by Gerard Bond
“You survived my dear?” Raven smiled as she looked him up and down.
“Yes and you know what?” Wollfen shook his head, “You cut a dashing figure in all black, it suits you.” He chuckled.
“Black is an easy color to wear I am told.”
They both turned back to the scene before them. Then all of a sudden Raven took hold of Wollfen's hand and led him through the grove of trees, he wondered what she was up to? Finally after a few minutes she stopped and turned at a large boulder, it was at the base of a hill. Looking into his eyes, she spoke quietly so no one could hear,
“I want to leave and I want you to take me with you.” Wollfen was taken aback,
“I'm not sure I understand? Take you to another clan? What is it you need of me?” Raven stared unsure of her words but she tried to explain herself,
“No that's not it, I mean away from all Nightclans, to the west. I am tired of this life Wolfy, all the death and constant vigilance just to eke out a living, it has become too much for me.” Wollfen looked deep into her eyes and realized all of a sudden there was a fear there, but of what? This wasn't like Raven at all.
“What is it you fear Raven? Too many close calls with orcs?” She shook her head, that wasn't it.
“It's hard to explain,” She sighed and paused, but then she went on still a little scared to speak what she felt, “Wollfen, I feel I can be open with you but what I speak of is hard to tell.”
He placed his hands around her waist speaking quietly and delicately to her,
“Whatever it may be Raven, you know I will not take it lightly nor will I judge you for whatever you may feel.”
All the while he looked intently into her eyes, he hoped she took solace in that. She stared back and nodded slightly.
“It's just that I am scared to take off on my own, I don't know where to go or what to do, I need help.”
It took Wollfen a few seconds to digest what she was saying and it dawned on him. She was so used to this life, the harshness and the tribulations, the lifestyle was all she had ever known. In some sort of way she felt somehow safe dealing with what she knew. To leave here, to leave the Nightclan way of life would mean entering an almost alien world for her to the west, a place totally different in its way of life. Finally he nodded.
“I hear what you are saying and I understand. But what of Elith? Does she feel the same way? Does she want to go with you?”
Raven shook her head and again that sad sigh of hers.
“No, she has no qualms about this life, she can't even begin to comprehend another. For her, this is all she could ever want. But that's fine, I have spoken to her a number of times about how I feel but she just thinks I'm crazy.”
“It puts you in a difficult position doesn't it? You are torn between wanting to leave and staying by her side.” Raven nodded once again.
“Yes, but if you let me be by your side then I will willingly go, she will be hurt but she will understand.”
“You want to be with me?”
“I was hoping you would say yes Wolfy, I could make you happy you know? I know I would be happy with you, we have always gotten along very well together.”
Wollfen stared into those normally hard eyes, now they evoked a yearning he had never seen before, he lifted his hand to wipe at the start of tears there.
“You know I haven't had a partner since the death of my wife so many years ago, I have gotten used to being on my own. I still think of her.” Raven tilted her head forward and rested it on Wollfen's chest, she spoke once more from that position,
“I have known you for over ten years Wolfy, I don't know how long it has been since you lost her, but for how long can you mourn her passing?”
Wollfen felt his heart ache at this talk, had it been so long? His wife's death had been so many years before he had met Raven too. He thought back, so many years he couldn't count anymore, he had forgotten. But why still the pain? Even now? No, maybe Raven was right, maybe it was time to get over it and move on. He lifted her chin up and looked into her eyes,
“I can't make any promises but you are right, there has to be a time for me to consider such things. You and I have been lovers from time to time and I know we are very compatible but know this, I am not saying yes though I am not saying no either. I have much to digest and consider, all I ask of you is to give me some time okay?” The grin on Raven's face threatened to split her face,
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Raven started covering his face with kisses and Wollfen giggled at the attention, it was funny, this wasn't the battle hardened orc killing warrior he knew.
Back in the camp grounds Ironside was walking around and spotted Raven with Wollfen coming in from the trees hand in hand, Raven seemed very pleased indeed. Ironside also noticed when he glanced over to where he knew Elith was that a sour look came over her face as she quickly departed. Mm, there was to be some shouting and pain soon, he was sure of it. Wollfen walked up to Ironside and stuck his hand out, Ironside accepted it,
“Congratulations Ironside, you have a son to be proud of. The ceremony last night showed he has true dedication for Spiritwing.” Ironside smiled.
“Proud I am Wollfen, proud I am. So what did you think of the ceremony? Have you seen one before?”
Wollfen shook his head, it had been a short but sweet affair to say the least, the couple had stood before each other in their finery looking deeply into each others eyes and the crowd stood watching gauging their love for each other. Then all of a sudden a murmur had started within the crowd that had grown into a chant of 'betrothed betrothed betrothed' until it had been a loud chorus. Finally the entire gathering had cried out loudly and cheered their acceptance of the two being together, it was done.
“It certainly was short but interesting Ironside, it was nothing like I had seen before I must admit.” Ironside felt he may have to explain it a bit more to him,
“What you wouldn't be aware of is that we Nightclan believe the marriage is set in the winds by our chanting and there in the winds, it cannot be broken. When we die, the bond continues on after too. Well, that's what we like to believe anyway.”
“It's a noble ideal, I like it.”
The three of them moved off towards an embering fire where a few people were milling around a stew which was bubbling in a large pot. They took their turns ladling some of it into bowls before returning to a table nearby. There the three sat and quietly ate. It wasn't long before Ironside grunted and looked to Wollfen.
“So what's the story with you two then?”
Wollfen looked to Raven before answering, she gave a look back and he turned to Ironside,
“We are not really sure yet, it is early days , but things may change soon.” Ironside couldn't help but shake his head.
“You two have known each other how many years? And you still aren't sure? Ha! Well make up your bloody minds will you? I am sure Elith would not like to be led along.” Raven looked quizzically at Ironside who explained, “She saw the two of you coming out of the woods over there, she didn't look happy at all.”
Wollfen and Raven looked to each other a little grimly. They didn't need to speak, each knew that a decision would need to be made and soon.
“I will speak to her in a bit, I shall tell her how I and Wolfy feel, she will not take it well at all though.”
Wollfen looked away thinking fast, he had hoped to leave and go back to Windere before making a decision but that would have been unfair on all parties involved. He turned back to Ironside staring into his face but not saying anything at first, then slowly he spoke,
“I am going to go away for a day, I shan't be far, I will return by midday tomorrow.” He turned and looked at Raven who understood why, she nodded in acceptance. Then without another word spoken he stood and left.
Later that day Wollfen sat on his horse at the top of a ridge looking out over the valley below, he had spent the entire time thinking of his recent life and the direction it was heading. I
n truth it hadn't been going anywhere really. Hooking up with Ravenwing would give him new purpose in life even if it was somewhat self serving. A different unknown path at least, it could be interesting.
Just at that moment he noticed some movement below him on the hillside. What was it? Animal? Person? He focused on the area patiently watching without moving, whatever it was it would betray it's presence in time. Sure enough after a minute it became clear what it was, an orc. Wollfen watched it slowly edge closer, it meant to attack him by the looks of it. He checked further afield watching to see if there were any others but nothing could be seen, it wasn't really that strange that an orc would attack a lone rider.
Wollfen had every intention of springing his own surprise attack on the beast before it had a chance to defend itself. Finally it got close enough still hiding in the underbrush but Wollfen was sure of its position, then without any warning he launched his horse forward and down the slope. He was on the orc's position within seconds, his sword out and swinging in one fluid movement as the orc realized it had been spotted. It stood up with a crossbow coming to its shoulder but before the thing could fire a shot off its head had already come away from a hard swing of Wollfen's sword cutting clean through its neck. Black blood spraying into the air as the body of the thing fell forward, the crossbow sliding from its lifeless fingers. Wollfen didn't stop though, he raced on down the slope as having swung the sword he realized there were more orcs in hiding. Somehow he had missed them and he had to attack, there was no choice. Again he swung his sword low and out to the side as he passed another orc coming at him. It too fell as the blade bit deep into its arm and again Wollfen quickly recovered to see another orc coming in from the other side.
Rather than turn and attack he rode on to give himself room to fight from another angle but it was a mistake for further down were another half dozen orcs lying in wait. Now they all sprung forth screaming and waving their weapons, one of them firing a crossbow at him. The bolt flew true and hit the horse right in the chest, it whinnied in pain and its legs collapsed under it. Wollfen fell forward out of the saddle and was flung free tumbling further down the hill, the orcs raising their weapons and cheering. Finally he rolled to a stop crying out,
“Shit!”
The orcs didn’t hear him thinking they had cut him down. It gave him just enough time to recover and run. As soon as he took his first step he knew he was in trouble, his ankle gave way and the pain shot up his leg as he tumbled once more. This time he got up and favoring his ankle hopped off down the hill as best he could. The orcs realizing their conquest was getting away took off down the hill in pursuit, their harsh screams filling the air.
Towards the bottom of the hill Wollfen found a dry creek bed and decided on going to the right hoping it would snake around a little allowing him to get back around the orcs, his immediate need was to head back in the direction of the clan encampment. The only problem was it was a half days ride away. Coupled with the fact his head buzzed from taking a knock and his right ankle also was in pain, he knew it would be tough going trying to get back. As he limped along Wollfen sized up the situation in his head, he had seen about six orcs that had ambushed him not including the one that he had passed, that made seven. If he stood and fought he might stand a chance but these were odds he hadn't ever had to face before from orcs, how would they fight? Would they be organized? Or would they all come at him at once?
This number of orcs together in one place and working together to pull off a single objective, it just wasn't heard of. Orcs were almost mindless beasts, they couldn't be controlled and had no desire to socialize together in groups. He had only ever seen two together at once before. No, this was something totally new to him. For now all he could do was run and hide, then run again. Hopefully he could delay a confrontation and get near enough to the encampment to raise an alarm.
It wasn't long before his ankle was singing though, he wouldn't be able to keep up this pace for too much longer, the pain was getting too much. Then as he was about to slow down, he noticed movement off to the right of him, it was dark and moving swiftly. His immediate reaction was to look to the left checking for another flanking body and sure enough after a few moments he spotted a similar movement there too. Damn! Those orcs were rounding him up! He was sure the rest would be behind and were driving him on. This wouldn't do at all, he couldn't go faster to keep ahead, that was simply out of the question. He was hurting more and more but then he also realized that the orcs had made a mistake, by having two flank him they had split their numbers.
He deviated slightly to the right a bit and accelerated a touch as well, it hurt to do so but it would pay dividends. After about a minute Wollfen saw he was noticeably closer to the orc on the right but he kept going on his present course, once the orc realized he was getting closer Wollfen would attack. It didn't take long before the orc realized what was going on and cried out, Wollfen drew his sword and made directly for the orc. The orc wasn't sure at first what to do, it hesitated on the spot looking about for its comrades but they weren't near, now it too drew its own sword and came at him.
Its wild swings were easily parried by Wollfen who having deflected the first strike swung hard and low at the creature but it too took evasive action backing off quickly. It wasn’t quick enough though for the tip of Wollfen's blade bit into the orc's upper thigh, slicing cleanly, a black ooze immediately erupting from the wound. The creature cried out and staggered, Wollfen didn't waste any time in swinging again. The orc raised its sword defensively and the two blades clashed heavily. Still Wollfen did not hesitate swinging hard again, this time from low to high and diagonally across. The creature didn't drop its blade fast enough and his sword cut deep from its lower right hip through its belly and finishing planted in the things upper left arm. The orc could only gurgle as its intestines spilled out onto the ground and Wollfen wrenched his sword free. The thing pitched forward dying.
He jumped over the body and made fast through the trees. It would take a few minutes for the other orcs to realize what was going on and even then they would need to search around looking for his tracks, that too would give him valuable time. All the while he was opening the gap up between them and him. It gave Wollfen more time to think about his precarious situation, he had been limping along for less than twenty minutes all up, it was still a long way back to the encampment.
It would do no good he decided, there simply was no way he could continue to outmaneuver the creatures for the rest of the day. Could he go to ground? Hide somewhere? He had been looking for likely spots but the orcs had a keen sense of smell and now that he was sweating from pain and exertion they would find him. No that wouldn't work either. There had to be something. The creek was no good, it was dry. Still he continued on knowing he didn't have many options, something would present itself surely?
It was maybe another fifteen minutes before he heard a rustle behind and to the right of him, the orcs had closed in. Wollfen had slowed too, his ankle wasn't going to last much longer and he knew it. He stopped, better to fight while he could still use his ankle rather than later when it had totally given way. He stepped up to a big tree and slid his back against it hiding and waiting for the orcs to close. As the rustling got closer he controlled his breathing, deep and slow, it helped to calm him.
Then just as an orc was about to creep past his position Wollfen stepped forward sword swinging fast, it passed through the creatures neck taking it's head clean off. It was made easier by the fact that at that moment it had lifted its head to sniff the air. He had been so close and the thing had been totally taken by surprise. He pulled back again against the tree, while he had been swinging the sword he had also taken in the surrounds and had not seen any other orcs in the open, his position had not been given away yet, two down, five to go.
The rustling continued and he heard an orc cry out, it had spotted the dead orc beside the tree and raced forward, again it too was taken by surprise as Wollfen swung out and low catching this orc
in the chest, it died quickly. This time though another orc saw what happened and it screamed for the others. Wollfen knew his position was given away but rather than run he slowly stepped out from the tree goading the creatures on,
“Come on! I'm right here! Have your fill!”
Two orcs ran in without waiting for the others. Wollfen stood his ground as they rushed him, he lifted his sword high in the air with both of his hands and swung in an arc through their path making them pull up. Then he stepped to one side depriving one of an immediate attack by a second or so but it was enough to attack the other orc. He continued the swing back over his head and aiming it at that orc swung down in one fluid movement making it raise its sword defensively, their swords met above its head with a loud clang of steel. Wollfen though was already following through with a push kick catching the orc in the middle of its chest sending it backwards into the undergrowth. The second orc by this time was swinging its own sword at Wollfen who swung again in a partly defensive parry and spun around. This time he jabbed the blade forward as the orc's blade swung past catching this orc unawares and Wollfen's blade slid in deep. The creature grabbed the blade with both hands and held tight as it screamed out in agony but it did not die, holding on grimly. The second orc was back up and rushing him,
“Shit!”
It was all he could get out as he let his sword go and backed off quickly towards the first two dead orcs, there he scooped up one of the swords laying there and turned once again to fight the second orc chasing him, their swords clashed and each fought crashing away with their blades looking for the upper hand.
Right at that moment the last two orcs showed up and immediately joined the fight. Wollfen was getting desperate, he was hurting and tired with no where to go. Just as he went to defend another blow from one of the orcs there was a flash behind it, the thing screamed and fell but he didn't stop to look. Still swinging his sword Wollfen kept parrying the blows of the other two orcs. Then he heard the whinnying of a horse, the two orcs stopped and ran. Panting Wollfen leaned on the orc sword and looked up, Raven sat there on her mount smiling at him,
