Wookid & Wyld

Prologue/Introduction

In every great story that has ever been told, there is conflict. Light and Darkness, Good and Evil, Kindness & Cruelty, Heroes & Villains. It is the eternal cosmic struggle for balance – for where there is one, the other must also surely be.

Sometimes, in these stories, our Heroes and Heroines – and even our Villains, don’t start out that way – in fact, they could just be ordinary folk, blithely going about their own business, when BAM! Fate intervenes and their whole world is changed in an instant.

Our story involves just such a pair – from different places - thrown together by Fate. Now – something you should know about Fate - is that it too, is both Cruel & Kind, as you will see for yourselves. For our accidental Heroes, Wookid & Wyld, it is instrumental in who they will become.

If you are ready to meet our intrepid pair – then let us take you on a very special journey to another realm in another time. A place where magic still exists and strange and wonderful creatures abound. Light your torches, grab your wands and muster your courage, as you take your first steps into the enchanted Fiáine Forest – for the path to find our heroes is fraught with danger – but if you are brave enough - we will show you how they came to be.

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Part 1: A Servant of Darkness

It was a balmy night on the planes at the edge of Fiáine Forest. The land was lit with the glow of the full moon, and the bright stars stretched out across the sky and into infinity. Nestled in a den, among the warm red rocks, a young wolf cub named Wyld and his four siblings were drifting off into a comfortable, cosy sleep. Aurora and Hunter were taking a last patrol around the pack lands, to ensure no dangers to the pack were lurking nearby, before they too settled down to rest.

As they turned back towards the den, a sudden, ominous silence fell around them – not a bird or even insect could be heard. A strange darkness began to sweep over the hillside as the night sky became engulfed in menacing black clouds, writhing and squirming, dark and unnatural. A bitter wind, like a furious winter gale, rose out of the earth, biting and wailing like a chorus of howling banshee. Hunter, the Alpha and father to the cubs, turned to his mate as she stood motionless, her eyes fixed on the approaching gloom, her hackles raised in readiness for attack.

“Aurora!” he barked. She glanced his way but still kept her attention firmly fixed on the impending threat. They looked on as the darkness slowed and came to a faltering stop before them. It appeared to slither and contort before them. Strange noises, like demonic snarling beasts, emanated from the menacing dark mass.

“Hunter! The cubs!” Aurora looked at her mate, tears filling her eyes. She didn’t want to leave his side, but she must get the cubs to safety. Hunter turned his face to her, his muzzle gently brushing hers. “Go, my love. Get them to safety – I’ll raise the alarm!”

The pack was scattered across the planes. Some in small nursery groups, some hunting, but all would answer the Alpha’s call! The wailing wind was deafening – but he would howl the warning – even if it took his very last breath!

Aurora began to turn away, heading for the den where their precious cubs lay sleeping. As she turned, she heard a sickening thud and cringed as she felt a presence, heavy and malevolent pressing at her flank. Through the wind she heard Hunter raising the alarm – sounding the warning to any who could hear it. With a swift jerk, she felt her body lift from the ground and was greeted with a terrifying sight.

A huge twisted creature, forged from the mangled corpse of a great bear, twisted and deformed with wizened tree roots, strangling vines and stinging barbs had hold of her. Its flesh oozed with deadly poisons and the scent of death overwhelmed her senses. Upon its forehead glowed a red mark. “Eidolon!” she gasped. She had never seen such a creature, though the pack Elders would often speak of dark beings of ages past, roaming the land, performing sickening, evil acts at the command of the twisted will of their creators.

The Eidolon raised Aurora up high, crushing her ribs with its massive claws and roaring in defiance. She couldn’t breathe – her broken ribcage splintered and punctured her lungs - she was suffocating. As she started to lose consciousness, Aurora heard the unmistakable sound of her mate, growling and snarling. The foul creature released its grip and she fell to the ground.

The Eidolon swung round to confront its attacker. Aurora gasped and fought to take a deep breathe, pain spreading throughout her body and blood rising into her mouth. Its claws had raked through her skin and she was bleeding heavily, but she could not stop – she must reach her cubs!

“Get up!” she hissed to herself. “Get up!” She heaved her body up off the ground and forced herself into action, the battle between her beloved Hunter and the Eidolon raging behind her. She was running to save her babies – nothing else mattered – nothing!

The cubs, who had been dozing in their den, had begun to feel cold. They were awakened by rising windstorm and unsure of what to do, had huddled together for security.

Then, through the wind, a sound they could not mistake – the warning howl of their father. They sat up, ears alert as they strained to listened for further instruction. Their eyes glowed in the dark as they attempted to focus on the direction that the Alpha’s voice had come from, but they dare not show themselves for fear of what may be out there.

Suddenly, they could hear a great roaring and their father’s growl echoed again across the hillside. Terrified by what they had just heard, the cubs cowered, hoping that whatever it was, would pass them by unnoticed. The freezing wind was raging and moaning, haunting and warning of the evil that had been unleashed.

From the top of the rocks where they hid, a familiar figure appeared in the darkness – “Mother!” For a moment, the cubs felt overwhelming relief, until they saw that she was hurt and bleeding.

Before they could react, she was nudging hard at her cubs, turfing them out of their comfortable den and into the perilous night. A gut wrenching, bone breaking crack permeated the wind and Aurora’s heart stopped.

Lightning streaks appeared across the sky and illuminated the hillside. Shielding her cubs with her body, Aurora turned to look back at her mate. The Eidolon stood tall upon its hind legs, arms outstretched, bellowing its rage, with Hunter’s crumpled body laid at its feet. She whimpered. She didn’t know if he was alive or dead and she was now the only hope of distracting that dreadful beast long enough for her cubs to get to safety.

Aurora turned back to her cubs and looked on them for what may be the last time. Her eyes filled with love. She bowed her head into her cubs, and they gathered around her, desperate for her touch and reassurance.

The Eidolon roared once more, with a deep menacing tone as it saw the cubs and started to lumber his way toward the den. The cubs were paralyzed. Lightning blazed across the sky once more, highlighting every detail of the beast and scarring the young minds of the cubs, like a wound that would never heal.

With all her strength, Aurora pulled herself together and barked at her cubs “Run!” she said. “Run as fast as you can – do not look back!” The cubs looked at her. They were so afraid. Afraid of the creature. Afraid of what had happened to their father. Afraid of being without their mother.

“Look after each other – I love you.” she whispered.

She disappeared across the rocks and the cubs were alone.

They started to scrabble across the rocks, slipping and falling in their haste to escape. The wind was so loud and the night so dark, that without realising, they scattered in different directions, separating from their siblings.

Wyld paused for breath, he looked back – just for a second – and realised he couldn’t see his brothers and sisters. He span around looking for any sign of them. To his horror, he saw the Eidolon standing on the ridge behind him, the familiar shape of his mother hanging lifeless in the gnarled claw of this dreadful being. All became still.

Wyld watched as his mother’s body started to shimmer. A beautiful green light rose from her chest, lingered for a moment, then faded – her spirit had crossed to the Remsha Shearie, the Realm Eternal – and all that was left, was the Servant of Darkness.

Stunned, the cub’s strength left his body and he trembled at what he had just witnessed. Wyld’s instincts took over. He turned and ran – anywhere – just away from where he was – and he headed towards trees at the boundary of the forest.

Ducking, weaving and tumbling over fallen branches and through shallow streams, the heartbroken wolf cub ran as he fled from the most harrowing experience of his young life.

He clambered through a huge bramble thorn and became stuck halfway through – the spines of the bush tearing his fur. He cried out as the painful barbs became embedded into his shoulder.

He struggled to free himself, to no avail. It didn’t take long before he began to tire and stopped struggling against the brambles. He looked around to see if there might be anyone – anything - who could come to his aid. He was desperate to see his siblings or even a kind stranger, but in his heart he knew no one was there

As he peered through the branches of the bush, Wyld’s eyes started to adjust to the deep darkness of the forest. He noticed faint glowing here and there - wild plants emanating pinks and greens and neon blues. Wyld let out a deep sigh as he contemplated his predicament.

Without warning, the branches beneath him cracked. Wyld froze for a moment. He closed his eyes and braced himself as he felt the branches give way. Wyld dropped like a stone, tumbling down the side of the hillock on the other side of the bramble, spilling into an ungainly heap and cracking his head on a big flat rock as he hit the bottom!

Everything was blurry. Wyld shook his head and blinked hard to try and clear his vision.

“Bwaarp”

What was that? He wondered.

“Bwaarp”

Wyld slowly lifted his head, so his eyes were level with the top of the rock. There, proudly glowing in spectacular colours, was an enormous toad. With every sound it made, its belly lit up – pink, then green, then yellow. Its warty back was bejewelled in bright blue spots and the red crest upon its head rose and fell with each call.

The young wolf had never seen anything like him – he was magnificent – even through the pain and confusion that Wyld was feeling. Wyld whimpered, trying to ask for help, but did not know how to speak Toad and any noise he made was clearly not appropriate. With an expression that can only be described as disapproval, the toad huffed, rolled his eyes, then turned and leapt out of sight, leaving Wyld alone in the dark once more.

The pain was becoming too much to bear.The tear on his shoulder was weeping profusely – he was losing blood and he felt dizzy from the bump to his head. As he lay shivering on his side he let out a plaintive cry. Finally, he passed into unconsciousness, wishing someone was there to help him, wishing his mother was with him, wishing he wasn’t alone.

Part 2: Fate

Nearby, Wookid, a Forest Guardian, was out collecting the special herbs and plants she needed for her magical potions. She flitted from rock to tree, quietly reciting some of the sacred incantations to help her memorise the phrases that would make her spells come to life. As she gathered her ingredients, she sorted them into her various bags and pouches for safe keeping.

She was about to head back to her homestead, when she heard a soft whimper that sounded so plaintive, she could not ignore it. Searching beneath bushes and trees for whoever was making the sound, she came around the trunk of a large willow. From the tree, she could see the remnants of a dried-up pool and a few rocks scattered about. On the ground next to the largest rock, was a young wolf, battered, bleeding and passed out of all consciousness.

Wookid knew that wolves did not live in the Forest and from his injuries, she understood that he must have been fleeing from something terrible to cross the boundary alone. Wookid knelt down by the cub and gently put her hand over his heart. She felt a heartbeat and let out a sigh of relief – but it was very faint and she knew that if she didn’t help him quickly, he would not see the dawn.

It was not safe for them to stay so close to the edge of the forest and Wookid knew this all too well. She gently lifted the cub off the ground, which took all her strength, because although he was still young, he was more than half grown and it was like carrying a big furry rock. She tried to lift off, but he was too heavy for her to fly with and so she needed to find somewhere safe nearby where they could rest and treat his wounds.

Wookid stood there in the dark, the cub in her arms, desperately trying to think of where they could go. Then, through the trees, in the distance, she could see moonflies dancing and swirling, wings glowing bright white in the moonlight. “Moonlight” she whispered – ’the Maidens Pool!” The Pool got its name from the way the rushes grew into the water, creating the shape of the waxing moon (representing the young Maiden Goddess) and the brightness with which it reflected the moonlight. It was not far away and the water was known to have restorative properties. The pup was already getting heavy and although she could still feel his heartbeat, it was getting weaker as his body grew colder with every passing moment. She stumbled through the ancient trees, using all her strength just to get to this sanctuary.

At last, she came to the edge of the clearing where the tall rushes grew. The tips glowed a fiery orange and as she made her way through, little seed pods escaped into the air, glimmering like embers on the breeze. At the edge of the Maidens Pool she sank to her knees, gently placing the wounded cub on the ground. She looked at the water which was as clear as the night sky, a light whispering mist hovered and swirled above the surface, revealing glimpses of the Ishka - water spirits that dwelt within. The water was powerful – even a small sip could heal the sick and wounded, but the cub was completely unconscious and wasn’t able to drink.

“I can’t wake him.”Wookid thought. “What am I going to do with him now?” Wookid knew she would have to try another way to save him, but he was running out of time.

She conjured a small fire to warm him. Examining his body in the firelight, it was clear that most of his injuries were surface scratches. The gash on his shoulder, however, was so deep that Wookid was afraid to attempt to heal such a serious wound. Wookid had seen the healers in her tribe heal all kinds of injuries - and she knew the incantations – but she had never done it herself as she was only 483 - young for a Sha-han-toc. These spells were only for use by the most skilful and experienced Mages - for to heal another being draws on the life-force of the spell weaver - cast incorrectly, the healer risks draining their own life entirely.

Wookid sighed as she stroked his ears and face. “Come now my little friend, just hold on a little longer” she spoke softly.

Determined to save the life of this wolf, Wookid took hold of her wand. This was to be a great challenge for Wookid. She had dreamed of becoming a healer, so was both excited and extremely nervous to attempt such ancient and powerful magic.

From one of her pouches, she took a clear blue Safire crystal, a rare stone, imbued with the healing energies of the Ishka. She placed the crystal in the end of the wand; the strands of Willow curled around the stone as it began to glow with a soft blue light. Holding the wand above the wound on his shoulder, Wookid took a deep breath and began the incantation.

“Colain, Feowil, Anam – Tiernaeg!”

(Heal the Body, Heal the Flesh, Heal the Spirit, Recover)

The wand glowed brightly. Wookid closed her eyes and chanted over and over. Her words seemed to echo, joining with the voices of the healers who came before her - giving power to the incantation. She could feel the wand vibrating in her hands, forging the connection between herself, the wand, and the spirits.

There was a flash of blue light and then - nothing. Wookid opened one eye in anticipation, then the other. The pup lay motionless in front of her. Why had it not worked? Why was this happening? Was he too weak to save?“No!” she cried “Please, by the will of the spirits, work!”

Wookid started the incantation again – chanting with all her might, but her wand light was fading and the spell was failing. “Why?” she sobbed. “Am I not ready for this magic?”

“You can’t die!” she wept. Wookid sat back on her heals, tearful and deflated. She chided herself for being so vain and foolish to attempt such complicated magic. She looked down at his body and longed for the cub to just open his eyes. Tears streamed down her face “I’m so sorry little one - I tried.” She leant down and wrapped her arms around him. She buried her face into his beautiful, soft fur and prayed for something to save him…..

Part 3: Mór Correa

The Elders had woven tales around the fire, telling the children of the village of an Ancient Spirit that could appear at moments of mortal peril and even bring souls back from the brink of death. Mór Correa. You could not call upon him lightly – but surely, if the legends were true there was no better time to ask for his help.

Wookid reached into her leaf bag and pulled out a dark obsidian crystal with rainbow colours running through it – a scrying stone. Wookid would use it to help her reach across the boundaries between worlds, in the hope that the forest god would hear her. She had precious little time and but one chance to get this right.

Wookid closed her eyes. She reached into her memory for the words that must be spoken – and she hoped above all hope, that this would work.

“For Strength of Earth, I call to thee

Wisdom, Air Shall bring to me,

Fire to hold my courage fast,

Healing waters, secrets past

By all the elements made one

With these words my plea begun.

Mor-Correa, Lord of our Forest, I cannot summon, but call to you in this moment of great need, that your light shall guard me, your wisdom guide me and your strength aid me. Shera-Veshoch.”

Wookid gripped the crystal tightly. She held it over her heart and slowly breathed out as her heartbeat thudded loudly in her ears.

The little fire Wookid had made at the water’s edge, was crackling as the flames flickered back and forth, creating strange shadows in the darkness. At that moment, Wookid felt utterly alone.

“Psst!” the fire hissed and crackled again. “Pssssst!”

Alarmed, Wookid looked at the flames and blinked in disbelief. Something was moving within them!

Woosh!! Bursting up from the centre of the flames, a plume of red smoke rose, twisting and spiralling in the air as tiny sparks whizzed around within it. Wookid peered at shapes that were dancing within – impressions of creatures – serpents, the phoenix – a scorpion. Could these be fire spirits? They disappeared as quickly as they formed. Several feet above the fire, the red smoke now hung in the air, turning slowly in place – as if it was waiting – but waiting for what?

A gust of icy wind blew across the pool…

Wookid’s skin broke into goosebumps and the sudden chill was enough to break her attention.

Another gust of wind. It whipped across the surface of the pool, creating ripples and stirring up the water spirits beneath.

The whispering in the mist that floated above the water was becoming louder. The clear dark waters of the Maidens Pool were now emanating a faint blue light. The surface was trembling and shapes began to form in the mist. The spirits of the water - leaping fish, river otters and other water animals - swirling and darting, as they faded in and out of sight. This was a phantasmist. The whispering was all around her now, like voices in a dream. Wookid struggled to make sense of what they were saying. The whispering stopped as the blue glowing mist rolled and undulated along the shoreline next to her.

A blustering gale arose and shook the branches of the trees around the pool. Leaves twisted loose and lifted into the air. Wookid watched in stunned silence as the leaves created spirals and patterns that looked like a flock of birds wheeling around her like a whirlwind. The leaves formed spiral now, which turned in the air like a wheel. It became static, turning in place as it floated over Wookid. Wookid could barely see as her hair was blown in every direction.

In that moment, the forest floor began to vibrate. Wookid almost lost her balance as the earth rumbled beneath her. The ground rose and fell as if some giant beast was trying to dig its way out of the earth.

A spiral of green light, materialised next to Wookid’s feet. It glowed and pulsated as the translucent forms of forest animals shimmered above it. The spiral began to rotate slowly in the grass.

Wookid watched, breathless and hopeful.

The colourful Spirits slowly moved toward one another. Green leaves entwined with the red smoke, whirling in the air. The blue phantasmist containing the water spirits gently gliding its way across the grass, toward the spiral at Wookid’s feet, now pulsating with energy, forming a strange green magical fog. With a swift twirling motion, the spirits of Air & Fire rushed forward like a small tornado, hitting the centre of the spiral on the earth with such force that the very trees shuddered around them. Wookid watched, hypnotised as the brightly coloured spirits merged, spinning faster and faster, the wind now a deafening roar until the colours could no longer be seen – but bright purple and white light shimmered in their place.

Wookid could not keep her balance as the earth trembled and the winds whipped in every direction. She dropped to her knees, covering her ears, her eyes shut tight.

For a split second there was silence – as if all the sounds in the forest had been sucked away – then with a great thundering crack, Wookid was blown flat on her back. Winded, she sat up, her ears ringing. As she recovered in the stillness, she became aware of something breathing close by. She looked at the wolf cub. He was laying still, his breath soft and weak. There it was again – a heavy, slow, deep breathing sound.

Wookid fluttered her wings and rose to her feet; slowly turning, not daring to breathe, her skin tingled, sensing the presence of powerful magic.

Glimmering in the distant darkness, a figure seemed to be moving towards Wookid. Shades of red and blue, then yellow and green glowed and ebbed within, constantly moving and changing in a hypnotic dance of light. As it grew nearer, the outline became clearer. There was no mistaking – it was Mór Correa!

The Great Stag drew close - the embodiment of all the spirits and powers of Fiáine combined. A creature formed entirely of magic.

Wookid stared in awe. She dropped to her knees in reverence – half afraid to look him in the eye. His presence was very intimidating. His vast antlers shimmering like a crown of coloured starlight, illuminated by the moon. His body softly glowing, a glimpse of the great powers and elemental forces within him.

He stepped into the firelight, his wise eyes fixed upon the little wolf who lay so close to death upon the ground. Wookid looked at the stag for a moment and then hung her head in sadness. “I tried” she whispered. “I couldn’t save him.” Her eyes filled with tears once more as she grieved for the cub, feeling his life-force now slipping gently away.

The stag stood silent for a moment. He approached Wookid, who became acutely aware of his huge size and the intensity of his gaze. He lowered his head and gently nudged her wand arm back towards the cub.

“You want me to try again?” Wookid whispered. The stag nudged her a second time, urging her to make another attempt.

Shaking, she knelt down next to the cub and composed herself. Wookid began to speak the healing words again. As she chanted, the connection with the wolf was stronger than she had expected. Through the bond, she could hear his heart beating and feel the blood running through his veins; as she breathed, so did he - becoming as one being.

“Colain Cenasseg, Feowil Cenasseg, Anam Cenasseg – Tiernaeg!”

Over and over, she recited the incantation, desperately trying to revive the life force within him. As she held the connection, a surge of immense power coursed through her wand. It was vibrating so strongly, she had to grab it with both hands. A strange wind rose and spiraled around them.

A low, deep bellow was emanating from the stag. He stood rigid, his eyes sparkling white and Wookid saw upon his forehead, a glowing silver spiral. From the spiral, whisps of silver light emerged and floated toward Wookid’s hands.

She looked back to her wand - the blue light of her magic now intertwined strands of energy coming from Mór Correa. The magical connection, drawing from him, through her own life-force and passing into the body of the cub. Everything was shaking – vibrating with Mór Correa’s power. Wookid was starting to feel weak. Giving all she had left, Wookid gave one last burst of energy as she shouted the words for the final time……

“Tiernaeg!”

A blinding flash of silver and blue, then all fell silent and dark. Wookid was on the ground, exhausted. She rolled on to her side, looking to the cub for signs of life in the fading light of the fire. As she watched, a strange mark appeared upon the wolf’s shoulder where she had focused the healing. A mark - like the symbols used in the oldest magic, when the Earth was still young. Wookid did not know this particular symbol, but had seen some similar drawings in the dusty old scrolls the Elders kept in the temple – she felt sure they would have some knowledge of its meaning - and knew that she would need to seek their council.

“Ow!” she hissed. Her train of thought was interrupted as a prickly, tingling sensation seared the skin on the top of her right arm. She looked to see what was causing the pain – and there – the same mark glowed upon her own skin. As the mark appeared, Wookid became aware of another presence – the cub – she could sense him! She sat quietly, focusing on the connection between them. Though he lay sleeping, she could hear his dreams, feel his heartbeat, sense his life force. Wookid understood – this was the balance – this was the price. By saving him, she had become his destiny and he had become hers – but for what purpose?

Part 4 Destinies

Wookid turned towards Mór Correa, now drinking the restorative waters of the pool. He looked at her, the silver spiral just a feint trace upon his forehead. Wookid knelt before him, acknowledging this extraordinary gift and his incredible power. He gazed into her eyes and she heard his voice all around her.

“Shahantoc. Take good care of your new companion, he is young and pure of heart - much like you. It is not by chance you have been brought together - your destinies have been entwined since the beginning. A darkness grows outside the forest; it seeks to devour and destroy all that is green and good – it must be stopped before it’s too late. You both have much to learn. You must attain mastery over your powers if we are to save these lands. Your journeys are just beginning – I will be watching!”

With those words, echoing in Wookid’s mind, Mór Correa bowed his head in farewell. His body shimmered for a moment, then burst into a flurry of iridescent lights - reds, yellows, greens and blues - the sprits danced in the air, then faded like starlight before the dawn.

Wookid looked around her. The wood for the fire was starting to run low and she thought she had better gather some more before the young wolf woke from his slumber. She took a quick glance over to him and smiled, left her belongings on the ground and wandered off in search of more wood.

Wyld began to awaken. His eyes were closed, but he could hear and smell the fire. He lifted his head instinctively to see if there was danger, but saw that the flames were small and contained. He was laying next to a pool. His head felt fuzzy and painful and his little body was stiff and sore, but more than that, he was insanely thirsty! He didn’t feel strong enough to stand, so he shuffled on his belly to the water’s edge. Tentatively, he put out his tongue to taste a drop and was delighted to find it was wonderful! Never had he tasted water so pure. He found that the more he drank, the better he felt and he lapped at the pool until his thirst was quenched. He sat on his haunches sniffing the air and wondering how he how he got here - then suddenly…

Rumble... Rumble … Rumble …

He was hungry – ravenous in fact. Just then, he caught the scent of something that smelled fantastic! Laying on the ground, on the opposite side of the fire, was something that looked like leaves and seed pods. Following his nose, he started to rummage inside them and found a variety of plants and mushrooms. Some had scales, some were shiny, some were pink and green and even blue. Like most wolves, he was used to eating mainly meat, but would always welcome the opportunity to try something new. To his surprise they tasted incredible! The ones that glowed were especially delicious and he devoured them with such enthusiasm, one would think he had not eaten for months!

When he had scoffed all there was, Wyld sat back, with his little belly all fat and round. He sighed with satisfaction and tried to remember again what had happened to him and how he was here all alone.

Before another thought could enter his head… Grumble … Grumble… Grumble… BUUUUUUUUURP!

Oh dear! Wyld thought - his tummy felt very strange indeed. Maybe wolves shouldn’t eat mushrooms after all!

At that moment, he heard light footsteps coming his way. His first instinct was to run, but he felt so peculiar, he couldn’t get up. Then the most beautiful creature he had ever seen came into view. She was unlike anything he had ever imagined. She had purple skin, wings, only had fur on her head and the most beautiful eyes that glowed like jewels. She knelt down in front of him.

Wookid could see her bag and pouches covered in drool; crumbs of mushrooms and herbs were scattered about the forest floor. She grabbed his face, her eyes wide open. “Oh no! Tell me you didn’t eat the ingredients I had in here! Please tell me you didn’t eat them?!” She pleaded in a concerned tone.

As she spoke, he found he could understand her. Wyld went to open his mouth in reply, but instead, belched a luminous beam of purple light straight in her face! He flew through the air, landing on his back. Wookid looked startled – her hair stood on end, like she had been stung by a lightning bee!

“Well, I guess that answers my question” she said, folding her arms and looking less than pleased. She knew that individually, the plants he had eaten wouldn’t kill him, but eating that many magical varieties at once couldn’t be good for anyone.

Wyld thought she was mad at him because he had eaten all her food, so again he opened his mouth to apologise…this time a puff of glittery smoke, followed by a flaming blue belch escaped his jaws!

Alarmed, Wyld closed his mouth quickly and put his paw over his muzzle to try and stifle the rainbow coloured storm that was escaping from his tummy. Wookid was now looking on helplessly.

Wait – oh no! Wyld cringed as he felt the rumbling in his stomach get lower and lower. He closed his eyes, afraid of what was about to happen. The ground literally shook beneath him. Wyld was catapulted into the air as a cloud of green gas, and sparkles escaped from his bottom.

Wookid was staring all the while in disbelief at the extraordinary sight in front of her. She had heard tales of what happens when you mix the wrong ingredients together in a potion – but this was spectacularly wrong!

Wookid watched as the cub descended and landed on a low hanging branch, sagging like a wet leaf. She could see bright colours coursing through his skin and fur as he began to writhe in pain. He fell from the tree and squirmed around on the ground, contorting from the maelstrom that was happening within.

Wyld was terrified. He started panting and whimpered as he felt two sharp pains on the top of his head. He howled as the skin above his shoulder blades tore and something – he couldn’t tell what – emerged from beneath his fur. The pain continued down his spine and through his tail. He felt a tingling as little bits of his fur fell away from his body, revealing shiny scales. He let out a frightened howl, yet through the panic he felt arms folding gently around him and a soft, calming voice saying, “It’s alright, it’s over now – I’ve got you.”

As the pain subsided, Wyld started to relax. He could feel her arms around him; and a deep connection – a bond like no other that flowed between them. As he turned to look at her, he became overwhelmed and buried his head under her chin, needing to feel safe, needing her protection.

As he did so “Oops – be careful with those.” She said with a slight laugh. Wyld looked at her, confused. She smiled “You have horns now you know!”

His face went blank. Horns? What else did he have? He remembered the pain in his back.

“Maybe you should have a look in the water, you will be able to see your reflection.” she said.

Wyld took a deep breath and walked slowly towards the pool. He was worried about what he would see; would he be frightened of his own reflection?

He walked into the water and looked down. As the surface became still, he could see his new horns – twisted and curly like a mountain ram – but not too scary – he still looked like himself. Then – WHOA! What was that?!?! Wyld stared in total disbelief as two small wings unfurled and stretched out from his body. He was so surprised he nearly fell over! He turned sideways and watched as they opened again and flapped a little. These were not bird’s wings. More like bat’s – or maybe – dragon’s? He lifted his tail and sure enough there was a small sail, matching his wings, which he could flex to open and close.

There was no doubt he did look very strange – and it would take some getting used to, but as he felt stronger in himself, he became more attuned to the life force in the plants and animals around him and the spirits of the forest, but strongest of all was his connection with his new friend.

He turned towards his companion, who was sat quietly on the bank, watching him and smiling. “What am I?” he said.

“You – are you” she replied in a very matter of fact way. “What is your name little cub and where are you from?”

He stopped for a moment, his memory still blurry and confused. “I can’t remember!”

“Well”, she said with a broad smile “I am Wookid.”

“Wookid” he repeated. she nodded.

He stepped out of the water and shook himself dry. He walked over and sat down by her side. Wookid lifted her arm in a silent invitation, and Wyld gladly tucked underneath and snuggled up to her side. He felt strange, but safe as Wookid gently stroked his ears. “Wyld!” he exclaimed – I think my name is Wyld.”Wookid gave him a broad grin “Well – I think that’s a perfect name for you.” She pulled him in a little closer and they sat quietly as they watched the warm orange glow of the new dawn rising together.

“What do we do now?” Wyld asked.

“Well – we need to visit the Elders and ask about this mark”, Wookid replied, pointing at Wyld’s shoulder.

“Oh, alright” smiled Wyld and wagged his tail happily. “Any chance we can get some breakfast first?”

They looked at each other ins silence for a few moments, then collapsed in a heap of hysterical laughter.

This is how the tales and adventures of Wookid & Wyld began.