Evalyce: Worldshaper Vol. 2 Lady of Wolves

The Wolves' Dance

LabyrintheSangra, Dashmar, Evalyce, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE

Vander woke to a growling stomach. Unlike Kalla and the Fox, he and Kasai had not had the luxury of dinner the night before. The wolf stretched and yawned, baring sharp white fangs. Claws scrabbled on the stone floor, waking the sleeping hawk.

"What time is it..." Kasai grumbled.

"It is about seven in the morning," Vander replied.

The wolf trotted out of the cavern, the hawk taking wing behind him. They followed the same convoluted path back to the main chamber, but instead of going to find Kalla, the War Mage took the path into the Thunder Warrens. The Dashmari who were awake didn't interfere with them, having been warned by Aryff of the red frost wolf's presence in the caves.

"Where are we going?" the hawk asked.

"I am going to hunt. You don't have to come. I imagine you would find the food here more palatable," Vander replied, a hint of defensiveness in his tone. The wolf had discovered that he enjoyed hunting when he had been stuck in this form. The hawk continued to follow him through the roaring Thunder Warrens. Here, too, they passed Dashmari stirring for the day.

"You aren't getting rid of me that easily. Not here. Besides, you'd be surprised what I might find edible," Kasai shot back.

The wolf gave an irritated snort as they exited the caverns. Two hours later they, along with the wyvern, had brought down several of the bighorned mountain sheep and eaten their fill. Vander was surprised that the hawk had actually hunted with them and partaken of the kill.

"Surely you could have found better fare in the Warrens, hawk," Vander said. Though Kasai had opted by this time to shift form, the mage had chosen to remain as a wolf. Both lounged against the wyvern. His magister barked a laugh.

"Fresh meat doesn't bother me, wolf. Vykr warriors eat it quite often."

"Well and good," Vander replied. He stood and stretched. "We should be getting back."

*********************************

Kalla glanced up from her place by Aryff's hearth, as Vander and Kasai returned. The War Mage had resumed his human form, as had his magister. He settled down beside the Healer.

"Good morning, Vander. Kasai. I trust you are doing better?" Kalla asked, giving Vander a searching look.

"I am fine, Dashkele. How... how is Merryn?" he asked softly.

"She was doing well, when I checked this morning. Still sleeping," the Healer replied. Vander nodded, gazing off into the fire. He looked up as Aryff limped up to the fire.

"Welcome back, brother. Will you and your magister care for breakfast?" the Dashmuynin asked. Vander shook his head.

"We have eaten already. Water would be appreciated, though," he replied. Aryff poured two bowls, handing one to Vander and one to Kasai, handing them over before settling down beside Aleister.

"Merryn is awake now. She would like to speak to you later. Both of you, if you would be so gracious, Lady Kalla," Aryff said. He paused a moment before turning his attention to the War Mage.

"I am sorry, Vander, for not doing more to help you when we were younger. And I am sorry for what you went through with Grosso. I know that probably doesn't mean much, all these years later, but I am sorry."