Part 2

 

The pack left the clearing as the moon began it’s decent with supplies strapped to their backs. The travel wasn’t as bad for Hyacinth this time as she trotted after the others, moonlight glinting off fur. She carried sacks of food, fruit and vegetables by the smell of it. The trip would take them two days since they had to cross into Irren to keep other packs from catching their scent as they traveled.

Crossing the Knallie the next day, this time among the pack instead of as an angry captive, was disorienting. The earthy smell sent her reeling back to when she was a girl, swimming with her siblings, then teaching her children how to swim. Then watching her children teach their children. Her daughter in law hadn’t ever joined the fun, she was a woman of the chamber. Her granddaughters were the same, all parlors and pretty things, except for Grenowin. It seemed like Grenowin was the only one who shared Hyacinth’s blood.

Hyacinth grinned thinking of when Leon had kidnapped her and Grenowin hadn’t gone easily. She’d probably armed herself as soon as the guards had her back in the cottage.

Thinking of the generations now living in that castle caused doubt to grow in her heart. Was she really ready to live longer? She felt guilty for her new life. Hadn’t she lived hers?

Swimming with her children lingered in her mind a while. In her mind she smiled as her two sons, as youngsters with big round eyes and chubby cheeks splashed on the bank. And her stubborn and adorable daughter off on her own, always off on her own, tried to catch fish with some yarn.

Her heart seemed to miss a beat as sadness gripped her. What would she do with another hundred years if she wasn’t among her family?

The pack followed the stream, the cool near the water staving off the heat of the plains.

A howl, sharp and quick, had her looking for cover before she even realized she’d heard Jeclin say Hide. There wasn’t much to hide in on the Irren side so they ran for the next sparse copse of trees that hugged the river. The trees leaned towards Adelli as if wishing to join the lush forest on the other side. Panic spread through the pack as they all hide as best they could.

Leon carefully made his way over to lay beside where Hyacinth was belly down under a tangled bush.

What is it?

A Dragon.

What? He had mentioned them before. Didn’t they hunt Trolls? The sky was clear except for some distant heavy clouds to the south. No, she saw it now. A shape just over the foothills to the north east. It banked along the tops of the trees. It looked large and dark until it broke out over the Knallie and the sun reflected off the water on to the beast. It burst into shades of red and orange, like fire so bright she yipped and looked away. The beast was on fire.

It’s moving closer Someone muttered.

Hyacinth looked back to put a face to that voice. She was nearly sure it was Anna.

They all watched the dragon bank left and right lazily as it followed the river. If Hyacinth didn’t know better, the dragon was looking for lunch.

Hunting?

Yes. Leon and Charles said at the same time. Hyacinth saw them exchange looks. Her wolf mind sensed the slight challenge but the whole thing seemed to be over before it began as both men turned back to watch the dragon once more.

No one said anything else about the giant reptile headed their way which left Hyacinth to worry. Was there no plan of attack if it decided they were dinner? What could they do against a giant lying monster? It’s bright color, as it got closer wasn’t fire as she’d first imagined, just highly reflective skin. Could it shoot fire though? Hadn’t she heard that in nursery tales?

Four hundred feet off it made a quick circle, Hyacinth was sure she could see one of its black eyes, then darted off in the direction it’d come. How could a giant creature fly so quickly?

When it was completely out of sight, the pack stood, readjusted the things they carried, and continued along.

That was a dragon. She told Leon. Why wasn’t anyone else worried?

He nodded. It was.

What was it doing?

Looking for us.

She rounded on him Looking for us? How can you know… It hadn’t acted like it spotted them but when it had gotten close, it flew off.

Why?

That is a very good question.

Do they...are they...intelligent beasts?

As much as you or I.

How was he not more concerned? Shouldn’t...we worry? What are dragons about? Do they eat humans or werewolves?

A story from one of the old soldiers of the Adellian war came to mind. He’d clutched his mug of beer and stared at the table as he told those around the feast table of the monster they’d happened upon that had killed his whole platoon with him unable to do more than watch, penned under his horse.

Not that I know but they don’t like werewolves to be sure. I’m more curious than anything, they don’t usually come this way.

Why did we hide?

Would you have stayed out in the field and welcomed it?

She let out a low growl. I haven’t lived alongside them in Adelli all my life like some alphas I

know.

You know other alphas?

She bared her teeth.

Alright alright. There are two groups of dragons. One will leave wolves alone and others will attack, not necessarily to kill more to shoo away. I really don’t know much more than that about them. They keep to the east mountains and themselves. I suppose Tuj’s pack would know more about them since they share a border.

Had her son somehow made an alliance with them and sent them to find her? She knew he was welcoming all manner of beast into Irren. It struck her as odd that she wasn’t inclined to call her son an idiot. On that matter anyway.

They slept on the ground that night, bags and supplies beside them. She curled up to Leon and hoped Madeline was safe.

She was sitting beside the teal Knallie the next day, lost again in memories when Madeline returned. Her sister made right for Leon who was speaking to Charles and two others. Setting down her cup, she hurried to join them.

Madeline looked exhausted and was out of breath as she nodded to Leon and Hyacinth and reported, “The spies are dead.”

A groan passed through the camp, someone began to cry. Leon looked stricken.

“And” Madeline took a deep breath and looked at Hyacinth, “Donovin kidnapped the Irren princess. Many from different packs have joined him.

“What?” Hyacinth hissed. She didn’t know the direction of the Brule castle but she intended to find out. She blinked, then met Leon’s eyes.

No.

She couldn’t go flying off, granddaughter or not. Leon needed her. Her husband needed her. She took a deep breath.

All around her the pack assumed their werewolf forms, Leon joining them. They began to howl. A shiver went down her spine, not out of fear. Loss and grief made the notes sink into her heart.

She turned and joined them. Joining in their grieving for the lost ones and grieving for herself and her missing granddaughter. Hyacinth didn’t know how much time had passed when Leon gave a loud bark. Stop.

Her turned human, tears in his eyes. “We must move on. The Irren’s have heard and will be on our heels soon if we don’t.”

The pack gathered their things and as one they set off.

Madeline was exhausted so Hyacinth took her load and stayed next to her for support.

We must travel until we’ve reached the Turtles. Leon told them during the next break. We will not find the rest we need until then.

Was this a retreat? Wasn’t it supposed to be a regrouping? Hyacinth felt the shift in the pack, they didn’t like the words Leon used. Even Hyacinth felt the urge to prey on their leader’s weakness. They were leaving not regrouping even though she’d said herself that they should go until the situation could be safely assessed.

She’d been preoccupied watching that Madeline was alright. Her sister lay beside her asleep even now.

War.

Of course. A princess had been kidnapped and Hyacinth knew her daughter-in-law. The queen would stand for no less than every soldier chopping through Adelli until she was found. Two kidnapped royalty in the span of a few months. She doubted her family thought she’d gone willingly.

Hyacinth got up and trotted to stand beside Leon. War is likely and Irren does not distinguish between packs. Our little pack would be at war on three fronts.

She could feel the pack shift again and she wondered if they considered her their queen. Queen? Hah. Of forty or so exhausted werewolves with no land? She was more of an overseer or grandmother with a large family. She stood still though, sensing the pack considering her, searching her for weakness. She was tired but readied for a challenge. This may not be the right place or time but this concerned an order in those around her that had nothing to do with country-wide events.

“We must return to Brule.” Madeline said, standing straighter at the front of the crowd.

Hyacinth felt the pack focus in, this on she and Madeline. Was her sister challenging her? Here and now? She forced herself not to look to Leon.

He can't help you.

“We have family at Brule. How can we have lights followers run to safety when they are under attack from without and ruled by that coward Donovin?”

it hit hyacinth hard that Madeline had said, “ run to safety”. It was true she wanted safety, though she would never admit it. Wanting a new peaceful life was dictating how she influenced Leon.

Shame on her.

She looked at the worn faces around her, these were warriors. Their hearts called for them to fight not to run. For the thousandth time that month, Hyacinth felt like a coward. She had been a warrior and was now again a queen. This was not how she wanted to rule her new people. Only well-established peace would last. A new focus helped her shed her fear.

“Perhaps you are not fit.” Madeline spat.

Hyacinth gasped. So did a few others. She heard the word “Wolf Moon” whispered among the pack.

“You challenge me.” Hyacinth said angry that Madeline didn't give her the chance to join her side. She had to defend her position.

Hyacinth felt her eyes burn. How could her sister do this? Perhaps all these years apart had made a divide between to wide to be bridged.

“I challenge your weakness.” Madeline said.

Hyacinth searched her sister’s face, heartbroken. Then she pushed her feelings aside, readying herself for battle.

Madeline held her chin high.

Hyacinth felt the exact moment she lost control, like a window snapping open during a storm. Leon said something as hyacinth lunged at Madeline.

Madeline's eyes widened then, she barely dodged Hyacinth’s attack. Madeline was a fraction too slow on recovery and Hyacinth slashed at her with extended claws. Madeline lost balance and fell, at the last second, turning it into a roll.

Hyacinth bit at Madeline's exposed belly as she rolled.

Madeline found her feet and swiped Hyacinth across the muzzle.

Hyacinth didn't recoil, she lunged forward and bit down hard on Madeline’s leg. She wanted Madeline to feel her pain so she began to shake her head and tear a muscle. The silence hit her then and she realized everything looked foggy and distant. Her human mind pushed against her wolf mind.

Pain and tiny lights filled all her senses and the next thing she knew she was looking skyward, up at three wolf faces. She tried to move but the wolves were pinning her down.

Leon human face appeared, he looked concerned. his lips formed words she couldn't hear and she pushed out her captors trying to get at Madeline. Some part of her stared at Leon wanting to know what he was saying. Her body stilled, her human mind told her it was important. She watched him long enough to know he was saying the same thing slowly over and over again.

Vibrations broke through the quiet, she could feel herself being held down hard. Her human mind took over and she change back into a human, terrified. Knowing what she had just done.

The wolves holding her down let go.

“Madeline.” She croaked. What was wrong with her voice?

Here.

Hyacinth’s head whipped around to see Madeline laying on the ground, Ilorn beside her with his healers gear.

The pack looked angry and Hyacinth thought they were mad at her until she realized their anger was directed at Madeline.

“Take it easy love.” Leon said putting his arm around her and helping her stand. He led her over to Madeline, whose leg was ripped up.

Madeline took a deep breath.

Forgive me. Provoking you was foolish.

Eyes hot, Hyacinth shook her head. “No. I'm sorry. I couldn't stop.”

I know. Madeline took another deep breath.

“She'll be fine in a few days. Walking by tomorrow.” Ilorn said before she could ask.

“ We should go back.” Hyacinth quietly.

Leon nodded and looked around at the pack saying loudly, “ I will declare myself alive to Brule pack. We need to end this and protect the ones we love.”

“Irren does not know there are multiple packs or nation.” Hyacinth said. “They will talk through Irren.”

“Why don't we try to meet up with the war force and have you talked to them?” Charles asked.

“ I would if I weren't certain I'd be shot before I could get near enough to speak. My son might have been welcoming of other beings but the army is not. General Tael is a veteran from the Adellian war.”

“We could at least check them.” Azla said, she was one of the cooks, respected nearly as much as Leon or Charles. “See how they move.”

Images from the time Hyacinth had a company to company to clear out a magic infected town came to mind. By the time she arrived the first company had already cleared out the inhabitants. Doors hung on hinges and splintered shutters made the town feel full of darkness. Her group and the Second Hood of the Pagoda set to work purging the place. The Second Hood did so with chants and incense and the soldiers purged with fire. She'd never forgotten that night, it had never sit right with her.

“Perhaps we could warn those along Irrens war path on the way.” She said.

“And if Irren decides to claim Brule?” Charles asked.

The silence as hyacinth considered it was heavy.

“ it's not impossible that they would.” Hyacinth said slowly. “ I don't think that Irren would want to waste resources holding a castle in a magical land, the Adellian War showed us how impossible that was. I can't put anything past my son. He might take the castle in the name of peace for all I know.”

“You handed your kingdom to him?” Leon muttered.

Hyacinth gave him an amused look.

“Even if watching and waiting is all we can do, I'm for it.” Charles said.

The pack voiced their collective agreement.

“We'll take our time and leave in the morning.” Leon said staring distantly.

Hyacinth followed his line of sight to a man and woman weeping in each others arms.

Light help us.

 

Leon and Hyacinth lay together at the edge of the sleeping pack.

“What of the ceremony?” Hyacinth said. It had been on her mind.

“We’ll focus on that when the time comes. Do you feel prepared?”

“Could anyone feel prepared in a holy ritual?” She mumbled.

“Come now. It’s the Light, the Being with only your good at heart.”

What came to mind when she thought of the Light was the Being who watched over everyone, ready to strike when they stepped out of line. She’d heard homilies of the Light’s love but it was a little hard to understand how the hand that would strike was the hand that loved. Not that she lacked respect for the Light.

“You Irren’s are all about rituals, as though that is what is most beautiful and right in life.” Leon shook his head. “The Light is about relationship. The Light created us for connection with others and the Three.”

“A subservient relationship perhaps.”

“No.” He took her face in his hands. “The Light wants a relationship where you communicate and share thoughts. Even speaking of things like how your day was. The Creator made us to enjoy the beauty around us and it all reflects him. We were made to make beautiful connections.”

Strangely Hyacinth felt her heart buoy at that. She looked around her and took in the silhouette of pines against the starry sky, the fog rolling in from the river. Nature had a beauty that made her heart sing unlike anything else in life.

“Among other things.” He lay back. “Having trust in a being who made us to enjoy a beautiful world that reflects His beauty and who has sacrificed so much to connect with us and help us not tear each other apart is not foolish or blind. It’s a thing of reason and beauty.”

She hadn’t thought of it all like that at all. He made it seem so easy and accessible.

“You must believe in and accept the Light for coming to our earth and destroying the hold of Darkness.” His voice softened. “You must trust your life to him.”

Wouldn’t such a grand being crush her in all His power? Well, the Light was perfect, so probably not. She supposed that made Him gentle as well as powerful. She could see that. And didn’t she always call to Him for help in dark times? It always comforted her.

“That makes sense.” She said.

 

The next morning, Leon shook her awake. Hyacinth frowned at the dismal light in the sky. “Oh please tell me it isn’t time to move already.”

“No. It’s time.”

Hyacinth perked up at his serious tone. “Time?”

Leon had on his day robe.

Hyacinth got up in a hurry as Leon walked to the edge of a copse of trees. He handed her some cheese when she joined him.

“Do you have faith?” He asked.

Fear touched her heart. She looked at the wedge of cheese, then up at the curling mist glowing faintly with first light. The One who created all the beauty around her was someone her heart already admired. She felt relieved as she reminded herself.

She could do this.

“Yes.” She stood a little taller.

“Wonderful.” Leon smiled, “Follow me.”

In wolf form they ran downstream a while. Without hesitation, she turned into human when Leon did and followed him into the shockingly cold Knallie. Hyacinth’s heart squeezed as she realized the ceremony was really about to happen.

“Repeat my words.” Leon said, touching his hands to the water.

Hyacinth wondered if she should also touch the water. “Alright.”

“Mighty Creator, Light, and Ghost, I thank you for the Life you give.” Leon paused to let her repeat after each sentence. Her voice sounded small and drown out by the rushing river. “Cleanse me like the water. Grant me the Wolf Blessing, if You will it. In the Light’s name, let it be.” She felt a glowing sense of happiness.

Hyacinth waited to feel something happen. Nothing. The hope in her heart faded and she sat in the stream and covered her face. The numbing water was welcome as her heart ached.

The Light must not want her to have youth.

She looked up at Leon, grieved she couldn’t be the bride he wanted.

His warm grin stopped her.

She blinked, then rose slowly from the stream, water dripping off her and eyes wide.

“You have always been beautiful.” He said as he wrapped his arms around her.

She looked at her hands, shocked to see how smooth and firm they were. “My queen. Let us thank the Light.”

Leon knelt in the stream and she followed, in awe. They lifted their hands and thanked the Light.

Hyacinth’s heart pounded, overwhelmed with the happiness and sudden otherworldly love she felt.

They left the stream and Leon wouldn’t stop looking her way. She kept looking shyly over at him then away.

“I’m so different now.” She breathed, staring down at herself as they walked.

“You’re yourself.” He said, “Beautiful as ever.”

She wiped at watering eyes and laughed, “Oh stop.”

Thank You Light.

“I doubt many will be awake. We can, linger awhile in the woods.” He said.

She grinned and let him lead the way.

The End.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please leave a review, it helps me out a lot.

 

Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you at Anne5@mail.com.

 

Look for the next book in the series, a full length novel that follows Hyacinth's granddaughter Grenowin as she tries to escape from Leon's evil son Donovin, late this year.