When the Shadows Reveal You
Listen carefully child, for I will tell you the story of the beast with those four dirty paws.
The fate of the black wolf is woven.
The string tightened by invisible hands.
He sees beyond the sight of others. The shadows that lurk in the mountains rise up like giants. Do they stand in his way? The black wolf howls to the moon. His voice loud, thunderous; the mountain trembles at his voice.
The black wolf marks the mountain, while his brother bleeds. Licking his wounds as the white of his fur dosed in his blood. The three brown wolves guard the white wolf from his brother. They strong in number; strong in teeth. With the raven flying overhead, it croaks to the giants to yield to its master. The black wolf shall claim every mountain he sees as his territory. The brown wolves growled, telling the black wolf that every mountain shall not bow to his howl.
The howl of wolves echoes far. The brown wolf pleads to her friend.
Blood has been spilled. How much more should claim the world, if the black wolf is not satisfied? He will draw blood among enemy and friend. Even the brown wolf; the one who has shown him and trained him in their way. The two brown male wolves bashed their teeth to keep the black wolf at a distance. His brother fades into unconsciousness. He lost too much blood. They fear he will die upon the mountain. Wounded by his own brother.
Seeing how those he had trusted betrayed him in his eyes, the black wolf looked to the raven. His only friend and guide since he was young, lost in a world that treated him cruelly. Such unforgiving frost upon his paws, freezing his heart into something bitter.
Unforgiving.
Malicious intent.
Child, the black wolf howls once more. His power knows little bounds. The brown wolf wants to reason, but even she knows that wolves want to run towards the sun.
Running with wolves.
The black wolf is hungry and chases the sun.
They shared a common enemy. The look upon Kaya's eyes showed some surprise, but the young woman held back from sharing too much. The men that were killed in one swift motion, were taken down so easily. These men, they were scouts. They were tasked to find weakness within Fornburg. Seeking numbers in the warriors that were amongst the village. What supplies they had, so the scouts could sabotage. Open areas to ambush; surprising the residents within.
If only Eivor could see how dangerous these men truly were. They would fight and die for someone that cared little for the lives of others. Kjotve was truly a dangerous and ruthless man. Kaya had heard that he was also a very large and towering figure. Like a giant wielding an axe to strike down upon his enemies.
For a moment, Kaya hesitated to move her feet forward.
There had only been one man that frightened her.
"Why must you follow me like a shadow?" The sound of the snow crunching beneath his feet. An extra pair of footsteps pausing behind him. With the sun now rising, many of the villagers were rising. The fresh snow being disturbed by the footsteps of all living things.
She looked up to the sky, seeing the black raven soar overhead. Always watching Eivor, as if telling him where to go. Kaya had heard about birds being the spirit guide to those who have the sight. Only so few could have the gift of the eagle's sight. Though, a raven was an uncertain omen among other cultures, Kaya could not judge to harshly on the chosen bird sent by his gods.
Eivor looked up to see what she was looking at.
"Your gods favor you; it seems. The Hidden Ones have used eagles to be our sight since the beginning of time. A close relationship where the eagle sees beyond our eyes and we take care of our new found companionship." She spoke, more to herself as she was thinking out loud. It did not matter though to Kaya. He wouldn't understand the ways of the Hidden Ones and their stories.
In a sense, she was envious of him having a companion. A guide; another part of one's soul. It could only mean that Eivor was gifted with the sight. Her dreams, the raven was familiar. Eivor's eyes were as well. The black raven and wolf. A sharp pain jolted through her head. Kaya almost pulled back in pain, but she suppressed it. Now was not the time to think about her dreams.
The black wolf stand before you, child. He watches you as he watches the sun. The black wolf has found the brown wolf within the shadow of the sun. She protects the light and protects the white wolf.
"And what gods do you believe in? You say I am favored, yet you speak as if you already know something that I do not." He asked with a suspicious eye. Kaya looked away from the raven and back to Eivor. Her glare almost giving away her own secrets. She placed her hand on her temple to slow the pounding pain within.
"One would not know of things they were never raised to believe. Even common enemies do not make us allies. Those men- the scouts- are trying to find something. I wonder what or rather who." Kaya pulled her cloak closer to her body for warmth. It was not her intention to follow, but at a distance. The blade that rested upon his arm, was used so effortlessly to take down the scouts. If Kaya had not seen it, Kaya would have believed that Eivor was raised to use the blade by the Hidden Ones. So, few could master the weapon. So, few could ever dream to hold one in their hands.
The young woman had conflicting feelings about Eivor himself. She was not sure if she should continue to hold a certain judgment of him. Being easily looked upon by Mentor Basim as this favored warrior, yet, Kaya could not understand why. What was special or even worthy of this man that stared at her? Observing the woman as she was looking him up and down. She holding back her thoughts before she lashed out.
"What would make you believe that the scouts are looking for someone? Even if they were, they would not tell for they are dead. Unless the dead can speak beyond what is known. Are you intrigued by my being or finding weakness to steal the blade gifted to me?" As much as an observant person Eivor was, he had to be cautious around Kaya. The Hidden Ones were mysterious people with many strange ways of speaking. Eyes sharp as Kaya's should be met with warning. He had also noticed she was rubbing at her temple.
Kaya kept her distance; a cautious step behind the much larger man in front of her. Watching, with curious eyes, yet keeping that distance in case he decided he wanted to intimidate her into running off. Kaya was not one to show fear, for showing any emotion would give the enemy a chance at striking her down.
They must stay vigilant. They must stay focused. One small mistake could lead to bloodshed. One less Hidden One with years of training brought down because of misguidance. Only a novice would make many mistakes. They were meant to because with mistakes in their training, they could perfect what it was they were missing. The rule of a mentor was to be the teacher to the novice. Guide them through the world, teach them many great things, and to let them walk the shadows; but the mentor was never far behind.
"I have made peace with your gift. You do not trust me. I do not trust you, or rather, would want you to be gifted with the things you have received, Eivor wolf-kissed. Even if I were to steal the blade from you, I would not go unscathed." Kaya slowly circled the much larger man in front of her. The cold morning air blew snow from the ground. The silent road of gravel and rock, began to make noise of boots crunching them from above. Eivor was not intimidated, but rather waiting to see what kind of game this woman was playing.
"And I would never dream to be intrigued by someone as brutish as you." She glared, though there was a shine in her eyes.
"But, must you keep trailing me as my shadow?" He stated. It did not take long for him to notice that Kaya was distrustful of him. How could such a weapon be so sacred and sentimental to her? Noticing that she did not wear her blade outside of her sleeve, Eivor could see the outline underneath. With a flick of her wrist, she could let the blade extend, though she would not have a fighting chance.
Best not think so lowly of her. He thought to himself.
"You have two shadows. One that follows behind and the one that flies high in the sky. For one who has the gift of sight, you fail to see what is even in front of you. Your gods truly must favor someone of your… intellect." Kaya retorted back, making Eivor grin just slightly.
"My shadow follows me without trouble, yet I seem to have trouble shaking off the other. You should catch it and leave me in peace. Should your companions pry you off me if you try to attach yourself." He wanted to tease the young woman, as much of a bother as she was. Kaya's jaw tensed, holding back her tongue.
Such poor taste. She thought, clicking her tongue. Few men could truly make Kaya feel pathetic and weak. Kaya would rather die of embarrassment right now. If her mentor were here, he would have a grin upon his aging face. Thinking about it now would cause Kaya's cheeks to reddened.
It does not take much to ruffle the feathers of the young woman.
Such a serious woman. He thought to himself with amusement.
"I speak as your king, Sigurd. Not as your father. Head my warning or be off!" The strong voice of Styrbjorn could be heard in the distance. He sounded displeased, if not angry with his stubborn son.
Kaya noticed King Styrbjorn and Sigurd facing each other. Basim and Hytham standing silently to the side, watching and observing the disagreement between them. Haytham had noticed first that Kaya had appeared with Eivor at her side. The young woman glared hard at him, but let it slide for the moment. It would seem that things were not going as planned.
A storm was brewing in the distance.
"You will be king of nothing if you don't act soon." Sigurd stated. Both father and son were at a disagreement. Kaya was not sure of what would cause a barge between the relationship that seemed to be strong because of their blood. Father doted on his son and wanted what was best for not only Sigurd, but for his people. Kings are made, not born, because the king was the one to make every decision.
"We do not have the men to storm Kjotve's fortress. The losses would ruin us!" Ah, so that is what caused the barge between the two men. Kaya looked to Basim for a moment to see if he would falter in emotion. As it seems, Kaya would have to meet with this mysterious person to talk of her dreams another day.
For the moment, there was a bitter chill in the morning air. The tense bodies of the men were heavy and guarded. It was as if at any moment a brawl would happen.
"The losses have ruined us, father! Until we cut off this serpent's head, it will poison us, day by day, drop by drop." Sigurd was fueled with anger at how he had to explain to his own father about the growing danger with Kjotve's existence! War and blood could not be ignored. The longer the beast lives, the more men and women would die. Villages would burn and many would be left without homes.
Kaya understood how dire the situation was. To place her thoughts and feelings about Eivor and her dreams in the back of her mind, Kaya looked to the man next to her. Both walking towards the men now. The tension between Eivor and Kaya put aside, but not forgotten.
The two wolves would nip at each other's legs another day.
"The poison has already polluted our waters." Eivor spoke.
All eyes gathered on the two figures within the distance. Kaya walked to Basim's side; choosing to ignore Hytham's questioning look. They were the ones that have left her alone in the room without waking her!
"Gods, Eivor, what happened?" Styrbjorn asked. There was no relief within the older man. How could he not have known that there were snakes within the grass? His own kingdom was close to war and he wants to find peace where there could be none? Kaya wanted to question the motive of the king. She wanted to understand what was truly happening and if Basim was keeping secrets from Hytham and her?
"Spies in our camp. Three men, sent by Kjotve to kill us as we slept. I returned the favor." Eivor was arrogant in his stance. Speaking as if he had killed lesser game. Kaya wanted to roll her eyes. What a frustrating man. She thought bitterly. Something sour within her mouth kept her from spitting in his direction.
"We will speak of this later, Kaya." Basim spoke in a low whisper in her ear. "Forgive Hytham and myself for leaving you in the room. We will make arrangements to speak with the seer of Fornburg. As of now, things have changed greatly. A message has come in for you."
Kaya nodded her head slowly in understanding. The storm was growing stronger and colder. Soon, she knew that blood would have to be spilled. Her wrist and fingers itching to release the blade. Every instinct within her was ready for war.
"There, you see? This is what waiting brings. We must answer the insult!" Sigurd spoke loudly. His confidence growing with anticipation of finally seeking out the man who caused them all such great pain.
"They came from Knottfall, that whaling village under Kjotve's control." Eivor stated.
"We hit him there. Burn it down, before Kjotve knows his spies are dead." Sigurd was ready. Time was being wasted here on the docks. They had to attack now!
"He may have sent more. I can search the village while you round up the crew." Kaya looked to Hytham; both thinking the same of the situation. Three scouts could not do much harm, but there could be others hiding within the snow.
"No need. I will send Hytham and Kaya to search the area. You can rely on them while we are away." Kaya looked quickly to Basim as he spoke. The older man knew that she wanted to interject on the matter, but she was quickly pulled by her robes. Hytham dragging her with him before she could argue with any of the other men.
When they were at a distance from the docks, Hytham let Kaya go. The young woman looked to him with sharp eyes, ready to claw at him to dare and say something to easily anger her. She has had enough of grinning foxes for one day. How could men be so relentless?
"There is much we both need to talk about, Kaya." Hytham said. He raised his hands to fix her collar, but Kaya slapped him away to do it herself.
"What is there to talk of, Hytham? I just spent my morning waking alone in the room. Being out in the bitter cold and finding three bodies that turned out to be scouts of your target. Let's also bring into mind that Eivor killed them with little effort." Kaya knew that this new task was going to be long and cold. She could already feel her toes numbing and her stomach begging to be fed.
Hytham shook his head at his friends complaining, though he himself had many questions as to why she was not in the room when he and Basim returned?
"Your fascination with this man will bury you, Kaya. let us do as Mentor Basim has asked and here." He reached in his robe to bring out a letter with red wax sealing it shut.