Since we have no Hall to gather in, we sat outside in a secluded area, forming a circle. The number of new young council members we had only made me grief that much harder to bare. “We must send people to represent us at the event the Fairy Princess talked about,” Tumak said.

“Is it not customary for us to spend 5 days mourning our fallen brothers and sisters?” Ragnar asks. “The Chief was right to refuse her invitation. And it was kind of the princess to be considerate and give us time to mourn.”

“Yes, her kindness was heartwarming, but with everything that’s going on around here, I suggest we make an exception. The tribe can gain a lot by winning the favour of some of these creatures. Did any of us understand what the fairy princess was talking about, when she told us of the other natives of this land? I fear that there are more strange creatures in kelor and it would be to our advantage if we new more about them. Who knows? Maybe we might even find some of them at the fairy’s event."

Though I agreed with Tumak, most of the new members, along with my brother, didn’t. It was surprising to see, because it is usually the young who are more than willing to change old customs. Perhaps they were afraid of the natives or of the rumors that I am cursed by death itself. Most of the meeting was spent debating about whether we should find another land to call our home and every time it came up, Tumak would convince the council member why it is best for us to stay. He would redirect their attention to the topic at hand. I found it suspicious that someone who was against me, would be on me side regarding this matter. Eventually the council agreed that I should go to the event, but the decision to temporarily hand over my power fell on me.

Whatever Tumak is up to, it would be best to take him with me. At least then I can keep an eye on him and he wouldn’t be free to continue to poison the tribe’s mind.

“I’ve decided to leave Ragnar in charge, and I’ll be taking Tumak along with the remaining older members of the council and a few of me personal guards.”

“Shouldn’t you be taking some of the young members as well?” Tumak asks. “They could do with some experience.”

“I will find another event for them to attend.”

Tumak nodded, which was unusual for him. Normally he would have fought with me a little bit more before giving in but today, he was agreeable.

Once me brother and I were alone he asked, “Are you sure you want to take Tumak with you?”

“I’m sure, Ragnar. He will less time to corrupt the minds on the tribe when he is away.”

“I’d like to see him try.”

“I’m serious, Sif. I don’t trust that snake.”

“Neither do I. But if the Great chiefs have cursed me then at least the whole tribe won’t suffer. And if I’m dying, I’d like Tumak to be with me.”

“And why is that?”

“So that I can take him to my grave with me.”

Ragnar chuckles and says, “Make sure you come back alive, Chief.”

“If I don’t, then you get to be the Chief.”

“Don’t talk like that. You’re coming back and you’re going to continue leading your people. You’ve brought us here, now see to it that we can live here.”

“I’ll try to stay alive for their sake and yours.”

“No! Don’t try. I don’t want you to try, I want you to do it. Promise me that you’ll do it.”

You’re not going to let me go if I don’t say it, will you little brother? “Alright, Ragnar. I promise you, I will do everything I can to return alive.”

He surprises me with a hug and whispers, “You’re all I have left.”

I’d been so busy with my own pain that I had forgotten that Ragnar was also in pain. We had both lost the ones we loved. I wrap my arms around him, returning the affection he is showing me. “I love you too, Ragnar.”

Maybe, Just maybe. I can delay my plans of abandoning the tribe, for Ragnar’s sake.

When we break the embrace, I send him off to inspect the people on guard duty. Finding a quiet place to sit, I watch the sunset as I reflect on the council meeting and the fairies.

**********

The screeching and howling gets louder as the sunset stretches the shadows of the buildings towards the approaching enemy. How I wish the Halfling were here with me now. I’d have put him in the front lines and watched him get killed. After that, the pack would mourn their so-called Beta, and the pure-breed, Prince Valark, would take the throne. But as luck would have it, I’m with a group of pure-breeds that might die defending a town. I suppose I should be grateful. Things could be a lot worse than they are now.

We had arrived and had more than enough time to dig and set up pit traps close to the town's edge. Once the Prince had gotten over his embarrassment, he joined the ranks. Seeing as some of my soldiers are less experienced with their werewolf forms, I ordered them not to change. I decided to stay with them to uplift their spirit. I put my captain in charge of those who were to change. Prince Valark joined that group and once our preparations were complete and those who were not able to fight were placed in a safe place, I gave my captain the order to begin the transformation. He and Valark were quick, but not as quick as me. The others took their sweet time but eventually they completed their transformation.

I stand in the front lines with my Now we watch, wait and hope that the enemy has a few forces. I don’t see many surviving this battle if the enemy can afford to have two or more waves of troops to assault us with.

A strong head wind rushes at us, making the dark ones’ scent of death more eminent. The eastern horizon breaks form as their front line march towards the town. A deafening howl rings through the air and they dash towards us.

“Steady!” I yell at my men. Most of the towns’ people are already starting to shiver and break into a cold sweat. Their lack of experience is much easier to deal with than the excitement I can feel emanating from my own soldiers. They are craving a good fight. I just hope that most of them remember to keep their emotions under control, especially those that have transformed into their werewolf forms. Our transformation gives us more strength, size and agility but it comes with heightened senses and emotions. I turn towards Valark.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have let Valark transform. Anyway, there’s little I can do about that now.

The first of the enemy forces fall into the pit trap and a shout of joy erupts from my men.

“Keep it together. Stay focused. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

The wind picks up and with it, a shroud of dust lifts up from the pit traps and engulfs us all. I shield my eyes from it but most of my men didn’t react in time. Even the transformed men are rubbing the dust from their eyes like sleepy children waking up from a slumber. Worse still is that some are sneezing and coughing prefusely. I strain my eyes to see the enemy but my vision is blurred and the dim sunlight doesn’t help. It will be a while before the full moon is up and I was

counting on it to provide us with light but now, it will all be pointless if we cant see and fight till it comes.

I hear footsteps rapidly approaching us but before I can warn everyone I am knocked back. I scramble to my feet just in time to dodge an attack. Getting behind my opponent, I place my finger together and use my claws like a spear, driving my arm into his chest and instantly he turns to dust and is blown away.

So that’s why we didn’t find any traces of them.

The scream of a dying man brings me back to reality. I run back to the front line to aid whatever is left of our defences. Hopefully this time, a town can have more than just a few survivors.