by James Dale
The evening they reached Old Ford, with the mountains no longer on their flank, the wolves joined them. The first sign of their approach was the horses growing skittish as they caught their scent, but Jack, Arrinor and the Lady Ara’fael combined their Mindspeak and sent calming thoughts up and down the length of the column. As the sun began to set, Jack spotted them first as the pack appeared trotting over a low ridge, too many to count. More than he could have dared to dream or hope. A thousand at least. Snow Dancer was at their front.
“Stay put everyone,” he ordered, and began to ride out toward them. Anna followed him of course.
“Greetings, Great Lion. Fire Mane,” Snow Dancer said as Jack slipped from Eaudreuil’s saddle, then helped his wife dismount Iraesh.
“Snow Dancer,” Jack bowed, “I am overjoyed to meet your pack.”
“Your pack,” Winter corrected. “Come, meet your pack mates, Great Lion.”
As thousands of Doridanian soldiers watched in wonder and fear. Jack and Anna walked hand in hand into the midst of the largest pack to assemble in one place since the Second War of the Stones. Jack and Anna held their hands out to allow the wolves nearest to get their scent. As the pair passed by, the wolf pack, the longtime beasts of children’s nightmares and adversaries so formidable even the Ailfar did not face them without caution, knelt in supplication to Great Lion, bearer of Bright Flame, Wolf-brother to Long Tooth Shadow Hunter and his son Snow Dancer, their pack leader. When Jack and Anna stood in their center, a thousand wolves rose as one and howled at the moon rising in the east.
As the chilling howl died, Snow Dancer cuffed and a pair of large wolfs approached, one black as onyx, with one white paw and piercing blues eyes padded to Jack’s side. The other was reddish brown, with yellow-gold eyes like newly minted coins went to stand beside Anna. “This is Cloud Shadow, Great Lion,” Snow Dancer said. “He will stay by your side until Red Slayer is no more. And this is Little Star, his mate. She will be wolf-sister to Fire Mine until the last long night dawns without fear and she can bear Young Lion in safety.”
“Why are you named Little Star?” Anna asked, kneeling to let the red wolf sniff her palm when Jack told her the tasks the pair had been given.
“She was born at sun’s rising three winter’s ago,” Snow Dancer explained. “When all of Great Maker’s lights had been chased from the sky, but one little star still fought against night’s end. She slew the beast-man war leader when we fought them in the mountains. No harm will come to Fire Mane while Little Star remains on this side of the Wolf Dream.”
“Tell Little Star I will be her wolf-sister on this side of the Wolf Dream and the next,” Anna said, hugging the red wolf. “She will have food and safety in the Pack of Great Lion, from this day until sun rises no more.”
“Tell her yourself, my love,” Jack smiled, kneeling beside his wife. “The blood of Arianna An’Mera flows in your veins and Siegebreaker answered your touch. Her Mindspeak is as strong as Eaudreuil’s. She will hear you.”
Anna took Little Star’s head in her hands and repeated the vow in her mind.
“No harm will come to you Fire Mane Wolf-sister,” Little Star beamed, so loudly that Jack flinched. “Or Young Lion. Long Tooth Shadow Hunter loved you as his own cub, though he never met you on this side of the Wolf Dream.”
“I heard her, Jack!” Anna laughed, hugging the red wolf tightly.
“I think anyone with a spark of Mindspeak heard her,” Jack said, smiled as he rubbed his temples. “No need to shout Shadow. I will be your wolf-brother.”
“I will fight beside you against Red Slayer,” the midnight, black wolf cuffed. “Long Tooth was my pack leader since I was a pup. He taught me how to hunt, and how to walk the Wolf Dream. I will follow Great Lion into the Shadows beneath the earthe if he asks.”
“I pray Long Tooth will be the last of your kind that ever needs to do that,” Jack replied. “Anna, shall we take our new wolf-brother and sister to meet the rest of the pack? If you are finished hugging her, that is?”
“Would you like to meet Morning Flower, Star?” Anna asked, standing. “She was friend to Long Tooth as well.”
“I will be wolf-sister to Morning Flower,” Star replied. “We will walk the Wolf Dream and I will teach you both how to hunt.” Star and Anna began to walk back toward the column without waiting for Jack and Shadow.
“Snow…”
“I will lead the pack to the home of the Storm Fighters,” Snow replied. “There are no more beast-men in these lands. We will wait for you there, wolf-brother.”
“I will see you in soon Snow Dancer,” he promised. “Come Shadow. Have you had anything to eat?”
“Not in two settings of the sun, Great Lion,” the black wolf sighed. “We do not eat beast-men.”
“We’ll take care of that right away then,” Jack grinned. “Wait up Anna!”
That night, and every night after, Cloud Shadow and Little Star slept outside Jack and Anna’s small tent and shared their food. The integration of the two wolves was awkward at first, men and wolf had lived as enemies for as long as anyone could remember, even the Ailfar. By the time the column reached the base of Mount Aernin however, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to see Little Star padding alongside Iraesh and Annawyn. Seeing how the red wolf diligently watched over their beloved queen soon won over the Doridanians, and two infantry companies in the 8th Highland even adopted a Red Wolf banner as their new heraldry. The heated debate over which company claimed the banner first almost brought the men to blows. A true fight was only averted when their Regimental commander declared the 8th would henceforth be known as the Highland Red Wolves. The next morning when the men of the 8th started the march, their wolf howl could be heard for miles and was dutifully answered by Little Star at Anna’s side in the center of the column.
“I don’t suppose you would consider changing our heraldry to the Black Wolves of Thonbor?” Jack asked Kirk Vanar when he saw the Lion’s captain start at her howl.
“That does sound fearsome, my Lord,” Kirk admitted, “But I think we’ll just stay as we are.” Because of Snow Dancer, Kirk had lost his hatred of all wolf kind for their killing of Anghol, but he was still a little uneasy around Shadow. The black wolf was a monster compared to his still young pack leader.
“He’s no different than a big ol’ dog,” Jack said, patting Kirk’s arm.
“I heard that Great Lion,” Shadow growled softly.
“I meant no disrespect, Shadow,” Jack apologized quickly. “Kirk just needs to get to know you better.”
“Perhaps I should sleep outside his tent tonight?” Shadow replied. “Or bring him a rabbit for supper?”
Jack laughed and replayed the wolf’s offer.
“Thank you but no, Master Shadow,” Kirk replied. The way wolf looked at anyone who approached Jack could send shivers down the spine of the stoutest warrior. “Keep on watching over my Lord Lion and we’ll be friends enough.”
“Very well, Master Lion.” Shadow cuffed, with a hint of humor.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Gathering Storm
On the evening of the twenty first day since leaving behind the white walls of Dorshev, the forces of Doridan, Amorhad and Caladin reached the foothills surrounding the ruins of Tanaevar. In three weeks, they had marched over five hundred miles, averaging almost twenty-five miles a day. It was a feat none could have thought possible of even the hardiest of foot soldiers, yet they reached the Hills of Amar fresher than the day they had departed. As they neared the ruins where Jack had summoned the Galekindar out of the storm, where Tarsus had been captured by Graith’s sorcerer and set him fully on the path to claiming Yhswyndyr, word arrived a company of Ailfar was riding out to meet them.
Jack and Anna, with High Lord Perigaen, Morgan, the Ailfar and the Kings of Amorhad and Caladin, rode to the head of the column to greet them, surrounded by the Golden Lions, the High King’s Hammer, and Anna’s Horsemaidens. It had crossed Jack’s mind several times sinc
e their march began that the three forces should just combine their strength into one. As soon as he thought of a fitting name for them, he would propose it to their commanders.
Shadow and Star followed them of course. Although their new pack had accepted them over the last week, the wolf’s alliance with Tree Shadows was still a work in progress. Despite the easy friendship they had developed with Morning Flower and Arrinor Golden Wolf, Jack and Anna’s four legged guardians were watchful as the Ailfar company approached. The company was in fact, one hundred Ailfar led by one of the twins. Whether A’randrial or Cilandrion, Jack could not tell.
“High King,” the Ailfar prince smiled in greeting. “Welcome to Tanaevar. You are sooner than expected.”
“It looks farther on the maps,” Jack answered with a smile of his own. It had been months since he’d seen the twins. “Greetings cousin…”
“It’s A’randrial, Jack,” Ailicia informed him helpfully. “Cil is much less handsome.”
A’randrial’s smiled broadened. “Greetings Ti'lithuvial. Arri. Lady Ara’fael. Rhor’dal Bra’hel. I rode with your grandfather Rhin’dor at the Battle of Bruins Gap.”
“That was the last real fight we had with the grim’Hiru,” the King replied, with a wistful sigh. “The bravery you displayed when you slew their King, Groyha Black Eye is still remembered by all in Caladin, Prince A’randrial. Eternal blessing on the House of An’Mera.”
The Ailfar prince bowed his thanks then finished, greeting everyone. “High Lord. Duke Morgan. Come. At this hour there will food prepared at the pavilion of the Dragonslayer.”
“Theros is here?” asked Jack.
“Brydium’s forces arrived last evening,” A’randrial replied. “Captain du’Gail rode south this morning with a company Dragon Guard to greet Prince Thonicil and Tarsus Aernin. They should be here within the hour.”
“That is welcome news indeed,” Jack sighed, relieved his friends were so close to arriving safely in Tanaevar.
“Tell Cloud Shadow and Little Star they are welcome in the tents of the Dragonslayer as well,” the Ailfar prince announced. “Snow Dancer awaits them. Maelani Inithain is a Mindspeaker. She has been acting as our intermediary since the pack arrived.”
“Splendid,” Braedan smiled. “Let’s all go and have a bit of supper, shall we?”
As Jack and the rest drew nearer Tanaevar, they began to encounter sentry outposts manned by Ailfar archers and silver and black clad soldiers of Brydium. The Ailfar called out happy greetings to Princess Ailicia and Prince Arrinor, and bowed respectfully to Lady Ara’fael. The men of Brydium saluted their new High King and former Duke of Thonbor in the manner of Dragon Guardsmen, fist over heart. A few of the younger soldiers greeted Jack with shouts, but their stern sergeants, ever the professionals, quelled them quickly. They were on sentry duty after all, not at some parade.
As they rode on, Jack saw for the first time the force encamped around Tanaevar. Thousands upon thousands of orderly tents lined the hills, their company banners marking each unit. Amazingly, Jack recognized the heraldry of Kirk and his Lions old unit, Stone Company, 71st Regiment. He wondered briefly if Paeter Gisborne was still their commander. Would it be beneath the High King to go have a chat with him if the opportunity presented itself? Just to tell him how his former sergeant was doing of course.
“Impressive,” Kirk remarked, surveying the encampment. “Maybe I should go say hello to Gisborne? We are peers now after all.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Jack grinned. “Though not for the same reason perhaps.”
“Maybe later,” Kirk shrugged.
“Maybe,” Jack laughed. It was good to finally be here.
The Dragonslayer’s pavilion was at the center of the encampment, to the right of the stone archway that marked the entrance to King Tars Aernin’s long destroyed palace. It was a great, black and silver silk tent at least one hundred feet squared, marked by the Dragon banner of the House of Th’nar. To the left of the archway was another pavilion of the same size but brown and green. It was King Cilidon’s obviously. Jack would have marked it as such even without Ail’itharain’s Ahvendalia Tree banner flying proudly above it. Behind the stone arch stood a third pavilion, just large as the other two but less regal. It was made completely of tanned leather. Above it flew the Lighting banner of the King of Amar. Jack had promised Queen Mirique he would restore Amar’s glory for Maerinna one day. He would have to start with Tarsus’ tent it seemed.
But first, supper.
Jack dismounted and waited for his wife, then hand in hand they entered the pavilion of the Dragonslayer. Theros, Cilidon, and Tereil Annen were inside. Together with Field Marshal Tolkaen and General Meridion, the five stood gathered at a larger conference table studying over a map. “I was promised supper,” Jack said. “Only to find everyone moving toy soldiers around on a game board. Please no,” he sighed as they all hastily bowed. “I’ve had just about enough of that, especially from my friends. It is so good to see you all again.”
“And you nephew,” Cilidon smiled, stepping forward to embrace him. “You have been busy since we last saw you in Dorshev.”
“No busier than everyone else it seems,” Jack replied, embracing the Ailfar king and his kin. “That quite a company outside.”
“Forty thousand men march under the Dragon Banner,” Field Marshal Tolkaen informed him. “General Meridion brought almost half as many Ailfar.”
“Do not forget nearly five thousand Amarians,” Tereil added. “And the Galekindar.”
“None here would dare overlook our fierce hosts,” Theros assured him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Or the Sons of Storm.”
“We’ve brought you thirty-five thousand more men and horse to push around your board,” Jack said. “Gentlemen, may I present, Queen Annawyn of Doridan, Bearer of the Highsword Siege-breaker. I see you Snow Dancer. I did not forget my wolf-brother. Has the Man Dragon and the Tree Shadow’s pack leader treated you well?”
“Well enough,” the wolf replied, not rising from where he lay in the corner of the tent. “Though the pack stays is two hills away. I do not think they trust us yet.”
“That will change,” he promised.
“Show us the sword, Annawyn, daughter of Ellgenn,” Theros said. Apparently he had sensed the re-birth of her Highsword through Dragonslayer.
Anna drew Siegebreaker and held it out for the other Highsword bearers to see. When she drew it, the blade glowed a soft blue. Jack could feel Yhswyndyr call out it in answer. He could feel Dragonslayer and Grimblade as well. How could Graith hope to stand against so much power? They had defeated him before. This time Jack meant for it to be finished, once and for all.
“That changes things,” Field Marshal Tolkaen smiled, looking back at the map.
“Don’t go pushing the pieces around again just yet, sir,” Jack grinned. “Morgan and King Rhor’dal and King Haerold might want to play too. But can we eat first? I’m as hungry as a starving wolf.”
The rest of the leadership accompanying Jack from Dorshev soon entered to join them. High Lord Perigaen, seeing the map laid out on the conference table, quickly waved off greetings and went to study the proposed array of forces. It soon became a working meal with the High Lord of the Staff-clave and all the Kings of the Whesguard save Tarsus under the same tent. Not one word was mentioned about the Lords Perigaen had hidden in their courts. That would come later, perhaps. Jack accepted a plate from some captain, an attaché of Field Marshal Tolkaen perhaps, and sat back to listen to the greatest military minds of the Whesguard while he ate. Shadow had followed him in and taken up a position at his feet. Jack began cutting up the venison and shared half of it with his midnight black guardian.
“Now I am really hungry, Great Lion,” the wolf complained when the last of the supper was gone. “You will be safe enough with all these two legs around you. May I…”
“You and Little Star can go out and hunt,” Jack replied. “Do no not wander off too far. And don’t ge
t into trouble. I don’t know where I will be staying tonight…”
“We will find you,” Shadow assured him.
“That’s a fearsome pet you have acquired, High King,” Theros remarked, looking up from the map to watch Shadow and Star leave in search of more food. “I thought Snow Dancer was large but, that beast…I am relieved it is on our side is all I am saying.”
“I am glad you waited until he left before you called him my pet,” Jack said, setting his empty plate aside and joining them at the table. “He’s not as timid as Snow…”
“I am not timid,” Snow Dancer cuffed from the corner of the tent.
“Wrong choice of words, Snow. Sorry,” Jack apologized. “Refined?”
“I do not know what it means, but it sounds better at least,” Snow Dancer replied.
“Now, gentlemen,” Jack said, turning his attention back to the map. “First things first. No more of this High Kings or My Lords. Not in here at least. Not among my friends. Understood? I received enough of it in Dorshev to last a lifetime. Not that it wasn’t appreciated, my love.” He added quickly.
“Nicely done,” Morgan nodded.
“So, what I overheard while eating,” Jack continued. “Is we are going to take this army of one hundred thousand men and march into the Bergaweld and just what…move towards Gorthiel until Graith decides to face us? I know it was the plan I gave you, but I made it long ago. Has no one thought of anything better while I’ve been away?”
“Marching on him with three…four Highswords now, and over one hundred thousand men,” Tolkaen replied. “He will be forced to come out and face us. If he chooses not to, Siegebreaker could knock down his gates easily enough. Possibly the Iron Tower itself. No one really knows how powerful it is. It was lost early the first time. Just how powerful is your remade sword Queen Annawyn?”
