Connor penned the last couple sentences of the letter he had been adding to over the past couple of days. The sun was nearing the top of its arc across the sky, and the expedition would be leaving soon. From his perch on the wall he could see the last courier of the season collecting parcels to go back East. Knowing Eira would be down in Knockford, he penned her full name on the envelope with a note to deliver to a market in the town.
Sliding down the ladder and onto solid ground, Connor hurried to catch the courier before he departed with a light caravan of riders. Seasonal miners and the like were done with the first snow and were headed over the mountains before the passes closed up. Summer was over, and unlike most areas in Mekkan, the autumn season around Callow could last anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks before the snows began to bury everything. Unfortunately, this year it looked like the former was going to hold true.
With a nod to the courier and well wishes spoken, the teen turned his attention back to a more pressing matter. He should speak to Liz, as well as everyone else, before he set out. Peaking down the street toward the main hall, Connor could see supplies being carried out of town and to the river where a handful of boats awaited their cargo. He promised himself not to go to sea again, but at least a river had a start and an end.
He made his way back to Anna Marie's only to find Shadow in the tavern, helping Anna get the place ready for the evening when business would inevitably pick up again.
"Ya'll have been so helpful, but you 'specially Shadow. None of my staff, 'cept Liz, were willin' to come in this mornin' an'a help me get this here bar clean'd an'a ready."
"It's the least I could do, Miss Anna. What happened here was tragic, but people need a place to come in for food and ale."
"Speaking of…" Connor stepped in, "Miss Anna, you wouldn't happen to have any leftover food I could buy from you on the cheap for myself and the others? I'm sure they'd be happy to have something other than salted meat and hard bread.
"Of course I do dear, an' don't ya fuss 'bout the pay. If you boys can get them supplies back here, then this winter will go by lots quicker."
"The boys and I thank you, ma'am. And we'll get those supplies back or die trying."
"Please don't say that." Shadow said. "We all appreciate you volunteering for this, but we need you to come back. Liz and Asher especially."
"Hey, I'll make it back. I had better go see Liz and Asher before I go. Are they in the room?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks, both of you. I know they'll be in good hands. I'll come back for that food in a few minutes."
"Sure thing." Shadow said, "In fact, I'll get it bundled up for you."
Connor walked down the hallway and turned to face the door at the end. Opening it gently, the teen stepped in, finding Liz near the window reading while Asher was practicing his hand writing.
"Hey, mind if I come in?"
Liz looked up, annoyed. "Are you here to yell at me again for daring to have a life?"
Connor sighed, "No, I'm actually here to say goodbye. The expedition is leaving soon."
Asher stopped and looked up, "already? What about preparations?"
"Preparations are done, Asher. We worked half the night to get the boats ready. Last of them is being loaded right now, in fact."
Asher shot up from the bed and jumped to hug Connor. The teen could hear a little muffled voice say "I don't want you to go…"
Connor could hardly keep himself from choking up, but managed to hold back tears, letting only a little hint of them show in his eyes. "Hey, I know buddy. But I know you'll be taken care of. So keep studying, I can't wait to see how much better your writing is when I get back. Okay?"
Asher nodded but didn't let go. The teen picked him up and came over to Liz, sitting down in the chair across the table from her.
"Look, Liz, I shouldn't have yelled. And I shouldn't have punched Sam right in the face. It's just… well… it's hard to accept you aren't a little girl anymore."
"And I'm sorry for slapping you. I know you're just trying to keep us safe. And look, Connor, you've helped us all so much. But if we're going to live here, I need to start making my own life. Is it really so bad that I'd want to be with Sam and get to know him more?"
"No, there's certainly worse people who could be attracted to. Okay, well that's all I really wanted to say. If you want to see Sam, I'm not going to stand in your way. But if he does anything at all that gets you hurt, I want you to let me, or Shadow know. He should treat you right, anything less is unacceptable."
"Understood."
"Alright bud, I need to get going." Connor picked up Asher and sat him down on the bed, wiping away a tear from the boy's face as he stood up. "The plan is to be back within two weeks, before the river freezes over for sure. Stay safe, listen to Shadow and Anna. I'm sure Sam will be watching out for you as well."
"He's not going?" Liz asked.
"No, he needs to stay and help prepare the town for winter."
Liz then stood up and embraced her brother. He hugged her back, resting his chin on her head, pulling her in close. "You both mean the world to me; I hope you know that." Connor said quietly, one hand around his sister and the other on his brother's shoulder.
Connor then picked up the bag he had been carrying and opened the door to leave. "By the way, there's apparently a situation with the wolves. Don't leave the town for anything, understand?"
"Yes." Both of his siblings said.
"Good, okay, I'm off." With that, Connor closed the door behind him and walked down the hall back to the main entrance. He checked everything off mentally, putting his spare hand on his father's sword hilt. If things turned south, that was the only thing standing between him and some of the most inhospitable territory in Mekkan. He had heard stories of what the North was like, now he was about to experience it firsthand.
Finding his way back to the tavern, Connor walked up to the bar just as Shadow was bringing out the promised food.
"So, how'd it goes?"
"I think I'm at least leaving on good terms."
"Glad to hear it. Well, here's that food Anna said you could have."
"Wow, that's a lot."
"Yeah, there was a lot of uneaten stuff last night. Watch out for the stray tooth."
Connor smiled and laughed a little.
"Ah, there's that smile of yours." Shadow said.
"Hey, tell Anna that the boys really appreciate the extra food. We'll be singing merrily down the river tonight."
Shadow then handed Connor the food as she came around from behind the bar. He was about to leave when she caught his hand. Spinning him, Shadow looked him in the eyes, and then embraced him. Connor was surprised. In all the time he knew her, Shadow hadn't shown that kind of affection before.
"Woah, you getting soft or something?" He said, before reciprocating her hug.
"Just keep yourself safe, I don't want to lose a friend."
"Same." As they let go of each other, Shadow gave Connor a swift punch to the shoulder. "And don't call me soft again."
"Ow! Hey, I need that arm for rowing! Fine, you aren't soft. You're the least cuddly, toughest thing this side of the Parapets."
"And don't forget it! But seriously, I wish I could come with. We should have each other's backs."
"You do have my back, Shadow. You're protecting my family so I can do my job. I couldn't ask for a better friend."
Shadow smiled and looked down. Despite the thick black fur, the teen could swear he made out the hint of a blush on her cheeks. After a moment of silence between them, Connor cleared his throat.
"I had better get going. Like I told Liz and Asher, stay safe. I'm sure Sam will be watching over you all."
With a nod, Shadow stood there to watch Connor leave before returning to her work.
Making his way to the guard station, Connor walked in and found Sam conversing with some of the other guards.
"Sam, you got a second?"
"Yeah. Hey guys, you know what needs to be done, I'll come check on you all later, got it?"
"Yes sir! The other guards said before trotting off to their posts. What do you need, Connor?"
"I was thinking about what you said yesterday… and what your father said… and what Liz said… and what Shadow said… Anyway, I've got a proposition for you."
"Oh?"
"Liz is smitten with you, but if there's any part of you that's interested in being part of my family, you'll need to earn my trust."
"Okay, so what do I need to do?"
"While I'm out there, I want you to watch over them. Not just Liz, but Asher and Shadow too. Keep them away from danger, protect them like they are your own kin. If you do that, and if you treat her right, you and Liz can have each other with my full support."
"And if I don't earn your trust?"
"Then my family is leaving when the snow clears. And if you try anything with Liz this winter, you'll answer to me long before you answer to your father."
"Threatening a superior is yet another offense, you know that right?"
"In uniform, you're my superior. I'll respect the rank for as long as I must, but don't think for a second that's the same as respecting the man. If that principle means I see the hangman's noose one day, then so be it. So, do we have an understanding?"
Sam took a moment to take in what he was hearing. Yeah, he wanted to be with Liz, but he hadn't considered that when it came to family, it was a package deal. "Alright Connor, we have an understanding. Your family will have a protector while you're out there."
"Good. In that case, I believe your father is expecting me at the docks."
"Yeah, he is. Good luck Connor Ulstad, this town is counting on you boys."
That was the last person Connor had to leave on good terms. Heading down to the river, Connor picked up the pace and assisted in a wagon that was stuck in the slushy mud on the road. Within an hour, the last boat was loaded. Before him were a half-dozen small vessels with a single mast and enough room for a dozen oarsman each. Gerrick called them "byrdings", and they were certainly of a style Connor hadn't seen before.
"Connor, I know you're new to the job, but I recall you saying you've had sailing experience?"
"Yes sir!" Connor said. "Not that I liked it much."
"I want you to assist Thorsen in the lead ship. He's in charge of the mission but could use an experienced sailor."
"I'll be happy to help in any way I can, sir."
"Glad to hear it!" Thorsen said as he came up to the men. "I take it you are Connor?"
"Yes, Connor Ulstad sir."
"Very good. As I understand it, you've got a dragon with you?"
Zephyr had completely slipped his mind. She wasn't at the inn with Asher and Shadow. "Yes, I'm supposed too anyway. But I haven't seen her all morning."
"That's alright, they say dragons keep to their own schedule."
"Well, Zephyr had better be mindful of my schedule if she expects me to raise her."
No sooner had the words left Connor's mouth than a strangely white raven landed on top of the mast, and, in a flash of magic, Zephyr revealed herself.
"Oh, I'm right here Connor! I've been around the docks all morning."
"Hey, that's a pretty good trick, Z." Connor said, his frustration melting away.
"You aren't mad, are you?" she asked, sensing the fleeting emotion.
"No, I just don't want to leave you behind. Now come on, we're in the front boat."
Just as the vessels were about to depart, Gerrick got up on a large crate to speak to his boys.
"Gentlemen, this mission you are about to embark on is of utmost importance. Last night, the snow wolves said they are cutting us off from supplies. I doubt they can gather enough wolves to mount an effective blockade, but we need you to get all the freight you possibly can from the ships on the coast. The survival of everyone inside those walls may depend on your success, so I wish you good fortune and a fast voyage. Avoid wolves, if at all possible, but if they give you resistance, you have my permission to do what is necessary to ensure the mission succeeds."
Everyone in the boats raised their oars or their weapons, saluting the captain of the guard. "Yes sir!" They all shouted in unison. Shoving off, the boats were soon coasting down the river.
"Guess we call you captain now, huh sir?" Smith observed, looking up at Thorsen.
"I suppose so Smith."
"Then if I may suggest, Captain," Connor said, "we have a favorable wind. Let's put up the sails and get every knot of speed we can muster."
"Make it so, Connor."
"Alright Smith, come help me with the mast."
Following the lead of their command boat, the other byrdings raised their sails as well. Soon six little boats were coasting down the wide arctic river, full canvas catching the stiff northern breeze. Taking a seat on each side of the boat, Connor and Smith pulled out their oars and joined the other men. He wasn't a rower, but luckily the current was doing most of the work. Connor could only guess how fast their actual speed was, but he figured that if the river was moving at two knots, the sails would add another five or six knots, and the oars were adding another, then they must be making at least eight or nine knots. They'd be twenty leagues or so downstream by sundown. Sure enough, the map seemed to concur as the hours rolled by.
As the sun was setting, Sam was posted at the western gate awaiting the loggers to emerge from the woods. They weren't expected until it was nearly dark, but no one would have thought what was going on in the forest. As Sam was staring out at the landscape, blankly thinking about the last day, and massaging the bruise on the side of his mouth, a light emerged from the trees.
"Ah, here they come!" A guard noted, "shall I get the door, sir?"
Sam was about to let the door go up, when he noticed something odd. As more lights emerged, they weren't in a string following the path like loggers normally would. Instead, the lights emerged quickly from several places, and they seemed to be moving at a good pace. Pulling out the spy glass that his father gave him, Sam examined the tree line, and his face grew pale.
"Oh no…"
"What is it sir?" The guard asked, worried.
"The men out there, they're running, and I can just about guess what went on in there. Quick, get all the men you can find up by the door. We may be under attack!"
"Sir?"
"The wolves, they attacked the loggers. I'm sure of it."
By the time the scattered workers found their way to the wall, every guard still in the city was waiting to greet them. Opening the western gate, the loggers filled the gap. Some wolves had chased the men until they were standing at the top of the nearest hill a few hundred yards away. Sam spotted the foreman as he helped one of his men limp inside.
"What the hell happened?"
The foreman looked the teenage guard in the eyes. "They came out of the trees… look, I need to speak to Tostig right now, a lot of my men need healers and doctors."
"Whatever you need, we'll get it. Get the wounded to the main hall, I'll have my father summon the Jarl."
"What about us, sir?" the guard from earlier asked.
"Keep an eye on those hills and trees. Don't hesitate to shoot any wolf that shoots at you."
Just then, a loud, piercing howl carried through the air. Another voice joined their leader, and another, and another. Within a minute, it seemed the whole western horizon was filled with a great wolf pack, at least that's what the howling sounded like. Jarl Tostig opened his windows in the back of the great hall, curious what the racket was about. Listening, a deep fear crept into his heart. A primal, animalistic fear.
Shadow, hearing the howling too, willed herself to climb the wall, being sure not to get spotted by men or wolves. She peaked her head over the top, and while they weren't very densely packed, it was obvious that there were hundreds of wolves out in the growing darkness. Quickly, the leopard got herself back down and safely behind the wall. She slipped into the back of the tavern, finding Liz and Asher in the kitchen.
"What is it?" Liz asked.
Connor, though black as the night, still managed to look pale. "Wolves."
"They're here?" Asher said, heart starting to pound in his chest.
"Yeah. It's like every wolf within a hundred miles showed up."
"This isn't good…" Liz surmised.
"No, it's not. We should start packing away food and whatever we have that's of value. This might be a long winter."
Anna Marie then came in. "Them wolves got the whole town shittin' bricks. Ya'll had better stay inside Callow." A knock at the door interrupted them. Shadow went to open the door, but Anna Marie stopped her.
"Shadow, don't ya go openin' that door hun. Could be looters."
"I'll see who it is first then." Shadow replied, sneaking over to the window near the door. Looking out, she saw a familiar face. "Whew, it's just Sam."
Sam was standing by the door, looking around nervously, when the door opened, and he was yanked inside by Shadow. It was easy to forget, but the action reminded Sam that Shadow was every bit as tall and strong as he was.
"Hey, what the? Why'd you pull me in so quick?"
"Didn't want to open the door to possible looters. Now, what the hell is going on out there?" Liz asked.
"The wolves seemed to have attacked the logging teams. I think they're cutting us off from our firewood."
"So they're going to freeze us out?" Asher asked.
"Yeah, but don't be scared. We're all meeting outside the main hall with Jarl Tostig. I suggest coming along."
"And leave my bar unattended?" Anna said.
"I have it." A deep voice spoke from the back. Around the corner came Victor holding his signature club. "Victor had personal business, but here for shift."
"Oh Victor, what would I do without ya?" Anna said. "Alright kids, let's go an' find out what's happenin' outside."
In front of the main hall, it seemed like the whole town was gathered. Injured loggers were being brought inside the structure where fire kept the hall warm. Miners were filtering in as well, word spreading quickly that it was no longer safe outside the walls. Shadow, Liz, Sam, and Asher found a spot near the perimeter of the growing crowd, quickly losing sight of Anna as she went to check on some of her friends. Soon a cold chill filled the air as the last of the sun's light left the horizon, leaving the town lit only by lanterns and fire. Guardsmen came out of the great hall to clear an area at the top of the steps before council members exited the building. The last two men to take the impromptu stage was Tostig and Gerrick.
Tostig quickly raised his arms up and called for silence. "Everyone, please remain calm! If I could have your attention for a few moments, Captain Gerrick and I will explain the situation."
Hushes quickly spread throughout the crowd. Human and keidran alike wanted to know what the hell was happening outside the walls. After giving the crowd a few minutes to sufficiently quiet themselves, Tostig continued.
"As you all know, our relations with the snow wolves have been… strained as of late. Callow's success as a center of industry in the North has made many snow wolves nervous. Our latest round of negotiations has not gone as planned—"
"Are we under attack, my lord?" Someone in the crowd shouted from the back. Gerrick stepped forward as if security was his business.
"At the moment, we are not under attack so long as we stay in or near our walls. The wolves attacked the woodsmen because they mean to starve us out, make us abandon Callow and go back over the mountains. As we were told by the snow wolf elders, they have no intention of a direct, open conflict with us. They know that an open war would mean our king would send his army to deal with the situation."
"Basically," Tostig added, "this is more of a political than a physical conflict and I mean to not let the situation escalate further."
"My lord, men have already been injured. At least a handful are lying dead in the woods. What choice do we have but to fight back?"
"I know this is a tough situation, Johnson, but we can't act rashly." Gerrick replied.
"Precisely," Tostig said, agreeing with the captain. "Earlier today we sent out an expedition of volunteers who are bound for the coast. They'll be securing supplies from the ships still docked there and they'll bring those supplies up the river. Once we have what we need to last the winter, we can settle down and wait the wolves out. Once they realize that we can outlast them, they'll come back to the negotiating table."
"And what if they don't?" A keidran merchant asked.
"If they don't, we'll be able to send for reinforcements when the pass clears in the spring. We can bring up several regiments, if necessary, from Camp Hollow."
The crowd began to murmur and mutter amongst themselves, each individual pondering what to do in the situation. Tostig overheard several openly discussing leaving town and going over the pass before the snow gets too deep.
"My friends," Tostig's voice boomed out across the courtyard. "We mustn't abandon Callow. Johnson, your family has been here since your father came to help found the town. Anna Marie over there has been a staple of our community for over a decade. We've all been building this town up from nothing, turning it into a center of trade and industry. The North has the largest iron deposits of anywhere in Mekkan. Virgin timber in the Snowy Pines are already building great ships of renown back East. If we give up now, not only will we all lose our livelihoods, but the rest of the human territory could one day be put at risk of invasion. This town is ours, and dominion is our right. Have faith in our volunteers, we'll outlast these wolves and show them who really rules the North!"
Shadow couldn't help but worry for Connor and Zephyr. Tostig might not understand, but the leopard knew better than to underestimate wolf keidran, especially the snow wolves. From her interactions around town, most seem capable, intelligent, and honorable. She squeezed Asher's hand a bit tighter, and the boy took notice, stepping a little closer so that he was leaning against her hip.
"This is going to be a long winter…" Liz said quietly, just loud enough that Shadow, Asher, and Sam could hear.
"It's going to be a long night." Sam replied. "You guys stay safe. I'll be sure to check on you at Anna Marie's frequently."
With a mutual nod of understanding, Sam and Liz parted ways. "C'mon, we had better start stashing food rations before everyone else has the same idea." Shadow said, grabbing Liz's hand and leading them all back to Anna Marie's Inn.
Zephyr hadn't spotted anything all day, just white ground, with a river of black, muddy water winding its way through the glacial moraines. Mist rose up from the river, but the chilly air kept the shroud close to the water's surface, blocking much of the view of the boats. Above the mist, Zephyr could easily see the surrounding landscape, especially the large mountain that she noticed when flying above Callow. It was truly massive, still miles away, but rose up into the sky like an awakening giant. The boats had made good time and were at least sixty miles downstream, the current doing most of the work with sail and oar helping whenever possible. She landed on the prow of the ship, claws digging into the dragon head intricately carved out of a piece of wood.
"Did you see anything Z?" Connor asked.
"No, Connor. Just snow as far as I can see. And that mountain we could see from town is only a few more miles."
"Oh yeah, that peak standing alone. Hard to see anything in this mist."
Thorsen stood up to take over for his tillerman "I don't know how to say the word, but the snow wolves call that peak something that basically means 'the big one'. A fitting name I'd say."
"Fitting indeed sir." Smith said between oar strokes. Connor adjusted the sail to better catch the ever-shifting wind.
"It's getting dark sir, should we find safe harbor for the night?" The teen asked his commander.
"Yes, we better give the boys a rest for the night. We've made great time today. No doubt we'll be on the coast in no time. Let's set up on that island, should keep us away from unwanted visitors."
An hour later, spirits were high as spirits were passed around. Thorsen's crew was the jolliest of them all, having the freshest food courtesy of Anna Marie. Connor had bought a couple bottles of whiskey and rum to pass around, with Thorsen's permission. The man only said to make sure no one got drunk, just a drink or two to settle in for the evening. It was nice enough that tents weren't necessary. After another stoking the fire, many had turned in, attempting to get as much rest as possible before another day of rowing tomorrow.
Connor set his bag down close to the boat, preferring to stay near their lifeline rather than enjoy the hot fire. He may not be from the north country, but Maine was still cold enough to toughen a kid up. Poor Zephyr was not enjoying the cold though, and her shivering caught Connor's attention.
"Z, are you cold?"
She picked her head up from the log she was perched on. "Y-yeah, j-just a b-bit."
"You better climb in with me then. I didn't realize a fire-breathing beast could get cold."
"W-wait u-until I-I weigh t-ten t-tons, C-Conner."
"Yeah, then nothing will bother you, least of all the cold. But until then, you've got some growing to do and freezing to death isn't going to help." The teen lifted up the edge of his blanket, making a pocket for the young dragon to crawl into. Soon Zephyr was bundled up and her shaking body calmed down, her breathing falling into rhythm with Connor's chest rising and falling.
It had only felt like a couple of minutes, but it must have been several hours when the first blood-curdling scream shook everyone from their sleep. They had ridden the current silently in their canoes, making landfall on the little river island upstream of the camp. They were so silent that not even Zephyr detected them until one finally screwed up a kill and allowed his victim to yell before being cut off with a knife to the throat. Connor shot up immediately, reaching for his father's blade. The dying embers and torches could barely illuminate the figures, but the silhouettes were unmistakable.
"Wolves!" Connor yelled at the top of his lungs just as another member of the expedition declared that they were under attack. Who knows how many had already been killed before the alarm was sounded. All at once the camp came to life, weapons came out, and a frenzied battle began. But the wolves had the advantage. It was dark, they could see while their human targets could not. The keidran that had volunteered to join the expedition did all they could to help guide their friends, but soon it was apparent to Thorsen that this was a losing battle.
"Make for the boats!" He bellowed. Connor was almost struck by a snow wolf, but a flick of his sword parried the short spear before he thrust the blade deep into the wolf's chest, dropping him on the spot. The training from the last few days had already paid for itself! But that was all the teen wanted to handle at the moment, so he wheeled around and sprinted the short distance to their boat, striking down another wolf before she could get her paws on their lifeline. Survivors quickly got two of the boats into the water. Connor was first in, ordering Zephyr to take to the air and get to safety. Others jumped in as well, but the teen waited just long enough for Thorsen to throw himself over the gunnels. They couldn't wait for stragglers, and with their commander onboard, they shoved off. The remaining members of the expedition, mostly guardsmen trained in combat, stayed to hold the line as long as possible but in the dark it wasn't much of a defense.
At one point, Connor saw a couple of wolves get struck down while another had fire thrown in its face, but it was clear that none of the other boats were going to get launched. Splashing caught Connor's ear, however. Looking over the side, he could see Smith furiously trying to get onboard.
"Help! Please! Don't leave me!" He spoke. The teen almost gave up when a hand caught his arm, followed by another. Thorsen and Connor heaved him aboard.
"T-thank you…" He said, panting. Blood soon mixed with some of the river water in the boat. It was hard to make out, but it was obvious that the wolves had given Smith a parting gift in the form of a nasty gash on his leg.
"Hang on kid" Thorsen said as he pulled out bandages. "Connor, steer our boat, get us the hell out of here."
"Yes sir." He spoke. "Guys, get the sail up, throw overboard anything that we don't need. We need to get as much speed as possible."
Connor then looked back behind him. At first, it seemed the two vessels had managed to escape the slaughter. A glow in the mist confirmed that at least one of the beached byrdings had been put to the torch, he only hoped some of the other crews had found a way to get theirs' launched. The two boats had gotten lucky, being the furthest away from the attack. Most of those who got to the boats were regular volunteers. Only Thorsen, Connor, and Smith were really guardsmen.
Connor then spied a third and a fourth vessel. "Oh thank the masks, some of the others made it out." He said to himself. But as the boats got closer to the second vessel, a look of horror washed over his face. "Look out!" He yelled at the other boat. The men scarcely had time to turn around before flaming arrows shot out from the two canoes that had caught up to the second vessel. There wasn't anything he could do besides give a warning though. He could hear furious fighting, screaming, growling, and all manner of noises. But eventually a couple of arrows found their true target, something flammable. Soon enough, the sail was ablaze along with most of the deck. One of the volunteers jumped overboard. Connor couldn't make out who it was, but the splash was obvious despite the mist.
"What do we do Thorsen?" One of the civilian volunteers asked.
"Run, that's all we can do."
"They'll be on us soon once they've finished our sister boat, sir."
"Then what do you suggest, Connor? You're the sailor amongst us."
"I want full canvas. We need to get rid of anything that's not tied down. Only keep some of our weapons and a couple of boxes of food. I'll get us into the deep channel, that'll be our fastest water."
Thorsen took a moment to take in what that meant. Very little food, no luxuries, not even a lot of weaponry. He then looked at the scared faces waiting for his orders. "You heard him! Make it so."
"Smith?" Connor asked his friend.
"Yeah Connor?"
"Can you bail water?"
"I think so."
"Here's a bucket, get as much water out of this boat as you can."
It took only a few minutes, but eventually everything that wasn't immediately necessary to keep was thrown out. The problem was now there was a debris trail for the canoes to follow. They couldn't see but could faintly hear paddles lapping at the water through the mist.
"Now what? Thorsen asked Connor, completely out of his depth. He could direct an open battle, but this was nothing like he was used to."
"Sir, we need to be as stealthy as possible. Wrap cloth, clothing, or anything around the oars to silence them. Put out any lantern or light, make the boat completely dark. And we need to keep our voices as low as possible. No more yelling."
"Do it men, our lives depend on it. We don't know how many wolves are still after us."
Connor then heard a voice in his head that wasn't his own. "Connor, where are you?"
He thought hard, concentrating his thoughts so Zephyr could read them. He dared not speak out loud or try to yell for Z." Soon enough, the little dragon found her way to the stern of the boat.
"What was that?" She asked.
Connor thought back, "wolves attacked us. I think we're all that's left."
"I can feel their minds. They don't quite know where we are."
"And I mean to keep it that way."
Just then Connor had an idea.
"Z, do you think you can make fire that looks like a lantern?"
"Yeah… why?"
"We need you to make a distraction. Do NOT get close to these wolves. But try to lure them away. Float around in the distance, away from us, and maybe they'll change course."
"You got it."
"And remember, do not get close enough for them to attack you or to realize the ruse. Lure them toward the shore, maybe there's a gravel bar or a rocky bank they'll get hung up on. Now go, this might be our only chance."
It turned out to be a stroke of genius. The men in the boat silently watched, facing upstream as they silently rowed, not daring to make noise louder than the gentle babbling of the river. No one could see Zephyr herself, her grey-white color blending seamlessly in with the mist coming off the river. But everyone could see an orange glow hovering a few feet above the water. The paddling of the canoes shifted in intensity and soon enough a shadow could be seen through the mist a hundred fathoms away followed soon after by a second shadow. It worked; the canoes were following the light thinking it was coming from their quarry.
Connor mentally checked in with Zephyr and allowed her to keep up the trick until a loud scraping noise filled the air. One of the canoes had run aground. "Okay, that's all we need, now get out of there."
"That was… amazing." Thorsen said.
"Unfortunately sir, I think that was the easy part. We need to put as much distance between them and us as possible."
"Agreed. We row on at least until sunrise, then we'll find a place to hide. Maybe one of the other boats slipped through and is upstream a ways."
"I sure hope so, but something tells me we're all that's left."
When Zephyr landed on the boat, Thorsen wanted to know how she missed such a large number of wolves.
"Sir, she's only a few months old. These beasts are crafty. If anyone is to blame, it should be me for putting so much on Z." Connor said, defending his dragon.
"Connor, you saved our asses back there, and even if we didn't have your dragon those wolves still would have ambushed us, so I can't blame you. But I would have thought a dragon of all creatures could have sensed them before us."
"Sir, Zephyr is still very new to being a dragon... let alone the wider world. If you wish to place blame, place it on me. I'm completely responsible for her. But don't you dare get angry with Z, she did her best."
Thorsen was at a loss for words. "Alright then. I suppose there's no one really to blame but myself. We knew the wolves could be a problem and we should have taken more precautions. Now… now most of my men are dead. If we make it back to Callow I can't expect to keep my position.
"Sir, when we make it back to Callow with enough supplies to keep the town going until spring, you'll be a hero regardless. We knew the risks and chose to take them."