Chapter Eighteen: Sunset

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Decrepit halls, tormented and vile cracks of torn value and wicked tradition. No quarter, not a sliver of joy or child-like delight, found in this place everything that I know laid disfigured... Perhaps behind, these walls beyond Master's keep somewhere off in a far land where my pain would abate, cease my quivering heart. But reality bore, biting at my shins, neck and anywhere else it could- Nor me alone, I wasn't some fabled hero. Some destined one, was I?.. If only.

The esoteric, Vinlan a mage of horrid renown I knew all too well, subject of the mind and body, a curator of life's fragile heartbeat. There was no other choice, I had paid the due of my feigned servitude to save her and myself. The time was ripe, having counted day in and day out, of it's rise and fall the sun's warmth fading descending to sleep... Heaving I ran, scouring the darkened paths ahead. I had to escape this twisting place, jumping from four stories high to prickling thorns serrating my legs. Ragged rocks cut deep, the surrounding garden as if meticulously grown just for that. The fleeting pain only skin-deep was but a small price, among the already present scars and gouges did little to the tapestry of my body. I ran through the mansion's courtyard, by now any attempt would have been seen. Vinlan, was out by some errand I was not privy--

But by the time he knew, I would be gone. The vast network of hedge, stone wall was made gimmick having seen its construction, in sleepless nights. It was unkempt, a garden of the supernatural with atrocious ferocity and sinister intent. Spoke of barb and metal jaws spring loaded laid in any misstep. My pallor was like that of a ghost, as if a transient resident on this moonlit night, though much to the joy of freedom, I couldn't revel in this, a selfish deed I dare not regret. For this was more than me alone.

I'll find someone Maria, I'm sorry I can't stand another agonizing moment here... Just outside, windswept a chilling breeze already clutched my skin intruding to bone. Low evening mist had begun to settle, the outlining brush and sprawling thicket of trees was difficult enough in light of day. It was Invigorating the freshness of outside, a foreign feeling I had long forgotten, but welcome rarity. A small part spoke that I rest, but to admire idly was a disservice to those behind, any mage spell I had set off. Vinlan and his men could know, had he seen the moment I stepped outside my door?

...

A carriage had been sent, three nights prior Mortan called upon by Master Vinlan, in need of his ritualistic expertise? Both of them and escorts of servants were to some remote town; subjecting any to their savage will. Looking upon me one would wonder if I held warmth, if I was more mummy than alive. A plight of my body not bestowed by birth, one would gasp at the state of my strength running with feeble limbs. Preyed upon by mages with no empathy or sanctity to human life. Pieces of flesh of creatures foreign, tainted blood coursed through my veins, purple like spider webs flowed up my arms. A inhuman strength by horrid design, my features were tame compared to the rest, I could function and pass as human.

My body ached, shivering in recollection at each insertion and metal pins inserted into my joints. Still I went on, pain I had known and grown accustom like that of a livelong friend or twin. It honed my resolve, what was I without an anchor to bind myself? Without pain I fear, I would loose myself in compliance, a forgetfulness and distant of a reality too hard to bear.

Surroundings cast in low moonshine, the moon overhead laid fore a seldom calm, dividing the shadows and seen no snip, crackle chip or howl. The rhythmic night of bubbling insects were displaced; had I kept a faint idea of naive hopeful optimism It would be a coincidence, but the senses were smarter than the mind.

..

Heated my breaths spewed out, in each exhale at the increasing stagger and bite my legs endured pushing past the brief respite, this had been the farthest I had come. Amidst the dark, by myself without the looming view of Vinlan's towers and ire. But a forest thick and haphazard, no organized order or form obvious. Just sprawled forever in abundance lined with nooks and crannies. Without the guiding moon and stars it would've been impossible to keep track, I had seen it once Vinlan was careless-- But I saw it, a map with a keep and town to the eastern star and moonrise.

Just outside the forest, more or less there would be a knight. They had to help, hear of the deeds done. But it was never that easy was it?.. Goosebumps ran down my back, as if stabbed by murderous intent between the veil of trees darting, red dots-- Eyes glared back trailing in the darkness they ran with me. Quickly searching for any reason to what it was, the question fell silent as numerous howls soon engulfed to my dismay. Wolves, and like horrible joke new pairs of eyes joined in my stalk.

Aside the howls, like funeral bells they stalked quiet as a mouse, when had I intruded upon their hunting ground? Obscured, but ever present just out of reach ready to pounce at any falter. I wore nothing to ward teeth nor claw, my nightly attire thin, with only my bare hands as means to protect myself. To despair, was this it? My resolve was not that fragile, eaten and devoured by some beats, not much different than my previous fate, but dammed, I won't make it easy. To give up, belittle myself I'd be no more than a coward accepting some 'destined' fate...

Growling intensified, in a rush almost stumbling I snatched a pointed branch and sharp rock near a fallen tree. Was I just another slab to feed the pack? The branch had heft a stark contrast to my lanky arms, I had to make it out alive, if not for my sake but Maria. A life bound in tubes was not one to live. Ragged breaths, I tried to calm myself as I became encircled by roaming shadows. The sounds drew ever closer, leering from shadow to bask in moonlight paws-Claws poked from the brush. Long fangs, patchy fur and a hollowing stomach, it was a starving wolf. The worst kind of predator. On the edge of desperation, was the pack the same? Had I unwillingly come the tipping gambit to their delight.

I scoured the treeline for any avenue of escape, the wolf slowly came regardless. A clear sheen of saliva saturated it's mouth, even in the state of protruding bones the wolf was large. Paws wider than my thigh, a jaw of ragged teeth ready to snap my neck in a passing whim. Had the wolves been exposed to some alteration in the environment or were they a dire breed... Much the question mattered, as now all that did was namely my survival. I couldn't let it get any closer, yet the air thinned beyond my notice I was out of breath, my skin prickly.

A awfully similar sensation rubbed me, I cant die here but the wolf's glare, it pierced me as if I was already dead. My life a foregone conclusion. Ebbing closer in that of an arched stalk, much had the other lingering pack slowly receded from shadow all in a bastard state and hungry snarl. It was intimidating. But my fear, I had not succumbed. Their display deadly but held no level of malice to Vinlan's gaze. My body shivered, in morbid anticipation no matter how much I tried to calm myself the body knew more than the mind.

Readying the inevitable I ripped my shirt, wrapping it around the forearm. Not once breaking sight of the wolf ahead, I'd have to run through the weakest point.

Gnashing of teeth, snapping at the sudden change the wolves charged, set to rip by tooth and claw. My feet burned, bracing myself I ran forward one wolf ahead and each at my sides, trying to corner me and tear my limbs. A false step meant death, to delude myself otherwise would've been a bold lie, no matter how much I braced myself; I wouldn't come out unscathed. A wicked gait and slobbering intent, the first to step and show itself, lunged rabid like. It was far from the first sight of death, not frozen like a stag midwinter I slid under, dodged the wolf's rushed lunge, with the branch in tow pivoted my unwelcome companion like some luggage. Making the branch act as an extension of my body, using the wolf's own inertia tossed the beast towards a tree.

With no luxury of time I sprinted, the stench of wet fur permeated my nose right behind me. Between the trees to a soon clearing, rustling in the brush, a blur devoid of patience a second and third insisted audience. Unable to dodge, I raised my arm as a shield, the wolf willingly punctured skin the shirt made naught. Slicing pain flooded my arm, but I had no time. Feeling the other I swung my free hand, bashing the third toward my side, a loud snap splintered the branch in two. Sprawling back in a whelp the beast pawed at its gash. Had it's ribcage fractured? Staggering, the wolf on my arm pushed its weight causing me to fall on my back.

Blood and slobber stirred, dripping down onto my face as I held the wolf by its neck. The beast kept pressure, it was heavy but no more than any man gnawing my forearm- Jerking my arm I twisted around, held it with my knee against the ground. Unable to comprehend its bloodshot eyes focused at my raging arm, its hind legs pounding my stomach for escape. Though, terrifying it might've been reassurance laid in my hand, freeing the sharp rock I had drove for the wolf's eyes. And like that of a crazed lumberjack repeatedly cut deep, bashing to the point of blood turning to muck filling my fist. The pounding legs stopped just as it's jaw went slack in exhaustion.

It spastically jerked, howling and whimpering for my mercy. A sorrowed state left the beast, it was a pitiful sound and posture. It wanted to live. I snapped it's neck, so did I. Surging pain came to both my arm and ankle the shock had worn off, and with it another set of jaws. Nearly dragging me a wolf tore at my foot, trying to pull me. To hell, if I let it. Grabbing the broken branch at my side, I turned letting it closer and thrusted the splintered end through it's neck.

Puncturing the neck and spine, the wolf went immediately limp. Eyes rolling back, retreating into its skull soon it thudded at my feet. The dead weight put pressure on the wound it inflicted- Painfully sighing, the brief relief of its death feigned swiftly.

Bite wounds marred my leg, a limp would be putting it lightly. Numb with shock my arm bled, I tore parts of my pants tightly wrapping my wounds best I could. For support I pulled out the broken branch, to my nerves snarling another wolf walked from where I came. It stood there waiting, my mind raced to what it wanted. I cant escape from it with this leg, it'll surely run me down when my back is turned. However the wolf huffed, looking past me and to its fallen brethren gulping.

The wolf slowly walked, ignoring me and to its writhing mate that I had clubbed in the ribs. Guided by its nose it went shallow, sniffing above the other. Taking full attention of its fallen mate, it had completely ignored me as if I wasn't there. A small veil of moonlight cast on the scene, the wolf momentarily paused and lightly pawed the other's neck. Then finally gave me view, looking up from its mate a rigid gaze settled on me-

Eyes locked, for for how long eluded me it was a chilling stillness... The wolf howled stopping the trance, and with it numerous distant howls, like a symphony it deafened the area. And more, the wolf plowed down feasting on it's mate tearing into the neck. Blotches of blood settled around its mouth, as it gouged on the fallen wolf.. Dripping red, the atmosphere had changed rapidly, foregone unease replaced by a lingering, foreboding scythe about to drop.

Despite the distance, the howls sounded mere steps way. I had to leave, my legs were numb but I had to persist. Almost buckling, my knee down wobbled under my standing weight. The splintered branch was not enough for an aid, and I had no time to make a splint. As if to add insult to my damming plight, shifting figures came into the light. More pack members, hurrying to the fallen body to feast and dragging the others lying and too soon me.

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The new arrivals were not sickly, had a full belly. Had the weak and desperate been used as scouting.. A disposable lure? I ran while they were distracted amuck the easier lying meals. A clearing was close, toward the edge I had too, I would be run down if not- It was the only choice however dammed it may be. It can't end, or the horrors succumbed would have- Been for nothing, sleepless nights on cold metal, dredging through halls of blood and flesh I have to save her.

My entire body clenched, plowing through the treeline in heavy steps far from quiet or any elegance I had wished. More in tune of a chugging train, to my feasting onlookers must've seemed like walking dinner bells. It was short, the clearing a small rising area cliff side. Branching in any other path led to shadowy depths of woods, the clearing was encircled in treeline in all but the falling coast. A clear and present coldness settled, toppled on by the thinning of air despite nearing of gushing wind...

The ground patchy and wet mud like, weighed each motion rising more to the clearing as if I was sinking. The cliffedge, ragged and misshapen- Bathed in erosion and cracks nearing to the graveyard of rocks hundreds of feet below. The murky depths and sounds of bashing tides, hadn't deterred the inevitable.

Looking past from whence I came, my footprints were laden with wolves.

...

A raging storm bellowed, cast upon my heart and body. Time crawled, my meager form bound in scars and blood held no power as I witnessed. Wolves receded from the treeline shadow, those deadly few were but paltry of abysmal numbers, a stark difference of merely four starved pups. One against the horde, judging by their unabated movements the wolves knew that too. Their worst had crippled me, as perhaps no more than a already stuffed turkey... Mph, I laughed, the edge of my mind probably in pity to myself.

Slipping back from sudden strain, I painfully met mud. Like the call of cannon fire-- The pack arched their backs in response, seeing my downed figure, I can't let it end.. Fairness no matter I plead, the cliff was my dammed salvation. Turning to run, I had to make it. Would I survive the fall? A void to depths of uncertainty, ragged rocks and impossible waves. Would I be paste by the mere impact, blogging these frantic questions, I had to ignore. The encroaching huffs and growls grew ever closer a waking of my resolution by the breath on my neck I almost was to the edge.

Just tens of feet felt ocean wide, every bruising stride seemingly unending. As if to mock me, the dribble of rain fell to a downpour. The brooding clouds a dark haze, with it somber moonlight ever darker. The ambiguity of my steps intertwined to a cliffedge masked in indiscernible shadow. Was I a step from solid ground or a plummeting fall? Still, I drove forward into the darkened abyss.'

A sudden change, almost falling I reeled back from the staggering edge eyes wide. It was far closer than anticipated, peering only bought dizzying unease of its height. I had to jump, the wolves would gut me but. Was it deluded imagination? A strange silence, the pressure from behind waned the huffs and snarls that were closing in had vanished.

As if too satisfy my crazed state in vain hope I looked back, just ever so slightly to the oncoming demise. But to my defying thoughts, my guests were rooted like statues. And between them... A singular silhouette. The wind howled past, as I stood struck in surprise and apparently my pursuers too the pack had seemingly forgot me. Focused now on this strange figure, who.. or what? Tossing these trivial questions aside, I yelled in staggered breath. "Leave me! I Don't know who you are. But the pack would surely favor me if you run now!"... What am I saying. I don't want to die, but surely this stranger needn't either.

I called out once more, and the figure again stood silent, it was an deafening silence. Then rushing of waves, soft whimpers of wolves and distant crackling of thunder all at once. Even the ground seemed to quake at the sight, growling and snapping soon erupted, and with it numerous jaws lunging. And like that it would be over, the figure's flesh torn and digested. But instead, the clench and ack followed, was but squealing pups. In shock I removed my hand blocking the once horror, the figure stood as if uninterrupted by the bodies lying at their feet. Looking closer a thin sheen of metal poked out.. Daggers. Soon lighting lit up the scene becoming clearer, the figure was encased in some suit of armor... A knight.

The pack parted, arching their backs in a heated display of rage; Lumbering from within, the alpha emerged kin to moving darkness it's pitch black fur was an intruding shadow of teeth. Dwarfing the others, a third eye glowed from its forehead gleaming piercing red. In response the knight stood stoic, weathering their hatred with no ounce of weakness. Finally the knight drew their sword from waistside, a two handed leviathan of runic steel of a meter or more in length.

Akin to the eye of a storm, the scenery sat in a motionless deadlock. As I blinked, and at the sound of twig snapping it happened. I would've missed it if not for my straining gaze, the knight in a faction of a second threw a dagger striking the ground. Afterward, a orange sizzle and dazzling flame spewed across the grass forming a fiery wall. And despite the heavy rain stayed a roaring flame melting even stones neath and around. The flames were bright reflecting of the supposed knight's armor, still their face dwelled in shadow.

Yet from tens of feet away, a flash of goosebumps ran over me as heat radiated. Taken back by this, some of the wolves jumped and others caught in its blaze thrashed pawing in all directions till they resembled more like charred wood than anything else.

I stood agape, unable to register what had happened. Yet a brighter flame rose in the eye of the alpha, passionately the wolf howled deepening their resolve tenfold. The aura of confusion soon dissipated, and with it the haze of uncertainty...

The wolves charged.

In a fury of teeth and claw, the wolves ran intent to end the knight this night. Swiftest of the bunch already met by the knight's side to ravage and tear the stranger yet, alas a curved swing marked last of their life, a final view was that of steel splitting them in two. Heads toppled, the wolves hadn't made it more than a hair inside the knight's reach. Five more, cut and dropped like a bag of potatoes spilling out. In a bit of feverish, suicidal frenzy wolves rushed the flames not deterred the knight met them head-on. The knight's blade roared engulfed in a dazzling flash of light the surrounding pack were struck with pin point accuracy with but a flick of a wrist.

The writhing were dismissed as more jumped over uncaring of the danger the almost endless looking fodder danced, in and out of the knight's range. Teeth, claw and steel met toe to toe, at once numerous lunged that the knight returned with a twirl of blade.

Raining the flying bellies were split gushing muck. Not one had laid bite or slash on the knight's frame. Only that of splatter and mud had stained the armor, the movements were rigid but precise without waste, clear cut and fatal; each designed to kill in a single stroke or crash and buckle from a kick. The stranger had defied the notion of reason, the staggering amount of numbers was made mute by wicked steel crafted to perfection. It was like a predestined move, all stood still in the presence of the knight's gaze, predicted and slain.

How come this stranger stood before me, where had they come from? The precision.. And technique, a haunting familiarity. My dripping pondering was made dull, witnessing the battlefield. Like but weeds countless had been chopped and tossed away, but

trash beneath their boot. There wasn't a inch of restraint in their consecutive attack, the knight broke stance bolting to the pack's center. To an outsider unknown of the fury that just transpired, it looked crazy- And perhaps still was. It was faint, but a yellow glow emanated from the knight, bulged around their shoulders and chest like a triangle.

The knight released a wave of energy, the yellow bulge twisted squirming along the arms sprung out kin a net encompassing the forefront. With each touch of fur pierced to the heart, as the vibrance faded so did half of the wolves laid quelled with a booming thud. At the last of his stride the knight stopped, goading the rest in defiance of his small stature with heavily breaths stood in confidence. Sword in hand.

Surrounded by a dwindling few, the alpha was stunned. Racing it's head between them and the fallen pack members, a rising tremor bellowed from its snarl in approach. Then hesitated, gazing once more to those few left, a glimmer of defiance a understanding struck in the wolf's eyes. The alpha slashed the ground, howled and retreated to the treeline. The remaining in turn followed only glancing back once behind the cover of bush and darkness.

Seeds of doubt, my worry bloomed. Dull moonlight keenly showed, there was no mistake, no matter my rejection that magic was clear even in the murkiest of depths. Relaxing their shoulders, the knight... Turned facing me. Confirming my trickling relief as vain the house of origin, signified by a burning orange crest of a phoenix plastered across the breastplate. I had been rooted out, my heart lunged-- I'd be dragged back, marring this for nothing a futile escape, I can't let that happen.

Just a stride away, it called me from up here the salty waters found my scrapped lips. The world begged me to take a plunge. The knight would due any other attempt with certain swiftness, standing and yet to move their face in shadow. They were strong, by blade and insurmountable magic, ending all it touched. No reason to send more than one? Had they known what to befell me, where I'd be? I had no chance versus this monster of man.

A heavy Throbbing, rumble shook me my heart beating a thousand lifetimes in short breaths. I turned and ran, couldn't worry of the danger. What was the difference to be captured or the nebulous fate below, but I would be free.

I'd soon plummet. I vaulted stepping on air, the fall wouldn't be quick. My rushing mind... Suddenly crashed, the dizzying fall had yet sent me to waves below. A power pulled at my waist, my feet dangled idly afore this clutching thing I now gripped.

A shocking in realization of this oddity I peered above, from the edge a yellow and glowing chain had stretched out. The knight slowly reeled it back, as I tried to pull free.

"You--"

Intruding onto my fumbling the knight spoke coarse and muffled, edged closer in brief steps. I dissuade the words that past me in roaring wind, cursed at the chain. It was there but at the same time wasn't, almost incorporeal.. Just another display of that wrenching magic, I hated it more than anything. "Release these these binds you bastard!" Guttural I shouted, just in response to make them even tighter. The chain coiled, pain lathered my side in tune of cracking bone.

The chain had ensnared me, like a fly in a web I couldn't resist.. I..- No!.. In a angered rush I twirled the chain around my waist and pulled the dammed dog towards me to oblivion's end off this cliff edge. They'd fall with me. Whoever this wretched knight serving phoenix was would be their end as mine. I cant die here, I'll use their body to block the water.

"..You look pitiful." An arrow pierced my heart, my actions and mind were cut short. The knight.. Stood unmoving, their voice. His voice. Served on a mocking display, the words invaded; was it some manic delusion..? In a violent jerk the chain pulled me unto the muck filled edge once more, by the boots of the towering knight. "Do you really court death that much? Like a beggar for some distant meal running in desperation, for what. An inevitable end by my hand.."

Feigning the truth of it all.. I didn't want it to be true. "You bring shame, what would Maria say, what would be done of your actions? Have you considered it, what your absence might bring..." "Answer me." It truly was. And spite my unwanting of it, he brought me to my knees. A firm grip around my neck.

...

Why, what had willed you to share a seat with them, "Butchers the vile lot. That's all they are, you side with them and not me?" My anguish the words amounting to but a scoff and shrug, the grip around my neck lifted. The knight's gaze layered in disdain, as perhaps I was some potent excrement. His face contorted, an expression and smirk I found misplaced. "What you call it is of no consequence, there is only truth in the powerful. Cling to those virtues and see were it ends up I'll watch as your ribcage to sternum caves in, someone more worth than you eats your heart."

"Only the living have right.."

".. I can't go that place, if you had any semblance of honor as a knight-' Blurting my words creaked and my vision a blur, the body went weak. A quivering rose beneath the ground itself seemingly moved or was my head pounding to delusion I couldn't say. Only his voice echoed, "I'm devoid of it, the empathy and their insistence of your blood. The failings of a odd vestige as you.' The wolves had their share this night. In the haze the knight looked beyond me, the cliffedge cracked a fissure dividing between us.

The chains uncoiled, as ground slid beneath me, I was ensnared by the void below. The cacophony of rain and wind rushed me, yet even in the state of delirium I saw his figure overlooking me.

"Take care brother." Defying words, in the same moment the coiling pressure which bound me vanished, my thoughts lingered briefly before turning once more to black. Waiting the salty depths.