The days following Erlan's guidance blended together. Ever since Onvyr and Cailu attacked Erlan, a rift between the three scouts swallowed decades of comradery. Onvyr permeated resentment towards Alea for assumed betrayal and disgust at the weak spine of Cailu after he folded to Elwin’s demands and apologized.
When they were a day out from reaching the nomadic tribe, Elwin ordered Onvyr to head out and hunt. He must have realized something was amiss by the glare as he passed by.
Elwin connected the two scouts and motioned them to sit.
Out of respect for both of you, I’m giving you two options. Will you do it, or shall I?
Cailu stared at Elwin in shock, unable to come up with a coherent reply. He looked to Alea for guidance, only to find tears flowing down her cheeks. She squeezed her friend's shoulder and let out a breath.
“Will you honor us by gifting him a swift end?"
So it shall be.
Before he was out of earshot, Elwin could hear the two talking.
“what do you mean, Alea? How could you be alright with this? He is our friend and brother at arms. I agree he hasn’t been the same since our fight, but does that justify killing him?”
The sting of a slap echoed in the silence, punctuating Elea's next words.
“Elwin clarified that darkness feeds off anger, hate, and resentment. If Onvyr didn’t turn on us now, that abomination would turn him into one of his minions. How many more would have to die because we couldn’t do what had to be done?”
Settling into his animalistic nature, Elwin drew in his presence, becoming one with the land. In their haste to leave, Onvyr’s tracks were clear enough even a day-old pup could follow them.
The scout stood there seething with rage and mumbling nonsense. Several arrows snapped in half by his feet. Elwin centered his mind and dashed forward, slicing into the back of Onvyr’s calves, eliciting a howl of rage-filled pain. Leaping back, Elwin rammed his head into the wound, causing the scout to crumble backward onto his back.
Thank you for your service, but I must remove any liability.
“No!”
Elwin jumped into the air and slammed down full force, silencing Onvyr with an empowered paw through the neck, decapitating them. Bowing his head in respect, Elwin prayed for peace in death before returning.
He found Erlan awake, comforting the two remaining scouts.
“I can’t understand what Elwin has experienced. All we can do is trust his judgment.”
My childhood friend was out on patrol training some new scouts when a shadow beast attacked them. I did my best to protect them, only saving her because she trusted me enough to follow. A wolf who couldn’t even communicate yet. One of those we thought dead came back as a minion killing part of my pack.
When the three of them found him, fur covered in blood, he continued.
Please continue to put your trust in me and I will do all I can to keep you safe.
Letting go of the two scouts, Erlan looked to Alea and asked, “Can you get everything packed up so we can head out? We should make it to my tribe before the sun disappears.”
Still fixated on the blood-soaked fur, she mumbled, “Sure.”
He met Erlan halfway and looked up, titling his head in question.
“May I help you clean the blood off? You must have noticed how uncomfortable they were knowing whose blood that is.”
That will be fine. It has been so long since I cared to notice how my appearance might affect others.
…
Half the day had gone by in relative silence, Erlan leading the way with the two scouts keeping an eye out on either side. They left Elwin alone except for a few inquiries regarding potential threats only he could sense out.
Erlan held out a hand, halting their progression. Several protectors from his tribe were closing the distance towards them. He opened his mouth to explain, then shut it, deciding it wasn’t worth it.
“Just a reminder, Yalanue Daethyra is our leader. Three advisors help keep the tribe going. We only need her vote, but without the other's support, it will be difficult.”
Six nomads, blades, and bows drawn arrived and surrounded the group. Erlan looked to Shalendra, who he knew led this group, bowed, and said, “I have returned.”
She scanned the newcomers with half interest, noticing the wolf sitting by Erlan’s feet with curiosity.
“Who are they, and where is your brother? Where is Haldir?”
Motioning to his companions, he said, “This is Alea and Cailu. They have been keeping me safe.” He placed a gentle hand on Elwin’s head and said, “This is my new friend, Elwin. A loyal guardian.”
She must have understood his lack of reply to her last question. The twitch in her left eye told him how she felt. Recovering quickly, she pointed at Elwin and asked, “Is that going to be a problem?”
Wolf.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
One of her subordinates chimed in, “Are you trying to talk to an animal, ma’am?”
Shalendra spun around, met the elf’s gaze, and pointed back to camp. “Go back to camp and bring out Taredd. This whole mess stinks of trouble.”
Chided, the elf ran off back towards the camp. It wasn’t long before Taredd arrived, greeted Shalendra with a nod, and then turned his attention to Erlan. Pinching his nose in exasperation, he asked, “Why should I let you or your new friends go anywhere near our people? We still need an answer to where your brother is. Did he decide to abandon our people for that silly story?”
Shalendra and her party put their hands on their weapons when Erlan reached out a hand and told Elea, “Give it to me.” She complied silently, handing him the blade, sheath, and all, and stepped back next to Cailu. Sword in hand, Erlan thrust it into Taredd’s chest. Daring him to say more, the elf stepped back, clutching the blade.
“How did it happen?”
A tear escaped as Erlan said, “A young elf was being attacked by an elder who wasn’t all there in the head. The two of us were in the forest looking for clues when we heard her cry for help. Haldir died in the attempt. I avenged his death, at least.”
“So, I ask again, Erlan. Why should I let you or your new friends anywhere near our people?”
Decades of conditioning snapped Erlan out of his thoughts and to attention. “Sir, we not only found clues regarding the forest's history, but I also met and conversed with the forest god. The news they shared could have dire consequences for every elf alive. I brought them here to ask for aid and explain why it’s needed.”
The weight of responsibility pressed down on Taredd’s shoulders as he decided.
“Follow me. If your pet shows any signs of aggression, we will kill him. Am I understood?”
Wolf.
I would like to see him try.
Elea chuckled at Elwin’s response, causing Shalendra to focus on the elf, and asked, “What’s so funny?”
She smiled and said, "The threat amused Elwin, that's all."
Shalendra looked at Elwin, then back to the scout with an eyebrow raised. “Really? You can talk to wolves?”
Emboldened by his friend's actions, Cailu chimed in, “Erlan just admitted to talking to a god, and you think knowing what a wolf is saying is the odd one here?”
…
News of Erlan’s return had spread like wildfire. Gossip and rumors within the crowd reached a climax as Taredd led the group inside, surrounded by Shalendra and her hunters. Vasati and Sanev were off to the side, eager to reunite with their son.
Haldir’s sword in hand, Taredd handed them the blade and bowed. Overcome with loss, Vasati crumpled to the ground in tears. Sanev stood tall, hand resting on his Vasati’s head. Erlan presented himself to his father, resolute in his conviction. “He died protecting another, and the elf died by my hand with that blade.”
Guided back up with a steady hand, Sanev hugged Vasati and Erlan. The crowd let the family have their moment, attention returning to the two newcomers and the wolf. Before curiosity got the better of Shalendra, Taredd asked Erlan to rejoin his new friends and follow him to meet with Yalanue Daethyra and the other two advisors.
Everyone parted with a little nudging from the hunters, allowing them free passage to the leader's hut. They reached the center of the camp in less than a minute, where an older elf greeted them, flanked on either side by two other elves around Taredd's age.
“Welcome children of Unn Thalor. My name is Yalanue and besides me are Tishala and Yrathea. Now that you have met my three trusted advisors, could you please illuminate why you all are here?”
With a step forward, Erlan took a knee and bowed to Yalanue, right fist pressed to the open left palm, and said “You all know the stories of a war between two forces of immense power that were passed down from elves who claimed to be or knew of those who were part of the Shadow Breakers. Haldir convinced me to join him in his search to find any hint of the truth.”
He glanced behind his shoulder at Elwin, then looked up at Yalanue. “I have talked with the god of the forest. The darkness that threatened to claim this land has returned. War is coming and if we don't stop it, no one will escape the shadows. Unn Thalor has agreed to fight their enemy once more, but they can't do it alone. Will you give aid, or wait for the darkness to find you?”
“Aid? We aren’t fighters!”
“What of the children? You don’t expect me to agree to putting them in danger?”
“Let those who are capable deal with this if what you say is true. It has never been our way to concern ourselves with conflict.”
“We should leave. Why risk our young?”
Tired of their squabbling, Elwin looked at Yalanue and connected his mind to hers.
May I speak?
Surprised, the older elf looked around, confused, until she met his gaze, and he bobbed his head up and down in confirmation.
Yes. You may speak in your head; I shall hear you.
“Who are you, truly?”
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
My name is Elwin. Champion of Silvertree. Hero of the second Dark war.
“What hope do we have against a foe so powerful?”
It’s not a matter of if you can. It’s the consequence of choosing to do nothing and I die trying to stop it a second time.
The leader of the Xilyra tribe clapped her hands, silencing her advisors.
“Tishala, calm down. No one is asking the children to put themselves in danger. You have done a wonderful job caring for our young. If what they say is true and this new war reaches us. Who will protect them if we fall?”
She turned to the other elf and said, “Yrathea, you know our people better than anyone here. I trust your judgment, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. Fighting is only one aspect.
If you are willing, I will show you a glimpse of the past so there are no illusions about the threat that we may face.
“You may.”
Elwin sat up, causing Taredd and Shalendra to arm themselves, ready to strike the wolf down. Revealing himself to everyone else, Elwin connected to everyone in the hut and put a little pressure on the two threats, forcing them to lower their weapons.
There is no need to threaten me. My name is Elwin, Champion of Silvertree. I only seek your aid. Nothing more.
He walked up to Yalanue and sat down.
Touch your head to mine.
Sitting down, legs crossed, Yalanue cupped Elwin’s head and placed her forehead to his.
A landscape opened in Yalanue’s mind. Perpetual gloom covered the entire valley, giving it the feeling of being swallowed by death. She felt Elwin shiver from the dark god’s power washing over him, only to be counteracted by the warmth from the necklace he wore.
She watched him charge into a horde of animals and walking corpses controlled by the darkness. Partway into the charge, the ground erupted in a cloud of debris as skeletons clawed their way out, flesh re-knitting over bones.
Startled by what she saw, Yalanue pulled away, severing the connection. Eyes wide with fear and dread, she knew her people couldn’t face this alone. A decision had to be made.
Standing up, she returned to her spot and addressed her fellow nomads.
“I have seen the truth of his words. We can’t fight this on our own, but we can support those that do. This I decree. We shall travel to Unn Thalor and aid in this fight however we can, even if it is not on the front lines.”
…
After the sun had vanished, Yrathea had prepared a memorial. Erlan stood by his parents before Haldir’s sword, which was thrust into the ground. Anyone who wanted to pay their respects left a flower on the ground. It would be the surviving family members' job to take the flowers and weave them together.
After everyone had left their offering, Erlan took this opportunity to share Haldir’s last battle and his last moments before Silvertree. By now, everyone knew Elwin wasn’t a normal wolf, but not to what extent. Elwin had one last task to achieve before leaving the next day. They were down a party member.
The crowd had dispersed, leaving Erlan and his parents talking to Yrathea. Elwin brought Alea and Cailu with him and met with Taredd.
Greetings. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner, but it wasn’t my place to speak. Erlan deserved the chance to talk to his people.
Hand scratching his chin, Taredd shrugged. “What can I do for you, Elwin?”
One of our members did not survive the trek here, and I was hoping to ask if one of your hunters would like to join us on our mission to seek aid. I do not doubt Erlan’s capabilities, but we could use another local who could help us find allies.
Intrigue at the request turned into a hearty laugh. “I have just the hunter for you.” He looked over at Shalendra and said, “Go fetch Caeda.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Elwin let his mind wander until a young elf ran up to Taredd. “You called for me, Father?”
He pointed at Elwin and said, “They need another nomad to help them navigate and you're going to join them.”
“I'm what? They what? You what?” Flustered, Caeda looked back and forth between her father and Elwin, confused.
“You are one of our best hunters and have been begging me to let you go out on more patrols. If I recall, you asked to join Haldir and his brother when they requested to venture into that forest.”
The pain at the mention of Haldir gave Elwin the impression she had other reasons for wanting to join the brothers. He made a connection just with Caeda and asked a question.
Laugh if you are comfortable joining Erlan and me on this mission and scratch your head if you would rather stay behind with your people.
She froze at the mental communication, then narrowed her eyebrows in concentration. Caeda scratched her head and told her father, “I rather stay with you all.”
Elwin cut off Taredd’s reply with a loud huff.
She made her choice. Are there any others who would be qualified and willing?
“Let me do it.”
Taredd whipped his head around to Shalendra in confusion. “You? But I need you and your squad to help keep our camp safe. Who would do it if not you?”
“You said it yourself. Caeda is one of the best hunters we have. Let her do it.” Shalendra crossed her arms, daring Taredd to disagree.
“Yes! I can do it. Let me do this, Father.”
Sigh. “So be it. Please leave. I have much to discuss.”
Of course. Stay strong, for the days to come will challenge us all.
...
The trek over the mountain had strained Penelo’s lack of endurance. Between Vanima and the three scouts, they dispatched any predators they came across. The shock of having to kill for the first time had waned over the few days it took to traverse the mountain pass. Vanima hadn’t ventured this far west since she had been an elf herself. She could recall vague landmarks but didn’t trust her memory.
A forest had blossomed against the mountain, with trees standing proud and tall. Since they were using a well-trod path, it didn’t take them long to enter the forest proper. Soft footsteps alerted Vanima in time for her to alter her party.
Stand guard, we aren’t alone.
An arrow sped towards Vanima only to be deflected by Ievis’s sword. Saida reacted by knocking an arrow and firing back, hearing a cry of pain in response. Penelo refocused after the initial clash and said, “Please stop fighting. We only seek to find other tribes in peace.”
A rough voice hidden behind a tree said, “You put an arrow into Galan’s shoulder. How is that peaceful?”
“They tried to kill my best friend. It’s hardly our fault for defending ourselves.”
Another hunter pulled back an arrow and fired at Penelo. Fariane tackled her, the arrow grazing the scout's back. Vanima enhanced her legs and dashed towards the elf, slamming into them hard enough to knock the wind out of them as they tumbled into the air, crashing hard against a tree, and falling unconscious on the ground.
Tired of this farce, Vanima made her voice known to every hunter nearby and shouted.
Attack us again and I will kill you all. War will soon ravage this land and only a united force will survive the storm to come. Will you help us or get in our way?
The same voice from before said, “I don’t know how you're talking in our head, but it’s clear who holds the power here. We shall guide you to our camp and let others decide what to make of you.”
Good. Now collect your unconscious brethren and tend to your wounded. We must be off.
“Of course, right away. You heard, well whoever they are, get moving.”
True to their word, the hunters guided Vanima and her party to their encampment. It looked well lived in, yet capable of being torn down and moved in short order if needed. On the way, Qildor, as he introduced himself, explained that they did not have a traditional tribe. Rather, three different groups had joined forces for mutual benefit while retaining independence.
“Our group comprises scouts and hunters who left various tribes and met each other along the way. The other two have survivors of a nomad attack that nearly wiped out their entire home and a group of merchants that travel across the land but come back to us to rest and share what they have found.”
The runner Qildor sent ahead of them returned with an older elf with a scar across their face from the left eyebrow down over the bridge of the nose, ending across the cheek. His body posture oozed confidence and years of battle-hardened grit.
“You can call me Pharom. The others prefer to listen to my advice, so I do what’s best for them. I heard my hunters attacked your group and learned the hard way why that was a bad idea. Thank you for not killing them. They may not be the brightest, but strength is universal.”
He pointed at the injured and they moved on without complaint. “So, what brings you all to this side of the mountain and why do you have a pet wolf?”
I am no pet. You may call me Vanima, mister Pharom.
“Oh, I apologize. Just Pharom is fine.”
Pharom, please listen to Penelo standing next to me. She is the daughter of a great warrior from Unn Thalor. She is still wet behind the ears but she excels in her tenacity.
Vanima looked up at Penelo and nudged her leg expectingly.
With a bow, Penelo met Pharom’s eyes and said, “A very long time ago, there was a war fought between two forces of imaginable power. They sought the help of beasts and elves alike to fight for them. The last war ended before the gates of Unn Thalor. My home. The evil that tried to corrupt our home lost, but they have returned and will bring death to all they come across. Vanima is the mate of the champion who became the hero of that war, and the two of them need help to build a force that can push back the tide.”
The rugged veteran elf stepped up to Vanima and Penelo and took a knee. “I can’t speak for the others, but I can vouch for the other fighters when I say count us in.”
We would appreciate meeting the others.
“Of course. Follow me.”
Pharom put his fingers to his lips and whistled. Two hunters appeared; heads bowed. “Listen up, there is an unknown threat, and we do not know where it is.” He paused and glanced at Vanima. “Do you know where it is?”
No, but I wouldn't be surprised if the darkness dispatched forces to attack.
Attention back to the two elves, he said, “Since we don’t know where this threat is, we need to widen our search perimeter. I will try to convince the others that it will be safer on the other side of the mountain.”
“At once, sir.”
Everyone parted ways for Pharom, with Vanima and her group trailing behind. The stark differences between the combat-oriented group and the survivors became more apparent as they traversed the camp. You could see it in their eyes. The desire to escape the memories that would never leave them. One group fought back against their demons while the others wanted nothing more than to find peace.
A semblance of the life they had before death ripped it away, and they were here to ruin that fantasy. Better to do that now while there is still time to give them a chance at surviving this. Pharom took them to an open area full of tables and cooking pots. A communal area to eat.
“Let me introduce Hagluin. They represent those who survived the Xilren tribe massacre.”
An elf with a missing arm below the elbow bowed their head in recognition. “Welcome. If you're hungry, my people would gladly serve you.”
Pharom turned to look at another elf with a unique outfit unlike the simple clothes most worn in the camp. They had a glint in their eyes that promised a scheme of some kind. "Say hello to Aithlin, a merchant of renown who convinced many to join forces after so many of their kind died on the road."
“If there is something you need, I’m sure I can find it for you.”
The hunter's representative sat next to Hagluin and Aithlin and folded his hands together quietly.
Penelo, you're up.
Startled, she jerked towards Vanima, then bounced her head in quick agreement, which confused everyone present who thought the wolf was just a pet.
“Thank you for listening to me. I explained it to Pharom, but I will do my best to convey why I am here. I come from the Wataki Soma tribe who live in Unn Thalor on the other side of the mountain to the East. At least ten generations ago, a fight between two powers beyond our understanding and their proxies took place. The dark faction lost, but not truly defeated. I have met Silvertree, the being who stood up against the darkness. They told me that the darkness stirred once more. I seek allies to face this. Together, we stand a chance. Scattered, only death awaits us.”
The three representatives leaned in and whispered back and forth. Pharom said something that perked Aithlin’s attention, which turned into a two-on-one debate. Hagluin sighed and spoke up.
“I will not ask those under my protection to subject themselves to another fight. That is why we agreed to support the other two groups for protection. I agree that joining forces may increase our chances of survival, but I ask you, this young elf. What proof can you bring to back up this claim of yours? Why should I trust you?”
Vanima concentrated a portion of her power into a single paw and stomped it into the ground, causing the tables to shake and cups to tip over.
My name is Vanima. I am no ordinary wolf, but an elf transformed. Blessed by Silvertree himself. I fought in the last dark war long ago with my mate, the champion and hero for Silvertree. Together, the two of us are the only living beings left alive who were there during the last war.
Giddy with excitement, Aithlin clapped their hands and offered Vanima a big smile. “I do not understand how you can talk in our head or this power you wield, but I know an opportunity when I see it. If this Silvertree is gathering everyone around to fight this darkness, you will need supplies and information. I excel in that regard. I agree.”
Pharom and Aithlin stared at Hagluin until they caved to the pressure. “I concede. We shall help however we can.”
Everyone shook hands to solidify the deal, then sat down for a hearty meal. Midway through the meal, Aithlin asked, “Would you humor me and answer a question, Vanima?”
She restricted her communication between the two of them and responded.
Go ahead.
“Excellent. As I mentioned before, I am good at gathering information. Would you care to share where you used to live before meeting your mate? The past fascinates me. Who knows, I might share what I have learned in return, if it's relevant.”
Before venturing over the mountain and answering the call to action by Silvertree during the last war, I left my home and the Fardi Olora tribe behind.
“So, you used to live in this area. Fascinating. I know about your former tribe. Though it isn’t a pleasant story.”
I had hopes but felt no attachment to them. Anyone I cared about is long dead.
“Understandable. I know little about the time when you lived as an elf, only how it all ended. I met a descendant of a survivor who told me about how his tribe had fallen to an attack. A similar experience to Hagluin’s former tribe. It must have occurred around two generations ago. I have met the residents who live there now, and I never would have guessed what transpired.”
Meanwhile, Penelo was having a conversation of her own with a hunter about her home and the forest beyond it. After she described the older elf who tried to kill her, the faces of many hunters turned to her.
“Miss, are you sure about that?”
“Of course. I stumbled into him and wanted to offer my help, only to be accused of stealing. I don’t believe he was right of mind, but very skilled with a blade all the same. Two nomads came to my rescue. Only one survived.”
The hunters nearby all looked at each other in understanding and sadness.
Confused, Penelo asked, “Why? Did you know them?”
Pharom overheard the conversation and replied, “Yes, we knew the elf. He was a friend and former commander of our forces when we first teamed up. One day, he left us and journeyed off on his own. The best we could guess is that he traveled over the mountain. It’s sad to know he’s gone.”
The hunters sat in silence for a fallen comrade, then drank to his memory. When the sun had vanished from the sky, everyone left to find sleep. Left to their own devices, the scouts helped Penelo set up their tents and rest. Vanima stood and watched just outside of the camp. Unease ruffling her fur.
We have little time left. I can feel the pressure of the darkness filling the air ever so slowly.
…
Somewhere off to the West, a small force of mutated shadow beasts raced across the land. Attracted by the light of a fire, they adjusted course and closed the distance. The dark aura paralyzed the travelers. The screams of the dying provided the only warning to those asleep before the tents, along with anyone inside, fell to the shadow beasts.
The darkness has returned.