The Unclaimed Wolf: The Shendri Series, #3

By E.P. STAVS

"I will not abandon them to their fate. Bade needs to be stopped, and I'm the one who needs to do it."

Sir Edmund Brandt has always considered himself to be a natural charmer. So, when Queen Josselyn ships him off to Northern Myr in hopes of recruiting the wolf Shendri, he assumes locating her will be the hardest part. Little does he know this wolf has teeth.

Maya, a.k.a. "Shifter", is second-in-command of the Dirt Mercs, a position she takes quite seriously. The Mercs are her family, and she's determined to use her gifts to protect them. When an arrogant Eldorian Knight arrives at the Haven and starts nosing around, she's having none of it. No one messes with her family and gets away with it. Edmund isn't the only one looking to claim the wolf, however, and a dark shadow lies on the other side of the river, where Bade and his newfound dragon Shendri linger, waiting for Maya to join their fold. And Bade isn't one to take rejection lightly.

Desperate times forge unlikely bonds as the need for vengeance sends Maya and Edmund into dangerous territory in this exciting third installment of E.P. Stavs's The Shendri Series.

"I don't know how it's possible, but the Shendri become more magical with each installment. Maya is feisty and powerful and exactly the kick-ass woman I want my daughter to look up to. Her powers and the revelation of her backstory develop beautifully into the most gripping story of the series." ~ Amazon Reviewer

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.P. STAVS
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798986286389

Book preview

Chapter One

W e're on our own.

Maya watched as the Haven's leader, Augustus Pengrass, paced back and forth in front of the Dirge's council. His already wrinkled face was even more so with his brow drawn low in agitation.

I take it you've received word back from His Majesty. Jade, Maya's mother and the head of the Dirge's council, didn't seem too surprised at the news. No one in the Dirge put much stock in their kingdom's sovereigns. The Myranese royalty were more concerned with the amount of gold in their coffers than the people who helped put it there.

All of their men are either tied up at the southern border or around the capital. The north will have to fend for itself, Augustus replied, growling in frustration. Damned royalty. We'll see how happy they are with that decision when we stop selling them that rock fruit they love so much. Hard to grow when you're dead.

Augustus.

Jade's calm voice interrupted the older man's tirade, and he stopped his pacing as he turned to face them. You asked for an audience with the Dirge's council, and here we are. She gestured to Maya, who sat straight and tall to her right, then to Axel, on her left. He watched the Haven's leader with interest, his aging features hardened from years of fighting and scrapping.

Augustus nodded and pulled a small sack from one of his cloak's many pockets. He tossed it onto the table in front of Jade. It's not much, but I'm afraid it's all we could manage to scrape together. He took a deep breath as he looked up and down the table. We'd like to hire you. For protection against any Antoski invasions.

Jade slid the sack down the table to Axel, who tucked it into the pocket of his jacket without so much as a glance at the contents. He met Jade's questioning look with a small nod, and she returned her attention to the man standing before them.

The Haven has been our neighbor for over thirty years now, and it has always been welcoming to the members of our clan. Any attack on your village might as well be an attack on the Dirge. We take care of our own.

Augustus's shoulders sagged in relief, and Jade gave him the smallest hint of a smile before turning to Maya. We'll need to erect outposts along the river's edge, focusing on where it borders the Haven. Have the boys begin construction immediately. In the meantime, you can run patrol. Report in if you see any sign of movement on the opposite shore.

Yes, ma'am.

Maya rose from her chair and moved across the floor to the single, wooden door on the side, pausing only for a moment as her mother called after her.

Oh, and Maya? Have Jax escort our friend here back to the Haven.

Yes, ma'am, Maya repeated. She gave Augustus an expectant look. Come on, then. Jax should be just outside.

Is Jax the same guy who brought me here? The bald guy covered in tattoos and muscle?

Maya grinned, waving her arm toward the door as she waited for the older man to proceed her. The one and only.

He let out a loud harumph. Don't suppose you could ask him to slow down a bit this time, eh? It's not all that easy stumbling through all your convoluted tunnels with a blindfold on, you know.

I can ask, Maya replied with a laugh, pulling the door open and stepping out into the dimly lit tunnel. She met Jax's eyes and winked. Doesn't mean he'll listen.

I saw that, Augustus grumbled. He wagged a wrinkled finger at her face. And I see those eyes, too, and they're as green as green can be. Which means I know you're having a good time, laughing at my expense. He let out another harumph as he turned his back to Jax, who promptly tied a thick, black cloth around his eyes.

Maya shared a grin with Jax before clasping Augustus's hand in her own. I'm sorry. Jax will take it easy on you this time, won't you, Jax?

The muscled skinhead let out a mock sigh of surrender. I suppose.

See now? No more teasing. My eyes are back to a boring, old brown, I swear.

Well, it's not like I can see you with this grimy rag over my eyes, so I guess I'll just have to take your word for it, Augustus grumbled. He sniffed at the air and wrinkled his nose. Don't suppose you ever wash these things, do ya? Damn thing reeks of old sweat.

Jax chuckled as he led Augustus down the tunnel. They don't call us the 'Dirt Mercs' for nothin'. The older man shuddered, and Maya bit down on a laugh as she watched the two disappear through an intersecting tunnel.

Once they were out of sight, she turned and headed in the opposite direction. Jax would take their guest the long way, ensuring he was thoroughly disoriented by the time he returned home. While everyone in the Haven knew the general location of the Dirge's underground fortress, none of them knew where any of the entrances were located.

Luckily for Maya, there was one quite close to the council room, and she was climbing up and out of the hollowed stump in a matter of minutes. She was immediately hit with a cold, autumn breeze, and she took a moment to breathe in the fresh air. The fortress was well-ventilated, of course, but that didn't keep it from getting rather musty and dank. Or earthy, as her mother would say.

Maya preferred the open air, no matter what the weather. Even now, as the cold northern winds swept down from the imposing mountains looming above them.

She ran a hand over the left-side of her head, enjoying the feel of the closely-shaved stubble on the lower half. The rest of her hair was woven into an intricate braid that curved around the right side of her head. A shock of shorter hair fell loose over the right side of her face.

That you, Shifter?

A familiar voice called down from a nearby tree, and Maya grinned as a boy dropped down from its branches. I see you've been promoted to guard duty. Nicely done, Dag.

The younger boy beamed with pride. Turned thirteen last week, he bragged, puffing up his chest. Practically a man now.

She studied him, her features set in a serious mask. So you are, she said with a solemn nod. Turning her gaze toward the east, she added, Have you seen Builder? I have a message for him.

Dag screwed his face up in thought. Think he might have said he was headin' down toward the Haven for the night.

The tavern?

He shrugged. Maybe. Though the guys have been teasin' him about some lady friend or another. Could be visitin'.

Maya let out a heavy sigh. Every fiber of her being was itching to be off running down the river, but it wouldn't do to put off Jade's request. Hopefully, the man wouldn't be too hard to track down. All she had to do was tell him about the outposts, and then she could be on her way.

Thanks, Dag. I'm sure someone down there will know where he's at. She craned her neck to look up inside the tree he'd come out of. Don't suppose you've got a bow and arrows tucked away up there, do you? I'm running patrol tonight, and I'd rather not waste time running back to my room.

Just the ones I'm usin', Dag replied and she felt her shoulders slump. Why hadn't she grabbed hers before she left?

Now, if you were to check inside those bushes over there, on the other hand... He nodded toward a row of scraggly bushes lining the top of the hill. You might just find yourself in luck. Pretty sure Cora stashed hers there when she got off duty.

Yes!

Maya pumped her fist in the air. Thanks, Dag! You're the best! She hurried over to the aforementioned bush and dropped to her knees. Sure enough, her fingers soon ran over the smooth wood of a long bow. A half-full quiver of arrows was soon to follow. She strapped them on with a grin. You should probably tell Cora not to leave her weapons lying around. Although, I'm not complaining. She straightened, brushing the dirt off her baggy, gray pants as she did. Well, I'm off!

You walkin' tonight? Or ridin'? He seemed to be holding his breath as he waited for her response, and she couldn't help but laugh at his hopeful expression.

Riding, of course!

Dag let out a whoop as silver shadows began to pour out of her chest, and she grinned as they formed an impossibly large, white wolf.

There's my sweet girl! she crooned, throwing her arms around the wolf's neck and burying her face in her soft fur. My beautiful Kitsune.

The wolf nuzzled her hair in response. Always a pleasure to see you, as well, Shendri.

Wow. That is just so... wow. Dag stared at the pair of them with wide eyes full of wonder. There really is no one else like you, is there Shifter?

It was meant as a compliment, but the all-too-familiar words still had a sting to them. She forced her lips up in a wry smile, not wanting Dag to see how his words affected her. No, I suppose there isn't. Swinging herself up onto Kitsune's back, she guided the wolf down the hill. With the wind in her hair and the powerful beast moving beneath her, she was soon chiding herself for her reaction.

She'd been different from everyone else since the day she was born. You'd think she'd be used to it by now.

Chapter Two

Finding Builder took far longer than Maya had hoped, and it was well after dark by the time she was able to start her river run. Heading north from the Haven, she kept a well-trained eye on the opposite shore, watching for any signs of movement or evidence of nearby soldiers. As usual, it all seemed fairly quiet.

Once they'd put a few miles between themselves and the village, she urged Kitsune to pick up speed, flying all out as they neared the mountains and the end of their run. The enormous wolf thrummed with energy beneath her, her excitement contagious. Lifting her face toward the night sky, Maya howled, prompting Kitsune to chime in with a much more impressive one of her own.

I'll never grow tired of this feeling.

Too soon they reached the edge of the mountains and were forced to turn around. Kitsune turned her head toward the rocky cliffs and gave the air an inquisitive sniff. Are there no trails leading into the mountains? I think I would enjoy exploring them.

There might be, but I've never really looked. The mountains are off-limits.

Why?

They say that anyone who tries to pass through them becomes addled and loses their way. You're lucky if you can get back out alive.

Well, that's... odd. Is there some sort of enchantment on it?

She shrugged. Maybe. Although, if there is, it would have to be pretty damn good, seeing as it doesn't leave any visible traces. She gave Kitsune a quick scratch behind her ear. You ready to go back? The wolf dipped her head in agreement and set off at a gentle lope. Maya let her gaze drift back out over the river. Still quiet.

A flash of orange lit the sky on the opposite side, and she sat up tall in her seat as she watched the light flicker closer. With a grin, she signaled Kitsune to stop and swung down off the great beast as she kept her eyes trained on the night sky.

Looks like we have visitors tonight, Kitsune.

The wolf made a noise that sounded an awful lot like a sigh. Ugh. Must he always be so dramatic? He can breathe fire. We get it, already. Enough with the light shows.

Maya reached up to stroke Kitsune's neck, her eyes fixed on the dark figure making its way through the sky toward them. They're my friends. I'd appreciate it if you played nice.

Yeah, yeah. At least the girl isn't as tedious as her counterpart.

You love Fia, and you know it. She glanced up at the wolf. Although, I have to agree that Artemis can be a bit much sometimes, she added in a conspiratorial whisper. Kitsune huffed a wolfish laugh, but they both straightened up as the stunning black and green dragon glided across the water and dropped down onto the bank beside them. A beautiful, red-haired young woman slid down off his back and lifted a hand in greeting.

I heard your howl and thought I'd come say hi. She gave them a shy smile. I hope that's okay?

You have no idea just how okay it is, Maya assured her, stepping forward to give the other girl a welcoming hug. Fia stiffened, and Maya let her arms drop awkwardly to her sides, stuffing them into the pockets of her fur-lined, slate gray jacket as she rocked back on her heels. So... what's new on the Antoski side of things? You guys gonna murder us all in our sleep or what?

Bade does not murder people in their sleep, Fia chided, giving her a stern look. He's a compassionate leader who only wants the best for us.

Uh huh. And the best just happens to involve taking over all of Lehi? Maya snorted. Who died and made him king anyway?

Fia shifted uncomfortably on her feet. The previous king was a cruel man... no one will mourn the loss of him or his equally wretched sons.

Wait. Are you telling me that Bade is the current king of Antos?

Fia crossed her arms over her chest and looked out toward the water. He's not interested in titles, but for all intents and purposes... yes, I suppose he is.

Oh, he's interested in titles alright. Such as grand emperor of all living things. Fia, the man is seriously power-hungry. How can you not see that?

I didn't come here to argue over Bade, Fia ground out, her entire body tensing. Artemis lowered his head, his eyes narrowing into slits as he snuffed a warning breath of smoke. Kitsune let out a low growl in response, and Maya threw up her hands.

Cool it, you two. You're both celestial beasts. You should be on the same side, not squaring off for a fight.

But they're not on the same side, Fia said quietly, turning to meet Maya's gaze with eyes full of sorrow.

No, they're not...

Fia gave her a beseeching look. But they could be. If you would just meet with him, you would understand. He's not the villain that history has made him out to be.

Maya was already shaking her head. I'm sorry, Fia, but I can't. My loyalty lies with my family, with the Dirt Mercs, not some demi-god bent on world domination. This is where I belong.

Fia's shoulders drooped. I figured as much, but... well, I can't help wishing it were different. I feel so... alive when I'm near you. I feel powerful, you know?

I do. Kitsune says it has to do with our Shendri bond. Apparently, we're strongest when we're together.

Artemis said something about that, as well, but I've never really had a chance to experience it before meeting you out here by the river. The last time I was close to another Shendri, I was still unaware of it all. And then Bade came and freed me... Fia's face took on a dreamy look. And really, he's so powerful himself, it's hard to notice anything else when we're together. She blushed and ducked her chin. Not that we're together or anything...

But you'd like to be? Maya guessed, grinning as the blush on Fia's cheeks spread out to envelope her entire face. When the other girl refused to answer, she let her off the hook with a laugh. Alright, well, I need to start back before Jade sends the watch out after me. She worries, she added, rolling her eyes. Fia smiled, and soon the two girls had parted ways.

See? You are not so very different. There are three other women just like you.

I'd hardly say they're just like me... but, I hear you. It's nice to know there are people out there who share some of my weirdness.

You're not weird, Shendri. You're special.

Okay, Mom.

I'm serious. And someday you'll meet someone who makes you see just how special you truly are.

Ah, yes, my knight-in-shining-armor, riding up on his steed to sweep me off my feet. She snorted. Now you really do sound like my mom.

Say what you will, but you never know. He could be out there right now, just waiting to meet you.

He can keep right on waiting, then. 'Cause I'm most certainly not waiting for him.

Chapter Three

Four weeks, three days, and ten hours. That's how long it'd taken Edmund Brandt and his two companions to reach northern Myr. The already lengthy journey had become even more tedious due to added security measures at the kingdom's border. Hardly surprising, given the fact that the entire continent of Lehi seemed ready to break out in war at any moment, but annoying, nonetheless.

Looks like the river splits up ahead. We must be approaching the Haven, Edmund's second-in-command, Percy Loraunt, called out from where he rode up ahead.

Edmund let out a sigh of relief. The last five days had been spent traveling north between the river and the desert, and there had been little in the way of civilization along the way. Here, at least, they should be able to find a place to sleep indoors, and, dare he hope, a hot bath? His normally soft and artfully disheveled brown hair was teetering more toward greasy and gritty than silky smooth.

Not his best look.

Excellent, he replied. There should be a bridge leading into the village somewhere along the western edge. He eyed the smaller river that forked off to the left of the wide and dangerous looking Border River. Unlike the main river, the smaller one appeared to be fairly calm. We could probably cross through the river itself, but I don't know... we don't want to alarm the villagers. I expect they'll be wary enough, as it is. Better to enter via the main road.

Think a village way out here in the middle of nowhere will have an inn?

Martin Webb, the third and final member of their little group, pulled his horse even with Edmund's as he gazed hopefully toward the small island that was home to the northern village known as the Haven.

Gods, I hope so, Edmund groaned. I haven't had a good night's sleep since we started this trek up north.

Thought you'd be used to sleeping on the ground. Weren't you stuck on border patrol for a year?

Don't remind me, Edmund grumbled. Between you and me, I'm pretty sure the king assigned me to the position as an excuse to be rid of me. Thinks I flirt with his wife too much.

Do you?

Edmund smirked. Define 'too much'.

If you're not sure, then it's probably too much, Martin guffawed. No wonder you got sent out to the middle of nowhere chasing rumors.

It does seem like he's punishing me, doesn't it? He sighed. To be fair, though, it wasn't Alex who sent me on this wild wolf chase, it was Joss. Her Royal Majesty herself. So, hopefully, there's some truth to it all.

The other man grunted in agreement. Here's hoping.

They continued along at a walk for the next few miles, bantering back and forth and trying to guess what they might find in the approaching village. When they finally spotted a wide bridge crossing over the river, they slowed to a stop. Several rows of trees blocked the village from direct sight.

Everyone remember their lines? Edmund asked, glancing at each of the two men who flanked his sides.

We're here following up reports of a large dragon, which was spotted near the border between Myr and Antos. The queen wishes to be fully prepared in the upcoming war, Percy recited, his eyes fixed straight ahead on the bridge leading into the Haven.

And? Edmund prompted.

And we're to keep our mouths shut about the wolf until you give us the go ahead, Martin added. Edmund nodded in satisfaction before urging his horse back into a walk.

Alright then, you know your orders. First things first, we'll look for an inn or some other place to bunk down for the night. Then we'll start checking the place out.

And hopefully find ourselves a hot meal, Percy added as his mount fell into step beside Edmund's.

Martin made a noise of approval as he joined them. I wouldn't say no to a pint, myself.

The tavern is an excellent place to catch up on the local gossip. Edmund grinned. And we wouldn't want to shirk our duties, now, would we?

There was a round of chuckles, and the three men passed over the bridge with smiles on their faces. A wide, dirt road awaited them on the other side, lined with the same, strange trees that bordered the riverbank. The bark was an odd, gray color, making them look more like carved stone than anything actually living, and round, gray fruit hung from their branches.

Edmund furrowed his brow, moving his horse over as he tried to get a closer look. Was it fruit? Or were they rocks? He really couldn't tell.

The road led straight into the village, with the first houses appearing about a half-mile down, at the intersection of another road of hard-packed dirt. They slowed down as they reached the intersection, taking in the simple, white-washed buildings with their thatched roofs and well-tended yards that lined the streets at equal intervals.

Well, this is... quaint, Martin commented under his breath. Edmund silently agreed as he peered down the street to the right and left, seeing mostly cottages, as well as what appeared to be a small schoolhouse.

Straight it is, he muttered, nudging his horse forward. A little further down, the road split, curving around a large gazebo-like structure surrounded by lush, green grass. A group of four women sat on its wide steps with a basket full of red and green leaves between them. They were busy stringing the leaves together into garlands, but they all stopped what they were doing and stood as the men approached.

Hello, there, Edmund called out, giving them his most winning smile, dimples and all. Could any of you fine ladies point us toward the local inn? We've just traveled all the way up from Surai, and we're desperate for a hot meal and a comfy bed. Or any bed, really, we're not too picky.

The women exchanged wary glances, and there was a long pause before one of them spoke. An elderly woman with a silver braid running all the way down to her low back, she was clearly the leader of the group, and she eyed the three of them with a certain degree of suspicion, though her voice remained pleasant enough.

I'm afraid we don't get many visitors up here at the Haven.

More like any visitors... one of the younger women muttered before being promptly shushed by the older woman's stern glare.

What brings you boys all the way up here, if you don't mind my asking?

It was clear by the tone of her voice that she didn't care one bit if they minded or not, but she did care about their answer. Edmund gave her a sheepish smile along with a soft chuckle.

"I'm afraid it might sound rather foolish to you all, but, truth is, we're here about a dragon. Rumor