“Hold! Hold! … In three, two , one, FIRE!!” 

An array of arrows flew through the air and hit a ball of hay which was pulled by a grey wolf, followed up by some spears also aimed at the ball of hay. However half of the spears didn’t borrow themself in to deep in the hay and fell to the ground. Regardless of the wolf being panting after all the running, he said. 

“Hm! Yes, everyone has greatly improved and also everyone’s coordination is on point. I would say you guys are finally ready for the next time the bears attack. You wouldn’t need my help if you guys follow the tactics that we all came up with. Just remember what we all practice together! Let’s call it a day for today’s training.”

“Yes, Lindvald!”

A wave of voices responded as the all men of the village were gathered like every morning on the training grounds, before dispersing in each direction to resume their daily work. Temur was untying the rope on the wolf’s back that was attached to the ball of hay. Next to the boy stood his father thanking Lindvald.

“I must greatly thank you for all that you have done for us, Lindvald. I organized a feast as an expression of gratitude. It will be held in a couple of days from now. ”

The wolf’s ears twitched.

“Yegu, you really don’t need to do this. It is all just circumstances that lead to this development. Please, don’t think too much about it.”

“Lindvald is just too modest, father.” 

Temur interrupted their conversation after releasing the wolf from the ropes.

“Hm. You are totally right, son. So, whatever you say Lindvald, it will be held regardless.” 

Yegu chuckled as he was leaving his son and the wolf behind. Temur gave an apologetic look at the wolf before nodding and following behind his father. Lindvald could only sigh at the situation he was in, then he made his way towards the mead hall. 

As the evening sunlight shined through the small window, the cutlery clattered against the plate echoed through the dining hall as Yegu finished his meal and with a big smile on his face he exclaimed.

“Like always Honey! Your food is the greatest in the world.”

“I can just agree, Alaqa.”

Lindvald seconded Yegu’s statement. The Lady stood up with all the dishes to exchange them for some hot berry tea cups. When Alaqa was about to set down the cups, a familiar howl resonated outside. The alert horn was blown, that could only mean another attack from the bears. Yegu and Temur stood up abruptly, graped their jackets and ran into the night. Alaqa didn’t have the opportunity to even say something as she saw both men storming out. She turned back to her cup of tea when she heard a sipping and her eyes followed the sound only to see a wolf calming enjoying his tea. Astounded that the wolf was still there, she stuttered.

“Lind-vald! Why are you still here? Will you not help them?”

“Alaqa, I taught them all I could for them to be able to protect the village. I might help them today but I might not be able to tomorrow. Don’t worry, Alaqa! They will not even notice that I didn’t help. However, to put the lady at ease I will go and just stand on the sidelines just in case.”

Lindvald stood up from his place on the edge of the table and trotted outside towards the edge of the village. He made sure that he almost was not visible to everyone on the fields as he observed the newly coordinated squads of archers and spearmen putting themselves in positions. While Temur and the rest of the boys were guiding the herd of deer towards their shelter. Meanwhile the bears were charging in a straight line at the group of archers standing their ground. The biggest bear was leading the attack while the other was running behind it taking half cover. Just like practice for weeks now and just like that morning, everyone was just waiting for Yegu’s command to strike down. Thus, the moment the bears passed the correct distance, the call out was given and just in a space of a minute, the biggest beast slowed down until it dropped to the ground.  Two dozens of arrows were sticking out of his body and three spears were stabbed into his neck area. The smaller bear was also hit by several arrows, being hurt, it turned around and ran the way it initially came from. A handful of hunters approached the lifeless body with weapons on hand to end the deed if needed. A moment later the hunters nodded to each other before lifting their arms in joy, followed by the rest of the villagers present. Lindvald smiled and thought to himself.

‘Just like I told you! Alaqa.’

 The wolf left the celebrating group and went to sleep in his given accommodations.