nineteen

    Elwin followed his tracks back towards the tomb, his fate with Fraeya behind him. Along the way, Vanima and the rest of the pack arrived and spread out behind them.


    Fraeya by my side and Vanima watching my back. I''m humbled by their presence.


    He stopped before a patch of vines and sat wagging his tail while panting.


    Vanima ordered the pack to surround the small knoll, but Elwin''s attention didn''t falter from Fraeya who looked puzzled.


    Oh, right. She doesn''t know what''s in front of her.


    Claws outstretched, Elwin pawed at the plant where he wanted her attention, then looked at Fraeya expectantly.


    When she armed herself, Elwin backed away and watched as she hacked away at the vines.


    A hole appeared as she swung her sword and Elwin cried out in excitement. "The tomb is open!"


    The forest erupted in a chorus as his pack howled in reply, "Long live our leader!"


    If the outburst startled the elf, she didn''t show it. Her attention focused on the dark void that welcomed those who dared to venture forth.


    Walk forth and be blessed with light, my child.


    Elwin whipped his head around when he heard Silvertree''s voice but saw nothing. Faith in his god, he walked into the darkness.


    A soft green light radiated from the plants clinging to the stone.


    Fraeya joined him and they dived deeper into the unknown structure. They came across an image of a deer and buck surrounded by light in a forest carved into the wall.


    She reached out and brushed her fingers across the etching. Fraeya squealed in surprise and jumped back when the two animals lit up and started moving around the room forcing them to rotate.


    Elwin watched in awe as a forest manifested before his eyes. Elves now surrounded the deer and buck. Recognition hit him harder than that mother bear defending her cub.


    That''s you! You used to walk beside the elves, but who is she?


    He hoped Silvertree would answer him, but you can''t make a god do anything.


    Elwin watched as the elves split into two groups. One stayed in the light and the other vanished.


    "Is this the history of my people?"


    Her voice shook him out of his concentration, and he glanced up and saw the confusion scrunched up in her expression. Elwin walked up beside her and brushed against her leg before the first scene vanished and was replaced by the same patch of stone.


    The elves that broke away returned with a beast shrouded in darkness commanding them. Elwin could feel the hatred rolling off the creature.


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    Both groups collided. Arrows rained down across the battlefield. Death didn''t care who joined him. Elves who were once embraced as friends and neighbors are now reduced to an antithesis. The buck helped fight the deserters while the deer faced their leader on her own.


    Silvertree vanquished the last elf corrupted, but would it be enough? The shadows ran deep, but there were still two powerful lights against the one darkness.


    The beast leaped at the deer''s throat and bit down before she could dodge. The entire wall flashed brighter than the sun then shrunk down to a soft glow where her body fell to the ground. Weakened by the wave of energy flowing across the forest floor, the shadow beast ran. Only a few loyal elves remained.


    The deer''s body rose from the ground and flashed one last time. A bone necklace with a green gem nestled in the middle now hung in the air. One of the elves took the artifact and followed Silvertree.


    In the final scene, a stone building rose from the ground and the necklace was placed inside. Silvertree stood guard at the entrance and chased away the inky blackness that slithered across the ground.


    When the images vanished, Elwin looked up in time to see tears streaming down Fraeya''s cheeks. Her knees buckled and she fell to the ground and sobbed into his fur.


    She pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Those were my ancestors. They separated and brought darkness to the forest which caused the deer to sacrifice herself. That must mean that buck is still out there protecting us."


    Elwin howled, "Yes, Fraeya! Silvertree is still out there and he cares for all of us."


    He licked her tears away with his tongue and nudged her towards the next room further in. She smiled and ruffled his fur before getting back on her feet and started walking. A tomb greeted them in the next chamber. Both Silvertree and the deer were carved into the sides.


    Her name was Ninquel¨®t?.


    He had hoped for more from the elusive god but was glad to know her name.


    Fraeya heaved the stone lid off revealing the bone necklace and its green gem. She lifted it, looked to Elwin, and smiled.


    "We did it."


    She moved to place it over her head but Elwin whined and bobbed his head up and down.


    I''m supposed to wear it, not you.


    Eyebrows crunched in thought, Fraeya asked, "It''s not for me?"


    Elwin jerked his head up and down then jumped on her chest with his front paws.


    Her smile vanished, only to be replaced with confusion. "Can you truly understand me?"


    He howled, "Yes!" and rubbed his nose into her shirt until she pushed him off.


    Necklace hanging loose between her fingertips, Fraeya asked, "Were you always a wolf?"


    Frowning, Elwin shook his head.


    "Did that buck change you?"


    He considered not answering her but decided it would be best to reply honestly, so he nodded.


    "Are you an elf from my village?"


    Excited that she was on the verge of discovering the truth, he howled and wagged his tail.


    Once more she fell to her knees. "It can''t be true, can it? You couldn''t be him. You''re supposed to be dead. After all, they did...after all that I did to you. Why would you come back? Elwin?"


    He did the only thing he could and cuddled up against her and let Fraeya wrap her arms around him and cry.


    She peeled herself off and wordlessly placed the necklace around his neck. "It makes sense that you were chosen to protect our people from the darkness. You and your father were the only ones who knew what the night hid from us."


    The gemstone let out a soft glow. They left the tomb and were greeted by none other than Silvertree himself.


    Congratulations Elwin and to you as well Fraeya for protecting the forest and believing in our mutual friend here.


    She must have heard his words in her mind but hadn''t managed to formulate a response.


    You''re welcome, my god. You picked a fine time to introduce yourself to her.


    Fraeya whipped her head down to Elwin and asked, "Did you just talk?"


    Be at peace, my child. I have built a connection between our minds.


    She shook her head and said, "There''s so much that I want to talk to you about, Elwin."


    He shook his head and looked back to his god. There isn''t any time left, is there?


    My child is correct. The dark god''s newest champion has been sent to lead forces against the elf village. He wants to finish what he started all those years ago.


    Will you make sure she reaches the village safely?


    Silvertree bowed his head and started walking towards Fraeya''s home.


    Elwin howled, "Pack, to me! Today we hunt!"

 Part Twenty

    Elwin heard the twang of a bowstring and the thud as the arrow pierced Kailu''s back, dropping him to the ground. Ice formed over the wolf and spread out around the body.


    His mate took control and shouted, "Scatter! Don''t give them an easy target."


    Out of the many seasoned veterans, only Samblar, Zaos, Edon, and the two alphas remained. Left with no other choice, Elwin and his mate asked five untested wolves to join them in battle.


    How many more will die before I can end this?


    More arrows peppered the ground leaving icy craters in their wake. He couldn''t help but notice it grew darker obscuring the holes from view.


    Desperate to save his pack, Elwin ordered, "Everyone follow me."


    He started to guide them away from the source of the arrows when a feral cry halted his progress. Bloodshot eyes glowered into him as the animal bore down on him.


    It''s time to put my faith in Silvertree and find out if the necklace will protect us.


    "Vanima and Edon with me! Everyone else watch our back and keep moving."


    His mate ran to the left and the former alpha''s youngest and only surviving son took the right. Elwin moved toward their foe and halted when the gem from his necklace started to glow. The dark mist shielding the creature from view vanished leaving a bear cub and its red eyes in its wake.


    That''s the cub I met before. Does he blame me for his mother''s death? Just another question that shall go unanswered.


    The bear snarled and charged at Elwin. Vanima tackled it from the left giving Edon a chance to strike at its throat. The only mercy he could give the orphan was a quick death.


    Ashera howled, "You killed Kailu!"


    Puzzled, Elwin turned around and when he saw the darkness that danced across the newest foe, he pleaded to Ashera, ¡°Don¡¯t do it! You can''t harm him.¡±


    Confusion and horror wreaked havoc with his emotions as he watched Ashera charge at the elf who leaped from the tree top brandishing a sword.


    He should be dead. I watched his friend slice into the elf''s neck when they fought against the monster.


    The young wolf let grief and rage consume her. Ashera dodged the sword strike and leaped up to tackle the elf but passed through the shadows instead. She collapsed, powerless against the biting cold that consumed her.


    Recognition sparked in Elwin¡¯s mind. Fraeya called him Morco, among other things.


    Morco grinned at Elwin as he sauntered over to the paralyzed wolf and slid his dark blade into her chest.


    Kuu`Datto! You''re going to pay for that.


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    The former Unn Thalor scout flicked his sword spraying Ashera¡¯s blood across the dirt, looked to Elwin, and said, ¡°I remember you, wolf. The dark god sends his regards. After I sacrifice you to him, I¡¯m going to show that bitch Fraeya what true power can do.¡±


    Thoughts of the arrogance and youthful pride that Morco had shown when out on patrol and how it had been his downfall would be invaluable in this encounter. Elwin dug in his claws, readying to run when a deafening bellow blasted through the forest.


    He¡¯s here.


    Zaos ran by Elwin in the direction of the former scout and said, ¡°I¡¯ll keep the elf occupied while you handle whatever that is.¡±


    Only one of them would survive this encounter. He couldn¡¯t afford to run away any longer.


    The beast must have sensed the magic around his neck. It charged straight for him like an arrow. Vanima moved to intercept the creature, but it hadn¡¯t entered the magic¡¯s zone of influence. She was sent flying to the side instead, from a glancing blow of its claws.


    Her body bounced through the bushes until she smashed into a tree. Siraye and Cithrel ran to her leaving Edon, Samblar, and Nevarth to fight the monster with Elwin.


    Elwin looked at the proud fighters to his left and right and howled, ¡°Alone we may fall, but together we stand strong. It wants me. Use that to our advantage and attack from its side when it strikes.¡±


    Darkness bled from its fur and vanished when it had crossed the threshold formed by the necklace. For the first time, Elwin could see the animal who had so thoroughly ruined his family and destroyed his life.


    The cougar reached his position and pounced. No longer imbued with his god''s power or hidden in the shadows, the dark minion no longer held superiority. It roared and lunged at Elwin who dodged and watched the other three wolves bite into its fur from the sides.


    This game of cat and mouse continued for several minutes. They took turns quickly biting at the cougar''s flank and hind legs only to be pushed back by teeth and claws. The barrage never gave the feline enough time to focus on any one particular wolf. Neither side could land any significant blows.


    Zaos rushed in and helped box in the feline who now darted back and forth whimpering and answered Elwin''s question before he could ask it.


    "The elf ran away in the direction of the village."


    Elwin nodded and said, "Then let''s finish this."


    The light from above started to dim forcing Elwin''s gaze up, and worry filled his gut when he saw a dark mass start to slide across the blue expanse. Crying in rage, the cougar lashed out harder than before, forcing Elwin back.


    We can¡¯t let this go any longer. The darkness gives him power.


    ¡°Edon go for its paw.¡±


    The seasoned warrior didn''t hesitate. Elwin held still giving the cougar a target and put all his faith in his pack.


    Edon bit down on its paw and yanked the claws away from Elwin¡¯s neck. The last two veterans clamped down on its hind legs allowing Nevarth an opportunity to knock the beast on its side after ramming it.


    Not wanting to waste this chance, Elwin struck hard and fast. Teeth sinking into the animal¡¯s neck, he couldn¡¯t help but remember the day he defeated Torvar and took over as the pack¡¯s alpha.


    Forced to flee before the other paw sliced into him, Edon clawed at the feline''s exposed belly instead, eliciting a painful shriek from its throat.


    Empowered by the ever-darkening sky, the cougar forced Elwin to retreat but before it could break free, he dashed in one final time and tore the monster¡¯s neck wide open.


    Leaving the dead cougar behind, Elwin looked up at the light, now half hidden behind the dark mass, and cringed at what it would mean for the elves back in the village.


    A soft whimper brought him back to reality and he raced to Vanima¡¯s side. Her body lay broken and bleeding against a tree.


    Is there nothing I can do to save my mate?


    You have divine power around your neck. All you need to do is believe.


    Elwin focused on the necklace and opened his eyes when he heard Vanima gasp as the light from the gemstone enveloped her. With Siraye and Cithrel''s help, Vanima sat up and nuzzled Elwin before leaning against his body.


    Your fight is not over, my child. The dark god has unleashed his force against the village. I can hold him back, but it will be up to you to face the rest of his minions.


    Did Fraeya make it back home?


    Yes.


    Looking to his eight remaining forces, he howled, ¡°We race to the elf village!¡±

 Part Twenty One

    Fraeya met the familiar open field at the boundary of the forest with open arms. The comfort she used to feel standing in this spot so near her home lay tattered on the ground weighed down by the truth.


    ¡°How can we fight an enemy that can¡¯t be hit?¡±


    I will do what I can to hold back the dark god. The rest is up to you.


    Fraeya stepped in front of Silvertree, held the buck¡¯s head in her hands, and kissed her god¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°I will put my faith in you and my trust in Elwin.¡±


    Go, my child.


    She rushed towards Unn Thalor and the Captain of the Guard welcomed her. ¡°I¡¯m glad you made it back but what happened to the wolf?¡±


    ¡°He is facing off against the monster that¡¯s been killing our people for years.¡±


    A chill shot down Fraeya¡¯s spine, she peered up at the sky, and despair filled her bones at the mysterious mass moving to block the light. With a stomp of her foot into the dirt, she shoved away her fear and glanced at the Captain.


    ¡°The entity that has been lurking in the shadows is done hiding and it''s coming after us. Its strength lies in the shadows.¡± She pointed up and declared, ¡°We are running out of time. Take me to the elders.¡±


    Once inside she found them huddled together in the courtyard surrounded by guards with Ciyadyl tied up and gagged nearby.


    Did the Captain hold them captive here waiting for me to return?


    Fraeya shook her head and concentrated on the task in front of her. Ignoring Ciyadyl¡¯s glare, she spun to the rest and stated, ¡°Our village is on the brink of ruin. Now is your chance to make a difference. You can no longer hide behind Ciyadyl and her desperate desire to cling to a past clouded in deception and ignorance.¡±


    One of them asked, "What would you have us do?"


    Frustrated, she pointed to the sky and shouted, "Do you not see the threatening darkness with your own eyes? Do you not realize we are on the brink of ruin? We must unite and fight as one to defeat this threat or we will be consumed by it and perish!"


    Lowering her gaze, she met each person¡¯s eyes and asked, ¡°Are you with me?¡±


    The old crone started struggling against her bonds. She glared at the group she used to have control over and tried to shout through her gag. Ignoring the spectacle, Tanila was the first to nod, and the others followed.


    Fraeya smiled and nodded to each one before she walked over and slapped Ciyadyl across the cheek, leaned in, and whispered, ¡°If we survive the impending battle, you¡¯re going to step down and enjoy a peaceful retirement. So, don¡¯t make this harder than it needs to be. It would be horrible if they banished you just like Elwin and his father. You know? The ones who warned you about the threat that is preparing to slaughter us all?¡±


    The Captain and his men began chanting, ¡°Fraeya! Fraeya! Fraeya!¡±


    The last of the light from above vanished, silencing the town and sending the entire valley into twilight. The ground began to shake and tremble.


    Knowing what was at stake, Fraeya shouted, ¡°Captain! We need volunteers to guard the wall and all other able bodies behind the gate in case it¡¯s breached. Send a detachment to round up all noncombatants and dispatch them to the great hall.¡±


    Every one of her comrades saluted and acknowledged, ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am!¡±


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    Why am I giving the orders and not the Captain?


    Oh well.


    Fraeya ran up to the top of the wall and joined Keerla and Beluar. Next to them, she felt empowered.


    They all stared out as the ground came asunder, unleashing a horde of monsters shrouded in darkness. Upon closer inspection, Fraeya noticed that the dark god''s power must be spread thin. The darkness protecting his minions flickered now and then revealing the beast within, giving her an idea.


    She called out to her comrades, ¡°They are supported by an evil deity born by our very own ancestors when they spun away from our values. Do not fear them! His powers are weak. When you can see the animal sheltered in the shadows, that is when you must fire. For Unn Thalor!¡±


    Every elf beside her and far below cried out, ¡°For Unn Thalor!¡±


    The opposition forces rushed towards the walls, and on Fraeya¡¯s command, the elven soldiers let loose their projectiles. Some got lucky and scored a hit, but most passed through missing completely.


    Our only hope rests on Elwin¡¯s shoulders. We must hold out until then.


    Dozens of creatures smash into the barrier only to fall back when a flash of light knocked them back at each attempt.


    Keerla looked at her, puzzled, and asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening, Fraeya?¡±


    ¡°The forest god who has preserved our lands for generations didn¡¯t turn his back on us even though we have forgotten him. He is the one who sent the wolf, our protector so that we might get through today. Every moment we patrolled the forest and cared for those that needed it, we were honoring him, regardless if we didn¡¯t recognize it.¡±


    Beluar reached out and grabbed her shoulder and added, ¡°But I don¡¯t see the wolf anywhere.¡±


    Fraeya put on her most reassuring smile, and said, ¡°The only way we make it out of this alive is if he makes it back here. Now would be an excellent occasion to pray.¡±


    The Captain of the guard ran over and announced, ¡°There aren¡¯t sufficient numbers to keep them at bay. If that protection fails, we will be overrun within minutes. What should we do?¡±


    Who¡¯s supposed to be in charge of the town''s defense again?


    She sighed and pointed to the elves in reserve down below. ¡°Use them to open fire over our heads and into the horde.¡±


    After a quick salute, the man rushed off. A wave of arrows arched over the wall and rained death on those unfortunate to be in its path. She raised her bow and rejoined the fray picking off targets. It became clear that they were momentarily stunned after contacting the light barrier. Perfect sitting targets. Her companions noticed too and passed the information down the row till everybody knew to wait for the right moment before firing.


    Out of the blue, she informed her partners, ¡°When the wolf shows up, I¡¯m going out there.¡± Fraeya met Beluar¡¯s gaze and stated, ¡°Elwin didn''t kill your father.¡± She pointed to the monsters assaulting the walls and continued, ¡°The evil that controls them is responsible. Will you join me?¡±


    The pain in his eyes turned to resolve, and he nodded. She started to turn when Keerla slapped her on the shoulder and said, ¡°You can count on me, Fraeya. I always have your back.¡±


    The onslaught of monsters must have been too much for Silvertree to hold back. The magical barrier cracked and fizzled out exposing the walls to the dark god¡¯s wrath. They crawled over the dead sunk their claws into the wood and started to climb.


    ¡°Draw your swords and step back! Be ready for your strikes to fade through them!¡±


    Despite Fraeya¡¯s request, several elves were dragged over the side and she was forced to listen to their screams until that too was forgotten under the roar of the enemy horde.


    Several dozen creatures started smashing into the gate, but she could do nothing to stop them.


    It must hold out a little bit longer.


    It didn''t take long for her to notice a giant ball of black fur running straight towards the entrance. Fraeya shrieked and pointed at the beast before she drew out her bow and fired down on it, despite being surrounded.


    Keerla pulled out her bow and matched her shot for shot with Beluar guarding their flank. Right before it collided, she recognized it.


    Shit! It¡¯s the dead mother bear. How is this possible?


    Without Silvertree¡¯s protection, the entrance buckled under the bear¡¯s momentum and the hinges snapped. Acting on instinct, Fraeya slung her bow around her shoulder and yelled, ¡°Escape to the great hall!¡±


    She flung herself over the fortification into the main courtyard. Mid-air and falling towards the bear, Fraeya drew her blade and drove it into the back of its neck before it could react.


    Using her momentum, she launched into the air with a forward spin and twist. Landing on her feet as surely as a cat, arm outstretched, she cut the bear''s head off.


    Several elves joined her at the ruined gate, but they could do little against the horde spilling into the courtyard. Inspiration struck her and she ordered, ¡°Grab the torches nearby and follow my lead!¡±


    Flame in one hand and her weapon in the other, they formed a defensive circle and retreated. The enemy advanced on them, but the flames held the beasts at bay long enough for them to reach their loved ones. ¡°Form a line around the hall! Use the torches!¡±


    She reached her place at the door and glanced up at the sky.


    Please hurry, Elwin. I don¡¯t know how much longer we can last.

 Part Twenty Two

    Perpetual gloom engulfed the entire valley. Elwin felt the icy tendrils of the dark god¡¯s power wash over him only to be rebuked by the light emanating from his necklace.


    You will not prevail this day. This I vow.


    Elwin knew they were close when a shift in the wind delivered death and decay that he could taste. The ground shook with the roar of hate turned corporeal. He burst out into the open field with his pack and knew what true fear felt like.


    Warm energy pulsed from around his neck and the despair clinging to his emotions vanished, replaced with hope and a resolve to see this to the end.


    ¡°It¡¯s time we took the fight to them!¡±


    Elwin plowed into the horde letting his purifying light expose the creatures. They were a mix of converted beasts and walking corpses that contained a trapped soul. In teams of two, they used teeth and claws to end the living and return the souls to where they came from.


    A barrage of fox, deer and bear cubs assaulted the group from the left, forcing them to regroup. Elwin, Vanima, Edon, and Zaos met the onslaught knowing they had four others watching their back. If it weren¡¯t for the purifying light, they never would have lasted this long.


    When they reached a third of the way to Unn Thalor, the ground shook and a dozen skeletons clawed their way out of the earth surrounding them. They screamed as the dark god knit their bodies back together, and bone-white curved swords emerged from the soil in front of each reincarnated elf. They smiled malevolently as they retrieved their weapons.


    What they did next surprised the hell out of Elwin. Remaining passive, they stepped aside long enough to let the two animals stalk inside the perimeter. He had killed them once before.


    One vengeful tiger and panther paced around them, snarling and baring their fangs.


    We can¡¯t do this alone.


    In a desperate plea for help, he howled.


    Elwin¡¯s cry for help echoed across the battlefield and into the town, now full of monsters. Fraeya still held the last line of defense with their dwindling supply of torches when she heard the call for aid.


    ¡°Our protector has arrived! He must reach us! Until I return, you must hold the line!¡±


    A silhouette of a deer appeared, gliding into the throng of monsters pacing around the perimeter. Fraeya followed, sword sheathed, with a single flame in hand. She noted both Keerla and Beluar had joined her but had no time to offer her regards before leaping over a wild boar and rolling over the back of a bear in pursuit of the ghostly trail.


    Never faltering, ignoring her aching muscles and refusing to slow down, Fraeya dodged, leaped, and disregarded the foul beasts that now swarmed her home. The silhouette guided her past the monsters who appeared not to notice them.


    Whatever is protecting us, I hope it lasts.


    Fraeya could do nothing for her people if Elwin didn¡¯t survive long enough to save them. She had to reach him in time.


    Her guide vanished in a dark alley near the central courtyard where she watched in horror at the stream of creatures still flooding into the town.


    Keerla whispered in Fraeya¡¯s ear, ¡°How do we get past that?¡±


    The silhouette flashed in and out of view, dashing towards the dead bear, then along the wall before disappearing again.


    ¡°Move!¡±


    Beluar¡¯s squeal grabbed her attention, and she whipped her head around. Her friend was running from a giant gorilla. Frantic, she grabbed Keerla¡¯s hand and cried out, ¡°Follow me!¡±


    Torch held out in front, she waved it at the smaller animals who scurried away from the light and ran for the bear corpse, the ape still chasing Beluar.


    A massive snake slithered into view in front of them, raised its head, and hissed. Fraeya picked up speed, pushed off the ground, and used her momentum to run over the snake and continue. She glanced back long enough to see both her friends follow in her stead.


    Inspiration struck her and Fraeya yelled, ¡°Do you remember how we used to escape the town as kids?¡±


    Beluar hollered back, ¡°You got to be kidding me. We have a monkey chasing us.¡±


    ¡°You have any better ideas?¡± Keerla quickly retorted.


    ¡°Yes, I do as a matter of fact. Kill it then go over.¡±


    Fraeya chuckled and said, ¡°Says the boy who squealed in fright when it showed up.¡±


    Both girls laughed, but neither disagreed with his assessment.


    They reached a corner in the wall, turned around, and pulled out their weapons. Keerla fired shot after shot toward the gorilla, nailing it in the chest but still it charged forward. Fraeya ran towards the primate, arrows whizzing past her on the left. It swung at her face but missed when she leaped onto the wall, pushed off, and flipped over the beast. A furry arm swung backward as it twisted its body to face her. She struck out at the gorilla''s face with her torch and nailed it right in the eye.


    Howling in protest, the creature leaned forward to pounce but froze. Beluar had driven his sword deep into the animal''s back, impaling it. Not wanting to be outshined, Keerla jumped onto his shoulders and fired three arrows into its skull for good measure before backflipping off.


    He slid the blade out and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t we have someplace to be?¡±


    Fraeya dropped her snuffed-out torch and ran over to the corner, turned, and cupped her hands. ¡°You first Beluar. We all know you¡¯ve gained a few extra pounds since we last did this.¡±


    Ignoring her comment, he sheathed his weapon and sprinted straight for her. Beluar planted his lead foot in Fraeya¡¯s hands and pushed off at the same time she lifted, hefting him up to the top of the wall where he dropped to the other side. Keerla secured her bow and repeated the maneuver, but with a lot more finesse.


    Alone without her light, the corrupted monsters charged. Fraeya ran at them only to turn around and dash towards the corner. She climbed up the wall by bouncing from one side to the other as she ascended. Fraeya flipped over the top and landed next to her two friends who stood facing an elf she didn''t recognize.


    Keerla glanced over and said, ¡°Holy shit, Fraeya. A skeleton just crawled out of the ground and turned into this thing.¡±


    Fraeya buried her fears in stone and wrapped herself in resolve as she retrieved her weapon. ¡°Out of my way gotii.¡±


    The newcomer put on a wicked grin and said, ¡°I¡¯m no outsider, dukkoti.¡±


    ¡°There are no orcs around here, but if there were, they would be more appealing than you, N`Tel`Quess.¡±


    The elf raised his long bone sword and raged, ¡°You dare call me non-Elven? I will show you what a true elf can do.¡± Before they could react, the deer silhouette returned and plowed into the elf, stripping him of his dark god¡¯s shadowy protection.


    All three struck as one. The sword arm severed, sharp steel through its heart and an arrow piercing both eyes. The magic holding the elf together dissolved along with his body leaving a pile of dust on the ground. They nodded to each other in approval and moved on.


    Stay strong, my friend. I¡¯m coming for you.


    They reached Elwin surrounded by twelve resurrected elves containing the pack. Tiger and panther struck repeatedly at the wolves with teeth and claws. She couldn¡¯t tell if any of the wolves were seriously hurt, but they wouldn¡¯t last much longer.


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    ¡°Beluar to the left. Keerla to the right. Show no mercy.¡±


    Fraeya drew her weapon and thrust it into the nearest elf¡¯s back, hooked her right foot behind his leg, and pushed her sword deeper into his chest, forcing him to his knees as he coughed up blood. Fraeya grunted as she yanked it out and sliced it into his neck, watching his body tumble to the ground and vanish in a pile of dust.


    She glanced over at Beluar as he reached his targets and relaxed into his fighting pose. Blocking high to the left, he crouched and spun around, left leg extended then pushed off the ground with his right foot at the receding elf, plunging his weapon into its shoulder eliciting a grunt of pain.


    He sliced down across the elf¡¯s chest while falling to his left knee, dodging the sword strike aimed at his neck spitting out the blood that splashed across his face. Rotating his weight to his other leg, Beluar roared as he buried his weapon into the elf''s gut.


    Keerla opened fire with three arrows in quick succession. Her opponent stopped two of them with his bone sword, but the third sunk into his shoulder. She held her bow with both hands. She deflected his first strike down and to the right so she could smack him across the face. Keerla smiled at the broken nose and tripped him onto his back. Exposed, she reached for two arrows and sunk both projectiles into his eyes. She jumped back when the body twitched and fired three more arrows into his chest.


    Forced to refocus, Fraeya felt the wind whip by her head as she dodged her last two opponents. Rolling forward and to the right, she grabbed the dead elf¡¯s sword. Still, on her knees, she deflected both strikes and pushed up onto her feet, still feeling the vibrations run down her arms from the contact. Parrying with the bone sword, she sliced into his jugular with her own and rammed him into the ground, dodging a thrust to her back.


    The elf pressed his advantage forcing her to deflect high with her left sword and counter by raising her left leg and jump kicking him in the head with her upraised right foot. She finished him off by piercing his heart with her weapon and crushing his windpipe with her boot.


    May the three of you find peace.


    She looked up in time to see Beluar toss a limp corpse at another reincarnated elf as it started to disintegrate before hurling his sword into the elf¡¯s stomach. Fraeya could see the elf reaching for the sword lodged in its body, blood welling up from the wound. Beluar grabbed a bone sword from the ground and stabbed the downed foe in the heart, twisted the blade, and yanked out both weapons with a grimace.


    Keerla secured her bow and retrieved her bone sword to dual against two more oncoming elves. Deflecting down and to the right, she leaned back and kicked the elf on her left in its knee before being forced to stop a powerful strike from the other with both blades crossed. Keerla pushed back and wheezed out a breath as she swung both weapons down towards the elf on her left.


    The elf parried the bone sword, but it cut into his chest. Bending low, Keerla rotated her grip on her sword and thrust it back and up into the elf behind her before it could blink. When it was free, she sliced down with both weapons, cutting deep into his neck and body.


    Keerla barely had time to take a breath before blocking an attack from the final opponent with ease and rammed her blade into his gut and stared him down as she twisted her weapon and watched him disintegrate.


    Out of the twelve resurrected minions, nine returned to dust while the final three retreated into the forest without offering up any resistance.


    All that remained were the eight wolves, several of whom were limping from the struggle to survive against the two beasts. Each wielding two blades, Fraeya, and her companions closed in on the tiger and panther.


    Elwin and Vanima pushed the panther back towards Beluar who sliced into both of its hind legs giving the wolves a chance to finish it off by taking turns ripping into its throat. Beluar drove both swords into the panther''s black fur and nodded to the wolves.


    Fraeya and Keerla cornered the tiger, keeping its claw strikes at bay with their weapons. Keerla attacked its flank only to retreat, allowing Fraeya to throw the bone sword into its side, jump on the beast''s back, and thrust her blade deep into the tiger¡¯s neck, severing its spine. She rolled off the animal as it fell to the ground and retrieved both swords.


    The pack encircled Fraeya and her friends, growling at the darkness. She looked down at Elwin and asked, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡±


    A finger tapped her shoulder and she looked over at Keerla who asked, ¡°Did you just ask a wolf what to do?¡±


    Edon walked between them and the forest looking for danger while Vanima did the same facing the town. A dark-tipped arrow, fired from the forest, sailed straight for Elwin¡¯s head. Edon jumped at the last second taking the projectile in the gut, knocking Elwin out of the way. Keerla pulled out her bow and returned fire, but the assailant had already disappeared.


    Elwin rushed to one of his most loyal friends and howled, "Edon!" but it was already too late. He hung his head low and forced the anger and grief down, then turned away, channeling the god¡¯s energy from the necklace into the minds of his pack and the three elves.


    Yes, Keerla. She asked me.


    Before Keerla and Beluar looked to the wolf and asked, ¡°Elwin?¡±


    Obviously. Now will you continue to suppress Morco so I don''t lose anyone else?


    ¡°Morco?¡±


    Fraeya turned to her friends and nodded, ¡°Yes, the dark god must have resurrected him too.¡±


    Keerla, may I bless your arrows?


    With a thumbs up she replied, ¡°You got it.¡±


    She placed her quiver before Elwin and watched the arrow tips glow white.


    May the light be a shield against the darkness.


    Keerla ruffled Elwin¡¯s fur and said, ¡°When did you become all sagely with advice?¡±


    Elwin turned to Beluar and said, ¡°Protect her.¡±


    The elf offered no reply except for a simple nod but he noticed Keerla pouting to herself.


    Fraeya, let me bless your sword. I have enough strength for one more.


    She complied and after great effort, he looked up at the glowing weapon and howled, ¡°We go as two teams. Fraeya, Vanima, and Zaos with me. The rest will protect Keerla and Beluar. Move out! We do this for Edon, and all the rest who died getting us this far.¡±


    Storm clouds started to roll into the valley as Elwin joined in on the charge into the forest against Morco.


    A flurry of dark-tipped arrows assaulted the group, confirming their suspicions about Morco but were intercepted mid-air one and all by Keerla¡¯s blessed arrows. The only evidence of this incredible feat was the light show after each collision.


    Keerla guided the group towards Morco¡¯s position. Elwin found Gael, the troublesome wolf that abandoned the pack not too long ago next to the last three reincarnated elves that had fled when their brethren had fallen.


    Vanima and Zaos! Show the traitor what true justice looks like. Fraeya, it¡¯s time to show Morco the error of his ways.


    Keerla matched Morco shot for shot until he pointed at her and barked orders at the three elves who shrugged and ran in her direction, ignoring the rest.


    It¡¯s your turn to shine Beluar.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me what to do, wolf. I protect my own.¡±


    Elwin left the unruly elf to his fate and focused the power until it encompassed both groups using up most of his concentration. It severely reduced its potency but would have to be enough. Fraeya engaged Morco with both blades, forcing him to abandon his bow. She learned how effective the light truly was when her attempt to parry with the bone sword she picked up from the elf she killed failed to counter the dark god''s powers.


    Morco let his sword fade in and out of shadows, passing through her attack and into her upper arm forcing her to drop the bone weapon. Only Fraeya¡¯s quick reflexes saved her from anything serious.


    Vanima and Zaos clashed against Gael. It put a smile on Elwin''s face when he saw the traitor''s look of terror when his powers failed to protect him from the two veteran wolves.


    Gael fell to the ground in pain and howled, ¡°It¡¯s your fault she died!¡±


    Elwin risked a glance back at Beluar and Keerla holding their own against the three elves, and the rest of his pack engaging the rush of dark-touched animals behind them. Four blades to three, Fraeya''s companions had the upper hand. These corrupted elves didn''t possess the dark lord''s blessing.


    The rain began to pour.


    Keerla stood to the left and behind Beluar ready to assist. He deflected a thrust from his left and twisted his blade, forcing his attacker''s sword to the right. Keerla took the opportunity to thrust her sword under Beluar''s left arm and into the elf''s side, piercing his lung, and retreated.


    The next several seconds passed by in a fury of sparks as they clashed but they paused when the dark god spoke.


    The booming voice echoed in Elwin¡¯s mind, ¡°You shall not stop me. I will send you all into darkness and consume the land.¡±


    By the pained reaction from his pack and his allies, everyone must have heard its voice.


    I will not let you. This forest is mine to protect.


    Lightning strikes followed Silvertree¡¯s proclamation, and a tree fell upon the wounded Gael, crushing him to death. Both of his pack mates escaped the tree and rejoined the others still holding back the growing number of monsters, leaving Morco to him and Fraeya.


    Fraeya held out the blessed weapon and said, ¡°Can you see how your arrogance and stupidity led to Lorthen¡¯s death and soon your own?¡±


    Frustrated, the elf lashed out, ¡°You know nothing, you stupid gotii!¡±


    She laughed and deflected his next strike and smashed the hilt of her sword into his nose. ¡°You only wish I was that easy in the bedroom.¡±


    This only enticed him into further reckless maneuvers that pushed him to the brink. He whipped his blade from side to side at various angles. Fraeya deftly maneuvered around the enraged elf, laughing all the while.


    Morco tossed his weapon to the ground and lifted his free hand up. A ray of darkness blasted from his palm and out towards Fraeya. She brought her sword up in time to deflect the pure energy, but it forced her to her knees. Elwin struggled nearby as he tried to maintain a connection to the necklace.


    Morco laughed. ¡°Now you are where you belong. On the ground looking up at me.¡±


    Several lighting strikes hit the tree behind the corrupted elf, setting it on fire before it crashed down. The flames pushed back the darkness and snuffed out the ray of energy pouring out of Morco¡¯s hand.


    Fraeya struggled to rise but stumbled back to the ground. The elf pulled out a dagger and prepared to ram it into her heart.


    Time to be a hero.


    Elwin forced himself up, moved behind his long-lost lover, and ran for all he was worth. He leaped off her back and into Morco, sending them both backward into the flames. He heard her cry out, ¡°No!¡± but could do nothing about it. Elwin held the dying elf down and watched the flames consume him.


    To his chagrin, he had failed to notice his protection from the fire. So engrossed was he in killing Morco that Elwin couldn''t understand why he still lived.


    Silvertree¡¯s hero stepped out of the flames, dazed, and looked up at the sky. The evil that blocked the light moved on and they watched as the dark god¡¯s minions vanished into the forest.


    He only now realized Cithrel crying over Siraye¡¯s body. Vanima joined him by Cithrel and they howled in grief.


    Is it finally over?

 Part Twenty Three

    The victory left a bitter taste in his mouth that weighed heavily on his soul. The now merged wolf''s spirit inside began to stir. The need to run wild and free ran through his bones. It had been ages since he last thought of the animal who kept him alive all those years while he hid from the world, from himself.


    His love and true hope for happiness brushed up against him, bringing Elwin out of his contemplation. Two alpha wolves who surrendered their identities as forest elves to Silvertree for a cause greater than themselves now stood on the battlefield triumphant.


    The couple joined Fraeya and her friends who turned back towards town. When the rest of his pack moved to join, he shook his head and left them to lick their wounds and mourn.


    Soldiers and common folk alike bustled inside the courtyard, moving the dead and cleaning the debris left behind by the invaders. Elwin looked at the smashed front gate lying on the ground and an oddly familiar bear lying dead nearby, short of a head.


    Fraeya ran to her father, hugging him fiercely. He knew the elf''s name once but cared little for it now. Beluar seemed to be comforting the only family he had left, Ezella.


    I wonder how she would react if she knew exactly who saved them.


    Keerla''s behavior puzzled him the most. No one greeted or comforted her, neither did she seek it out.


    Sitting alone on a bench nearby was Alma. He rejoiced in seeing her alive and well. Emotions overwhelmed him and he howled, "I love you, Mother," startling the crowd nearby.


    Vanima nudged him towards Alma and said, "Why don''t you perform another miracle and tell her yourself."


    Realization weighed heavily around his neck, and he nodded. "Only if you tend to Keerla. She could use the company."


    Silent nods followed and the two wolves moved to their respective destinations, no one daring to interfere with the wild beasts moving freely among the survivors.


    He glimpsed Keerla bending over to pet Vanima, then focused his attention and the power within the necklace to form a mental connection to his mother sitting in front of him.


    "Hello, mother."


    He could sense her trepidation and warring emotions upon hearing a voice she long thought dead. The mental link between them not only made mental communication possible but also shared any stray thoughts, emotions, or desires. He poured his love into her and hoped.


    "Elwin?"


    "Yes, mother."


    She fell to her knees in tears and hugged him like he was a flower about to fly away with the breeze. Firm but gentle.


    "I thought you were dead, my son."


    "If not for the forest god Silvertree''s timely intervention, I would be. He gave me a second chance when no one else alive would."


    Her initial joy at finding her lost boy was drowned out by shame and guilt. Alma did nothing to save Elwin the day he watched his mentors die only to return and be exiled for a crime he never would have committed.


    "I don''t blame you, mother. Do you wish to know what happened to father?"


    Alma wiped away her tears and pleaded, "Did you find him? Does he live a new life too?"


    Elwin let out a deep breath and watched hope die in her eyes. "Our god offered the same choice to him as he did for me. Be reborn and become a champion against the darkness. My father didn''t falter in his conviction but that mattered little when he faced the dark god''s most powerful minion alone without any chance of victory."


    She buried her face in his fur and let the year''s worth of unshed tears flow like a river bursting through a dam. He stroked her consciousness with his mind and whispered, "Fear not, mother, for I avenged him but know that the darkness still lingers in the shadows."


    He pulled back and looked into her soft brown eyes. "You must do what I can''t and remind our people who saved them this day. Silvertree protects us all, but we must put our faith in him."


    Alma cupped his head in her hands and kissed his forehead like she had done so many times before. "You have my word."


    To any onlooker, his mother would look foolish having a one-sided conversation with a wolf. Elwin found it comforting that she didn''t let that small fact get in the way.


    Backing away, prepared to say his farewell, Alma surprised him by lunging forward and pleading "Please don''t leave me, my son. I''ve been so lonely."


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    Elwin turned to Vanima being pampered by Keerla and howled, "Bring me Cithrel. I require her."


    His mate sat up and rushed toward the front gate without a word. Keerla watched in puzzlement as the wolf ran. Elwin sat quietly next to his mother, letting her pet him.


    It didn''t take long for Vanima to bring Cithrel back and present the young female wolf to him. He linked both women to the previous mental connection with his mother and spoke, "You have suffered enough under my leadership, Cithrel."


    She shook her head vehemently but was cut short when Elwin said, "I have a special request for you." This caught the wolf''s attention and she sat there wagging her tail in anticipation. "From this day forth, you and your offspring shall safeguard those that seek to protect Silvertree and all that he stands for, starting with my mother."


    Alma heard the entire exchange but remained silent. Elwin offered his spot next to his mother to Cithrel and grinned when Alma placed a gentle hand on the wolf''s head and began stroking her fur. Satisfied, Elwin turned away and trotted toward Fraeya who stood next to Beluar and Keerla discussing the day''s events.


    "You were so awesome when you leaped from the top of the wall to kill the bear after it bashed its way into town."


    Fraeya shook her head and replied, "Thank you, Beluar. Almost as impressive as the moment you squealed at the gorilla."


    Everyone, even Beluar, chuckled at her quip.


    "Like the time you..." Keerla''s comment was cut short when Elwin made a connection between the three elves along with him and his mate.


    Admiration for the archer''s prowess flowed from his mind and into Keerla. Elwin voiced his thoughts, "I wish I could have spent more time getting to know you."


    She bent down and ruffled his fur, "Right back at you."


    Elwin turned to Beluar and attempted something that should have been impossible. He dove into his memories from another life and plucked them from his mind so he could show this elf the truth of his father''s death.


    Beluar stood next to Elwin the elf, both translucent and standing in the forest. The elf turned to Elwin and cried out, "What have you done to me? Where are we?"


    "Inside my memory. Specifically, the day your father died. Now watch and know the truth, but do not act. We all know the past can''t change."


    Elwin, Trivana and Chiyan came into view. They talked and glided across the ground without a care in the world. The dark god¡¯s hidden minion charged. It didn''t take long to realize they were no match for the beast, it could escape inside the moving shadows covering its body. Both veteran warriors echoed the same demand to Elwin.


    Run.


    Chiyan, Beluar''s father had been the first to fall. Beluar stared as the monster cut his father down with its claws. Trivana held on the longest, giving the inexperienced elf a chance to run, and run he did.


    The memory flashed forward to Elwin lying on the ground, bloody under Beluar''s fists in the town¡¯s courtyard, venting his frustrations. Once more it moved forward in time, but now Elwin lay in the dirt, exhausted and unmoving as the beast moved in for the kill. A bright light flashed, and the memory faded bringing them back to the present.


    Beluar stood there sobbing, not bothering to hide his sorrow. Fraeya and Keerla moved on either side and placed a reassuring hand on his arm and shoulder respectively.


    Elwin spoke into the mental connection. "Beluar, we both lost a parent to that beast. I only wish to part on good terms." The sobbing elf managed to nod.


    So caught up in the moment, no one but Fraeya reacted when he mentioned his father. She opened her mouth to speak but he only shook his head and announced, "It''s time for me to go home."


    She bent low and embraced her furry protector. Fraeya whispered, "Please stay. I don''t want to lose you again."


    He moved to sit by Vanima''s side and said, "My place is in the forest with my pack and mate."


    Comprehension and acceptance bled into the mental connection from Fraeya and Elwin could feel the warmth of her love for him. He held on to his resolve and said, "I''m passing on the responsibility of protecting our people and the forest to you. Wear this necklace and be my mother''s blade."


    They all stood speechless. Before he could change his mind, Elwin bent his head low and pawed at the necklace until it slipped off, severing the connection.


    Goodbye, my friends.


    He turned and walked toward the broken gate, looking back once to watch Fraeya pick up the necklace and hold it to her chest. Satisfied, Elwin glanced at Vanima and howled, "Let¡¯s go home, my love."


    ***


    Fraeya watched Elwin leave, a small gem sparkling in the light in her hands. She noticed that the elders, including the old crone, being escorted by the guard captain''s men had reached the courtyard.


    She raised her voice and proclaimed, "I nominate Alma to replace Ciyradyl on the elder council and I will be her blade. No longer shall we live in ignorance of the truth. We must not repeat the same mistakes of our past. Do any object?"


    To no one¡¯s surprise, Ciyradyl objected to the point of hysteria. With screeching protests, she shouted, "How dare you hand my seat on the council away to a dried-up prune that should have died with the rest of her family!"


    Fraeya jogged over to Ciyradyl, grabbed her by the arm, and started tugging the flailing woman toward the front gate. "If you recall, I told you to step down if we survived the attack. I also mentioned banishing you if you made it difficult."


    Fraeya heard a commotion and turned around to see Keerla standing over an elf with three arrows sticking out of his chest and two others bleeding on the ground next to Beluar holding a bloody sword. She offered a smile and asked, "Anyone else wish to object?"


    No one offered, so Fraeya continued to pull Ciyradyl past the gate lying on the ground and unceremoniously tossed her into the dirt. "You are hereby banished from Unn Thalor and the Wataki Soma tribe. Ignore this at your peril."


    She turned back to the crowd in the courtyard and proclaimed, "Any who wish to join her may leave in peace but know that death shall find you inside these walls if you return." A few of the old crone''s guards joined her and helped the elf back on her feet before walking away.


    Fraeya joined Alma next to her new companion, Cithrel. She nodded to the woman and stood at attention. Alma coughed and spoke to the crowd, "We owe our very lives to the forest god Silvertree and his champion. We shall construct a statue of a buck and wolf to remind us all how close we came to death."


    Cheers erupted and the crowd started chanting, "Alma! Alma! Alma!"


    Elwin''s mother leaned in and whispered, "Why are they chanting my name?"


    Fraeya shrugged and replied, "The soldiers did the same to me during the battle. Your guess is as good as mine." Cithrel, caught up in the moment, howled which only made the two women laugh as they started back home, wolf not far behind them.

 Part Twenty Four

    "Did you ever imagine your life would end up like this, Vanima?"


    She chuckled, let out a breath, and replied, "Did I dream about running away from home to spend the rest of my life with the one I loved? Yes, just didn''t expect it to be with you transformed into a wolf."


    Silence swallowed up the space before Elwin asked, "Do you still miss him?"


    Vanima slapped her tail into Elwin''s side and said, "Of course I do, and I wouldn''t expect any less of you concerning Fraeya. More so when you had to walk away from her, again."


    He wrapped his tail around her own and asked, "Still interested in bolstering our ranks?"


    She leaned in and nibbled on his ear. "So eager to get started?"


    Nevarth laughed in amusement and said, "Must be nice being alpha."


    Vanima focused on the three wolves waiting for them and zeroed in on Nevarth. "Careful pup. Don''t chew more than you can swallow."


    "Swallow what?"


    Zaos pounced and pinned Nevarth to the ground and growled, "That''s enough questions out of you."


    The last veteran Elwin could rely on let the pup go and asked, "Where is Cithrel?"


    In his most commanding tone, he growled out, "I told her to stay behind."


    Zaos and Samblar bowed in submission. "Yes, Alpha."


    Elwin moved in toward Nevarth but halted in disbelief when the wolf asked, "But how can she sire pups if she''s stuck alone in a town full of elves?"


    Never missing a beat, Vanima cooed, "Are you volunteering?"


    If a wolf could blush, Elwin was certain Nevarth would be, backing away in silence. Satisfied, he said, "I''m sure Cithrel is more than capable of returning to the forest when she is ready to find a mate."


    Strolling past the embarrassed wolf, Elwin asked, "You can wait for her, right?"


    Nevarth stumbled backward startled, bit his tongue, and tripped over his leg before landing face-first in the dirt. Vanima pawed at the young wolf wheezing in pain and asked, "What did you say to him? I think you broke Nevarth."


    Elwin only shook his head and moved on, offering a final comment. "If he can''t keep his tongue in his mouth, how will he ever manage to stay in Siraye?"


    "Elwin!" Vanima shook her head and said, "Leave the pup alone. You''ve had your fun."


    The group fell silent as they continued deeper into the forest toward their den, Elwin out in front.


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    Ignoring the others, Elwin contemplated his life since he became a wolf.


    Before becoming a wolf, I never imagined that the forest inhabitants could be anything other than instinct-driven animals. That notion was challenged when I found myself clashing with the soul of a wolf inside one body. The initial run-ins with the local wildlife cemented that belief.


    I let go of my fear and two souls became one. The false truths I hid behind were shattered after I defeated Tovar and became the new alpha. Not only did my pack converse with me, but they did it with purpose and intent. I don''t know how much influence Vanima or I have had on the pack or even Silvertree. What I can say for sure, is that I am where I belong.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    A soft voice brought Elwin back to the present and he could feel the heat of Vanima''s body brushing against his fur.


    "What happened to the wolf spirit that Silvertree paired with you after your transformation?" Elwin asked.


    She let the question simmer and replied, "We are kindred sisters who coexist. I can''t talk to her, yet our thoughts and emotions are conveyed through our bond strengthened over the years. Why do you ask?"


    "I fought against mine for years. In the end, I destroyed the cage and the two of us became one."


    Rustling leaves and howls of laughter greeted Elwin and the others upon their return home. The few young pups he had were rolling around in the dirt near the two adult females on guard. When the cubs noticed Vanima, they ran over and she let them tackle her to the ground so they could climb on top.


    As he turned to issue orders to Zaos, a mighty buck glided into view, antlers highlighted by the full moon that lit up the night sky.


    Silvertree.


    His pack bowed in reverence, but not Elwin. He met his god eye to eye.


    Your mission is complete. I may grant you one boon. You could return to your people, an elf once more if you so desire.


    "I love my mother and care for my people, but this is my family now. My pack. I respect and believe in you but please leave me the jukkete alone."


    Vanima gasped, "You would use that kind of language in front of a god?"


    Never looking away, Elwin said, "He gave us a choice to become who we are but make no mistake, death was the only alternative for you and me. I served my time and played the part of the hero. I have no desire to fight any more of his battles."


    Silvertree nodded.


    Rest easy, my child. I do not take offense. Elwin may not admit it, but he still blames me and the other gods for the death of his father. My offer still remains. All you need do is call for me.


    Elwin let his head hang down, his only response to the god.


    In a flash of blinding light, Silvertree vanished. Vanima pushed the cubs back toward the two female wolves, rejoined Elwin, and said, "Come with me, my love. Let''s put this all behind us."


    They dashed between the trees enjoying the breeze, the moon guiding their way. Vanima reached the top of a small hill with a clear view of the moon and turned to face Elwin. He joined her and they both looked up to howl at the moon.


    ***


    For those who are blessed to hear the truth, a beautiful melody could be felt dancing with the wind.


    Vanima twirled and sang.


    We¡¯ve been through the dark


    Saving each other and those we love


    Ewin smiled and added his voice to the song.


    Into a brand-new life


    Burning our foes with our faith


    Staring into each other''s eyes, Vanima sang.


    And where you lead Elwin, I will follow


    From the mountains of the East to the mystery of tomorrow


    Elwin continued.


    For the love we share has never faltered


    Undeniable


    As one, the couple combined their voices to the melody.


    Cause this is the feeling we¡¯ve been wishing for


    And this is the day we stretch our legs and run


    Nothing can stop our true destiny


    Ain¡¯t no god gonna break our dream, it''s only for you, you, you


    True destiny


    True destiny


    True destiny

 Epilogue

    Over the next several decades, Fraeya worked with Alma to restore the people¡¯s belief in Silvertree and, step by step, replace the old council with fresh voices and faces. They were no longer considered the elders. The people addressed them as the Shadow Breakers. Nothing could hide from the truth when the light shattered the darkness.


    Hello gentle friends and welcome to Unn Thalor. I am the current leader of the Shadow Breakers. Before I took up this great mantle, I studied the history of the Wataki Soma tribe with avid interest and great pride for my people.  My great-grandparents Keerla and Beluar told me all about their younger days before they passed away. I enjoyed listening to countless stories about Fraeya and Alma, the founding members of my order. They were particularly fond of the wolf Elwin and his journey that turned him into a god¡¯s champion who saved the entire valley from the darkness.


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    Not many are left who remember those tumultuous times. The female wolf, Cithrel, is long dead but her legacy remains. It is said, that if Keerla was to be believed, this wolf had been ordered to remain with us, including her descendants. I never got the chance to meet the famous archer. She died giving birth to her third child but her stories live on.


    I have ventured beyond these walls and seen the wolf pack that guards the valley and all who dwell in it. Some claim to have seen Elwin and his mate Vanima roaming the forest at night. Elves they may have been for a time, but wolves they were in the end.


    It''s rumored that Elwin''s mate, Vanima, convinced the stubborn alpha to seek out the forest god Silvertree for a boon that prolonged the couple''s life. If such an impossible notion is true, how fitting and wonderful to know our champions still live wild and free in the land they helped save.


    Wouldn''t you agree?