AN: Oh goodness I did not mean to keep you guys waiting this long. As some of you might know, I am taking my Advanced EMT course and has been dominating more of time but it will wrap up come March. Also There are other stories I need to update because the followers have been waiting much longer.
Also I failed to mention I had made two more AMV's one featuring Claymore and the latest featuring Attack on Titan just Visit my channel BetweenThePipes49 on Youtube and it will be the two most recent.
And finally if you like the fights between wolves and man and such check out the God of War crossover story I made Titled OF SPICES AND GODS. A short story/battle where Kratos dukes it out with a wolf god...with the help of another wolf god :)
The reason I didn't advertise it sooner was because the main bad guy was Telekna and I didn't want to give it away at that point that Telekna was a wolf spirit when he was first introduced in earlier chapters of this story.
With that said, let's get on with the show.
Chapter 33
Wolf and the Title of Liberty
Telekna's presence as afore mentioned, caused no small stir among the Kahotoe people. He has been referenced as the god of death as it has been inferred upon us for he, given his station in the kingdom of men, elevated himself above the natural creature and considered himself in every sense of the word, a god. As for the latter half of his moniker, he was known to eat countless people regardless of might or innocence to slake his appetite for death. Not necessarily on behalf of the Sawatti tribe which understandably he displayed some allegiance to, but because he was an evil creature who found no interest to serve and protect those weaker than him but instead found joy in exercising unrighteous dominion.
The Kahotoe people knew him very well which is why the lesser in bravery made a hasty departure at his appearance. He had not come to kill, yet. He was not so imprudent as to seek immediate satisfaction in bloodshed before his higher purposes were to be carried out. Also, he had come alone and, as any coward would, knew who carefully protected this village which ultimately served as a deterrent to his wishes.
Therefore his aim was to intimidate, which conducted its influence upon the frightened minds of some residents while one among them, a strong young man of twenty and five years, large in stature, emerged from a hut, observed the commotion and marched towards the god without fear.
Holo stood amidst the chaos and made ready for another duel between them but the young brute advancing past her caused an unanticipated dither in thought. The young man, who dawned the armor and breastplate of inuit fashion while armed with a sword stopped just twenty feet of the raging wolf and glared upon him defiantly.
Telekna recognized him and was all the more distraught as he addressed, "Naluk! Stand aside or face my wrath!"
This brave soul, addressed as Naluk, was a great source of inspiration amongst his people, who, when seeing his stand, ceased their flight and united in attendance to witness the discourse.
Naluk responded with such conviction in the face of certain death that it took Holo off guard, "I shall not move one jot on your behalf Telekna. For this is my home you intrude upon and these are my people you threaten."
Making a growling roar, the mad wolf yelled, "The offenses you have committed against us give you no place to speak of intrusion!"
"What are these offenses you speak of?"
Lowering his head so that he may have a more menacing view of his flaring jaws, Telekna informed in the like manner, "Your chief guardian invaded our territory and provided aid and refuge to an ancient enemy of Yoites, who you harbor within your village at this very moment!"
Naluk rebuked him with a raise of the hand and declared, "If it was Nazani's bidding that this outsider be placed under our care, then I shall die in defense of his wishes."
The mad wolf's face lost all bearing as it sunk into neutrality then slowly advanced his way towards the lone man who stayed his position as one of stone sinews and allowed his snout to come dangerously within inches of his forehead.
After causing his raiments to flail under the influence of his menacing breath, Telekna inquired with threatening inquisition, "And this is your wish then? To die alone?"
Naluk, keeping an ever vengeful eye affixed upon his adversary replied, "I am not alone."
At that point he made wail like a war cry which was answered by a stirring of the surrounding bushes which were obliviously concealing a band of warriors brandishing spears and bows.
"Behold,' remarked Naluk, 'you are surrounded."
With trembling chops Telekna whispered, "My might will fall so swiftly upon them that…"
Holo quickly interrupted with wheat pouch in hand, "I will kill you if you try!"
Telekna scoffed, "Had it not been for Shenu's intervention you would not be standing here."
"Ho, ho!' remarked Holo, 'Your overconfidence is a child's recipe for your own undoing. Shall we have another bout?"
Grunting, the black wolf became dismissive, "As much as I would love to compare fangs with you, you are not whom I have come to settle this quarrel with."
At this point Soldatna and Talkeetna reared their appearances and needed no explanation for their ears were just as adept as Holo's and heard the entire exchange.
Telekna raised his head to acknowledge their appearance then addressed them with little regard to whose territory his feet were imprinting on. "Where is your father?"
Soldatna, being the more smarmy of the two siblings, obliged herself to answer first, "What is it you want with him; and perhaps I shall know where he is."
"Oh, you trifle on dangerous grounds whelp. Your father committed the greatest act of treachery since the days of old. He has provided sanctuary to Chugiak the demon hunter, and now you will fetch him for me or face whatever inconveniences that may come."
Talkeetna interjected, "The demon hunter is no longer here, he departed shortly after aid was rendered to him."
"You lie!" accused the mad wolf as he telegraphed an intent to harm which Naluk gave a signal for the warriors to make ready while the other three Kenrou snapped to a position ready to act.
"There is no cause so noble for you to die for before your time." said Naluk.
The growling black wolf made his threatening dispositions known, "And for a cause as trite as this, you are willing to die? I shall return with the fury of the Sawatti, their allies and the innovations they've concocted to bring you all to ruin faster than a twinkling of an eye to your great spirit."
The people in attendance shuttered and muttered whispers of fear which caused a great offense within the breast of Naluk who commanded his departure, "Leave now Telekna, for the
Great Spirit favors no creature such as you."
With a gust of air from his nostrils the beast said, "I will return very soon."
As he turned back, Soldatna called to him, "Do not let your tail fail between your legs as you leave."
Telekna said nothing, he only lifted his leg and marked a tree as an insult to their territory and dissolved his form into the thicket beyond. Naluk, of moral and righteous character, decreed his warriors to be at ease then quickly made plans to fortify the defenses of his village with his second in command named Petuwaq who will be given a more formal introduction later on. For now the attention was set upon the three wolf spirits who internalized the whole matter.
Soldatna, overcome with frustration, shook her head with heavy sigh while Holo turned to her brother and asked, "Why cover for Chugiak? Has he not been a great offender to your pack mates as well?"
Talkeetna betook the mantle of morbid sincerity and replied with subtle panic, "Twas not a lie, the demon hunter is no longer present."
Holo's eyebrows snapped up, "He has left?"
Pointing to the yurt which he incubated, Talkeetna replied, "Go and see for yourself."
With a haste that wanted the man to be proven wrong influencing her stride, Holo quickly placed herself at the door of the yurt and swung it ajar without any formal custom prior to entry. All she found was a vacant room and the little stool she used to take sit upon smashed to pieces against the ground as a testament of rage.
All blood in her face found gravity. she shut the door and was overcome with the forbearance of loneliness.
Talkeetna approached her adopting the same mannerisms as his father by which the she wolf berated him with questions entwined with subdued emotions, "When did you see him last? Where could he have gone to?"
The young wolf man awaited for her to run herself tired with the parade of inquiries before providing answers.
"He must have left shortly after you did, a set of clothes has been reported missing by Anaksuq. We could send some of our trackers after him but we both know that would be a futile effort."
Holo pressed her hand to her forehead at a loss for fear and discouragement. The only thing she felt inclined to delve into more was this, "Where is Nazani?"
Talkeetna pointed to a path way carved through the valleys between the mountains, "He is meditating in the sacred grounds, follow the trail for it only leads there."
With a heavy heart, Holo did so.
…
The small enclosures of jagged rock supporting veins of dead root and little bushes led to a place of greater and hollowing stature. It was a flat valley thickened with massive trees so large that their very branches could support the creatures such as the wise wolf of Yoites. Towards the left of it and a decent league hence, Nazani was erect on both knees facing a bottle necked crevice of the mountain. His eyes were closed, his breathing was long and calm, his hands resting on his thighs and his tail wrapping around his hip in total harmony. The large and sparse snowflakes failed to rouse him from his rumination but the sound of footsteps invoked a turning of the ear.
It was Holo who wished to speak with him but not disturb him at the same time. Letting out a soft grunt, Nazani said, "How faired your discourse with Chugiak?"
Sliding a collection of flakes off her bang with amber melancholy she replied just as she reached him, "It did not fair well at all I am afraid."
"Describe it to me."
Sitting beside him while fancying to draw little shapes in the snow to alienate some of the burden, she decided to divert topics to one more pressing at the moment, "It will have to wait, for now your village is being threatened by the same wolf who attacked me in the forests last night."
Letting out a simple sigh of agitation that is quickly quelled by wisdom he inquired, "Telekna?"
"Aye, tis a wicked creature." she frowned while fanning away the falling crystals which melted instantly upon first contact.
"He always has been a blight upon the northlands." said he.
"If he thinks he is stronger than I, then I shall swiftly put him in his place." said the defensive Holo who covertly vowed her alliances with the Kahotoe on this remark.
"The true nature of this quarrel does not originate with you."
Letting off an angry breath she rejoined with a tone of harshness that equalled his mildness, "Aye, his rage is upon Chugiak whom I have been so ignorantly acquainted with these last few days, and, as are the laws of guilt by association, he seeks quarrel with me as well."
"I say, if he desires the man so badly, give him what he wants and let the consequence follow."
This invocation of confidence took Holo by surprise, "He really could be capable of such a feat?"
"Oh yes, he has bested the animal spirits like us wolves, I have seen it myself and it is extraordinary to behold."
A slight shiver crept its way up her spine as she recalled with harrowing recollection, "I too have beheld it, but from a half breed of his ilk."
"Yes, I was aware, for it was I who tended to you covertly when you laid burned and critically wounded."
Holo snuggled her collars as a defense from the icy wind then asked, "This division among the inhabitants of Yoites; Chugiak and Telekna, were does it all stem from?"
Nazani swiftly displayed genuine curiosity, "Did he not tell you of his history with us?"
"He had, in fact he revealed many things about him I did not know, such as his age."
With a sigh of aggravation which was directed towards the man of topic, Nazani responded hopelessly, "I know not why he is so elusive of such things, it is as if he believes his mysteries are some type of strength."
"Well regardless,' continued Holo pertaining some form of loathing, 'he had said things that had angered me, I retaliated, barbs were exchanged and now…' her anger suddenly softened to realized sadness, '…and now the only person in this world to have followed through for me time and time again has left and it is because I could not control myself. I do not know why I cannot control my temper. I know it seems childish, however it has always been my most overpowering trait."
Nazani grunted a soft laugh and said, "You have so much of your father in you."
Holo, with a heart being overpowered with the spirit of Elijah, which turns them towards the fathers, asked, "Who were my parents?"
Nazani invited her to reposition herself in front of him, and when she had he gave this account, "In times past and forgotten, Yoites was dominated by the proud wolf spirits who served and protected this land as their inheritance. Many packs held dominion over their respective territories and at the head of each pack, a leader. These leaders formed a single governing body known as the council, who met frequently in consort to discuss and establish the well being of Yoites. And at the head of the council was the alpha of alphas, the chief, who presided over all packs including his own. That wolf, descended from chiefs before him was named Helushka. The proudest and mightiest of them all of which all wolfs submitted their heads, was your father."
An astonished buzz flushed through Holo's skin.
"And of a course among the females of Helushka's pack was the omega, possibly the only female able to fulfill her role as his mate, your mother Eska. Whose gentle kindness and strong wisdom was the perfect foil to Helushka's indomitability. And of course the fruit of their loins was a feisty little pup who betook all the traits of her parents and eventually became known as Holo the wise wolf."
The tone of Holo's demeanor softened to a more observable warmth when inclined by the topic of her heritage. Nazani continued.
"It was, during this particular time, that civil unrest was brewing. The rise of man in the wilderness took the council by considerable concern. For the Sawatii and Kahotoe regarded these lands as sacred. With the expansion of the outside world seeping into our corridors these values were being threatened by the invaders. The Sawatii sought bloodshed, the Kahotoe sought diplomacy, inevitably a small war ensued between the inuits and the outsiders. At first the Kenrou chose not to intervene but alas the might of the outsiders was far too great for the natives to handle and it was Helushka's desire to preserve their way of life and ultimately ordered the council to act. Thereby the outsiders were beaten back by the wolves thus creating the initial animosity of the crusades against the pagan gods that exists in the northlands.
For a time after there was peace until a report of a lone warrior single handily slew a great wolf ushered to our ears. Panic took many inhabitance by storm laying claim that the invaders had retaliated by summoning forth this god among men by means of black priestcraft and from there, the legend of Chugiak was born."
Holo, who listened intently and left this discourse uninterrupted up till now, asked, "What was his aim? What did my father do about him?"
"The council demanded his head of course, and advised Helushka strongly to act, he did, however in an odd move, he demanded the warrior be captured alive."
"Why was that?" replied the stunned she wolf.
"At that time we knew not but it was not our place to make reply with the chief. Roughly at the same time, the attacks from the invaders returned but this time in greater ferocity. The belief was that Chugiak was at the helm of these attacks by which the patience of inuits was growing thin and they demanded Chugiak's head, yet mostly from the Sawatii not the Kahotoe, which was astonishing seeing how the Kahotoe tribes were the most decimated, as if they were targeted specifically. Yet during the whole ordeal, Helushka was adamant that the warrior be captured and one, cold, freezing night, only weeks after your birth, we had fulfilled this command."
Holo pressed her desires to know more while gnawing at her knuckles with dread.
"I remember that night well. Another raid took place not too far from here, more astonishing was how far into our territories it had occurred, almost as if they were covertly brought in. Your mother had you by the Telush river, which is one of the many branches off the Siakluk, grooming you and teaching you the ways of the world and it was there that the outsiders launched themselves towards this mother and her cub.
In any circumstance, Eska could have easily dealt with the threat but her wisdom in that moment showed her the peril of their numbers and weapons, and should she fight in that moment, she could perish and you along with her. Therefore she picked you up in her jaws and fled to a nearby Kahotoe village to where some braves and wolves may dwell."
Holo held up her hand, "Before you continue, my mother, what did she look like?"
"Very elegant and dressed in a sheathe of dark almond fur that was white at the bottom, much like yours, and eyes of deep and radiant emerald."
Holo flexed her eyebrows as if something in her mind was rousing to awaken.
"Please go on." said she.
"Eska took her human form, and as is a defense mechanism among our kind, so did her baby so that it may remain in a state of nurture and care by its mother. Consider it a form of acquired immunity among Kenrou infants. Alas she hid you in a small hut, and it was her desire to remain in human form so that you would as well, for your tiny body could be tucked away and well hidden from the oncoming threat. The siege fell upon the village and the Kahotoe were completely overrun. Eska let out a howl to notify any pack mates nearby, I happened to be one of them and rushed to her aid. When I arrived the village was burning with the remainder of the invading forces retreating.
Suddenly Eska was screaming that her baby girl was within one of the burning huts. Frantically I tried to douse the flames by kicking up the snow and dirt but to no avail. We could all hear your cries for help and were ready to assume the worst until a man, burning alive, burst out with you in his arms. Before my senses could even comprehend what had happened he laid you down, safe and sound, and bolted into the woods while rolling in the snow attempting to put the flames out.
I chased after the man and found him face down, smoldering. He was in great pain but alive nonetheless. I recognized him by the one trait all within Yoites knew him by, his glowing red eyes. These were testators that he was Chugiak the demon hunter."
Suddenly, all faculties on Holo's head erected in an instant as she jumped to her feet and proclaimed, "They were not dreams they were memories!"
Nazani put his peculiarities upon her excited form and awaited the hour she would explain herself. Holo paced around while sounding off, "I apologize but this last week I have been plagued with nightmares. They started when Lawrence reintroduced me to the name Chugiak. I would find myself in a burning village with a baby I presumed was my own, or in the presence of a great wolf with the features ascribed to my mother. There was war and terror and a man clad in black with glowing red eyes that I believed was Chugiak."
Then sitting down from where she originally leapt from, said subtly, "At first I thought these dreams were premonitions to the great evils that would befall me but now I realize…the baby was me, the wolf was my mother and Chugiak…these were all memories."
Nazani said nothing, he let her have this moment to collect and digest the truths which haunted her nights.
"What did you do?" replied Holo becoming more enamored with these revelations.
Nazani continued as if uninterrupted, "I was about to forego the wishes of the chief and kill him then and there and blame his death upon the fire but Eska found us and pled that his life be spared. I was bewildered beyond thought as to why, but she informed me that Chugiak played a role in beating back the invaders and that the life of her daughter was owed to him."
Holo, considerably obscure to the details, remained absolute by stating, "I feel there is more to my mother's wishes than this. For one good deed could not possibly sway her when compared to his alleged acts of bloodshed."
Nazani became a bit more sorrowful, "These things were revealed, much later and in the worst way possible. Once Chugiak was healed and able, he was brought before the council and a vehement trial took place. Things were not boding well for the man therefore in a daring move to prolong his life he professed his actions were within the best interest of Yoites by claiming those he killed were members of a faction wishing to unseat the established order and set forth a new government."
Holo chortled in disbelief, "A conspiracy theory?"
"Yes, the council received the claims with a similar skepticism, however I was observing Helushka who was still and silent, he was listening. It was then that a strange conspiracy of my own began to circulate within my mind. The Kahotoe receiving a greater degree of violence than their Sawatii brethren, Helushka wanting the warrior alive, the outsiders being able to covertly move deeper within the heartland, dead wolves and Chugiak saving the offspring of the chieftain who was his greatest enemy in Yoites. The simplicity of Chugiak being our one and only enemy began loosing its footing.
I began to think perhaps that certain wolves, the Sawatii and the invaders were all in cahoots and that Helushka became wary of this and that he and Chugiak were secretly allies in an attempt to discretely snuff out any dissensions among the inhabitance."
"You mean, Chugiak was actually an agent of my father's whom he kept secret?" inquired Holo with a blank expression of terror.
"Yes, if Helushka were willing to kill outside invaders then why not the most powerful among them, Chugiak, who seemed to head the operation? Then I realized there was a damming lack of evidence against Chugiak. We had no legitimate proof that he was the leader of the raids. All beliefs that it was so was pure hyperbole and word of mouth. Then to the astonishment of all, Helushka exiled Chugiak with the warning that should he return his life would be forfeit. This action was decried heavily by the council which ultimately would lead to his undoing.
This conspiracy Chugiak spoke of did have some merit however to our dismay, it worked its way from the very ranks of the council."
Holo's eye became a glossy sheathe of rage, "You mean those closest to my father, who were adhere and support him at all times, were the ones secretly working against him?"
"I am afraid so. A plan was to be set in motion, to overthrow Helushka, slay his kin along with any councilmen whom would be deemed too great a political threat to this sudden change of power. It was the night the moon hunting bear attacked that the conspirators found their opportunity to slay those they deemed worthy and play it as though it was the result of the attack. I am sorry Holo, on that night when your father was having Yoites evacuated, the wolves who accompanied him, murdered him then and there. Your mother shortly followed."
Holo brought her hand to her mouth and gnawed at her knuckles while a few large tear drops fell from her eyes. She huffed and breathed out inconsolable anger, "W-who?! Who would be so cowardly to commit such an act?! Who headed such a terrible scheme!?"
Nazani leaned forward with a look of defined vengeance, "Telekna's father."
Holo clenched her fists so hard that the her fingernails drew blood at the palms which she threw down, "These scheming wolves! Where are they now?!"
A dark smile of morbid satisfaction upheld the corner of his mouth, "That night I was nearly killed as well but someone else decided to forego the demands of Helushka, who returned to Yoites and saved me at a moments noticed. Chugiak the demon hunter. Together we killed the conspirators and avenged your family.
However, when the dust had settled and order was to be established anew, I informed the returning survivors of the treachery I encountered involving the Sawatii, the council and the outsiders. In response, Helushka's treachery was revealed as well regarding his secret union with Chugiak. As a natural consequence, Yoites became divided, wolves such as my children and myself and the Kahotoe on the one side; Telekna, some others and the Sawatii on the other. And now this great feud is coming to a head. Telekna always sought an excuse to justify an extermination of our side to avenge his father, whom he considered a fallen hero, and believe me he will do everything in his power to achieve it."
These words could not have been more fitting and accurate to Telekna's designs for within the old village of Yoites another scene was transpiring. For the frozen and disjointed body of Barzur was resting rigid in the arms of his brother, Amliki who, along with D'nesh, was absent during the battle that claimed him.
It was, during the moment of bereavement, that the massive paw prints of Telekna had advanced their way towards their station. The great wolf feigned to take pity upon the mourning siblings, who despite a cruel upbringing where such emotions were to be suppressed at every turn, allowed such vulnerability to be displayed while in the absence of their master. The massive beast stood in place when the vengeful eyes of Amliki raised from their sockets creased in fury.
"It appears that Chugiak has claimed one of your own. Your loss is beyond regrettable." said he, who only hoped their grief would deprive them of reason.
"The kinslayer did not act on his own,' speculated Amliki, 'we were separated when another one of yours howled off in the night's air drawing us away from Holo, then by no coincidence, a blizzard drew us apart."
Telekna, aware of this likelihood, appeared stunned, "It appears that some of the great wolves of Yoites have taken sides of your opposition. The blizzard was without a doubt the work of Shenu, who conspires against you. This trespass need not go unanswered, for I have it within my power to lead you to those who you can revenge your brother upon."
D'nesh gripped his bow as to signify his distrust but was discrete enough to go unnoticed.
There was profound silence between the two by which Telekna pled his case most defensively, "Let there be no animosity between us for we have an enemy in common; The one you call kinslayer and the wretch at his side, Holo. Separate we cannot fair well, but together, their corpses can be made to rot in the wilderness. And for the wolves and tribes who sought against you, we can raise them to the ground."
Amliki debated his talking points within his mind while D'nesh remained impossible to interoperate.
Sounding even more sympathetic to mask his growing impatience, Telekna reasoned most cunningly, "Listen, the kinslayer would have been dead if not for Shenu, who commanded the blizzard that kept you from your brother, and Nazani, who prevented his life from sapping completely from his body. You cannot seek to slay him with the support of Yoites' most elite. We must rally forces together if you are to fulfill the wishes of your master."
Moment upon moment passed. Amliki arose, looked towards his brother then again towards Telekna, "Only for our master's sake."
With a pretentious bow of the head to signify unprecedented gratitude Telekna said, "We shall ever be indebted to your service. Meet me upon the eastern borders of the Kahotoe village at daybreak tomorrow and we shall rush upon them giving no mercy nor quarter."
Then, being no longer able to conceal his morbid glee brought upon by his tactics of manipulation, the tyrant slipped away into the woods to converse with Inola who now commanded the Sawatii army in Korihan's stead and there, with his craftiness, reported and convinced her to fall upon the Kahotoe village in tandem with the Sawatii chieftain, Yanaguski.
…
It was about midday when Nazani was returning from his meditations with Holo near his side. They continued to speak concerning the welfare of Yoites both past and present. Upon returning to the opening they discovered Naluk, conversing with Petuwaq, appearing grieved and distraught.
Both men acknowledged their presence with a reverent bow of the head. Nazani, sensing unease was afoot inquired, "You seem vexed, was Telekna's visit that unnerving?"
"No great one,' replied an agitated Petuwaq with a thin shroud to cover his fretful voice, 'no, the people grow weary for we have so little numbers to our army and they feel this shall be the end of us all."
"Any abled bodied men and boys to recruit?"
Naluk choose to speak up, for this is what vexed him so, "Fear has taken them and they hesitate to join arms atop this the village elders wish to keep the oath of Mishuk unviolated."
"Oath?" questioned Holo.
Naluk looked to her and said, "Many years ago, the Kahotoe were savage like unto our brethren. Our contentions caused us to abandon the teachings of the Great Spirit and alas a battle took place in a valley we call Mishuk, the dead left behind were so great that they could not be numbered. The rot and destruction was so unbearable that it left it as a land of desolation, neither bird nor beast would pass through it for years. The Kahotoe mourned the loss of their brethren and the Sawatii and learned that should we turn our faces away from the Great Spirit then he would ultimately allow our people to be destroyed. From then on the Kahotoe took upon them an oath that they would never be a people of war but for peace and now we face a great challenge of the soul. Should we uphold our oath, the Sawatii will surely destroy and enslave us all; should we break our oath with the Great Spirit then he will turn his face in anger towards us and reap what is sown by our hands."
Holo, perplexed, nodded and put a hand to her chin and pondered.
Naluk turned towards Nazani with a tremor that betrayed his righteous character, "Great one, it is my fear that this shall be the end of our people."
Nazani placed a hand on his shoulder, "Have faith Naluk, perhaps you should seek the Great Spirit's guidance."
He nodded and departed with his comrade with these words imprinted on his heart.
Holo looked upon the shaman inquisitively, "Do you believe in such a thing as a great and omnipotent one?"
Nazani remained kind and gentle, "Mankind has many names for it; God, the Great Spirit, fate, the force of nature and so on. Though the true nature of what lies beyond is a mystery to me, I do believe that all that there was, all that there is and ever will be is constructed and guided by forces greater than you and I and that there is a plan and reason for us being."
Holo let out a warmly, "Hmm.' in which Nazani perked his ears to unveil his curiosity. Holo then shook it off, "Oh it is nothing I just wish there was someone you could have met, an independent missionary who could perhaps provide insights you would find enriching."
Taking her reply for what it was worth, Nazani extended his arm towards the village, "Perhaps some day, but for now there is a village that needs protecting."
As for the burden of this protection, none of its weight bore itself so heavily upon the mind of any other than it did upon Naluk who was readily looked upon by his people as a source of strength and inspiration. He looked upon them with the thrusting want to keep them from harm, preserve their way of life and pursue happiness according to the dictates of their conscience. He was, what you may say, was a patriot.
He retired himself to his hut where, in the back corner near his cot, his armor and mantle lay hoisted. He press his hands upon the shoulder of his breast plate (which was made of thick and fibrous clothes and wicker fastened tightly together) then turned, kneeled and prostrated himself upon the floor and gave himself up to mighty prayer.
He prayed for the fathers, wives, sons and daughters of his village when a moving and encouraging thought pressed its way into his heart. He arose and said to himself, "Surely the Great Spirit will not suffer the people who have taken an oath with him to be trodden down and destroyed."
From there he went to his armor, seized the mantle and tore a raiment free. Laying it upon the floor he took the dye used to decorate the Kahotoe garment of choice and began to write a script thereon with his finger, the symbols of which translated to our eyes as, "In memory of the Great spirit, our brethren, our freedom and peace, our people and our families."
He then put upon himself his armor and broke off one of the poles that held it upright and fastened the raiment to it as a flag and quitted his lodgings with fueled determination and faith in his plight.
Roughly during that time when Naluk had tucked himself away to seek inspiration from the Great Spirit, Holo and Nazani endeavored to place themselves closer to the hut Holo spent the night prior with Nazani encouraging rest and recuperation, for this moment of high alarm would not fancy anyone to guaranteed tranquility.
Holo retired for the time being and spent most of the early hours within her confines simply sitting upon the cot eagerly listening with her keen ears for any resemblance of calamity. Her solitude was interrupted when Soldotna entered without knocking, a trespass Holo knew was intentional, who informed with irritation, "Father thinks it best we get to know each other."
Holo shrugged modestly, "Aye, I am Holo the wisewolf of Yoites, daughter of Helushka. You are Soldatna, daughter of Nazani…" she trailed off there.
The wolf maiden fluffed her extravagant grey hair, "I am the fairwolf of Yoites." said she with a tone fair heroines use when they feel their beauty is being rivaled. She then struck a pose so that all her features which prided her so could be seen, from the proud erectness of her ears to the sultry enticements of her frame and finally the lush radiating tapestry of her fine tail.
Holo, when seeing this, sent her mind into the recollections to inspect her tail which she unfurled into her lap and unwrapped the tip quickly, but gently. She let out an excited shrill of delight when seeing the charred black erased and replaced with the splash of white she so longed to see. She embraced it like a long lost lover rolled on the bed and began chewing on the vanilla tip.
"Oh just look at my tail!' she shrilled with the same euphoria provided by opiate reception, 'The sheathe of brown complemented by a splash of white such as the winter dew upon a mountain in autumn!"
Soldatna, stilled by Holo's praise, turned her side and displayed hers more fully, "Ah yes, yours is quite wonderful, however there is no more beauty to be had than mine."
Holo ceased her self infatuation immediately and sat up, hands clenching the edge of the mattress, legs crossed and tail thumping up and down.
"Please…explain…"
Soldatna began with a speech and presentation well premeditated, "Behold the perfect symmetry of the fur, unfrazzoled and perfectly kept. The Sheathe is a mild gray with a tip of pure white such as the cloudy storm scrapping upon the winter mountains. A befitting color pallet with the wolves who've lived in Yoites all their lives."
"Ah…" remarked Holo with flattering reverence in front of her distilled animosity. Who then folded her's upon her lap and stroked it with care, "But see how the ocre and white vibrantly complement each other and the fur is straight, fine and slightly course. A tribute to the wolves who have gone out from their territories, explored new places and met new creatures thus attributing their wisdom to great and bold experiences never before obtained unless they were daring and brave."
Soldatna placed her fists to her hips, knuckles grinding the thighs, "Oh really?"
Holo arose and stood eye to eye with her rival, "Really."
Before anymore barbs were about to be exchanged between these highly esteemed yet incredibly jealous women a great stir could be heard from the village which caught them both by alarm. Fearing that Telekna would make well on his promise way before anticipated both of them exited at the same time, clashed shoulders and lashed out upon each other with their fiery gazes. When setting their eyes to the source they found a great many Kahotoe tribesmen gathered round a small platform with Naluk hoisting up the raiment he had decorated and waived it like a banner.
With a loud voice he addressed his people who he loved so dear, "People of the Great Spirit, many of you are fearful, for our adversary, Telekna, rallies the Sawatii against us and we face destruction once more from our enemies. We fear for our liberties, our way of life, our rights and our families. Most of all we fear we fear that if we break the oath of Mishuk that the Great Spirit will turn his face in anger against us. But it is also the words of the Great Spirit who once said to our elders, 'Ye shall not suffer yourself to be slain at the hands of your enemies.' Therefore I hold this banner before you all and say that we enter into a new oath with the Great Spirit, that whosever will maintain this title let them come forth and swear to maintain their rights, their freedom and liberties let them enter in this covenant that they will not suffer themselves to be slain by the Sawatii. That whosever will uphold laws of the Great Spirit will be shown mercy and given strength. Swear now by this new title I have written, swear now by this title of liberty!"
There was a subtle yet powerful stir among the people as they began to mumble and contend the issue with one another. Holo took a moment to quickly catch a glance at Soldotna who nibbled on the second knuckle of her right index finger and smiled with a blush. Holo's more devious senses responded when accounting that the fairwolf's gaze was set right upon Naluk, she clearly was twitter-pated with the man.
One voice among the multitudes spoke up, "Naluk we would gladly accept this oath but many of us fear what we will become should we violate the oath of Mishuk."
Another buzz sent its waive over the people's heads as they bowed and murmured slightly. Naluk looked around in hopes to perceive any brave soul willing to fight for that which is just and true, and in a moments time he did perceive such a soul. Holo's hand grasped her chest in hopes to keep her heart from sinking, it was a young man scarcely the age of ten and six.
Naluk descended from the platform, title in hand, and inquired, "What is your name young one?"
Swaying his head while holding his opposite arm the youth replied, "My name is Helamek. And I wish to speak."
Naluk then gave him up to the platform by which the young man, petrified yet determined, said, "Our army is so small in number because so many of our village took the oath of Mishuk. Me and the other youth have been talking with one another and we realized that our parents and grandparents had taken the oath, but their sons have not. Therefore we wish to spare our families from having to break their oaths and will take up arms in their place."
A bewildered hush buzzed throughout the congregation. Many of the adults, the mothers in particular, winced and produced tears at this proposition. Naluk looked upon him boldly and asked, "How many of the youth agree to fight?"
"At least two hundred."
There were a few weeps and whispers for that number perfectly fit the population of all their young men. Their commander tucked his chin to his chest above folded arms, "Combined with our army that equals eight hundred.' then looking to Petuwaq, 'They are not trained and even with an additional two hundred we are still outnumbered by the Sawatii army. Telekna can easily command a couple hundred, he can even slay a couple hundred. Atop this, there are the Chinua who can outmaneuver man."
Holo then stepped forward and spoke, not to condemn the people to hopelessness but to infuse an idea along with the looming threats, "Not only this, the Sawatii have a new weapon, unlike I have ever seen. It created fire and force so great it was nearly my undoing in my wolf form, however if this weapon can be stolen and its uses learned, perhaps it will increase your chances."
There were approving vociferation among the throngs along with fear and terror while Naluk said aloud, "But can we suffer our young men?"
Helamek stood straight and replied with the strong indignation needed when at the cusp of imminent doom, "Have we not the Great Spirit on our side? Is Telekna greater than He? The Great Spirit is greater than all and can preserve two hundred and is mightier the the Sawatii's thousands."
Petuwaq, encouraged by the lad's charisma, said, "Naluk, I will command these young stripling warriors and you have my oath that I will ensure no harm will befall them."
Naluk seemed hesitant but his second in command extended his arm, "You have my oath brother, not just with you but with the Kahotoe people and the Great Spirit as well."
The heavy clap of their powerful arms engaging ensued between them as the young commander said, "May it be so."
Holo then said aloud, "And I will fight with you as well."
This assured many within earshot and, as fate would have it, Anaksuq came running up to them, worried and hopefulness within her eyes, "Naluk, Nunavik has returned and he brings the survivors!"
Holo's eyebrows lifted, "'Survivors?'"
The crowd parted as if they were the red sea to give way to a straggling crowd of wearied men being guided by the kind and gentle Nunavik, who wished the welfare of all men regardless of culture and standing. Naluk pressed his forehead to his while stating, "Father, who is it you have brought?"
The conversed together, mainly to have one another brought to each others level on all that had been transpiring during their time apart when Holo immediately recognized one and immediately rushed to greet her.
Before Holo could say a word, Agatha said, "Well, fancy meeting you here."
Holo's smile beamed like the rainbow faintly shown during a heavy forecast and was relieved even more so to see Nikiski, Jethro, Doc, Ottis and a few others from the troupe which she felt confident could join rank.
Then with a wavering voice she asked, "Where is Timothy?"
Flexing her lips into a frown much to her chagrin Agatha replied, "He has gone the way of the angels I'm afraid. Were it not for him though, I we wouldn't be havin' this little get together."
Holo took her hands, "Oh Agatha I am so sorry…"
She looked past the shoulder of the defined woman to see Nikiski, Nunavik and Naluk having a very formal greeting then beheld Nazani giving Nikiski an embrace. Holo then asked, "You know these people?"
"Aye, there'll be time for that later but real quick lass, where's the hunk you've been dragging around?"
Holo winced, "There is much we need to talk about."
