So far, Moladion seemed just like any other land he had travelled to. It didn’t appear to be anything special nor did it seem to house the mighty heroes that so many claimed to exist. At least, he hadn’t met any wolf that he would consider to be a hero. There were cunning wolves, like the young Alcmene, and cowardly loners who would rather run from his massive form than approach him. Matthias hated cowards. What was the point of being one of the world’s greatest predators when you ran from anything bigger than you with your tail tucked between your legs? Fear was a deadly disease and the mercenary had cured it from his blood as a young buck. Now, whenever he felt the slightly trickle of fear, he barred his fangs and charged towards whatever it was that made him feel the disgusting emotion. It was the only way to purge yourself of it.

Surely there was something he was missing. He had only been in Moladion for a few short weeks, arriving just in time to watch the spring change the land from a winter wonderland to a plentiful eden. There was no doubt in his mind that this place was perfect for wolves, but what else made it so special? Determined to find out, Matthias set off towards the large fields. He followed the river to the large lake and gazed around, noting the small island and debating if he wanted to swim there. No, though most of the snow had thawed, there was still a chill on the wind that would make a wet wolf shiver. Perhaps one day he would return, but for now there were other pressing matters to deal with. Sitting on the bank of the lake, making it so he could see all around him, the grand wolf howled his challenge to the open skies.

The call boasted of his strength, of his age, and of his wisdom. It told any around him that he was not afraid of them. But most importantly, it called out to others like him. Loners who didn’t have a purpose, who were strong and able, and who wanted to show Moladion that they were not cowards. When his song ended, he continued to sit and wait for anyone brave enough to come to him. Matthias didn’t know if Moladion had legendary heroes and now he didn’t care. There were wolves here who had so much potential to do great things and he wanted to meet them, wanted them to join him and learn of his trade. Together, they would make a name for themselves. Alpha’s would call to them for aid, would pay their prices, and spread their names far and wide. Matthias and the other wolves would become mercenaries, become their own heroes, and add their names to the great Moladion history book. He was willing to do this, but how many others were also willing? The great, grey wolf was about to find out…