Song of the Wolf, page 1
Song of the Wolf
T.C. Smith
Copyright © 2023 by T.C. Smith
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by Australian copyright law. For permission requests, contact officialtcsmith@gmail.com.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by T.C. Smith
Illustrations by T.C. Smith
Cover alt text:
[A cover of ‘Song of the Wolf’ by T.C. Smith, with the title and author both written in gold, stylised text. The author name is written in a cursive script while the title is written in all caps in a rougher, brushstroke-like font. The title is staggered from left to right, going down, in three rows. A leaf-bladed sword with a gold hilt runs horizontally through the middle row, pointing towards the left. Three words are written at the top of the cover, also in gold lettering: “Honour. Duty. Sacrifice.” The background is of an orange, starry night sky, with mountains silhouetted against it. A silhouette of a wolf howling and a raven flying overhead can be seen in the foreground, with gold stars speckled across their silhouettes.]
This book contains the following content which may be distressing to some readers:
Alcohol, Animal Death, Anxiety, Blood and Gore, Bones, Death, Decapitation, Racism/Xenophobia, Graphic Depictions of Violence, War
This book contains mentions of the following content which may be distressing to some readers:
Child Death, Harm to Children, Forced Experimentation, Genocide, Kidnapping, Terminal Illness
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”Douglas MacArthur
I
Red Wolf could feel a shift in the energy of the gathered crowd when he stepped onto the balcony.
It was an odd feeling, to be sure, and he had no idea how he could even feel such a thing, but there was no denying that the animated crowd below reflected his feelings today. Eagerness. Hope. Excitement for their new queen.
He could feel a slight unease, too, nagging at the back of his mind. Despite whatever else he might have told himself all morning, he knew this was far more than a simple coronation. The moment that crown was placed on her head, their struggle against the invading Hellhounds would fall upon the shoulders of Talin Zylvaris, second of her name.
Red Wolf had the feeling that she wasn’t prepared for any of this.
“Big turnout,” Golmin said, appearing on the balcony beside him. He’d already changed into his ceremonial armour, the polished metal glinting in the morning light as he rested his forearms against the banister. “Last time I saw a crowd this big, you and the king had just ridden back from a victory north of Wycrest. A shame that it was all for naught in the end.”
“Hmm. I told the princess she need not worry about a crowd,” Red Wolf said. “It appears that I was wrong. Rufus, do me a favour and let her know she’s about to receive quite the warm welcome. I’ll be with her soon.”
“Aye, I’ll do that.” Golmin straightened and vanished through the balcony doors. Red Wolf watched the crowd for a few moments longer, scanning for any sign of trouble. When it became apparent that nothing was amiss, he turned away, heading back to the armoury to don his gear.
Ashera had finished polishing his armour by the time he arrived and looked pleased with her work. Red Wolf examined the metal and found it flawless, as he’d expected from his squire, despite her youth. He smiled and struggled into his gambeson and mail.
“This might be your best work yet,” he said. “Once we’re done here, you should change into something for the occasion. You’ll be accompanying me outside after the ceremony.”
The girl’s eyes widened. “I’d be honoured, sir.”
“Well, if you’re to join the Royal Guard, you need to know what to expect,” Red Wolf said. “Think of it as…gaining work experience.”
“Pfft, just admit you’re bending the rules,” Ashera said and stuck her tongue out.
“Ah, you know me too well.” Red Wolf pulled on his tabard and turned so she could fit the plate armour over his shoulders and arms. She handed him his sword and scabbard, allowing him to unsheathe the blade to check that it was sharp.
“I sharpened it earlier this morning,” Ashera said.
“Oh? Excellent work,” Red Wolf said. He turned again so that his back was to her, and she pulled up a stool so she could reach up and fasten the rich blue cloak of the Royal Guard. Emblazoned in its centre was the white raven that marked the royal crest.
Why a scavenger bird? he’d once asked Arnas. Why not something grand, majestic, like a lion or dragon?
What’s freer than a bird who can soar across the open sky, untethered by the world? the king had replied.
He banished the thought.
“Will the princess really let me join the Royal Guard once she’s crowned queen?” Ashera asked.
“Of course. I was a nobody from nowhere when I was a squire, and I was allowed to join the Royal Guard,” Red Wolf said. “Look at me now. About to be Lord Commander of the Royal Guard under two sovereigns.” He grinned.
“But you squired for the king,” Ashera said.
“And you squire for the royal bodyguard.” Red Wolf shrugged. “Where you come from doesn’t define who you can become.” He buckled his sword. “Now get yourself changed. It’s going to be an exciting day.”
The girl darted off eagerly. Red Wolf made his way back to the palace’s upper levels, weaving through the maze of corridors and hallways, dodging guards and palace staff as he passed them. He reached the princess’ chambers just as she stepped out.
“You look stunning today, princess. Happy birthday,” he said, his boots drawing to a brisk halt on the carpeted floor. It was true; Talin looked every bit a queen as she stopped in front of him. Her waist-length chestnut hair had been fixed in a complicated array of locks and braids, falling down her back like a ripple and throwing her face and pointed ears into stark relief. Gold and silver threads wound through her white robes like vines, glinting in the morning light. ‘Stunning’ didn’t do her justice. Talin gave him a smile and thanked him for the praise.
“Walk with me,” she said, and he fell into step beside her.
“Captain Golmin might have told you about the crowd,” he said.
“Yes. He was quite excited about the fact that half of Belanore is gathered outside the palace gates.” Talin didn’t quite meet his gaze. “I never imagined I’d be celebrating this birthday with a coronation.”
“I can sense your unease,” Red Wolf said. “Relax. All will be over and done with soon enough. We’ve gone over the proceedings before.”
“This isn’t a rehearsal,” Talin said.
“No. But that doesn’t mean it will run any differently. Just pretend the crowd isn’t there. You’ll do fine.”
“I’m not ready for this.”
Red Wolf shrugged. “If you felt ready, I would say that you are not ready to be queen.”
“What do you mean?” Talin asked.
“You do not seek this power,” Red Wolf said. “That’s a good thing. Far too many heirs are eager to rule and abuse their power once they sit on the throne. The promise of such power can do terrible things to a person. Remember that this is a privilege, not a right.”
“What if I do mess it up?” Talin asked.
“You won’t.” Red Wolf offered her a smile. “Or if you do, you’ll fix it. You’re a good person. I know it. The crowd outside knows it. You’ll be a fine leader. It’s in your blood.” He halted outside the throne room. “I’ll be waiting right here when you step out.”
Talin turned to face the doors. The two guards standing there moved, ready to open them. “Red Wolf, come with me.”
“You know I can’t.” Red Wolf remained unmoving. “I may have been lord commander under your father’s rule, but unless I am sworn in again under you as the queen, I cannot accompany you inside.”
“Damn the protocol, we both know I’m not going to find a new lord commander,” Talin muttered under her breath.
Red Wolf huffed a laugh. “Be brave, princess. Whatever happens, remember that this is your duty. When you step back out of these doors as queen, you will have the power to make the world a better place. Stay true to yourself. Do the right thing. Always. I have faith in you, I know you’ll not fail.”
“I…” Talin glanced at him, then at the doors again. “Thank you.”
At Red Wolf’s nod to the guards, they pushed on the doors, letting them swing open into the room beyond. Talin spared one final glance back at him; then, taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and strode forwards.
“The gods be with you, my queen,” he said softly.
II
Illyris was taken, according to reports from the northern front. Castle Blackrun, their strongest fortification in the Highlands, had fallen to the Hellhounds. Enemy cavalry now rode for Vill’s Crossing. In the west, the Hellhound horde invaded and plundered villages where they saw fit, turning the place into a hunting ground a
Talin supposed the only good thing to come out of her father’s defeat in the White Forest was the destruction of the bridge at Wycrest, which had cut off the Hellhounds’ advance in the northeast and forced the northern hordes to reroute to the heavily fortified crossing at Vill. Reinforcements from Fort Voraine had cleaned up the few Hellhounds who had made it across the bridge and into the south.
But they weren’t enough to save Father and his cavalry.
She shook her head. With Illyris now under Hellhound occupation, Vill’s Crossing would fall next unless they sent reinforcements.
We have nothing to send.
The floorboards creaked. Talin jumped and cursed under her breath when Red Wolf’s towering form appeared at the war-room doors. The visor of his helm was down, as it usually was, concealing his face and golden eyes. His sword hung at his hip, the hilt glinting silver in the candlelight. Below the neck, he wore mail and a tabard, with steel plate to protect his shoulders and arms.
“If you’re here to give counsel, speak,” Talin said. “Otherwise, you should sleep. The hour is late.”
“You can’t hold the north,” Red Wolf said, ducking through the doorway.
“As my entire council has told me,” Talin said. “Still, I wouldn’t mind hearing your opinion.”
Footsteps rang through the small hall as Red Wolf strode forward, resting his gauntleted palms on the map spread in front of her. His eyes darted across it momentarily before he jabbed a finger at Vill’s Crossing. “The Hellhounds have the Crossing and its fort under siege.” His hand moved to Illyris and its surrounds. “With Illyris gone, you’ve lost a significant portion of Kies Tor’s agriculture and food supply. It won’t be long before the food shortages start. With the destruction of the Wycrest bridge, your father has unfortunately taken away any opportunity you might have of flanking the Hellhounds. Your nearest barracks are here.” He pointed at Fort Moen. “You could send out what’s left of their garrison, but it will only delay the inevitable. Vill’s Crossing will fall, and once it does, nothing will be left standing between Belanore and the Hellhound horde. They will rip this land to shreds.”
Talin huffed a short exhale. “That’s not comforting.”
“I only speak realistically, my queen.”
She sighed. “I know. Lord Wormwood said the same. He’s of the opinion that we should start thinking about siege preparations.”
“You agree with him?” Red Wolf asked. There was a slight edge to his voice that she couldn’t quite place.
“I don’t know,” Talin confessed. “Half my council says one thing; the other half says another. I’ve no idea who to agree with.” She straightened. “Either way, I suppose the only thing we can do now is try to delay the Hellhounds as much as possible. Buy ourselves time.”
“To do what?”
“Find allies, find the Hellhounds’ weakness, something.” Talin shook her head. “Get some sleep, Lord Commander. Captain Golmin has posted a guard around my chambers already. I’ll be protected enough.”
“As my queen commands.” Red Wolf bowed. “Though, if I could be so bold, perhaps she would allow me the honour of escorting her back to her chambers.”
“Very well.” Talin let him fall into step behind her.
“You’re certain you won’t be needing me tonight?” Red Wolf asked.
“My answer remains the same, Red Wolf.”
Talin had been asked that question every night for the past month, ever since an assassin had slipped into the palace. If it had been anyone other than Red Wolf posted outside her door that night, she was certain she would have been killed. Her bodyguard, thankfully, had emerged unscathed. The assassin hadn’t been so lucky.
“You’ll be holding another war meeting tomorrow, then?” Red Wolf asked when they reached her chambers.
“I must. General Virion will be forging a campaign towards Vill’s Crossing in two days’ time. I cannot delay him if we are to hold the Crossing.”
“Then I suppose you’ll not object to my attending.”
“My objections never seem to have any bearing on your attendance, so let us presume you are correct.”
Red Wolf bowed again. “Then I take my leave here and bid you goodnight, my queen.”
“Same to you, Red Wolf.” Talin opened the door to her chambers and stepped in. Behind her, his footsteps faded down the hall.
She drew the curtains across the windows silently and changed into a nightgown. Outside, thunder rumbled, and a flash of lightning lit the sky.
The storm season is on its way.
The storm season was good in a way, she supposed. The Hellhounds weren’t acclimated to wet weather, being from the frozen wastelands in the far north, whilst her troops were used to the storms and heat of southern Kies Tor. The rivers running through the kingdom would rise, and the waters of the White River would turn into the foaming rapids that gave it its name. Maybe there was hope yet for holding the north. Talin climbed into bed and blew out her candle, willing sleep to come.
She was woken sometime in the night by a sudden breeze and the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Slowly, she sat up, turning her head towards the open window.
That window hadn’t been open earlier.
A flash of lightning illuminated the room, allowing her to glimpse the stranger standing by her window. Steel glinted in the waxing moonlight.
Oh, gods.
The door to her chambers crashed open, and something launched itself into the darkness. The silhouette went down. She heard a thud and a scream.
“Stay down. You won’t win.” Red Wolf’s voice. There was another thud. Talin fumbled for a match in the dark and managed to light a candle.
Red Wolf was crouched at the foot of her bed, his armour shining gold and silver where the light hit it and red where his visor was splattered with fresh blood. Pinned beneath his hulking frame was a black-clad man with a thin face and lanky hair, whimpering as he clutched a broken wrist. His nose looked more of a ruin where the front of Red Wolf’s helm had smashed into it, gushing blood down his chin. Evidently, her bodyguard hadn’t gone to bed as she’d asked. He must have sent her guards off duty instead and taken their place outside her chambers.
Perhaps for the best, Talin thought. Had he retired to the barracks, she was certain she would have died at this assassin’s hand.
“Red Wolf, how did you know…” she began. She hadn’t heard a sound from the man as he slipped inside, and yet Red Wolf had rushed in at exactly the right moment.
“With your permission, my queen, I’d like to take this abiyo down to the dungeons for questioning,” he said, ignoring her remark.
“R-Red Wolf?” The assassin’s eyes widened. “You weren’t supposed to be on duty tonight—”
Red Wolf scoffed and grabbed a fistful of the man’s shirt, lifting him off the floor with one hand. Compared to the lord commander, he looked fragile enough that Talin was afraid her bodyguard might accidentally crush him in his iron grip.
“Gods-forsaken assassins these days, they’ll believe anything.”
What?
Things began to slot together. If Red Wolf had been asking to guard her ever since the first assassin had slipped in, he must have suspected there would be another attempt on her life soon. And this time, it seemed, he wanted the assassin alive.
Talin glared at him. “Was this all a ruse?”
“I’ll question this assassin and see what he can tell us,” Red Wolf said, ignoring her again. “Apologies for the blood. I’ll find someone to clean it out of the carpet in the morning.”
“Answer me, Red Wolf,” Talin commanded.
Red Wolf hesitated. She wondered if he might elect to ignore her order too.
“Yes,” he finally said, and disappeared through the doors with his prisoner in tow.
Talin pinched the bridge of her nose. It wasn’t as if she could fault him for organising something like this in complete secrecy, given how easily information seemed to travel in Belanore, but she wished that he’d at least informed her of his intentions beforehand. Either way, she doubted that she’d be getting back to sleep tonight. She threw on a coat with a sigh and headed to her study to finish her outstanding paperwork.
