Over the millennia, Unn Thalor had changed, but they had left part of the original settlement untouched. If the stories passed down were to be believed, the Shadow breakers protected the area. Elwin asked the council if he could walk around.

Qamara was happy to learn more historical knowledge, and Morthil’s fascination with anything related to the town caused him to follow. Zeno had his hands full working with Abarat to prepare for the looming conflict.

Elwin paused when he reached an old cottage with clear signs of renovations to keep it standing. A fence cornered off the area around the front where a bench sat beneath an apple tree. Someone had placed a wooden carving of an elf with her hand resting on a wolf's head under the tree.

Mother, I'm home.

Vanima rubbed up against him in comfort before addressing the others, since they heard him speak.

This cottage was his home and where his mother Elma lived. The carving is likely a memorial to Elwin and her. The Shadow Breakers would have done this.

In the shade provided by the apple tree, the elders stood close by, observing the two wolves resting in the grass. When he was ready, Elwin joined the two elders and visited the rest of the protected historical section. He did his best to share his recollections from his youth before they banished him and the few times he entered as a wolf during the fight.

…

While Elwin enjoyed the grass, Penelo was home, sitting across from an uncomfortable Erlan, fidgeting as they both waited for a snack from her mother, Nuala. She was sure he would rather run back to his tribe and convince them to escape, but she had to convince him otherwise.

Placing a tray down on the wooden table, Nuala tsk-sked at her daughter. “Leave the poor boy alone. He clearly wants nothing to do with this mess.”

In a clipped tone, Penelo looked up and said, “No. This isn’t a problem anyone can ignore. Be skeptical all you want, but I refuse.” She pointed at Erlan, causing him to flinch. “We need a nomad who has experience traveling these lands who can defend themselves to help us gather allies. Unless you have another elf hiding, please leave us be.”

Her mother shook her head and walked away, giving the boy a sympathetic smile on her way out. He opened his mouth to speak, but one glare from Penelo shut him up.

“Ignore my mother and eat. I know you haven’t been eating properly. I'm never going to forget how you and Haldir fought to keep me alive. This, however, doesn’t change our situation. The darkness will come and, if left unchecked, will devour everything in its path. You think you can run, but no one can escape the inevitable. The only chance we have is to find those who will carry the torch and expose our enemies.”

Erlan ate in silence. After he had set his plate down, he asked, “Why can’t I go back and bring back another more qualified than me?”

She leaned over the table and grasped his hands in hers. Eyes bored into his, Penelo opened the floodgate to her soul.

“Because I want you there by my side. I trust you.” Gripping his hands, she pleaded with her eyes. Tears flowed down her cheeks unabashedly. “I need you.”

Nuala yelled from another room, “It appears my daughter is smitten with you. You’re better off not resisting, it won’t end well for you. I would know. It’s how I snagged her father.”

Flustered, Penelo let go and shouted, “I don’t need your help!"

Erlan sat there dumbfounded, not sure how to process this new revelation. “She what? You what?”

Back to irritated, Penelo asked, “Must I spell it out for you?” Still in shock, he could do nothing when she reached over, grabbed him, and pulled the nomad in for a kiss on the cheek. “I like you, you adorable fool.”

Free from her grasp, he leaned back. A single thought reached his brain. “Well, that’s surprising.”

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The anger that reached her face traveled to his as a red handprint that whipped his head to the side. Before another thought could surface, Penelo was gone. The front door slammed behind her.

Nuala poked her head in and said, “Don’t just stand there like a fool. Go after her.”

He stood up and took a few steps towards the door. Confidence building with each step. “Yes, ma'am.”

...

The next day, the council met to discuss the next steps for Elwin in his search for more support among the other clans nearby. Without solid proof, no one would take them seriously without Elwin or Vanima around to prove it. That left them with only one viable option.

“Thank you all for coming here today. After much deliberation with those who are knowledgeable about the different tribes close to ours, we are ready to move forward.” Qamara sighed and continued, “The suggestion to split into two groups will be our best bet.” Looking over at Zeno with a sigh, “The issue we have is who will join Elwin and Vanima?”

“I won’t let her!”

“I don’t care what you want, father. I'm going. There isn’t another elf in our tribe more passionate about our past who is still young enough to travel. They need me, and protecting my home from the darkness is worth the risk.”

Woof.

The tension between the pair broke with a single noise from Elwin.

That’s enough. Settle down or I will make you.

The pressure he pushed down on them quieted the room.

This anger and grief will only fuel our enemies in the realist sense. They feed on negatively. Thrive off death. Emotions are powerful when infused with the power of the gods. Your concern for Penelo is justified. Yet, the truth of her words matches her desire.

“Dear. You can’t keep fighting our daughter like this. She will only grow to resent you if pushed. We both know how stubborn she can be.”

Nuala's words cut through Zeno's defenses, which caused him to cry. The family united for a hug, pausing the meeting for a moment.

Qamara took back control and said, “Erlan has agreed to be our guide to the East where his tribe wanders. Elwin will accompany him with three trained fighters to help keep everyone safe. Vanima used to live somewhere out west, so she will lead with Penelo and three more for protection. The rest of us will prepare to welcome those that agree to fight by our side.”

After going over the logistics, everyone said their goodbyes and left for home.

In the morning, they would depart.

…

Elves lined the streets as the group made their way towards the front gate. All three elders, accompanied by Abarat, lead the procession. The mood of the onlookers was a mix of curiosity, concern, and those who believed the two wolves were a bad omen that would bring disaster and thus had to be detained when they became violent.

Elwin howled, halting the group. He approached a fearful young elf who had thrown a rock at the wolf, resulting in them being forced to the ground. He made physical contact and spoke.

See for yourself the darkness I face to protect you.

Several images flooded the elf’s mind. Moments later, Elwin moved on, satisfied that they had grasped the danger lurking in the shadows.

Let them go. They have seen the truth.

After reaching the front gate, the council stood at the entrance, facing the two groups as they separated. Elwin sat with Erlan and a three-person squad handpicked by Captain Abarat. Vanima moved next to Penelo and the three scouts Fariane, Levis, and Saida. Combined, these ten would seek allies to send back here to face an unknown enemy.

Qamara raised her hand, silencing the crowd.

“Thousands of years ago, one of our ancestors chose her own selfish needs above all else, condemning one of her own to death simply because they could not take the time to understand the evil that lurked beyond the safety of their walls.”

She walked up. Placing a hand on Elwin’s head, and smiled and said, “Elwin's friends and family deserted him alone in the forest, where he suffered a mortal blow. Our people. The forest god's generosity allowed him to save us all as a wolf. If it wasn't for him, the darkness would have consumed and destroyed our home.”

Moving around to hype up the crowd, she continued, “He has returned to us once more with a plea to support him against the darkness. I asked you all to vote and many of you agreed we will not turn our back on our brethren. That this is a cause worth fighting for. We will not be complacent and wait for an undead army to siege our walls. We control our destiny and together we will secure our future.”

The crowd went wild, cheering the elder and vowing to push back the darkness. Elwin moved next to Qamara and spoke in everyone’s mind who was nearby.

I promise you all, Vanima and I will lead our groups out into the wild and bring back allies who can help you push back the darkness. You all expanded your borders, so the dead elves I fought before would be in the ground under your homes, but I doubt the darkness could bring them back to life a second time.

This revelation caused a few gasps, but Zeno raised his voice quickly. “Thank you for that interesting revelation, Elwin. As our ancient ancestor just said, we have nothing to worry about. Let us all offer our thanks as they depart so that we can then focus on what needs to be done to prepare for their return.”

The six scouts talked with Abarat one last time, while Zeno took his daughter to the side for one last tearful discussion. They made their way outside before separating once more. Elwin faced his mate, love and trust being shared with Vanima. They hadn't experienced a separation like this for over two millennia.

Penelo broke the silence, pointed at Erlan, and said, "Don't you dare die. You need to take responsibility for taking my heart.”