"Tyke, come on." John yelled while still in this diety form. Tyke began stumbling around inching his way closer to John. "Close your eyes." John murmured. Tyke closed his eyes as he was told. John raised his right hand and started emitting a blinding pure white light. When the light vanished the 2 boys and 4 wolves were gone.
"Get off me, What are you?" Tyke asked fearfully. "I don't know." was all John could say. "Head south, you'll reach home in a days time." John instructed. Tyke left. "Follow him to the edge of the woods, make sure he's safe." John said to his wolves. 2 wolves left trailing Tyke and 2 stayed behind with John. "Watch out for me." John whispered as he collapsed on the moss covered ground. The wolves laid down next to John to keep him protected and warm. Felt like John was asleep forever when he came too. All 4 wolves were around him now. John knew the battlefield was north, the village was south. John headed east. "Its been over a year since I've been there. Maybe they won't recognize me." John thought. Heading back to the place called home.
John began walking east. As he travelled he noticed the wolves were still following him. John knew he was their leader now. Hunting for them making sure they were well fed. John need very little food after his metamorphosis. He became more diety than human now. Any wound healed instantly. John stopped every day to meditate through the morning sun and began traveling until day sun set. From sunset until high moon he would practice with his sword. John came across a cave with a stream running alongside the wall. When he entered it he felt a tranquil feeling. He found a spot inside and meditated until he could no longer stay awake. Learning more from Ampol and Doren. Soon John was as educated as a noble. Knew more secrets than priests and was closer to the dieties.
John spent 4 moon cycles inside the cave before deciding to continue on. He was close now. John took his wolves to the cave where he found Samantha and left them there. He felt the life essence of the people he knew. He slowly made his way into town and everyone looking at him. Afraid he was going to be recognized he kept his head low. Unprepared for what was coming, it hit him. "Excuse me, mister are you lost?" said a familiar voice. "I'm not lost, just travelling looking for work." John replied. "I know someone who could use help." the familiar voice responded. "Come with me." the voice said motioning for him to follow. After a short walk, John knew this place. "Mama, I found someone who can help." yelled this voice. John looked up and there stood Jade Huck. "What's your name, young man?" Jade questioned. "My name is Doren ma'am." John replied. "Doren, that's an unusual name. Here's the deal Doren, we need someone to run the smithy here. Do you have any experience?". "I do ma'am." John retrieved his blade and showed Jade. "Made this myself ma'am." "Exceptional craftsmanship Doren. As payment for running the smithy, you may use our guest room and we will supply the meals." "That sounds reasonable ma'am." John replied. "Please call me Jade." Jade responded. For the rest of the day John worked the smithy, making supplies for the village. When the moon arose John heard, "Doren, suppers done." "I'll be right there, Jade." John responded.
John headed inside to eat. He forgot how aromatic her meals were. "Smells great." John said. "Thank you." Jade responded gently. "Mama, ask him." said Samantha. "What is it?" John replied. "Well we have family friends that would like to meet you. The Black family on the other side of town. They run the village farm and are coming down on hard times. We were wondering if you wouldn't mind helping them." Jade asked. "Of course I will. Is the payment going to increase?" John asked. "I'm afraid I have nothing else to offer. We can head over first thing and see if they have anything to offer." Jade responded embarrassed. "I'll hear what they have to offer than." John replied. After they were done eating, John went to his room. For the first time, he cried. He had so many questions but no way of asking without revealing himself. John finally drifted to sleep.
"THUD. THUD. THUD." came from his door. "Doren, its time to go to the Blacks." "I'll be right out." John responded. John climbed out of bed and got dressed. Upon exiting the room, he saw Samantha. "You look familiar." Samantha claimed. "Oh no, I've been caught" John thought. "I must be imagining it because my mama and papa said he wouldn't make it on his own." Samantha grunted. John proceeded outside and prepared to head to the home he once had. "Shoot! Samantha, can you show him the way? I forgot I have to meet the priest today." Jade asked. "Of course, mama." Samantha said.
They began the trip and John took this as an opportunity. "What happened to your papa?" John questioned. "He was told he had to go to war for his village. If he didn't go they threatened to burn his smithy down and banish him from Imperial lands." Samantha answered glumly. "I understand. How long has he been gone?" "2 months tomorrow." "Was he the only one taken?" "No, they took Mr. Black but he got an injury a week later. They said he couldn't fight anymore." "Oh." John answered shocked.
The rest of the trip was uncomfortably silent. "We're here." Samantha stated. John looked around and noticed a lot had changed. Wasn't many cattle left and the fields were almost barren. The farm was barely hanging on. John followed Samantha to the front door. She began knocking and there he was. Henry Black, he was different though. He was missing his left arm from the shoulder down. "Mr. Black, this is Doren. Doren, this is Mr. Black. He's the one mama just hired to run the smithy." "Thanks Samantha, please call me Henry." "Henry, Jade told me you were looking for some help on your farm." "I am, it not easy when you've lost half your tools." Henry stated looking at his left arm. "I understand. May I ask what you can offer as payment for my labor?" John asked. "Unfortunately all I can offer is a place to stay and a meal every night." Henry claimed. A thought popped into his head. "Does that offer stand for anyone else that can help?" "Of course. Any that help are offered meals and a place to sleep." Henry exclaimed. "Perfect." John exclaimed.
John turns around and let out a deafening whistle. "What was that for?" Henry asked. "Give them some time." John replied. They stood there waiting. Minutes pasted and in the distance you could see what looked like dogs. They got closer and could clearly see they were large wolves. "GET IN THE HOUSE, SAMANTHA!" Henry yelled. "She's fine, Henry." John said calmly. The wolves ran up to John and sat there. John began petting them. "Here's your help Henry." said John. "Help? They'll eat my cattle. How's that help?" Henry questioned. "They follow commands perfectly, they're loyal to me and they're not picky eaters." John said laughing. "I won't allow it. I don't trust them." Henry exclaimed. "Get the cattle in the barn. Protect them. No eating them." John said to the wolves. The wolves took off into the pasture. Guiding the cattle fluidly into the barn. The wolves began surveying the perimeter of the barn and took positions around the farm. "They will do as told. They won't eat your cattle unless you starve them." John claimed.
Samantha stood there awestrucked. She couldn't comprehend what she was seeing. Doren was amazing in her eyes. "If you have any problems, I'll be at the smithy. I would like a word in private Henry." John said confidently. John and Henry enter the house leaving Samantha outside. "Come here, boy." Samantha yelled. The closest wolf came over and sat in front of her. Letting her pet it and cuddle with it. Meanwhile inside, "I hear you and Mr. Huck got pulled into the war. Where was the battlefield at Henry?" John asked. "It was south of here. I fought hard and got off easy. Other's not so lucky." Henry explained. "I understand. What of Mr. Huck?" John asked. "Last I knew he was a field blacksmith. He would sharpen and repair weapons after battle." "I see." John said bluntly. "Can you watch over the smithy at the Huck's for a few days? I have a personal matter to attend to." "Of course I can, but you can't be thinking about going to get him." "That's exactly what I'm doing." John said confidently. John heads out the door. "Samantha, could you head home and let your mother know I'll be back in a few days." "Yes Mr. Doren." John started down into town and traded a box of straight nails for a green cloak with a hood. John slid the cloak over his leather clothes. "I'm coming Jim. You may not have been the best to me, but Samantha needs a father." John thought.