A Wolf Story (3 page)

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four

Silently and somberly the colony knelt before Saul, who knew this would be his last time to speak with those he loved. Perhaps, more than anything else, it had been this sadness that he had sensed all the day. He smiled gently. If it was necessary for him to die for his people, he thought, then so be it.

When all were settled and watchful, the old king raised his head and began to speak.

"Once all animals were one with the world and we lived in peace with the wolf. It was a time without war or death. The wolf grazed with the ox, and the lion and lamb were friends.

"Then Evil entered the land. It came in the shape of a great black Beast who rebelled against the Lightmaker. It soared on wings of darkness, and lightning flashed across it, revealing the Hell within. It seemed as if the Earth cringed and pulled away from its presence. And
then it spoke, and the world was deceived. All were touched by its evil. The forest was cursed, and innocence was lost. For Evil had entered what the Lightmaker had called Good. It was the first Dark Day. Then the great wars began.

"Creature rose against creature
– wolf against wolf, hare against hare, each against his own kind. It was a time of great suffering, a time of battle. Evil spread across the land on the wind, and many worshiped it.

"But there remained one creature who was untainted by Evil: a great Silver Wolf of awesome beauty and majesty, who spoke of love and life, and who taught the faithful to live as the Lightmaker intended, in hope that they might one day make the world new.

"Eventually those who hated the Lightmaker gathered against the Silver Wolf. They said he was evil. They said he did not really serve the Lightmaker, and many were deceived.

"Then the Dark Lord entered the land again, the great Beast that rode the wind on black wings; a creature of gigantic strength and gigantic rage. None dared to stand against him in battle. He was without equal, save for the Silver Wolf, who resisted him when all others had fled in fear.

"They met at the forest edge. The Silver Wolf was alone, and behind the Dark Lord roared a black tide of evil that surged forward and back, waiting to claim the dead body of the Lightmaker's most faithful servant.

"The Dark Lord blazed with the wrath of an ancient, enduring evil. Though it was morning, the sun descended
and the sky was lost. The wind died, as if a grave had covered the land. And the Silver Wolf stood motionless, the last of the faithful, the one called Holy and True.

"The Dark Lord roared, and the land died. The trees withered and became skeletal sentinels, marking an endless tomb. The Beast seemed to grow even more monstrous in his wrath. His eyes became night, and his face grew darker than the blackness that surrounded him. Frost flowed from his gaping fangs, and he hovered over the Lightmaker's champion, a single silver shape against an endless sea of night.

"Then the cold and terrible breath of the Dark Lord descended upon the Silver Wolf, who surrendered his life to the grave.

"Even in death the Silver Wolf was more beautiful than the sun. His face still shone with light from within. And for a moment the darkness seemed to fall back from him, afraid to claim such a prize. Then the night swept over him and swept out again, casting his broken body on a dune of dry bones. And all the faithful who were left to mourn crept out of their hiding places and gathered together in one place, prepared for the final stand, now that their champion was lost.

"It was the Dark Night of the Soul when the howling Beast was hot for the blood of the world. It was the great hour of sorrow that each of us must race in his heart one day, when the world is dark and the battle seems lost; the hour when strength has fled and only hope remains.

"Evil rolled forward in an endless sea, intent on destroying the faithful. The strongest held the front, so the battle was fierce. Yet the Dark Lord led a force greater than any that walked the Earth, and the good were falling, a promise of death sweeping over them, a whisper of the grave on the wind. And then the morning dawned again.

"It came as lightning, not as the slow slanting of morning rays at the first light of day. No, with this morning the hills were suddenly white with light, and the forest trembled as if it realized something that the wolf and hare were yet to know. Then the faithful saw the sight of sights, the hope of hopes, the promise of a new day.

"On the wings of a great white cloud came the Silver Wolf who had been slain, the Lightmaker's faithful one. Yet he was no longer silver, but white: whiter than the great white bear that roams the ice, whiter than the snow that covers the forest in winter, whiter than the new morning sun that chased shadows from the land. And the Dark Lord saw him and was terrible in his wrath. The Beast rose into the air on great black wings, his face a mask of horror and death.

"The White Wolf rose on clouds of light, and the light fell across the hills and dunes of bleached bones where the faithful had been slain. And the bones rose from the dead and took shape behind the White Wolf to become a surging white sea, prepared to make war upon the Night.

"They met in the sky above the Deep Woods, two endless shapes battling for the fate of the world. The Dark Lord breathed frost upon the White Wolf and his breath was Winter and Night and Death. The forest fell cold as the grave, and the mountains crumbled into dust.

"Then the White Wolf laughed, and the curse was broken. The land was warm again, the trees green with spring. The hills became alive with rose and gold, and mountains took shape and burst from the earth like giants rising from the grave. It was laughter that threw light into every corner of the land, laughter that made the rivers break forth from the dry earth and flow fresh and blue once more, laughter that healed the brokenhearted and the sick, and laughter that gave strength to the weary. Then the stars blazed in the noonday sky, brighter than any star that ever blazed at night. And the eagle, hawk, and dove took to the air and became a white soaring tide behind the White Wolf.

"Then the White Wolf told the Dark Lord that when he had killed the Silver Wolf, he had killed an innocent creature. The Dark Lord had held the right to kill those who were touched by his evil, those who no longer belonged to the Lightmaker. But the Silver Wolf had never been touched by evil. And when the Dark Lord killed him, an innocent creature, he condemned himself and his legions of darkness forever.

"And now, said the White Wolf, because of the Silver Wolfs innocent death, all creatures who wanted to be reunited with the Lightmaker could do so because of his sacrifice.

"Then the White Wolf told the Dark Lord that one day he would be utterly destroyed by the Lightmaker for the evil he had done. But until that final day, the Beast would be allowed to roam the earth.

"Then as a wolf will shake a rat, the White Wolf shook the Dark Lord and ascended more quickly than an eagle to the heights where only the stars dwell. And with a cry that reached to the earth again, he cast the Dark Lord down.

"As the Beast plunged to the land, his roar of rage was thunder and the terror of his fate transformed his shape. He was consumed by fire, his body scorched like blackest night to mark his soul. The land trembled when he crashed into the forest gloom, and he was heard no more.

"The battle won, the White Wolf returned to the faithful. He spoke of many things: of love and life and the promise left to keep. He spoke of laughter and the morning and a new birth awaiting. And he spoke of faith and the power that would overcome the Dark Lord. And these are those things that we are always teaching you, our children.

"Then the White Wolf told the faithful that he had to leave them for a time to return to the Lightmaker. But, he said, on some faraway morning, when the world had passed through the night, he would come back; and when he did, the forest would once again be made one.

"'But until I do,' he said, 'you must be on your guard. For the Lightmaker will allow the Beast and his servants to roam the Earth. These Dark Ones will make war upon you, deceive you, and frighten you. So do not grow weary of watching. And do not fear the evil ones, for by my spirit within you, you shall overcome them. Only remember: be strong, be courageous, do what you know is right. And I will be with you forever.'

"Then, ascending into the morning, the White Wolf was lost in the Light."

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All heads were bowed as Saul fell silent. Then, quietly, each turned and moved toward the back of the hall until only the guardians of the pack remained with the old and wounded king.

Saul raised his head.

"Now, my friends, is the hour of darkness. Remember, in times to come, that your greatest battles will always be fought in the night, when you feel cold, afraid, and alone. But you are never alone. You will have little hope for victory, but you must never surrender your hope. Endure the struggle, endure it all to the end. Because no night will last forever. Always the morning comes. So keep your balance. All of life comes back to this: you must stand by faith, despite your suffering, despite your pain. Endure until there is nothing left to endure. And you will overcome, in the end."

Saul turned toward Windgate.

"But now we must do battle in the flesh to defend our home. And hell holds no fury such as we will unleash. Windgate, you and Benjamin must go up into the tunnel and fight the beast, distracting it while I escape out the hidden burrow and run for the trees. When I reach the forest edge, I will call to the wolf and lead him on the chase. And when you are certain that he has followed, lead the colony south."

Windgate nodded, his eyes flashing. For a moment the big hare seemed transformed, almost more than flesh, as he looked at the old king one last time. Then, impulsively, Windgate smothered Saul in a rocklike embrace. Only for a breath did they stand; then the big hare separated, holding Saul with his steady gaze.

"I won't fail you," he whispered.

Without another word Windgate turned and bounded into the main tunnel, Benjamin close behind. And Saul ran toward the back of the hall, entered the rear tunnel, and raced through the dark corridor toward the hidden burrow.

As Windgate neared the mouth of the tunnel, he could feel the tremors from above. He crept steadily forward until he could see black claws scraping mechanically at the earth, shoveling clouds of dirt behind the monstrous form. The beast cursed and snarled, and did not seem to notice his approach.

Windgate halted just below the tunnel mouth. And as a large paw stretched out to move another chunk of earth, the fierce hare leaped forward, slashing open a
gash on the lean foreleg. Almost before he struck, Windgate had stopped his forward momentum and had begun to leap back again. He was already frantically scampering out of range before the monster felt the blow. Even so, in a lightning-quick response the savage jaws snapped shut inches above his head.

"Missed me again!" mocked Windgate. "Shall I slow down for you?"

The reply was a thunderous roar and a long foreleg that blasted down the tunnel, missing Windgate by a hair. The beast groped blindly, unable to peer down the blackness of the tunnel, and Windgate bit down viciously on the wide paw. His attack brought an angry snarl from the gaping jaws and a cry of battle from Benjamin, who leaped forward, slashing furiously.

On the other side of the field, Saul emerged from the hidden burrow. He saw the dark outline of the monster digging fiendishly at the main tunnel, and he raced stealthily for the treeline. He crossed the field low and quiet, using the swaying grass to conceal his careful movements. For a moment he could hear Windgate's taunting laugh and the dark wolf's snarling, then pandemonium broke loose at the tunnel entrance.

Without thinking Saul cast a quick glance over his shoulder and saw that a large section of earth had suddenly collapsed, leaving Windgate and Benjamin exposed from above. The dark wolf howled gleefully and leapt upon the unprotected figures. And before he realized what he was doing, Saul had stopped in the open field, staring distraught at the evil misfortune. He hesitated, began to run to assist his friends, but realized even the three of them united would die quickly in open combat against the beast. Quickly he turned and raced, all care forgotten, for the forest edge. If he could reach the woodline in time, perhaps he could yet draw their enemy to the chase.

At the burrow, Windgate felt the massive mantle of earth collapse, crushing him against the ground, and knew instantly what had happened. Even as the bloodstained snout descended toward him, Windgate reacted with a savage roar and explosive effort that threw off the crusted shelf. Jagged edges struck him in the chest, but it was a glancing blow. Then the big hare felt a tearing wound in his shoulder, and he was hurled backward, a lean foreleg pinning him down.

Black breath fouled his face.

"You are the one," it rasped viciously, almost laughing in its glee. "You are the one who rescued your king. Oh, I shall enjoy this."

Its fangs snaked out, slashing Windgate's shoulder again. Then it looked him in the eye and gleamed.

Windgate's fierce scowl hid any signs of pain.

"You will not show pain?"

The beast placed a wide, black paw upon Benjamin, who was just struggling free of the dirt shelf, and crushed down. The old hare yelled out but was held motionless against the ground.

"Perhaps I should crush him like a worm?"

Windgate was prepared to die, and he knew that Benjamin was also prepared to give his life so that Saul
could reach the woodline. He would give this monster no pleasure.

"I despise you, beast," said Windgate. "I serve the Lightmaker! If we can't defeat you, then he will send someone who can!"

The dead black eyes laughed.

"You believe there are any in the forest who will face me? I rule the Night! The Dark Lord has given me the strength and power. Know that as I destroy your flesh."

Only a fleeting glimpse alerted Windgate to the tiny shadows racing up the tunnel beside him.

"No!" he shouted as Thurgood and DeSoto exploded from the tunnel entrance, bellowing war cries.

"Aaaiiieeee!" screamed small voices as the two tiny figures leapt into the fray, even as Benjamin savagely threw off the wolfs paw and tore free of the dirt shelf.

Thurgood and DeSoto separated and dashed frantically down both sides of the monster, but the flashing fangs followed, easily catching Thurgood by a rear leg. The little hare cried out as the jaws snapped shut. And DeSoto, electrified at his friend's cry, spun in stride and sank tiny teeth into a brutish black leg.

Thurgood cried out again, and DeSoto was hurled backwards from a savage kick to smash stunningly against the tunnel side. Time seemed to stand still as Benjamin launched himself toward the hideous head, bellowing his battle cry, and Windgate crouched, bracing himself for a single, daring move that would save or doom them all.

Benjamin collided against the dark head and slashed above a glaring red eye with his claws. The wolf winced at the blow, released Thurgood, and raised itself onto its hind legs. A lean foreleg slashed through the air, striking Benjamin in the shoulder. And then Windgate moved, with a powerful bound and his forelegs extended for a deadly embrace of the monstrous head.

"Get Thurgood!" Windgate cried as he collided with the wolf's head, sinking teeth deeply into its brow and digging claws high into the face, far from the tearing jaws.

Instantly the dark wolf reacted, roaring, insanely clawing at the burly hare and shaking its head frantically to dislodge its foe. Only Windgate's colossal strength kept him above the snapping jaws as the creature raked deep furrows down his back. The big hare desperately dug deeper into the hideous brow, determined to hold the beast long enough for Benjamin to rescue the children.

Benjamin crashed against the ground, stunned and dazed. He was in no pain at all, so great was his wound. His shoulder was slashed open to the bone, and his feet were sluggish to respond. But he had suffered many deadly wounds in his long life, and he knew from experience that he could still move. His indomitable will strengthened his body, forcing it to respond. Clumsily, he rose and staggered to Thurgood, who was quiet. Benjamin saw in a glance that he was still alive; he had suffered a mangling wound, but would heal in time. Forcing his legs to respond, he dragged the still form into the burrow.

"Hurry!" Benjamin shouted to DeSoto, who followed behind, pushing on Thurgood.

Together they tumbled down the tunnel, and Benjamin cast a last wild look over his shoulder to see the horrific black shape raised against the night sky, savagely shaking its head and snapping fiendishly at the strong legs that raked its face.

Windgate knew he could not hold on much longer. A frantic glance told him that the others had found shelter, and he knew that by now Saul would have reached the forest.

Then, in a last desperate effort to dislodge its attacker, the wolf lowered its head and slammed him into the dirt wall. Windgate bellowed in pain and almost lost his narrow hold. His claws dug deeper into the bloody wounds, and he fiercely bit again into the hairy forehead.

The wolf howled and shook its head.

Saul reached the forest edge to see the dark wolf shaking and snarling maniacally. And as its massive head passed over the tunnel entrance he saw Windgate's burly form fall from the dark shoulders, descending to a place directly in front of the tunnel entrance. Almost before the monster realized that his punishing foe had dropped, Windgate had landed. And in a flash the hare scrambled back, disappearing down the entrance.

Saul only dimly noticed the warm blood seeping from his wounds. It no longer mattered, he thought, as he
gazed down in the moonlight at the spreading black stain. He knew his time had come.

"Soon it will be over," he said weakly.

Rising onto his hind legs, he faced the glade that he had once called home.

"Turn and face me, monster!" his voice echoed across the field of battle. "Turn and face the one who escaped you! I was the one who snatched the children from your grasp and mocked you in the forest. I was the one who led my colony against you. And I will be the one who leaves you dead by the dawn! Turn and fight me, if you dare!"

Saul looked long enough to see the dark shape hurtling across the field, the long legs devouring the distance between them with incredible speed. Then he turned and raced into the woods, running left, then right, then left again. He heard the creature crash into the forest edge and hesitate, confused at his direction. And silently, with all the skill and cunning of his years, Saul began to pick a careful path into the Deep Woods.

Behind him, a dark cloud hovered over the face of the beast. Red jaws thirsted for the blood of his foe, the one who resisted him. For a long moment it searched the woods with hungry eyes. It would usually hunt by sight. But the old hare was cunning. He would make no sound and leave no sign.

The beast poised in the night, angry and confused. Then a familiar scent reached out, the scent of a dying foe, and the blood he shed. Bending its gigantic black head, the dark wolf found the faint trail, the life and death of his enemy. Grinning hideously, eyes flaming with hate, it moved slowly forward, following the thin, scattered droplets of blood through the blackened forest as surely as a river.

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