The tale of two wolves

The tale of two wolves



Ageni approached the great chieftain tent with uncertainty rattling his steps. His mind was poisoned with a great illness that was foreign to him. No matter how much he sought out for a remedy, his search sown no possibilities. The great hunter was both embarrassed and disturbed by this event. How could one such as himself, a man who has ventured through untouched lands and has single handedly slain many great beast to feed his tribe, could be hindered by this one small affliction. And now he stands before the tent of the great wise chieftain. It was his final and only option, exhausting any possible antidotes before resorting to such a visit. But if it was anyone who could cure such a disease, it was the chieftain.

Ageni entered the tent of his leader, spotting him kneeling before him in a meditative state. His body was abused by the winds of time, acting as scars of the wisdom he had obtained. His eyes were shut as his nose took in the burning incense that surrounded him.  The hunter’s eyes locked on to the old chieftain but he was ashamed to ask for the knowledge that he had been seeking. Nether the less, Ageni stepped forward slowly towards him before kneeling down in front of the elderly male. The chieftain in turn raised a smile upon his wrinkled face, letting his eyes open to see the great hunter arriving at his tent. His arms then rose, welcoming him as he spoke.

“I sense great trouble with in your Ageni.” He says. “How may I help you?”

Ageni hesitated to answer his question. His breath was staggered and uneasy but in time he managed to find the words that he needed. “Great chieftain.” He began. “I fear that a great sickness is upon me. My strength feels lost and my body is plagued with unending shivers. My mind is also tortured with visions of ill forebodings. And as the days continue, I fear they have gotten worse.”

“Oh?” the Chieftain replied as his curiosity and concern began to peak at his explanation. “This illness that you speak of is rather peculiar. Please, tell me more of this mysterious affliction.”

The hunter drew in a silent breathe before thinking about his words, finding it more and more difficult to explain his current conflict. Although he opened his mouth, his words started to slightly weaken. “ it’s… really difficult to explain great Chieftain…this illness that looms over me is a very powerful one indeed like a vengeful spirit that wishes bad luck on the one that insulted him… I can’t describe it more than I have already had…I’m sorry…” he gave a small bow in respect, apologizing for his lack of better description. But the chieftain gave no offense to the young and stronger Ageni. Instead he only smiled as the elderly leader motioned a beckoning hand towards the man.

“Come closer my child. I wish to examine this illness further.” hesitant to what he was able to do, Ageni inched closer towards him. The shivering chills began to wreak havoc throughout his body the more he approached. Slowly but surely the hunter sat before him, joining him as the incense smoked danced around them both. “Now, lower you head towards me.” Ageni was confused, giving the old man a puzzled gaze as his hands continued to tremble. The Chieftain only chuckled softly at his reaction. “Do not be alarmed, Ageni. I only wish to see more of this grim affliction that haunts you.”

Still not sure of his request, the hunter did what he asked, slowly lower his head. The chieftain then placed a gentle hand upon the top of his skull, closing his eyes as the scent of his incense became stronger and more prominent. Ageni noticed it as well, drawing in its presence with each breathe he took. The smell was a nostalgic mixture of wintergreen and various wild berries, a concoction that brought a sense of calm to his spirit as the great chieftain concentrated upon the man’s head. And has he took one great inhale, he smiled, looking down at the man of youth.

“I know of this illness that plagues you, Ageni.”

The hunter blinked, looking up at the wise man with hope of a cure in his eyes. “You do?” he asked “then you can rid of it. Is that correct?”

The chieftain shook his head. “I’m afraid I cannot.” He replied softly. “For it is not an illness that can be cure with medicine my child. Nor is it an illness that I may help you defeat.”

Ageni’s body began to quiver again as fear slowly crept back into his heart. “Then…am I doomed to walk the land with this forever?”

“Oh no.” the chieftain said, his smile still visible on his wrinkled face. “I believe that this sickness will pass soon enough.”

“Then how can I get rid of this curse, great chieftain? Please, I’m begging you. I want to be free from its grasp.”

The wise man only raised a gentle finger up in the air to calm his impatience as he began to speak once again. “The key to your cure young Ageni lies within your soul.” The Hunter was quiet as the chieftain continued his explanation, taking in every word that he spoke. “Deep within you is a battle, a heated bout between two oppositions. I can see them both within you, lashing, striking at one another, in hope to claim victory over this contest.”

“Who are they?” Ageni asked.

“Inside you are at this very moment, are two wolves. Both of them are hungry and starving for your soul. But it is only enough to grant one wolf satisfaction. One is a great and majestic beast that bears soft and pure white fur. His head raises high over his opponent, revealing your power, courage, and strength. The other is a wretched creature with fur that is dark and full of jagged cuts and soaked with blood. His head his hunched low as she snarls at the white wolf. This one shines with self-doubt and cowardice. Despite their differences, the two wolves are locked in stalemate, neither one giving in to the other’s great force for the hunger that plagues then has taken a toll on their strength. However, they will not rest, until they claim your soul."

“Then who will win?” Ageni asked the chieftain shyly.

The chieftain looked at him for a moment before letting out a soft and gentle laugh. Placing his weak hand upon his shoulder he then spoke again. “You are the bearer of your own soul, are you not?”

The hunter nods his head.

“Then feed the winner. He wishes to claim his victory now.”

The Hunter then blinked at his last words. But on that moment, his body began to feel a change as the trembling began to diminish from his body. His breathe was now calm and smooth like the wind’s gale as he stood up with in the smoke of the incense, letting them dance around him. It was not long before a small smile appeared upon his face as well, looking down at the chieftain with great relief in his eyes. “I now know which wolf will win.” He said his word more concrete and proud than before. “Thank you, Great chieftain. This curse that had plagued me has now lifted. I am free.” With that, Hunter exited his home with a sturdier stride than before. His head was raised, gazing upon the sun that was held up high by the sky. A war has ended with in him. And with it, a new found courage has been forged.