AN: Hello wolf pack, here it is the magnum opus of The Vermillion Harvest part II. It's not the final chapter, there's one more and an epilogue and then we move on to the conclusion. I've been waiting to get to this baby for a good while and will let you know that it is loooong! It's over 16,000 words spanning 35 pages worth of battles and emotions!

Just like before it's been divided into four parts and labeled with plenty of breaks if you don't have time to get it in one setting and have to come back to it.

Please enjoy and RnR if you want!


Chapter 35

Wolf and the Great Siege

I

First Contact

The remainder of the night went about amongst Naluk, Shenu, Nazani and Nikiski planning how to best exact their efforts for the preservation of the Kahotoe people. This included the use of the black powder discovered by Holo and was considered a tremendously precious asset among their army.

After a lengthy engagement with one another, the tacticians concluded the most appropriate actions to be this. All kenrou were to defend the village and engage with the most powerful among the opposing forces, mainly speaking of Shaska and Telekna,who sought Nazani; Amliki and D'nesh who desired Holo. Just one of them of their own merits could single handedly raise it to the ground.

As for the Sawatii army, Naluk would have Patuwaq take Helemek and the two hundred striplings to the valley of Mishuk to employ a type of bluff forcing Yanaguski's hand into diverting his forces. Mishuk and the old village of Yoites served more than a neutral zone. They were narrow strips of land that conjoined the Kahotoe and Sawatii villages. Should Yanaguski leave this area unguarded while being fully aware an impending force was standing by, it would mean his own village would be left open to retaliation as well. Therefore he would have to part with a portion of his own warriors in a number at least equal to safeguard his interests.

Knowing the savage chieftain and his war maiden, Inola, they would unleash the full might of their chinua and remaining braves upon the village. Under no conditions could the women, children and feeble bodied men remain. Thus they were called to exodus into the sacred canyons of the creators. A place, at one point, was believed to have served as sanctuary for the ancient gods who, under the direction of The Great Spirit, created the world and gave life. Such as Angipue the cosmic eagle, Urluk the white bear, Koda the grey wolf and Tutuki the brown caribou.

These canyons had carved within their mountains great halls of stone grand enough to house such creatures and immense statues depicting their glory. Not even the Kahotoe knew how such shrines were whittled into the earth but they durst not enter the homes of their creators which were not meant for mortal men to tread. Those who had, reported chasms so great it would be fool hardy to attempt passage. But it was also the hope of Naluk that even the Sawatii would not dare desecrate the sacred canyons with bloodshed of the innocent who sought refuge there.

Lastly, Nikiski and Agatha offered to reinforce the Kahotoe village with what remained of their troupe. When all options and tactics were exhausted to the most appropriate degrees they disbanded to recollect and prepare for the coming hours.

When the expeditionaries observed Naluk rallying Petuwaq and their armies to kneel down and cry unto the Great Spirit they turned to Agatha who only encouraged them to pray to the God they worshipped. Had it crossed the mind of the troupe to abandon this battle? Perhaps, yet any man who would knew well what lay beyond the border and considered such recourse a futile effort. Therefore they elected to die for something more meaningful.

Those who had chosen to sleep the few hours allotted, would awake to a terrible rise in their hearts, drops in their bellies and knots in their throats. Yet through all apprehension they girded about their armor and weapons and reported for duty despite the tremors. Helemek and the two hundred striplings, young boys, some as young as fourteen and as old as seventeen, were clung to by their crying mothers before separating their own ways. Before long the village was all but empty save the Kenrou, Naluk's army and Nikiski's troupe.

Agatha roamed the alleys of the village and took a step back to clear the way for Nazani, Talkeetna and Soldotna, who betook their beast forms when passing through. She marveled at their size and grandeur as they elegantly passed through then directed herself to Holo's hut to where she was found sitting upon the mattress, pouch in hand.

Sitting beside her she asked, "What ails ye?"

Caressing her wheat purse with a thumb Holo replied, "I was thus ruminating. Lawrence had given me this shortly after we met…"

Agatha gaped upon it curiously.

"Even when I was but still a stranger to him, he would bestow his goodness upon me…neither without my asking or deserving…."

The female swashbuckler placed a hand upon her wrist, "Sounds like ye caught the perfect man."

Holo nodded solemnly, "Tis' a good soul Lawrence has, indeed."

"And what think ye the soul of that other?"

Setting her eyes up under creased brows she gritted, "I cannot say. I cannot count the burdens he carries." Clenching the pouch she continued, "Through the pitch and tar that stain his spirit, perhaps a little gold still shimmers on. If only he were with us now."

Agatha gave Holo's knee a slight pat and remarked as she arose, "Well I desire it as much ye, for he sounds like the perfect catch for me-self!"

Holo chuckled while swaying her head as Agatha departed. At last she too arose, unfastened her clothing, partook of the wheat and joined the ranks as a wolf. The four kenrou eyed the misty terrain, their keen senses anticipated any detection from a foreigner but so had all been done so in vain.

A soft steam flowed from Nazani's nostrils, "I know you were not inclined to assist these people, but we are most certainly grateful."

Holo nodded, "Tis' like the old days when I had led some packs of my own. An opportunity such as this may never come again."

The silver wolf lowered his head, "You have my promise Holo, after this we will find where this man Jurgen has gone to roost."

Before a response could be given the snow swirled around before them constructing Shenu's form who had spent the time as a reconnoiter within the eyes of nature. Her white frame sat before them and reported, "The Sawatii are advancing but are delayed by some strange occurrences."

"How so?"

"The army is lessened in number and is without many of its captains while those who trod on have stopped and become ill."

"A plague?" inquired Holo.

"I know not, but Yanaguski is aware of the exploitation at the valley of Mishuk and have sent at least five hundred there with his newly appointed war chief Ayasti, Korihan's successor, at the head."

Talkeetna grew worrisome, "They are outnumbered, should not one of us help?"

Shenu addressed him, "Be wary, I know not where Shaska, Telekna and the shadow warriors dwell. They may wish to have us separated and destroyed one by one. We cannot divert ourselves."

"Tis true,' said Holo, 'the two humans can defeat one wolf alone."

The frost mother followed up, "Not only this but Shaska was one of the mightiest of Yoites. He could easily contend with all five of us if he wishes. His age has not soured his might, and his temper is all the more foul."

Nazani replied while starring deadly into the horizon, "Your father, Holo, was the only one who could best him."

She straightened her neck, "Let us see how far the apple has fallen, aye?"

Naluk stood by the barricades and pikes, sword in hand. Peering deeper into the woods he called back, "Make ready yourselves brothers, the enemy has arrived."

The Kahotoe warriors fastened to their stations and held at the ready for upon the hill, Yanaguksi was bestrode upon his horse waiting patiently.

Agatha and Nikiski loaded their crossbows and took aim along with the rest of the troupe.

The scene at the moment was affixed upon the Sawatii chief who held aloft his staff girded about from head to toe in thick animal furs complete with a deer rack attached to his crown. His face was marked with black and blue war paint beneath his eyes that gazed upon the village of his enemy with an astringent scowl fermenting upon it.

Not long after entertaining his station there a line of horsemen formed on both sides stretchtching the near length of the hill. Inola eventually came into view followed by the growling and snapping chinua. Alas the footmen could be seen gathering behind them who banged their hide shields and shrieked war cries into the air.

This enhanced the anticipation of the Kahotoe warriors who gripped their weapons tightly with quivering hands. Holo scanned the commotion rapidly then informed, "I do not see the great wolves or the shadow warriors."

Nazani, who wished for all of them to maintain their wits, replied, "Be wary then, for they too may have a strategy of their own which may involve their absence."

Yanaguski withdrew his tomahawk, twirled it a few times and raised it high with his staff. The pandemonium intensified; the banging and crying grew louder, the wolves barked and howled more savagely and the horses began to prance and whinny.

The postures of the Kahotoe wavered but was soon reinforced when Naluk called them to courage. Agatha yelled to the troupe on the rear lines, "Pick a target lads, if ye can't reload soon enough draw yer sword and fight til ye see none left!"

Finally, the human skull decorating the top of Yanaguski's staff leaned forward to where it fell upon the village. The riders spurred their mounts to a gallop, the wolves lunged to a bolt and the charge began.

Those who were called to reinforce the valley of Mishuk were spared no portion of apprehension. The two hundred striplings, lead by Petuwaq, marched through the snow and underbrush until alas reaching the great valley that had once before claimed so many of their brethren. Helemek advanced ahead as scout then returned in haste to report.

"The Sawatii send a portion of their army this way, at least double our number."

Petuwaq concealed his bottom face with his hand and said nothing. His hesitation caused the young man to worry who was quickly reassured when his commander gave utterance, "Fear not, have faith in yourselves and in the Great Spirit. Remember our strategy."

The order was received and their ranks were organized accordingly. Not long after, Ayasti, the only one atop a mount, rode into the mouth of the valley followed by his five hundred footmen. As they followed along the base near a stream, it was oddly noted by the striplings that many braves were rejecting to advanced and instead vomited like invalids. They pressed on regardless and, after traversing a few hundred paces, were stopped by their war chief's fist.

Up ahead was Petuwaq and Helemek backed by what appeared to be only fifty striplings. Petuwaq held up the banner and addressed them with a thundering voice that filled the valley.

"Ayasti! You are not permitted to trespass upon our lands!"

The one whom he addressed, though not as battle hardened as Korihan, was no less a brute and willing to be just as savage, turned his horse sideways and surveyed that which opposed him.

"You will let us pass, be it even unto bloodshed!" he returned feeling hardly threatened.

Petuwaq removed his helmet, "We do not seek your bloodshed, but if it means the lives of our wives and families, it shall be done, even unto death."

Ayasti, let out a scoff of disbelief, shook his head and adjusted himself in the saddle, "Behold, your army's numbers are dwindling. We shall fall upon you like water on rock! Abandon this foolish notion, save yourselves or suffer our wrath!"

The bravado of Ayasti's speech was short lived when he held his side, became violently ill and cast emesis from side saddle. Some of the gastric expulsions licked his horse's shoulder, startling him to step in circles before compelled back under control. Petuwaq looked yonder to witnesses similar phenomenons occurring throughout the rest of the Sawatii.

He showed sympathy and cried out, "You and your brave's are stricken with illness, but even in your weakened state we shall not show you mercy."

The war chief recomposed his posture then drew his bony club but was stunned when his enemy issued a command that revealed then other hundred and a half of the young soldiers emerge from their hiding spots in all varying directions and elevations along the slopes.

"Behold, you are surrounded,' warned Petuwaq, 'It is us who shall descend upon you like water upon stone! I give you this choice, chose your fate! Freedom, or bloodshed?"

Some of the Sawatii, who were haunched on their knees, panted and seemed fearful to charge, for their bodies were sick, unsupportable and in a terrible position. They knew their enemies could strike on all flanks while dominating the high grounds. Ayasti turned to see it all and exhibited dread.

Yet failure and flight were not inherited attributes to the Sawatii and he chose bloodshed by raising his club and screaming the charge. Petuwaq raised his sword towards the heavens and yelled the command that would strike terror in the hearts of any infantrymen who were hedged in an enclosure made by their enemy, "Unloose the arrows!"

From the valley's highlands, an innumerable sum of missiles launched from all directions making sharp, distinct whistles on their descent. The masses raised their shields with many being struck fatally or partially disabled through their limbs. Ayasti found a projectile launched through the meat of his calve and come to rest between his horse's rib.

The panic stricken animal reared and bucked causing its rider to frantically regain control of his mount while suffering the entrapment. Alas the end of the barrage found multiple more arrows imbedding into the animal's shoulder, neck and flank. The agonized creature reared up then collapsed on it's side, pinning it's rider to the earth and succumbing to it's tortures.

Upon seeing the war chief decommissioned, Petuwaq set the tip of his sword towards the besieged army and commanded them to rush upon them. Another batch of projectiles were thrown forth followed by a horde of shields and spears advancing the front lines. The young men, imbued with the justice for their families, thrust themselves into the ranks of the Sawatii and the battle ensued.

It was to the great astonishment of the stripling warriors that the braves could hardly muster a firm resistance to their efforts, this being their first battle and first time to ever shed the blood of man at all. Though they mourned and shuddered at the thought of slaying their brethren (for they shared the same ancestry) they could not waiver nor hesitate for they fought for their God and their families. The destruction was swift and the bodies fell dead to the earth, mixing blood and mire.

Petuwaq had finished slaying a brave who sought his life then saw, amidst the warring bodies, Ayasti squirming from under his horse, pull the arrows from his flesh then turn to face him. He was astonished to find then warlord so undaunted by all his vexations and so ready to make his contributions on the field of battle.

Ayasti picked up a tomahawk from one of his fallen subordinates and pressed upon his enemy double wielding his club. Petuwaq raised his shield but found the tomahawk so powerful that it gashed in two while creating multiple fractures in his bones. The commander fell back favoring his now rendered invalid arm.

The war chief came swinging with vengeance, beating both weapons upon the ground as the commander scrambled backwards to escape. When he found his opportunity, he plunged his sword deep into Ayasti's upper arm nicking the brachial artery and severing ties between mind and limb.

Ayasti dropped the tomahawk and retaliated whilst his arm spurted blood from the perforation and hung like a dead rope off his torso. Petuwaq fenced at a safe league, fearing his sword would break under the might Ayasti's swing.

He evaded another swing then poked his sword through the war chief's foot in hopes to disable the ogre of a man. Partially collapsing, only to regain himself and hobble, Ayasti continued on to beat upon his enemy. Petuwaq remained patient for he perceived the signal of Ayasti's faintness from the lack of color in his face and weariness in his motions.

Alas the club made another devastating swing down before Petuwaq could anticipate, who rose his sword and felt it shatter under the club and crash onto his shoulder. A horrible break could be felt followed by insufferable swelling. The commander beheld his hilt supporting only a fourth of the blade's original length but jagged edges, if well placed, could prevail.

With a yell of adrenaline, he pushed himself up from his injured side, causing the broken bones to mince and grind, jammed the next attack then slammed the severed end of his sword down into Ayasti's neck to the hilt. The war chief became locked in agony and fell on his back.

Coming up to observe him, Petuwaq miraculously found the poor soul still to be alive and aware. The blade, by some stroke of fate, had missed all the vessels and canals within his neck leaving the man gravely, yet non fatally injured. The commander sent to enact total victory by seizing the club, and made ready to dash his brains out.

In that moment of doom, Ayasti stretched forth his hand and pled, "Petuwaq spare me and I shall call off my army!"

Petuwaq paused, then lowered his arm, "Swear it upon the life of the creators!"

Swabbing his palm in his own blood then presenting it as a token said, "By my blood and upon the life of the creators I swear it!"

"Then upon your word I await your surrender."

Ayasti cupped his mouth with his one good hand then made a unique holler loud enough to fill the valley with its echo. All those contending turned to hear it while Petuwaq yelled, "Your war chief surrenders! Your war chief surrenders!"

The word spread amongst all combatants and soon the clattering of shield and sword resonated to nothing so that all eyes could be set upon their leaders.

The commander looked about and said, "Help your war chief to his feet and return home, and you shall have my word your lives will be spared."

A handful of braves rushed to assist their fallen superior to his feet, bind his wounds and support him at all times. Their were great murmurs among the remaining braves, putting the striplings on guard anticipating they may forego the orders of the war chief.

Ayasti had all but fainted when he was being carried off. As Petuwaq was recovering himself, a Sawatii brave, unable to accept the humiliating defeat, lunged for the commander who was, at that moment, unable to defend himself. But before the deed could be accomplished, a nasty clank followed by a squealing howl found the defier upon the ground clutching his bleeding skull.

The young Helemek who had faithfully stood near his commander, predicted the act of treachery and intervened by cleaving the man's scalp away. The young stripling picked up the scalp which supported a long, fine tail of hair then presented it by the tip of his sword.

"Just as this scalp has fallen to the earth, so too shall you fall if you continue to wage war against us!"

The sentiment of his message held all the more weight upon the minds of the Sawatii as his fellow Kahotoe aimed the tips of their armaments against those who remained. Ayasti, out of fear, commanded he be carried away and the rest retreat as well. Soon after the valley of Mishuk was devoid of living creature under the Sawatii banner.

Petuwaq commanded a triple dozen to guard the adjacent valley should any of them attempt to unite with Yanaguski and reinforce the siege at the village. The rest were commanded to lift their brothers in arms to either be triaged or buried. The ravaged commander took sit upon a settee of stone to where his afflictions could be stabilized.

While he was thus being tended to, a report was issued by one of his striplings who, when after taking it and reading it, fell silent and stunned.

"What is it?" asked Helemek.

Gazing off into his own trance, Petuwaq replied near paralyzed with astonishment, "It is a tally of all the dead and wounded."

"What are the losses?"

Sighing the bewilderment out his mouth he said, "Three hundred dead and one hundred wounded Sawatii; and of our Kahotoe, only fifty injured or fainted from loss of blood, zero dead…"

Helemek nearly dropped his tools.

"With Nazani's medicine they shall all recover." finished Petuwaq.

"What shall we tell Naluk of this miracle?"

Tears came from the eyes of the gracious commander who raised them towards heaven, "That the Great Spirit surely fought beside us."

The horses and small wolves continued to bound for the Kahotoe village with a thundering rattle that shook the souls of the defenders. Naluk signaled all sentinels tasked with launching projectiles with a raise of the fist. Agatha, Nikiski and the others took aim and as soon as the captain's fist fell their missiles launched.

Some instilled the ground but the others struck advancing riders and quadrupeds alike. A good number fell from their mounts only to either recover, be trampled or give up the ghost where they lay. Those struck but not fallen were able to maintain the charge unhindered. Only time enough for one more round to be reloaded was given in exchange for a greater sense of accuracy as the charging foes became larger targets during the advance.

From the hill of which Yanaguski stood, he squinted when perceiving Naluk holding aloft a torch which he passed off to a courier who ran with it to the other side of the line then st it close to the ground. The bounding horsemen and chinua continued to draw nearer to the front lines. Spears were held parallel to the earth ready to impale members of the first wave when Naluk signaled the courier. The flame of the torch kissed a black spot of turf igniting a sparkling ball that zipped down the field.

When it disappeared the whole field shockingly transitioned from horsemen and wolves to hellfire and mayhem. An explosive boom caused the surrounding parties to jump and lose balance followed by scorching heat and shooting pebbles. Yanaguski's horse reared, bucked and turned eventually casting him off. Inola assisted him up leaving him to gape with terror and rage shooting down his spine.

As the smoke began to fade it revealed scorched earth littered with blackened and charred remnants of members of the assault. Those who held up the rear, numbering in perhaps a dozen, survived, some unscathed and fleeing, others gravely injured and calling for aid. Screams of man, whines of horse, and yelps of wolf filled the cold air. Some figures stirred, other laid still; some forms were whole, others in pieces. The wagon of black powder had its grains sewn into the earth making the stretch of land a massive incendiary device as strategy to quickly thin out the first wave in droves.

Yanaguski got to his knees while his war maiden held his head and shrieked in confounded horror. They had nothing left on the hill but the footmen now. One frontiersmen took aim at a amputated sufferer crawling away but Agatha rebuked him saying, "Save yer bolt, there be more on the way."

Holo squinted, "I can see them parting."

Indeed so, the line of warrior opened up giving way to two individuals slowly marching side by side with dark confidence in their personas. It was Amliki and D'nesh who kept their cool as they advanced menacingly towards the border of blackened turf and stopped as if waiting. The fog only enhanced the atmosphere with such dread that even Naluk had unkempt spirits.

Then from the obscure corners of the far end, two great figures emerged, Telekna and Shaska. Holo and Nazani's offspring bowed their heads and growled while their father and Shenu remained more controlled.

Nazani began walking forward, turned and whispered, "Wait here."

The Kahotoe on the front line ducked as he stepped over them. He sat upon the battlefield to arrempt one last beckon for peace.


II

Gods and Men

The silver wolf stood with his children, companions and human warriors watching from his back. Telekna in similar manner. There was silence for a moment when Nazani chose to speak first, relying upon his nature to quell the tides.

"Telekna, see what your quest for vengeance has done to this people? You promised them an easy victory but have suffered much loss. You have created alliances with sects you do not fully understand. Lastly, you have dedicated yourself to a cause you do not fully realize."

The god of death narrowed his eyelids but chose peace.

Nazani continued his plea, "We all wish to see Yoites thrive, to continue our way of life. To be merry and fruitful in all our endeavors. But you must think; at what cost? Regardless of who shall reign as victor the toll shall weigh so heavily upon the land that whatever prosperity you wished Yoites to flourish in will be but an utter memory to fade and die in the coming generations. Is this what your truly desire? A land so smitten of its great people that its remnants would surely fall into obscurity? Right now in this moment we all have a choice, we can set aside our differences, negotiate for peace and share a common goal together."

It was more evident to those listening that Nazani was speaking on grounds more impactful to humans than that of the gods, yet some room was permitted to shine down hope, seeing how all who had ears to hear, stood by and listened. Shaska, however, saw only Shenu standing behind Nazani which fueled his jealousy and reaffirmed his fears and tempers.

Without another word the old wolf covered a mass section of land with a single bound, latched onto Nazani's scruff, spun him around and, with admirable strength, threw him into the village. The warriors dove fled before the flying wolf's body's transit ceased with a collision of huts his trajectory decided for him. The pained yelp of the kindly wolf echoed in tandem with the cannonade of fallen structures which echoed an abject signal to all. Shaska's maneuver was answered by Soldatna and Talkeetna who roared into the battlefront making savageries with the offender. Holo called after them, but when seeing her words unheeded, she too leapt into the fray.

The tales of Shaska's power became all the more cemented in the minds of the three young wolves. For the trio found themselves nearly outmatched by the single wolf alone. Shaska dashed forward striking Soldatna with enough blow to roll her over. Then bit Talkeetna's face, dug his fangs into his flank (when stunned) and drug him into the ground. Holo was there in a split second which Shaska was quick to confront. Both in that moment growled and bristled with their heads low and hinds high.

Holo made a few strafes then lunged but Shaska moved by just enough margins, clamped onto her shoulder, lifted and tossed her away. Soldatna jumped over her, barking and going mad, sending her fangs plunging into the pit of his front right leg. This maddened the beast even more who lunged up and beat upon her savagely with her paws. Her brother regained himself and advanced leaving Holo a moment to observe the Sawatii.

Yanaguski consoled a grieving Inola but made no formal declaration for the remainder of his army to advance. D'nesh and Amliki stood idly by making no attempt to engage. Then there was Telekna who simply sat solemn as stone while Shenu was tending to Nazani. Holo's eyes widened taking into account the great destruction his body caused upon the village, the duel of the wolves alone could utterly destroy that which they sought to protect. This was the god of death's ploy, if they continued to fight here the Kahotoe warriors and their village would be reduced to rubble by the fallout.

Holo dashed towards the belligerent wolves and demanded, "Get away from the village!"

She went unheard giving her no other recourse but to dive in and throw her might into all three. They crashed and tumbled towards the decline and were sent skidding away. Telekna watched their departing tumble then said to Yanaguski, "Send them now.' then to the shadow warriors, 'Do as you will."

The chieftain wallowed and swung his staff in circles which activated the rest of the army to run down the divide. D'nesh and Amliki, while being surrounded by flooding soldiers as a boulder among rapids, walked at a leisurely pace picking their time to engage.

Shenu nudged Nazani with her snout. He groaned and rolled over revealing his hip to have sustained a terrible penetration from a support beam still housed in its place. "Remove it!" said he in agony. Her fangs affixed the wooden pike which was soon unseated from his tissue. He rolled around while grunting then requested in this torture, "Stay with me until I heal!"

Fortunately, his powers benefited him in the most timely of manners. Unfortunately, whatever time needed to be sued for a recovery left a sizable enough window for slaughter from the Sawatii. She guarded him as a loyal friend, and showed her teeth. Soon after a hostile forecast filtered the sun, the wind began to blow and the snow began swirling.

Arrows and bolts were snapped and thrown across the zone of which the Sawatii passed. Though the herd was thinned, it was not enough to spare the front line the initial assault as Naluk and his subordinates met the clash and held the line. The morning air was filled with the sounds clanking armaments, battered shields, cries of death and the struggle of mortal combat. Arrows pierced, swords slashed, heads split and bodies fell. And through it all, Telekna watched and waited, but seemed disappointed.

Shenu kept any invader at bay while the wound in Nazani's hip was resealing itself. The blizzard created by her tempest caused advantage and disadvantage for either side, as suitable visibility was lost. The most effected by the forecast was Agatha and the troupe who relied on clear skies to best effect the use of their crossbows.

It was not until the Sawatii broke the line that D'nesh and Amliki surmounted their obscurity and engrossed their art. Agatha watched Amliki vault into the middle with but his spear, swing and twirl it ferociously jabbing and slashing any combatant within his vicinity with the grace of a Shaolin monk.

D'nesh introduced his skill with the bow as his first exhibition showed him jumping from a roof sending an arrow into the vitals of one Kahotoe soldier, then as he rolled to his feet, had thrice more arrows drawn felling three more in a single snap. Agatha was loading her crossbow while keeping an eye on them then launched for D'nesh who perceived it and shot her bolt out of the air. A mountaineer came to her aid with his bow and shot another arrow for him but D'nesh caught it, spun back and resent it hitting the man between the eyes falling dead before Agatha. She backed around the corner of the wall, looked up and said, "Heaven help us."

At this point Nazani was fully recovered and arose with which Shenu addressed him, "What must we do now? Your children and Holo contend with Shaska alone, but the two savage ones and Telekna remain here. Shall we fight them?"

Nazani replied, "We can, but we both know who they really want."

Shenu became stricken with an idea, "Follow my lead."

At this time Agatha was contending with D'nesh, or that is to say was playing a game of cat and mouse as they were exchanging shots with one another from behind their respective cover. She sent another bolt at him, who narrowly dodged it then saw her concealing herself behind a corner between two structures. This time he adjusted the tip towards the wall adjacent from her position and sent spiraling towards it. It ricochet'd to a new trajectory striking Agatha through the arm.

Cursing every name under the sky she clutched her wound and fled. Upon intersecting with a small group of Sawatii she was forced to draw her sword with her uninjured but least coordinated arm. Fortunately she was discovered by Nikiski who fenced them to their deaths. He soon removed her indoors to mend her wound with her saying in a tone of final parting, "If it be the way of the earth for us, I want ye to know there ain't no other man I'd wish to die besides."

He patted her shoulder and smiled.

"Yeah I know, we ain't dead yet."

Once bandaged she peered out the door and instructed, "Be on the look out, them two devils shall spill us clean before we can blink."

As they descended from the exit, Nikiski grabbed Agatha and threw her out of the way of a deadly blow. Amliki had come down but missed his mark sending his spear into the ground. D'nesh was there to take aim but was suddenly picked up by Shenu and charged away. Amliki, loyal to his brother, forewent anymore attempts and sprinted in their direction.

While Agatha and Nikiski were regrouping, Naluk had finished pulling his sword from his eighth kill and soon met his rival on the battlefield. Yanaguski galloped towards him forcing the captain to tuck and roll. The chief's horse skidded around and spurred towards him once more. This time Naluk picked up a fallen shield, braced with both hands and braced for charge of the twelve hundred pound animal. Naluk was flattened instantly as the animal tripped over him flinging the chief to the ground.

The horse, frightened and in pain, galloped away as soon as his hooves leveled with the ground. Naluk tossed the shield aside and groaned from the results of the escapade while Yanaguski slowly let himself up. Both men emerged from the ground, faced each other and fought as though whomever fell by the other's hand the victor would have safe guarded his entire clan.

At this point Nazani, who had followed the lead of Shenu managed to draw Telekna after him, found himself to where Shaska, Holo and the siblings were removed to. After stopping he gave a look of horror at the sight of his children. Soldatna's right ear was shredded, her eye swollen with pierce marks and a significant gash across her chest. Talkeetna was provided with half a nostril torn off, a paw pad split open and crimson staining his body in streaks. Holo was ravaged as well but not to their extent.

At this point, Nazani had displayed true anger as he bristled with unsettling rage, "I plead for peace, and you rent my children!"

Shaska, bleeding as well, replied, "Yes, why punish them when my quarrel is with you?"

"Shaska,' replied the shaman in great struggle to remain composed, 'whatever Telekna told you, he cannot be trusted, he is the son of a traitor."

"Do not speak to me of traitorous acts Nazani!' ejaculated Shaska, 'Frolicking about with the daughter and associate of Yoites's greatest conspirator!"

A rebuttal was formulated, however it was interrupted by Shenu dashing in, but unable to keep her hold upon D'nesh, who fought and struggled greatly, forcing her to a stop with her muzzle jerking about. Alas the lethal bowman kicked out with his feet, fell to the ground and drew on guard, the tip of his arrow dotting between the four wolves in an instant.

"Shenu!" quivered Shaska, who at this time, had shown any vulnerability.

Amliki, in pursuit of his brother, presented himself at the scene with his spear aimed at the ready. All in accounting held their ground and awaited the next action, but all anticipation was in vain.

"Well, I had hoped for a greater spectacle than this.' Telekna's voice had carried in which took the attention of everyone, 'All things considering."

The black wolf could be seen navigating his way down the snowy white hills between the trees, coming to rest at the apex of the conflict.

"Shaska…" came the voice of Shenu, which delicately drew his attention, "…you actually believed him?"

The old crotchety wolf lowered his head, "It may be difficult for the younger ones to understand, but after it was revealed Helushka charged the outlander Chugiak with his secret assassinations, I could never forgive the ones who sided with him, no matter how long we had been friends…"

Holo bristled her tail, "But tell me, was it not you who was among the wolves conspiring against my father in the beginning? Leaving him no choice but to resort to such an outlander to protect this land?"

A dark cloud grimaced over the god of ore, "Yoites needed new leadership, one that could ensure it a home for wolves and wolves only. Helushka was too much of an idealist, wishing it's game and abundance to be shared among the humans. Not once did he consider the needs of his fellow pack mates. We would soon go extinct from starvation unless action was taken. And once he discovered this, he had his dissenters killed at the hands of some unspeakable outlander!"

"It was your plan to have Helushka and his entire pack killed, Shaska!' roared Nazani, 'his mate, his daughter, me and my pack, the Kahotoe and even the Sawatii whom you had do your bidding! That was the future of Yoites you saw? No matter how dark and devious you make the old chieftain out to be, I would have followed him to every ends of the earth if it meant stopping you and the dissenters. Consider his actions divine justice against your cowardice!"

"Cease this idle talk,' interrupted Amliki which encouraged each head to face him and his brother, 'we have come here for the heads of the one they call Holo and the kinslayer, if we are all at an end, then let it be to the death."

Telekna then spoke, "Yes were it so, however we are not all at an end for not all of us are present. The final player who played a role in the division of Yoites has yet to make an appearance. Where is Chugiak?"

Holo huffed, "We know not, he departed yesterday without a trace."

The black wolf tilted his head, "Perhaps you know not,' then turning to Shenu, 'but perhaps the frost mother would know. After all she coddled to his cause, aided him upon his return and kept her eyes aloft within the breath of the wind. She knows where he must have gone off to."

Amliki rejoined, "Yes ancient one, we do not seek your blood, if you uncover his place of hiding, we shall have no quarrel with you."

Shenu stood bravely, "I shall tell you the last things I recall of the man you call kinslayer,' then to Telekna, 'and the one you call call Chugiak. I recall him mercilessly slaughtering the wretch who was your father that day all those centuries ago,' then to the brothers, 'and the brutal death he brought to the wicked creature that was your brother yesterday!' then declaring to all, 'And it is my desire you all meet the same fate this day!"

Shaska took a step back, "You really have betrayed me…"

Telekna readied himself and said, "Then I shall make my final declaration over your corpse!"

He launched himself at the frost mother but was collided off by Holo, who was then shot thrice in the side by D'nesh, who was attacked by Nazani, who was pierced by Amliki, who was engaged by Soldatna assisted by her brother who was thwarted by Shaska. In only an inkling of a heartbeat the supreme beings were lashing at each other in an orgy of violence and rampage.

The winds picked up and the blizzards swirled by Shenu's command who snapped at D'nesh but the cunning warrior slid under her bite and launched three projectiles into her underbelly. She went to pounce upon him but felt the pain of Amliki's spear thrusting into her leg who withdrew it, climbed up her side, vaulted off towards Nazani bringing the pole into his shoulder.

The shaman jolted, reached back and latched on to his leg but was shot under the eye by D'nesh then rammed over by Telekna. Holo leapt up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and yanked him over in a semi circle then was knocked down when Shaska threw Talkeetna into her from behind. The two warriors dove and evaded the tangle massive wolf bodies pounding the earth then attempted their run while Holo was still down.

Amliki ran towards her hip, who was belly up at the moment, jumped onto her loins and plunged his spear straight into her flank, cutting the tendon. Holo bolted upright with the warrior swinging around, throwing his spear into her hip and used it as a means to lob himself on her back. He ran towards her head, and went to thrust it into her neck bones but she rolled over to crush him forcing him to leap to safety. As he fell, he decelerated his plummet by sending the tip of the spear into her shoulder, carving its way down.

This greatly antagonized the wise wolf who stumbled on account of her injured flank, putting her in position for a lethal shot from D'nesh. Shenu, regarding Holo as a distant daughter, snatched him up and chewed but the warrior fought and slammed his limbs against her pallet. She tossed him up, grabbed his foot and threw him with all her might against the foliage. His body nearly shattered against a great tree, knocked off a few branches below and was laid motionless and bloodied in the snow.

Amliki, overcome with rage and emotion, activated that same phenomenon Barzur displayed upon Holo, which protruded and darkened his veins and caused the color of his eyes to become a bright, near glowing yellow. He sprinted a few paces in short time towards Shenu while Talkeetna was coming to his feet.

Amliki was quicker and stronger than anticipated as he, with ease, moved between her front legs and slashed his spear back and forth striking both paws then as her jaw repositioned to bite him he whipped out and delivered a round house kick to her chops hard enough to turn her side. Talkeetna rushed in, trampled him into submission, lobbed away his spear, then opened wide to swallow him whole. Amliki came up, caught both ends of his mouth with enough resistance to stay him then twisted his face into the ground. A thing to note is that as the conflict carried on it spread the gods further from the huddled mass they once were.

Holo struggled to stand, but finding her injuries too unsupportable, she collapsed and tried again. Looking ahead she saw the duel between Amliki, Shenu and Talkeetna drift themselves away then behind to see obscured figures of what could be assumed was Shaska quarreling with whomever between the trees, most likely Nazani.

She fell repeatedly but continued to find strength to always rise once more, yet from behind, the paws of Telekna struck and pinned her down. She barked and fought back put to no avail.

"Poor little wolf,' he mocked, 'lost her husband, lost her home…lost her friends. I find it most fitting of all when my enemies die alone."

A great flash of silver barreled him down and chomped all over. To Holo's surprise, it was Soldatna who warded him off. Completely caught off guard by her barbarity the black wolf, being more pre disposed to the alarmist mindset, withdrew and retreated.

She came upon Holo who said, "Perhaps I have been away from this for too long."

Soldatna began licking her wounds while panting, "I have Father's abilities to make one whole. But I know not what to do!"

Once the wise wolf found her pain becoming more maintainable through the passing moments, she arose and sniffed the tracks of the black wolf, "We find Telekna!"


III

Our Homes, and Families

The battle between Naluk and Yanaguski was fierce and brutal. Weapons and shields collided, cheeks were smitten and flesh was broken. Yet neither side showed any sign of relenting.

The captain struck his enemy across the jaw with the ridge of his shield then plunged, catching the tip into Yanaguski's side below the ribs which earned the retaliation of having the tomahawk sink into his collar. Naluk yelped and threw himself away to examine his affliction. The Sawatii chieftain put pressure to his own wound then erected himself.

The Kahotoe captain gave one more attempt to parley, "It need not come to the end of our lives Yanaguski."

"Hmph!' retorted the man, 'You should have stood aside and let us hunt the Nukapa! But you disgrace the honor of us both by providing him sanctuary, the very creature who slew our forefathers!"

"What was done to our ancestors, has been done. But what shall be done here and now determines the permanent disgrace of our people."

The chieftain gripped his weapon and stepped forward. Naluk then spoke with more earnest, "Yanaguski, I know you serve the pale face along the Siakluk."
His footfalls stopped.

"Your people need not subject yourselves to him and live in fear of his power. For that is why you are here is it not? Not for Telekna's revenge, not for the death of Chugiak…but because the man called Jurgen among the snow skins threatens you if you do not wage war.' he extended his hand, 'please, if there is any good you can do for your people, allow us to help you be rid of him."

Yanaguski, looking sorrowful and bound by unjustifiable duty, said, "It does not end with just him. The pale face are powerful, more powerful than even the gods. The days of the inuit are numbered, they will come for all our lands in due time. Jurgen is the most influential among them, only he can preserve us in the wave of the pale face, but he can also have us all destroyed. Therefore I must follow his command, for the sake of my people."

"So be it." replied Naluk, who girded his buckler and clashed once more.

Though the battle was beginning to dwindle, more Sawatii than Kahotoe remained. Caught amidst the most desperate struggle was Agatha and Nikiski who launched his remaining bolts at the invaders while Agatha loaded one of her remaining three. But all too soon she cried in pain of which Nikiski beheld his partner penetrated through the right bicep.

"Dammit, they shot me arm!" she bewailed and hid behind a yurt to recuperate.

He wished to join her but was overtaken by a handful of braves, it all seemed dire for them until somehow, one by one, the sect of besiegers dropped with projectiles firmly planted in their backs. Nikiski diverted his gaze to see Jethro, who had in his possession, a collection of crossbows picked from the dead at his disposable, explaining how he dispatched them as quickly as he did. When all munitions were depleted, he drew from his scabbard and cut down the few who remained.

He nodded to Nikiski, who appeared grateful for the last moment assist, then raised Agatha up while stating, "Let me help, can't do much good with a bad arm."

She answered by decking him across the jaw with her left, "I can do just as much with the other!" she scolded his tardiness.

Rubbing his chin he retorted in good humor, "Well, that is a fine thank you Mrs. Mcdubbland!"

She collected herself and instructed while walking past, "Come along now, we got plenty more fightn' to do and yer me better half."

"Yes m'lady." he replied then re-cocked the crossbows.

The battle continued in all its unrelenting cruelty, the tides were ever so surely, but persistently, weighing in favor of the Sawatii. So much so that Naluk was forced to retreat away while Yanaguski followed. He only made it so far before finding himself ensnared in a corner of the village and pressed by over a dozen braves. The chieftain struck him to the ground with a mighty blow while Agatha and Jethro were attempting in vain to liberate him but it could not be done.

Just when the captain was to be smitten from the earth, a horn from the east blew. The chaos gave peace to it the signal causing many, Naluk and Yanaguski included, to look above the ridge to see Petuwaq standing with Helamek at his side. Then rapidly the apex of the hill supported all the striplings ready to reclaim their homes.

No time was further wasted on the idle spectacle, they quickly descended the hillside and flooded the village taking the Sawatii completely off guard. The reinforcements were automatically determined the deciding factor as the braves knew they could and withstand their might and proceeded to fall back.

Yanaguski yelled for them to hold their ground but went unheeded. Seeing his stand as futile he turned his back to flee but was apprehended and forced to the ground by Naluk then disarmed. But it was not within the captain's interest to kill him however justified.

"Why would you let me live, child of my enemy?"

"You will be an advocate for bargain." replied Naluk.

"What is your first demand?"

"Call off all braves from my village!" demanded he.

"I cannot call them all off for not all are here!"

"The valley of Mishuk has been well fortified, the message shall get to them."

Yanaguski appeared fretful in sorrow, "I had another sect of my braves sent to take what was most precious to you."

"Where are they?"

"They have gone to the sacred canyon, where you had sent your innocents!"

Dread filled Naluk's face and quickly yelled to Petuwaq to dispatch the striplings to save their women and children.

Through the sacred canyons, which we have caught but a glimpse of when Holo was revealed the great history of Yoites by Nazani, came to rest at the great halls of Anrialuk, which was the Kahotoe word for 'Home of the Creators.' It was a at the furthest crevice a great hovel was carved into the mountains. The entrance was identified by front pillars as tall as the canyon shoulders themselves, supporting a stoa feeding its way deeper in. At the end of the stoa was the great hall ending with a large crag to great for any man to pass.

And it was here within this great hall that the women, children and elderly had taken refuge. Among them was Nunivik and Anaqsuk who tended to all their needs the best their abilities could employ. While they were tending to, the sound of gentle thunder echoed throughout the chasms. The people investigated and found off in the distance a brigade of at least fifty coming to slaughter them.

The alarm came in the form of voices saying, "They have destroyed our village!" and, "The Sawatii come for us!"

Nunivik looked and beheld with his elderly wife, Anaqsuk who wrenched his arm in terror at the sight of their eminent doom. She turned to him and inquired with dread, "Dear husband, what are we to do? We cannot flee, we cannot fight, we durst not shed blood on sacred grounds!"

Nunivik looked upon his wife with a face of acceptance and fear, then took her by the hand and had them both kneel. With tears forming at the corners of his eyes and trembling greatly, he began to sing a prayer. Not one that commands protection, but one that praised the Great Spirit and a pled to be swiftly ushered into his care.

The song of Nunivik carried higher among the cries of fear and soon were stolen away by more voices that joined the ritual. Mothers, and grandparents brought their younglings in, knelt down and sang together, holding each other closely.

The footsteps of the braves clamored through with a blundering bellow and the innocents were overrun. Yet despite the bodies that fell and the blood that was spilt, not one iota of resistance was ushered, neither was a single eye lifted. They only continued to chant in song, "Oh Great Spirit, receive my soul."

Yet this work of slaughter was not destined to persist, but not in the way you would expect. Did the striplings and Naluk arrive to save them? No. Was it perhaps Holo or another kenrou sympathetic to the Kahotoe cause that came to their rescue? Again no. It was a miracle that could not come to pass by any other power than one from on high.

It started with one brave who, when after felling his last innocent, raised his weapon to strike down another, but was touched in the heart. When seeing the people of his enemy remaining idle and offering no complaint. Choosing to perish than fight back, he was reminded that his people and his enemy's were once brethren. Alas he saw the horror of this needless violence and then, overcome with shame, lowered his weapon.

He looked to his right and found another of his fellow braves having the same struggle of spirit. When their eyes met they dropped their weapons, fell on their knees and wept. This spirit of sorrow swept throughout the stoa as a wave of more Sawatii braves, overcome with the same burden of thought, cast down their weapons of war and fell to the earth.

Their voices raised up as well, but instead of saying, "Oh Great Spirit, receive my soul.' they cried, 'Oh Great Spirit have mercy upon our souls."

Naluk and Helemek sprinted through the canyons along with at least sixty striplings until coming at last to the entrance of Anrialuk. They stopped, and beheld the sight with wonder and amazement dawning their faces. Sawatii and Kahotoe mourning the dead together, some even embracing one another. Many of the braves noticed Naluk's arrival, but did not re-obtain their arms, but would rather die than shed another drop of blood.

Naluk, Helemek and the rest of the young warriors dispersed among the hordes in hopes their loved ones survived. Many were reunited with the living, some, however, kneeled to the ground along the corpses of the family they once knew. Naluk was among them who found the body of his father, Nunivik, laying cold and motionless with Anaqsuk squeezing his hand and stroking his head.

The young captain, slowly took of his helmet, dropped it and collapsed over his father's body. He felt the tender hand of his mother resting upon his back soothing anguished soul. After mourning his loss, Naluk looked up past his father's breast and found kneeling before him the Sawatii brave who killed him.

His moistened eyes raised to better examine the sobbing man who was pressing his palms into his eyes huffing and crying his sorrows away. During one of his gasps he beheld Naluk rising up to his knees, not once breaking his concentrated gaze affixed upon him. He noticed his sword in hand yet responded by opening up his arms to expose his chest as if requesting to be served justice by being pierced through the heart.

Naluk gritted his teeth, tightened his grip, grabbed the brave's shoulder and shot forward.

When the brave opened his eyes he found himself in the captain's embrace, who hugged him tightly and forgave him.


IV

The Shadow Demon

Through the frosty burrows, dykes and gulches Nazani and Shaka's warring bodies continually ripped through the land. Dappled smears of crimson spotted their furs with new ones birthing with each passing moment. It was a futile effort in the essence of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, for though Shaska was the most savage and fierce contender in the battle, Nazani's ability to heal within moments of a mark balanced out his inability to outmatch his opponent.

Yet in the end, Shaska could eventually fatigue the healing wolf's abilities and in time sap the life from him that way and Nazani was aware of this. That is why, when a break in the conflict occurred, he chose to exercise his more dominant method to resolve conflict, diplomacy.

"Shaska!' he pled, 'killing me and the kin of Helushka and myself will be the greatest betrayal you will commit against the land you love."

Snarling out his resentments, the god of ore rejected that sentiment with this counter point, "It was Helushka who betrayed us all! As our chieftain he was to ensure our pack rights above all else, not by some petty service to these lower beings!"

Nazani sparked his rage, "It was you who betrayed us all in the beginning! You and Telekna's father! You sought total dominion over all, determining a creature's quality of life on the grounds of their stature, having no regard for the balance of nature. You knew better yet how did you proceed? Conspiracy? Betrayal? Secret combinations? You forced Helushka to have you all removed and in secrecy, it was your own doing and you know it! I am not the only one who felt this way, Shenu saw you for what you were and that is why she could no longer suffer to be your mate!"

With a heinous roar Shaska put Nazni into the ground with his throat incased in his iron jaws. Struggling to escape, he could only grunt vaguely seeping air in and out his throat.

"If…you really…care for…her…you will…go to…her."

The grip slowly softened allowing Nazani to gasp free and come to, "The human warrior will kill her and you know it."

Shaska's fangs trembled in the cross roads of agony, as if feeling his heart turning within his chest.

"Kill the one you hate, or save the one you love." came Nazani's ultimatum.

He walked away, looked back and seethed, "This changes nothing." then darted down the lane.

The wind blew the fine fur of Nazani's face around his eyes, "And it never will."

Not long after the diffusing of their conflict Nazani's ears heard the heavy patters of wolf paws beating upon the earth. It was the bodies of Holo and Soldatna that were identified bolting through the trees until becoming idle at his station.

"Father,' she cried, 'You are alive! Where is Shaska?"

"I convinced him to abandon me and save Shenu. Where is your brother?"

"He and Shenu contend together with that shadow warrior."

"What of Telekna?"

Holo intervened, "We were attempting to track him, for he fled when outnumbered."

Suddenly all charisma fell from his face, "Then we must go to them as well, for he will surely go to where his allies are!"

The trio of wolf spirits blew through the terrain and navigated through the trees with burrowing haste.

The duel between Amliki and the great wolves; Shenu and Talkeetna was not without its spectacled display of daring feats, raw power and desperate struggles. For Amliki maintained that queer phenomenon of the eyes that, when activated, seemed to give him near god like strength allowing him to contend with both titans simultaneously.
He kept close betwixt their legs to retard their efforts using their anatomical designs disadvantaged. To counteract this tactic, the wolves attempted a quick chemistry to where when one found themselves atop him, the other would lunge from the side to pluck him away. For it was his aim to give agony to their legs and bring the giants down to his level.

Even though he failed many endeavors, he adapted and attempted a new experiment; blunt force. He had it within his will to deliver unearthly blows with his limbs to theirs. Which ultimately would prove successful against one.

It began when Talkeetna shot his fangs down for Amliki who pivoted full circle and bestowed a heavy round house kick to the side of his snout. A thud and yelp signaled as he tumbled down which was to be avenged by Shenu. But this time the young warrior moved between her front paws and delivered a side thrusting kick to the human equivalent of her left wrist. A snap of timber broke the air and the frost mother howled and screamed in agony while hopping about and favoring her crooked paw.

Amliki then came around to her injured side, rapidly climbed up, grabbed her ear and let his dead weight pull her head over until she fell on her side. He plucked his spear up and readied it for the kill but turned when seeing Talkeetna roaring in and enveloped the warrior in his mouth with a crash.

Shenu hobbled up slightly to see Nazani's son face down and hind up, apparently having swallowed the man, but the sweet taste of victory was short lived when discovering the wolf was not moving. His rear leg gave out, his hind slumped and his limp body was laid to rest.

She looked in his jaw and saw Amliki's burning eyes emerge and pull the spear from Talkeetna's top pallet. She realized that when the wolf came upon him the warrior turned and thrust his weapon into the roof of his mouth, piercing his brain and ending all life within him in an instant.

Shenu hoisted herself back up with teetering composure as Amliki extracted himself from the clearance of the dead wolf's jaws. She pursued the power to escape into the blizzard but pain and disfigurement were obstacles to her concentration. Amliki recognized the tips of her fur beginning to disintegrate among the snowy particles and launched his spear into her shoulder disrupting her transformation.

Rapidly advancing he leapt forth and seized the spear allowing the inertia of his transit to plunge it in deeper. Shenu moaned in despair and collapse in the snow. At this point the blizzard was beginning to quell as if her will was in direct attachment to its health.

He withdrew his weapon slowly, which was buried to a fist width of the handle which she carped and wiggled until it was free leaving the hole spilling blood freely. Amliki flipped his sanguine dripped javelin around and made ready to strike fatally. But Shaska appeared from the profundity of the coppice and rammed him into depths of the timberlands.

He took a moment to behold the horror inflicted upon his lost mate and shuddered at her grievance. She whined softly as he pressed his nose against hers which she licked in return.

"Shaska…you actually believed him…?" she murmured once again.

Overcome with shame and humiliation he trembled, "I…I…"

He sensed Amliki's return, which was as exaggerated as his exit, who readied himself for the savage warrior who burst from the foliage and in the commotion, somehow was latched onto his face. The fury of Shaska quickly threw them in an odd wresting match which came to a close when Amliki was cast off. He recovered then witnessed the oncoming of Nazani, Holo and Soldatna, and held on guard in a widened stance.

The first sound that transpired during this scene was a terrible wail belonging to Soldatna who found her brother dead in the snow. She collapsed over his corpse and cried his name between sobs as she rested her burden atop his motionless body. The grief struck Nazani on so many different cords that he knew not how to proceed. It was Holo, whose detachment allowed her to remain cool and maintained her wits at the moment.

She rapidly observed Nazani struggling to prevent the commission of his emotions from over powering his actions, his daughter under bereavement and attempting to use her patriarchal gift to rouse her brother back to life, Shaska guarding the mutilated body of Shenu and Amliki ready to combat all five if need be.

The warrior's brain reeled like a fever and addressed Shaska, "For your betrayal perhaps I shall perish trying to kill you first."

The god of ore gave a deep growl but something caused his ears to prick and turn his head.

"Enough of this! Come out Telekna and stand by what alliances you still have." said he.

The grid of trees showed a moving mass coming to the forefront to where the black wolf alas showed himself, each tip of his fur bristling in rage without limits.

"This was to be the day that total victory was to be achieved. The struggle of our fathers to alas have its final chapter written in the blood of our enemies. To finally win this centuries old conflict."

Then panning his eyes around until they rested on Holo said in a low growl more terrifying than his stature, "My soul, is what you have taken from me!"

Holo spoke, "This was your means of rectifying the wrong doings against you, turn every man and beast against one another in the belief what becomes of the future would be a brighter? Look around you, pain and misery are your concubines and the fruit you bore from these whoredoms will create only more strife, and that is why if there should be one more life lost today, it should be yours."

Despite his presence being under scrutiny by all five wolves, there was no warning great enough within their natural sphere of instinct that allowed them to foresee Telekna charge and lock onto Holo who responded in kind until both slid down the hill from where she was standing. From there, Amliki bolted after them, considering that Holo was and always had been his intended target and caught up to them right as they went over the steep slope the bottom of the hill transferred to.

Nazani moved to assist them but was cut off by Shaska who demanded while referencing Shenu, "Save her or I shall be swayed against you for one final time!"

The god of healing took the threat as inevitable and hastily rationalized he could not stand to lose his son and daughter in a single day and did what was demanded by treating Shenu who was too weak to be objectionable on any front.

The untainted landscape of the steep slope was markedly destroyed by the violent descent of the two great wolves plummeting to level ground. When their destructive tousle saw its end, both of them regained on all fours seeking to end the conflict once and for all.

They launched and swiped in the grandest display that could ever be witnessed by the eyes of nature. At one point Holo had Telekna heavily pressed, forcing him to turn about allowing her to clamp on the side of his neck and tear away a bleeding portion of skin and fur. Her upper hand stymied when pierced from the side by a foreign entity. T'was Amliki.

Holo upped her fight by bucking and thrashing to prevent the warrior from bestowing any disabling blows while also brutalizing Telekna whenever he got close enough to keep him at bay. The conflict ensued many moments longer with Holo becoming worn down with the multiple gores from Amliki's lance, allowing an opportunity for Telekna to slam his snout under her jaw jarring her brain. This became the new strategy, blunting her head via snout and paw and shameless to say it was working.

Holo was becoming dazed under the massive swipes and pummels all while being slowly bled out by Amliki's spear. Finally, when seeing her weak enough, Telekna latched onto her shoulder and threw her overhead a good league hence. Her body crashed and slid through the snow before friction ended her transit.

The two evil beings walked towards Holo who was wagging her head she was about to arise till something in her line of sight caused them to stop. Her eye caught the the tip of a blade being held out by a sword. It was not simply any sword, but one with a curved blade, jagged end pommel holding fast a deep purple tassel. Standing between them was its one and only owner, Ranger.

The adversaries had nearly lightened at the sight of his presence.

"Chugiak…"

"Kinslayer…"

Bringing his blade back to where the tip was directed towards them he gave only one unfeeling remark, "Come your angel of death awaits."

Holo came to her feet then stretched out her aches and pains with Ranger calmly maintained his fighting stance keeping his eyes forward. She put herself near his flank and side by side they stood together as a powerful union.

Holo let out a humph, "I think I shall take the large one."

Ranger remained steadfast in his idleness, "Each to their kind."

Telekna and Holo broke the mold first and collided with a bound while Amliki was not so futile with his advance but instead masked his intents with a few twists and turns before extending his javelin nearly clipping Ranger's throat who narrowly leaned away with speed just suitable enough and went on the counter offensive. He kept his thrusts and swipes reasonably quick and relatively short winning a few nicks and cuts here and there. Amliki continued to retreat while maintaining an equal pace playing dangerously close.

A strategy the evil warrior implemented was to lead their duel into the heart of Holo and Telekna's battle who at this time were oblivious of their closing proximity. This created a dangerous set of obstacles to traverse if Ranger wished to strike down his foe. In a matter of seconds they were between the rapidly shifting pillars of wolf legs that stomped and smashed all about them.

Ranger lunged and parried at a distance, rolled to avoid getting smashed to a pulp then swung down for Amliki's head who raised his poll, caught the blade, and pivoted forward around on his knees then swung for Ranger's legs who jumped over the rotary only to be knocked down hard from a wolf's hind paw.

He came back up after a few trundling bouts with the ground, then discovered his sword was laid to rest somewhere beneath the banks of white. Amliki charged forth but was nearly landed atop on by Holo who was held down on her back with Telekna o're and them snapping at their faces. They were thrown from themselves eventually allowing the warrior to proceed and attack Ranger with an uncountable number of quick, well executed jabs.

Ranger spun, stepped, twisted around and redirected the series of strikes faster than anyone had seen him move. After a few inflicted cuts, Amliki managed to swiftly maneuver to Ranger's side and hook his foot out from underneath sprawling him on his back, then come around to thrust him through the chest but was caught between both his palms and held in place.

They struggled with their strength for a moment until Ranger, seeing his sword laying to rest above his shoulder, shoved the tip over to his side drawing the spear into the ground allowing time to tuck his feet underneath him and stand. Amliki pulled back and relaunched which Ranger, with pristine haste, bypassed the thrust, stomped the weapon into the earth, spun around, pinned Amliki face down with his knee and plunged his blade for his back. The warrior squirmed with impeccable timing and felt the steel gouge the back of his shoulder and out the front.

When one plan failed another was quickly deduced at the speed of thought within the mind of the masked man who pressed his knee harder in his back, sunk the sword deeper through until staked the earth. Having his enemy immobilized and impaired in agony he reached from behind, clasped the under jaw with one hand, secured the back of the head with the other and went to twist his head around. He nearly would have succeeded, if not for having to duck under Holo and Telekna who brought their quarrel back causing his hold to alleviate.

Amliki attempted to squirm free but found his scapula scrapping and locking up with the foreign metal inside him. His instincts for survival overrode his efforts allowing him to, despite the increasing damage to tissue, lift his uninjured side and belt Ranger in the jaw with his elbow, then swap his spear to the un-indentured hand and jam it into Ranger's side arm. The tip continued to dig, rip and scrape his flesh before the poll pushed enough to extricate him off his back.

As Ranger reclaimed his footing, with a freshly contorted hole in his deltoid that was dug to the depth of his bone and leakeing all the way down his arm. He witnessed Amliki slide himself up till his shoulder hit the hilt then used it as a foundation to pull the blade from the ground as he emerged. He turned and faced his opponent with the steel still protruding through his anterior section. Ranger tightened his fist as Amliki extended his spear to employ grand yet controlled sweeps. Ranger maintained a reasonable safe distance then made another grand tuck and roll to avoid a swift compression from a giant wolf print.

Both duels shimmied closer and closer into the nearby trees, trees exceedingly large and tall. So grand in fact that wolves of Holo's stature could abdicate their weight upon the branches without it breaking under their heft.

Amliki, despite being handicapped, continued his onslaught until Ranger, being quick and resourceful, found an opportunity to strike the oncoming spear away with the outside of his foot, move in and tangle themselves into a tree trunk with the width of a cabin. He palmed Amliki's head into the bark, bent him over his knee, gripped the hilt of the impeded sword, flipped him around and ran him forward of which the protruding blade dug into the tree spiking him to it.

The trapped warrior kicked and thrashed blindly fearing a fatal blow was bound to come until sliding back a bit, clutched the blade and, despite it cutting his thumbs, was able to tug and liberate himself. Ranger slammed his face into the tree once more, yanked the blade free and went for a slice which was deflected by Amliki who spun away and swung his spear up together.

They faced each other, weapons arranged to kill, and lunged. Ranger got pierced in the collar then, once retracted, launched and managed a slice to his enemy's arm. As they carried on in their duel Telekna managed to land Holo in a place that divided them. Then as he had her pinned called for any nearby assistance with a massive howl to the heavens. Both men within the exacting vicinity clutched their ears and fell to their brains shook under the vociferous howl.

When finished, Ranger, to his ill luck, was the last to recover, the price of which cost him a boot to the face. Upon recovery Amliki marched to him, his eyes burning an amber yellow that gave great bulge to his muscles fed by blackening veins.

"Of all the power that exceeds mine,' said he with graveling voice, 'yours, kinslayer, is the one that could slay titans…and you never used it."

The javelin made a circular strike for his head, who snapped up his sword to intercept, emitting grand sparks, and flung it from his hands. Amliki followed around with a spinning round house kick that when it caught, sent Ranger soaring a rough set of ten paces plowing into the earth. He coughed and gasped in agony whilst rocking about and clutching his ribs.

Holo took note of his predicament and abandoned her fight to save her companion but the avarice of Telekna caught her mien and restrained her. This of course rallied her to fight back but left the man to potentially acquiesce his fate.

Ranger managed to get to knee but was haunched over nonetheless to accommodate his injuries. Amliki shot the tip of the spear for him but found it sunken in the earth as a result of Ranger's quick roll. The masked man rushed and checked him from the stake but Amliki dug onto both collars, rolled back and launched him a decent league that walloped him into the ground.

He sighed to collect his strength, looked yonder to find Holo unable to break free of Telekna then back at Amliki who pulled free his spear, sprinted, leapt and came down before he could react. But during his descent down, a figure of black and gold met his form knocking him off course.

Amliki flopped over and rolled a bit, came back up only to have his arm latched onto by the jaws of Kaytaff, who, though thought lost, heard the cry of the wolf and came running to find his master. The warrior was quick to throw him off but the savage hound came back and sunk deep into his ankle.

Before a proper bashing could be administered Ranger came up behind and locked him into an arm hold. A hard, eye popping elbow to the solar plexus hunched Ranger over with a sickening gasp, Kaytaff was knocked off shortly after. The masked man retreated and called his hound to heel and remain idle.

The infuriated warrior, wanting more of a display of the man's skill yelled, "What holds you back? Unleash yourself like I have, you cannot match me any other way!"

Ranger retrieved a blue vial and slipped the spout into his mask. Once every drop was consumed He shattered it against a large stone nearby.

"I am simply waiting." said he as the broken flesh came together and fractured bones mended.

"What?" sputtered the warrior who made his yet to be known final attempt for him.

Ranger whistled and pointed to the side, which Kaytaff bolted horizontally and swung around the rear. The spear lunged fearlessly but Ranger diverted it then snapped his forearm into Amliki's eyes with Kaytaff closing the gap behind to jump up and clamp into his back pulling him off balance.

Ranger pressed into him with the spear barred against his chest. Amliki trembled before him but the light in his eyes was beginning to dim and his strength was lessening by the moment.

"It was for this that I waited,' said Ranger, knowing full well the penalties of such feats, 'Tell me, have you prepared for the toll the burning ember takes on your body?"

The blackened veins receded into nothingness, the boy's body grew weak and succumbed to the exertion. The fiery light in his eyes had diminished and Amliki, with profound worry, grabbed his chest as he sank. He wheezed and gasped more or less convinced he was dying.

With a final commitment, he rallied the reserve dregs of his energy to beat the dog off then attempt to bring down Ranger. They sparred for a moment, but Ranger's eyes glimpsed the side then hit the young away and leapt back.

Amliki was left on his knees and confused when suddenly his head head to his side, raised his hands and yelled as Telekna's body, lobbed by Holo, smashed and crushed him to the earth. Holo darted forward and continued to nip at him eventually drawing him off.

Ranger calmly walked to where his sword struck the earth, retrieved it and advanced to the place of Amliki's resting. There he lay, on his back, limbs splayed out, purple and crushed. His chest, which was inverted and misshaped, fluttered in odd disorganized rhythms that emitted tiny yelps from his throat. His face had one eye popped out; many teeth where missing, part of his brain had burst from a new cavity formed atop his head, clear fluid and blood drained from his ears and nostrils. All he had left within this state of ungodly misery was his life.

Ranger wasted no time, he raised his blade and swung it through his neck ending the nightmare his body had become. Kaytaff whined a bit but was soon overcome with bounding joy to be with his master at last. Ranger went to a knee and allowed the happy hound to climb up and bestow licks and kisses on his face with his tail swishing in all manners. His joy was answered by pets and scratched in return by the one whom he loved but it quickly ended as he arose and dashed after Holo.

At the time Amliki was charged with his final breath Holo and Telekna emigrated deeper into the vast wood. Their escapade dawned more of an annoyance for the wise wolf than anything, for the black wolf continued to flee when overpowered forcing Holo's paws into pursuit which, when concluding the distance, he would turn for a strike as if creating a new duel altogether. She at best attempted to shackle her temper within reasonable confines, but as the reader may already know she was never one to uphold patience with foolish trickery.

She had nearly lost all the cement holding her disposition together when catching a slog of dirt, rock and twig in the eye that was swiped up from Telekna's paw to blind her. Instinct instructed her to thrash and bite in all directions to win enough clearance to wipe the irritant free which, when done so found her alone with her aggressor retreated to the point of invisibility.

Sniffing the ground was the only act to yield any clues to his whereabouts which she followed at a pace astute to ambush. Her ears were her greatest assets in the deathly calm which for the moment detected no foul movements. T'was a game of hunting and being hunted.

All that could be heard was silent breeze rustling and creaking the massive pine branches. Her only escort, the little snow drops adding to the blanketed collection upon the earth. It was the vanity of solitude that betrays even the most stalwart of observers.

Her nose continued to ever lead her on until the scent seemed to have stopped and lead, upwards?

Her head bolted to the sky to find a black mass descend from the branches above and overtaken her senses in a brutal manner. Telekna came straight atop her head dropping it straight into the ground with devastating force even for their standards. It felt as though her brain popped in two filling her head with a deafening high pitched ring and a field of vision contorted by queer angles and shades of purple and green in the corners of her sight.

The echo of the event moved in pirouette around the trees leaving her dazed and confused in the snow. Telekna leapt off her head then clamped onto her mien to open her up. She was too weak and without coherence to be formidable and could only muster a lazy gnawing for defense. Telekna forced Holo to her side the re launched getting a death grip around her throat and began to squeeze.

Eyes bulged and paws flickered as the clamp came closer and closer together. Her gags slowly transformed to weakening muffles of air, the light in her eyes faded with each passing moment. Telekna growled in a seething affect, he at last would enact his vengeance against the one whom he placed all his sorrows and woes.

A sudden swift swirl of air caught his ear then yelled in painful anger to find Ranger's sword chucked into his neck, which though not deep enough to inhibit crucial functions was a handsome mark nonetheless. He turned to face the perpetrator who broke through the visibility barrier, arrow drawn and loosed it into a fine path. The thing sunk its head between Telekna's nostrils of which he leapt back and threw his head around.

Ranger showed no wish in relinquishing the god's tortures and made ready three more missiles all drawn together and set forth in a row with one striking the chest, another through the chop and the final half way in and out the right nostril.

Kaytaff was letting out many barks and snarls which only provoked the creature in greater degrees. Ranger sprinted towards the black monolith of death who rushed to meet him head on. Right as the snap came the man slid down just under and sent projectiles up in his underbelly and one where the pride of his manhood dangled.

The wolf yelped causing him to drop down nearly crushing the man had he not rolled over and vacated the premises which took the fall. Ranger jumped to his feet, shot an arrow in the rib then, as the beast recoiled, leapt onto his back and held fast.

Telekna bucked and thrashed with his head turning him in circles. Ranger was eventually thrown up higher to his neck, who drew his final arrow and sent it from a range of a foot into the top of his head. The tip deflected off his skull with such force the whole shaft split in two sending both halves flipping through the air. The black wolf roared and hollered then went to roll around.

Ranger jumped up letting the beast's body shift underneath his flight then as he came down, clasped onto the sword in his neck and contorted the blade to grind and carve out more meat. Telekna dropped his shoulder and dove himself onto that side, pinning Ranger to the ground and dragging him along. The agonizing press of the blade was the only thing that discouraged him from putting all his weight into the task which inevitably spared Ranger's life.

Alas they broke free of each other with Ranger rolling over to Holo and Telekna branching off to gain distance. Ranger quickly went over to Holo who was recovering from the blow who nearly smiled and said half in a delirium, "You came back…"

He placed a hand on her nose, "Can you arise?"

She placed her front paws underneath for the undertaking but found her condition too unsupportable and rested back down.

"Perhaps with a little more time." she groaned.

Kaytaff, who was nearby, faced the direction of immediate operation and pursued warning them of the oncoming threat. Ranger turned on a swivel at the ready with his blade eager to advance head onto any challenge. Telekna slowly crept his way towards them, white puffs of anger growling out his mouth and fading into the air.

"I can see your formability,' said he, 'but I am hardly convinced you were the dark terror the wolves of old had told me about. Where is the Chugiak the shadow demon worthy of my fantasies?"

Ranger's eyes gave away his deepest thoughts as the looked around and changed tone. He looked as one within deep conflict, as if a terrible betrayal to himself was about to surface.

Holo attempted to arise with a greater margin for success but still fell short. This however did not stop her from claiming, "We can still fight him together. I am able."

She fell once more with Ranger observing the situation in near comatose. Kaytaff suddenly became a little timid.

"Hmph…' gruffed Telekna, 'There is nothing more that can be done. You fought admirably, I can give credit to the slaying of the shadow warriors, a feat surely does not come easy but now it only comes down to us. We all know how where this will end."

Holo begged, "Listen to him not! He lies, we can still fight together! We can still-"

"Holo.' said Ranger with heavy regret, 'look away."

Her brows soften when seeing his portrayal of a certain anguish about to be partaken, "Now it is I, who does not want you to see me this way…"

He hardened his grip upon the sword, his arm trembled. Kaytaff whimpered which proceeded to him backing away. And then the change occurred, one likened to Barzur and Amliki but in more refined and unrestrained detail.

The color of his eyes changed from their dulled brown to a blazing form of red, the veins of his arms crept up in protruding black lightening bolts and his entire persona became evil. Holo shuddered, he had shown the true figure of which her nightmares were the object of.

The blazing eyes moved from her and turned towards Telekna who, alarmed by his presence, took a step back. Overcome with terror he muttered, "So this is the shadow demon."

The man said nothing but answered with a purposeful stride towards the black wolf that spoke in loud degrees that the end of his days was wanted. Telekna hunched down with his chops flaring and rushed forward. The new creature in place of Ranger, Chugiak, with reflexes heightened to great summits, side shifted and deployed a side kick to his mush that tossed him over and sent blood and saliva raining down. The weight difference acted upon the demon who swung himself around on one foot to compensate.

Telekna winced and hobbled with a pouty demeanor revealing a bloody mess escaping through the seems of his gum and newly broken fang. The ill tempered emotions welled tightly within the beast till they burst with blood lust actions. On one such occasion he went forth to stomp upon the red eyed devil who moved by just enough degrees then swiped off the tender nerve of his claw.

Holo witnessed the horror from her place of mending and seeing the clever little strategies he employed. T'was not some grand maneuvers but little marks in areas most tender to whittle the monster down.

Telekna continued his mission to bring the demon's life to an end and managed to get his mouth over him but found his jaws struggling to close by power not of his own. Chugiak was feet down, hands up against the pallet and straightening his body out with supernatural strength, strength that was bound to take its toll if pattern was anything to go by. The black wolf doubled down to crush the demon who looked down and beheld the broken fang and struck it hard with his boot.

The wolf, deranged by agony, flung him out and mourned in pain. The demon recovered as hastily as he crashed, found the bow in the snow and sheathed his sword for the next desirable moment to wield it. Despite being absent of arrows the figure held his ground to signal a charge from the wolf's mound.

Telekna rushed to get a snap off, but Chugiak made a close evasion rolled up and over his snout, retrieving the arrow from his nose in the process, landed the other side, turned and launched it into his right eye. The missile made a harsh snap, the eyelid slammed shut followed by rocking and barking.

At this time it was decided by the shadow demon to do what legend professed he did best; slay a god. He baited the wolf to pursue him slightly with a quick retreat towards a great tree. The dark warrior bound up it with a step, sunk his sword in to obtain a handle up then anticipated his moment.

Telekna lunged putting both paws up the tree to support himself which Chugiak pushed off, blade in hand, towards the wolf's blind side and slipped between the clearance of his front legs. The next sensation the wolf felt was the sting of steel planting deep into his chest tissue carving its way towards his stomach as Chugiak drug himself down unfastening the beast's trunk like dress shirt. The god of death jumped away, stumbled on all fours with the curtails of his innards dangling and dragging along the earth and collapsed.

Chugiak rapidly approached him who made a final attempt to strike, yet as he did the shadow demon leapt off his nose and with a savage yell brought his blade straight down to the top of his skull. The edges broke through slightly of which he pounded the pommel with his palm repeatedly to sink the tip deeper and deeper with each blow. With a final heave employing all his exertion the blade shot down to the hilt and plunged into his brain.

The wolf's legs jolted and fluttered by scattered impulse but the beast known as Telekna the god of death was no more. Chugiak pulled his blade free, moved off his head and gazed at the dead while panting in unholy rage. Then began smiting its face over and over again with no indication of stopping.

Holo, terrified of what she was witnessing, feared his mind too far gone to approach as she was and transferred her mass into her human form. He continued to slice and pelt the creatures face with a sickening wheeze between blows. It was all the more apparent insanity was overtaking his consciousness.

The caring but petrified small girl, unclothed and unarmed, slowly approached from behind and said with a quivering voice, "It is over, you may stop now."

Her delicate hand slipped onto his shoulder. In a flash he turned and, being absent minded, snapped his hand around her throat (which she grappled his wrist), squeezed, lifted her up and readied to plunge his sword through her gut.

Holo grunted and felt the cloudy draw of asphyxiation dawning upon her. She gritted her teeth and beheld his red eyes bent in the angles of eternal fury set upon her as if he knew not whom he turned upon.

Holo managed to say, "P-please…i-it is I…H-Holo!" The grip tightened to where she felt as though her head would pop from off her neck. She reached for his face and plead, "Y-Your…f-friend!"

A tiny spark of tenderness reached his heart as his eyes became horrified upon realizing what he was doing.

Suddenly the grip loosened and his eyes softened to unspeakable regret. The horrible burning red doused and faded back to their regular presentation, the veins resumed their normality and the hand released.

She fell on her side, rubbing her throat through a fit of coughs and gasps. She looked to behold Ranger suddenly stumble back, grasp at his chest, moan as though his organs were shutting down from overload and fell face forward. Holo went to her knees to assist him and noticed the flesh visible through his mask go from a mottled red to an ashen grey doused in sweat. He panted in agony and lay as though he were one dying.

The brave little she wolf began rousing him until one eye opened and focused on her. The man she knew seemed to have returned, yet extraordinarily in ill health. "Can you stand?' she asked, 'we cannot stay here!"

He arose but not without assistance from adopting his sword as a cane and Holo supporting the other arm. Once on those terms they moved through the snow until Kaytaff began barking ahead. Holo looked up to see the bloodied and ravaged D'nesh, who had not perished neither was he rendered invalid, facing them with two arrows set on their exacting locations.

Ranger grumbled and was in no possession of strength to make any desperate maneuvers, neither was Holo able to act faster than his shot. They were completely at the mercy of the man who lost both brothers on their account, and to avenge that injustice was but a finger width away.

Holo saw his hesitation, the same as it was when they first dueled. He was not evil at heart and she determined herself to let him see it.

"Look!' she stated, 'Look at what they made you give."

D'nesh's face remained solid, but yet seemed to be reasoning in his internal conflict.

Holo, in her desperate plea to avoid unnecessary defeat asked of him, "Do you even know why you are to kill us?"

A moment, perceivably like unto an eternity, passed. The drawstring slowly slackened to a straight line and the arrows were put out from their deadly position. D'nesh and Ranger met eyes of which he said, "From birth I was told I was to serve a higher purpose.' then frustratingly throwing his bow into the ground said, 'But I find myself serving only as tool for another man…"

Holo took pity on him, "You are not your brothers, you can go your own way."

D'nesh's face lightened and trembled as one would if they saw the path of light that led away from a dark fate. He turned around and departed into the wilderness with no further dispute or inkling of what he would do or where he would go.

It had all come to an end; the great battle of survival between the Sawatii and Kahotoe, the agents capable of slaying a god, the centuries long feud between packs and ideologies and raids upon the south lands.

Through death, despair and bloodshed; friend, family and comrade, the cost of victory was steep and nearly not achieved, but it was achieved. Holo moved under Ranger to support his weight then arose to her wolf form with him naturally positioned on her back.

"Come, let me carry you." said she with all the tenderness and care in the world.

His fingers slowly gripped her fur as he remained nestled under her care. Slowly she gimped through the silent trees and subtle snow flakes leaving the body of Telekna behind to rot.

Together the wolf and the Ranger departed throughout the wilderness without saying a word more.

As her frame receded into the gullet of fog, a hand of green flesh rested upon a trunk from a place where the whole conflict could be observed. It was a figure cloaked in black who had watched the whole ordeal through the eyes of a serpent. It was Terusilan who let out a silent hiss, withdrew his hand and departed into the forests of Yoites.

He chuckled to himself, "Victory…"