Elwin could tell the new elves that rescued the girl were still wary of him and Vanima. He could respect a father who wanted to protect his family, but if they held on too tight, they would soon find their hands empty.

Zeno let out a high-pitched whistle and an elf who led the procession returned to his side. “Abarat, I need you to send one scout ahead of us and warn everyone not to attack our guests.”

“It will be done.”

Someone carried out the order after three short whistles and a click.

At the edge of the forest, Zeno turned to Elwin and said, “Please let me explain the situation inside before you enter to ease any concerns.”

So be it. The last time I entered was several thousand years ago when I had put my life on the line protecting your people from the darkness. I'm sure much has changed since then.

…

Saida stood next to the elf in charge of the current rotation on the wall, relaying her report when Zeno walked in, holding Penelo's hand despite her struggling.

Abarat stood at the entrance in case they needed to defend the town, while Fariane and Ievis stood near the two wolves and the nomad Erlan. Penelo objected to this, but Zeno wouldn’t budge.

Nuala crushed her daughter in a hug, tears welling up in joy. “Thank goodness you’re safe, my daughter. Please don't go into the forest alone without letting someone know.”

Penelo mumbled a response muffled by her mother’s affection. Satisfied, Nuala let go and looked at Zeno with an expecting gaze.

“Yes, dear. Our daughter is safe, but we have more pressing concerns now that involve everyone.” Zeno turned to face everyone and raised his voice. “I bring grave news of a potential threat to our home. An evil that threatened our people several millennia ago may rise once more.” He rubbed his temples and sighed.

Penelo took this opportunity and said, “The stories about the wolf named Elwin are true, and I can prove it. He and his mate are just outside the gate.”

One glare later and Zeno continued, “As my foolish daughter said, we have two wolves outside with power beyond understanding who have requested our aid to fight an enemy that threatened our home long ago.”

Someone shouted, “Animals can’t speak!”

Ignorance will not free you from reality, foolish elf. My name is Elwin, and you will deny the truth at your own peril.

The mental intrusion silenced the crowd except for Penelo, who said, “I told you so,” before Nuala covered her mouth and glared at the girl.

Zeno whistled, causing every elf who used to be under his command to turn their attention to him. “I take responsibility for the two wolves. My party will escort them to meet with the other two elders. Your duty is to remain vigilant.” He looked over at Abarat and said, “Now, captain.”

…

“Animals can’t speak!”

Elwin grew irritated by the ignorant fool and targeted everyone nearby mentally and gave them a piece of his mind.

Ignorance will not free you from reality, foolish elf. My name is Elwin, and you will deny the truth at your own peril.

Vanima rubbed up against him to soothe him.

Do not blame them for what they do not know. The two of us are an anomaly, not the norm. Let us focus on what we need to convey and convince them of the peril before them.

The elf who guarded the entrance approached them and said, “Please let me introduce myself. I am Captain Abarat. Please follow me. If you could refrain from communicating with my people until we reach our destination, I would be grateful.”

Elwin barked in acknowledgment, stood up, and followed. His mate was by his side, with a reluctant Erlan trailing behind. The two elves who had stayed behind remained on either side with the third who had entered first, joining the rear once they crossed inside.

He could see Zeno, Penelo, and another elf ahead of them as the group wound their way through the street. Several elves stood watching on the sidelines, curious why two animals were being escorted. Their escort pushed anyone who moved in for a closer look back.

Abarat stood by an open door and said, “If you weren’t aware, Zeno holds the highest honor among our people along with two others you are about to meet. If a decision needs to be made, these three will do it. You may speak freely while inside.”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

…

Zeno sat next to Morthil and Qamara. Together they comprised the elder council. Penelo sat next to her mother nearby. Abarat entered with the two wolves and the nomad, while his three scouts surrounded them.

Qamara knew the history of her people better than any other alive, including the stories disregarded as just a fable to teach the young.

She began the meeting by addressing her guests. “I would like to welcome the three of you.” She turned to Erlan and a sad expression crossed her face. “I am sorry for your loss but have nothing but gratitude for your effort to keep Penelo safe.”

Her attention turned to the two wolves sitting on their haunches, quietly waggling their tales. “I am told your names are Elwin and Vanima. Am I correct?”

You are. Believe it or not, I was born an elf from here long ago. The darkness sent corrupted animals to spread corruption, but the forest god fought back by saving me. Transformed into a wolf, I had a second chance to make a difference.

The revelation surprised Qamara. Her curiosity drove her past the shock as she asked, “What of you, Vanima?”

My parents were elves from a different tribe. The darkness claimed my life and Silvertree gave me a second chance. I convinced Elwin to ask for an extended lifespan as our boon for ending the second dark war.

Confused, the elder asked, “What do you mean, second? What happened before?”

The emergence of two forest gods brought blessings to the elves in this area. Silvertree and his mate. A division split the population and their hatred coalesced into the darkness. Only Silvertree survived the encounter but could not defeat the darkness.

“Thank you Vanima. As far as I understand, there is a force that we cannot comprehend getting ready to strike again, and they have given you the responsibility of gathering allies to fight against it once more.

Penelo stood up and said, “Regardless of your decision, I will join them in their quest to ask the other tribes for aid.”

“Penelo, sit down now.”

“No father. This isn’t up for debate. The Shadow Breakers protected our people, but our ancestors turned their backs on them, and I refuse to ignore the past.”

“Daughter, please. We will discuss this later.” Nuala pulled her daughter back down next to her before Zeno lost his temper.

Morthil spoke up and said, “I appreciate you both for sharing and enlightening us about history lost to our people. There is much to discuss. The weight of our decision may be too much for the three of us to decide on our own. Please give us time to meet with our tribe.”

Elwin bowed his head.

As you wish. Keep in mind that I must reach out to other tribes if we are to have any chance of victory. Your people may not be the first to face the darkness, but I can guarantee they will come back to the forest to finish what they started long ago.

Elwin howled, speaking one last time, but to everyone he could reach within his sphere of influence.

My name is Elwin. I beg you all to heed the words of your elders for the darkness approaches.

The wolf collapsed, leaving his mate hovering over him, licking his nose.

Qamara stood up and said, “Penelo, you will be responsible for the welfare of our furry guests. Let them rest at your home. Saida darling, please alternate guard shifts with Fariane to guard Zeno's home. Captain Abarat, I need you to organize meetings with each district's head families so we can gather a consensus.”

She turned to Zeno and said, “Morthil and I have much to discuss, so I want you to spend some time with your family and keep our guests safe.” She met the nomad's gaze and said, “As for you, Erlan, there is a guest house you may occupy. Someone will escort you.”

...

Several days passed by in a whirlwind of activity. The council met and discussed the news with each district, asking them to meet with every family and cast a vote to aid Elwin or not. The majority determined the district leaders' vote.

It all culminated with a final discussion in front of the council. Elwin and Vanima were present to answer questions. Out of the twelve districts, five were approved, five were rejected, and the last two were undecided.

“Neia from District Five. You request more information before you cast your vote. The floor is yours.”

“Thank you, elder Qamara. My question for Elwin is thus, what proof do you have that the darkness exists?”

Come to me, child. Place your forehead to mine and I will show you what you seek.

She followed his instruction and went down to one knee. When Neia made contact, her mind went blank before being shoved into a memory.

The darkness sent their forces against the town and raised the dead from the first Dark War. Blessed by Silvertree, I led the wolf pack against them with support from my childhood crush and her. Together we pushed back the darkness.

The vision, along with Elwin’s voice, slipped away. Neia hugged the wolf and said, “You have my vote.” She stood back up and addressed the rest of the room.

“I have seen the past and can affirm the veracity of the war against our home. The forest wolves fought to protect us, not the aggressors who wished our end.”

Qamara looked to Ryfon from District Nine, and said, “You are the last to decide. The floor is yours.”

The elf stood up and addressed the room.

“Our people have known peace for generations. There is balance in the forest and trade between tribes has flourished.”

You have my mate and I to thank for keeping the larger predators at bay within our territory. Bears, tigers, and panthers used to migrate in and out of the forest. The darkness took advantage of their strength and killed any they encountered until Elwin took them down.

Ryfon acknowledged the wolf and continued, “Regardless of how my concern is towards maintaining balance. If we act aggressively, will this not invite a similar response in kind?”

Vanima left Elwin’s side and stood before Ryfon, causing the armed elves nearby to tense up.

Disease does not ravage your people because of balance. Proper care for health lowers the chance of an illness occurring. The darkness is a blight on this land that will consume us all if we do not take the steps to protect the balance you hold sacred.

He stepped back and turned to the council.

“District nine votes in favor.”

All eyes were on the three elders. Zeno stood up and addressed the room.

“In a vote of seven to five, the resolution to assist in the fight against the darkness has passed. Please return home and notify everyone. We prepare for war. It is time to defend our home once more.”

Vanima and I will continue seeking aid from other tribes. I do not wish to burden you all any more than I must. If we do not return in time, hold your ground until we do.

Qamara clapped her hands and spoke.

“We have much to do. Dismissed.”