Joseph wakes up surprised, ’what are all these sounds around me?’ Sitting up he is struck silent by what's around him. ‘People! I'm surrounded by people!’

Joseph stands up and it isn't long before he is greeted by White. She slams her side into him almost knocking him over. “White? No what are you doing, you have to get out of here!” The people around him begin to notice he's awake. Joseph puts an arm out shielding White in case anyone dare try to attack.

“Calm down boy!”, A man who has seen many years steps up to Joseph, “even if we wanted to I doubt we could all take her out.” The man had deep scars running across his face.

“Now Scarred, don't go scaring the boy.” A man walked up, his skin looked to be darkened from dirt and his hair long.

“Boss, if he keeps that beast as company I doubt I'll be able to scare him.”

“Yes, Scarred. You have a good point there.” The darkened man walked up to Joseph while the other stepped out of the way. “Tell me, boy, how did you come in possession of such a beast? No, rather how did you tame such a beast?”

Joseph looked the man in the eye, His experience with the soldiers from earlier flashing through his mind. “I am not in possession of her. She stays with me of her own free will and I wouldn't dare to try and tame her.”

The man began laughing Hysterically and the others joined in. “You are definitely an interesting boy. I shall pry no further into that as long as you can guarantee She will not harm my men?”

Joseph couldn't believe what he had heard. ‘The only reason he would care about that is if?’ “Are you saying we can stay here with you?”

“You catch on quick boy. My little group here could use another set of hands, or two. If you have gained the trust of a great wolf, you must be an honorable boy, and someone I'd be willing to work beside. That is, of course, if you're looking for work?” The Darkened man's face became serious as he studied Joseph. ‘We found this boy with not even a shirt on his back and beaten. He must not have anywhere to go and has somehow mostly healed within a day. To come across him when we have such a shortage of men, this must be a doing of the God.’

Joseph finally takes a step forward and up to the man. ‘He's not as tall as I expected, but this is definitely a warrior.’ Joseph stares deep into his eyes, “Can you teach me to be a warrior? I must become stronger.”

The darkened man smiles, “That I can boy.”

Joseph raises the bottom of his forearm to the man, “Though I do not control her, I can promise you. She will not hurt any of your men.”

The darkened man raises his forearm to Joseph's and nods, “You can call me Boss from now on.” That Boss wraps his arm around Joseph's shoulders. Walking him through the little traveling camp they have. “I know it's not much boy, but this is home to us.” The darkened man grabs some used leather body armor and hands it to Joseph. “Here try this on.”

Joseph does as the man asks, placing the armor on his back. “Boss, can I ask you a question?”

The darkened man smiles, “Already boy, what is it?”

Joseph looks around the camp one more time, “Why is everyone here so small?”

The dark and man’s eyes shoot wide open. “Ha ha ha.” He hits Joseph hard on the back and raises his hand to everyone else.

The glares at Joseph tell him he has done something wrong.

The darkened man speaks to everyone, “Calm down men. He is just a boy. He does not know.” Now looking towards Joseph, he continues, “Boy, it's not good to make open threats to a man's pride.” Joseph quickly goes to correct his mistake, but the darkened man does not let him talk. “No need to worry boy, I know it is not what you meant. However, I do have to state the obvious. Boy, are you aware how large you are?”

Joseph looks at the darkened man surprised, “Large? But Boss I am only 15 years of age.”

White steps up next to Joseph, noticing the tense atmosphere and displaying her intent to stand by him if any chose to attack him.

The darkened man chuckles wildly, “There is no need for that oh, great wolf.” He motions towards white in a submissive gesture with his hand before looking back to the others. “You hear that men, this boy right here is only 15 years of age. But he'll be a fine addition to our crew. However, if you disagree with me or want to take anything up with him about his rudeness. I'm sure his great wolf here would be happy to sort that out.”

***

Joseph and the darkened man now stand out in the open, away from their camp. “Why did we come here, boss?” Joseph was scared to ask a wrong question but his curiosity got the best of him.

The men formed a crowd in between their camp and Joseph. It seemed the Boss and Joseph would be their entertainment for the day.

The darkened man began to stretch his arms, “You said you wanted me to make you into a warrior. Well, I need to test your merit first. We won't be using weapons, so neither of us should get hurt.”

Joseph was relieved, “To be honest with you boss, I don't really know how to use any weapons other than sticks.”

“Bahaha” The darkened man was unable to contain his laughter. “Well, I know you're honest, boy. Now, get yourself ready and come at me with everything you have. You are to prove yourself to me boy, do you understand.”

“Yes, Boss!” Joseph slapped his thighs, putting one leg up in the air above his head before slamming it down to the ground. The earth shook where his foot had landed and the ground had given out. Joseph repeated the process with his other leg before signaling the boss, he was ready.

The darkened man's face fell still watching Joseph warm up. He could feel the ground shaking from where he stood. Joseph was at least 10 strides away. ‘That's right, I mustn't forget this boy was chosen by a great wolf as a companion. He is not one to be underestimated. I shall use a little bit of reinforcement magic then. I hope he does not consider this a dishonor for it is for the safety of both of us.’

Joseph watched as the man slammed his fist into his chest. Though he could not pinpoint it, Joseph could tell something was different about the man now. It's as if there was a faint glow or an aura that surrounded the man.

The darkened man raised his voice, “Now boy, show me what you've got!”