Tales of the Wolf: Book 01 - The Coming of the Wolf (22 page)

 Hawkeye stood slowly and replaced his weapons. “What do you mean? What darkness? What can one man do to change the destiny of Terreth?”

Looking at her sisters, they both nodded. Luna spoke in a low voice. “I will be brief, for your time here is limited but you need to know the whole story.” 

Luna laid her right hand on his chest. As she spoke, Hawkeye could feel the sorrow in her voice while images of the past slowly formed in his head. He realized he was seeing the downfall of Atalanta, the legendary City of the Gods, as it had appeared those many centuries ago.

“After our first encounter with the Arachne, we thought we had won a great victory by destroying most of them and banishing the rest to another realm of existence, forever freeing the face of Terreth from their evil. But unknown to us, several Arachne had escaped their destruction. These rogue Arachne worked for many hundreds of years in the background, poisoning our followers against us; until the unthinkable happened.”

“What?”  Hawkeye asked boldly.

“While we had our attention elsewhere, these rogues Arachne were able to free their trapped brethren, bringing them back to our realm until there were literally thousands of them. At first, we didn’t notice. We were too caught up in our own troubles, until the first of the Arachne’s attacks came.” 

Through the magical sight of Luna’s touch, he saw the Arachne with their hideous spider-like forms begin their assault on Atalanta. They came floating down from the sky on strands of webbing; attacking as they came, spitting acid and casting magical bolts of darkness.

“Their first attack caught us unaware and off guard but we rallied and began our counter-attacks. Initially we were able to hold them off.  However, it soon became apparent that they would not give up and in a pure magical contest, aided by their superior numbers, they were more than a match for our powers.”  Luna gestured at her sisters and said, “So we came up with the Spell of Binding. A great magical spell that would bind them to a piece of the universe but something went wrong.”

Stepping up, Aurora laid her left hand on his forehead and took up the story. “Magic here on Terreth is rather simple. All one has to do to cast magic, is access the weave of the universe and manipulate the weave to gain the desired effect. It’s really very simple.” 

Looking into Hawkeye’s eyes, she could tell he really didn’t understand the nature of magic and its relationship to the weave of the universe but she went on anyway.

“You see, magic is just an extension of the universe. Since, everything was created from the fabric of the universe, then everything is just a smaller part of the universe. If you want something created or changed, you can access ‘the Weave’ of the universe to attain your results. Magic is a way of weaving what you want from something you have. Some people are more attuned to ‘the Weave’ than others.”  Pointing at Tatianna, “This accounts for the stronger Spellweavers such as this young elf.”

Casting a quick glance at Tatianna, Hawkeye felt his heart ache at the sight of her but Aurora didn’t stop in her explanation, so he quickly turned his attention back to her.

“When we devised the Spell of Binding, we didn’t take into consideration the true nature of the Arachne. They are spinners while we are weavers.”

Noticing Hawkeye’s blank expression, Aurora elaborated. “In other words, they have the ability to spin or to make from nothing whatever they want. Their style of magic is a bit slower but just as powerful as ours. They had planned long on their revenge. They knew we would try to bind them again or send them to another realm, like we did the first time. In fact, they counted on this.”  Aurora gestured at their surroundings. “They used their magic to create a great netlike web, which caught us and drew us into the same realm that we had prepared for them. So, now we are also trapped here.”   

Hecate walked up, placing both of her hands over Hawkeye’s eyes. A slight chill ran up his spine at her touch. “The Arachne have been able to spin a magical portal from this realm. One was able to escape before we noticed. We were able to destroy their portal but given enough time, they will make another and more of the Arachne will be able to escape to Terreth while leaving us trapped in this realm. When there are enough of them, they will attack and conquer all of Terreth.” 

Hecate paused for a moment to let the realization of her statement sink in. Through the magical vision induced by their touch, Hawkeye caught a glimpse of what the future would be like if the Arachne conquered Terreth. It was not a pretty sight.

Hecate continued, “The one that has escaped has already stirred up the old hatred between the races. She has been working behind the scenes and has been able to influence many smaller kingdoms to the side of evil. There is a great alliance of darkness forming. As you know, the cyclops, shadow elves, gnomes and several packs of the highlanders are now working together. Soon, the trolls, minotaurs and many legions of dragons will join this Dark Alliance.”

Releasing Hawkeye, the three sisters stepped back. Hawkeye felt the room spin slightly after they released him. Shaking his head to clear it, he focused his attention on Luna who was talking again.

“We have done what we can to slow down the Arachne. We have blocked or destroyed every portal they have made. But eventually we will miss one. Then, they will be released on Terreth with nobody to stop them.”

Pausing for a moment, Luna smiled. “All is not lost. While there is breath, there is still hope.” She pointed at Tatianna. “She has been selected to give birth to the Chosen One, the child of prophecy who will break the Spell of Binding and banish the darkness. You have been selected to protect the Chosen One. He must grow up to be a powerful warrior and a great leader of men. For it is his destiny and our hope that he will save Terreth from destruction.”

Aurora spoke up. “To help him in his time of need, we have inspired our loyal followers. There are not as many as they once were but if the Chosen One can find our true followers, they will help him in his quest.”

Flashing him a chilling smile, Hecate the goddess of the night spoke. “Remember the ancient prophecy: When the Darkness returns from whence it was banished and the Gods are helpless to act, look to the north for the Chosen One; a being of no race and all races; part black, part white, a creature of the balance, a true son of the Dhyana. He will lead the Nine against the One in the final battle for the fate of Terreth. For only the Chosen One can unlock the secrets of the past and lead the Nine to victory.” 

Hecate walked up to him and placed her right hand over his heart. There was a slight pain in his chest and a wave of nausea came over him which caused him to drop to his knees. Removing her hand slowly, something flimsy that was grayish-white fluttered in her hand.

Looking down, Hawkeye was shocked to see a small hole in his chest, right over his heart but no blood flowed from the wound and as he watched the hole slowly closed up and the pain subsided.

Lifting the piece of Hawkeye’s soul to her lips, Hecate kissed it briefly before passing it to Luna. The goddess of the moon also kissed it before handing it to Aurora. The lady of the morning also kissed it before rolling the soul-piece up until it looked like a worm. Placing it on Tatianna’s belly, Hawkeye was shocked to watch it burrow into her belly until it was gone. 

Reaching out, Luna gently pulled Hawkeye forward. With the tenderness of a spring breeze, Hawkeye felt her warm lips touch his forehead and the world spun slightly. Smiling at him, she whispered, “Now, you must go. Part of your soul is now a part of the Chosen One’s. He is now as much your son as your firstborn. Prepare him for the future. Always remember you have our blessings and hopes.”

Standing slowly, Hawkeye bowed deeply before picking up Tatianna and willing himself home.

*   *   *   *   *

Once Hawkeye and Tatianna were gone five other beings entered the room.

When Minos spoke his voice was like boulders rolling down a mountainside. “You didn’t tell him everything.”

Gaul’s voice was even deeper when he asked, “Yes… why did you not tell him about Hodios the Wayfarer?” 

The twins, Bromios and Steropes, came walking up the floating steps flanked by Cheiron. Before reaching the landing Bromios asked, “Yea…why didn’t you tell the mortals about our errant brother?” 

It was Hecate who answered them. “One should always keep an ace up their sleeve. If they should fail or be captured, then his existence on the outside will still be a secret.”

The others nodded at this thought. 

As Aurora spoke, she gestured with her hands. A small pool of water appeared in the center of the room. “The wheel is set in motion. We can only watch and hope.” 

All eight of the gods gathered around the pool to watch as all of their hopes rested on the backs of two mortals.

After his return from the spirit realm, Hawkeye’s reputation grew. Stories of his encounter with Blackfang at the Shrine and his meeting with the Gods had spread across the Highlands and even to the dwarven kingdom of Darkmoor. Less than a month had passed since his return before the remaining members of the Great Council, representatives from every tribe and emissaries from the dwarves had arrived at Itasca. They were all anxious to meet Hawkeye and Tatianna. Even the heavy snow would not keep them away. Hawkeye knew that if the dwarves of Darkmoor could hear of the coming of the Chosen One and where he was to be born, then Blackfang and his Dark Alliance must also know.

Troubled about the future, Hawkeye went to Red Crow’s lodge early one morning. It was a small lodge built near the eastern shore of the lake and slightly apart from the rest of the village. Approaching the lodge, Hawkeye stopped to study the old warrior’s totem pole. It had at least thirty eagle feathers; many of them dyed red. The top of his totem pole was crowned with the skull and horns of a minotaur, a truly fierce opponent as Hawkeye knew from experience. Numerous broken swords and shields lay at the base of Red Crow’s totem pole. Hawkeye shook his head in amazement; Red Crow was indeed a great warrior.

Before he could signal his approach, the old chieftain came out of the lodge. “Good morning, Wolflord. I was expecting you. Come… walk with me.”  Without waiting for a reply, Red Crow strode toward the eastern arm of the mountain.

Joining him, Hawkeye had to rush to match the old man’s stride. “Good morning honored chieftain. How did you know I would be coming to see you today?”

Red Crow smiled. “You are a great warrior Hawkeye and one of your greatest assets is your unpredictable nature in combat but I have been around a long time. It was only logical that you would come to seek my assistance with your upcoming problem.” 

Hawkeye accepted the compliment and explanation with a nod. He waited for the older warrior to continue as they hiked up the steep path of the nearby mountain.

After several minutes Red Crow asked, “You want my help with the Great Council to reorganize the Highlanders into one deadly army. Correct?”

A look of surprise crossed Hawkeye’s face. “Correct. How did you know?”

Red Crow stopped and turned to face him. The morning light shadowed his face in such a way that several of the scars on his face glowed red. “Because young Hawkeye, I was once in your moccasins and tried to do the same thing you are going to try.”

“What are you talking about?” Hawkeye asked thoroughly confused.

Pointing at a nearby rock, he commanded. “Sit and I will tell you a story about the past. It is said that history repeats itself. Well, it does.”  Pulling out his pipe, he began to fill it.

“Anasazi and I are very old; far older than you would believe. At one time we traveled the whole of the land, warring against those who would harm our land. I remember this one time there was an evil mage that went by the name Cigam. He enslaved all of the lands around the southern village and set up residence in the Black Falls Fortress. He was a cruel and malicious man, who tortured and killed any who dared to challenge him. The Great Council didn’t do anything, turning their eyes elsewhere. They figured if they ignored him and left him alone, he would go away.” 

Lighting his pipe, he blew the smoke skyward. “Anasazi and I disagreed. We went to the Great Council and asked them to band together under one leader and crush this upstart. They refused. None of them wanted to get involved.”

Turning to the cliff face, he gestured to the landscape below them. From their vantage point near the top of the small mountain, they could see for many miles. The sun was just rising over the eastern horizon, bathing the sky and the land in a beautiful red glow.

“I love the Highlands and I would risk anything to save it. This mage was endangering my home and my friends. I would be damned if I were going to let him do anything to my home without me doing something about it! So, since I was the Warlord of the Red Raven…”

Hawkeye interrupted. “But there isn’t a Red Raven tribe.”

Turning back to look at him, Hawkeye could see that Red Crow’s eyes were full of tears. “There was once. They all died in the assault on the Black Falls Fortress. The Red Ravens attacked from the air while your father led the Black Wolves in the attack from the ground. I was captured and probably would have died if not for Anasazi. After being beaten back, he called on help from some friends of ours; the legendary adventurers known as the Wings of Justice. They stormed in through Cigam’s weakened defenses, cornered him in one of the towers and after a pitched magical battle, killed him.”

Red Crow turned and looked back over the beautiful landscape below. The morning sun was above the horizon now and glinted off the white blanket of snow that covered the surrounding land. Several hawks were drifting effortlessly on the updrafts created by the nearby cliffs.

“I have been convinced all these years, that if the Great Council had backed me and allowed me to command the whole Highland Nation, we would have won and many a brave warrior wouldn’t have had to die in a futile but worthy assault on the fortress.”

Staring at the beautiful landscape below, Hawkeye absorbed what he heard. Then something in the story hit him like a lightning bolt. Reaching out quickly, he grasped the old warrior’s shoulder and asked, “What do you mean, my father lead the Black Wolves into the fortress?”