Chapter 9 (Part 1)

We ran as fast as we could, whizzing and weaving through the trees, the scenery blurring past us. Noirxus and I reached the camp within seconds. When we got to the scene, I felt like hitting myself in shame. For when I set up that barrier to include the whole camp, it really did include everything even the unconscious wolf. Except now the wolf is fully conscious and half standing. Without slowing down, I snapped my fingers, dissipating the barrier leaving Noirxus and I free to rush in. We both quickly unsheathed our swords and poised them in a cross like fashion above the wolf’s neck.

“Don’t move a muscle,” Noirxus whispered to the wolf threateningly, emphasizing every word.

“Yeah. What he said,” I added, tightening my grip on the hilt. While I said that, I searched for the Captain and the Lady to see if they’re alright. And they were. The Captain stood in front of Rascielle protectively, braced for a hard fight, yet at the same time dumbfounded that Noirxus and I both appeared out of nowhere, like a ghost. A good thing he never had to fight and hopefully, he forgot or failed to realize my mistake or else that would lessen my reward money. But with my living purses still safe, I breathed a sigh of relief then shifted my attention back to the wolf.

“I meant no harm,” the wolf replied with a solemn deep voice that could be on par with Captain D but not quite. “But if you deem my life should end, do it. For only death befits my failure and weakness. I have no pride left.”

“It seems reason have yet to escape you,” Noirxus replied in the same poetic and polite tone the wolf used. Where are we? The king’s court? “Tell me wolf, why do you speak of having lost your pride?”

I relaxed a little more. It seems like Noirxus' full attention was on the wolf now and didn't remember my recent blunder. I wouldn't want him grating about that mostly because I really am guilty and won’t have a comeback.  

“The fact that my pack has been taken hostage by an evil mage despite my efforts dishonors my pride as a leader and defender. But more shameful than that is having my will suppressed by a mere curse, making me nothing more than a puppet for his wicked desires. Because of which, two of my comrades have fallen through your hands. I do not place you blame but now I worry what had befallen my clan,” the wolf explained.

Noirxus silently sheathed his sword. Seeing that he let the wolf go I figured I do the same. “You are a fine leader indeed. I have decided to help you rescue your clan. Make haste and tell us where they are.” After saying that, Noirxus looked at both the Captain and Rascielle and asked politely, “Do you mind a short delay?”

“No! Not at all,” the Captain hastily replied.

“We are coming with you, are we?” Rascielle asked softly.

Noirxus opened his mouth to say something but I butt in and said, “Of course you are!” I won't let my twenty diamonds out of my sight! 

Noirxus nodded and instead ordered the rest of us to pack our things and gather the horses. We were going to follow the wolf.

How come he’s the leader all of a sudden? Not to mention he acted so naturally like he’s been playing leader all along. “Of course you’ll be doing your share of packing right?” I said, turning around before I preceded helping the others pack.

He cleared his throat in a dignified manner and replied, “Of course.”

v(^--^)v

We followed the wolf as fast as the horses could run, which wasn’t fast at all. I mean the horses aren’t that agile so they have to slow down when making a turn then pick up the pace again. The forest wasn’t very cooperative either. The tree roots are all woven on the floor making it incredibly difficult for the horses to run smoothly. Thus we could only force our wolf guide to run, halt, look back, wait and do the whole routine all over again every five seconds. Seriously, every five seconds. I timed it.

 Why can’t he simply adjust to our pace? I mean I know he’s in a hurry to save his precious clan and all that but if he snaps his neck any harder to check up on us, he might just break it. Oh well, it’s his neck.

“I don’t mean to be rude but could your beasts run any faster?” the wolf asked with a hint of impatience.

“Oh alright,” I said exasperatedly. “I was getting annoyed with your impatience anyway.”

The wolf stared blankly at me.

“I’ll tell you what,” I continued. “I’ll run along with you and let the others catch up.”

I materialized a small light orb in my hand and passed it along to Noirxus. The orb hovered slightly above his palm and morphed into a small arrow which pointed at me. “Use that to follow me.”

“Why do you have to go? I’m the one who decided to help the wolf,” Noirxus remarked.

“You already got a piece of that mage (or his shadow anyway). And didn't anyone tell you it’s only proper to share? I want a piece of him too.” I said, at the same time smashing a fist to an open palm. As he was about to reply, which was probably a smart comment anyway, I quickly raised an open palm to his face, successfully silencing him.

 And then turning to the wolf I said, “Run.”

The wolf immediately sprinted into action and ran like the wind, or ran on the wind, I saw it both ways. Because of his large stature, he had longer bounds, therefore covering more ground than me. If it weren’t for the earlier warm up exercise, I would have had a hard time pacing with him.

And then at some point, he increased his speed while nervously muttering the word ‘no’ repeatedly. 

Something bad must have happened.

When we reached their den, which was obviously their den since it smelled like dog everywhere, an unspeakably horrid scene greeted us.