Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Four

From the shadows, Dartian’s gaze never left Saleene’s small figure. He took in every inch of her body, every curve. He had never seen a woman such as her. She had a strength and stubbornness that rivaled any man. Her eyes reminded him of flawless jade and her hair like spun gold. He could tell she was a fighter, her movements fluid and graceful.

He diverted his eyes, and stared into the night as the clouds moved in. Oh how he missed the forest at night. Back in his village he had spent every night out with the forest creatures, listening to the evening ballads they heralded to the gods. Returning his gaze back to the others, he tried to take in the conversation going on. Listening in, he smiled as Raku recounted his world and his prized weapon.

“Aye, I am a hunter for my people. My lands are far from here and the wood used to fashion this bow is very sacred to us.” Raku’s voice beamed with pride as he told his tale. “The wood is called Lome; in your language, the nearest translation I can give would mean Duskwood. It is very rare and unfortunately many of the trees have been ravaged by mysterious fires.”

He knew Saleene could hear the sadness etched in his words. The compassion for his people was evident. They had all seen so much destruction along the way, he could only imagine what she had seen all alone in her wanderings.  So much evil, so much destruction that reached much further than the elders could have envisioned So many villages that they had moved through had been decimated, the inhabitants murdered. Fresh anger coursed through his veins at the faces of those he’d seen dead.

“I am sorry to hear of the loss of your sacred trees. There is so much damage that has been done all over the land. It is hard to believe the world as we knew it has changed so much. There is a source, I’m sure of it. One single thing that is causing this chain reaction of destruction.” Dartian could hear the concern in her voice. He knew she felt what the others did, it was written all over her face.

“Aye, many villages have been destroyed but no one knows by what. It’s a mystery we are hoping to solve.” Determination edged his words as the grip on his bow increased.

Saleene turned her attention to Raku. “We will find the source of this evil and remove it. By doing this, balance will be restored to our lands, resetting the circle of life. I promise you this.”

Dartian watched as she moved about the shack. Through the door and out into the night, he knew the conflict she felt. After listening to another person’s story, she took it in as if it was her own. He had seen it as she had been listening. Outside he could hear her speak in light tones to the wind. Whether it was a chant or a prayer, he wasn’t sure. She needed her space, if but for a few moments. In the span of an hour she had gone from traveling alone, to being surrounded by a group of men. She deserved a moment’s peace. Standing next to the window, he peered out into the night. Above them, the sky became aglow with bolts of lightning. None of it fazed her as she remained underneath the growing wind.

Looking up into the sky some of the clouds broke between the roars of thunder. In the instances of clearing, he caught sight of stars glowing bright above him. One by one they grew brighter before dying out. His breath held tight. Were the stars being affected by what was happening? If so, then more was at stake than just a few villages. Returning his gaze back to Saleene he found her staring back at him. There was something glistening in her eyes, a sadness that went deeper than what was shown on the surface. Turning he found the others staring at him and the display outside. The light had been much brighter than he had first expected. Watching Saleene walk back into the shack he knew the night had worn on for too long and that daybreak would arrive soon. 

“Ok, turn in for the night men. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.” They nodded their agreement. Raku and Jeremiiah went about preparing makeshift beds for themselves and settling in for the night.