Werewolf

Ch-23

“Come on pup, we haven’t got all night!” Faelan groaned and trudged forward, following two other wolves on his first hunt. His body ached everywhere, not fully recovered from his transformation. The bit mark was just barely visible now on his lower leg which was miraculous considering a large chunk had been missing.

“Scrawny little pup probably won’t even be able to catch a rabbit.” One of the wolves laughed. The other smacked him over the back of the head, making him yelp.

“The Beta doesn’t want us discouraging the new recruits, remember?”

“The Beta hasn’t been here in months, how is he going to know?” Faelan was barely paying attention. He didn’t want to be out on a hunt, he wanted to go back to his house and get away from everyone. Though the pack was kind and welcoming, the young man didn’t feel like he fit in. He was much quieter than the other males, liked to think through problems rather than lash out when angry. Faelan knew that they saw him as soft and pitiful, and hoped that if he managed to hunt an animal of any kind, they would leave him alone.

“Pup, hurry up!” the leader shouted.

“Yes, sorry.” Faelan bounded forward towards them then stopped, a strange smell catching his attention. He turned his head and sniffed, it was the sweetest smell of honeysuckle and it was getting stronger. Then he heard soft crying and leaves crushing underfoot. Moving towards the sound and smell, he nearly ran into the fairy as she struggled through some brush. She gasped and drew back, falling to the ground in a crumpled heap.

“Are you alright?” Faelan reached forward but she scrambled away, crying out in fear.

“Pup, what are you…?!” The other wolves appeared and that caused the fairy to become even more frightened. “It’s the princess…”

“What is she doing out here?” the other asked. Faelan inched forward, kneeling down slowly so he didn’t frighten her.

“What happened to you, princess?” he asked gently. The princess sobbed.

“T-they…they hurt Klara and Randolf!” she cried.

“Who?” the lead wolf demanded.

“Gertrude and…Gerrick.” She replied softly. The wolves looked at each other in worry. Even Faelan knew about the two enemies of the Forest.

“Where?” the lead wolf barked. The princess flinched. “Where did this happen?!”

“Rafe, you’re frightening her!” Faelan protested. “Can you show us?” Carina pointed in the direction she came from.

“Pup, take the princess to the village. Dolf and I will go investigate.” Rafe started forward.

“She said they’re hurt, I can help.” Faelan argued. Rafe came up to him and stared him down.

“You’re new, so I’ll make this simple and clear. I am in charge. I give the orders. I tell you to take the princess to the village, you will do so.” Faelan glared at his superior, knowing that he should listen.

“It would give him good practice on his abilities, Rafe.” Dolf pressed. “Since he won’t be hunting he should at least get some experience with these kinds of incidents.” Rafe paused for a moment then nodded.

“Fine, but you’re responsible for the princess, pup.” Faelan agreed and offered to aid the princess. She protested initially but the issue was resolved when she suddenly passed out. Faelan carried her gingerly in his arms, afraid of hurting her with his new strength. The trio followed the direction the princess had indicated and sure enough they sensed a disturbance in the Forest as they approached.

They heard screams and yells then felt a blast of energy rush past them. Then silence. Breaking through the final bits of brush, they found Randolf cradling a woman in his arms. Her shoulder was mutilated and bleeding heavily.

“Randolf, what happened?” Rafe asked. Randolf looked at Faelan.

“Help her Faelan!” he begged.