Preparation

I found my father in his usual abode in his office at the barracks. Once inside, I sat opposite him at his desk, he looked over a map whilst helped myself and poured an ale into a mug. I drank the contents heavily, the amber and bitter tasting liquid quenched my thirst, I held onto the mug as I waited for my father.

“Fenrin, I have some information.” He began. “A scout returned from on of the orc’s villages, if you can call it that. We may get some supplies from there, and some riches to appease the king for the time being.”

He turns the map to show me where the orc village is.

“This is the best place to start. We will begin whittling them down. Pillage them of their resources and riches, burn the village down so they have nothing to rebuild. We will gain territory and erect military encampments so that we can strike if they come to investigate.”

It seemed a sound plan, lessen the enemy’s numbers and increase our hold on the lands.

“I wish to lead this mission, father.” I said.

“I’m glad you’ve volunteered, as I was going to suggest that you do this. It will help gain the trust and confidence of the wolvir people, and a step closer to dethroning the king.” Explained my father. “There aren’t as many orc warriors stationed there like the route of the wagons, so only yourself and your whelps are needed. This is a good opportunity to show your prowess with just yourself and your warriors.”

“I’ll make sure my whelps are ready, when do we leave?”

“Immediately. The sooner the best are our chances. I want this done as fast as possible. But once word gets to the orcs of this raid. It will enact full scale war with them. Will you be ready for that?” Asked father.

“Yes. We will kill the orcs and ensure our security and sanctity of our kingdom. We will prove that we are superior.” I tell my father. “I will prepare my warriors immediately and get ready to set off.”

I was given the map and made my way to the door before I turned my head over my shoulder.

“Can you tell my mate what I am about to do and make sure she understands the importance of it?”

“Of course I will.” Confirmed my father.

I made my way to find Zandor training in the barracks yard. I got his attention and ordered for him to gather the rest of the whelps. Within the half an hour, the rest of my warriors were gathered, I explained our mission and all were eager to embark on it.

As I finished explaining the mission to my warriors, I could see the excitement burning in their eyes. Zandor, ever the enthusiast, let out a loud howl and pumped his fist in the air, while the others nodded eagerly, their faces set with determination. I took a moment to survey my warriors, my gaze lingering on each of them in turn. There was Zandor, my trusted second-in-command. I took note from our last mission to remember the names and achievements of my whelps. There was Jarn, a deadly archer who proved his accuracy fatal shots from his arrows. Thrain and Vigdis, twin brothers who fought with a ferocity in the last battle, that it underestimated my opinion of them due to their quiet nature. I would keep an eye on the other whelps hence forth, I knew I could count on each and every one of them to have my back in the coming battle.

“Alright, let's gear up.” I said, my voice firm and resolute. The whelps quickly scattered, each one rushing to gather their armor and weapons. I watched as Zandor strapped on a great sword, the iron shimmered in the sun. Jarn slung his longbow over his shoulder, the quiver full of arrows on his back rattling softly as he moved, a sword at his hip. Thrain and Vigdis, ever in sync, strapped hand axes and daggers onto themselves.

As my warriors readied themselves, I took a moment to check my own gear.

I checked the straps on my leather armor, ensuring they were secure and wouldn't hinder my movement during the battle to come. My hand instinctively went to the hilt of my great-axe on my back, feeling the familiar weight and balance of the weapon. I gave it a quick draw, the steel glinting in the fading light of day as I inspected the edges for any signs of wear. Satisfied, I hoisted it onto my back once more.

As I finished my final checks, I glanced around at my warriors, who were all now gathered around me, their faces set with anticipation.

Just as I was about to give the order to depart, a figure emerged from the doorway of the barracks, hurrying towards me with a look of concern etched on her face. My mate, Elle, rushed toward me, clutching her pregnant belly with one hand. Her red hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her green eyes sparkled with a mix of worry and determination. She was usually more composed, but the sight of me and my warriors readying for battle had clearly unsettled her.

Her eyes, though clouded with worry, still sparkled with a hint of determination as she approached me. I could see the faint glow the sun dancing across her face, accentuating the gentle curves of her face. “Fen, your father sent word.” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with urgency. “Please tell me you'll be careful.” She grasped my arm, her fingers wrapping tightly around the leather armour.

I smiled reassuringly, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility settle onto my shoulders.

“Of course. I will return unharmed and victorious.” I assured her.

“Good. Show those orcs the superior strength of the wolvir.” She said.

Elle’s hand on my arm and the worry in her eyes had been a constant thorn in the side of my conscience since I’d learned of her pregnancy. I knew she was right to worry. The whelps and I were about to embark on a mission that could change the course of our kingdom’s war. But I also knew that I had to go. I gently pulled her towards me, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, her scent of strawberries and wildflower enveloping me. I held her fat ass cheeks firmly, gently pulling her closer. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, her softness a stark contrast to the hard reality of the battle ahead. Her taste was alluring and intoxicating, I couldn’t wait to return to have her again.

With my forces mustered, I set off for my mission with my whelps.