There was a crisp stillness to the morning air as if the forest itself held its breath in anticipation. Elwin knew better, and so did his mate, Vanima. 

You look like something is on your mind. Want to talk about it?

Shaking out his fur, Elwin leaned in and wrapped his tail around hers.

I know the order my mother helped set up so long ago didn’t last long, but I never thought it would end like this.

Vanima huffed in mirth. We are the only ones alive who were around when the darkness last showed itself. You can hardly blame the ignorant for not putting faith in a god they have no experience with, let alone the perverse nature of the darkness.

The average wood elf lived two or three centuries compared to the nearly two and a half millennium they had lived thus far. 

I don’t regret asking Silvertree to extend our lives, but with his followers succumbing to old age without passing their faith on, I don’t think he can keep it up much longer.

The truth behind Elwin's words stung her, knowing she was the one who pushed him to ask. Vanima only prayed that they could repay Silvertree one day for gifting them so much time together. 

Their mental conversation petered out when they arrived at the tomb entrance. The last of the Shadow Breakers who remained in the forest greeted the couple.

Everyone bowed showing reverence to Silvertree's champion and mate. As former alphas to the local wolf pack who were instrumental in squashing the darkness during the last conflict and the ones who helped create the order, their presence was significant. 

Renna stepped forward and knelt so she could be face-to-face with Elwin. Both wolves recognized the bone necklace with the green gem nestled inside that hung around Renna's neck. Created the moment Silvertree's mate died during the first dark war, this artifact became the conduit that allowed its bearer to channel their god's power.

“Thank you for gracing us with your presence this morning. The decision to disband was not made lightly."

Elwin licked her cheek and nuzzled up in the crook of her neck. You’re welcome. Did I ever mention how you remind me of Fraeya?

Despite being an elder in her own right, Renna giggled like a little girl. “I’m honored, but don’t you say that about every female who had the honor of guiding the Shadow Breakers?”

Don't mind my mate, he can get overly affectionate in his old age when he’s near someone who resembles his childhood crush. 

Vanima proceeded to bite down on his ear hard enough to pull him off and licked his face before he could complain. A few of her friends coughed to remind Renna why they were all there. She stood back up and positioned herself at the entrance to the tomb and spoke.

“I feel that it would be fitting to recount our history one last time before we part. Three thousand two hundred years ago this forest experienced the second dark war. Silvertree attempted several times to find a champion to fight for his cause. Elwin succeeded where his father failed, but he did not do it alone.”

Howls from the local wolf pack punctuated her point, and she continued. “Vanima, his mate, who also lost someone close to her before finding Elwin has been by his side since the beginning when he first took over as alpha. The Wataki Soma tribe who has resided within Unn Thalor located on the outskirts of this forest became the birthplace of our order. Alma, Elwin’s mother, and Fraeya who became her blade were the founding members of the Shadow Breakers.”

With a slow reluctance, Renna took off the necklace and cradled it in her palm. Head bowed, she prayed. 

The necklace glowed a soft white sending a pulse of energy that pealed back the earth to reveal the tomb’s entrance. Both wolves silently entered followed by the Shadow Breakers. Once inside, Renna placed the artifact back where Fraeya had found it so long ago. 

After the tomb had been vacated, Elwin howled and slammed his paw down causing a magical ripple that reversed the flow of energy resealing it once more. One final hug from Renna left the two wolves alone with their thoughts.

Let's go, Elwin. We should check in with the pack before leaving. 

His old pack managed well without his leadership. After hundreds of years of hunting any predators that encroached on their territory, most knew better than to try. 

Howl! Low pitch with a little gravel. That must be Esker their oldest scout letting the others know who approached. 

Both Elwin and Vanima howled in return acknowledging their intent. Arriving in the clearing, they were greeted by the current alphas with the rest of the pack sprawled out around them. Several cubs were rolling around oblivious to the world which brought back memories of his offspring, but that was long ago. 

Howl! Greetings forest guardian. 

Lester and his mate Layla stepped forward and nodded in reference. Elwin joined them in the center and projected his mind to all present.

Your duty to our two-legged brethren has ended, but not your responsibility to your god, Silvertree. Protect the holy site and I shall help protect you in kind as I have done for many generations.

A chorus of howls echoed in response to his declaration. Satisfied, Elwin turned around and left with Vanima. 

 

A champion. 

A legend. 

A myth. 

The banished elf who saved his people only to slip away and let time forget about him. 

Through the ashes of hatred and scorn, darkness will spread, but would he answer the call once more and bathe the land in righteous light?