"We should give Noelle a second name. A name that will symbolize for centuries that she belongs to the Wolfwoods," Andras explained.
"I see. Continue," Bandorn gestured.
"I chose a name that signifies she is my personal maid, and upon hearing it everyone will know she belongs to the Wolfwoods. From this day forward, Noelle's second name shall be Wolffood, meaning 'Wolf's Meal.'"
Bandorn smiled.
"Wolffood, is it? Only a single letter separates it from Wolfwood, yet its meaning is entirely different. Wolf's Meal… yes, that truly symbolizes her service to the Wolves. I like this name. And because of its sound, everyone in the Kingdom will know that Noelle belongs to the Wolfwoods now and forever. Very well, I have decided! Noelle, in the name of the Wolfwood house, I now name you Noelle Wolffood. Let this name signify that you serve us as mage now, and for all eternity!"
Noelle bowed deeply, her voice ringing clear.
"It is an honor, my Lord! I promise to serve the Wolfwood house, whether for a hundred or even a thousand years."
"So be it, Noelle Wolffood," Bandorn concluded. "Now then, before we move on to our other matter, let us take a short recess."
After fifteen minutes of recess, the council resumed in the hall.
Lord Bandorn Wolfwood sat back down upon the noble seat with a stern expression, his gaze sweeping across those present.
"Well then, since we have settled the matters of Anita and Noelle, let us turn to our most pressing issue. Janos?"
The Lieutenant stepped forward, his voice heavy.
"Bandits have multiplied greatly across the lands of Wolfwood. The attacks are constant; there is hardly a village that remains safe. The damage they have caused is so severe that we must act against them immediately, or else our people will be lost."
Andras's eyes flashed with determination.
"I will continue from here. My plan is to form a smaller unit whose task will be to hunt down bandits throughout Wolfwood territory. Roughly fifty Wolf Knights would be needed, chosen personally by Arpad."
Arpad nodded firmly.
"I support this plan."
"Hmm… fifty Wolf Knights," Bandorn mused. "That many I can provide, no problem."
"And this is where Anita comes in," Andras continued. "I intend to appoint her as the Lieutenant of the bandit‑hunting unit."
Bandorn's eyes narrowed.
"I see. So Anita will become Lieutenant regardless, but since driving the bandits out of Wolfwood is more important than having two Lieutenants squabble over the title, you have decided this way, my son. Is that correct?"
"In short, yes, Father," Andras replied.
"Wait," Bandorn's voice rose. "If Anita is to be Lieutenant, then who will be Captain of the bandit hunters?"
"I will," Andras said firmly.
"Impossible!" Bandorn slammed the table. "I will not send my son to fight bandits!"
Andras stepped forward, his voice ringing clear through the hall.
"Father, listen to me. If you want me to become the greatest mage in the Kingdom, then I must grow. Sitting in the castle will not help me improve. My magic needs battles against bandits, the slaying of lesser monsters."
"You are only eleven years old!" Bandorn protested. "Wait until you are at least fifteen before you fight!"
"I cannot wait that long," Andras shook his head. "The demons are already stirring. The Hero's proclamation is only a matter of time. And you know this well, Father."
Bandorn's face darkened.
"Yes… I too have heard. More and more demons are being sighted across the Kingdom."
"If we want to fight demons and win," Andras continued, "then I must begin gaining experience against bandits right now. Only in real combat can I further develop my magical skills and attacks. Without this, we will not be able to defeat the demons—and then not only the Wolfwood house, but the entire Kingdom will fall."
Bandorn nodded slowly, then turned to Arpad.
"I understand what you are saying. Arpad?"
Arpad stepped forward, his voice ringing firmly through the hall.
"In my opinion, Andras is right. I support his plan. Moreover, the Young Wolf may only be eleven years old, but he is already very strong and knows how to protect himself. He will not come to harm. He will bring glory to the Wolfwoods, and even the King will acknowledge him."
Bandorn's eyes gleamed.
"The King, you say? Indeed, if at eleven years old you lead the Wolf Knights to drive the bandits out of Wolfwood territory, even the King could not ignore it. He might even reward you and our house. Very well! From this day forth, I grant you, my son, permission to leave the castle at your own discretion and move freely throughout all of Wolfwood."
Andras bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Father. You will see, you will not regret it."
Janos stepped forward, his eyes shining with pride.
"My daughter, Andrea, will protect the Young Wolf at all times."
Andrea lifted her head resolutely.
"I will defend the Young Wolf with my life!"
"So be it!" Bandorn declared, and thus the council came to an end.
That very day, Arpad, Captain of the Wolf Knights, selected the fifty most capable knights for the Bandit‑Hunter unit. The warriors were given three days to prepare for the long mission: sharpening their weapons, repairing their armor, and gathering their supplies.
Three days later, in the castle courtyard, the Wolf Knights stood assembled. The morning sunlight gleamed on their swords and armor, the banners swayed gently in the wind.
The knights were ready to depart, their eyes fixed upon the Young Wolf, awaiting his command.
"Anita, did you bring the map?" Andras asked as the knights lined up in the courtyard.
"Yes, here it is," Anita replied, handing him the parchment.
Andras unfolded it, his gaze running sternly across its surface.
"Let's see… Where did the bandit attacks begin?"
"Here, near the southern border," Anita pointed to the map.
"Hmm, yes… too many forests in this area," Andras mused. "The bandits can escape in three directions. Then we march south. We'll stop at this village and gather information from the villagers."
"Understood!" Anita nodded.
Andras straightened, his voice ringing clearly among the assembled knights.
"I will divide the fifty knights into three parts. The main body, thirty knights. Then the right wing, ten knights. And the left wing, also ten knights. The right wing will be led by Xaba, the left by Jula. The main body will be led by Anita and myself. Most of the time the unit will remain together, but if we must split while pursuing bandits, then the right and left wings will detach from the main body."
"Got it, I'll tell the others," Anita replied, already moving to deliver the orders.
Once the unit was organized, the Wolf Knights' Bandit‑Hunter force set out southward from Wolfwood city. The unit consisted of fifty Wolf Knights and four elite members: Andras, the Young Wolf; Anita, the Whirlwind; Andrea Wolf, granddaughter of the Wolf Captain; and Noelle, the half‑elf maid and mage apprentice.
In essence, fifty‑two knights and two mages marched forth. Healing was entrusted to Noelle, who had already prepared her magic at the start of the journey, ready to intervene at once if needed. The banners swayed gently in the wind, the metallic clink of armor blended with the pounding of hooves. The Wolfwoods' Bandit‑Hunter unit advanced, determined to restore peace to the villages of the southern border.