Werewolf

Despite the fear of not knowing who to trust in the village, Klara enjoyed being left alone for once. She didn’t have to fear Gertrude’s wrath and was able to read freely. Something she hadn’t been allowed to do previously. Still, Klara felt she was in a prison. She’d written letters to Gerone, asking him how he was and confiding that she needed company.

As if fate was reading her mind, the maid knocked on her door and said,

“Herr Gerone to see you, Fraulein.”

“Let him in, please!” Klara replied, not holding back her excitement. Gerone took off his hat and bowed to her like a gentleman.

“Guten morgen, Klara.” He said with a smile. “Would you join me for a walk today?”

Klara giggled. “I would love to.”

“You’ve come a long way since arriving in this town, my dear.” Gerone praised gently as they walked towards outer walls. Klara smiled softly. “I’m glad to see that she hasn’t killed your spirit.”

“If she hadn’t gone away when she did, I believe she would have won.” Klara whispered.

“Well, now that the snake is gone we can start showing the people the real you.” Gerone said confidently. Klara was silent for a moment. “Are you alright Klara?”

“Oh yes! It’s just... you know what I am, yet you have kept me safe from discovery. My own aunt would have condemned me. Why haven’t you?” Gerone squeezed her hand gently.

“All I can say is, you’re more to me than the daughter of a friend. And all I want is for you to be happy and use your magic to help others.”

“But, people fear magic! Even when all we want to do is help!” Klara whispered under her breath.

“Not everyone feels that way my dear. However, there is a reason. The fear comes from an old tale of a beautiful maiden who fell in love with a knight traveling home from the Crusades. He promised her marriage when his assignment was finished and was gone for months. She eventually tracked him down, only to discover him in the arms of another. Enraged, she used Dark Magic and cursed him. By the light of the next full moon, he transformed into a werewolf and slaughtered his lover. He rampaged for years, decimating villages and killing hundreds. Thus, the people fear those with magic, even when it’s good and pure.”

What happened to the wolf? Was he stopped?” Klara asked.

“Some say he’s still alive…” a new voice answered. Klara jumped and clung to Gerone. A man emerged from the thick brush, carrying a large sack on his broad shoulders. He was tall and handsome with long, dark hair pulled back with twine. His eyes were black, but kind. Unlike Gertrude’s cold, silver gaze. He wore simple clothes suitable for hiking through a forest yet her carried himself with pride. He smiled at her as he added, “…and roams this very forest.” Klara gulped nervously. “Sorry, didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“Ah Randolf old friend, glad we ran into you!” Gerone said with a laugh. “I want you to meet someone very dear to me.” Klara held out her hand to him and he took it, leaning in to kiss it. Klara thought for a moment perhaps if he was Gerone’s friend, he wouldn’t hate her for having magic.

“This is Klara, Frau Richter’s niece.” Randolph hesitated for a moment, sizing her up.

“Is something wrong?” Klara demanded.

“... No.” he replied before placing a polite but very quick kiss on her hand, then swiftly dropping it.

“Klara’s mother was a healing Wiccan…and a very dear friend of mine. Klara is nothing like her aunt, Randolf.”

“Gerone!” Klara cried. Her heart pounded in her chest. How could he just blurt out her biggest secret to this stranger?

“Are you a wiccan as well, Fraulein?” Randolf asked. Klara bit her lip and he stifled a groan.

“Please… I-I promise I mean no harm!” Klara whispered as tears filled her eyes.

Seeing her distress, Randolf took her hands in his and said, “Fraulein, don’t worry. I won’t betray your secret.” Klara sighed in relief.

“Thank you,” she sniffled, looking back up at him through her lashes.

He smiled softly, “You should head back to the village. It’ll be dark soon.” He picked up his things and without another word walked away. Klara stared after him for a moment, sensing there was more to this man than he showed.