The Hour of The Wolves

Chapter XXI. (Liam)

Liam was training whit the men when the door of the training room burst open and Luca rushed in. He had several injuries and he was trembling from shock. He rushed to Liam and grabbed is hands spilling blood all over him.

“You must save them kid.” He whispered as he collapsed in Liam’s arms.” The caught both Carla and Lissa. They are kept in the dungeons under the cathedral  I managed to escape when the tried to transport me somewhere else. Please, Liam you must save them, they were talking about using them as sacrifices in the final ceremony tomorrow.” He grasped Liam’s forearm with incredible strength. “ Promise me.” He begged.

“I do Luca, I will save them or die trying.” The young Fenris promised. He could see the relief on Luca’s face. The old man’s grip weakened, and he eyes closed as his hearth beat it’s last.

“I promise. I promise. I promise.” Repeated Liam many times looking at his dear friend as his tears washed of the blood rom Luca’s face. He looked up to his men.

“Let prepare to move out. We were given a task what must be done. Comrades look at this old man with more courage and strength than any of us could ever wish for. “ He laid the Luca respectfully on the ground and stood tall. He looked in the eyes of the men and didn’t even tried to hide his tears.

“My dear friends! The Time has come to make a difference. We were waiting in the shadows. Bearing the injustice and cruelty what was done to us and our family. I say no more. I had enough of seeing my dear friend die one by one. I had enough of holding back my anger, when I saw a young child getting beaten, because his father is late with the taxes. I had enough of letting the priest do whatever hey want.” While he spoke, his tears were dried up by the flames of just fury and the soldiers were listening in solemn silence. The same hatred burnt in their heart and made their blood boil.

“We all know what’s happing between those walls. Friends kill each other because of the uncontrollable bloodlust ignited by the masks they were made to wear by the priest. Fathers killing their own children. And the ones who don’t want to take part in it? We saw the fires. we heard the screams. “ Liam took a long pause and looked into the eyes of his men as the murmured in agreement.

“I tell you those who do nothing and just watch as the horrible things happen are guilt as much as those who are doing them. I know we all fear death, but I would rather die today fighting for what’s right than never be able took in a mirror for the rest of my life. I will leave to the city in an hour. I don’t judge those who wish to stay. And those who join? Brothers we will be celebrating by the sun rises tomorrow, either in this life or in the halls of our ancestors.”

Liam left a roam without another word. As he walked trough his men, he felt hands reaching his shoulder for an encouraging grip and they said.

“I’ll sand with you Liam!”

“Hurray for the young wolf! Hurray for our Lord Fenris!”

When he finally reached his room, he locked the door and collapsed on the bed. Tears of sorrow and worry just erupted from him in a quiet sob.

“Am I right Fen? Can I lead them to victory?” He asked turning to Fenrisúlfr, who appeared next to him and started to lick his face whit his warm tongue.

“So, I am to be called Fen from now on ?” He asked mockingly, then turned to a more serious tone. “You know before each battle Jhonas shared similar doubts with me. Just imagine, he was the commander of the imperial army. More than a million men who would die for him, because they knew he was the best general they could get. Yet, he was doubting every decision he made, every plan he had before the night of the fight. “ Some melancholy sneaked into his voice as he spoke about his old friend.

“You are actually nice Fen.” Smiled Liam at him, his tears dried up. “I would be honored if you would accept me as your friend.”

“Hah! Young pup wants to  befriend me.” Smirked he wolf. “ I must have grown senile, but I would like that.”

“But I must ask you something Fen. How come those priests say they got their power from you? How can you help them ? “

Anger, sorrow, and shame were mixed into the answer.

“ Your family is the protector of my tombstone. It contains most of my power, when I don’t have a bond with anyone from the Fenris bloodline.”

“So, that power is in me now?” Asked Liam relived.

“Sadly, no. To truly finish our bond, the pact must be made through the tomb stone. As we are now, I can give you some of my power, but far from all. Also, we have no way to stop that craziness on your streets.”

“ Thus, we must get to the stone.”

“Yes. I can see through it, so I know that it’s in the cathedral so they can use I from time to time, but I don’t know the place so I don’t now it’s exact location. “

“If we finish the ritual, can we take away the power of the masks? “ Asked Liam.

“Yes, if we finish it , then we will have full control of my powers.”

“Then we have a plan my friend.” Smiled the young lord up to Fen. “I will try to take a nap before heading out.”

“Hmmm… It’s a good idea. “ Hummed the wolf and he curled up next to the young man and they both fall asleep.