Warrior Wolf

The Servant

Unlike the last two villages, the third was the smallest, and poorest.

It was once well off, specializing in healthy livestock and crops. But three years ago they were cursed with a blight that destroyed most of their wheat, and a sickness that infected most of the animals. It left them struggling for food and their recovery had been slow. Warrior Wolf decided against bringing up her search here. No man here would be fit enough to beget her children. Or, if they were, she could not hit the village even harder by taking away one of their best men. She simply sought out the village head, to ask if there had been any strange happenings or troubling events.

Yet even though she said nothing, an older, middle-aged woman and a man came to see her, and they both bowed deeply at the waist to her.

“Warrior Wolf,” the woman intoned. “I thank you for seeing us. I come to you to offer my son.”

She balked at him. He was a short for a man, and thin. Perhaps on average it would not be a problem, but especially after seeing Uwali, it almost seemed a joke.

“I do not mean as a husband!” The woman said quickly. “I would not dare to insult you so! My oldest son has three children, and my second has two. They need more to eat, and no one could possibly spare anything. We were hoping to give five moons of my son’s service in exchange for a male goat.”

Suddenly everything made more sense. No doubt her wealth and notoriety had them hoping she would bring them prosperity.

“He hardly seems fit enough for housework,” she answered as she frowned at his protruding ribs. “Who among you thought I might give a strong ram for a weak servant?”

“I did,” the man spoke up for the first time, and he fell to a knee, clasping his hands together. “Please, great Warrior Wolf. My mother and I have given most of our food to my brothers’ households so that they might live. My father passed away years ago and since then I have taken care of the fields. Ask anyone in the village, and they will assure I am a hard worker.”

She was struck then, at his sincerity and generosity. Sacrificing his own well-being for the sake of his family was expected of any parent, but for him to do so for his brother’s sake was especially generous.

It was a shame, really. If he were taller and stronger, perhaps she could have offered a dowry instead.

“Test me,” he said quickly. “For one month. If you are not satisfied, then I will return here.”

“And you?” She asked the woman. “If he is away what will you do?”

“I will live with my other son,” she said. “I can be taken care of as I help with the children.”

Warrior Wolf was quiet as she considered. “I have one more village to visit,” she finally said. “I will return here to take you back with me. If you do well, then I will grant your request.”

The woman gasped and burst into tears, and the son raised his tearful eyes to look at the sky, hands clasped together as he mouthed prayers of thanks. Warrior Wolf had to ignore the pang of pity at the display. She was created for the purpose of battle. But even with her goddess-given gift, there was nothing she could do for poverty.

She might have simply left that day to be on her way. But for her to leave without accepting hospitality would have been a slap to the face of this already down-trodden village, so she humored their attempt to honor her. Though they were much more obvious in their open gaping of her beastly form. They were all shoved into the chief’s main hut for celebration, with the heads of the households fitting in the circle, and the wives and children all peeking excitedly over their shoulders.

“Warrior Wolf!”

Save for these children that made their sudden appearance. A tall girl and two small boys, and two men came reverently before her, each of them holding a plate. A loaf of bread on one, seasoned grains with cheese on another, and chopped vegetables on the last.

“Warrior Wolf,” the man stepped forward as the children slowly set each of their plates down in front of her. “My mother told me of your agreement to take Maloni. We are humbly indebted to you.”

“We hope he will please you,” the shorter one stepped forward, holding an aleskin. “He is a hard worker, and we are sure he will be of use to you.”

He poured the weak ale into the bowl, and his brother set the bowl down before her. As courtesy, the wolf sniffed at the bowl and took a few laps of the drink, even though in this form, she did not care for it.

“She is taking Maloni?” The Chief asked in some surprise.

“Yes, when she returns from the other village. She has agreed to five moons of service in exchange for a ram, if she finds him useful.”

“I see. I will help you feed him until she returns.” He turned to the wolf. “I will assure that he is strong enough to begin work right away.”

The adults bowed to the Chief in thanks, and stepped back, though the youngest children remained transfixed, staring at the wolf in awe.

“Children,” the taller man hissed. “Let Warrior Wolf eat in peace! She must be rested and ready for her leave!”

But the black beast was hardly bothered, staring calmly back at them. She lifted an ear and quirked her head, in a move that always amused the children of her village. These ones were no different and burst into giggles as they darted away. She looked after them longingly for a moment, then turned her attention back to the food. It was not of her liking, but she ate heartily and gratefully, knowing how much more the village sacrificed to show their appreciation and honor of her visit. Several hours into the night, when the moon was high, Warrior Wolf took her leave to the fourth, and final village in her round.