WBM
Chapter Eight
Wolf Man
~SV~
Half Moon Bay, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Sidonia’s dream-vision of the Lake Bled Clan’s Warg continues, this happened five hours ago, at sundown.
Dietrich tells the camp, “Trek needs his arm looked at, do not untie him! I do not want anyone in there alone with him either.” Erik adds, “He is wild and likely contagious.” Trina comes to them, asking, “What happened?” Erik fumes, “The Warg Wolf bit Trek, his arm is oozing. He is acting crazy, foaming at the mouth.” Trina says, “I will be the only one to risk examining him.” She touches his forehead, “He has a slight fever.” Trina pulls at the bandage.
Suddenly, she backs away out of the cell, ordering, “Bolt it!” Dietrich asks, “Why?” Eric bolts it, asking, “Now what?” Trina says, “His arm is healed.” Dietrich scoffs, “How?” Eric asks, “What does that mean?” Trina says, “I believe he has turned. We will wait to see if he is a Warg, I fear he has no choice, since a Warg bit him. As the sun goes down, keep an eye on him. He must be guarded every minute, and do not open the door! He might even try to break out.”
Erik groans, “If he tries, we need to kill him before he gets at the clan or runs away.” Saddened, Trina nods, “Yes.” Dietrich asks, “What if he acts fine?” Trina groans, “We will wait for Xiko to decide what Trek’s fate will be. Trek’s only hope is if he wakes and is coherent.” Sara, Trek’s daughter, comes hobbling over in tears. Gasping as Sara looks in, she asks accusingly, “Why did you bind him?” Trina puts an arm around her, “Come, I will explain it.”
~*~
Warlock Camp, Witch-Fights, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
As Crimson watches and waits for the Rambler to get control; Rorik gives another excuse, “Still, my shift is not supposed to happen until tomorrow night.” The Goth laughs, “You must be new, tonight is the first of the three nights of the Full Moon.” The Prince groans, “Oh, I lost track, and my eyesight is off. I thought, since my Rambler’s Amulet has magical properties, they would disqualify me for wearing it.” Crimson gives a cold chuckle, “You should have just asked; instead of risking my life and yours.”
Prince Rorik Tricker grumbles, “Sorry.” Crimson frowns, “Rambler, your shift has stalled; are you shifting back?” Rorik shrugs. Crimson states, “If you cannot keep from shifting, I will help you into the forest and leave you there.” Rorik groans, “Give me a moment. I did not know fighting could cause me to shift. I did not even feel it coming.” The Goth smirks, “I am sure they warned you of drinking too. Did you hear the Master of the Fights?”
Rorik shrugs, Crimson glares, “He gave me permission to kill you! Luckily for you, I chose to help you instead.” Shaking his head, Rorik gasps, looking up, “Why did you help me?” Crimson laughs, “You think all Goths do is kill? That is like me thinking you Hex without any reason.” Rorik shrugs, “Never met a Goth, until now.” Crimson says, “I do not seek other’s blood unless they earn it. I just like to fight. Besides, I do not need your clan hexing me, either.”
With real feeling Rorik says, “Thank you for not killing me. I appreciate you helping me instead.” His breathing is calmer. Finally, his fur is gone, Rorik says, “I am feeling in control, of my Wolf, now.” The Goth supports Rorik walking him to the barrier. The Ringmaster looks him over before letting the dome down.
~*~
Burial Ground, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Lola wakes to her current confinement, knowing it is not right. Gaining control, she tries again to pass through it and fails. A low toned female asks, “Did you see, the vile little Witch Shade is too weak to leave?” A high-pitched girl replies, “Good, make certain she enjoys her time in our Purgatory. Let us see how Lola likes the tortures of the trapped!” Their claws tear at her, draining her essence. Weak, she cannot escape them nor fight back.
Frightened, Lola screams out, “Kolo!” No one answers. However, a new clarity comes, and with it is the horror that she is possibly imprisoned in Hell or even worse… in Nifl. However, Lola cannot recall being sentenced by either Grandess. The ghosts’ voices stop and the silence seems worse to Lola. Thankfully, the clawing stops as well. Lola calls out, “Kolo, where are you?” It causes a strange sound, helping her to realize just how small the area is.
~*~
Dark Elf Desert Castle, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
When they take a break, Anthony becomes mist and follows Vanna, concerned for her welfare. King Bailey walks near her until he assumes they are out of others’ hearing; he grabs her arm with his boney fingers roughly pulling his wife to a stop. Vanna will not look at him. He scoffs, “You are unwilling to give me my due?” Her eyes now come to his. He gasps at the loathing in them, and tries to convince himself he is misreading her feelings.
Bailey rushes to get his wife to admit, “Clearly, my ploy has worked!” Vanna’s expression is even darker causing his hand to drop away from her. Queen Vanna hisses at him, “Do you have rocks for brains?” Giving her a blank look, his wife harshly questions, “Do you really think our son being imprisoned for a decade, is a win of any kind? Did you even wonder why he changed his mind?” He is shaken, “Well, it is certainly better than death!”
Bailey gets his smug tone back, “Do you not see that it means Haldir has backed down?” Bailey’s superior look returns, as he speaks down to her as though she is a child overreacting, “By taking the death-sentence off the table, it means we can keep working on him, and get Alrod out of doing any time. Trust me, it will all be fine.” Vanna remains unconvinced as she shakes her head, “Nothing about any of this is going to be fine!”
Mimicking his grin, Vanna uses his tone, as if he were dense, “And while I should be willing to tell you, what I know, of why Haldir has changed his mind on killing our son, I will not! It seems unimportant to inform you, husband, of this dark turn of events; since you caused all of this and are not capable of admitting, seeing the danger, nor fixing any of it! You are only making it worse, and are not even humbled. How do you manage to be so clueless?”
Vanna finishes, “How does it feel, to know your partner refuses to tell you of a new plot? I assume you are confused; let me explain. I am acting the way you treat me. I see I was successful, imitating you exactly, as now you look hurt and displeased. It is my turn to not care how you feel. Clearly, I failed, when I intended to marry an honest, respectful mate, with intelligence. I deserve better!” Vanna marches off, leaving him bewildered and afraid.
If it were not so tragic, Anthony might have laughed. He follows her, needing to find out, what she knows.
~*~
Holy Innocents Graveyard, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Fearful, Kolo sobs, “Lola, I had no idea the spell would send you here. Sister, I am hurrying to get you out!” Kolo pleads with his men, “Dig faster. Lola had nightmares after the first time and this will be even more horrid! It must be very terrifying for her! I will never hear the end of it! Hurry!” Finally, their shovels hit the wood of a coffin, and they clear it off. The size of it surprises the men, as they easily stand around it in the larger dark hole.
They dug the grave big enough for a woman-sized casket. Richard looks to the headstone; the date confirms Lola was a child. The Evil One demands, “Well, do not just stand there pry that crappy coffin open!” Raising the lid, they see the bones of a child. Kolo recognizes her rotted light blue clothing, seeing no navy mist, he shouts in disbelief, “Lola? We will punish the Witches when we get back.” The Full Blood Moon casts a wicked glow; it is eerily silent.
Coming closer, Kolo nearly falls in the hole, as the ground gives way. Stumbling back, he calls, “Lola, come to me!” A breeze now whistles in the trees, then it is too quiet. Kolo shouts in a tearful tone, “Lola, is that you, I do not see you?” An owl hoots as it flies towards them. He calls, “Lola, are you here?” A fox cries, it terrifies them all. Fighting his fears, Kolo yells, “Lola where the Nifl are you?” Tad asks, “Where is she?” Kolo glares, “Do you even listen?”
He shouts, “How the Dark should I know?” Richard rereads her headstone and nearly laughs, he decides Kolo and his sister’s last name seem far too pleasant to belong to either of them. Richard nudges Luke, nodding at the headstone. Seeing Luke snickers, “Her name should be… Lola Evil-broom, tortured by Lilith’s Demons, as she does her time in the Dark Realm.” Frowning at the gravestone, it takes a bit for Tad to make out the words, as he mumbles it aloud,
Lola Lightroom
Taken before her time
Mourned by her Mother
She rests with the Angels
645-654
Richard chuckles, “Lola Death-room, deceased but doing her best to torment and haunt us still.” Tad points at the headstone as he asks Kolo, “Are you certain this is her grave?” Kolo hisses, “Yes idiot. Believe it or not, I have known her name for as long as I have known my own. Do you really assume there could be more than one grave with her headstone? I did say, I recognized it.” Kolo is dismayed that Lola is not here and what that means.
He fights back tears, then hears Luke whisper to the others, “Maybe we should find the angels she is resting with.” They snicker. It is enough to stop Kolo’s tears, as he feels tempted to kill them all. Regrettably, he still needs them. Hitting them with his canes, Kolo fumes “You dare mock my sister?” He sneers, “One more word and you will be dead, in that hole, next to her bones!” Luke and Tad are silent; as Richard offers, “Sorry sir. Where do we go next?”
Kolo moans, “There are two other places to look. But I dread… going to the next one!” Richard, Luke, and Tad, look to each other getting a chill, at what sort of place would cause Kolo dread. It gives them a foreboding. Kolo tells Richard, “Take me to the coach. You two can fill the grave.” Richard climbs out, and lifts Kolo carrying him, as Tad and Luke start shoveling the dirt back in. All three are worrying about where their Master will take them. And what he will require of them once they get there.
~*~
Wink comes to Xiko, saying, “We are exhausted, hungry, and vote to go back to camp for the night. We fear for the safety of our families.” Wirf shouts, “We must kill the Warg first!” Wink scoffs, “We have not heard his side yet, or saw that he is a Warg, and do not know that he killed Grigori.” Several of the other men nod in agreement, until Xiko states, “Trina’s vision showed Krist murdering Grigori and that he became a Warg. Do you doubt her? He bit Trek!”
Wirf fumes, “Trek saw the black coming from his eyes! Krist is scum, he cheated on my sister, Mercia. And Trina’s word, is good enough for me!” Ashamed for questioning Trina; it is still hard for them to kill a clansman. Wirf urges, “I sense the Warg is near!” Xiko pats Wirf’s shoulder, “The sun is down. Do not let anger put others and us at risk. We will start again when light.” Reluctant, Wirf looks into the dark shadows, fearing the Warg is listening, and waiting.
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He expects Krist is just looking for an opportunity to kill them. Some of the men do not wait, as they walk off toward their families and camp. Finally, Wirf realizes he does not want to hunt him alone. He nods to Xiko, “Alright. Can we start at first light?” Xiko nods, Wink says bitterly, “Well, one good thing about him taking us in circles, at least we will not have a long walk back to the fire.” Others chuckle in agreement, their amusement irritates Wirf.
Xiko looks up, whispering to Wirf, “It is a Wolf Blood Moon, and a dark omen for us. I sense the Warg Wolf is following us, too.” Nodding, Wirf sighs, “I thought I was just being paranoid.” A short distance from them in the dark shadows, the Warg Wolf is listening to his former clansmen. Krist licks his lips at the idea of causing them more fear and pain, not wanting it to end quickly.
~*~
Grekan continues his nightmare of Skull Island
Grimly, Sidonia’s says, “The Giants fought against their own, to keep the realms freedom. Before that, the island did not have residents, other than the Goths. Some tried to live there and claimed that at night, they heard the ghostly screams of the Giants, still. It scared everyone off Skull Island spreading to all that it is haunted. That is just one of the three tragedies to plague this Island, prior to the war. It fulfilled the prophecy.” Tik scoffs, “What prophecy?”
The Oracle, quotes, “The evil and bloodshed done here will open the first three seals. It is why this island became forbidden to live on, trying to prevent the next two seals from being broken, and the Demon War that it caused, from being fulfilled.”
~*~
Richard walks towards the coach asking, “Master, where are we heading?” Kolo reluctantly says, “I need to see if Lola is where she died.” Richard wants to escape, asking with hope, “We go to Blackstone Castle to look for her there?” Kolo scoffs, “No, her Human death. If I do not find her there, I will torture the location from my witches first. I will be certain, before taking that long of a drive and risk, to see if Lola stayed where the sword ended her.”
An idea comes, the Evil One chuckles darkly, at everyone’s horror, as word spreads. Excited, Kolo says, “I changed my mind! Tell them to bring the coffin; and I prefer the fear it will cause… so they are to leave her grave open.” Smiling, Kolo finally feels more like himself. He confidently adds, “What lovely rumors it will cause.” He muses gleefully, “Such delightful torments for those who deserve to recall her devilish deeds! It shall stir up more terrors.”
Kolo gloats, “For all who should remember.” He giggles, “They will scream, ‘Lola has risen from the grave.’ Imagine their fresh horror!” Kolo’s chuckle, causes Richard to cringe as he turns around. Sinisterly, Kolo says, “They shall back away from her gravesite in dread!” Richard yells, “Stop. Get the casket out.” Tad shouts, “What?” Richard says, “We take the coffin with us, and he says to leave the grave open!” Luke yells, “Are you serious?”
They shiver with horror; until Luke realizes, “It is less work; and we get to leave now!” Tad grins jumping in the grave pushing the coffin up, Luke pulls the casket from the grave. Richard turns to continue carrying his master to the coach. With an evil laugh Kolo explains, “If there ever is a next time, I want Lola’s bloody bones nearby. Where I can get to her quick; without digging, or a painfully long coach ride and walk through a graveyard after midnight!”
~*~
As the red sun sinks behind the mountain’s peak, Trek wakes. Erik tries to talk to him, “How are you feeling?” The old man huffs, then growls, Erik asks, “Can I get you a drink?” Again, Trek only makes growling type sounds, not speaking, as he struggles against his bonds. It worries Erik further. As the Full Blood Moon rises, Trina gasps, “Look, Trek has a yellow mist forming around him; first sign that he is turning.” Trek tosses himself off the bed.
Trek is kneeling, with his arms still bound at his sides. The elderly man fights to stand, making it, he runs at the wall. Trek nearly knocks himself out, falling back to the floor and does it again. Trina yells, “Women and Children, get to the wagons! Men grab your weapons.” Trek’s hair grows, his fingers and arms lengthen. The old man’s ears, grow points, and his eyes become more wolf-like. As Trek snarls; they can see that he has fangs.
Yet, his body has stayed nearly the same. He kicks off his shoes, as his feet grow clawed toenails, and his legs get more muscle. Watching him transform, Erik yells, “Trek is not looking like a regular wolf, or even like Krist. He is staying on two legs, more like a human. The only way I can describe it, is he looks like a ‘Wolf Man’!” Dietrich runs to see, agreeing, he says, “Yip, he is hairier, but it is not like a wolf’s or animal’s fur!”
Trina says, “A Warg bite, and turning on a Full Blood Moon, tis a bad omen! Give me your sword.” Erik pulls his, to go in. Trina puts her hand on the door stopping him, as she states, “I do not want you to be cursed by his death.” Erik dares not let the elderly woman try, saying, “I cannot risk you.” Growling, Trek breaks out of his bindings, he leaps at the door growling at them through the bars. Trina gasps, “Oh demons. It is too dangerous now!”
~*~
Glad’s Property, after 1 AM, 677, 29th, October
Kolo directs Turley to Glad’s property; he is bitter and unsurprised that he has not forgotten his way there. Richard lifts Kolo out, Turley guards the coach, as Kolo says, “Bring the rope.” The men untied it from the coffin they had secured to the roof. Kolo points and directs them to a footpath along the edge of the once large farm. He starts whistling Lola’s Song, in a slow creepy way. Cringing, Luke says, “Odd. It seems like it is abandoned.”
Tad asks, “What happened to the people who lived here?” Angrily, Kolo smirks, “What should happen, when they do not care that children were pushed into their Well, and left there for dead. The Glads, refused to let a search group, on their property. By the time Mum forced her way to us, Lola was dead.” Darkly Kolo smirks, “Mother made certain the Glads were never glad again!” His three men shiver, yet do not dare to ask what she did to them.
Shaking his head, Luke comments, “It is a big property, I am surprised no one bought the place.” When they come into view of what was left of the grand home and out buildings; they gasp. All were burnt, leaving only the shell of the haunted charred structures, enough to know what had been there. Once passed it, they see the bones. Numerous cattle bones litter the pasture; Tad is so stunned that he trips, getting up, he whispers, “This whole place is creepy.”
Richard says, “I would be more surprised if someone did dare to buy it.” Tad nods, “I would not live here, even if someone paid me!” Luke agrees, “The only foliage is off their land. It is more frightening than the grim graveyard!” Richard groans, “I have a bad feeling about this place!” Kolo chuckles, “All believe that Lola still haunts Glad’s Farm.” Tad groans, “I do not blame them.” Luke scoffs, “Fools.” Kolo sneers, “You think so? Speak to the seven.”
Luke asks, “Who are the seven?” Kolo smirks, “The seven families of the children who died, in very dark ways.” Tad’s face goes pale, “Lola killed them?” Kolo nods, “You have met Lola?” Tad gasps, “Yes. I just never suspected she would harm innocent kids.” Kolo smirks, “Did you think she was just born hateful?” Tad shrugs, “I guess I did; I had no reason to think of when and why she died. Nor what caused her anger.” Kolo scoffs, “The seven did!”
The Evil One sneers, “None of the seven little demons were innocent! They sure as the grave earned it, killing her first and nearly killed me too! All because they were jealous of Lola’s new magic! Kolo tells them, “It took Lola a year of haunting them, before she was capable of doing them harm. Lola then killed them, one by one, and even sang her song to them as she did it.” Richard says, “I hesitate to agree, but it sounds like they earned her anger.”
Luke asks, “What is with all the bones?” Tad agrees, “Why did no one save the cattle?” Kolo grins, “Imagine the scent of dead animals. It was Mother’s doings, revenge for Lola’s murder.”
~*~
As the Lake Bled Clansmen arrive in camp the others go to their loved ones, reminding Xiko he is alone. He frowns noticing the camp is empty other than armed men, just then, he sees Trina waving to him. Xiko immediately senses there is a problem and rushes over to see how he can help. Looking in at Trek, he sees he is part man, part wolf, and snarling. Trek has wolf ears, eyes, and claws as he rams into the walls. Erik warns, “It will not hold him for long.”
Xiko groans, “He still has the frame of a man, as if the bite has tainted his Blood Curse.” Trina nods, “I do not know how or why. I have not heard of a Warg transferring his curse on anyone, with a bite.” Eric admits, “Krist is the first Warg I know of.” Xiko nods, “This is my first warg, and wolfman.” Trina sighs, “Maybe it has always been this way, which is why we are told to hunt them.” Xiko goes to Trek’s elderly daughter and kneels before her.
Solemnly he asks, “Sara, I need to put your father out of his misery. I believe he does not want this, nor to be responsible for killing or turning anyone else.” Sara nods, “Please make it as painless as possible.” Xiko offers, “I can use an arrow rather than a sword, if you prefer.” Sara says, “I do, thank you.” Xiko goes to the cell and shoots an arrow through the bars of the door. It is fortunately quick and he manages to hit his mark with his first shot.
His aim hits Trek’s heart, and the Wolfman falls to the ground dead. Xiko bows his head saying goodbye,
In your youth you enjoyed energy.
Adulthood blessed you with love.
When aged you shared your wisdom.
May your life that you lived well,
Bring you much happiness after death.
Suddenly, Xiko looks up to see Trek’s Shade come away from his body. They nod to each other, then Xiko walks back to Trek’s daughter, and says, “It is done. Your father is at peace.” Softly, Sara cries, “Are you sure?” Xiko nods, “I saw his Shade come away from his body. Trek even smiled at me. As he went into his Death Door, I felt he appreciated your choice, of how he died.”
Xiko adds, “Trek is glad it was him and not one of us, who Krist bit.” Sara throws her arms around him and sobs. He holds her, knowing this is always going to be the hardest part of being the leader of any clan. He now goes to Trina. With great sorrow, Xiko enters her wagon to help Trina by removing Grigori’s clothing.
~*~
Grekan’s nightmare of Skull Island continues.
Sidonia whispers, “Druids were the second to make Skull Island their home. Regrettably, hearing of the prophecy they hoped to open the gate and rule the Demons, making them their slaves. This Dark Druid Clan was a breakaway cauldron, uneducated in the need to find a mate outside your group, to avoid inbreeding that causes shorter life spans. They thought it made them stronger. Inbreeding causes birth defects and mental deficiency, they blamed outsiders.”
She adds, “It also caused their powers to be weaker, with each generation. They came up with a Blood Ritual Spell from a book. It allows them to gain the powers of those they sentenced as they put the criminal to death, on a darkly spelled altar. The ruin is there, partially covered in mist. You can see the temple they built on that hill. It is named Dark Rainbow, due to the black stone having a rainbow of colored specks, and the stone temple is built in arches.”
Grekan looks to the west, gasping, “I think I can see it.” The dark princess adds, “The ruins of the temple overlook the Death Arena from the Demon War.” He asks, “You have been to the temple?” The dark girl’s memories give her a grin, “I often played there as a child. From the temple’s ruins, you can see the Harrowing Village, Dread Forest and even some of Dread Passing on a clear day. It is above the Hot Springs down by Shark Teeth Bay.”
~*~
Trina warns Xiko, “This is not a normal Blood Moon, and has a dark and deadly omen to it. I fear these two are not the only deaths we will incur. I noticed even the sun was red today. I did a vision, to learn why. I saw a volcano erupted, throwing ash in the sky, to the southeast of us.” Xiko nodded, “I noticed the night sky was darker than usual.” She sighs, “Yes, it will block the stars as well. I believe the red moon will last for a few nights.”
Xiko asks, “I will post more guards tonight and hope that Kristopher’s death is the only one you sensed.” She nods, “Wise.” He asks her now, “Are you ready for me to prepare Grigori?” He is surprise when she shakes her head, saying, “Wait, please. I will say when.” He stands quietly. Trina whispers words of love to her devoted husband. Xiko steps back to a corner, feeling a bit uncomfortable as she makes it seem like she is taking him to bed.
Trina weeps and kisses him, smiling, “I now undress you for the last time my love.” Her sob chokes out, as she goes on, lovingly, with a hint of vengeance,
“I miss you more than if he had taken,
my right arm that I hugged you with.
If he had cut off my right hand,
that felts so loved, as I was led by yours.
If he had stabbed my right eye,
That cherished seeing you smile at me.
If he had severed my right leg,
which your hand rested on, when you sat beside me.”
Trina kisses him, “I say goodbye my love, thank you for bringing out the best in me, and I love you for it.” Xiko feels tears flowing down his face. Trina sits and says, “Now please help me.” As he lifts him, Xiko is careful not to yank any of his clothing off. His movements are unhurried, and have a somber manner to them, so he is giving his leader, the respect he is due.
Trina brings the bowl of water. Xiko offers, “Shall I wash him for you.” Setting it down, Trina sobs, “No, thank you. This is my way of showing him devotion, touching him this way for the last time. I will not give it to another who cannot share what I will, nor give me this memory later. I still need this last act of being with him.” Xiko asks, “Do you prefer I leave or turn away?” She smiles, “Only if you are uncomfortable.” Trina starts with his face.
She then washes his head and chest. Xiko rolls him so she can wash his back. He is humbled, as he watches Trina prepare her husband, and talks to him of their long and happy life that she is so glad to have shared with him. It impresses Xiko, and he appreciates the opportunity, feeling honored, to see her great love and respect for her husband. She ends with his feet. As she brings his fresh clothing, Trina sighs, “Now, if you will help me?” He comes to sit Grigori up.
He helps as they clothe and dress him in his burial outfit. Too often, Xiko has witnessed a coldness between couples, as they take each other for granted. To see that Trina’s admiration is lasting, touches Xiko more than he expected, and brings moisture to his eyes. As she combs his hair and beard, Xiko realizes this is what he longs for. A lasting love that has him and his wife showing their affection often; also cherishing each other until death.
Even on into their next lives in the other realms.
~WBM~