Howling 11
Swords clank on a chaotic battlefield. Human soldiers are fighting some black mud-looking creatures. "Reinforce the left side; don't let them get through!" a soldier shouts. Fireballs seem to be passing overhead. A volley of arrows rains down on the mud creatures. "Push men, Mage group; another fire attack," a knight on a horse shouts. A group of cloaked figures draw Mana; they cast more fireballs. Some human soldiers are getting tired.
Two young-looking soldiers are side by side. "What the hell did we get into?" The soldiers block and dodge the enemy attack. "I don't know, they only said we would get paid well…" One of the soldiers makes a killing blow; the mud creature melts. The other soldier also gets the kill.
They were separated from the main fight. Their group was ordered to regroup. The soldiers came together. "Alright, our order target is getting past their shielded soldiers. Get into formation…" The soldiers lined up. Shield and sword soldiers were in front. One of the soldiers looks up and sees something shining.
"What is that…" An arrow hits the center of their formation and blows up. A few minutes later, one of the soldiers wakes up covered in sand. "AAHH, what…" the soldier, dazed and confused, tries to get up. The other soldier with him places a hand over his chest. "Don't…"
The dust clears, and their whole group is injured or dead. The dazed soldier then realizes his leg and arm are gone; he begins to panic. More explosions occur on the main battlefield. "Retreat, retreat…" horns sounded, and the human army began to flee. Some soldiers show up and help the wounded escape.
The soldier who lost his arm and legs gets picked up. He looks at his friend; there is a hole in his stomach. His friend tells him to live as he slowly dies. The soldier calls out to his friend, "NO, we can't leave him. Please help him…" "It's the beast…" Soldiers begin to shout and point.
The soldier looks at where they are pointing. He sees an enemy soldier with a tail and animal ears wearing light armor, his face covered by goggles and a mask. Some groups of soldiers protect their captains. The enemy soldiers suddenly disappear, and seconds later, groups of soldiers are dead. As the injured soldier is being taken off the battlefield, he sees the enemy soldier.
The enemy soldier easily gets through the group's defense and kills all; he approaches the captain and quickly ends his life. The enemy soldier looks his way and scares him. The soldiers carrying him hear them, "Curse you beast…" They continue running.
A soldier runs to a building in a fort protected by knights. He enters, and an older man with pointy ears drinks from a teacup. The soldier kneels, "Sir, Fillan has completed his mission. The enemy is fleeing." The older man thanks the soldier and sends him away. "He has come a long way from back then…"
On an island, Adolpha, a beautiful silver-haired beast girl, was playing with a young baby. Adolpha is a girl with wolf animal ears and a tail. The baby, named Adolphus, was also a beast man baby; he had silver and brown hair. Adolpha made funny faces and made Adolphus smile.
A boat made of trees is seen off in the distance; it is getting close to the island. The boat stops, and someone gets off. A tall, fit man with scars, animal ears, and a tail approached them. This is Wolf, Adolpha's partner, and father of Adulphus. Wolf drops a bag with fish in it. Adolpha was not too happy to see it.
Wolf smiles and picks up Adolphus. Adolphus begins to cry. Wolf gets sad, and Adolpha takes him. Adolpha tells him he smells of fish. Wolf apologizes; he tells Adolpha that they should be ready soon. Wolf takes the bag of fish and says he will prepare them. Adolpha looks at their home and feels sad.
It has been months since they washed ashore on the island. They have lived a peaceful life, but it was time to head back to the mainland. Adolpha was nervous because she was scared of Lord Michael Gana. Wolf told her not to worry about him. Lord Michael Gana was a noble merchant who kidnapped her and was going to sell her as a slave.
Adolpha said she would take Adolphus on a walk. Wolf told her to be careful; he was cutting the fish and preparing to dry. Adolpha left with Adolphus. Wolf stopped and pulled out some oysters. He opened them to find pearls; he only needed a few more. "No luck in this one…"
It had been a few days since his discovery. Wolf had gone fishing when a swordfish attacked him. Wolf fights it and wins; during his fight, he stumbles on an underwater ravine. Wolf was shocked at the site of a massive ship graveyard. There were merchant ships, fishing boats, and military ships belonging to the Umbridge kingdom.
At first, Wolf ignored it but then became curious. He swam and investigated the ships; there were no signs of bodies. Wolf saw their supplies were still there, but the sea creatures claimed them. All the ships had signs of battle damage, meaning they were attacked.
Wolf would visit and look for oysters. He kept it a secret from Adolpha; he didn't want to scare her. Wolf had also been adding to the boat; he needed it to carry as many supplies as possible, as he didn't know how far they were from the mainland.
Wolf finished preparing the fish he had caught and dried them. The sun was blistering; it was summer. Wolf said he would go cool off in the forest with Adolpha. Adolpha and Adolphus were lying on a rope hammock Wolf made. Adolpha picked up Wolf's scent; she became happy.
Adolpha asked him if he was done. Wolf nodded and asked her if she had prepared herself. Adolpha couldn't get up because Adolphus was asleep. Adolpha looked at the treetops and told him she was sad they were going to leave. "We have made a life here, but it is time to go home…" Adolpha smiled as she teared up.
Wolf got close to Adolpha and sat next to them. They fell asleep and enjoyed the day. The next day, Wolf asked Adolpha to pack up; he would load the boat and test it before they left. Wolf began loading all the supplies they had prepared. Adolpha had to choose what she was going to take.
It took a while to load the boat. Wolf checked all around to see if there were any leaks. Wolf put some mixed sand and clay to plug some small holes. Once he was done, he took the boat to recheck the ship graveyard. Once he got there, he released his anchor. Wolf jumped in the water and swam down.
Wolf searched the boats for oysters to make the pearl necklace for Adolpha before he left. After hours of diving, he returned to the boat and rested. Wolf was happy because he had found what he was looking for and more. After resting, he made the necklace, "I hope she likes it."
Wolf returned, and Adolpha welcomed him home; she was packed up and ready. Wolf suggested they head out tomorrow morning, and Adolpha agreed. They reminisced about the time they spent there. Wolf talked about the snake, and Adolpha told him she was scared. Wolf apologized for worrying her.
"It wasn't all bad; thanks to you, I learned much more," Adolpha said lovingly. Wolf became embarrassed. Adolpha said she really wanted to present him to his father. Wolf felt a little worried. "Don't worry; he is a nice guy…" Wolf thinks of him.
A muscular wolf beast man leader came to mind; Adolpha had talked about him before. Adolpha's father was the chief of the Gray Wolf Clan, a mighty warrior race of beastmen. Wolf somewhat knew about the main clan's chiefs and their strength. Adolpha was talking to Adolphus about how she would meet his grandfather.
It had become late, and they ate. Adolpha fed Adolphus, and she put him to sleep. Adolpha hums, and Wolf goes over to her. "What is it?" Wolf was nervous. "There is tradition to give your partner an item…" "What," Adolpha was confused. "My uncle told me that when a man finds his partner, he should present her with a gift."
Wolf kneels and pulls out a pearl necklace with seashells and animal skin. Adolpha is surprised by it. "It's beautiful; did you make this yourself?" Wolf nods. "It took a while, but I managed to finish before we left." Adolpha lifts it and looks at the pearl. "What kind of stone is this?" She asks.
Wolf explains what a pearl is and how many nobles pay a lot for them. Adolpha asks Wolf where he found them. Wolf tells her he found some near the island; he lies about the others when he realizes he almost told her about the ship graveyard. Wolf tells Adolpha to put it on. Adolpha asks for help.
Adolpha was so excited she could not control herself. Wolf saw how much more beautiful it became when Adolpha was wearing it. Adolpha looked at it and liked it so much that she began to howl. Wolf also howled, and they woke up Adolphus. Adolpha laughed and apologized to him as she comforted him.
Adolpha sat next to Wolf. "Beowulf, I believe our ancestors sent you to save me from that evil man. I had given up hope of seeing my family. Now, I am free and have a family of my own. I can't wait for my village to see you and Adolphus." Wolf was surprised because it had been a long time since someone called him by his name.
Wolf then said he had more to give her; he took out a hair ornament made of a seashell and pearl and a bone brush with a pearl. Adolpha smiled and thanked him. Wolf said he would fight anyone who would dare try and take her from him. Adolpha recalls her mother's story about her father. Adolpha leans on Wolf.
The following day, Wolf had gotten everything Adolpha was taking. Adolphus was still asleep, and Wolf carefully took him to the boat. Adolpha followed, and they got on. It was still dark, and they departed. Wolf looked at the sun rising and the stars. He figured which way they should go.
Adolpha stared at the island as it disappeared. Wolf also looked back at it. Adolpha said she wanted to visit after they returned home. Wolf agreed. Adolpha asks who Wolf knew which way to go. "My uncle told me the story of the hunter who points to the top of Clawed Mountain, a set of stars pointing north." Adolpha looks at the disappearing stars.
Wolf opened sails made of animal skin and leaves, and they picked up speed. Adolpha had picked up a little tolerance but would get seasick; she would lay down under a makeshift tent. Wolf would hold Adolphus and tell him stories. Wolf showed Adolpha how to steer, which was going well for them. They ate and slept on the boat.
They had been out at sea for a few days. Adolpha remained hopeful, and Wolf also stayed positive; he checked the stars at night. The following day, they were caught in a storm. Adolphus cried, and Adolpha tried to calm him. The boat survived the storm.
More days passed, and some food spoiled. Wolf fished but could not catch anything. Their water was almost gone, too. Adolpha felt sad. Adolphus picked up on it and cried; he was crying more. Wolf prayed to his ancestors for help.
Wolf ate something and also gave Adolpha some food. When he took the wheel, he noticed something in the distance. "Adolpha, look…" Adolpha came out of the tent and stared at where Wolf was pointing. Adolpha became excited. "Is that…" "Yeah…"
Wolf sees the mountains; the mainland is coming into view. Adolpha holds Adolphus. Adolphus has opened his eyes; they are brown like his father's. "Your grandfather will be excited to see you…" Wolf sees how happy Adolpha is. Wolf turns because they are coming to a cliff.
Wolf tells Adolpha they need to find a place to get off. They sail by the mainland. Wolf picks up a scent and tells Adolpha to be careful. Wolf notices boats in the distance. The boats are parked on a dock. Adolpha sees them and gets close to Wolf. "Don't worry…"
Wolf steers close to the docks. Humans were working unloading fish. Wolf tells Adolpha they will get off there. "Are you sure it is safe here?" Wolf tells Adolpha they are short on water and they should start heading north. "We have no other choice," Wolf says.
Wolf tells Adolpha to wear her other clothes, which cover her more. Wolf steers to a space and docks; he begins to pack some supplies. Adolpha also packs some supplies. Wolf puts on his bag and grabs his weapons. Adolpha puts on a sling and places Adolphus in it.
Once they were ready, they got off. Wolf tied the boat, and they began walking. Wolf tells Adolpha to stay close. The workers didn't pay them much attention. Wolf feels a presence looking at him. They continue walking. "Is that your boat…"
A hoarse voice says. Wolf turns around and notices an older man. He is holding a pipe in his mouth and leaning over on a boat. The older man has very short hair and a scruffy mustache. The man has a tan from being under the hot sun; he takes a puff of his pipe.
Wolf stands in front of Adolpha and Adolphus. "Yes, I made it myself," Wolf says. The older man laughs, "That's one fine-looking boat…" The other men on his boat stop working and look at the boat Wolf and Adolpha arrive on. They talked and got back to work.
Wolf thanks him and covers his collar. The older man recommends a restaurant and inn where they could stay cheaply. Wolf tells them they won't be staying long. The older man smiles, "Oh, that's a shame. Well, enjoy yourselves." They were about to leave when Wolf asked the older man where they were.
"Well, my friend, you are in the peaceful seaside town of Ivory Springs…" "Ivory Springs?" "Where is Ivory Springs?" Adolpha asked. The older man laughed, "We are west of the Dwarven City of…" "Captain, we need to finish this, or the Madam will be mad…" The older man apologized. He told Wolf they were south of Kingsland.
The older man goes and gets to work. Wolf and Adolpha leave. "Did you hear that, Wolf?" "Yeah," Wolf was suspicious. The older man was pulling a rope; he watched as Wolf and Adolpha left. Wolf sees a sign, and Adolpha says it says Ivory Springs port. They head into town.
Adolpha became scared when she saw all the people walking. Wolf tells her to stay close. They walk past the fish market. There, workers sort fish and other sea goods. People buy and sell. It is crowded; some sellers call Adolpha and tell her to stop by. She is scared.
Wolf pulled her along. They headed up some stairs. When they reached the top, Adolpha was surprised by all the people. Humans, beastmen, and dwarfs walked freely. There were large buildings and small stalls where people shopped. Wolf began walking, and Adolpha followed.
Adolpha holds Adolphus tight. Some people look at them and continue with their business. Wolf notices that Adolpha is shaking and that most beastmen have regular human clothes. Wolf looks around and sees a stall selling clothes. He tells Adolpha to follow him.
They stop in front of the stall selling clothes. A goat female beastman greets them. She stares at them. "What can I do for you?" Wolf greets her and tells her they are nomads; he then tells her they want to buy clothes. The woman apologizes and offers her services. Wolf asks her to find something for Adolpha.
The woman looks at Adolpha and tells her to follow her. Adolpha is scared, but Wolf tells her he will be there. The woman tells Adolpha she has some clothes for her. Adolpha comes out with some plain and worn clothes. Wolf nods and asks for some for himself.
Wolf changed; they looked like the other beastmen. Wolf asked the woman if they traded. "What is that you want to trade?" she asked. Wolf took his bag and pulled out some pearls. The woman took one and asked them to wait. The beast woman came back with an older human man.
The human man was on the heavy side with short black hair. He was breathing heavily and wiped some sweat from his forehead. "This is the man that wishes to trade. The heavy man looks at Wolf. He then asks which clan they belonged to. The beast woman told him they were nomads. The man apologizes.
He then asks to see the other pearls; he stares at them for a while. He takes two more. "These three pearls for the clothes…" Wolf didn't know what to say. The beast woman also offers Adolpha some underwear and a bag. Adolpha became embarrassed. Wolf didn't understand but agreed. The man thanked them.
Wolf sees the heavy man walking into a jewelry store and tells Adolpha to follow him again. They walk in after the man. The employees greet them, which scares Adolpha. The heavy man is looking at some neckless pieces. He rearranges them.
The heavy man turns around and sees Wolf. He goes over and welcomes them. "Oh, welcome, welcome, how can I help you?" Wolf tells him they need money. "I would like to trade more for some human money." The heavy man tells them to follow him.
The man takes them to another room and offers them a seat. Wolf and Adolpha sit, and the man goes and sits in his chair. "What do you have in mine…" Wolf takes his bag and pulls out a small pouch. Wolf places the bag on a desk. The heavy man takes it and takes out the contents.
"Oh, my, this is wonderful…" The man takes a look at several more pearls Wolf had. The heavy man looks at them carefully. Adolpha looked around while holding Adolphus. The man asks them where they are from. "We started our nomad life and are visiting her parents."
The heavy man looks at Adolpha. "The white clan…" He smiles. How about three silvers, five bronze, and twenty copper coins?" "What?" The man explains he would buy the selected pearls from him. Wolf didn't want to stay long and agreed. The heavy man smiles and gets his money ready.
While they wait, he asks Wolf how they got there. "Must be tough traveling; how did you get here?" "We took a boat," Wolf said. The man was surprised. "Wow, I thought traveling by sea was expensive, but you have some amazing pearls."
"It took some time, but I was lucky to find them…" "Lucky you…" An employee walked in with a tray and placed it on the desk. There were coins on it. Adolpha felt the heat and tried to cool down. She adjusted how she was holding Adolphus, which exposed her necklace. Adolpha looked at the man who was staring at her.
Adolpha becomes scared. The man apologized and said he was looking at the necklace. "That is a beautiful necklace. Did you make it yourself?" Wolf looks turns and looks at it. "Yes, I made it for her." Adolpha becomes embarrassed. The man offers to buy it for a gold coin.
Adolpha looks at Wolf; he notices she is looking sad. "I am sorry, but we cannot sell it." The man understands. He walks them out. The man says he will be there if they change their mind. He says he will offer them more next time. He waves to them goodbye.
They walk and look for a place to rest. Adolpha, still scared, watches the people walk by. Wolf notices a lot of soldiers walking by. Wolf gives Adolpha some food. They eat. Wolf can see the mountain and knows which way to go. "The trip will be long, so we need to resupply…"
Once they were done, they headed to find a supply store. They looked around; Wolf saw a supply stall. They walked up to it and were greeted by the shop owner. The stall owner was a middle-aged human who stared at them, which made Wolf and Adolpha uncomfortable. The man apologizes and offers his business.
Wolf looks around and asks, "Do you have any maps?" The stall owner looks around and tells Wolf that the price is fifty, which Wolf does not understand. Wolf agrees, and the shopkeeper returns and brings out a map. Wolf gives the man the three silver coins and returns a bronze coin.
"Good luck. They started to be stricter around the borders…" The man smiles and asks if they are buying anything else. Wolf is confused, thinking they need to leave. Wolf and Adolpha leave; the shopkeeper stares at them as they leave. Wolf is walking fast, and Adolpha is confused. "Wolf…Wolf…"
Wolf realizes and stops. "I'm sorry. It's just that we don't know what is going on, and what he said worries me." Adolpha said they would get through together. Wolf finds his composure and thinks. He asks Adolpha if she knows how the money works.
Adolpha tells him she was only taught the human language and mannerisms. They find a place to rest again. Wolf thinks of hunting and making their way north like nomads; as he thinks, he listens in on people and merchants talking. Wolf hears them mentioning money. The currency is called Coin Pieces, made of different metals with different values.
Copper is the lowest value, followed by bronze, silver, and gold. Wolf looks at his coin and determines they don't have much. He didn't know if the jewelry owner lied about their trade. "Adolpha, we will head out today, but I will need a better weapon." Adolpha agreed as she fed Adolphus.
"I need to find a cheap weapon shop…" They got up and walked around, looking at the shops. Adolpha was surprised by them; she was curious but nervous as people walked by. Ivory Springs was a rather large town. It was a tourist destination. There were fancy restaurants, shops, stalls, and inns. They walked closer to the town entrance.
As they got closer, it got crowded; carts, wagons, and people were leaving. Wolf notices even more soldiers walking around and questioning people. Wolf tells Adolpha to stay close. They see a weapon shop and decide to see what they offer.
The blacksmith welcomes them. Wolf looks at the weapons; they were finely made. Wolf asks if he has anything cheap. The smith looks at him. "Are you heading out?" Wolf stares at him and nods. "I could sell you something cheap, but it won't work again, the guards…"
Wolf was confused by that. "I just need it for hunting," Wolf says. The smith was confused, "Do you have travel papers already?" Wolf lies and nods. "You must have sold everything for them, I guess." The smith shows him some failed weapons. Wolf managed to purchase a sword.
Wolf looks at Adolpha and asks her if she is ready. Adolpha looks at Adolphus and nods. Wolf and Adolpha walk to the entrance of the town, passing many people. Wolf and Adolpha can hear some people offering services to pass while others are selling goods.
They got to the front and saw the human military at the entrance. Merchant wagons were being inspected, and groups of people were being questioned. Once everything looked right, they headed out. There was a line, and it was moving. Wolf and Adolpha form behind some people. They walked and got close to some soldiers.
Wolf notices the group walk towards a carriage with people. Wolf tells Adolpha to follow him. They follow the group. A soldier notices and calls out to them. Wolf ignores it and continues walking; more soldiers take notice and walk towards them. Some soldiers place their hands on their weapons.
"Stop!" Wolf saw Adolpha, scared and trembling. He stopped; other people were looking at them. The soldier walked towards them. Wolf stared at him, which intimidated him. A group of soldiers surround them. "Well then, where do you think you are going…"