Read The Archer From Kipleth (Book 2) for Free Online Page B

all the parts of Wealdland.”
    “Like the Sons of Yenolah, and the Children of Lanis?” Arnwylf asked.
    “Precisely,” Husvet said. “It is as if they have, dissatisfied with their lineage, created new nations.”
    “Like the Brotherhood?” Arnwylf asked.
    “Ah, that is different,” Husvet continued. “We are a clan of unique warriors, but not a nation. I still consider myself of Kipleth, and of the Wylfling tribe.”
    “The men of Kipleth fought alongside both the men of Reia, and the soldiers of the Kingdom of Man in their wars against each other, did they not?”
    “I was too young to participate in any of those wars,” Husvet said. “Unfortunately, because Kipleth lies between Reia and the Kingdom of Man, our people were often drawn into conflicts that profited them nothing.”
    Arnwylf wiped the last vestiges of the stew from his plate with his bread, leaving Conniker to eagerly lick what was left. “Let us prove this new bond,” he said, and rose to leave his tent.
    As Arnwylf and Husvet strode through the camp with their wolves by their sides, other warriors with bonded wolves rose and joined them, until there were forty warriors striding next to their wolves.
    Arnwylf came to a clearing and gestured. The warriors and their wolves formed a ring, alternating man and wolf.
    “Bring them in,” Arnwylf commanded. A thin man entered the circle with a greasy looking, sickly thin, timber wolf.
    “What are your names?” Arnwylf demanded.
    “I am Bowlard and this is my wolf, Gertus,” the thin man responded. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
    Arnwylf held up his hand for silence. “Only speak when you are spoken to,” he said. “This is a solemn rite.”
    Bowlard nodded his head in understanding.
    “When human is bonded to wolf,” Arnwylf proclaimed, “it is for life. It is for death.”
    The faces of the encircled warriors were serious and reverent.
    “When human is bonded to wolf,” Arnwylf continued, “it is a sacred and an unbreakable bond. Human and wolf become one. Are you ready, Bowlard?”
    “I am ready,” Bowlard said.
    “Are you ready, Gertus?” Arnwylf asked the wolf, who seemed overwhelmed and nervous.
    “She’s ready,” Bowlard answered.
    Arnwylf frowned in disapproval. “Let us get this done with. Bowlard, we need to see you fight as one with your wolf. Do not strike any mortal blows, and none will be struck upon you. You and your wolf must fight as one. Do you understand?”
    “Yes,” the thin man nervously answered.
    “Begin,” Arnwylf said, and pointed to several warriors in the circle. Three warriors advanced with their wolves by their side.
    Bowlard deflected the blows of the proving warriors, but Gertus simply cowered by his side.
    “Stop,” Arnwylf commanded, and let his frustration subside. “Bowlard, you and your wolf must fight as one. Does she understand this?”
    “She will,” Bowlard said with a pathetic smile. Then he rapped his wolf on the head and kicked her. “Pay attention,” he said to her.
    Every wolf in the circle bristled.
    “Bowlard,” Arnwylf quickly said, “you may not be admitted to the Brotherhood. No Wolf Warrior would ever abuse their wolf companion as you have just done.”
    “But, I- I-” Bowlard stammered.
    “It is best for you to leave,” Arnwylf said. “Go to the people of the Weald, or to Reia. I cannot assure your safety among the wolves of our army because of your actions just now. The wolf will stay with us, until she has some understanding of the life we offer. But you must go. Now.”
    Bowlard held his hands up, pleading. But he quickly realized, the severity of Arnwylf’s words as he saw the cold, angry stares of the wolves all about him. Bowlard quickly fled the circle. 
    The other wolves gathered around Gertus, sniffing. And, Gertus did what all good wolves would do, she rolled on her back and urinated in an act of complete submission.
    Arnwylf strode away from the circle with Conniker by his side. Husvet and Geleiden