The Hour of The Wolves

Chapter VIII (Theodore)

The Shadowfang castle was the home of the Fenris family for centuries. It was gigantic castle built from black stone and was placed above Grimwalden so the ruler can always see his citizen form his window. To get there one should go through the cathedral square. The cathedral of Grimwalden was an enormous gothic style church. The priests used the follow the God of Light the creator which was a heritage from the old empire. In the past ten years thought the sect of Fenrisúlfr took over even the cathedral. There was a gossip on the street that they are abducting and torturing people and want to kill all the heretics thought they didn’t make any move yet. From the cathedral a wide road went up to the castle and ran in the main gate. The four riders under the walls patiently waited for the gate to open up. The old chains cracked, and the heavy bars started to lift. From the courtyard five armored guard with wolf masks hiding their faces come towards them.

“Halt! State your names and our business! “ Their leader yelled.

“Calm down sergeant. I am Lord Marshal Theodore Belionth commander of all armed forces in Grimwalden and I came to report my findings to my liege.” Answered one of the riders in firm voice.

“Sorry Sir! I didn’t recognize you because of your cape.” Lied the guard, with obvious disrespect, but gave no room to Theodore to call upon it. “You should go to the Lord immediately. I will take care of your men and the horses.”

Theodore didn’t like the fact he got stripped from his guards, but he could do nothing about it, while he got off the horse, he signaled to his men in the secret sign language  of their house.

“Don’t act hastily but get ready to fight if I am not back in an hour.”

He saw his men nod as they led the horses away. The corridors were empty as walked straight to Orthen Fenris’ office. The door was slightly ajar and sounds of discussion came out. Theodore politely stopped next to the door and waited for the other to leave.

“The followers were able to make all the mask lord. We are ready for the festive events.” He could recognize the voice of bishop Alexander. “It will be such a gracious week, we will be able to cleanse this city from the scourge of the false god.”

“Yes, indeed my friend. All shall follow the call of Fenrisúlfr for the hunt or they shall be hunted. “Stated the lord of the county. When Theodore heard that he couldn’t help but barged into the room.

“What do you mean by this stupid purging idea Orthen? Your people are already suffering, you want to make them kill each other too? “

“Oh, Theodore, my friend! You are already here? I can’t wait to tell you my vision. The great wolf came to me and ordered that I should held a festive week where everybody can turn into a hunter who wants to be, and the rest will be the hunted. Let the finest survive and we will have a better country with stronger people to flourish. It would solve our food problems, the unemployment. It’s just the perfect, not the only solution. “ Said the lord with feverish sparks in his eyes.

“Are you gone crazy friend? “ Theodore couldn’t believe his ears. “You will kill thousands who you supposed to protect.  Endrolin was right it’s too late for you. You want to put this county in totally chaos! “ He even told Orthen about the return of his son, but though better. The master was right I shouldn’t help this lunatic anymore.

“It’s a pity Theo, that you can’t see how incredible my plan is.” Said Lord Fenris with a head shake.” It truly is a pity as I shall depart you then.”

“What? You want to kill me?” He asked with disbelief .”You will just kill everybody who don’t agree with you? That’s crazy.”

“Those who are not with me are against me! I am said you chose this road too old comrade.” He looked past Theodore. “ Good. You are here. Please restrain this man while we are talking then take him to the dungeons under the cathedral. He will make a good sacrifice in the ritual.” Theodore felt a hit on his head and the room gone dark.

He woke up laying on the ground with an unbearable headache and tied up. He only could see the boots of the people in the room, but he recognized Orthen Fenris as one of the men. “I am still in the castle then.” Theodore decided.

“It’s a good catch my lord. I was about to advise you that we should get the whole family as they knew I killed someone at the merchant’s square.” Said an unfamiliar voice. “I have already arranged the disposal of the household and the daughter. We only have the father to kill and we are done. “

“I had not allowed this Vesphar. I said you should consult me about these things. “ Said Orthen with anger.

“Oh no. My daughter will die because I have failed.” Thought Theodore with a shock of terror and tried to break the ropes restraining him.

“Well, well. What we have here ? This one has a really thick skull, doesn’t he? “ Said the stranger as he knelt next to the prisoner. His face was covered by a porcelain mask and Theodore now could see his expensive styled clothes too. The report of his daughter came to his mind and true terror struck him as he thought about what could have happened to her. The man turned back to Fenris.

“I think you forget that I don’t follow your orders , just giving you a hand.” Told him in a chilly voice. “I will take care of your little mistake here and bring him to the dungeons. Let us finish this for today as the sun is almost set and I need to meet a friend of mine. “ He walked to the door and made a weird motion whit his hand as he left. The shadows in the room gathered around Theodore and enveloped him. He room disappeared and he lost his consciousness.