John of Maggie, Award of the Wolf's Cub

It came to pass in the faire realm of Ealdormere that there lived a young boy by the name of John, son of Maggie. John aspired to become a warrior and to win renown from his Queen and King.

To that end did he consult with his mother and with the wise and noble of the realm. They advised to seek out the great White Wolf of Ealdormere, whom legends said guarded the horn of Suttungr, which gave any who supped from it vast wisdom. Thus did John set out on his quest to find the wolf.

After many moons of searching, John came across the mighty creature amidst a grove of tall pine trees. The beast stood taller than a warhorse, and his fur was as white as the snow, but John was not afeared. He approached the wolf and, with a bow, said unto him:

“Oh great wolf of the north: I wish to be a great warrior.”

The mighty wolf responded: “To be a great warrior, one must first have great courage.”

John thought a moment and then spake thus: “I have challenged warriors twice my stature in both height and prowess. Is this courage enough?”

The great wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “To grow as a fighter, one must have dedication to the art of battle.”

John paused in thought, and then responded: “I have sought the advice of noble knights and peers, and have practiced at every opportunity. Is this dedication enough?”

The great wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “Dedication and courage are but the start. A great warrior must know honour.”

John bowed before the wolf and spake thus: “I have always sought to win my battles with honour, or not at all.”

The wolf nodded, for he knew it to be so. “So I have heard from many lips. You have courage, dedication, and honour, young John. Do you seek wisdom?” John nodded, and the white wolf did give him the horn of Suttungr, which John supped from. Yet John did not feel any different, and said as much to the noble wolf.

“The horn is but a horn, John; is by seeking the wisdom of those who have come before you that you gain wisdom in turn. Your courage, honour, dedication, and wisdom are well known to me, and to Ealdormere.”

Thus did John return to the court of Kaylah the Queen and Trumbrand the King, who, on the seventh day of December, AS 54, declared him worthy of the Award of the Wolf’s Cub, as befits one whose virtues are known to the wolves of the northlands.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.