In the early morning, Elwin ran out of the gates of Unn Thalor, his only parting message: She's here.

Sitting on the edge of the forest facing the mountains to the East, he watched the sun crest the horizon, bathing the landscape in light. On the path walked four weary travelers and one wolf he knew very well. Elwin let his mind envelop hers in a loving embrace that Vanima sank into drinking in his essence.

Welcome home, my mate.

Vanima broke away from the group, racing toward him full bore. I'm back!

She pounced on him, causing them to roll around, joyful barks and sloppy links being exchanged. To any outside observer, they would only see wild animals being wild, but to their friends walking up to join them, they knew better. This is what it looks like when two lovers who had spent several thousand years together reunited after being separated for the first time since the second Dark War.

Penelo had a different vibe to her, less bubbly, with a resolve engraved into her soul that could only be obtained by venturing out into the world and surviving what life tossed her way. The two missing fingers on her hand were a testament to the challenge she must have faced.

The scout Fariane didn’t fare any better. A makeshift patch wrapped around her right eye. A fresh scar ran down her face where a claw had raked it. Although her injury was severe, she walked with pride and confidence. A true veteran who deserved the respect she had garnered from her fellow scouts.

Ievis and Saida looked well off. Their smiles belayed the enjoyment of seeing Vanima so happy. Settled down, the two wolves turned toward the small group. Elwin bowed his head to them.

Thank you for walking the hard path with my mate.

To Penelo privately, he spoke. No matter the changes we face to our outward appearance, it is the personal growth from within that counts when our backs are against the wall.

Squeezing her injured hand into a fist, Penelo placed it against her chest with a smile.

Attention focused on Fariane after conferring with Silvertree, he surprised her with a question.

Would you except Silvertree’s blessing and regain the sight taken from you as our eternal thanks for your service and dedication to our cause?

The scout's stoic demeanor crumbled along with her knees as she fell to the ground. Tears flowed down her one good eye. Ievis and Saida reacted, both placing a hand on her shoulders with concern.

Body trembling with emotion, Fariane felt Vanima push into her chest, and she hugged the wolf. Rattled, Penelo looked to Elwin for answers. “What did you say to her?” Her eyes turned to Vanima, and she fell silent.

What say you?

Unable to speak, she projects her response through the mental connection. What is the cost?

In a familiar flash of light to those who had witnessed it before, Silvertree appeared.

My champion once asked your tribe to bear the burden of being the guardians against the darkness. The Shadow Breakers. After being shunned and abandoned, they disbanded. Choosing to spread their knowledge far and wide in the hopes of preserving the truth.

Howl!

Will you pick up this mantle as your forebears did before?

Fariane met Elwin and Silvertree’s piercing gaze with conviction and said, “Yes.”

Elwin hopped on Vanima’s back and placed a paw on the scout's scarred cheek, allowing his god's power to flow through him.

With this blessing, you shall see through any darkness. Shadows will never keep you away from the truth they seek to hide. Whenever those with ill intent try to deceive you, your eye shall see them for who they truly are.

Elwin's paw glowed brightly, forcing the others to shield their eyes. Elwin stepped back next to Silvertree when the light faded. Hugging Vanima one last time, Fariane stood up on shaky legs and removed the cloth covering her right eye. Where an empty socket had been, Fariane now had a solid white orb that pulsed with magical energy, which only those sensitive to such phenomena could notice.

Deed done, Silvertree vanished back into the forest, satisfied with the rekindling of the Shadow Breakers. Vanima returned to Elwin’s side, tail wrapping around his in a loving embrace.

The bubbly elf from before resurfaced as Penelo crashed into Fariane, hugging her friend and protector while mumbling incoherently. Fariane comforted the elf, whispering something that calmed Penelo. Inspired, Fariane asked, “What about Penelo?”

Before either wolf could respond, Penelo shook her head. “No. It’s a badge of honor that I will carry with me forever. I can learn how to adapt.”

Let us return home. We can exchange stories on the way back.

Vanima relayed the ambush she set up and the six shadow creatures they slew with an emphasis on its leader, who oozed an aura of darkness. Elwin shared the attack on Unn Thalor and the forest by the group of shadow beasts and a new creation with bone swords for arms that killed many defenders before Abarat sacrificed himself to drag it off the wall.

“Wait, what? Is my father alive? Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

Calm little one. They pulled your father from the fight when they faced the deadly threat. He has taken on his former role again until a replacement can be promoted once more.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

He returned to his retelling, sharing the outcome and his victory despite the new elf appearing at the end to rescue the decapitated monster he defeated yet still ran away. They discussed the various levels of success in gaining support for the war until the gate to Unn Thalor opened for them.

Penelo crashed into her father’s open arms, embracing him. Her mother stood nearby, receiving her hug. Her parents fussed over the two missing fingers, but she brushed them away with the same resolve she showed earlier. Zeno nodded to the scouts, studying Fariane’s pure white eye and the scar across her face for a moment.

Released from duty, the three scouts bowed and entered to a joyous cheer from everyone nearby. Sulking in the shadows nearby stood Erlan. He focused on Penelo. Feeling mischievous, Elwin slipped into Penelo's mental space long enough to point him out.

Her gaze zeroed in on the elf, and she growled, pointing at her feet. “My man doesn’t hide in the shadows. Get over here now, mister.”

Zeno sputtered out an incoherent response while Nuala smiled with pride for her daughter. Not wanting to anger the fierce, newly bloodied veteran in the making, Erlan raced over, lifting Penelo in the air and spinning her around. Giggling in excitement, she clung to him. The kiss they shared caused her father’s jaw to drop so hard it could have snapped a piece of wood in half.

Hands intertwined, she glared at her father and winked at her mother. Without another word, she dragged Erlan off. Zeno attempted to make a move, but Nuala slapped him for his effort. “No, you don’t, mister. She is old enough to make her own decisions.”

“But she is just a kid!”

Scowling at her husband, Nuala said, “She already survived an encounter with those shadow beasts. Many of us could die in this war. She deserves to be happy.”

Defeated, he breathed out a sigh.

…

Qamara stood next to Morthil in the council chambers when Zeno entered with his wife and the two wolves following. She made eye contact with them and bowed ever so slightly.

Greetings to you too, Qamara.

I agree, Elwin. It is good to see you well. My mate informed me of the recent attack.

A sad knowing smile crossed her face, only to focus on the others walking in. Fariane arrived without the rest of her group, which was quickly overlooked when Qamara gazed into the solid white orb in her right eye.

“You must have a tale to tell to go along with that new eye of yours, veteran scout, Fariane.”

Amused, Fariane replied, “I can see more now than ever before. The darkness shall not hinder me any longer.”

Alea joined the session with her new best friend, Shalendra, the nomad that replaced the scout Elwin killed before they could betray them. Qamara felt heartbroken when she talked with the scouts' relatives. Elwin did what he could to help, but losing a loved one is never easy.

After everyone had settled down and Zeno joined her at the front, she looked over the room and said, “Thank you all for joining us for an important council meeting. The last of two groups we set out to find allies has returned. The attack on our home showed us a glimpse of the threat we face in the darkness.”

As if they had rehearsed this prior, Morthil continued, “All doubt as to if we should face this enemy has vanished. The choice we must make is where this battlefield will take place. The enemy knows where we live, but can we say the same?”

Pardon me, council, but I have news.

Morthil acknowledged Elwin and remained silent.

Silvertree asked one of his wolves guarding the forest to follow the enemy as they retreated. When they return, we shall know where to strike. That is what I propose. We take the fight to them.

Conflicted over the implications, Qamara gave voice to her concerns. “I appreciate wanting to distance those who are unfit to fight from the front lines, but the burden we would place on ourselves to keep everyone fed and supplied would be high.”

Vanima took a step forward. I may have a solution to this dilemma. One of our new allies, a group of well-traveled merchants who know the area where we would be venturing. Let us use them as our guardians who keep our people cared for.

Zeno gathered everyone's attention by clapping his hands and said, "It appears we must wait for our new allies before more can be discussed." We should adjourn for now.” Morthil and Qamara both consented, ending the meeting with no further discussion.

...

Elwin could wait no longer. If anyone else made it, they would need to catch up.

Penelo, let your father know we need to assemble every leader.

“Of course.”

She kissed Erlan on the cheek and ran off, leaving the elf in an awkward position. Alea and Shalendra stood there chuckling in the background, which only caused Erlan’s cheeks to brighten further. Vanima brushed up against the flustered elf, easing his tension.

She loves you. Nothing to feel embarrassed about. You should enjoy the time you have.

Twiddling his thumbs, he mumbled, “I know. I’m just not used to the attention. Haldir was always in the spotlight while I stood in the background.”

Nuala appeared around the corner and waved them down. “It’s time. We should hurry before their egos get the better of them.”

The council room could not accommodate everyone's demands, so they pushed several tables outside so that everyone could sit together. At one end sat Qamara, the chosen representative for the Wataki Soma Tribe. Yalanue Daethyra from the Xilyra Tribe sat next to her chatting amicably.

Elwin and Vanima sat near Qamara listening to the group of leaders. The table went silent when Qamara stood up and said, “Thank you all for agreeing to aid us in this endeavor. Our time has ended, and we can wait no longer for others to reach us. Let us begin by introducing ourselves. I am Qamara, one of three council members that rule over the Wataki Soma Tribe.”

Yalanue stood up and said, “My name is Yalanue Daethyra, leader of the Xilyra Tribe.”

The rest of the tribal leaders took turns standing up and introducing themselves.

“Katar and Cargwyn Valran, leaders of the Shuvo Tribe.”

“Darunia Arctic of the Kuma Tribe.”

“Rania Perkas from the Libryen Tribe.”

“Flaryn Glilvaris, leader of the Erfina Tribe.”

“You can call me Qildor. I lead the hunter faction in the Haus Tribe.”

“Dain Liastra, it is a pleasure to meet you all. I lead the Waejyre Tribe.”

“The Pahana tribe welcomes you all. I am Aienik Qipetor.”

“Dirra Femlee at your service. I lead the Pabanise Tribe.”

Discussions centered on who should take the lead in this joint effort against the darkness began turning into a chaotic jumble of shouts and arguments. When Flaryn Glilvaris of the Erfina Tribe stood up, clenching his fist in anger, Elwin had enough.

He leaped over Qamara onto the table and activated his power with increasing gravity, forcing Flaryn to sit down. He circled, growling at anyone who tried to argue.

As Silvertree’s champion and the most powerful warrior here with experience fighting the darkness, I will take charge. If you are strong enough to stand, you are more than welcome to challenge my rule.

Several tried to push against the gravity spell, pressing against them to no avail. The more they struggled, the stronger it became. When the last few gave up, he huffed and sat down.

I am sure many of you can agree that we have many friends and family who aren’t fit to fight and wish to stay safe. To ensure this, we must take the fight to the enemy. Vanima, my mate, tells me that Aithlin and his group of merchants who are familiar with the area will help. They will take charge of the supply line that keeps our fighters well-fed.

Conversations started up as different leaders pitched in different ideas. No one dared to argue while under Elwin’s watchful gaze. The time for war had arrived. Elwin met Vanima’s gaze and wrapped his aura around hers in a mental hug.

It will be alright, my love. Together, we can do this. We must.

You will not be alone. I shall join you when he enters the fray. Until then, I will remain in the background. I will avenge the loss of Ninquelótë, my mate.