Band of the Raevn

History of Heroes

As the sun peeked over the trees and the morning roosters crowed, Killian and Wolarian proceeded out of town in their hunter’s gear. Mira sat at a nearby bench and closed her eyes. A haze formed around the two as they walked and suddenly, they vanished.

“Have you ever tried to grow yourself in a wolf form?” Killian asked plainly.

“What do you mean by that?” Wolarian asked with a puzzled look.

“There is a legend of the first wolf changeling. His name was Wolfarian. I always found that name a bit too on the nose.” He chuckled to himself. “It was said he could grow to be the size of buildings if he wanted. He would slay armies single handed and once tried to fight a god. He mastered his art so well that to this day no other creation has ever grown to be that strong.”

Wolarian looked at him in shock and awe. “How do you know of this story when I have never even heard of anything like this power?” He asked with interest.

“That is a story for another time, young wolf. For the next two days I will be putting you through the most grueling and demanding time of your life. We have two days to prepare you. I am not expecting you to grow into a monster like Wolfarian. However, I do intend to make you strong enough to handle any situation we may face on this hunt.” They entered the trees and vanished into the darkness.

While sitting in her room at the lodge restlessly, Harly let her mind wonder on what was said the night before about Kiara and Killian being the only ones who could train together.

“Why do they get to be alone? Why can’t I train with either of them?” a knock came from her door and a soft strong voice called out.

“Harly? May I come in?”

“Yes, you may, Brendiel.” She called back. The man gently opened the door and closed it behind him.

“How are you fairing this morning? You used a bit of power yesterday.” He asked.

“I feel fine. Like yesterday didn’t affect me in the least. I could go out today and do it all over again if necessary.” Harly said with a smile. “I do have one question though if you can indulge me.” She asked as her smile turned to a somber stare. Brendiel nodded and sat on a chair nearby and leaned forward.

“You are going to ask about Kiara and Killian again, aren’t you?” he said with a growing stern look on his face.

Harly smirked and nodded. “How do you do that? You always know what these conversations are about when we talk.” They both chuckled and the man sat back in his chair.

“I am sure you have heard of the saying, ‘there are two sides of us all’, right?” he asked with his arms crossed. Harly nodded. “Well, the same goes for Kiara. Her powers are beyond human understanding. The Kiara we know, the tame and kind Kiara, is only one half of the coin. A long time ago, when Killian and Kiara were young, Kiara was known to be the most dangerous person in the world. She would terrorize cities who caused her people grief or misfortune. Leaving bodies in her wake and cities in ruin. Her people loved her. That is without question. Those who stood by her were the most protected and the most flourishing people during that time. It was only so until her path crossed with a very peculiar young man. He did not look as though he could fight or hold any candle to the might of ‘Queen Kiara’. Nonetheless, he stood before her in front of his city during the midst of a battle. His men laid dead at his side as hers beside her. Back then, Killian was very young. He wielded two swords and he could make art with them. It was truly amazing to watch that one fight. I never saw a man do the things he did. His eyes were not the bright green glow you see on him now. No no. They were blood red surrounded by white light. It was only when he fought his eye color would change though. As you well know our powers create a pigment change. His are the only ones I know of that can change at will. They fought in front of his city for days without rest. Mountains broke. The ground quaked with every impact. The only reason their fight ended was because both were too exhausted to continue. The crimson glow faded in his eyes and revealed emerald green and Kiara’s rage had vanished. When magic users could be a part of the kingdom's courts, there was one who was watching the whole fight. As they both fell from exhaustion, the wizard rushed toward Kiara and cast a binding spell on her. Not to trap her away. Not at all. You see, this man was smart. He knew one day this power could be used for good to protect us from some impending doom. He trapped the dark powers deep within her, to never be released again until the time is right. She awoke a few days, or weeks later and has been traveling with Killian ever since.” Brendiel looked into her eyes and watched as Harly consumed the story, bit by bit.

“So, from what you have told me, the only thing on this planet that is keeping Kiara together and in control, is Killian?” She asked.

“This is true. That is what the legend tells us if you know it well enough. Most people think it tells a love story between two strong, star crossed lovers, destined to be together forever. But in truth, they do love one another but not in the obvious sense. One cannot live without the other.” Harly smiled quickly at this realization but quickly concealed it. “What I would like to know is why Killian wants her to start controlling that dark power again. If she lets it out too much, I do not think he will be able to stop her this time. Although he looks young and strong still, that man has lived countless lives and I fear it has started to take hold on him.” Another knocked came from the door.

“Hello? May I please enter?” Kiara’s voice called out.

“Yes, you may enter!” called out Harly. Kiara stepped in with a smile at the sight of both hunters getting along so well.

“It pleases me to see you are doing well after yesterday, Harly. Would you care to join me for a walk around the town? It has been awhile since we have stayed in such a homey place and I want to get my fill of it before we leave again.” Harly rose from her bed in acceptance with a smile. “I hope you don’t mind me interrupting, Brendiel. Would you mind if I stole her from you?” Kiara asked politely.

“Not at all.” Brendiel spoke while he stood. “I was just talking about old stories from legends. Probably putting the poor girl to sleep is all. I will leave you to it then. I will go check on Mira to make sure she is doing well.” He proceeded with a smile and exited the room.

“Shall we head out as well now, Kiara?” Harly asked.

“We shall indeed! I want to go to the market to see what trinkets there are here!” Kiara exclaimed as they left the room and closed the door behind them.

As the birds chirped in the bright morning sunlight, Mira sat with her eyes focused on the woods beyond the lush green grass. Small beads of sweat slowly collected on her forehead. Her eyes shined pink as the shadows swept over the bench she was seated under. They are going too hard at each other. She thought as footsteps approached from behind.

You do realize you are talking about Killian, correct? Darin’s voice replied in her head. That man will push Wolarian to the deepest parts of himself. And with only a short time he won't hold anything back. Mira took a deep breath and centered herself once again. Her back straightened and her body cooled.

“Thank you, Darin.” She spoke. “It has been a long time since I had to mask his energy. I almost forgot how strong he is.”

Darin took a seat next to her and looked out over the countryside. Do you ever miss this life? Being secluded and away from suffering? Darin asked gently.

“I do miss the quiet life from time to time. I cannot deny that. However, looking back on what was before the guild and before Kiara found me, I wouldn’t be here today to enjoy these moments. I owe everything to this party.” She said softly.

A small chuckle broke from Darin. I forgot you were still so young. I am sorry if I stirred any unwanted emotions. Suddenly, a sharp pain crashed through both their heads.

“What was that?!” Mira exhaled and her hands clutching the sides of her head. Darin dropped to his knees and caught his body from smashing on the ground. Both panted hard as their eyes locked on each other.

That came from the woods. Darin said. It was not Killian. That was a different kind of power.

“What could that have been? Should we get the others?” Mira asked, trembling in pain.

I will find out. Give me a moment. Darin struggled as he reached his hand towards the sky. A large shadow formed out of his palm and jumped into the sky. A raven dripping with black water sprouted from the shadow and flew hastily towards the tree line. Mira looked hard towards where Killian and Wolarian entered and another shot of pain blasted through her.

“I cannot reach them anymore!” She exclaimed.

Deep in the forest Killian stood with his sword pointing at a wolf. Blood slowly dripped from fresh cuts all over the wolf’s body. Its golden eyes flickered as it panted with exhaustion.

“Had enough yet, dog?” Killian taunted. Wolarian barked and thrashed forward but was struck back by his mentor’s quick sword. “Weak! Do you expect to kill a dragon like this? I feel like we have made a grave mistake in thinking you were anything more than a simple pup needing to be rescued. We should have left you in the rain!” He taunted more. Come on, boy. Do not make me continue to do this. Killian thought with an aching pain growing in his guts. A branch snapped as Wolarian leaped left then right as he approached for yet another attack. Killian gracefully dodged and smacked the animal away with the blunt end of his weapon. The wolf hit the ground on his side and slowly turned back into his human form.

“I can’t keep doing this!” Wolarian shouted in pain. “My body is breaking! You are too fast!” He leaned to his side as blood was dripping from his lips.

I’m killing him. Killian thought. He sheathed his sword and slowly approached the young wolf. Sweat and blood were intertwined on the changeling’s body as he reached out and put his hand on his shoulder. “If you need to stop, we can stop. We can go back to town and rest.” His calm voice settled the frantic breathing of the young man. “Maybe we should slow down your training. It has only been a few hours and already you are relieved of your strength.” Wolarian shuffled around to face his trainer and nodded. “Alright then, let’s just sit here for a few moments more. Then once you have regained some strength, we will return home.” He said and looked up at the sky. I hope this works. He thought. He closed his eyes and the wind began to pick up around them. The leaves flew off the trees and the clouds above them circled.

“What is happening?” Wolarian managed to speak out through the pain of his aching body. Killian opened his eyes and looked back at the boy with emerald eyes lit like fire.

“This is what will happen if you choose to quit now.” Killian spoke softly. A bolt of lightning shot down to the ground in front of them and created a ring as tall as a tree. Within that ring a monster stood and looked at Wolarian. Horns were protruding from its head and its body grew four arms and several more legs. “This is Gronda. Some say she is a god from the underworld. She is strong, fast, and for as long as she has lived, she is incredibly intelligent. I have fought her only once and yet she still lives, and I have this scar as proof of what I speak.” He pointed over his left eye. “I did not tell the others this, but she has been rumored to be lingering within the northern capital deep underground in the old ruins. I cannot kill her. But someone with your abilities can, Wolarian. Yet, if you cannot, and we stop ourselves right now, this is what will happen.” He directed the young man back to the image. The giant eight-legged monster reached down and picked up what looked to be an old man with one of her long scrawny arms. A loud screech came from the demon as she engulfed the man’s head and ripped it away from his body. The dead carcass was thrown to the ground and revealed the hunter’s insignia on his chest.

“Brendiel!” Wolarian shouted and reached his hand up in protest. “Turn this off! Stop showing me this!” His eyes fixed on the image wreathed in light as the fight continued. Harly entered the frame and cast what looked to be ice that crashed against the tough skin of the spider. Without being fazed by her attack, Gronda thrashed with her arms and crushed throughHarly’s body. As the dust cleared all that remained of the young sorceress was broken bones covered in gallons of blood. Killian looked over as Wolarian grew quiet. His eyes fell to the ground. There it is. He thought and stood slowly. The ground around the changeling trembled and broke. Killian stood and took a few steps away from him. The clouds began to part away, and a shot of energy passed through Killian’s head. I am sorry Mira. But this need to be done. I hope you can forgive me for the pain I will be causing you.

“No more." He spoke through his gritted teeth. "No more death!” Wolarian shouted as his dark skin broke away and revealed black fur. His eyes grew and glowed like the full moon. Large paws broke into the ground as claws dug deep into the wooded soil. Killian looked on with a sigh of relief while Wolarian grew larger into the treetops. Once his nose could sniff the air above the pines, Wolarian looked down at the lightning mirror. With drool falling from his mouth, he lifted both his front paws and smashed them down onto the mirror, destroying it with nothing remaining. But his gaze turned to Killian in a white rage and reached out to attack. Quickly dodging, Killian leapt up and drew his sword once again. He crashed his steel against the skin of the giant animal but was stunned when it made contact and didn’t leave any mark. It was like hitting a plate of armor. A smirk broke across his face as he backed up. He looked at the magnificent beast in all his glory.

“Well old friend, I held up my end of the bargain. I just hope you don’t hold my methods against me when we meet again.” He whispered to himself. His eyes flickered like emeralds as he leapt high into the sky with his sword held at the ready. The wolf snapped his large teeth at the flying warrior but was met with a hard strike of a sword. The blade cut deep across his face and sent the beast to the ground. Within moments it began to shrink and exposed the boy in his natural human form once again. Killian landed nearby and rushed over to his comrade’s unconscious body. He slowly lifted him from the ground and turned towards the village. Just as he broke into the sunlight, a raven flew from the sky and hovered in front of Killian.

Is everything alright? Mira and I felt a strong and painful power coming from this location. Darin’s voice urgently spoke.

“No worries, my old friend. It was just our young wolf here. We have broken his seal. Once he awakes, we will proceed with controlling it. Give Mira my greatest condolences and inform her I will see to her injuries once I return.” Killian replied as he continued to the pass. The bird flew once again in front of Killian and another voice echoed from it.

It is fine! Stay in the woods! I can handle myself. Mira exclaimed. We cannot waste time. I will be fine, sir. Wolarian began to stir in Killian’s arms.

“Well that didn’t take long.” He said, shaking his head. He looked back at the bird and heavily sighed. “As you wish. But Darin, watch over her. If anything happens send your ravens again or inform Kiara. I cannot lose you, Mira. Do not push yourself any more than you are.” The bird fluttered and flew away. He looked around for a nearby tree to set Wolarian down under the shade. All we must do now is wait for you to rise again. We have much more we need to discuss and do, young wolf lord. Killian said as he found a nice shady spot walking distance away from his partner. I should take this time to sleep. We have a long night ahead of us. He thought while his eyes slowly closed with a soft breeze grazing through his short hair.