A/N Fresh arc hype, here's the first part of our hero's preparations for his first big adventure.

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400 years ago the middle continent was painted red with blood. It was the battle field between the humans from the west and the demons to the east. Each race, hungry with greed to control everything. From one side of the known world, to the other.

When the demons pressured the dragon kin into their ranks, the humans recruited the karznek dwarves. When the demons consorted with their southern kin, the humans made treaty with the potnik elves-. When the demons enthralled the cats, the humans tricked the black wargs into enslaving the other lycan tribes.

The leader of the black wargs and human army was a monster of a wargman named Grim. No one knows what promises were whispered into his ear, riches, women, perhaps even godhood. For even the gods participated in this conflict, they knew whoever won would be known forever while the losers would be forgotten and fade into nonexistence. Their pride as well, would not stand to see their flocks become the lesser to another race.

In the lycan clan, the black wargs were tasked to provide the most powerful front line force to combat the enemy. Every lycan female of any age was taken to be raped till pregnant. The resulting children to be raised with other captured children as fodder to the war. The old were killed by, and fed to the young. This saved on food for the army and fostered a taste for blood.

The wolf men who refused to fight were beaten, starved, and thrown into the front line in chains. The options were to die on the battlefield no matter what, so it was better to at least be able to defend yourself. It was this desperate motivation that kept their forces fighting long enough to bring the war back to a stalemate.

The demons had pushed the humans back east all the way to the great divide separating the known world from the dangerous wilds in the west continent. It was the frantic, losing, humans and the drunk on victory, demons, who allowed the oppressed beast clans to gather unseen.

The grey wargs of the winter tribe defeated their black oppressive brothers. Under the goddess of justice, Nemesis, they rallied those that had been driven from their homes. Having cut off the humans’ supply of frontline troops, they established a stronghold behind the demon’s lines. They used the demon’s supplies to build the initial fortress Yoden on the ashes of the Turul bird’s land.

The human and demon armies collapsed into chaos, they received no more orders, no more supplies. They fought to the very end, and the Yoden forces ensured none survived to report back. All either side got was notification that the war was over and the middle land now belonged to the beast race. Both human and demon forces were too exhausted to contest the claim.

As time moved on, prejudice remained in the winter tribe against any child born with the dark fur. The remainder of the past was frowned upon and the young would normally die of negligence or abandonment, often such children turned to thievery just to survive. After only 100 years the black furred bloodline practically disappeared save for the oddball occasionally. By this point such children were considered cursed, they were either killed or sold off into slavery to other races.

Black is the history of the winter tribe, and many races view them as barbaric still. So the simple solution was a new name, The Northern White Wolves. Although mostly gray any pup born with white fur could be assured of a life of preferential treatment and a comfortable job in politics or as the spouse for a well-known merchant.

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Monsters, traitors, slavers, rapists, cannibals, berserkers, thieves, cursed, enslaved, killed at birth....this is what happened to Freki’s lineage.

I close the last of the old tomes describing the true history of my people. It’s no wonder why this tiny room in the top of the library tower is off limits to everyone except the royal family.

A single book case, a single table with small lamp, a simple brown rug, and a stiff chair.

I look to Ulfa lying on the floor under the barred shut window, “I guess I didn’t believe it was that bad.”

She walks over and puts her front paws and head on my lap, “They were stupid, they believed the sweet sounding lies whispered into their ears and it turned the world against them.”

I scratch her ears while I think to myself. I wasn’t killed at birth, I will become stronger than anyone who would think to enslave me, I will be smarter than to be deceived, and I will return Freki’s lineage to one that can stand proudly next to these tainted grey bastards. I myself must stand above them, an impossible to ignore reminder.

I look at Ulfa, “These fake white dogs will be reminded of their greyness once they all stand in my shadow.”

She smiles, “From what Freki’s told me, a barghest casts a very large shadow. But don't forget, their hatred wasn't without reason.”

I pat her head and stand up to stretch, I’ve been in here all morning, “Let’s go for a walk, I’d rather not continue to be the fool that gets lost in his own home. That will only attract those silver tongued court members.”

Her tail wags, “It’s a joy to see you learning so fast.”

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Walking through the white stone halls I look out each passing window. The all-white castle stands in nearly the center of this massive city, the walls caused the buildings to expand upward instead of spreading out.

Large white aqueducts run from the hilltop castle and spread throughout the city. According to the books in the library the water comes from some artifact gifted by a god to the Turul birds during the war. The artifact is encased in stone in the throne room.

An endless supply of fresh water, large protective walls, and a central location in the continent. The city of Yoden is like a dream come true to the small villagers that come here hoping for a better life. With the booming trade it certainly is a possibility. With the growing city comes more demand for the vast number of farms which thrive thanks to the many rivers flowing from the mountains to the north.

A greedy man would see these tall white buildings with their grey roofs and wonder what it takes to become the master of it all. Again according to the books, my family would answer with a bloody, black axe to the neck of anyone who tried. The one my father carries is the same one that took the head of Grim, a gift from Nemesis, and a constant reminder to anyone who would think to harm Yoden.

The occasional odd looking buildings are apparently the guild halls, the closest one on this side being the mage academy. It’s a fancy tower with a black roof that splits like a trident near the top. I’ll have to drop by at some point and ask about that raiju thing mother mentioned on the way here.

I finally find my room following the note the head guard gave me this morning before leaving me in the library. Two black metal torches on either side of the dark wood door create shadows in the carving of a warg head on the door. It looks alive as if it would attack anyone who approaches without permission, I like it.

Once inside however I wish the carving actually did attack unwelcome guests.

“Patra why are you on my bed?” The girl’s head bolts up, her hair is an absolute mess.

She rubs her eyes, “That you grumpy fuzz?”

I begin to look around the room while she wakes up, “Of course it’s me, it’s my room after all.”

Honestly I don't mind her being here, at least I’m never bored with her around. The room is pretty simple, I guess it’s up to me to furnish it. A large black wood bed with black covers, a random black wood chair and matching small desk, an empty bookshelf, and a rather large fire place.

Ulfa transforms into a human and goes to lie next to Patra who already fell back asleep, I bet she’d like to be awake at the moment. I walk over and with a gentle hop I sit on her back.

“Hey what the EEEk!” her look of surprise is rather funny.

Ulfa just spanked her butt, “Quite down pup it’s a nice day to be lazy.”

Patra is a mixed bag of mad at me and excited to be lying next to Ulfa.

While she sorts herself out I ask, “So what ya doing here?”

She sighs and makes no effort to move, “Aka is with the Fenrir, I can’t exactly hang off her arm. And as I’m now officially in service to your family I don’t have much to do, Mother kicked me out of her work shop earlier and said don't come back for a couple days. At Least it seems I’m out of the woods with your mum.”

Ah that’s right, her workshop should be almost complete, I’d imagine it will be nearby the castle.

But this is all rather depressing, two cute older women on my bed and no fun to be had.

Ah thinking of these two, “So what type of weapon should I get, should I stick with the tridents?”

A light shines in Patra’s eyes as she hops up to a kneeling position.

She pulls out a bit of paper from her jacket, “How good are you with a sword?”

“Never really tried one” honestly swords seem boring.

Ulfa turns over to listen in, “Best keep him in the pole arm category.”

She’s lifting those legs in the air to stretch them out, Patra flicks my knee to bring me back in.

Patra starts chewing on her thumb claw, “So we'll stick with a long haft, you were shit with the spear so we’ll make something with prongs….maybe some kind of glaive or halberd.”

“I don’t want to haul some heavy monstrosity on my back.”

“No I’ll do some experimenting with light, conductive metals. Don’t worry I’ll think of something impressive that won't be too far from what you’ve already trained with. Just check in with me later this week, I’ve been promised I’ll be able to work for you pups before the gladiator event.”

Ulfa pokes me with a foot, “Tomorrow we’ll go to the bastion and I’ll have you try some new weapons along with meeting our girl.”

“Sounds fun, in the meantime, Patra, it seems I need furniture and stuff. As my outfitter I’m designating you my shopping guide in the city, let’s go.”

I hop off the bed, Ulfa thrown over my back and Patra quick to follow. Ulfa shifts to a warg and leaps off of me.

“Now, how do we get out of this damn maze of a building and Patra if you say follow you I’m not listening.”

Ulfa shifts again and grabs both our hands, suddenly we’re pulled into her fog and into the fire place.

As we burst into the sky I take note of which chimney was mine, I’ll have to fix the fact it looks the same as the ones near it.

The city from above doesn't look much different than from the castle windows, the mass numbers of tall buildings strike a bit of discomfort in me. I can't help thinking of the strange woods we visited in my dreams back in the den.

We land in front of the castle to the surprise of a few passersby.

I look to Ulfa, “You’ll have to teach me that.”

She shrugs, “there isn’t anything to teach, you should be capable of taking anything you touch with your fog already, you just need more practice. How about you try to absorb everything we buy today.”

No harm in trying although I bet my tail looks like a giant cloud before we’re done.

“Ok Patra, take us to some good shops.” She looks ready to explode with glee.

In fact, she even hops onto Ulfa’s back and taps her heels against her like she was a horse.

To my surprise however Ulfa doesn’t seem to actually care and begins walking towards the gates.

As we walk down the street I catch the occasional curious eye and hushed whisper. I suppose I’m going to stand out no matter what. A jackal girl riding a black warg should distract them from me a bit. I start to notice more of the other races as we travel, I want to get a look at what the books called Karzeks and Potniks.

The first shop we come to, only slightly down the hill, is a dark looking shop with a hanging sign depicting a large brimmed pointy black hat.

Patra hops down, “This shop has the sort of stuff a grumpy, sparky, fellow like you should love.”

The inside is dimly lit by blue lanterns, the smell reminds me of The Dark Woods. The floor is made of the dark pine, along with all the tables and shelves.

Ulfa shifts to move around more easily, I doubt anyone who patrons this shop would be too surprised.

I have a thought, “Hey what do I do for gold or whatever?”

Patra waves her hand, “Don't worry I’ve already been provided the paperwork to send your expenses to the castle, get shopping rich boy.”

Works for me, this really is an interesting store. Various creature parts float in jars, stuffed dead animals sit on creative mounts. I spot a particular black leather, wooden chair that has been carved to have wolf features. The armrests are paws along with the front feet, the back cushion looks to be in the wolf’s maw.

Definitely want the chair, I don't see any desks, hopefully I find a matching one somewhere.

“Hey Fuzzy, come check this thing out!” Patra is hopping at the end of an aisle.

She’s standing next to a display of small black wood stumps on a table. Each one holds a randomly shaped crystal the size of my fist.

Patra points at the crystals, “Pick one and put a charge in it.”

I do like she said and watch as the bit of lightning gets contained in the stone and remains, the white arc becomes slightly yellow as I watch it fluctuate and give off a soft glow.

“Ok, I want it, and the chair back there too.” Patra goes to find the chair I picked.

As I attempt to absorb the mounted crystal it instead sucks up some of my fog. It looks like a small contained thunder cloud. I love it, but I guess I won’t be absorbing this thing to practice.

Ulfa speaks up over my shoulder, “Nice toy, we’ll have it delivered, now come look at these books.”

I follow her to some shelves, she points out a section, “Those are related to lightning magic, the ones over here are about shape shifters. You should be able to find some on wind and some on demons to the south. Once Patra gives the shop owner a list, try to absorb all of them.”

“Guess I need a bigger bookshelf, hopefully I can get one matching the chair I picked out.” I scratch my chin, a bit of scruff is coming in nicely.

Patra taps my shoulder, “If not I can have one carved, I like the chair, suits you. If ya ever get your own castle you can use it as a temporary throne till ya find something better.”

We start working on collecting the worthwhile books, with Ulfa’s guidance I get the hang of it after a little while. The old lynx man shop owner doesn’t seem thrilled with what we’re doing but he’s not about to voice any complaints since he’s guaranteed the cost already.

My tail does look excessively fluffy and I can see Patra is trying not to laugh. The chair is out of the question.

“I think there are better times and ways to practice this.” I’m not going out on the streets looking like some variety of squirrel.

I dump the books gently on the floor, again the shopkeeper looks like he wants nothing more than to chase us out.

Ulfa speaks to him, “We’ll have a wagon come by to collect the purchases later.”

He bows and we walk out, Ulfa sticks with her human form, and Patra seems disappointed she doesn't get to ride again.

Patra looks up at the castle, “I wish Aka could come out shopping with us.”

I bet Akane feels the same, “You’ll see her tonight, but try to keep it down, her room is right next to mine.”

Patra’s mouth hangs open a little as she gets lost in her own perverted little world.

Hey space out on your own time, “Where we going next?”

Patra snaps out of it and puts her finger to her chin.

After a moment, “Let’s go get you some practice weapons. You have a habit of losing yours in a fight and it won't hurt to be familiar with more styles. Especially considering you don't get to use your own in the amphitheater. But, I’m really not supposed to tell you anything about it.”

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A good while later we arrive in an area that smells like the inside of a smithy. A black cloud hovers over the shorter buildings, none of them more than three stories tall. The white stone of the city is coated grey with layers of soot. Every ally echoes with the sound of hammer on metal and axe on wood. I can smell hints of tanning leather behind the heavy scent of burning coals.

Patra seems even more cheerful than normal.

Each shop has some specialty of weapon, armor, furniture, clothes. Patra however refuses to let me buy anything.

“I will make or acquire anything you want for you, and it will be better than anything you find in these shops.”

I look to Ulfa, “Hey this doesn’t violate your ‘The Barghest obeys no one’ rule?”

She shrugs while inspecting some fancy curved daggers in a case, “Well you’d be stupid to ignore her this time, why overspend for a lesser product.”

Fine, “So what are we getting than?”

Ulfa straightens her back and gazes around, “Just grab a cheap iron sword, axe, spear, club, shield, and…..a bow I guess. Don’t forget a rack for them.”

Patra is going around taking notes while looking at some of the more exotic weapons. I guess I’ll just grab which ever ones feel ok.

Figuring it would be best not to hang around too long and risk Patra discovering a hint of her present from her mother I decide to call it a day.

“Let’s get back I’m starving and I’m sure Akane is lonely.” That’s all it takes for Patra to come running up ready to leave.

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Next day

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Last night was another parade of boring daughters being offered up like slaves. Really you’d think the parents would value their girls more, I’ll be the first to admit that I do not look like a nice guy. My black hair is shaggy and long, I have deep red eyes, I hate being clean shaven, the fur on my ears is sharp like needles, my teeth get pointy when I’m in a mood, and I’m more likely to shock someone than actually listen to them.

I don't really mind if I’m a bit scary, my family knows I care about them, and it’s not like I don’t enjoy the company of others. That said I don't want anyone forced upon me against their will. I decided to stay in bed a bit this morning to avoid breakfast with the court of child slave traders.

Ulfa didn’t mind, in fact, she seems to happily be dozing in front of the fireplace. But I’ve had enough moping around and I’m rather excited now that I think about going to this bastion place today.

“Hey should we get going?” I call over to Ulfa.

She rolls over onto her back, “....Fine.”

I can’t help but laugh a little, “You know, if I didn’t know better I’d say you’re about as lazy as a cat.”

With a poof she’s in her human form, arms at her hips and glaring at me, “I am the most beautiful black wargress in the mortal realm, I will not be compared to a filthy cat, they eat mice for god’s sake.”

I’ll refrain from reminding her that she’s the only female warg alive … wait is she even alive?

“Um, are you actually living, I mean, you were born and raised in the god realm right?”

She looks slightly upset for a second, “I was born in this realm, as was Maug, Freki saved us, and that’s all I’ll speak of it. Now, let’s get going, honestly it will probably take us till afternoon just to reach the place.”

We used the fireplace again, it really kind of nice. Waiting out front however is my aunt with a rather sour look. Asta and Sassa are chatting away behind her while looking out at the city. Hrm I’ve never asked her name.

With a slight cough she interrupts my thoughts, “Nox, please make an attempt to use the door.”

“Maybe.” That’s just a waste of time.

She sighs, “At any rate, please allow my girls to accompany you to the bastion, your mother said you would be visiting there today. I will not let my girls go unaccompanied into the city and Walther dear is being kept busy. I’m sure they’ll enjoy meeting the Valkyries in training.”

I don't mind at all, “Of course Aunty, I’m rather excited myself. Also I wanted to stop by the mage guild sometime this week if you’d like them to tag along for that as well.”

She smiles warmly as she turns around, “Wonderful, girls, as long as you are accompanied by Nox or Walther you’re allowed to leave the castle. Enjoy the Bastion and do remember to properly represent the family.”

Sassa bows slightly while Asta raises her fist in the air, “Nice let’s get going!”

As we board a carriage and pass through the gates I ask, “I thought your mother hated me?”

Asta is too busy watching the window to listen so Sassa replies, “No, I actually think she quite likes you, she can be incredibly rude to people, she yelled at Uncle Fenrir for hours last night.”

What an odd woman, “Well that’s good, I’d like it if at least my own family enjoyed my company, you should have seen people on the street yesterday hide in their shops as I walked by. A little girl even ran crying.”

Sassa looks out the window, “Well don’t mind them cousin, you’ve always looked out for us so I don’t find you scary, that said you can hardly blame these people.”

Hrmm it’s hard to argue with superstition already a couple hundred years old.

Asta bounces a little in her seat, “Hey enough of the gloomy talk, what have you seen of the city so far Nox? We haven't stepped foot past the gates.”

I told them about where we went shopping yesterday. They mentioned they also don't have much furniture for their shared room. Maybe Walt will be able to come with us to the mage tower and we can look for more stuff afterward.

Along the way Sassa explains to me about the sundials that can be found on peoples balconies and in open squares. Telling the time of day with shadows seems simple enough. Apparently we left the castle at 11. The ride is relaxing, Sassa even prepared a basket of sandwiches for lunch.

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The Bastion

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After nearly what is apparently two hours we arrive in front of what looks like a miniature castle at the southwestern most corner of the city. A single round tower rises up from the grey wall and many smaller round towers extend from the inside of the wall overlooking a large courtyard we now stand in front of.

The gatekeeper is a beautiful woman in yellow heavy armor with a massive broad sword. She reads a scroll Ulfa handed to her before bowing.

“Welcome to our bastion Lord Nox,” I quite like that, “You are welcome to use our facilities for training however I must ask you to not enter the tower itself, men are not permitted inside.”

Wait does this mean I’ve come to some sort of paradise for warrior women?!

Asta speaks up, “Does that mean we can take a tour?!”

The guard takes Asta’s hand in a rather elegant motion, “Of course My Lady Winter, please allow me to introduce you to a guide. Lord Nox, I will have someone fetch your apprentice Valkyrie and have her meet you here in the training yard.”

I can bet Asta actually finds the princess treatment annoying but she’s probably just letting it go to be polite, that and I would also bet this woman could kick all our asses.

Inside the courtyard I get a better view of the impressive fairytale like spires lining the two walls meeting in the center. this side of the courtyard is lined with peaceful looking oak trees, a white fountain in the center depicts what looks like a fully armored woman with great feathered, spread wings and a sword held up to the sky.

All around women are fighting each other, hitting dummies, practicing their archery, maintaining their equipment..Ah! I spot a pair firing lightning at each other! So that must be what mother intended me to come here for.

Ulfa taps my shoulder, “You’ll have time to train your magic skills later, for now we need to prepare your basic combat skills for the tribe’s ritual.”

The guard women gestures me to a table and seat prepared near the fountain in the shade of one of the seemingly randomly spaced trees throughout the complex. She then bows and returns to the front gate.

As I wait I watch the twins enter the bottom most spire in the center. I once again notice the odd glance in my direction, however I get the feeling it’s because I’m the only male around.

Ulfa fills me in as usual, “No man is allowed past that gate unless they represent a god directly, obviously not a common occurrence, the fact that both you and your father are champions of two different gods must surely be an extreme rarity.”

“Ahem,” a girl walked up to my other side, “Greetings, I am Morana Zmaj and if you are Lord Nox I am to be your Valkyrie in training in service to the winter warg goddess Freki.”

Freki’s title is getting longer. This girl looks no older than me however slightly shorter. Her hair is long and white it hangs nearly to her waist, I can tell she normally braids it. She’s extremely cute, her skin is an ash grey color, her lips slightly blue to match her eyes. The interesting part is her pointy ears and the slender, curved darker grey horns above them. The horns match her delicate looking, feathered wings neatly resting behind her back and the whip like, scaled tail swaying between her legs. She’s wearing a white and blue silk gown that hangs loosely from one shoulder and tied at the waist with a black sash. The dress nicely highlights her lithe figure, it’s parted up the side revealing the entirety of her left leg to her hip.

“Gods you’re gorgeous, what are you exactly?” she blushes slightly and plays with her clawed hands as if unsure what to say.

Ulfa, ever the provider of useful information, “In the common terms, she is half ice nymph, half dragon kin. Nice to meet you by the way I am Freki’s attendant Ulfa.”

She bows, “A pleasure to meet you.”

At this point she seems nervous, “Right, as you said, I am Nox, and I look forward to our time together Morana.”

She seems to get a hold of her nerves, “Mora is fine, um, I’ve been training here for the last ten years as a spear maiden.”

“Were you not training today?” she hardly seems dressed for it.

She shakes her head, “The matron informed me yesterday you would be coming today so I was told to clean up a bit, pointless I think, it’s not as if I wanted to impress you.”

She started strong but once again seemed to become unsure of where exactly to look as she now seems to examine the fountain.

“Well you are impressive, anyway I’m not sure how it works, I’m busy in the city training for the next couple weeks before we head south.”

Ulfa once more, “We will return in a couple days to train, next week we’ll begin more advanced training with your abilities. In the meantime Mora is to move to the castle tomorrow and begin training under me.”

Mora looks excited, “I finally get to leave! I barely remember the last time I was outside the bastion, and a war no less! I can finally show off my training.”

While she carries off she conjures a spear of ice from the air and grips it excitedly.

Ulfa clears her throat to rein her back in.

I ask, “So that’s your spear?”

She blushes a bit again, “Um, no. well yes, I can make ice spears but I have a nice, real one. I am also very proficient with a shield and the Valkyrie divine spells.”

Her self-confidence is back in full swing, “So can you actually fly?”

She grins, “Of course! These aren’t simply for show, I can dive on a rabbit from starting above the clouds.”

Now that I examine closer, her eyes definitely have a dangerously reptilian look to them. I’m excited to see how she does in a fight.

She once again blushes slightly while feigning a steely attitude, “So what number am I to be, Not that I can say I approve of marriage so young, I’d like to have the pecking order clear.”

Ok, she lost me, “Huh?”

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Definitely feel i need to proof read this again when i'm not tired.

Love all the comments, i do read them all. Stoked to see the my story hit the top 25 on site.

I'll spend a couple days working on the Q and A section