The Wolf's Strange Companion

The northern mountain, also known as Raven Mountain, was cursed years ago. At least, that's what everyone in Baileyi Village believed.

Climbing the mountain was impossible. No man could get close without getting hurt, and the rumor was that the cause of this was a fox. A fox so powerful, capable of cursing an entire mountain... Lowell, as a strong, dominant wolf, deeply feared a wizard being that was able to do something so serious and scare off anyone who tried to approach his territory.

He looked to the north, seeing the great green peak next to other immense mountains. There was absolutely nothing in the landscape that was frightening. He hadn't heard of any deaths either, but he saw firsthand, two months ago, three warriors returning traumatized from there. They were not injured; however, they were so frightened that they became ill until the healer's treatment helped them.

Lowell wanted one day to have the opportunity to face the demonic fox that protected those lands and find out what was so important there to prevent anyone from getting close.

He finished wrapping the ropes and handed them to Daire, his best friend, who was on top of the wagon, tying the sacks of wheat that would be leaving soon to be marketed in the nearest village.

"Do you believe that the mountain is cursed?" He asked his friend. Daire stopped what he was doing to look toward the north.

"Before, I thought it was just a myth. But after what happened to those men, I don't ever want to go anywhere near that place. As long as the fox doesn't attack us, we'll be fine."

"She won't do that." Lowell said. At least he didn't think so; if after years, it never happened, why would it happen now? Besides, if a whole mountain was enough to curse, why would it need her village too?

"You never know; suddenly that wizard fox might discover our riches and try to steal from us."

Lowell shook his head in disbelief. Many thieves have tried to peek into their lands before, but they never managed to take anything. The treasures of their ancestors were very well guarded and protected by divine power.

"I don't think so. Whoever the wizard is, he could never defeat our god."

Daire agreed.

"Are you finished?" An older man asked, climbing into the wagon. They nodded, so his friend climbed down to meet him.

"See you guys tonight." He nodded, indicating the horses should follow, carrying the goods.

"I'm tired." Lowell yawned and stretched his arms up as they both walked through the village. "Would you like to have dinner at my brother's house tonight?" Daire shook his head.

"Sorry, I have a date." A silly smile appeared on his face. "Kayle, the most beautiful lupine in the village, finally accepted my invitation."

"Another one for your list?" Lowell twitched his frown. "There have been how many this month? Four, five?"

"Three, Lowell, just three." He held up three fingers. "But none of them were good enough; Kayle will be the best, I'm sure." He rolled his eyes.

"You always say the same thing."

"I have to enjoy my youth." Daire laughed. "And you should be doing the same. I've never seen you with any lupine or dominant, and invitations are in short supply."

Lowell twitched his nose this time.

If there was one thing he didn't agree with Daire on, it was his talk of "enjoying youth" and getting into bed with any woman. Lowell wasn't like that; in fact, he thought he was the weirdest dominant of them all. A few lupines ventured to confess their feelings to him; he even felt the stares sometimes, but he never cared. He had his tiny quota of kisses early in his teens, but since he didn't like anyone, he stopped that, and Lowell had dreams. Lots of them.

The ones where he was a total romantic, finding his interlocutor, marrying her, and having lots of kids.

Someone like Olivia.

His eyes sparkled, and his reveries were broken when he stumbled, and Daire laughed hysterically at him.

"What was that? Distracted again?"

"Shut up." Lowell grimaced but soon smiled. He couldn't help himself.

He was sure that the gods had separated the ideal lupine to be his interconnected one, just as his brother, the Alpha Ishmael, had found him: Olivia, the most amazing lupine in Baileyi.

Lowell said prayers every night in silence, asking that it wouldn't take too long to find the one he wanted. His hopes were getting higher and higher, and he had even built his own house, made especially for when they started a family. Even Daire was envious of him.

"Daire, you know I'm not like you." Lowell replied with a quiet tone. "I have my plans and goals in life. I am not interested in getting involved with just anyone for simple fun."

Daire laughed and patted Lowell on the back.

"Ah, my friend, you are missing out on the best parts of life! But I respect your choice. Everyone has their path to follow."

As they walked through the streets of Baileyi, Lowell spotted one of the village elders, who was sitting in front of the herb store. His name was Yan, a healer who had always intrigued Lowell.

"Daire, I'm going to the herb store to talk to Yan" Lowell said, looking away in the man's direction.

Daire raised an eyebrow.

"Really? I don't even want to imagine what you're up to, but good luck!"

Lowell smiled enigmatically and approached the healer.

"Good afternoon, Mister Yan. May I sit here with you?"

Yan looked surprised at Lowell but nodded softly. "Of course, Lowell. What brings you here today, boy?"

"I was wondering. Do you know any stories about the northern mountain? "What about the mysterious fox they say is there?" asked Lowell, curious to know if the healer had any knowledge beyond the village rumors.

Yan frowned slightly. "Raven Mountain is indeed a peculiar place. It is said to be cursed, but I believe there is more to it than meets the eye. Many people have tried to unlock its secrets, and all have failed."

"Do you believe these stories? In the wizard fox?" Lowell inquired, looking directly at the elder.

"I believe there is something powerful about that mountain, something beyond human comprehension." Answered Yan with a thoughtful expression. "But I don't think it's just a fox. There are deeper mysteries involving the mountain and its guardian."

Lowell felt a chill run down his spine as he heard Yan's words.

After this, Lowell says goodbye and walks to his brother's house, but all along the way, the strange conversation he had with the healer haunts him.

After a few minutes, Lowell arrives at the alpha's house and enters; immediately, his nephew Mayar runs to hug him. The boy was no more than four years old and was an exact copy of Ishmael. He had dark skin and coal-colored hair, straight down to his shoulders, and was the cutest thing Lowell had ever seen.

She lifted him onto her lap, stroking the child's hair. The child laughed openly at her caresses.

"How was work, Lowell?" Olivia's voice took him by surprise.

Lowell swallowed a little hard and smiled broadly when he saw his sister-in-law; she was carrying a huge eight-month belly and expecting her second child. And even though she looked tired, sitting in the living room armchair with a thick blanket over her legs, she still had that beautiful, gentle smile.

Lowell's heart soared.

"It was good. Tiring as always, but Daire was there, which always makes it fun." He placed the child on his feet and crouched down in front of Olivia. "And how are you? Has the baby moved much today?" he replied with a grimace.

"I'm so bloated..." She muttered. "But well, the healer came to see me and medicated me. I just feel sleepy all day; ask Mayar; I've dozed off several times this afternoon, and he had to wake me up to make his snack."

"That's right!" Mayar replied.

"The baby is quiet today." Olivia continued. "Do you want to feel him?"

She probably knew that Lowell wanted to. They were childhood friends, and since Lowell had always protected and cared for her, even if she didn't need to, Olivia had always been very independent.

He touched gently over the lupine's belly covered by her linen shirt. For an instant, he felt a small ripple that thrilled him. He smiled at Olivia, who smiled back, her brown eyes beautiful and bright. Lowell cleared his throat and turned away, standing up. At the same instant, the front door opened, and Ishmael walked in.

Judging by his scowl, he didn't look very happy. This expression soon changed when Mayar ran to hug him, just as Lowell had done, and Ishmael took his son in his lap and showered him with kisses, provoking a lot of laughter. He smiled at the scene.

"Oh!? Lowell, I'm glad you're here already. I need to talk to you after dinner." He acquiesced.

"Okay."

He watched his brother, even though he was still carrying the child, lean over Olivia and kiss her, whispering something loving to her. Seeing scenes like that always made Lowell feel strange, so he looked away.

"Mayar, take care of your mother while Lowell and I make dinner." Ishmael placed the child on his feet.

"Sure, Daddy!" Mayar hugged Olivia, who giggled at her son's affection.

"Please, no cooking duck; I don't even want to remember what it smells like." Olivia made a queasy face. "And neither does..."

"No poultry got it." Ishmael said it humorously. "It'll be a different dinner, I promise."

"Is she queasy from eating birds?" Lowell asked his brother when they reached the kitchen.

"Yeah, she got sick last time, so she doesn't even want to smell it." Ishmael explained as he sorted through the fresh vegetables. "You know, at this stage of pregnancy, she gets more and more demanding, and I need to do everything to fulfill her wants. I don't want my child to have problems at birth because I neglected something."

"I'm sure you're being a great father; there's nothing to worry about." Lowell began chopping the vegetables while Ishmael lit the wood stove.

"You think so?" He looked surprised at Lowell, who couldn't hold back his smile. It was funny to see him care so much about his family.

"But of course." Lowell picked up a clay pot, filling it with water. "Olivia is lucky to have you." He turned to see a smile on his brother's face, which certainly surprised him.

It's not as if he, the Alpha, didn't smile much. Ishmael was a decent, dignified, and very strong man. He was not the leader for nothing, even if he was the oldest, he deserved his position in the pack.

"You seem to be happier, Ishmael. How are you handling the responsibility of being the alpha?" asked Lowell, curious.

Ishmael sighed and looked at the pot on the fire, stirring the ingredients carefully. "At first, it was a challenge. The pressure of leading the pack and ensuring everyone's safety is enormous. But now, with Olivia and Mayar, I feel I have an even greater purpose."

Lowell nodded, understanding what his brother was saying. "Family brings a special meaning to our lives. It's amazing to see how you have become a devoted father and an admirable leader."

Ishmael smiled, the gratitude reflecting in his eyes. "Thank you, Lowell. It means a lot to hear that from you. You have also been an important support to us, always present and caring for everyone."

As the delicious aromas of food wafted through the kitchen, the brothers continued to share stories and reminisce about special moments in their lives.

The glint in his brother's eyes made him feel a little disconcerted as if he had said something shameful. Ishmael pulled him into a tight embrace, which he couldn't refuse even if he wanted to.

They were about the same size and built as two dominants usually are. Mostly, perhaps, but there were exceptions, of course.

"Thank you, little brother." Ishmael tapped his shoulder and walked away. "After dinner, I want to meet with you in my office. I have some news to tell you."

"News?" Lowell replied excitedly. When his brother talked like that, it certainly made him curious. Ishmael laughed, but then his expression turned a little somber as he put the pot on the fire. He wanted to ask what that expression meant but decided to wait until their meeting after dinner.

His older brother cooked divinely. He loved to dine with them and had done so every evening since his parents had left on an exploratory trip through the neighboring villages, although they lived in another house. Baileyi was the furthest village, protected by a very high mountain range. Its access was not easy, except for shortcuts that only the villagers there knew.

The last time he heard from his parents, two weeks ago, they were in a village to the east. Lowell didn't know any other cultures, but he felt curious, although he was not willing to leave his territory. One day, who knows? He would like to do like his parents, who have become good travelers since they retired from leading the gang.

Every day, he felt the same way. He couldn't explain to himself what these feelings were. She remembered Olivia, who, since she was a small, pretty child, had chosen her brother. Of course, she would choose him; Ishmael was the oldest son of the leader and also the most handsome, according to the beauty index that the lupines invented. They were interconnected.

They found out so suddenly, after the age of twenty, and even before that, they were dating. Of course, Lowell didn't want to admit his feelings. He would never have any opportunity and would never do anything to hurt anyone; they were part of the family he loved so much.

He quietly watched Olivia smile at Mayar as Ishmael fed the child; they were the image of the family he wished he had.

Lowell firmly believed that the gods would give him a mate like Olivia. A lupine who would make him so happy and who would give him many children.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to the bathroom." He got up with a smile and left them.

But he did not go to the bathroom, but to the back porch to breathe in some of the night breezes. His eyes filled with tears, and he wiped them away quickly, breathing deeply until they passed.

He was so unusual. Maybe deep down, Olivia knew his true sentimental and pitiful side. He walked from side to side, breathing more deeply.

A noise of twigs breaking snapped him out of his unhappy reveries to look towards the bushes. It was night, but the sky was clear, with the beautiful full moon illuminating the surrounding landscape in addition to the lights of the house itself. He felt as if eyes were watching him, but where?

No matter where he looked, he could see nothing. He closed his eyes and searched for all the scents and sounds. He knew he was a good sniffer.

A faint smell of lavender permeated. Someone had planted the damn herbs in the neighborhood. He heard laughter in the distance, wolves barking, people talking, and leaves falling, and he smelled dinner from the neighbor's house, from drinking and the damp grass, which was common every day. Then that faint aroma appeared.

Another animal? It was strange. Lowell's eyes widened when a hand closed on his shoulder, and he turned quickly to see the worried expression on his brother's face.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah..." He answered low, looking out into the forest again.

"What are you doing out here? Didn't dinner go down well?"

Lowell laughed and shook his head.

"Just getting some air. Did you want to talk to me? Isn't it nice out here?"

"No. My office is better; come." Ishmael wrapped his shoulders around him and led him inside.

He wanted to protest. What had that smell been? He swore he smelled an aroma, unlike anything he had ever smelled. He wanted to explore and find out what it was. Furthermore, he thought about telling his brother, but he shook his head. Maybe he was wrong.

He was very curious to know what was new about Ishmael, too.

If it was good, he had no idea.

"So, what news is that?" He asked as Ishmael closed the door to his office.

"I've already enacted the courage missions for this year."

"What? Really?" I didn't expect that one. "Isn't it too early for that?" It usually happens in the winter, and they were still in the fall.

"You know, the elders like to take the participants by surprise; they don't set a date and let everyone know, so it will be tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Lowell's eyes widened.

"Yes, tomorrow. There will be ten participants, this time with you included." Ishmael didn't look happy about that; he leaned back against the table with his arms crossed. "You asked me so much for this opportunity, but I don't know if it was the best thing. I don't agree, actually, with what they chose for you."

"Why, Ishmael? What's the matter?" Lowell sat down in the armchair across from the table. Inside, he felt so excited to finally have his mission of courage. He had longed for such an opportunity for years. However, the expression on his brother's face did not say that it would be a good assignment.

"Your mission is nothing more than to climb the northern mountain and kill the wizard fox, bringing his head as a prize."

Lowell looked astonished at his brother, who had an uneasy look on his face.

"You want me to kill... Someone?"

"Yes." The Alpha ran a hand across his face, concentrating it on his forehead as if it hurt. "They have chosen for you the most difficult mission of all the others. Why is that? Because they hate us. They hate my altruistic way of governing; they already hated our parents when they were in power."

Lowell understood. These were the oldest elders in the village, considered advisors. The Alpha did not have to obey them, but listening to them was a sign of wisdom before the people.

"I don't want you to go on this mission. It's too dangerous and..."

"I'll go." Lowell stood up, determined. "I will show these arrogant old men that you are the best Alpha and that I can be the best warrior in this village."

Ishmael smiled at him but looked sad rather than happy at his words.

"You are brave, Lowell, and I admire that in you. But this mission... It is not only dangerous; it is also a cruel task. I don't know if I want you to be involved in it."

Lowell looked at his older brother, seeing the concern in his eyes. He knew that Ishmael cared about his well-being, but he also understood the importance of proving his worth before the village.

"I understand your concern, Ishmael. But I need to show everyone that I am capable. I need to prove my worth and honor our family. I will face this mission with courage, no matter how difficult it is."

"I don't want you to get hurt, Lowell. You saw what happened to those benders who tried to climb the mountain. You saw how sick they got from fear and how hard it was for them to heal. Even more so, knowing that what needs to be done is not simply to capture the fox, but to kill it..."

Lowell shook his head and moved closer.

"Remember your mission of courage four years ago?" Lowell said this and watched his brother's eyes lose themselves. "When you came back... You were so tired; you looked like you had been beaten, but you made it. Olivia proposed to you that very day, in front of everyone..."

"And she decided to break the news to me that she was expecting Mayar that same day too; I almost fainted." He laughed at the memory.

"You'll see, brother. When I return, we will celebrate my victory together."

Ishmael's eyes closed with concern, and Lowell was feeling the same way; however, he didn't want to show it. He wanted to show the confidence he didn't have, simply because he didn't want to harm his family.

"You have two days to complete the mission, starting at sunrise tomorrow. If you don't come after that time, we will send a search party, understand?" He nodded, acquiescing. Ishmael pulled him into a tight hug again. Since they were little, they had been taught to be mutually supportive. He loved him very much.

"Promise me..." His brother's eyes were bright as he stared at him, forehead against forehead. "If you see that you have no chance against this demon fox, go back home, understand? You are not obligated to do this; I never decreed that courage missions are mandatory; there are always dropouts. You don't have to prove anything."

Lowell nodded, although he knew that if he failed to complete the mission, he would embarrass his Alpha and his family. It was obvious that he would be seen as a failure either way.

He had to rely on his strength. He had trained from a young age; he was strong and fearless. Furthermore, he knew how to have his insecurities, but he also knew when to put them away. He could do this. He would do this.

Likewise, he just didn't expect to have to kill someone to prove his courage. He had never killed anyone.

Soon the sun would rise.

He has already dressed accordingly. Animal leather pants, high boots laced up, a dagger concealed, and another dagger clipped to his belt. His chest was bare, filled with symbols drawn in white ink, contrasting against the darker color of his skin. A necklace of wolf teeth from his ancestors adorned his neck, signifying protection. His short, chocolate-brown hair was still as wavy and slightly coarse as ever. Finally, his fierce expression showed all his determination.

The surrounding torches were extinguished as the first rays of light hit the sky as orange blobs. Lowell looked at Ishmael, who gave him a look of strength and support. He wanted to see Olivia, but the lupine was in no good state to be out so early in the morning. At the late stage of her pregnancy, she could easily get sick, and he would never want that to happen. Although he felt a little disappointed not to see her.

"Are you ready to face this challenge, Lowell?" asked Ishmael, looking his brother in the eye with a mixture of concern and pride.

Lowell took a deep breath and replied with determination, "Yes, I am ready. I know it is a difficult task, but I will face this fox and protect our pack."

Ishmael placed his hands on Lowell's shoulders and smiled. "I believe in you, brother. You have always been brave. I am sure you will overcome any obstacle that comes your way."

Lowell smiled back, feeling encouraged by his older brother's words. "Thank you, Ishmael. Your words mean a lot to me. I will do my best and return home successfully."

As they prepared for their farewell, Ishmael held Lowell's hands and said sincerely, "Remember, no matter what happens out there, your life is valuable to us. If you feel you are in danger, don't hesitate to come back. We'll be here waiting for you."

Lowell nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and determination. "I know, Ishmael. My family is my haven, and I will remember that every step of the way. I will fight for our pack and come home."

The two brothers hugged one more time before parting ways. Each goes their way, with a burning desire for a happy and safe reunion.

Lowell left, carrying with him the courage and love of his family. He knew he would face daunting challenges, but he also knew he was not alone. With his memories, words of encouragement, and promises made, he would find the strength to face any adversity that came his way.

Lowell would show all those cursed elders that he could rub the cursed fox's head on their snouts and prove that his family was the fittest to rule and that his brother was the best Alpha this village had ever had.

Lowell would prove his worth.

Gods, please bring me victory in this mission of courage. When I prove my strength, gift me with my interconnected soul mate.

~~

The forest was quiet, and the path was steep. Although the sun was rising, the thick canopy of tall trees left few gaps for light to enter. The sounds of birds singing were mixed with the sound of a waterfall nearby.

The path was made difficult by rocks and bushes that stretched all around. There was nothing very scary as far as he was concerned; it looked very much like an ordinary forest; however, he was still using all his senses to stay smart. Foxes were known to be deceptive. Normally, in a fight between the species, a wolf would win by force, but a fox would win by cunning.

Practically every possible race avoided these beings because they did not want to become another victim of their dirty tricks. And being a sorceress certainly made her very powerful. Lowell had to stay alert, or he could be surprised.

He stopped for a moment during his walk to drink some water. It was hot from the exercise, and he was beginning to sweat.

The sounds of voices nearby stunned him. He hid behind a thick tree trunk and used his keen hearing to listen for any details. There seemed to be three men. He wasn't sure, but he believed they were not simply human beings, and he couldn't concentrate where he was to sniff properly, another failing of his. Lowell followed them from afar, in predatory silence, until he saw there was a camp in a clearing.

"These guys won't have any luck against that." One of them held up a heavy bag that, from the smell, was gunpowder. "They'll never expect to be surprised to the north. We'll blow up their houses enough to distract them, and when that happens, you, Jeff, will make the Alpha's lupine your hostage. I hear that she is pregnant, so she will be weaker. This is our chance to steal all of Baileyi's wealth."

Lowell was not believing it. Two more men appeared on the other side of the camp; one of them was carrying a large fish over his shoulder.

"Do you believe that the five of us are capable of raiding a village like Baileyi?"

"But of course." Another of them waved his hands dismissively. "We've done it before. It's just any village; they're wolves, and we're bears. What chance do they have?" The other men agreed, laughing.

Lowell closed his hands into tight fists, not believing such baseness. Now he understood what the desire to murder certain people felt like. Men like that didn't deserve the privilege of living.

He was already seeing red and about to come out of his hiding place to attack when he heard a whistling sound. It was a high-pitched, loud sound, and it echoed throughout the forest.

"Where is that coming from?" One of the men stood up, carrying a sword.

"It must be some kind of bird." Another said dismissively.

The sound repeated itself. It did not resemble any song; it was almost like a call.

The wind shook the treetops violently and moved forward, knocking down the tents in the camp. The men were armed and preparing to fight whatever was watching them.