Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Ten

“Oh get over yourself.” Saleene muttered. “There is a village about an hour or so walk from here. If we hurry we can make it before nightfall.” Without waiting for an answer, Saleene turned in the direction of the child’s home. She didn’t have time to wait for them to respond. 

“She is right you know. The child’s village is but a mere short walk from here.” His words jarred the silence and brought Dartian’s gaze to the thick forest, as Raku emerged from the darkness of the forest. His face was still swollen from the wounds that had been inflicted upon him. She hated the memory of his battered body.

“I thought you were going ahead to scout? Did you miss us already?” Saleene couldn’t help but find humor in the look on Raku’s face. He must have watched her as she merged with the bird.

“Whatever. No reason for me to scout what you already know.” A smile covered Raku’s face. “Besides, it’s safer if we travel together.”

Looking down at the child who still slept, Dartian whispered in his ear, “Do not grow up too soon child, and whatever you do, do not try and figure out the females of your race.”

Sighing she took the child from him. “Let’s go you two. I need to find some food.” Saleene turned in the direction the bird had shown, her feet picking up speed with every heartbeat.

About an hour later, they made their way to the end of the field, reaching the outer edge of the child’s village. Looking around, Saleene was surprised at the lack of voices from within. The sun had only begun to set the village should still be a bustle with activity.

“Dartian...where is everyone?” The hair on the back of her neck seemed to stand on edge as if warning her of something.

“I’m not sure, but I think you are right. Something is amiss but I am unsure as to what it is.” She knew he was allowing his protective instinct kick in. Turning around, they found they were blocked inside the town. Somehow, a throng of men had surrounded them. From within the homes, the villagers began to emerge from the shadows.

“Dartian? Am I missing something? I don’t sense evil, but I do not like the way they are approaching us.” She felt as if they were being cornered by a stalking cat.

A tall wiry looking man stepped to the front of the crowd, his grey hair pulled back and banded at the nape of his neck. He appeared to be someone of great importance within the village, possibly an elder of their town. His golden eyes demanded respect and she could tell he had seen many things in his life.

All three of them bowed in respect.

“I am Alek, leader of my people. Who may I ask are you, and why are you holding my grandson in your arms?” His voice held strength and concern in his words, his actions thoughtful and sure.

“It is my honor to meet you Alek. I fear I have some bad news for you.” Breathing in to gain her composure, Saleene explained how they came across the child and the remains of his mother. She used her most powerful healing voice to ease the grief that he was sure to feel at the loss of his daughter. “I am sorry for your loss.”

Saddened by having lost his daughter, he reached out his hands and removed the babe from Saleene’s arms. “I thank you for returning my grandson to me. What of his mother’s body?” The sadness reflected in the old man’s eyes broke her heart. She knew he needed to know the truth, but she hated to be the one to tell him.

“Due to the condition of her body, and the way she must have passed, I wanted to make sure she had a clear path to the afterlife. I released her soul from the confines in which it was being held and allowed her safe passage to Agnau.”