The Dark Moon Fangs lore #1

Serdak went down the ship's ladder to the dock and squirmed unhappily. The rain that had been falling from the skies incessantly for what seemed like an eternity reminded the wolfen of the war between the elves and the Akkari - just as disgustingly protracted and making no difference between soldiers and civilians. The rain trickled down the wool, climbed under the armor, made old wounds ache. Immersed in thoughts, Serdak stepped on the land of the gods of the forgotten island and moved in search of the nearest tavern.

The tavern stank of stale fish, but it was dry, relatively warm, and they poured a strong brew of fermented rice. Wolfen sat down at a table in the darkest corner, ordered a pitcher of sake, almost emptied it in one gulp, ordered a second one, and only then looked around. The rain drove completely different personalities under one roof. In the opposite corner, the eyes of the wolfen, like himself, sparkled, next to them, a boar hung with weapons noisily sniffed, and behind the counter the reddish fur of kitsune. At other times, Serdak would even sit down with the fox and start flirting, but after that damned war …

However, the kitsune herself noticed the newcomer and gracefully walked towards him.

- May I keep you company?

Serdak was about to mutter something about not being interested in available chanterelles, but in time he distinguished the Guards uniform and insignia, which indicated that he was in front of some important bump. So he silently kissed the decanter. Kitsune apparently took this as an agreement.

- I see that you are not very sociable, so I will get straight to the point. I am Ayura - the head of the local guard - and I do not need problems on the island of our clan. - The kitsune said the last two words with pressure. So that the stranger immediately becomes clear who is the boss here. - My job is to interview all suspicious strangers. I'll start with simple questions. Where are you from?

- Vallor.

- That's how! Infrequently, adventurers from the west coast wander into our lands. What made you leave the Free City and go through the entire Signum? Did you cross the path of one of the Great Guilds, or maybe there is a tidy sum on your head?

In response, Serdak flashed his cold gold eyes. He didn't want to let anyone in on the details of his past, especially the first kitsune he met. Still, there were legends about the deceit and innate cunning of foxes even in distant Vallor.

- It's a long story. I will say one thing - I also do not need problems on the island of your clan. - Serdak also highlighted the last two words, but, unlike Ayura, with a subtle mockery. Having said this, the wolfen picked up a glass and was about to take a sip from it.

- I knew it. - The fox said with a slight smile. In the next instant, the point of her longsword flashed an inch from the throat of the wolfen, down which a drop of rice wine was dripping.

Serdak managed to get ahead of Ayura by a fraction of a second. The sword of the Guard struck a spark as it collided with a Vallorian fencing dagger. With his other hand, Serdak threw away the mug and, while it was in flight, drew his heavy rapier to attack the fox in the stomach. Steel clanged against steel. The guests sitting in the port tavern jumped up from their seats, and four kitsune guardsmen, armed with strange narrow halberds, hurried to the rescue of their commander.

Serdak jumped onto the table, thus taking a more advantageous position in relation to the attackers. He kicked the first guard back. He placed his crossed dagger and rapier under the shaft of the second's halberd, pointing the kitsune's weapon towards the third guard.

- Stand! Enough! - Ayura screamed. With her sword, she cut the halberd at the base of the blade, so much so that the latter flew into the wolfen. With considerable difficulty, evading the sharp steel, Serdak froze. The rearing hair on the back of the wolfen's neck indicated that he was ready to continue the fight at any moment.

- Now it’s clear to me that you are a warrior. - Kitsune said. - Say your name, otherwise I swear by the mother of all foxes, you won’t get out of here alive.

Wolfen measured the foxes surrounding him with an evil look of golden eyes and said softly:

- Serdak.

Ayura immediately sheathed her sword and bowed her head in a respectful bow. The guardsmen practically doubled over.

- We have heard the legends about you, great warrior. Let me welcome you to the land of our clan.

Serdak also put away his weapon and grimaced. A great warrior? The son of a peer of one of the fiefs of Vallor, rose to the rank of governor, led a detachment of light elves, fought with Akkari. Not a bad path, but the wolfen did not consider himself a great one. He jumped down from the countertop, picked up an overturned chair, sat down, and gestured for more wine from the peddler. A kitsune named Ayura sat opposite. It seemed to Serdak that her gaze grew warmer.

- I'm just tired. So leave me alone.

As he said those words, the wolfen allowed himself to drift into memories for a couple of moments. He remembered the comrades who had given their lives to the insatiable war bitch, the friends who had been taken away one by one by death. As his commander said, collateral damage?

- Loneliness is not the best cure for fatigue. Moreover, an experienced warrior knows that it is not worth going into battle alone.

Wolfen tore his eyes away from the dirty tabletop and carefully looked at the kitsune. No longer young, although she still looks very good, with wise eyes and soft movements, in which the steel bearing of a warrior was clearly traced. Their eyes met, and Serdak's heartbeat a little faster.

- If you need to unburden oneself, speak out ... - the Fox moved a little closer. Serdak felt the warmth emanating from her fur. Perhaps he could...

- No! - Serdak leaned back sharply, grabbed a jug of wine from the table and finished it off with one greedy gulp. Then he got up (noisy in his ears), took a third jug from the counter, threw in a couple of coins and went out into the night.