The Oath of the Wolf

"Father, the town needs your sword."
Wolf's words fell on deaf ears. He piled another rock on top of the grave, he had buried his father in. A tear ran down his face as he knelt by the grave, his hands shook from the work. He flexed them in the hope that it would get the growing stiffness out. I was away for a few hours with the others in the fields. Had I known, I would've stayed and helped fight off the bandits.
He knew it wouldn't have mattered. Wolf glanced around, his soft brown eyes taking in the village he grew up in. The bandits burned a few of the houses, like his. Others didn't look too hurt except for a few bruises or minor cuts. At least there's something positive about this situation. What should I do now? By the gods, I'm barely seventeen summers, and I have nowhere to go.
"I can start by not feeling sorry for myself. My Dad wanted me to be strong."
Next to his father's grave stood another mound of stones. Another tear ran down Wolf's face when he stared down at his mother's grave. I've lost everything but my father's sword and his armor. Guess hiding them was the right thing to do when my Dad had given up being a soldier. They even took the horses.
A dog's wet nose nudged his cheek. Wolf petted his dog without thinking about it. Its dark coat glistened in the light. Kota looked at him with blue eyes and wagged its tail. "Kota, at least I still have you."
Knowing the bandits didn't kill his dog gave him a little hope, but he knew his life had changed in a blink of an eye. Wolf furrowed his brow, angry. Not changed, but stolen from me. I'll make them pay. The sound of thunder rumbled in the distance, and the smell of ozone hung in the air, making it harder to breathe.
He ruffled his dog's head, who pawed at the grave and whined. "Sorry, buddy. They aren't coming back. I'm here for you, though, in case the bandits will return. I can't allow that to happen. Too many people have died because of their greed."
The dog barked in excitement. Footsteps from behind Wolf caught his attention. He turned his head. A few men from the village approached. They were the ones he worked in the fields with. All carried the same look he had currently on his face—anger mixed with sadness.
"Wolf, what should we do now?"
Wolf stood and turned toward the men. "What do you mean, what should we do?"
One man, taller and lankier than Wolf, took a step forward. "I mean, we should do something."
Wolf sighed. He didn't want to be their de facto leader. Wolf no longer had a home, let alone any sort of leadership skills. It was a responsibility he preferred not to have. He took in the men before him. They dressed in simple tunics, trousers, and with no armor. The only weapons they had on them were a couple of pitchforks, sickles, and scythes needed to cut the wheat. They weren't fighters.
Wolf looked away. "I'm no fighter either."
"What?"
"Go back to your home and start cleaning up. Help those that need it. Shelter others that lost their homes. It isn't too hard to figure out."
His cold nonchalance irritated him. It was too soon to treat them this way. They didn't deserve it, and Wolf knew it. They wanted a proper answer to their question. No matter how much he didn't want to admit it, it was what he asked himself as well. What should I do about the bandits?
He turned back to the handful of villagers. "What would you have me do? My house is now rubble and ashes. I buried both my parents, and all I have left is my Dad's armor, sword, and dog. I'm no warrior."

Another villager piped in. His voice shook with uncertainty. "Your father was."
Wolf glared at him. "He was a soldier a long time ago. Now he was a Ranger and wanted to help others to avoid bloodshed. No one wins when another dies by your blade."
"He taught you. We all saw it. You can't deny it."
"So, you want me to go take on the bandits? I'm barely considered a man with no experience, and you want me to fight for you?" He motioned at the village. "For all this? I can't grow a decent beard, and yet you push me to battle."
"You're angry at what happened? We all are."
"Do you go forth to fight them as well? What have you lost? Your homes are still standing."
The taller villager he knew as Toryn shook his head. "Wolf, that's unfair, and you know it. This could've been any of us."
Wolf lowered his head in shame. Deep down, he knew Toryn spoke the truth. Wolf was out of line with his words. Andry still boiled inside him. His father was the only fighter in the village with experience. Wolf's father taught him how to use a sword early in life. Now, the town needed his father's sword. Wolf despaired it would be him to make the fatal swing if the gods were so merciful for that to happen.
"Fine. You're all coming with me."
A few stepped back in fear. Wolf stepped forward, studying their faces. "They'll be back. They know that you're weak and won't put up much of a fight. If we surprise them, then we get our revenge and help the village."
A few of the men nodded. Another stepped in front of Wolf. "How do we find them, Wolf? I doubt you can pick up a trail with your nose."
Wolf smiled. "No, but my father taught me how to be a Ranger. It won't take much time. Are you with me?"
They nodded.
Wolf looked at them, one by one. He closed his eyes in disbelief. "May the gods help us. Go home and say your goodbyes as we all may not come back. Make it quick. I don't want the trail to get cold."
He watched them leave. Another tear ran down his face. Now I have to take responsibility for lives other than mine. I hope I'm doing the right thing. If not, we're all dead men.
Wolf kneeled in front of his father's sword, which he had buried blade first into the ground. Thunder rolled again, causing him to jump. Slowly and with purpose, he ran the palm of his right hand up the edge of the blade, drawing blood,
"Today, I make this oath in blood. I will get revenge on the ones who killed my parents and sacked my village. Even if I die, they will never harm this village again."
Thunder clapped again, and Wolf's heart raced as a tingling ran through his body. The gods have listened, and this is their answer. They are with me to my victory or death. Perhaps both. Wolf stood and wrapped his hand around a dirty piece of cloth.
"Mother, father, if the gods are willing, they'll reunite us again."
Wolf pulled the sword from the ground. I guess you're mine now. Serve me like you served my Dad. He slid it into the sheath and waited for his small and desperate army.

*~*

The seven moons hung in the sky as storm clouds rolled in from the horizon. Wolf waited at the edge of the forest for the others from the village to join him. Lightning flashed in his eyes, and thunder from the approaching storm echoed in his mind. So, it has come to this? How am I supposed to lead men to their deaths when I'm barely a man myself? I chose this burden. Now I must live with it, no matter how it turns out.
He glanced back toward the village and shook his head at how few came. He counted eleven. This won't be enough. I'm not trained for this battle. They look determined, and I can't go back on this oath now. I owe it to them and my family.
Wolf leaned against a tree. He knew the bandits were better fighters, but the villagers were desperate. This may give them victory, but the cost would prove all too high. He studied them as they approached. All carried bows they used for hunting. Those will be useful. Hell, it may help us win. For a moment, Wolf had little hope that they'd defeat the bandits. He also knew that guessing the outcome was too early.
One man approached. Wolf recognized him as Garek, the blacksmith's apprentice. "Wolf, there aren't many of us, but we're here. What's the plan?"
Wolf stood, causing a few men to step back. "I doubt the bandit's camp is too far away. If we're lucky, it's only a few miles as there are other villages nearby. They may need to keep their circle tight. If we're lucky, most of them may raid somewhere else."
Wolf walked over to Garek and stood in front of him. He looked up as the blacksmith's apprentice stood taller than him. "We go in quietly, no talking. Pay attention to everything around you. When we get close, we can use our bows to pick them off from a distance as much as possible."
Garek stared down at him and grinned. "Not bad, Ranger's son."
Wolf smiled back. "The leader is mine. I'm also not stupid. If any of you see a shot, take it. My pride can handle it."
He looked past Garek at the others and frowned. These men were farmers and hunters, not warriors. Of course, he wasn't either. While his Dad taught him the Ranger ways, he had never tested his skills like this.
"If any of you are too afraid, it's okay. You can and should go back, help protect the village. There'll be no judgment here."
A wild-looking kid Wolf knew as Cairn spoke up. "We will go with you. We can't live in fear forever."
Wolf nodded. "Then we go in and travel fast and silent. Watch your step and keep to the shadows as much as you can. Don't freak out, if you lose sight of me. I'll be scouting ahead, so no one ambushes us. If you hear a battle of any sort, attack. I know it's not a solid battle plan, but it is what it is."
Garek nodded along with the others. "We'll follow you, Wolf. Let's send these bastards on a journey through the Nine Hells."
Wolf raised an eyebrow at the comment. "Then let's go before we all chicken out."
The rest of the men grunted in agreement. Wolf turned and entered the forest. After a few minutes, he glanced over at Garek and motioned him over. Garek walked over and whispered.
"What's wrong?"
Wolf shook his head. "Nothing, yet. I need you to have my back. I know neither of us is warriors, but I'm not sure I can count on the others."
Garek looked back at the others then back at Wolf. "Aye, you're right. We'll be warriors before the day is over. I'll do what I can."
Wolf pointed at the blue-tinted moon hanging in the sky to the east. "Keep them calm and move forward. Keep Dalonus to your left. I'm going to scout ahead."
Garek nodded, and Wolf watched him turn away toward the other men. Wolf disappeared into the forest, following the signs of the bandits. He found a broken twig on a tree and frowned. They don't even bother to hide their tracks. I doubt they know how to.
Wolf snuck through the forest before stopping. Footprints in the mug caught his attention. Well, well, what do we have here? Kneeling, he studied the marks on the ground. His Dad taught him about tracking and how to identify when someone had passed through. There were differences in walking patterns between fighters and townsfolk. He knew that even the boots they wore would make a difference.
Looking down at the tread in the dirt, Wolf knew the fighter's boots by the impression in the ground. That meant the bandit's camped near where he knelt. He moved forward, slowing his pace. Wolf couldn't let his guard down.
Minutes passed before the sound of men talking and laughing echoed in the air. By the gods, I found them. Thunder rolled in the sky, and his heart raced with the adrenaline that rushed through his veins. He inched closer to get a better view of the camp.
Wolf scanned the area for guards. He couldn't see any and assumed the bandit's confidence prevented them from posting any. Smoke filled the air from their campfire, and a few tents dotted the small clearing they camped in. Wolf counted a few dozen men. All had the look of seasoned fighters.
His heart plummeted. Deep down, Wolf lost all hope that he and the handful of villagers with him would survive the day. We have to try. At least I do as I made the blood oath. I need to get back and warn the others. They have a right to know and have the chance to turn around. Wolf sighed and crept back toward the others. They'd go out fighting for their freedom. As Wolf moved from shadow to shadow, his heart filled with sorrow.

*~*

Wolf approached the others. A few sat as Garek stood tall and unmoveable like a mountain. At least one of us is ready for this. I can't believe they're sitting! They should know better… no Wolf, they don't know better.
A couple stood as he approached. "Why is anyone sitting? The camp is only a few minutes away. If they were to catch you here, you'd all be dead. You need to be vigilant."
Garek laid a hand on Wolf's shoulder. "Be kind to them, Wolf. They aren't warriors, at least not yet."
Wolf looked at Garek, then at the others. "No, they will be in a short amount of time. This is your last chance to turn around. They outnumber us at least three to one. If we move fast, we can get a few volleys of arrows in before any hand-to-hand combat. After that, it'll prove a desperate fight."
Cairn, who stood at his approach, stepped forward. "Is there a chance we can win?"
Wolf nodded. "We'll either win or die trying. I can't say we'll succeed, but we can make them regret the day they attacked our homes and killed our families."
Cairn motioned the others to stand. "Then we're with you until the end. In case we survive, I have gathered herbs to make poultices."
Garek slapped Wolf on the back. "Now you have warriors and a healer, my friend. They ain't much, but they'll fight and follow you into the Nine Hells itself."
Wolf frowned. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Garek smiled and rolled his eyes. "Too late for that, Wolf. Now, what's the plan?"

Wolf kneeled and drew out the bandit's camp in the dirt. The other villagers surrounded him and listened in interest, except for one. Wolf regarded him in silence as Cairn stared off into the forest. He smiled and shrugged.
"Keeping an eye out?"
Wolf nodded in approval. "Good man."
Within minutes, Wolf ended his explanation of the area. If things went well, they'd fan out around the camp and fire on his mark. A couple would stay back and continue firing while the rest would charge and fight hand-to-hand. No bandit was to live.
Wolf stood. "Follow me and keep it quiet. The forest is quiet, and even a snapped twig can ruin the surprise. Cairn, follow a few meters behind in case we get surrounded on the way. I doubt it'll happen, but it may give us a chance if it does."
Cairn nodded. "I'll do it."
"Then follow me and be brave. May the gods watch over us."
Wolf walked off with the others behind him. He kept the pace slow so everyone could watch their step. No one talked, with only Wolf motioning for Garek to widen the party. As they approached the camp, Wolf raised a fist, causing them to stop. He glanced back and motioned them to spread out around part of the camp.
It's now or never, Wolf. He whistled like a sparrow and held his breath. Within seconds, a volley of arrows rained on the bandit's camp. Most hit their targets and send the bandits into a frenzy. Wolf whistled again, and another barrage of arrows pierced the enemy. More bandits fell, but too many stood with their swords and knives drawn.
Wolf drew his sword, a flash of lightning reflected off the blade. "Let me fulfill my oath."
He charged into the bandit's camp with a few of the villagers. Garek ran near him with a pair of nasty-looking knives in his meaty hands. The sound of steel on steel rang throughout the air. Wolf dodged a blow and sliced upward, opening up the stomach of a bandit.
Bile rose in his throat once he realized he had killed a man, but he choked it down. This was far from the time to dwell on regret. The sound of an arrow zipped past him. The weapon struck the chest of another bandit.
A roar echoed in Wolf's ears, capturing his attention. A man held a long sword, but with serrated edges, in both hands. The leader joins us at last. Wolf stood straight and leveled his sword at the leader. May the gods be with me.
The storm unleashed a torrent of rain. Wolf and the bandit leader stood facing each other hoping one would flinch. Lightning struck a tree nearby, sending a few shouts of fight echoing throughout the camp. Let the power of the storm fuel my strength!
The man spat on the ground and charged. Wolf charged as well, the two of them meeting in a clash of blades. The leader pushed him back. Wolf staggered and stepped back to regain his balance. The bandit's leader lunged toward Wolf, dodging the strike.
"It seems the little villagers hired a swordsman. They'll pay for that."
Wolf grimaced and struck out with his sword, cutting his opponent's sword arm. "Over my dead body. I'll ensure you meet the gods before this day is out."
The bandit glanced at the blood running down his arm. "You'll regret doing that, boy."
"I'll regret nothing."
Wolf sliced in a wide arc, pushing the bandit back. Strike after strike; they fought as sounds of battle echoed around them. Another arrow flew past his head, causing him to wince due to how close it got.
The move left him open, and the bandit struck forward. Wolf stepped back, but pain exploded in his leg as the other man's weapon pierced his skin. He stumbled but kept his balance. Wolf gripped his blade with both hands.
Pain ripped through his body. He grunted in agony as he had never known such torment. Keep it together, Wolf. Now isn't the time to give in to the pain. Every warrior deals with this. Remember the stories your father told you. He narrowed his eyes and tried to focus on the bandit that stood before him, smiling.
"You didn't think you'd win? You're a boy trying to play soldier. Give it up. You have no chance. Look around; you're losing."
Wolf took in his surroundings and despaired as bandits surrounded Garek and the others. All showed signs of wounds and battle. No more arrows flew, and the body of a dead villager lay near him. No matter how much Wolf tried, he couldn't remember the dead man's name. Gods, why is it so hard to remember a simple name? I should know it.
Wolf shook his head and charged, catching the bandit off guard. The other tried to raise his sword, but it proved too late. He pierced his opponent's chest with his sword. The sound of his sword entering the other man's flesh made him sick to his stomach. He kept strong and twisted the blade and smiled as blood flowed from the bandit leader's mouth.
"This is for my family and my village. If the gods are as merciful as they claim, then may you find mercy on the other side."
Wolf watched as the light faded from the bandit's eyes. As the man fell to the ground, the wet sounds of the body falling off his sword made him want to hurl. Wolf turned toward the others. The surviving bandits stood in shock upon the death of their leader at the hands-on a boy.
Wolf motioned for the villagers, and they attacked as he entered the fight. The battle ended quickly as losing their leader had left the bandits helpless. The rain dissipated, and the sounds of the wounded and the drops of water falling from the trees reached his ears. Wolf finally collapsed to the ground. Cairn stood over him. Blood splattered on his face.
Cairn grinned, but Wold could see the light of innocence in his eyes had gone out. Is this how my eyes look? "Well, Wolf, it's a good thing my mother taught me a few things about dressing wounds or you'd bleed to death."
Garek whispered off to the side. "Is he alive?"
Wolf shot Garek with a weak smile. "Yeah, the gods have spared me this time."
Cairn started bandaging his legs after adding a foul-smelling poultice. "This should help. You'll be limping for a while."
Wolf wrinkled his nose. "It smells like death."
"It's supposed to. If I were a priest, I wouldn't need to use it, but so far, the gods haven't answered my prayers for that."
Wolf laughed. "You, a priest?"
Cairn nodded. "Someone needs to show our town the way."
"You get drunk as much as the rest of them."
Garek smacked him on his shoulder, which made Cairn smile. "He said priest, not saint, Wolf."
Wolf shrugged and winced as he tried to move. "We should get back to town."
Garek pointed at the camp. "Not before we do some pillaging of our own."
"Make it quick."
Garek nodded, and he and a few others went to work. Wolf watched as Cairn assisted others with their wounds. He closed his eyes as Cairn covered the body of the dead villager. Samuel. That's what his name is. I'm sorry I forgot. I pray the gods will give you the rest you deserve.
Wolf lay back and closed his eyes for a moment. He opened his eyes and saw the sky had cleared. The eternal twilight sky held the color of a dark azure stretched across the horizon. Each of the seven moons shone with a pale white light, softening the sky as stars twinkled in the background. The forest had grown quiet. Grace. I can only wonder how long it'll last.

*~*

A couple of days later, Wolf stood at his parent's graves. The villagers had celebrated how he led the others to victory. Wolf stood in silence as they buried and mourned one of their own. He glanced around as an emptiness pulled at his soul. I'm a man with no home. Two days ago, I was a boy, now a man. Is this why my soul is so empty inside? Mom, Dad, I wish you were here to help me. I could use your guidance right now.
He got no answer nor expected one. Wolf limped toward the village without looking back. He would say his goodbyes and leave. The townsfolk would attempt to make him stay, but deep down, even they'd know that Wolf needed to go. He no longer had a home, and Wolf knew he'd have to seek a new one in another land.
Wolf knew he couldn't rebuild. He didn't have the skills to build a home, and the villagers had enough problems of their own in rebuilding. He didn't have the money either and doubted the village could help.
I guess the saying is true. You can't go back home again. I need to move on. Wolf walked into town, his dog trotting along, happy that its owner had returned. He ruffled the dog's fur and smiled. "At least I have you, Kota."
~ the end

***

THanks for reading my story. I appreciate you taking the time to do so!