The Wolves of Grimrock

The twilight sky sparkled with a thousand stars as Malanna passed purposefully along the edge of the woods. "What is taking him so damn long," she said, gathering her azure robes about her.

"Relax, Malanna, Grynmar knows exactly what he's doing," said Corynn, leaning against a rock. His hair was cropped short like all other Tallanian Knights, but after a few days of travel, he gave up shaving and sported a good bit of scruff.

However, his chainmail and breastplate armor were polished to perfection. Every knight, as his Order of the Seven Moons, directed it. After all, there was a code, and he would see it followed daily. Malanna stopped walking and stood, fidgeting, unable to stop worrying.

"Cor, do you honestly think he'll be okay?" She asked, running both hands through her long black hair. She stared off into the Grimrock Woods with eyes the same color as her robes. "I mean, he knows what he's doing, right?"

Corynn stepped away from the boulder and approached her from behind. Within moments, he rested his hands on her shoulders and sent a calming energy into her. "Gryn is a ranger and knows exactly what to do. Be calm, Mal. I understand he's your brother, but you must stop worrying about him so much."

Malanna exhaled and let the calming presence of Corynn soothe her. It wasn't every day a company of wannabe heroes traveled with a Tallanian Knight. Still, one of the Holy Order of The Seven Moons was downright rare. If only she could divine what the forest hid. Grynmar warned her the forest was protected by druids and creatures from another world.

She didn't believe him at first. As they got closer to the woods, the energy of Celeste, the Kingdom of the Fae from across the sea, proved too strong for her to ignore. All her divination was worthless as she tried to follow her brother into the woods. The spell she cast went off perfectly, but the wood border blocked it from going further.

Even Corynn couldn't divine what went on past what his eyes could see. "Perhaps you should have a seat. Standing here won't make him come back faster."

"I told my parents I'd keep an eye on him."

"You are, but you have to realize his senses are better than all of ours, Malanna," said Corynn sitting on a boulder next to Malanna.

"It's that damn half-elven blood of his. My father found him abandoned as a child, and he's been trouble ever since," said Malanna, leaning comfortably against Corynn.

"Isn't that what little brothers are for?" Asked Corynn, grabbing hold of Malanna's hand. "I mean, without him, we'd never get a chance to get the help we need."

Malanna sighed. She knew Corynn was right. Ever since the company was formed, she had become inseparable from Corynn. His getting along with her adopted brother made it easier for her to relax. Now, her nerves were on edge as she waited for Grynmar to get the help they came here for.

"The village needs the wolve's help. I find it ironic that, for once, we aren't fighting anything but our impatience," said Malanna.

Corynn shrugged with a smile. "Patience is a virtue few have. You're right, though. The villagers and a few others are constantly plagued by bandits, and we can't fight them all. The wolves of Grimrock will help."

"How can you be so…?" Asked Malanna before the snap of a twig cut her off.

She broke free from Corynn's hand and rushed to the treeline as Grynmar emerged. His handsome face broke into a wide grin. His green eyes sparkled with an energy only those of elven blood had because of the magic that coursed through him.

While Gryn was no magician like his human sister, he developed his to blend with nature to heal and protect those living or traveling within the forests. Grynmar's elven blood kept him safe from charming dryad and meandering nereids who regularly seduced lost travels. His ability to hide and step lightly made him the bane of many goblin parties.

Malanna smiled back. Grynmar snapped the twig to let her and Corynn know he was there. His leather armor fit well and accented his athletic build, making him perfect for outdoor living. While he didn't talk much, he had an inner strength no one could deny.

She embraced him before stepping back. Even Corynn gave Grynmar a hug which always bugged him since he wasn't a fan of physical touch like ordinary people. Malanna was glad he allowed them this bit of contact, even if it was rare.

"How'd it go, Gryn? Did the wolves say they'd help?"

Grynmar smiled and pointed behind him. They're already here, Malanna," he said, running a hand through his reddish-brown hair.

"By the gods, that's a lot of wolves and not what I expected," Corynn said, his hand on the pommel of his sword.

"You can ease off the blade, Cor. The wolves are on our side and always will be," Grynmar said, turning toward the forest as numerous men and women exited the Grimrock Woods.

Malanna counted at least thirty and wondered how so many could move so quietly in a large group as this. They all dressed similarly to Grynmar and were all human, as far as she could tell. Each one carried a sword, a long bow, and a quiver full of arrows.

Malanna gasped as an even larger pack of wolves followed the rangers. "This is not what I was expecting, Gryn."

Grynmar grinned and shrugged. "I was, but I'm more familiar with such things than you. I present to you the Wolves of Grimrock. Both Ranger and wolves have pledged to add the surrounding villages as part of their protection. They only ask for the occasional supplies, so they don't have to travel so far."

Malanna nodded, and Corynn saluted in respect. The rangers returned the salute and appeared shocked at a Knight of Tallania in their presence.

"I think the villagers of each town will be fine with this. A mutual arrangement is in order, I believe," she said.

Grynmar stepped forward and shook hands with an older ranger, a man who looked old enough to be their father. The Ranger only nodded and smiled before motioning for the others to move out. Malanna and Corynn watched the rangers head toward the outlying villages.

Grynmar walked back and took a seat. "It seems they're heading to different towns to offer the help the villagers need. The actual wolves will stay hear as to not scare the villagers or lose any livestock due to hungry animals," said Grynmar motioning at the rangers walking away. "The one you see there, the older one, that is Keal. He's the defunct leader of all the wolves. He talks less than me but has assured his rangers will do what they can to drive out the bandits in this region."

Corynn nodded. "Well done, Gryn! I'm glad you're back, as your sister drove me crazy with her worry."

"You worry too much, Malanna," said Grynmar stretching his back.

Malanna sighed. "What else was I supposed to do. It's my job to worry. The others will be glad we returned successfully; some thought we hit a dragon's treasure horde while they waited at the village."

Grynmar shrugged. "That sounds like Dorn. That damn bard always worries we'll take all the glory from him."

Corynn laughed, and Malanna nodded in agreement. "That is true, Gryn. I do believe it's time we return."

Walking back to the village, Malanna glanced back to see Grynmar wave to Keal. The older man returned the gesture and faded into the woods with a good size pack of timber wolves on his heels. Malanna laughed a bit to herself and smiled. My little brother has proven himself again, she thought.

The moons of Aria hung heavy in the twilight sky as the company returned to the village. For once, their hearts were light, and no burden weighed them down. They didn't spill any blood for once and couldn't wait to get some rest for their tired bodies.

Thank you for reading this story. Feel free to subscribe and visit my website to join my newsletter for all new upcoming stories and other fun stuff. Join my Facebook group for free stories, events, and discussions on fantasy and urban fantasy literature and movies.