Helmer's cool, keen gaze swept the crowd of wolves and raptors that surrounded him. Was he afraid? No. If it came down to dying that day, he was prepared. It would be the moment he'd worked for his whole life long.

And as long as Heather doesn't meet the Leapers, I'm happy to brood elsewhere for eternity.

He risked a glance in Heather Longtreader's direction. She lay curled up on the ground a few yards away, her broken form nearly lifeless. Blood trickled from her mouth, making her white fur appear crimson. Hot rage burned white in Helmer's soul.

There were only a few rabbits Helmer loved in the world. One was Airen, his twin, and another Louise, his niece. And then, there was Picket Longtreader, Heather's brother, whom Helmer cared for like a son. He would do anything to save Picket from the pain of losing a sister.

He drew his sword to jeers and howls from the enemy.

"You insist on a fight, rabbit scum?" the wolf general growled.

Helmer shrugged, loosening his shoulders and cracking his neck. "I am honour bound to insist when I find a worthy opponent. Unfortunately, you lot," he motioned vaguely to the small army of enemies, "qualify. Barely." He smirked as howls of protest rippled through the pack.

The wolf general looked unfazed. "We'll give you a worthy opponent, Helmer the Black," he promised, baring his cruelly pointed teeth.

"Opponent? Singular?" Helmer shook his head. "I've never met a wolf I can't beat, general."

"How about a raptor?"

Helmer studied the half dozen eagles and hawks perched on the cliffs around him. He couldn't deny the fact that their presence made him uneasy. "I've never killed one but neither has one killed me, so we're even."

Again, shrieks of annoyance rained down on him.

"Hmm. Not wolves. Not raptors. How about a rabbit, Lord Captain? Would you consider a rabbit to be worthy?" The wolf general met Helmer's scathing gaze with one of unrelenting calm.

"Bring him on," Helmer replied, taking a fighting stance. "Who will it be? The Black Band? A pack of your 'Wrongtreaders'? Garten himself?"

The wolf general chuckled. "No, no. For you, Helmer, we prepared only the best."

"I'm honoured. Really." Helmer's voice dripped with sarcasm. "What are your terms?"

"Fight him to the death. The winner may leave, bringing whoever he wishes away to safety. If you fail or do not play by the rules, you and yours will be instantly devoured." The wolf general snapped his fingers and two enormous wolves stalked forward, slavering jaws poised over Heather's frail throat.

"Stay back," Helmer growled, taking a menacing step toward the two.

"Do you agree to my terms, Helmer dearest?" the wolf general taunted. His malicious eyes glinted in the near dusk.

Helmer fought to resume his mask of furious calm. He tore his eyes away from Heather and met the general's. "Upon my honour, I agree. Does this hero of yours agree also? He's welcome to back out now."

The wolf general's piercing howl of a laugh echoed in the valley. He fixed Helmer with two beady black eyes, eyes that already boasted victory, and smirked. "Bring out the hero!" he called to his ranks.

Helmer poised, sword raised, eyes darting around, searching for his next opponent. The fire in his heart called for a battle and nothing short of triumph over these wicked creatures.

The wolves that crouched on the highest crest of the valley parted and Helmer saw the silhouette of a rabbit pause before the glaring sun. The rabbit stalked toward him, the shadows of the rocky walls that surrounded them slowly consuming him. Helmer couldn't make out who it was or anything about the figure until it stood before him, an unearthly glow of rage in its eyes.

Helmer gasped. "No!"

The wolf general leered at the two, eyes alive with frenzied excitement. "Meet your opponent, Helmer the Black. You should know him by now. After all, you trained him."

There, shoulders draped in the enemy's banner as a cloak, stood Picket Longtreader. Helmer's resolve had never felt so broken.

Sorry to leave you guys on a cliffhanger! I have to stop now but I promise I'll finish the story. ;)

#WritingPrompts #PicketTurnsEvil