Skovi growled as the man paused a few feet from him. He stared at the wolf with a curious gaze for a few moments. His head tilted to the side as he stroked his curved blade. ．
“You’re not running?” The man hummed as his gaze seemed to sharpen. “You’re an unusual one, aren’t you?”
Skovi growled more deeply, but remained calm enough not to reveal that he could speak. His eyes focused on the man’s every movement. However, his opponent did not miss that.
“You aren’t revealing any openings. You’re a clever one, aren’t you? If you’re that clever, then you wouldn’t have come here for scraps… No… You’re here for something else.” A flash appeared in the man’s eyes as he remained focused on Skovi. “I have this feeling that killing you is going to cost me. But, I have another feeling that disaster will come if you get away.”
Skovi growled louder as he backed away towards the tunnel while not taking his eyes from the man. ‘This is dangerous. Just watching how I react has almost revealed that I’m no ordinary wolf. If he discovers my connection to Master, then the enemies may escape before the plan can be used!’
In that moment, Skovi made a choice. He quickly turned his back on the man and sprinted for the tunnel!
Skovi snapped at the air in front of him as the man suddenly appeared in his path! Tearing a piece of his clothing with his powerful jaws. The man leapt back with a look of surprise on his face.
“Was that instinct just now, little wolf? You shouldn’t be able to react to my speed, yet you did.” The man chuckled as he shouldered the blunt edge of his curved blade. “Sorry, but you won’t be leaving here alive!”
Skovi dove to the side as the man rushed forward and sliced down towards his head! The blade sliced at his ribs due to his attempt to dodge the blow, causing him to whine. ‘It’s no good, I can’t hide it now. Trying to hide it will only get me killed.’ Skovi released his healing breath, making the fresh wound regenerate quickly.
The man stared in surprise when that happened, but then he laughed. “I see, you are some monster created by some god! Were you put here to cause casualties? Or is it just a coincidence? Maybe your creator doesn’t even know we are here, and has some would-be hero coming to kill you!”
‘He thinks I’m like Skourj? Well, that’s good. It means even if he survives, our plans won’t be revealed.’ Skovi began growling in a more threatening manner than before as he started to circle the man. His eyes caught a sudden twitch, and instantly, both of them revealed their full speed!
A flurry of sword blows rained down as Skovi dodged and retaliated with his powerful fangs and claws. The pair performed a deadly dance, with thin red lines appearing over Skovi’s body with each exchange. They soon disappeared whenever they retreated from each other, but the man appeared happy about that.
Skovi got the sickening feeling that he was being used as a training partner. ‘His sword has too much reach! I can’t get close enough!’ He was beginning to feel the pressure from the onslaught. Especially as damage built up and he was forced to heal it. However, he could see no end to the battle or a path to escape.
‘I need to contact Master and warn him about this man!’ Skovi yelped as the man’s blade traced a line over his eye, leaving a nasty mark. However, he could not find an opening to do so. The man applied enough pressure to keep his attention fully focused on him.
After they went through several more high speed exchanges, Skovi heard familiar howling coming from the tunnel! Despair filled his mind as the last remains of his pack returned. Howling and snarling at the man.
The noises they made were a clear message to Skovi. They were sacrificing their lives to give him the time to escape and warn Exile! Skovi reacted instantly. Taking advantage of the man’s brief shock to race past his comrades.
Grief filled his mind as Moments later he heard their dieing yelps. But it was enough. In those moments, he managed to make a connection with Exile…
“Where did that wolf go?” The man heaved as he raced through the tunnel. Unable to find Skovi anywhere. “Ah! I’ll definitely be in trouble for this!”
The man stopped his pursuit as he had no idea how far Skovi had ran. There was no guarantee he could catch up now. ‘Those wolves will make a fine blanket in this damned weather though. Maybe if I offer them as a gift my punishment won’t be too bad.”
Meanwhile…
Skovi blinked as he appeared in The Raider’s Horn. Exile had realised the danger the wolf was in the moment their connection was made. He reacted quickly and summoned him to the Divine Realms.
With a concerned expression at the state Skovi was in, he asked what had happened.
Skovi took a few moments to compose his thoughts, pushing the grief from his mind to quickly relay the information that Exile needed right now. It was too important that the information of Heroes being among the enemy army reach Harik’s army.
A deep scowl appeared on Exile’s face as he listened to what Skovi had discovered. ‘The enemy is closer than we thought. Harik will have to hurry before we miss the opportunity.’
“Skovi, I’m sorry for your loss. They were brave wolves. And loyal companions. Their sacrifice will not be in vain!” Exile declared deeply as a few players around him hung their heads in a moment of silence.
Skovi nodded before curling up to get some rest. Exile sighed deeply before glancing at the wolf. ‘This is just the first wave of losses. There’s going to be so many more once the battle starts…’