Tales of the Wolf: Book 01 - The Coming of the Wolf

by A. E. McCullough

  Hawkeye reached out and gently caressed her cheek. “Tatianna, I love you.”

  “I know. I heard you say that on the day you spirit-walked to find me. I love you, too.” She smacked him playfully on the chest. “How could I not love a fool like you? Every time I get into a little trouble, you run off and risk your life for me, someone you hardly know.”

  He grabbed her suddenly and lifted her high into the air. Spinning around quickly, their laughter filled the cave. Dropping her back into his arms, he kissed her again with a gentle passion she had never known before. She felt light-headed and dizzy. Was it the kiss or the spinning?

  Finally, Hawkeye broke the kiss. “You are right. I am bound by traditions. One of those traditions states that I must court you for a lunar month before asking for your hand in marriage. Well, that month starts tonight. Why not? I’m going to make some waves tonight, why not add to it?”

  Tatianna lifted her left eyebrow slightly in a look of puzzlement. “I don’t follow you.”

  Letting go of her, Hawkeye moved over to the altar. “Don’t let it worry you. I’m planning on a little showdown with the Great Council tonight.” Hawkeye pointed at the sword and asked, “Why is this thing floating?”

  She slapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t change the subject! Why are you planning a showdown with the Great Council tonight?”

  Waving his hand in a dismissal motion he said, “It’s nothing. I’m just planning on telling them that I intend to assume command of all of the warriors, prepare the village for the coming attack, plan a counter attack, form an alliance with the dwarves,” turning toward her, he sat down on the altar. “And marry a troublesome elf.”

  A look of innocence crossing her face, she placed her left hand over her heart. “What do you mean by a troublesome elf?”

  With a straight face and arms crossed. “Well, we never had any of these troubles until the elves stirred up trouble in the black fortress. I’m sure Blackfang knows of the coming of the Chosen One and our location. He will attack as soon as he can get his army this far north and that will be the first thaw of spring. So, logically he wouldn’t attack here if it weren’t for you.”

  Placing both hands on her well-defined hips, she skewed Hawkeye with a look that could kill. “That wasn’t very nice. As a matter of fact, that was downright mean.”

  Trying to keep a straight face, he placed both hands over his heart. “You wound me. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings; I was just informing you of my plans.” His grin betrayed his true intentions.

  Tatianna pointed one finger at him and growled. “Why you low down, dirty, scruffy looking, scoundrel.” She flung herself into his arms. “I love you.”

  “And I love you.”

  Their lips met again and for a few brief moments, they forgot all about their problems, traditions, customs, Blackfang, the coming war, everything, except their love for each other.

  * * * * *

  By high-sun, the weather had gotten worse. The snow was already several feet deep with snowdrifts getting as tall as a man. It was still two months before Yuletide, yet the snow had fallen almost daily since their arrival in Itasca making travel and hunting dangerous. The few travelers that had come in over the last month told stories of the bad weather all across the Highlands and yet the snow still fell.

  Hawkeye spent the first few hours after high-sun talking with many of the older warriors from every tribe. He wanted their opinion concerning the situation with Blackfang and the Dark Alliance. Most hated the ‘wait and see’ policy the Great Council had adopted. Many were in favor of an attack, while the majority had not made up their minds but they knew something must be done. This led him to believe they would follow his lead if he were forced to go against the Great Council. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that but it was best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

  Just before dusk, Hawkeye met with the dwarven emissaries, unofficially of course.

  There were three of them, all warriors. Their leader was Midach Bonecrusher. He was a tall for a dwarf, standing nearly five feet and built like the trunk of a tree; thick, squat and strong. He had long black hair and beard that were streaked with gray. His two companions, Balder and Alder, looked so much alike they had to be twins. They were solid and muscular with flaming red hair and waist long beards.

  The three dwarves looked to be formidable adversaries or allies. Hawkeye was determined to make them allies. Having spent several years with Rjurik, Hawkeye knew that dwarves recognize and respect strength. He also knew they hated small talk and have a great fondness for strong drink, preferably ale.

  As Hawkeye approached the hogan the Great Council had set aside for the dwarves, he could hear them grumbling to each other about having to wait. Letting a brief smile flicker across his face, he entered their lodge without knocking. The three dwarves fell silent the moment he entered the room. Striding over to a small table near the center of the lodge, Hawkeye slammed a small keg of moonshine on the table. Looking each dwarf in the eyes for a brief moment he said, “This keg is for us, provided we can come to agreeable terms.”

  Midach stroked his beard for a moment and stared back at Hawkeye. When he didn’t flinch or turn away, the dwarf nodded his head. “Agreed. Let’s get down to business.”

  The barrel-chested dwarf gestured to the table and sat down with the other two warriors taking up flanking positions behind him.

  Hawkeye sat down across from the older dwarf and without waiting for a request from the dwarven emissary he began. “In the past our two nations have aided each other in times of great need. There was the time Derek Ironhand and his family was attacked by trolls as they traveled in the mountains, the warriors of the Blue Bear came to his rescue without a request or reward.”

  Midach nodded his head. “I see you know something of our history. I remember the time Sikya, your western village, was destroyed by fire and we helped rebuild your village. We did that without request or reward also.”

  Hawkeye smiled at the memory. “I remember. I was only eight or nine summers old when that happened. My adopted father led my whole pack to Sikya to help but by the time we arrived, you and your clan had already rescued many of my people and had begun to rebuild the village on higher ground.”

  A slight look of shock crossed Midach’s face. “You remember? I’m surprised; not many in Sikya remember that summer.”

  “My father always taught me to remember the past, for it is the doorway to the future. If we forget where we came from, then how will we know where we are going?”

  Nodding his head, a large smile crossed his face and he held out his right arm. “Well met! I am Midach Bonecrusher, youngest brother to the King of Darkmoor.”

  “Greetings. I am Kamots Hawkeye, the Wolflord and blood-brother to Rjurik Silvershield.”

  The two warriors stared at each other over the grasped forearms. Hawkeye was amazed at the strength of the older dwarf. His grip was like iron and his stare was like ice. Hawkeye liked this dwarf! Nodding his head, he released his grip and Midach did the same. Reaching into his belt pouch, Hawkeye drew forth a canvas map of the Highlands. It was roughly drawn but it served its purpose. Pointing at the different locations on the map, Hawkeye explained his side of the proposition.

  “There is trouble brewing in the Fortress of the Black Falls, trouble that concerns both our nations. Over the last two months, our scouts have counted at least five hundred jotens and a thousand goblins joining the large force that already occupies the fortress. By rough estimate, we guess the size of the army to be at least three to four thousand strong. This is a mixed force of cyclops, gnomes, goblins, a handful of shadow elves and some renegade highlanders.”

  Nodding his head, Midach didn’t say anything but studied Hawkeye’s face as he continued his explanation.

  “Only a fool would gather a force that large unless they’re planning an invasion.” Hawkeye pointed at the map. “The way I see it, the Dark Alliance has three choices. One, go down
the Wall and attack the lower lands, probably the elves. Two, head north and attack us. Or three, head straight west and attack the rich Kingdom of Darkmoor.”

  Midach shook his head and pointed at the eastern side of the map. “Or they could head east to attack your east village then move on to the Dragon Graveyard. It is said to hold great riches.”

  Hawkeye shook his head. “The east and south villages of the Highland Nation have already been destroyed or annexed by the Dark Alliance which is why I believe they will either attack us here,” pointing at Itasca on the map. “Or head west to attack the Kingdom of Darkmoor. If I had to guess, they will attack us first.”

  Midach absentmindedly stroked his beard. “Why would you say that?”

  “I’ll give you three good reasons. One, only a fool would attack the well defended dwarven kingdom with an unchecked army still loose behind you. Two, the mother of the unborn child of the prophecy is in this village and three, I’m here.”

  “Why would your being here have anything to do with who they attack first?”

  Looking the older warrior in the eyes, Hawkeye’s voice lost all hint of emotion. “Because their leader is my brother and he hates me almost as much as a dwarf hates a cyclops.”

  Midach stared at the highlander for several minutes. Seeing such conviction and resolution in this man, he decided he liked this brash young warrior. “I agree. It would not be logical given the circumstances that the Dark Alliance would bypass you to attack us. How can we help each other?”

  “Simple. When we are attacked, send help and when you’re attacked, we’ll send help.”

  Midach’s voice took on a steely edge. “How can we be assured that you won’t send just twenty warriors?”

  Hawkeye’s voice became just as hard. “How can we be assured you won’t send only twenty warriors?”

  Midach threw his head back and roared with laughter. Hawkeye and the other dwarves joined in the laughter. Finally, Midach’s laughter subsided.

  Slamming his fist on the table he said, “I like you boy! Your blood is thick!” He drew his dagger. “You have a deal!”

  Hawkeye also drew his knife. With a quick nod, they both cut the wrist of their right hand. As the blood began to flow, they spit in it. Grunting loudly, they clasped forearms together roughly. As their blood and spit mingled, Hawkeye used his free hand to open the keg of moonshine. After a moment, Hawkeye released his grip. Picking up the small keg, he offered it to Midach. With a quick wink, the older dwarf turned the keg halfway up. The clear liquid ran out the sides of his mouth and down his long black beard. After the tall dwarf drank his fill, he handed it to Hawkeye. Without hesitation, Hawkeye followed suit. He felt his throat burst into flames as he drank the clear liquid. When he was finished, he passed the keg to the other two dwarves who emptied the small keg.

  Midach wiped his beard with the back of his hand. “Now that the formalities are over, I have a question for ye.” Hawkeye just nodded as Midach continued, “You mentioned Rjurik Silvershield. How is that old coot?”

  Hawkeye’s grin fled his face. “I am sorry to say that Rjurik and two brave elven warriors were lost in our flight to Itasca.”

  “By Bromios’ beard! What happened?”

  “While traveling north, we were attacked while crossing the Tigris and thrown into its icy waters. I was barely able to drag Tatianna to the shore. I never found any sign of the other three.”

  All three dwarves lowered their heads for a brief moment. “Rjurik never did like water but I am sure he has found a seat at the feast table of Bromios.” Standing, Midach signaled to his companions. “Well met Hawkeye the Wolflord. Is there anything else?”

  “Actually, yes there is.”

  Midach’s bushy eyebrows rose in an inquisitive look. “And what would that be?”

  Trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably, Hawkeye added. “That you come back for my wedding.”

  Midach smiled broadly. “It would be my honor. When is it?”

  “On the last day of Yuletide.”

  Midach looked at his companions, they nodded. “Then it is agreed. We will be back for the festival to share your special day.”

  Hawkeye walked with them to the door. “We would be honored by your presence at our wedding.”

  “No, it will be our honor.” Stepping outside, Midach glanced at the cloudy sky. “We must be off. We have a long way to go and Terra still has more snow to dump on us.”

  Hawkeye shook hands which each of the dwarven warriors. “Have a safe journey and we will see you soon.”

  The three dwarves waved briefly, then turned toward the west and walked out of village. Hawkeye watched them go before returning toward his own lodge to get ready for tonight’s meeting.

  * * * * *

  At moonrise the Great Council gathered in the Lodge of the Moon which was built of long poles and covered in buffalo hides. Being a temporary structure, it was erected in the great courtyard where the great bonfire usually burned. A smaller fire would burn this night to warm the large tent. The Great Council would sit near the bonfire and make policies that would decide the future of the Highland Nation. The council was composed of three representatives of each tribe; one chieftain, one shaman and one warlord. All warriors were invited to attend but could not speak unless called on by a council member. The Great Council decided all things.

  Dressed in his finest battle array, Hawkeye strode through the village. He carried his warstaff which was six feet tall and covered in eagle feathers; each representing a coup that Hawkeye had accomplished.

  To a highlander, a coup is a test of manhood. A warrior reaches out and touches his opponent with a bare hand or small stick during combat. This attack doesn’t cause any damage to the opponent but usually leaves the attacker open to a counter-attack. This shows a warrior’s bravery and skill in combat. Additionally, a coup must be witnessed by at least two other warriors to be awarded.

  Approaching Tatianna’s tipi, Hawkeye noticed she had erected a totem pole. It was a simple thing being mostly unadorned with the exception of two red feathers and the remains of her shredded chainmail. Rapping his warstaff on the totem pole, he waited for a response. A moment later, he heard her musical voice call out. “Come in.”

  Ducking to enter the tipi, he let the flap close behind him, looked up and was stunned at the sight before him.

  Tatianna was dressed in a long midnight blue silk dress with a long slit on one side that let her shapely legs be seen. A blood red sash was tied across her waist with the knot tied on her right hip and her magical blade on her left hip in a beautiful matching red scabbard. Her waist long scarlet hair normally worn down was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing her pointed ears and accenting her milky white skin. On her brow was her silver tiara and a beautiful white rose was tucked behind her left ear. She turned around slowly with her arms held out and asked innocently, “How do I look?”

  After staring for a moment with his mouth slightly open, Hawkeye finally managed to speak. “Like a goddess.”

  “Good. That’s just the impression I want the Great Council to get.” Walking up to him, she stood on her tip toes and gave him a warm kiss. “Thanks for the compliment.”

  Shaking his head, he gestured at her outfit. “Where did you get this clothing?”

  Waving her hands, “It was nothing, just a simple spell that lets me manipulate fabrics.” Noticing the lost look on his face, she laughed. “Magic, pure and simple magic, I figured if you were going to make a statement and shake up the Great Council, then why should I not do my part to shake them up?”

  Shaking his head, his laughter filled the tipi. “Well, you certainly are going to make a statement.” Hawkeye held out his arm. “Shall we? I’m sure the Council has already started their debate.”

  Placing her arm on his, they stepped out into the snowy village. The few highlanders that were present as they walked through the village stopped and stared at the couple. Slowly, they made their way to the Lodge of the Mo
on. The snow was falling gently and the air was bitterly cold but the wind had stopped blowing. The moon was a few days from being full and the mournful cries of several wolves could be heard in the distance. Just before they reached the lodge, Hawkeye looked down at his soon to be bride and whispered, “I love you.”

  Tatianna flashed him a crooked smile before whispering, “And I you.”

  The Great Council was already involved in a debate when they arrived. Even so, everyone fell silent as they entered the lodge. Tatianna saw many faces she recognized in the crowd but there were many more that she didn’t recognize. The members of the Great Council paused briefly in their debate just long enough to stare at Hawkeye and Tatianna.

  Returning their gaze, Hawkeye nodded his head in greeting toward Anasazi, Red Crow and Bravefoot, who were all members of the council. A smile crossed his face when he recognized Odovacar; the young warrior who had saved his life three years ago was sitting in the spot reserved for the Warlord of the Silver Boar. The Great Council intended to ignore the couple and tried to return to their debate. Hawkeye wouldn’t have any of it. With Tatianna at his side, Hawkeye strode confidently to the center of the lodge. Stopping directly in front of the Great Council, he thrust his warstaff into the ground and fixed the Great Council with a steely glare.

  The lodge fell silent.

  Speaking in a loud voice, so everyone gathered could hear, he followed the ancient ritual for addressing the Great Council. “I am Kamots Hawkeye, the Wolflord and the appointed protector of the unborn child of the prophecy. I would speak to the Great Council on a matter of great concern.” Pausing for a moment, he waited for their reply.

  He was not surprised when Red Crow answered him. “Greetings, Kamots Hawkeye.” Gesturing to all gathered, “All here know you and your deeds. What would you have of the Great Council?”

  “A great enemy is gathering even now in the shadows of the Fortress of the Black Falls. Its sole purpose is to enslave all of Terreth. To do this, it must destroy the unborn child of prophecy which Luna has charged me to protect, raise and train. I ask that the Great Council, in their infinite wisdom, forget their petty differences and join together to combat this great evil.”