Wolf Mark

Submitted by John Kahionhes Fadden

Centuries ago there was a man famous among the Nations as a hunter and warrior. His name was Wolf Mark. He was a powerful runner, an exceptional lacrosse player, and a most successful hunter. He was noted for his deep kindness to all, especially to his two dogs with whom he shared everything. They returned this kindness with loyalty, and they were very helpful when it came time for him to hunt. With their speed, plus their powerful sense of smell, they would always find game, then drive it toward him. He was always successful in the hunt and would share the game with the people of his village, especially the elderly, and those with many children. The people of his village were very fond of Wolf Mark.

One day, as Wolf Mark was traveling through the mountains, he noticed that his two dogs were acting strangely. Usually, they would run ahead, and then come from behind in that they covered way more territory than he could. On this day, they stayed very close to him as he walked. Sometimes they would bump against his leg, and he could hear deep rumblings growling in their chests. Something was bothering them.

Meanwhile, further North was a dreadful beast. This creature had heard of the prowess of Wolf Mark. He learned of how the people of his village admired him because of his skills and his big heart in sharing with all. The beast sought to destroy Wolf Mark, and on this day he began to hunt him down.

Wolf Mark made camp that night, and as was his custom he shared his evening meal with the two dogs. As the evening progressed the dogs came and sat in front of him, stared up into his face, and one of the dogs, to Wolf Mark's astonished amazement, spoke! The dog told him that due to Wolf Mark's reputation a jealous and wicked creature was on its way to destroy him. The other dog spoke as well, and told him that he would be powerless due to the creature's strength and speed. The only way he could survive was to find a clearing. The reason for this being the manner of travel of this creature. The beast would rapidly climb a tree, then he leap to the base of a further tree, and climb that...tree after tree. He could do this with the speed of a running deer. This was due to his having no body or legs, but he had two very powerful arms and hands. The closest place where there were no trees was one day's journey to the south at the village. They told him that if he started running, he might be able to reach the clearing.

Wolf Mark began to run. His two dog companions ran along side of him. He kept up a strong steady pace as he headed toward the village. He made good time, but as the dawn began to show in the east, and as he crested a hill, he heard something behind him. It was a howl and scream and roar. A sound he had never heard before. He looked back and on a distant hill he could see the creature, and he was traveling from tree to tree as the dogs had described. Wolf Mark continued to run.

Time passed, and the creature grew closer. Wolf Mark could sense the heat of its breath on his back. At this point one of the dogs bade farewell, and turned to face the creature. There was a snarling of the dog, scream of the beast, and a whelp of pain. Wolf Mark knew that his friend, the dog, had given his life to slow the creature down. It gave Wolf Mark more time, but again the monstrous head came through the trees closing in on him, and then the other of his faithful dogs turned back to battle the beast. Each time their struggles proved fatal, but their sacrifice gave the good man time to reach the safety of the clearing.

Wolf Mark, as he approached the clearing, let out a distress call. The men in the village grabbed their weapons and rushed to the village edge. Wolf Mark stumbled into the clearing and the men shot their arrows and other weapons. The creature dodged the arrows and bounded around the tree line of the village. He then let one last scream howl, then turned and bounded to the North.