Tales of the Wolf: Book 02 - Enter the Wolf

by A. E. McCullough

  Hawkeye just shook his head. “Your gratitude is enough payment.”

  The minotaur stood up and held out his right hand. “No. That is not enough. I owe you a life debt. When I finish my time of service to the Captain, I will repay my debt to you or your kin.”

  Hawkeye was about to argue when he felt a light touch on his forearm and heard a gentle giggle to his left. Turning his head, he saw that Captain Forlorn was next to him shaking her head. “What?”

  “Don’t try and argue with him. I have been telling the big ox that his debt to me has been paid off for three years now. He won’t listen.” She shrugged. “Some bull headed notion of honor that they have. I’ve tried just about everything with the exception of stranding him on an island. Even then, I don’t think that would work.”

  “But…but…”

  “Listen to me. Just accept it. It has happened and there is nothing you can do to change it. Besides, it’s not a bad thing having a minotaur gladiator at your back.” When the captain smiled this time, he saw a softer side of her and for a brief moment, she was the swashbuckler Chikk and not fearsome Captain Forlorn.

  Hawkeye nodded. “I see the wisdom in your words. Thank you Captain.”

  “Very well.” She pulled her shoulders back, rested one hand on her cutlass and once more she was Captain Forlorn. Pointing at her crew that were milling about, she began barking orders.

  “Get to work there! Clear off these bodies and pull in those floating men. I want to be underway with the quarter-hour.”

  Her crew sprang into action. But it wasn’t in the manner that slaves reacted to their masters, out of fear of being punished; her crew jumped to do her bidding out of respect and love for their captain.

  There was a difference and one that Hawkeye recognized.

  Chapter 19

  The rest of the trip to the lighted lands was uneventful.

  Leaving behind the wreck of the Reaper, the crew of the Ebony Eagle unceremoniously dumped the bodies of the slavers into the gloomy waters of the Dark Sea. The unconscious Galtero and the stone remains of his troll pet followed shortly afterwards.

  The rescued slaves were nursed back to health and adopted into the crew of the Eagle. Captain Forlorn put their bond at one year’s service but unlike the time on the Reaper, they would earn a fair wage and even a possibility of buying out their bond. Hawkeye couldn’t really argue with the captain’s method. It was fair and more importantly, it seemed to work.

  However as a gift to Hawkeye, she did not place a bond on his friend, Midach Bonecrusher. When pressed by the dwarf, she would give him a sly grin and state that his debt was already paid plus some vague remark about a backpack.

  Master Pau spent a lot of time discussing philosophy with Holmaan while Ronin had almost become the ship’s mascot. He would climb up the masts like a monkey or take a turn at the oars or swab the decks or any other task, no matter how menial. He wanted to learn anything and everything. It was refreshing to watch.

  Midach and Hawkeye spent the days discussing their tales after the fall of Itasca. Hawkeye was shocked to learn that only a portion of Blackfang’s army had pursued his men and that the cyclopean army had marched out almost immediately after the battle towards their homeland. None of this bode well for spring. Hawkeye knew that with the thaw the Dark Alliance invasion would come again. Hawkeye had been to Sikya many times over the years, it could not stand up to an attacking army but those were problems for other days.

  The two friends were drinking grog, which was what sailors called the watered down rum they carried, and sitting amidship. Leaning against the port railing, Midach related how he ended up on the Reaper.

  The first part of the dwarf’s tale was pretty much what he’d expected, knowing that the gnomes had been patrolling the subsolunes. Hawkeye involuntarily shuddered when Midach mentioned finding the body of the girtablu.

  Midach said, “We followed the only tracks out of the lava pool which lead us to a fungi forest. When we saw a hooded figure being attacked by some kobolds we rushed into help. I should’ve known better.”

  Hawkeye asked, “Why? What happened?”

  “It was a trap. The hooded figured turned out to be some sort of rat-man thing but very skilled in magic and the kobolds were its servants. When we got close enough, the ratman cast a spell on us and we fell asleep. I am not sure how long we were out but we were stripped of our belonging and tied to some poles. The kobolds carried us to the water where the ratman sold us to some hobgoblins.”

  Midach took a long drain on his mug of grog before continuing. “They ate Ivarr. He was still screaming when they started carving him up. He screamed for a long time. I don’t know what was worse, hearing him scream or the silence that followed once he was dead?”

  Hawkeye set his mug down. “I am sorry for your loss my friend.”

  Midach shook his head. “No need. It’s a warrior’s fate to die in battle. We all knew that going in; if we wanted a safe life, we would’ve been farmers.”

  “True. So…how’d did you end up on the Reaper?”

  “After several days, more slavers arrived and we were sold again and again. I ended up on Reaper. I’m not sure what happened to Brandr and Oddr. I lost track of them the third time I was sold.”

  “So, they could still be slaves down here somewhere?”

  Midach nodded. “It’s a possibility. But it is something we Atrum Habito live with daily.”

  Whatever Hawkeye was going to say was forgotten as the Ebony Eagle came around a bend in the cavern and the glow of daylight filled the horizon. Everyone, including the oarsmen, stopped what they were doing and stared at the beautiful sight before them. There was something magical about coming out of the long darkness into the sunlight that was mesmerizing. After a minute, everyone was scrambling to do something; everyone but the four passengers. Not having any duties, they joined the captain on the bridge and watched. As they got closer to the end of the cavern, the waters got rougher and a cold breeze blew in their faces. One sailor passed out furs, while others were scrambling up the masts to get the sails ready. The oarsmen laid into their strokes and within minutes, the Ebony Eagle was out of the underground and on the open seas.

  Keeping one hand on the helm, Captain Forlorn gestured with her other hand. “Welcome to the Sea of Torments.”

  Midach grinned and took in a deep lungful of the salty air. “Smells like home to me. Whereabouts on the coast are we?”

  Captain Forlorn pointed. “Your homeland of Darkmoor is about four days to starboard and the free-city of Asylum is ten days to port. However, the closest safe harbor for us is less than a day to port, or south for you landlubbers. There is a small fishing town that we have done business with in the past. It should be safe for you four to disembark.”

  Hawkeye smiled. “As nice as your ship has been, it will be good to feel the earth under my feet again.”

  “Aye, my friend…that it will. No offense intended captain,” added Midach.

  Captain Forlorn graced them with a smile and looked out over the turbulent waves. “I understand. On the other hand, I’m just the reverse. I’m happiest when I’m on my ship; whether it’s in the gloomy waters of the Dark Sea or the rolling waves of the Sea of Torment or calm waters of the Crystal Sea. I don’t care. It’s a sailor’s life for me.”

  Hawkeye was studying the land off to port. The coast was rocky and the waves broke constantly against the rough land. A bit further up from the coast was the edge of a forest, mostly pines and firs. Just the sight of the woodlands seemed to call to the barbarian’s soul. Turning back to look at the cavern exit, Hawkeye paused. It was sunset and the shadows were lengthening but the barbarian thought he could make out a tower of rock located right above the cave opening. In the fading light, it seemed ominous.

  Hawkeye pointed. “Captain, what’s that?”

  She looked over her shoulder, then back to the waters ahead.

  “That is the Pharos. It was once a lighthouse that marked this co
ve. These are treacherous waters. There are shoals which line the entrance to the Dark Sea. In its heyday, it is said that its light could be seen for nearly thirty miles...but that was before my time.”

  “Yes, I remember,” Master Pau nodded. “Its light is actually a simple oil-lamp but the crystal lens was amazing. It is over twelve feet tall and made from over a thousand separate crystals. The lens was built long ago in Atalanta before its fall. That great realm used to trade regularly with Iriam of the Thousand Pillars.”

  Captain Forlorn looked over at her blind guest. “You remember?”

  Master Pau cleared his throat. “I remember reading about it. There were some very old scrolls in the temple of the Godai.”

  She glanced back at her other passengers and just shrugged. “Well, you four get below deck. We have several hours of hard sailing to do before we get to our harbor.”

  “Aye…aye captain,” replied Hawkeye and followed her orders.

  * * * * *

  Hawkeye watched with wide-eyed wonder as they pulled up to the dock.

  Holmaan was actually at the helm and he guided the ship to the pier with an expert hand. Hawkeye’s wonderment wasn’t at the skill of the helmsman; it was at the friendly and accepting faces of the villagers. This was obviously a fishing village and not much more. It was located in a small cove that protected the village from the worst of the wind and waves or prying eyes. Hawkeye hadn’t even noticed the village until after Holmaan had turned into the cove. Hence, its name…Hidden Harbor.

  The villagers were a mix of humans, elves and half-elves. They spoke a strange dialect of elvish which neither Hawkeye nor Midach could understand. However, it seems that Master Pau was fluent in it and immediately began negotiating supplies the moment he stepped on land.

  Hawkeye and Midach hopped over the rail, landed on the dock and immediately stumbled into some barrels. They felt like their legs didn’t seem to work quite right.

  Captain Forlorn’s laughter rang out. “Don’t worry. You’ll have your land-legs back in no time.”

  Hawkeye cocked his head to the side. “Land-legs?”

  “Your body has gotten used to the constant moving of the Eagle. A ship on the water is always in motion; slightly, violently or somewhere in between. Your body adapted to this condition which we commonly refer to as ‘getting your sea-legs.’ Hence, when your return to shore, you need to get your…”

  “Land-legs back, I get it now.” Hawkeye grinned and soon realized that she was right. As each moment passed, his body remembered their old environment and he felt more confident in his stance. By the time Midach and Hawkeye felt ready to move further off the pier, Master Pau and Ronin were back with two donkeys in tow, each fully laden with supplies.

  Moving past the warriors, the old monk stopped in front of the beautiful dark elf and bowed low. “It is with great saddness that I must say goodbye. I have enjoyed my time on your ship, more than you will ever know. May Hyperion and Terra smile on thee and bless your journeys with full sails and fair waters.”

  Chikk Forlorn raised an eyebrow at his words. It was extremely rare to hear anyone invoke the Lost Gods much less use them in a blessing. But before she could respond, the young boy Ronin stepped up and held out his hand to her.

  “I have no gift that compares to what you and your crew have given me. This was one of the most fun times in my life. I will cherish these memories always.” Taking her hand, he kissed it gently and turned away. Only the reddening of his cheeks and ears gave away his embarrassment as he went about getting the donkeys ready for the trip.

  Midach was next. Being dwarf of few words, he just waved goodbye to the crew and nodded his head to Tok and the captain.

  Hawkeye had already said his goodbyes to the crew but paused when he reached the huge minotaur.

  Tok offered his sword arm. “I will not forget what you have done for me.”

  Hawkeye shook his head and decided to try once more to talk the minotaur out of the life debt Tok thought he owed him. “I only did what any warrior would do, I vanquished our enemy.”

  The bull man nodded. “True but your actions went beyond normal battle. You weren’t even in combat with the troll but entered it just to save my life. That is noble and worthy of a life debt.”

  Hawkeye understood what he was saying and in a lot of ways, it was true. From Tok’s perspective, the Highlander had no stake in the fight other than fighting to save his life. Therefore, if he had not entered the fight, then Tok would’ve died. So, in his eyes he owed the barbarian his life. Hawkeye nodded and returned the warrior’s embrace. “I look forward to the day when we shall fight side by side once again.”

  “May Minos strengthen your arm and bless your aim.”

  Turning to the captain, he saw the twinkle in her eye and the smile she graced him with. Hawkeye shrugged. “I had to try.”

  “True but I told you he was bull-headed. But he is handy to have around also.” Tok snorted. Turning serious she said, “I wish you fair winds and following seas and long may your jib draw.”

  Hawkeye shook his head. “I am not completely sure what all that blessing means but thank you.”

  Captain Forlorn leaned in a kissed his cheek. “Then I will keep it simple. May you have a long life full of love and laughter.”

  “I am heading home where my brother plans to invade with the first thaw of spring, I am not sure that a long life is in my future but love and laughter, those I can handle.”

  She nodded. “Then, let that be enough.”

  Chikk Forlorn, Captain of the Ebony Eagle, turned back to her ship. After a moment, Tok followed and the rest of the crew went back to work. The four travelling companions turned north and began the next stage of their journey.

  * * * * *

  Eight beings of immense power gazed into the magical pool and watched the events unfold before their very eyes. As powerful as each of them were, they knew that they were helpless to aid the Chosen One’s protector as he marched into danger and it irritated them.

  It was Cheiron who finally broke the silence. “Is there nothing we can do?”

  Luna was the first to answer. “His destiny is his own. I do not think that Clotho’s trap will work, at least I hope it does not.”

  Aurora nodded. “I too hope for that. His death would crush my daughter’s spirit.”

  Minos added. “He has a warrior’s spirit. He will find a way to return to his love.”

  Aurora looked up from the pool. “You almost sound like you believe in the power of love.”

  Minos nodded. “After watching these two, I almost do.”

  Hecate placed her hand over her heart and feigned fainting. “Miracles do happen.”

  All the gods enjoyed a brief laugh at the dark lady’s comment. It had been a long time since they laughed and they found it awkward but so rewarding. Not knowing what to say or do afterwards, the gods went back to their watching and waiting. Only time would tell if Hawkeye would avoid the pitfalls in his path. Unfortunately, the gods didn’t have any control over time and had to wait it out just like the mortals.

  Chapter 20

  Khlekluëllin and Mortharona joined Rjurik in a small chamber after a herald had gathered them for an audience with the king.

  The three friends had used their time alone to get reacquainted with each other. Mortharona stared at the floor while he related the dark dreams that plagued his sleep during his drinking binge. Khlekluëllin remained silent while his brother spoke. He could almost feel the sorrow in his twin’s voice.

  Rjurik placed a comforting hand on Mortharona’s back.

  “None to worry, lad. We’ve all been there before.”

  Feeling the need to change the subject, the old dwarf pulled forth the weapon he had crafted with the help of Khlekluëllin. Handing the sword to Mortharona, Rjurik related the tale of its creation.

  Mortharona studied the blade for several minutes, admiring the beautiful craftsmanship. Taking it through a few practice swings, the glitterin
g moonstone in the pommel began to pulse with a rhythm of a heartbeat. Suddenly, there was a flash of blinding white light.

  “Ouch!” Mortharona grabbed his hand as the weapon fell to the floor with a clatter.

  “What is it?” Khlekluëllin exclaimed, moving closer to his twin.

  “It…it bit me.”

  Stepping up, Rjurik shook his head. “Nay! It cannot do that.”

  “It most certainly can. Look!” Mortharona thrust out his bloody hand for their inspection.

  All three stared with disbelief at the unmistakable wounds from tiny fangs. Glancing at Rjurik’s creation, the moonstone was no longer glowing but the wolfshead pommel seemed to be snarling just a little more than Rjurik or Khlekluëllin remembered.

  Before any of the three companions could retrieve the fallen sword, the king entered the room followed by two grim faced warriors. Stopping directly in front of the silver sword, Padric picked up the weapon and studied Rjurik’s creation. “Tis a beautiful blade, cousin.”

  “Thank ye. I’m not sure why Bromios had me craft it.” Rjurik glanced at his two companions and added, “But it seems to have a bite of its own.”

  The twins smiled at Rjurik’s inside joke. Not understanding, the King just let it pass.

  “Well I might be able to shed some light on why you were called to craft this fine blade.” That comment got their attention. He gestured to the two dwarves with him. “Everyone here already knows the captain of the guards, Derek Ironhand.”

  Nodding their head in greeting, the twins turned their attention to the other warrior. He was the widest dwarf they had ever seen. It was like looking at a walking stump.

  Padric said, “Khlekluëllin and Mortharona Amarth, I would like you to meet Knutr Stonehead. He has much to tell the three of you.”

  Grasping forearms in the traditional greeting of warriors, Knutr seemed to be a gentle soul. Khlekluëllin immediately liked him but Mortharona wasn’t too sure of his feelings, there was something in the back of his mind that made him uneasy under the steady gaze of the dwarf.