The Mother of Wolves

Chapter One: Death of a Chieftain's Daughter

Weddings... You've got to love them. I guess it's a requirement. Especially if you're the bride. It was supposed to be a pleasant yet stressful process. Full of traditions and new memories. But there really isn't anything pleasing about being stuffed into a ceremonial dress and having your face dusted in different things to make you more beautiful.

Well I guess that doesn't really apply to my situation. Maybe, if I knew my groom I wouldn't be this annoyed. See, my marriage is more of a political strategy for my father. I had no say. I'm pretty sure the whole clan knew of my wedding before I did. The seamstress yanked at my dress yet again trying to pinch my waist smaller while cutting off my air supply. My dark and wavy hair was yanked back and brushed up. They began to braid and weave what I assumed to be some extravagant hairstyle.

My future husbands name was Rane. I heard many things about him. Some good, but most bad. He was the greatest warrior in his clan which was the Tahken Clan. But he was also, greedy, rude, selfish just like his family emblem...the lion. Lions were strong in body and mind yes, but greed encompassed them like the plague. And lions and wolves don't get along. This marriage was an advantage for my clan because while we were the wealthiest of any clan in Carnarik we did not have an abundance of land. The Tahken clan did however, and offered us a fair amount of it for the marriage to the chiefs second oldest son second oldest son...Rane.

My family are the leaders of the Shukua Clan. Our emblem is the wolf and we represent it well. Being a wolf means no one is left behind. It means risking your life to save another. I don't think Rane will like that part of me very much, but it won't matter.... I am to be the next Chief of the Shukua clan. Rane is a second born who only inherited land and family jewels for his coming of age. Our marriage will make him a man of power, but not as powerful as me.

I was lifted to my feet. I stood in front of a mirror. My usually long black hair was wrapped and braided delicately as a crown on my head. My royal purple dress emphasized a tiny waist, a big bust, and wide set hips. A chief's head piece had been crafted just for me. It was silver and sat atop the head beautifully. Instead of feathers jutting from the top it was leaf shaped pieces of silver that glittered underneath the candle light. Tiny strings of glittering metal hung over my forehead. I was surprised by my own reflection. A transparent shimmering cloth was placed over my head and an older woman who stood in the place of my mother (rest her soul) walked me out to the temple garden.

As the "wolf" clan we worshipped the moon goddess contrary to popular opinion. We were in fact the only clan in Carnarik to choose the Moon Goddess as out primary deity. Legends told of how the goddess loved and favored wolves, and as prosperous as we are worshipping the goddess was the right choice. Her statue was in the middle of the garden. The goddess was wrapped in flowers and shimmering cloths. People gathered around her and left a path for me to walk. As this old woman held my arm I began to feel nervous about this marriage for the first time. My palms began to sweat and beads formed above my brow.

My eyes scanned the base of the statue only to find my future husband.

He was dashing indeed. His jaw was smooth and strong. His hair was in a long braid as a symbol of power. (Lions...pshhh). His attire was even more profound than mine. His breast plate a glittering gold with a lion on the front. He smiled at me flashing his bright white teeth. He was beautiful. But beauty could not hide the dangerous glint in his eye.

Wary of him, I still proceeded to stand in front of him. The high priest said words. Words of love and care that he and I must show one another. But how can I care for a man I do not know?

Every question that was asked my mouth agreed and my heart denied. If my heart could've spoke it would have wailed in anger. Anger at my father, anger at Rane, and anger at the Goddess herself for leaving me to a man I do not know.

I was too into my own thoughts that when the priest said, "And the husband and wife shall kiss." I jumped unexpectedly when Rane lifted my veil. He pressed his lips to mine and attempted movement but I pulled away quickly. His lips felt foreign against mine.

The rest of the night was a blur. Candles and ceremonies. Speeches and laughter and a lot of drunken foolery from my father. It would've been beautiful.... If it didn't mark a new and unwanted chapter in my life.

I did not dance. I did not laugh. Instead I accepted the disappointed glances my father gave me from a crossed the room.

Rane thoroughly enjoyed himself. He danced with all the women in the clan young and old. His cheeks were painted with kisses from young maidens. A newly married man already disrespecting the reputation of his wife. I wanted to laugh in disbelief. But instead I sat and waited. He would not entangle himself with me tonight, nor any other night that he decides to embarrass me like this.

After he drank, ate, and flirted his full the village gathered to see us off to our room. Candles were lit and the people chanted old songs of fertility and long marriages. Rane grabbed my hand and guided me to "our" room. When he opened the door for me I walked into an awkward silence between us.

I knew I would not be accompanying him in bed tonight but he didn't. Instead he walked on to the balcony and over looked the whole village.

"This is all mine now." He said turning to me. I cocked my head to the side in confusion. He walked closer. My heart sped up and I could hear it in my ears. My tuition was never wrong but how cold I run from a man I had just been married to?

"The largest clan in Carnarik. The richest city of the north. Vingar was right. This was easy." I stood at those words and backed up towards the door. I may have pride but I knew Vingar was bad news.

Vingar was a myth, well he was supposed to be anyway. A dark sorcerer who makes deals with people to push dark agendas. For the first time, I noticed an amulet that hung around Rane's neck. The signs engraved were black magic.

"Amaliah, don't be frightened. I'll make this quick." He whispered as I turned to grab the door.

Hands wrapped around my waist and yanked me across the room. My back hit a hard wall and I slumped to the floor.

I was lifted again and carried toward the balcony. A cold breeze chilled me and his hot breath blew against my neck.

"Your contribution to my success is dully noted and I hope you're rewarded in the next life."

And with that, he tossed me over the edge of the balcony.