Werewolf

Chapter 17

Klara gulped and Randolf knew her fears were rising as well as his own. He stood up and turned so that she was behind him as he demanded what the woman wanted. Knowing she’d better be prepared, Klara grabbed her knife from under her skirt and held it behind her back.

“The Forest Council has requested your attendance immediately.” She said in a toneless voice. Klara looked up at him and saw his eyes narrow. “This has nothing to do with the girl. Come with me now Randolf, they will grow impatient.”

“Let me take Klara to the Großer Baum, then I will join you, Eseld.” Randolf said, turning to take his beloved.

“No Randolf, we are needed now.” Eseld ordered. Randolf looked back at her with a dark stare. “If she wishes she may attend as well, but mustn’t repeat anything she hears.” She looked at Klara who said,

“I can walk myself to the Großer Baum, Randolf. You can go.” Randolf though shook his head.

“I’m not leaving you alone if I can help it.” He glared at Eseld who smirked slightly in return.

“We’ve wasted enough time, make your decision.” Eseld snapped. Klara glared at her then sighed.

“I might as well go with you then Randolf.” The wolf didn’t like this option either but finally nodded and transformed so that she could get on his back. Eseld led them through the thicket which turned into a tunnel of leaves and branches. Klara ducked low to avoid low hanging plants and to be closer to her wolf. Though she tried to hide it, Klara was afraid to meet this Council. What would they think of her being there?

‘I won’t let them hurt you.’ Randolf whispered gently. Klara smiled gratefully at him and buried her face in his fur. He was such a comfort to her, how could she ever bare to be without him? Light suddenly burst through the tunnel and Klara looked up to see an enormous tree stretching hundreds of feet above their heads. ‘Just keep quiet, and they shouldn’t have a problem with you.’ Randolf advised. Klara took a deep breath then agreed, even as her nerves started to shake her. Randolf looked up at her and gave her his wolfish grin. ‘I’m right here Klara,’ Klara returned a smile but it didn’t hide her fears.

The forest gave way to a large cliff and Eseld led them on through a cave opening. It was terribly dark and Klara clung tighter to Randolf instinctively. The cave then reached a dead end and the Wiccan wondered where they would go from there.

Eseld paused for them a moment then turned to the rock wall and walked straight into it, vanishing. Klara gasped, but didn’t have time to ask before Randolf took his turn. ‘Hold on tight.’ he said. Klara nodded and clutched his fur tighter as they passed through. Light surrounded them then vanished, revealing an immense stone corridor. A few paces in and it opened up to a cave so vast she couldn’t see the end of it. The ground they stood on gave way to a narrow path that led to a free standing slab with six rough rock pillars supporting a stone ring. Stairs led up to the top where six stone seats were waiting for the Council Members.

Klara didn’t feel comfortable nor welcome here and wanted to leave. But right then, a door opened to the right side of the room and people poured in. Klara gasped as she realized they were all different creatures of the forest. A male dwarf and a female wolf followed Eseld up the stairs, none of them paying any attention to Klara or Randolf.

Klara then noticed a female white leopard emerge lastly, and when she looked at her, Klara barely held in a gasp as she met cat-like eyes. The woman grinned softly at her shock, showing fang like teeth.

“Randolf, are they...” she started to ask.

“Yes, they are the other members of the Council. Each is in charge of a region in the Forest from the mountains to the deep caves.” Klara hopped down from his back and Randolf transformed, linking his arm with hers as they mounted the stairs. When they passed over the last step, Klara felt a strange tingling sensation. Looking behind her, golden magic had already started to fade. It must be a protection spell, she thought.

She couldn’t help but look around as Randolf led her to his own seat, only to freeze in petrified fear when her eyes caught one particular wolf, Gerrick.

“Klara! How wonderful to see you, geliebte!” he chuckled.

“Randolf,” she whispered, hating herself when she heard the fear. Randolf stiffened when he saw him, not understanding why the Council had welcomed him but stayed calm.

“He won’t dare hurt you Klara..” Randolf whispered. “...not here.” That didn’t stop Klara from shivering when Gerrick grinned evilly.

“Where is Carina?!” Klara whispered anxiously. “She knows what he did..!”

“I don’t know how he got in, but...”

“Randolf, remind her to keep silent.” the prince ordered, taking his seat at the largest stone chair. Klara flinched, feeling like a child being scolded. Randolf took her hand and squeezed, trying to comfort her.

“Now, we are here to discuss a serious incident. A human has invaded our lands and has taken the Princess hostage.” The Council murmured in shock and rage. Who would dare harm someone as innocent and sweet as Princess Carina? “Bring in the trespasser.” Prince Claus bellowed.

The door opened below, out of sight, and an armed guard led a young woman in. She was shackled hand and foot with her head bowed and her dirty blonde hair covering her face. Klara’s heart started to race and she pleaded to God it was no one she knew. The woman was led to the center of the slab where the chains glowed and sunk into the floor in front of her. She trembled as she peaked up through her hair at the people above her.

“That pathetic creature took the princess? Impossible.” Eseld spat.

“A human,” someone muttered as the room filled with whispers and gasps. The girl flinched as she gazed around in fear. Prince Claus cleared his throat as he stood and said,

“She was found in the Princess’s favorite meadow where she practices her magic.” Prince Claus told the Council. “What have you done with the Princess?” he demanded.

“I…I-I don’t know what you’re ta-alking about…!” The girl sobbed.

“Lies will only make your fate worse. Tell the truth!” he snapped.

“I swear to God, I don’t know!” The girl yelled.

“Hmph! I don’t trust any god a human worships. She’s a danger to our forest ” A dwarf growled as he leaned on his axe.

“Agreed.” the female werewolf chimed in. “Even if she didn’t take the Princess, she knows about us.”

“Then we are all in agreement, there is only one thing we can do.” Prince Claus announced. Randolf held Klara tightly, his face grim as he knew what was to be said. Everyone turned towards him and Klara’s heart skipped over his next words. “She will be executed tomorrow, at sunset.”

“No, you can’t!” Klara screamed, rushing forward as the young woman was taken away, sobbing. Randolf lunged after her, grabbing hold of her tightly.

Klara turned to Randolf and said desperately,

“Do something Randolf! You cannot let them hurt that poor girl!” she pleaded. Randolf looked at her softly and said.

“They are the Council, Klara, it’s already been decided.” Klara shook her head in horror.

“She’s an innocent girl! She doesn’t deserve to be killed!” Klara pleaded. “Please Randolf, persuade him! You’re part of the Council too aren’t you?” Randolf sighed but nodded as he stood up.

“Wait,” Prince Claus looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “There must be some other way. Isn’t execution going too far…?”

“Randolf, we respect you and are grateful you have united us with the werewolves and have protected us. But I refuse to listen to your words when they are influenced by her…” He gestured towards Klara who flushed with embarrassment. Randolf sighed and bowed his head. “Your mind has been clouded by her foolishness, I suggest you learn to control her.”

“Your highness,” Randolf said through his teeth. “I would appreciate it if you would not disrespect Klara.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and she stood strong beside him. The fairy nodded slightly with a grunt.

“Very well Randolf, but do remind her that just because she’s with you, doesn’t mean she has power here.” Klara opened her mouth, ready to speak her mind, but Randolf silenced her with his own glance. She sighed and looked away. “Now, we won’t need to determine anything more tonight but everyone should return here by midday tomorrow to search for Princess Carina.” The Council murmured then everyone dispersed and within minutes the chamber was mostly empty.

Gerrick was last, taking his sweet time to get up, enjoying every moment it made Klara uneasy. “Good to see you again, Klara,” he said in a menacing tone, leaning in close. Randolf grabbed him and pinned him to one of the stone chairs, snarling heavily.

“I don’t know how you managed to worm your way into this Council, but I will see to it that you’re removed immediately.”

“Temper, temper Randolf.” Gerrick mocked. “Claus merely saw that I meant no harm and wanted to aid in the battle against your witch problem.” He glanced at Klara. “Other than your whore, I mean.” Randolf’s fangs extended in anger. “I see why you like her though. I mean, if she wasn’t a witch, I would make her mine instantly.”

“I would never be yours.” Klara gritted.

“Never is such a strong word. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to leave.” Gerrick sighed. Randolf growled but stepped back, pushing Klara behind him. Gerrick stretched, cracking his neck as he said, “Just so you understand Randolf, I am still biding my time for revenge. And you know perfectly well what I would take most great pleasure in…” He licked his canines as he eyed Klara. Though Klara didn’t want to be weak, she shivered and had to turn her head away as her grip on Randolf tightened. The younger wolf watched Gerrick leave, making sure that he was well gone before he relaxed slightly. By then Klara was distraught and he saw it on her face.

“I want to go home.” Klara whimpered.

“Alright, let’s go.” He wrapped his arm around her and escorted her down the stairs. It was a good thing too, when her legs shook and she nearly fell to her knees in shock. “Klara, what is it? What’s wrong?” Randolf asked worriedly.

“They’re going to kill her.” She whispered sadly. “We don’t even know if she was involved with Carina’s disappearance.” Randolf drew her into his embrace, trying to comfort her. “It’s not fair! She’s just a young girl!”

“I know it seems horrid to you Klara, but it has to be done.” Randolf said softly. She looked up at him slowly with dread. “Our people are in danger every day. If she tells the world where we are, then every creature in this forest will perish.”

“But,” Klara started but Randolf hushed her with his finger.

“We’ll talk about this when we get home.” The Wiccan nodded.