The Order of Events: The Red Wolf Read online

  “They spoke word of our dying father. We left to be at his side in his final moments, and when doing so, we told him we went against his orders. He said that he knew we did. One of his scouts had followed us, and saw that we actually did go through with our plans, even though our father thought that we would not. He had become ill, his heart weak, when he received the knowledge of our sin, and began to die. In his final moments, I plead for forgiveness from him, and received no words in reply, as he died in my grip.”

  “My brothers and I, feeling fault for our actions, killing, and slaughtering, and now having caused the death of our own father, decided upon a journey, for we were damned to our own accord, if not to any other’s.”

  “We set out, with our warriors following us, and came to this forest. Upon the hill there, we climbed, and found what would be our resting place. Fires were built, as I ordered all but my brothers to remove their armor and melt it down. My brothers and I had our armor bound to our bodies with piercing nails by the contact of heavy hammers. Our once pristine, silver armor, now tarnished with the blood of sin.”

  “When all the silver was melted, it was poured down upon the hill top, and formed into a great circle. My brothers and I stepped upon the liquid silver, and stood solid, feeling the pain that we rightfully deserved.”

  “After the silver had cooled down, my brothers and I were set into the ground, as it had become solid around our feet, and we ordered our warriors to put pillars amongst us, as to make it better seen, the mark of our sin upon the hill.”

  “They did as we ordered and were then sent back to return to our kingdom, as my brothers and I waited for death upon the hill top.”

  Samana was beginning to understand the metal one. “I’m beginning to understand most of this, but how did you come back from death?”

  The silver one was touched by the illuminating blaze, and continued his story.

  “Once we had died, we wandered the next plain for ages and ages, walking amongst the dark and the cruel. Then one day, I went to the Serpents of Life, and pleaded for a chance to make right. I wished for redemption. They offered me what I wanted, and as I stared into the eyes of the serpent, he showed me the one I was to seek and told me what I was to do. They then brought me back to this world, with a renewed power, like none other.”

  Samana looked up at the hill, and then to the hulky warrior. “I’m getting you, now. I understand. I am the one you seek.”

  The metal one nodded, and continued his speech. “Yes, my duty is to protect you, on your journey. I cannot die. I can only return to the next plain if my will fails or your journey does not succeed. I am yours to command, Samana.”

  The metal one, Kurlank, bowed before Samana, causing her to feel rather uncomfortable, for she held no liking upon the idea of one bowing to her.

  Tapping the metal shoulder of Kurlank, to a clank, Samana gestured him up from the ground and spoke. “Don’t bow, it makes me feel uncomfortable, and as to the journey, it seems it is destiny that I was sent on this route.”

  The metal one rose, and stood before the young warrior. “Shall we be on our way then? The Khaggeys may return with vengeance, if they see us again.”

  Samana looked about the camp, seconding the idea, as she viewed fruit carcasses, torn and burnt medicinal leaves, and her empty canteens on the ground. “We should move fast, and get out of here then. But I think we should head for a town. There should be some not far from here. I was told south of this forest is where they lie. My supplies are destroyed, and the walk to Murta Sota from here is said to be far and barren. I say we take a town route?”

  The silver one creaked in agreement, as he shifted his head up and down. “As you order, Samana, I shall follow.”

  The two warriors strode through the great forest, as the moon took a dip. The sun was soon to be up.

  The town of Homa was in ruins. The walls were crusted with ash, dead bodies littered in the streets, houses burning, breathing huge stocks of smoke into the air.

  The Red Wolf stood amongst the death and ruin, the ground flooded with dried blood as he stood silently, watching the aftermath of his rage upon the town, as he could still hear the shouts and cries of pain in his head.

  The wind blew silently across the wreckage, as voices came to the mind of the beast, loudly, silencing all others, as these voices were different.

  The charcoal boy looked around him, as he was approached by the apparitions of wolves all around him. They spoke, taking turns, finishing each other’s sentences as he heard them speak. “Red Wolf, you have done well. Clean the world of these foul, disgusting things. They are of the race that damned us so long ago, for they are humans.”

  The Red Wolf spoke to those around him, questioningly. “You are the spirits of the wolves that came to my people?”

  The wolves spoke once more. “Yes, you know what we are, we are your strength. You are fulfilling your duty justly. Continue your way to the pit, and breathe down upon those who stand against us, against you. You are the tool of both our people, joined as one, and are to do right by your hands. Go, and cleanse this world!”

  The wolves disappeared before his eyes as he spoke. “I will. It is my destiny.”

  Walking forward through the streets, the Red Wolf strode strongly until he stopped to the touch of something peculiar beneath his foot.

  Picking up the object of investigation, the boy examined it closely. Ash blew past him on a silent run, as he stared at the thing. It was a doll, small and that of a child, smudged with ash and blood. Regaining his senses, the boy dropped the doll onto the dusty street beneath his tread, and went to all fours, heading ever closer to his goal.

  Samana and Kurlank had made good work of their run of the forest, and had left the boundaries of its grasp and continued onward, far and strong as they rushed toward the town that stood miles ahead. The sun that had risen at the beginning of their start was now beyond the horizon, as the moon stood high above.

  Having been on the run for a good two days, they had finally made it. Their eyes saw the town ahead, bearing red walls of stone and strong battlements with watchtowers at their corners. Underfoot they tread on soft patches of grass, here and there, ashy and dead from the wolves deadly run, as they tread ever closer to the town of Huna.

  As Samana and her partner sped onward, they heard the surprising ring of a bell from afar. Guards rushed from wall top, bearing weapons at the ready, armored and standing behind their front gate, as the head of their garrison looked through a peeking slide in the door, surveying the vastness outside, as two figures strode speedily towards the town.

  The leader wore an eye patch, and shut the slide, turning to his men and grinning as he issued orders. “Doesn’t look like it could be much trouble, after all, there’s only two of them. Send five guards up at the top wall with arrows. You hear so much as a cry from down here and you fill them with so many shafts they won’t have to tire their legs with standing. Everyone else, listen. Keep your spears good and strong, and at my back. I’ll deal some words to them, if they give me the chance.”

  Samana and Kurlank were but twenty feet from the walls and slowed into a walk, as they noted the archers on the battlements ahead. “It looks like they’re really friendly around here. Let’s be careful about what we say, right, Kurlank?”

  The metal one nodded in approval, as they stepped before the gate and rapped on it hard, Samana calling to those inside. “Hey, is anybody there? I see your archers at the top, so, you might as well answer.”

  A face manifested itself, as the wooden slide was pushed aside. The garrison leader looked at the young one, looking her up and down. “I hear you…where do you come from?”

  Samana answered the question, peeking in through the hole to see a load of armed guards waiting. “I’ve come from the Order of the Aura. I’m on a rather important mission, of great urgency, actually, but I need supplies. He doesn’t need to eat, so, it would just be enough for one.”

  The leader looked at the meta
l one, and then to Samana, recognizing her apparel.

  “Ah, I see, wait…that’s Dawn Bringer wears you have. I think there just might be some truth to what you say.”

  Signaling the withdrawal of weapons, the leader unbolted the door, and opened the gates to the two warriors, ushering them in quickly, not liking the idea of having the gate open.

  As the gate was shut and bolted, the leader introduced himself as his guards filtered out amongst the town people. “I’m Veruk. I’m the leader of the garrison here.”

  Samana shook his hand, and bowed her head, introducing herself and Kurlank. “I am Samana, and this is Kurlank.”

  Veruk nodded to the metal one, voicing his impression of the sturdy warrior.

  “You look like you could take a good horde yourself. How long will you need to be here?”

  The three walked through the dusty street as Samana took the lead of conversation. “We’ll be leaving, quite quickly. We just need food and water, and then some medicine, if possible.”

  Veruk gestured one of his guards over, and then whispered to them, sending them away, as the other two watched him turn back to them. “Will be done, he’ll have it to you in but a moment. Now, tell me…what is this mission you’re on, exactly?”

  Veruk looked Samana in the eye, as she began to explain. “Well, you see, I…”

  But she was interrupted, as there was a shout from the eastern wall. “Captain, there’s something coming this way, and at a great speed, too!”

  Veruk tapped Samana on the shoulder, and ran off towards the eastward wall.

  “Tell me, later. Something isn’t right.”

  Samana watched as Veruk ran down the street, as the townspeople were ushered into homes, by either their families or by armed guards.

  Kurlank looked at the sky, as the sun was setting, speaking in an echoing manner. “Something is coming…”

  Samana answered as she ran after Veruk, soon followed by Kurlank. “I know what you mean, and I think this might be what I’ve feared. These towns go on a straight course for the City of Murta Sota. What they’re seeing, it could be…the Red Wolf.”

  Veruk stood atop the eastern wall, as he stood beside archers, ready to pin down any target that was elected.

  Veruk held his hand up, as he looked at the incoming beast. Whatever it was, it was furry, and traveling at a great speed, blurry to the eye. “Hold your weapons. Wait until we understand what this is.”

  Samana and Kurlank had reached the eastern gate, and stood watching from below, as Veruk called down to them. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s fast, and furry.”

  Samana drew her blade, as she ran for the wall steps, leaving Kurlank behind, as she called up to Veruk. “Can you make anything out?”

  Veruk looked again, and the approaching beast was nearer.

  Turning to Samana, who had reached the top of the stairs, Veruk looked puzzled.

  “It’s a wolf? It’s a red wolf.”

  Samana stood frozen as soon as the words had left Veruk’s mouth. The archers let loose their shafts, all planting into the patchy ground of grass and ash, as the beast leapt gloriously from the ground below, and over the wall. Tackling Veruk, it knocked archers aside, as the captain was taken down into the streets with him.

  Samana rushed down the wall steps, as Veruk looked up with his one eye, pinned to the ground and helpless, as he was staring against the face of a blood colored wolf.

  Kurlank stood only but feet away, as he drew his swords from his hip placed sheathes and stood staring down the beast.

  The wolf stared intently at the challenging warrior, as it stood on all fours, pinning the captain down, then all of the sudden…

  Samana came hurtling from the side, the wolf’s quick reflexes gave way, and it rolled, dodging the body blow, and then regained its footing, watching as Samana held her sword point at the ready to fight, Veruk getting up from the ground. “What’s going on here? I thought wolves were dead and gone forever. What’s this thing?”

  Samana held her stance, and began to circle the still beast, as did Kurlank, as she spoke to Veruk. “I have to stop this beast from reaching Murta Sota, if I don’t, he’ll destroy the world.”

  Veruk stood shocked and drew his sword, calling his guards over. “Are you serious, this beast will do that, how?”

  Samana had no time for explanations. “Just trust me.”

  The Red Wolf watched as more guards filled the streets to oppose him, and then spoke, to the surprise of all who stood before him. “I will kill all of you. It is my lot, my duty. The world shall be purged of your kind, and left to be ruled by mine.”

  Veruk spoke against the beast, stepping past Samana and the others. “Ha…right, I’m not afraid of any wild beast!”

  The wolf stared intently, stopping Veruk in his tracks, as all others paused before the coming spectacle, as the wolf spoke. “I’m not just a beast!”

  The Red Wolf stood on all fours and shook, as fire began to burn on his fur, spreading wildly. Bones began to break as they meshed and morphed, forming into that of a human, as the onlookers stood watching in horror at the sight.

  The beast gave out a loud howl, penetrating all those before him, as he stood erect. His bones began to burst from his body, dripping with molten ooze, as he twitched and writhed around. The fire began to fade away, as the bones turned black, and by great mysticism, were as iron, making a fare suit of protection on the charcoal-skinned one.

  Samana stared, wordless, as he was turning into the very image of her dreams.

  The head of the wolf opened and a head peaked out with long, black hair, swaying messily, as the eyes of the boy were as twin flames, his sharp teeth showing off as he breathed new air.

  The wolf jaw closed over his head and made itself as a helmet, forming as iron too, beneath the mysticism of the beast. The beast had now taken its finest form.

  The wolf spirits were amongst those around the boy, as he had finished morphing his form, hearing their voices called to him, and him alone. “This is your strongest state, feel our power course through you. Feel it, it is good.”

  The beast looked at the wolves, as he was watched by the others. “Yes, it is good.”

  Samana watched curiously, as it seemed he was talking and looking at ones that were not really there.

  The wolves began to fade and spoke once more. “Now, fulfill your duty. Slay the humans, as they slew us.”

  The beast spoke, drawing a blade from a slit in his armored side, his father’s sword. “Yes, I shall do as you say. It is my duty.”

  Samana and Kurlank nodded to each other to approach, as the weapon was drawn and the beast without speech, as he put his attention upon those before him, eyeing Veruk intently.

  “You must all die. You will be the first!”

  Veruk swung his blade at the beast, as Samana and Kurlank began their rush for the beast. “I will not fall to a beast!”

  The blade swung, shining in the dying light, but was avoided by the swift beast, leaving Veruk perplexed in more way than one. Veruk could not believe the speed of the beast, and was stabbed through from behind by a sharp blade, and soon fell, killed with a single thrust.

  Samana rushed, backed by the garrison of the fallen Veruk, and charged brandishing sharp steel upon the Red Wolf.

  The beast saw them coming. Having drawn his sword from Veruk, he rushed them, as Samana stood leading their approach. The young warrior swung heartily at the beast, but was dodged, and kicked sideways with his swift leg, leaving him to meet the oncoming warriors head on.

  Kurlank ran to Samana’s side, and helped her up, as they watched and saw the garrison take weapons against the beast, and fail horribly. He cut down the first row in but seconds and then swung his blade in a violent spread, using his talent of fire to send flames coursing from his blade, and into the guards, burning them and slaying them with one good sweep.

  Having killed the guards, the Red Wolf shot fire at the buildings of the town, and set the town ab
laze around him.

  Samana was up and spoke to her friend urgently. “We have to stop him! He’ll kill everyone!”

  They ran towards the beast and he turned his attention, seeing them coming, and shot fire at them, with his free hand. Samana dodging furiously, and landed in a roll, continuing her approach, as Kurlank took the burning blow, unable to be harmed by the fire.

  The wolf noted her good talents at dodging and shot several more bursts. Each was dodged with great agility, as Samana worked her way to the beast with great effort, only but a foot away.

  Samana dodged the final flaming burst, and thrust at the Red Wolf, which he dodged, grabbing her hand as she dropped her sword to his touch, looking into the his deadly twin flames.

  It was at this moment he realized something. Samana was the girl of his dreams, of his visions. The hair, her wears, everything, she was the one he was to take and be one with, when the world was made to burn.

  Samana looked at the beast curiously. For a moment it seemed as if there was peace in his eyes, as they met hers, but then the feeling left, as the beast looked past her, and at the rushing Kurlank.

  Kurlank swung his dual swords, charging as he let out an echoing call. “Haraaahah!!!”

  The beast let go of Samana and pushed her aside, as he met blade against blades with the metal one. Dodging, dicing, and moving across the burning building side, as they fought madly.

  Samana picked her sword up from the ground, as she began to pursue the fighting two.

  The town was being swallowed by fire, as it spread ferociously, helpless people running about, trying to find a way out, as hope was seemingly lost.

  Kurlank swung for the elusive beast, madly, but each time missing as the Red Wolf dodged skillfully, and for the final time, dodging a swing for his head, bending backwards to do so, and then slamming his hands forward into the chest of Kurlank, sending the metal one back several good feet.

  The beast was growing impatient and took his sword back as Samana was at the scene, the beast voicing his impression of the warrior, with a cold tone. “You fight well, you fight with a purpose, but mine is greater, and so is my strength!”