Chapter 15: Wolves!!

As they ventured forth, the group traced the winding trails carved by the village men's old lumber routes, remnants of their labor etched into the loamy forest floor like forgotten pathways. Wulfgar, ever vigilant, offered to scout ahead, but Sally clung to his hand with unwavering determination, her small fingers refusing to let go. Garren, mindful of their safety, instructed Katalin to range forward slightly, though cautioning her not to stray too far.

Beneath the tall trees, a lingering chill of late winter settled in, permeating the air with crispness, each breath tinged with the reminder of the season's grasp. The previous day's warmth now a distant memory, replaced by the return of cold winds that swept through the forest, swaying the skeletal branches overhead and sending shivers down their spines. As the faint paths diverged, Garren redirected their southward course, leading them along the babbling path of a small creek, its gentle murmurs a soothing melody amidst the quiet of the forest. Gradually, the creek's banks rose, narrowing the way as fallen trunks and scattered stones obstructed their path, each obstacle a testament to the untamed wilderness surrounding them. By mid-morning, the terrain grew increasingly challenging, forcing them to navigate over ten-foot embankments before emerging onto the edge of a sprawling clearing, bathed in the soft glow of morning light. Above, a gentle snowfall began to blanket the landscape, casting a serene veil over the rugged beauty of the wilderness, a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable whims.

As they surveyed the scene before them, Wulfgar concluded that the clearing had likely been formed by some ancient blaze, stretching nearly two hundred paces across. The serene silence enveloped them, broken only by the occasional creak of swaying branches. Their warm breaths formed misty clouds in the chilly air, mingling with the delicate flakes drifting down from the obscured branches overhead.

They debated the merits of skirting around the clearing, wary of exposing themselves, but after some contemplation, Garren made the decision to proceed straight through. His gaze swept over the expanse before him, assessing the potential risks and rewards of their chosen path. With a determined nod, he gave the signal to move forward, leading the group into the heart of the clearing.

As they ventured deeper into the clearing, they made it perhaps halfway before Wulfgar abruptly raised his hand, signaling a halt. The party froze instantly, the swirling snow adding to the eerie silence that enveloped them, its intensity slightly increasing. Garren opened his mouth to question, but Wulfgar spoke first, his voice low and tense.

"Something feels... wrong about this place," the seasoned scout grunted, his eyes scanning the surroundings with suspicion. "We're being watched. I'm sure of it."

The others strained their senses, searching for any signs of danger, but could detect nothing beyond the gently falling snow and the silent trees. Katalin focused, trying to expand her perceptions to their fullest extent in search of auras that might betray hidden observers. She could just sense to the edge of the forest and to her puzzlement, there were no signs of life stirring, not even the smallest creatures. Instead, there was only an unnatural stillness that seemed to permeate everything around them, adding to the growing sense of unease.

They stood frozen among the thickening snowfall, their hearts hammering with dread as they scanned the trees ahead. Ultimately, practicality won out over fear - reversing course seemed just as perilous as pushing forward, Wulfgar reasoned. With a silent nod from Garren, the party cautiously resumed their trudge across the glade.

They had covered scarcely another thirty yards when Katalin's heightened senses picked up on several auras moving inside the tree line. One in particular struck a chord of familiarity that drew her up short.

Katalin halted abruptly, causing the rest of the group to stop and crouch instinctively. "Well... damn," Katalin muttered, her voice low and urgent.

"What?" Rollo questioned; his voice steady but laced with trepidation. "What is it?"

His answer soon presented itself as Dover's hulking form emerged from the trees, a woodsman's axe in hand and a sick grin splitting his bearded face. He strode several paces closer to the frozen group, his heavy footsteps crunching softly on the snow-covered ground. Despite the distance, his imposing figure seemed to cast a shadow over them, his gravelly voice carrying through the still air.

"Come now, you didn't think I'd just let you steal away little Sally forever, did you?" His eyes fixed on Garren, his voice dripping with mockery.

Rollo reacted on instinct, raising his crossbow to track Dover. "Don't come any closer!" he warned, his tone firm and resolute.

Garren spun to hasten their retreat, only to spot three soldiers emerging from the opposite tree line, cutting off the way they had come. The soldiers were clad in dark cloaks and carried shields and spears, their forms barely visible amidst the falling snow.

Dover responded with a malicious laugh that no longer seemed hindered by shattered bones or pain. Though the right side of his face remained grotesquely swollen from Katalin's blow, he spoke without impediment:

"Oh, I brought some friends along to even the numbers a bit..."

As Dover spoke, two chainmail-clad men stepped forth from the trees behind him, each bearing the colors of Stonehaven and with hands poised upon the hilts of their swords. Katalin watched as to her left another pair of soldiers, armed with spear and shield, emerged from the dense foliage, while a matching duo appeared from the right, swiftly encircling the group. By her quick count, there were ten assailants counting Dover.

Beside her, Rollo emitted a startled curse, his voice laced with resignation. "Oh no," he muttered, his tone heavy with dread.

Amidst the tension, the soldier at the forefront, younger and better equipped than the rest, strode confidently toward Dover. With a casual demeanor, he reached up to clap a hand on Dover's shoulder. "Good man, they came right where you promised," he praised, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction.

"I told you, sir - I've traveled these woods for as long as I can recall. Know 'em like my own hearth," Dover responded, his grin oozing with cockiness.

The captain surveyed the tense, surrounded group before him, his narrow face registering surprise upon seeing Rollo among them.

"Rollo! Whatever brings you into... such oddly treasonous company?" The captain's tone carried more curiosity than accusation. Before Rollo could offer an explanation, Katalin interjected sharply:

"Rollo was captured in combat. He gave his parole."

The captain seemed unfazed, even mildly impressed. "No shame in that," he remarked. "He can come with us back to Stonehaven to turn you over..."

Dover, however, interjected angrily, swinging his axe in a gleeful display of menace. "What of the other men, Captain?" he demanded.

The officer merely raised one scolding eyebrow. "I'm here to retrieve the girl alive. I have no interest in your petty squabble."

Incensed, Dover roared back, his rage palpable. "We had an arrangement, you damned pompous..."

Before finishing his tirade, Dover caught everyone by surprise, charging toward Garren, his axe raised high. In the next moment, a bolt from a crossbow whistled through the air, finding its mark in Dover's chest. Shock contorted his features as he stumbled backward, collapsing to his knees, blood staining the pristine snow beneath him.

Dover coughed up a small amount of blood, clutching the bolt jutting from his chest as he stared at Rollo in utter disbelief. "...you shot me?!" he rasped in bewilderment.

As spearmen closed ranks around them, their captain waved them to a halt, his eyes glinting with amusement as he surveyed the scene. "Good shot, Rollo," he remarked casually, his tone betraying a hint of admiration. "Now I needn't waste coins paying this wretch the bounty, at least." The soldiers positioned themselves strategically, forming a tight perimeter around the group.

Advancing a few steps closer, the officer fixed his gaze on Katalin, a curious expression playing across his features. "You must be the notorious Katalin of Butterridge, if I'm not mistaken," he said with a hint of intrigue.

Katalin offered a nod in response, her gaze fixed on him with caution as he executed an ostentatious bow. "Captain Randolph Falstone, at your service," he declared with a flourish. "Or just Sir Randall to friends. And truth be told, I'm almost loathe to arrest you after all the immense good turns you've done me already..."

At Katalin's incredulous expression, Randall let out a cold chuckle. "It's quite simple - you've gone to great lengths to remove obstacles blocking my rightful claim to inheritance. With Laszlo and Brom out of the way, one final removal, and my path is neatly cleared! How fortuitous..."

Captain Randall then turned to the spearman at his right expectantly. "Percival, shackle the girl if you please."

"Errr...ummm..." the unfortunate Percival stammered, actively avoiding his commander's glare.

Randall sighed heavily, his patience visibly waning. "Percy, you have the shackles, do you not?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, his tone laced with frustration.

Percival shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks flushing as he mumbled, "Well, uh, they're...um...still on the packhorse, sir."

"Must I oversee EVERY detail myself?!" But rather than await excuses, Randall snapped at the chainmail-clad soldier on his other flank.

"Sergeant Thomas! Ensure this fumbling disgrace retrieves those shackles straight away!"

Eyes smoldering, Randall observed Sergeant Thomas hustle the embarrassed Percival at blade point back towards the tree line where their nervous horses were tethered. A swift kick assisted Percival's progress.

During the commotion, Garren, Wulfgar, and young Sally drew closer together, forming a protective barrier around her. Wulfgar's hand hovered near his axe haft once more, ready for any sudden movements, while Rollo quietly reloaded his crossbow, his focus unwavering.

With Percival properly motivated and sent on his way, Sergeant Thomas redirected his attention to Dover, who remained seated and bleeding in the snow. "And what of this refuse then, m'lord?" the sergeant inquired, his disdain evident in his tone.

Captain Randall didn't bother to spare a glance downward. "Leave the oaf for the carrion feeders," he declared dismissively, "he is much too cumbersome to drag around. When we arrive at the village, they can send someone to retrieve him. After we finish with them, of course."

Katalin bristled at this callous remark. "What village?" she demanded sharply, her tone cutting through the frosty air.

At that, Captain Randall flashed a vulpine grin that chilled her blood. "Why, back to your quaint lumber village of course! Must ensure there are consequences for aiding an enemy of House Stonehaven. And after days of watching the water flow under that bridge, I think the men deserve some fun." His words dripped with malice, echoed by the chuckles of several spearmen around him. When Katalin looked around, she saw grins on every face and hunger in their eyes.

Katalin saw red. With resolute defiance, she drew forth her hammer. Behind her, she heard the stirring of her companions. Glancing back, she saw Wulfgar drawing his axe and Garren working to unstrap the sword from his back."

"You'll find capturing me alive more labor than you bargained for," Katalin warned, her fiery gaze promising death.

Sir Randall laughed loudly. "Look lively, Thomas! The rumors of her fiery temper prove true!"

The sergeant grinned in return. "Mind she's already felled Laszlo and Brom. Wouldn't want to see m'lord succumb to her wrath as number three!"

Captain Randall grinned and nodded. "Quite right, sergeant." Then, looking back to Katalin, he continued, "I'll happily spare your common rabble friends and the child if you yield and drop that hammer... " But then he paused and looked closer at the weapon in Katalin's hand. "Correction, I will spare them if you yield and hand that beautiful hammer into my possession. Refuse and they shall endure agony unlike any that awaits you." His leering eyes lingered upon Sally before returning to hold Katalin's gaze.

Katalin hesitated, slowly lowering her hammer... when suddenly Rollo's voice rang out in sharp protest - "No!"

All spun in surprise to behold Rollo standing steadfast, his crossbow unwaveringly tracking Captain Randall's heart.

Sir Randall looked momentarily surprised by Rollo's defiance, but his expression quickly morphed into a twisted grin instead.

"You see, Thomas? This! This is the brand of initiative and quick thinking that builds elite troops worthy of the Falstone name!"

"Yes, sir," Thomas concurred dutifully.

Randall chuckled, "Ah, defiance. It can be such a double-edged sword, can't it?"

"Of course, sir," Thomas agreed, his grin hinting that they have had similar conversation many times in the past.

Randall's smile widened. "But it's that fire that shows the spirit of our soldiers burning bright."

"Indeed, sir," Thomas echoed.

Randall studied his men surround the group, spears leveled and shields held high, "But that fire is worthless without training and loyalty."

"Yes, sir," Thomas agreed, also studying his men.

Randall nodded approvingly. "Ah, training, initiative and loyalty. The cornerstones of any great soldier."

"Of course, sir," Thomas affirmed. "It's what makes them worthy of serving under your banner."

Pivoting smoothly back toward Rollo, Randall adopted a patronizing tone. "Now then soldier...I realize one's judgment can be confused after being held captive. Especially in the presence of such bewitching feminine charm." His eyes flicked dismissively toward Katalin before locking back onto Rollo.

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"But let us dispense with this futile nonsense, shall we? Surrender your weapon so we can end this charade and we will forget your momentary lapse of loyalty."

In answer, Rollo squared his stance, crossbow unwavering. "Call back your men. Now."

The sergeant scoffed. "You'll get off one shot before we fill your hide with steel, boy. Though I promise to personally send the little one to haunt your miserable soul..."

Rollo remained resolute, his determination palpable in the icy clouds that rose with each measured breath. "One shot will suffice," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering.

Captain Randall turned a thoughtful eye back on defiant Rollo, a faint grin playing at the corners of his lips as he looked upon the young soldier.

"I'll propose an alternative arrangement then," he said, turning his attention to Katalin. "Here's my offer: we'll make a trade. I'll give you Percy here," he pointed at Percival, who still clung to the chains and manacles, "in exchange for Rollo." He gestured casually at Rollo, who was still holding his crossbow leveled at Sir Randall. "After that is settled, I'll grant you a full hour's head start through the woods before we give chase," he ended with a grin.

Percival and Katalin exchanged bewildered glances. "Err... what??" Percival muttered, clearly confused.

"It's quite simple," Randall explained, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "I gain a soldier with initiative and mettle, and in return, you get Percival and a one-hour head start." He gestured towards the steadfast Rollo with a flourish.

The clatter of chains dropping from Percival's hands drew everyone's attention. Looking up at his captain with a mix of confusion and disappointment, Percival hesitantly asked, "Sir?"

Sir Randall grinned, as if delighted by the turn of events. "Now, Percy, don't be like that. Think of it as a scenic run through the forest before we run you down." He chuckled, enjoying the jest.

Rollo remained resolute, his demand unchanged. "I said call back your men."

Captain Randall heaved a dramatic sigh, as though indulging the fanciful whims of a toddler, and loftily signaled Sergeant Thomas. Thomas barked a few orders and without hesitation, the soldiers lifted their spears and circled around, keeping their distance from the small group they had surrounded. They came together and formed a line behind Sir Randall stretching to his left and right with their backs to the tree line.

Randall frowned, regarding Rollo with what seemed like a mix of pity and disdain. "Oh, young fool. I shall reluctantly drink to your honored memory after we leave you swinging from the gallows."

Unmoved, Rollo urged immediate action. "Katalin - take everyone and flee hard...get as much distance as your feet will allow."

Captain Randall scoffed, his voice tinged with mockery. "And how long do you suppose one low-born deserter with a solitary quarrel can hope to stall our progress?"

With determination etched on his face, Rollo stared down his sight at Randall. "Long enough."

Katalin approached Rollo, her touch gentle upon his shoulder, the other hand outstretched. "Give me the crossbow, Rollo. I'll cover the escape."

Without shifting his gaze, Rollo tersely refused. "No, I won't leave you."

Over her shoulder, Garren echoed Rollo's sentiment with concern. "Katalin, you can't mean to..."

Katalin insisted once more, her tone firm. "Rollo, they're after me. If I can hold them long enough, they might not even pursue the rest of you."

Captain Randall interjected with a smile, "A brilliant plan! I wholeheartedly support it!"

"Katalin, I can't..." Rollo protested in a harsh whisper.

But Katalin seemed not to hear him. Her attention was drawn to the flicker of barely seen auras moving in the surrounding woods. Her gaze scanned the trees, narrowing at the shadows between the trunks.

"Well damn..." she muttered at last. "It was a good thought, Rollo, but we've got bigger problems now. More soldiers are lurking beyond this clearing... we're well and truly trapped."

With a determined expression, Rollo took a step toward Sir Randall and demanded, "Captain! Bring out all your hidden men."

Surprise and curiosity flickered across Captain Randall and Sergeant Thomas' faces as their eyes darted toward the motionless tree line. The soldiers nearest to them shifted uneasily, their gazes probing the unnervingly still and silent brush.

Captain Randall maintained his composure, though a hint of skepticism tinged his voice. "You are mistaken," he said, his tone firm but composed. "I have no additional forces hidden in these woods. Surrender yourselves, and we can resolve this peacefully."

Rollo stood firm, his crossbow steady as he aimed it at Captain Randall. "Trust in Katalin's instincts. If she says there's someone in the woods, you can be sure of it. She's blessed with keen senses, thanks to her pointy ears."

Confusion rippled through the soldiers, their baffled expressions echoing Sergeant Thomas' grumbled query, "Come again?" All eyes turned to Rollo and then to Katalin, who stood beside him, her expression softening with a sad fondness for Rollo.

"Idiot," Katalin muttered under her breath, her words heavy with a mixture of affection and exasperation.

Captain Randall composed himself, attempting to maintain an air of authority. "Very well. Percival, it's time to be of some use. Investigate whether we may have, err, overlooked reinforcements in the woods."

The hapless Percival let out a nervous squeaked. "M-me, sir?"

"Indeed, you," Captain Randall confirmed with a hint of impatience.

Sergeant Thomas then barked at the remaining soldiers, "The rest of you, form an orderly wall! Spears at the ready."

Percival started to shuffled reluctantly toward the tree line before immediately tripping over the pile of shackles still laying at his feet. With a yelp, he found himself jerked upright by the collar as Sergeant Thomas stormed over.

"Forward march, fool!" the sergeant barked, "see to your task!" One last disciplinary kick assisted Percival's progress towards the ominous tree line.

Stepping into the forest and taking a deep breath, Percival raised a timid, quavering voice: "Hullo? Is anyone...out there?"

As Percival shuffled deeper into the darkened wood, his timid greetings became lost in the oppressive silence of the forest, the two groups watched with growing unease.

Abruptly, Katalin gasped. Amidst the swirling snow and the distance, she had been uncertain, but now she distinctly perceived multiple large auras moving with unnatural speed through the trees, converging toward Percival's dimmer aura.

"Pull him back, quickly! Get him out of there!" she urgently warned, her voice tinged with fear.

Captain Randall and Sergeant Thomas shared a tense glance, their expressions mirroring the mixture of confusion and alarm evident on the faces of the soldiers. The urgency in Katalin's voice was palpable, sending a surge of adrenaline through them as they grasped the gravity of the unfolding situation.

A panicked scream shattered the eerie silence, followed by vicious snarls and growls that echoed through the snow-laden forest. Through the swirling snow and dense trees, Katalin strained to see Percival's aura darting to the right, heading directly into the path of another predator closing in on him from that side. The auras collided in a chaotic whirlwind of frenzied motion. Enraged sounds filled the air, punctuated by a sharp, pain-filled yelp that intensified the tension in the group.

Moments later, Percival burst out from the trees to their right, terror etched across his features. Hot on his heels was an immense white wolf, its slavering jaws snapping madly as it pursued the fleeing soldier, a bloody gash marring its shoulder.

Before anyone could react, another wolf hurtled from the tree line behind Percival and to his right, barreling directly into his path. The impact sent Percival crashing down face-first into the snow, while the original pursuing wolf leapt clear to avoid the collision.

The soldier nearest to Percival futilely hurled his spear toward the first wolf, but his panicked throw went wide. Amidst the chaos, Sergeant Thomas's shocked warning pierced the air, drawing Katalin's attention to swiftly approaching figures emerging from the veiling snow.

The group spun back, their movements frantic, as at least six more of the giant wolves flooded silently from the trees ahead and to their left flank. The soldier who had thrown his spear fumbled for his sword but was knocked over by one beast racing ahead of the pack. As his attacker continued on, a following wolf leaped onto the prone soldier to violently clamp down on his arm and shoulder, a spray of crimson staining the pristine white snow.

A nearby spearman desperately tried stabbing the wolf but it nimbly released its mauled prey and dodged clear before racing off. In the chaos Wulfgar and Garren both pressed themselves closer to the remaining spear wall, pulling Sally nearer its center.

The injured wolf that had initially chased Percival from the woods spun around and pounced on him before he could regain his footing. With a fierce growl, it clamped its jaws over one of the soldier's feet, dragging the helpless Percival back toward the tree line. Percival's screams pierced the air as he thrashed in sheer panic, his hands clawing desperately at the snow and rocks for anything to halt his grim slide.

Katalin had been slowly drifting, almost unconsciously, in the direction she saw Percival heading while she observed his aura. When he burst from the trees, she immediately sprang into action, running toward him. By the time the second wolf knocked Percival from his feet, she was already closing the distance and when the first wolf returned to clamp onto his foot she was almost there. With her war hammer at the ready and her muscles tensed for the impending clash, Katalin's heart pounded in her chest as she reached the flailing soldier. As she closed in, she saw the wolf's aura with a strong red glow around its head, and with a final step to close the gap, she swung for the beast's head. But at the last moment, it released its grip on Percival and leaped back, evading Katalin's weapon with surprising agility.

Percival scrambled to his feet and limped urgently toward the spear wall, leaving a spotted trail of blood in the snow from his mauled foot.

Quickly looking around for the second wolf, Katalin saw it angling to savagely hamstring Percival's retreat from behind. In her mind's eye flashed a vision of her hammer crushing down on the beast as it chased Percival. The animal's aura revealed its whole back pulsing with a deep, throbbing crimson.

Trusting her ability, Katalin spun and powered her war hammer through a high arc as the wolf darted past on Percival's heels. Guided unerringly by both the ghostly image and the wolf's flashing aura, she struck true, catching the wolf right between the shoulders at the base of the neck. Her crushing blow splintered bone and drove the beast straight down snout-first, its hindquarters whiplashing up and over from the momentum to leave the wolf twitching and tumbling before falling still.

Regaining her feet after crushing the wolf's spine, Katalin swept her gaze across the chaotic melee unfolding before her. The orderly spear line had shattered entirely beneath darting, snarling beasts tearing at the soldiers from all sides - she spotted Sergeant Thomas collapsed next to another mangled man. One giant canine lay unnaturally still, a crossbow bolt jutting from its shoulder amidst multiple slash wounds. Another limped urgently away, dragging itself using just its forelimbs, its hindquarters ruined by vicious blows.

She glimpsed Captain Randall pursuing that one, his face alight with wild zeal as he hacked his ornate longsword down again and again. Near the broken spear wall, stalwart Garren stood protectively, shielding Sally tightly against his chest as he scanned the chaos. Flanking them were Rollo, armed with a spear, and Wulfgar, his axe dripping blood and gleaming in the dim light as he stood ready to defend.

As Katalin's gaze swept over the chaos, it settled on Dover, still dazed and bleeding from his injuries. A sprinting wolf bore down on him, its maw open wide in anticipation of the kill. Yet, to her surprise, the wolf skidded to a halt before him, briefly sniffing his form before licking the man's bleeding shoulder and bounding off in search of more prey.

As Katalin raced toward her companions, she saw Wulfgar's gaze lock onto her. Determination blazed in his eyes as he began to take a step in her direction, but with his focus on Katalin he did not see the wolf charging in from his side. Katalin tried to scream a warning, her voice was drowned out by the clamor of battle.

A blur of white fur crashed into Wulfgar from his right, knocking him off his feet. The wolf clamped violently onto Wulfgar's lower leg, its razor-sharp fangs tearing into flesh as it savagely thrashed back and forth. Blood sprayed the pristine snow, staining it crimson amidst sickening cracks that pierced the air, drowning even Wulfgar's agonized scream.

With sheer determination, Wulfgar managed one wild sideways swing of his axe into his attacker's ribs. The blow landed with a sickening thud, but for a moment, his weapon lodged into the beast's side and was ripped from his weakened grasp.

As Katalin rushed toward her companions, her path was abruptly cut off by another wolf, its head held low and growling menacingly. Whether guided by her gifts or by instinct, Katalin turned to her left just in time to see yet another wolf charging at her from that side. With swift reflexes, she raised her shield, ready to defend herself.

Seeing its attack thwarted, the wolf turned and bolted away, closely followed by the one that had blocked her path moments before. Turning her attention back to her friends, Katalin witnessed Rollo driving away the beast that had taken down Wulfgar with a well-placed jab from his spear. The wolf released Wulfgar with a wounded whimper before limping rapidly away.

Katalin spotted another wolf rushing in behind Rollo's turned back. With a surge of panic, she screamed a warning, pointing frantically at the oncoming attack. Rollo spun about, barely managing to level his spear in time to confront the fresh threat.

But before Katalin could even register that small relief, her heart sank as she glimpsed a third wolf barreling straight for Wulfgar's prone form. A wave of dread washed over her as she realized she'd never cover the distance in time. Panic clawed at her chest as she watched helplessly, her mind racing for any possible course of action.

Then impossibly, little Sally wrenched violently free from Garren's grasp and dropped to all fours. Katalin's heart skipped a beat as she watched the girl scrambled desperately across the blood-splattered ground, her small form moving with a determination that seemed to defy reason. With each frantic movement, Sally closed the distance between herself and Wulfgar, placing her fragile body between him and the oncoming threat.

The wolf's merciless bulk hurtled nearer, its snarls reverberating through the air like a death knell. Helpless to intervene, Katalin could only watch as Sally threw back her arms defiantly, her young face a mask of courage and anger...

...And unleashed an ear-piercing shriek that almost stopped Katalin's heart. Incredibly, the sprinting wolf stumbled, slewing away awkwardly, barely missing Sally by inches, before it regained its footing and swiftly retreated.

Inexplicably, the entire wolf pack momentarily retreated several paces, their unified assault evaporating. Katalin watched in astonishment as Sally pivoted to face Rollo's new attacker and unleashed another banshee scream. The wolf flinched violently away with a startled yelp.

With eyes flashing cold resolve, Sally turned to the wolves besetting the tattered soldier line, and every beast immediately moved outward and began circling, almost as if compelled against their will. They paced menacingly at a twenty pace perimeter, driven back by Sally's impossible commands.

Katalin finally reached Wulfgar's side and dropped to her knees, her heart heavy with dread and guilt. As Garren crouched down to join her, Katalin's hands trembled slightly despite her efforts to maintain composure. She couldn't shake the feeling that Wulfgar's devastating injury was her fault - if only she had stayed with her friends instead of rushing to aid Percival...

"I'm so sorry, Wulfgar," Katalin whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she assessed the gruesome wounds. "I should have been here, I should have stayed."

Wulfgar, despite the agony etched on his face, managed a strained smile. "Not your fault," he rasped, his hand firmly grasping hers in reassurance.

Swallowing hard, Katalin squeezed his hand gently before turning her attention back to his mangled leg. Garren acted swiftly, looping a belt above the worst gashes as an impromptu tourniquet while Katalin applied pressure to stem the bleeding.

Around them, the remaining soldiers formed a tense, bewildered circle - including a wide-eyed Percival, his knuckles white as he clutched a spear tightly, his limp noticeable as he made his way over to join the group.

Sally was suddenly kneeling next to her. The same little girl she had rescued from the trapped wagon, only now she was kneeling in a field of blood and snow, bravely trying to help her friends. Katalin felt a surge of gratitude and concern for Sally. She wanted to ask Sally what she had done to the wolves, or if she was alright, but she knew the girl couldn't answer. Instead, she instinctively put one arm around Sally for a quick, reassuring hug before returning her focus to trying to help Wulfgar.

Katalin looked up when the pale sunlight above them was eclipsed by the towering form of Captain Randall striding to stand over them, eyes burning and the cold steel of his sword dripping hot, steaming blood...

Captain Randall stared dispassionately down at Sally's small shaking hands futilely trying to stanch Wulfgar's flowing blood as frightened tears streaked down her face.

Turning to Katalin, Randall bluntly asked: "Do you have any idea what just occurred here, girl?" Before she could shake her head, Wulfgar's gritted voice answered instead through the haze of pain.

"I... I do..." he managed weakly. Katalin peered at him in disbelief. "You do?"

Wulfgar's pain-wracked face managed a small, cryptic smile. "Something...strange..." he whispered with a choking laugh that swiftly twisted into an agonized cough.

Katalin sighed heavily and growled almost in disbelief, "Idiots. I am surrounded by idiots." Shaking her head she turned to Garren, "Can we move him? He desperately needs a healer."

Garren's face was grave as he glanced between encircling wolves and Sir Randall. "Aye, we must get him to town straight away. But the wolves are just circling and we've still to deal with him," he said looking up at Sir Randall.

Randall gave a dismissive wave. "As I've repeated, I have no interest in the three of you. If we make it out of here, you are free to go. All I need is you," he said looking at Katalin. "And him," he said, gesturing at Rollo with his sword.

Rollo suddenly straightened, "Something's happening...the beasts are retreating back to the woods!"

Katalin and Garren stood to watch and Wulfgar tried to sit up. All of the remaining wolves loped back and assemble at the tree line, facing the forest. The pack paced back and forth, even the injured wolves, their fur matted with blood, seemed to be dancing from paw to paw, their massive forms bobbing with excited anticipation as if waiting for someone or something.

Captain Randall murmured under his breath. "I rather doubt that bodes well for us..."

"Well damn," Katalin answered grimly, fingers tightening on her hammer as she struggled to pierce the snowy veil for answers. She was momentarily distracted when Dover chose that instant to finally slump limply backward, laying face up watching the falling snow, his rapid breaths making constant puffs of mist above him.

An ominous pall crept over the scene...