CHAPTER 3: THE FROZEN CAVES
2505 Words
“Great evening to you, young master, you are most welcome.”
Good evening, Adolph.
Zev replied to his butler upon his entrance.
“I see you brought a guest.”
Adolph appeared with a straightforward expression on his face.
“Oh, she is the Rezorian lady from the south of the union border.”
“Oh, your prospective partner, perhaps I should take her inside and let her freshen up.”
“Do whatever you want, ...hold on, is the doctor in.”
“Yes, she arrived several minutes ago.”
“Take her to the doctor first.”
“As you command, young master.”
“Oh, and one more thing: I need you to restock my fragrance collection with the best in the land.”
“As you wish, sir.”
“Oh how I long for a hot bath.”
“My… You're freezing! Let's get you indoors.”
“That sounds nice.”
She shivers vigorously as Adolph aids her.
*****
“Ohh. OK. I see.”
“Scratches on your leg, bruises on your arms, a cut on your forehead, also a light fever and a cold.”
“Well, all of these are minor, so you would be fine.”
“You just need to take the drugs tonight.
If you don't, it's going to hurt a lot more tomorrow.”
“Ohh, thank you doctor.”
“Your accent?”
“Are you by any chance South Rezorian?”
“Oh, yes, of course. I thought you'd never ask.”
She responded with a bright smile on her face.
“I was a physician based in the southern region and seeking to expand my expertise, thus I made the deliberate choice to relocate to the Northern Territory in order to delve into the study of werewolf anatomy and physiology.”
“Aren't you scared of being around these predators since you're not a hunter?”
“Not really. While they can be vicious at times, it is noteworthy that they do hold individuals of my profession in high regard.”
She responded while she carefully put her equipment back into her case.
“Trust me, they are more than vicious. A proper description would be 'overgrown dogs from hell'.”
Rose Marie replied with a slight frown on her face.
“You're quite amusing.”
The doctor giggled while displaying a beautiful smile on her face.
“Honestly, I was quite surprised when Captain Zev called me.”
“As I said, I am currently in the process of expanding my knowledge regarding werewolves' healthcare.”
“In contrast, I pride myself on being considered the top and most highly sought-after physician in North Korea for human hunters.”
“So he actually spared no expense when he called me specifically for you.”
“He did?”
Her brows were raised in surprise.
“Indeed, he did. Although we and the werewolves tend to be considered natural sworn enemies, I suggest maintaining an open-minded perspective.”
“Zev may come across as obtuse, but in reality, he is a benevolent individual who may not realize it himself.”
“Ohh is he?”
Her response was given in a sarcastic manner.
“I don't think so either.”
“Just give him a chance.”
The doctor chuckled, followed by a faint giggle.
“You sound a lot like my best friend.”
“She sounds intelligent.”
A subtle knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
“Good evening, milady, your hot bath is ready.”
The housemaid waded in.
“Ohh, it seems I will be taking my leave.”
“Just think about it.”
“I'm not making any promises.”
“Good night lady Rosemarie.”
“Good night, wait! I didn't get your name.”
“Oh, it's Lydia. Doctor Lydia.”
“OK good night, doctor Lydia.”
“Kind hearted, huh?”
She stares at the ceiling as she takes a bath.
“Why would I believe he is?”
“The i***t dumped me and left me to freeze in the cold.”
“Before that, he did give me his coat.”
“Yes, the one with a choking smell that almost killed me.”
“ I am feeling quite angry and frustrated. I feel the urge to punch his stupid face.”
“Come to think of it, I haven't seen his stupid face.”
“Well, he's probably ugly or average at best.”
“That wouldn't stop me from landing an uppercut.”
“Wow, the water is really soothing.”
****
“Lady Rosemarie, your dinner is ready.”
Rosemarie sat in the dining hall, struggling to keep herself awake.
“Oh wow I didn't see you there.”
She was startled by the maid's voice.
“Dinner, wow that's a lot.”
“Well, you embarked on a long, harsh journey, so I suppose you were famished.”
“You're definitely not wrong, but I still can't eat all of this. Well, I wouldn't like to stress you out.”
“I will eat what I can.”
“You can do whatever you want with the leftovers.”
“OK, you can surely do that, lady Rosemarie.”
“Thank you, Mrs…”
“Magdalene, Mrs Magdalene.”
“Sure, Mrs. Magdalene, do you mind having a seat? I feel uncomfortable seeing you stand there.”
“I know you must be tired too.”
“Don't worry about it, I insist.”
“Well, if my standing displeases you, I could take a seat, Lady Rosemarie.”
“Please just call me Rose.
“It's short and saves more time.”
“OK, lady Rose”
“Sigh, OK.”
“Wow, it's so delicious! Care to join?”
“Thank you, but I'm already stuffed myself.”
Mrs Magdalene rejected her offer, with a sincere smile on her face.
“Oh that's a shame.”
“Wow! I never thought you would be such a well-mannered and meek young lady.”
“Well-mannered? I'm more of a roughhousing intrepid child, but I admit I can be calm when I want to.”
“To be honest, I'm just tired and stressed of being around men who tried to kidnap me or the ones who left me to freeze to death.”
“It's just nice being around ladies again.”
“Oh, I understand.”
“Speaking about ladies”
“You know I can see you little girl.”
The young girl, peeping through the door gap, gestures towards herself in order to confirm if she heard accurately.
“Yes, you, come in.”
“Oh my, you're so cute.”
I like your hair, lady, but how did you make it red?
“Ah, thank you, little one! That's just how I was born!”
“May I ask what your name is, young lady?”
“I'm Tala!”
“Nice to meet you, Tala! I'm Rosemarie.”
“It's nice to meet you, Miss Rosemarie.”
Tala's lips curved into a crescent moon, revealing a row of pearl-white teeth.
“Aww… you're so adorable.”
A contagious giggle escaped Rosemarie's lips, followed by a heart-warming grin.
“Would you care to join me?”
“Lady Rose Tala had already had her dinner.”
Mrs Magdalene voiced out.
“Well, she seems hungry.”
“Don't worry, fill up your belly, Tala.”
“Mrs. Magdalene is just sore because I have a new partner willing to join me.”
“Oh no! I promise that's not the case.
“I just don't want her to become a glutton.”
“I'm doing her a favor honestly.”
“No need to worry she's still a child, it's only natural for her to eat that way.”
“Sigh! You have no idea, Lady Rose.”
I'm sure you will come to understand what I mean sooner or later.
Tala smiles as she continues to munch her food.
****
She looks at the window as she lays down on her bed
“Mother, I haven't even spent a day here, and I'm already missing you, you too, Ashley.
“Good morning, Adolph.”
Zev greets Adolph as he makes his way towards the stable.
“Great morning, young master.”
“ It appears that you are departing earlier than your typical schedule. .”
“Yes, Adolph, I have unfinished business at the guardhouse.”
His brow knit in a furrow and his gaze shifted downward momentarily.
“Safe return, young master.”
Rosemarie watches him from her window as he rides out of the manor.
****
Upon the doors being opened, a loud bang reverberated. Zev entered the guardhouse, prompting the northern guards in the vicinity to salute him.
“Good morning sir.”
The salutations of the sentinels resounded in the hall.
“Good morning, everyone.”
Zev responded as he walked towards his office in haste.
“Morning, good morning captain zev.”
“I had a feeling you would be here earlier this morning.”
His lieutenant attempted to keep up with his pace while engaging in conversation with him.
“ I'm also guessing it's concerning yesterday's pursuit.”
“No need to worry about it.”
“I have already selected and gathered some guards to resume the search in that proximity.”
“ I was anticipating your final directive, Captain.”
“No.”
Zev replied with a stern look on his face.
“I don't understand.”
“If you don't want us to search, we could put a bounty on their alpha's head.”
A quizzical look crossed his lieutenant's face as he tried to comprehend his captain's response.
“Lieutenant Dib, tell me the status of our crime rate in the past 12 months.”
“The first province is 45 percent below average.”
“The second province is 25 percent below average.”
“The third province is 15 percent below average.”
“The fourth province is 20 percent below average, sir.”
His lieutenant responded, still confused as to why his captain was asking all these questions.
“Now tell me…”
“What is the status of the fourth province in the past three months, Lieutenant Dib?”
“The crime rate of the fourth province is now 20 percent above average, while the rest are below average.”
“Tell me… in which province the largest terrorist organization in North Rezora is located?”
“Wait a minute! You mean the rogue rebellion. Rumor has it that they dwell in the mountains in the fourth province.”
“It's just a rumor, there's no clarification sir.”
“Can you place the pieces in the puzzle now?”
He reaches for his key while he converses with his lieutenant.
“The possibility exists that the rebellion is connected to the rise in bandit activity.”
“The rebellion has only shown interest in smaller towns located outside the border.”
The door opens, and he steps in with his captain.
“My intuition never fails me, but this time I wish it would.”
Zev paused as he stared aimlessly at his desk.
How many guards were selected for the search?
“12 guards were selected sir”
“Make that 30 guards, we're heading to the mountains.”
“Yes sir!”
32 North-Rezorian guards journeyed Deep into the frosty mountains of the 4th province.
The tempestuous gale blew from the mountain maw, a white snow that swallowed everything in its path.
Even with the might of the deadly terrain, the Northern guards showed unwavering spirits.
The guards used their wolf shifter prowess to generate enough heat to withstand the harsh weather.
“Captain! Captain!”
“What! Lieutenant, you know I'm not deaf, so quiet your yelling.”
“It's really annoying.”
Zev struck a frown as he turned his back to reply to his lieutenant.
“Oh, my apologies.”
“I thought you couldn't hear me, with all this wind gust.”
“I just wanted to know why you chose to follow us?”
“You know all you have to do is give the command, and I will handle it for you.”
“I don't understand why you would want to put yourself through all this.”
“I know you're a captain, but you're still a Rikiwulf; your life is precious to our nation.”
“Oh, I see. Is your life not precious?
“Tell me.”
“Huh! I don't know, maybe I guess.”
The lieutenant stuttered as he tried to answer.
“All life is precious, Lieutenant.”
“Status pertains solely to those who are alive.”
“Zev approached
Him closely and playfully tapped his head with the edges of his palm.”
“You're my captain and a Rikiwulf. I would gladly lay down my life for you.”
“That's the reason why I'm here to prevent any of that from happening.”
Facing towards the mountains, he brushed the snow off his shoulders.
“As you said, I am your captain. I am solely responsible for anything that happens to my subordinate under my supervision.”
“Furthermore, I can reassure myself that my people are safe and the unjust do not go unpunished.”
“Oh… I understand now.”
“Being confined and just giving commands in the guardhouse is not an enjoyable experience. I thrive on thrills and action.”
“Sir, I believe that your last statement is the sincerest one.”
Hush, hush, Shut up, lieutenant.
“We are here, The frozen caves beneath the mountains.”
The cave was a cathedral of ice, its spires and arches glittering with an otherworldly light.
The ground was treacherous, each step a gamble, but within the refracted lights there were shadows.
“Moving forward in order to cover a larger area, we shall divide into teams of two: the alpha pack consisting of 15 guards with myself, and the beta pack consisting of 15 guards with the lieutenant.”
“The signal is a single howl for an emergency; make it loud.”
“We will rendezvous here after the Search.”
“Now move out!”
“Yes sir!”
They all responded in sync as they marched out.
Moments into the search, the alpha pack stumbled upon the darkest part of the frozen caves.
“What was that sound?
The echo of a liquid droplet descending into a puddle surrounding the cave is accompanied by a faint growl that seems to grow louder the further they ventured.
“Captain, we are not the only ones here.”
From a distance, they could see a thousand red glowing eyes filled with bloodlust, growling.
“ Just as I expected, curse my intuition."
"the signal, howl right now!.”
- Writer
