A Howl in the Night

The ancient dire wolf’s howl pierced the chilled night’s air. Panting from its frantic journey through the forest, the wolf circled the grove once more and let loose another cry. Soon after, other animals joined in, creating an uncanny song. The wolf found a suitable place near the center of the clearing and waited for the others to arrive. It would not be long.

The beast lifted its great head and stared into the night’s starry sky. It struggled to take hold of memories long forgotten. Memories of a time when life was more complicated. It had been a man once. He was the protector of this forest and a mentor to like minded folk. He had been nature’s voice and conscious. The natural elements of the world answered to his call. But that was not to be forever. As he aged, he sought solitude from the wickedness called man. Even the druids that had served him faithfully through the years became intolerable to him. He took to wearing the shapes of animals and grew fond of the wolf. That was many years ago. And now he was needed again…

The grove stirred as animals entered the clearing. Not just wolves, though the pack came in full. All had heeded his summons; the great cats, ancient bears, dire boars, serpents of the underbrush, and the mythical unicorns. Shadows took human form as the druids emerged from the trees keeping a respectful distance. Even the trees moved forward, closing the perimeter, dozens brought to life by the magic of his howl.

He opened his mind to them and shared visions of primeval powers soon to return to the island. They felt his fear and embraced his resolve. The Grand Forest had to be protected at all cost. No one should step foot beneath the lush canopy without facing the wrath of its inhabitants. It must be so.

The animals howled all the louder.

**I would be extremely careful treking through the Grand Forest right now if I were you