Free Sword of Light (The Knights of the Golden Dragons - Book One) by Troy Reaves

spears before it, biting one in half with its
terrible jaws and knocking another aside with its paw, as it surged toward the
goblin leader. The large gray wolf quickly closed the distance between itself
and the diminutive leader, and the goblin leader's full attention was focused
on the great gray beast as it leapt into the air. The goblin was quick and resourceful,
taking advantage of his position as he made himself as small as possible under
his shield. He brought the short sword's blade through a small hole in the
center of his shield and braced for the airborne wolf's impact. He had
obviously practiced the maneuver many times before with success, and it served
him well now. The gray wolf landed heavily on the shield and fell away. It did
not struggle to rise, and Gregor said a small prayer for its sacrifice. The
leader rose and shouted, apparently full of his victory, just in time to have
his throat torn out. The clenching jaws of the fiery large wolf that had come
from his rear had neatly delivered vengeance. The fight was ended with the
goblin leader's death, as his followers fled to the woods. Few made it as far
as the tree line before the pack had them, and Gregor doubted those that made
it to the trees fared much better in the forest.
                He
turned his attention away from the fleeing goblins and their pursuers to watch
the pair of pack leaders. The gray wolf was on its side near the body of the
dead goblin leader, and the auburn wolf was now standing near its companion's
body. It tentatively touched the fallen animal with its muzzle, as if checking
for signs of life. Gregor watched in wonder as the auburn pack leader sat back
on its haunches facing away from him and began to transform. The front legs
became arms as the fur that covered it thinned and shortened, and hands
replaced the front paws. The body lengthened, with fur appearing to draw into
the creature's hide, revealing tanned skin along a well-muscled back that was
clearly human even at this distance. The fullness of the figure's hips was the
only indication it was female, as soft auburn hair lengthened from her scalp,
stopping just at her shoulders. Gregor felt embarrassed for his intrusion, but
could not bring himself to look away.   He
watched her run her hands over the large gray wolf slowly, as if seeking the
wound. Her body tensed as blood spread across the fur of the wounded animal.
The figure's head lowered as she brought her hands together, seemingly where
the short sword had penetrated. Moments later the gray wolf stirred, and Gregor
noted the rise and fall of its chest where the hands of the female lay. He
found he had been holding his breath, and released it in a rush. He drew air
into his own starved lungs, and moved closer to the edge of the river.
"Hello! You there!" Gregor shouted to the woman, wanting to let her
know she was not alone. She glanced at him over her shoulder, and without
pausing to acknowledge him, she scooped the wounded animal into her arms and turned
toward the forest. Gregor could only marvel at her strength, as a moment later
she disappeared into the woods with her arms full of the great gray beast. He
was glad to know the animal had been rescued, but he was curious to know by
whom. He had never heard of such a creature that could change form this way. Gregor shook his head, once more amazed at
how little he knew of the world. It seemed pointless to stand wondering at the
strange course of events, so he once more began moving along the river's edge.
    ***
                Tana
was worried. Problems were plenty in her forest with the incursion of the
goblin tribes. The wolves were slowly starving or being killed as the goblins
encroached more and more. Their normal game was slaughtered, and the
interlopers seemed to be appearing everywhere. Lone wolves, driven out to hunt
by hunger, had even begun attacking grazing animals that strayed too far from
their herds. Men would come into the forest soon