Chapter 4
Wolf and the Master's Servant
A cold wind blew through a land filled with snow and ice. The small, white, crystals decorated the air with their spectacled performance of white drops in front of the foliaged canvas of pines. It was in this beautiful scene of twilight and frost were Holo found herself walking around entranced by the stunning mural that could dazzle the imagination of any living soul.
She was not alone; an infant lay in the safety of her nurturing arms who seemed to sleep peacefully as if the grace of the heavens gilded its dreams. She continued her walk without any thought of where she was or where she was going, only to be simply happy that she had her child in arms at last, for it too had wolf ears like hers. It was now that she realized that this scene was not complete without Lawrence to enjoy it with her, therefore she took it upon herself to make plot of her venture and look for her husband.
Holo walked through the thicket of trees until she came upon a small village of simple design and material. She walked into the heart of the village, but could not see anyone. It was as though it was abandoned, for no inhabitants could be found. The newborn began to grow restless, as a heavy feeling filled the air. Holo tried to calm the little infant by silently hushing it and rocking it up and down; however she could do little to calm the babe of the anxiety she herself felt. The village seemed to have an ill owned entity possessing it, Holo called out for anyone who dwelt therein to make themselves known, but she had only her own unease fueled by the deathly silence calling out in return.
Suddenly the eerie calm was then forfeited by an orange and fiery red vista as the village was set aflame in an instant and Holo found herself surrounded by the fires of ruin. The baby within her arms began to scream and wail. She held it close as any mother would to protect it from the perils of the natural world. In great alarm when she held the child close she felt only her hands pressed upon her breast.
To her horror, the child was no longer in her arms, but the cries remained, this time a short distance from where she stood. With the roaring flames blazing around, she found the infant in the arms of another positioned a small league before her. It was a black silhouette of a large and strong man who held the infant close to him upon bended knee. He raised his head which brandished evil, red eyes whose burning glow was a deeper crimson than that of the fire which now enveloped them both. The dark being arose, staring, waiting; Holo spoke to him in trembling alarm, "Please, Give me my baby.!"
There was no reply, only the unsettling persistence of his demonic stare. He then began to walk backwards into the fire whose flames by now lashed out above their wastes.
Holo followed while crying out, "Give Me My Baby, I Beg Of You!"
The flames then overtook the black figure who retreated fully into their burning grasp.
"NO PLEASE, DO NOT TAKE MY BABY!" She screamed, then frantically ran after him, heedless to the scorching heat.-
-Holo then found herself lying in a dark room, disoriented at first, then realizing it was the master bedroom. Her alarm began to fade away when concluding that she had experienced a nightmare. However, the uneasiness of the reverie left her feeling vulnerable; she could feel the presence of Lawrence sleeping with his back facing her. She moved in closer to him, wrapped her arms around his torso and pressed her chin against his back.
Then closed her eyes and let herself be lulled back to sleep by the lullaby of her husband's breathing. For she no longer had anything to fear, the world was as it should be.
…
The day dawn broke, as the sun's head began to crown the horizon. Clouds dipped in gold graced the skyline, while below their majesty a lone soldier of the city guard could be seen as the only one wandering the streets of Nyohhira. At length he came to his barracks and made his way to a private chamber, knocked on the door before a voice on the other side granted him entrance. The door opened with a dull creak, on the other end of a posh figure was sitting behind a desk reading a type of report. He had light brown hair that was organized in a modest style, the same features applied to his mustache. He looked up at the young sentry who then spoke, "Permission to be relieved of my post sir?"
"Granted. Be sure Alexander is fully geared before you take your leave. " returned his ranking officer.
"Yes Sgt. Bourgeois." returned the sentry
The soldier bowed his head then quitted the room after shutting the door. The sergeant then began to become more engaged with his studies, until there was another knock, in which Bourgeois out of careless irritation asked who was there in a most disrespectful tone. The door then opened revealing a figure in which Bourgeois snapped to attention, while feeling foolish.
"Lt. Dorian sir! Forgive my outburst I…"
"Save it Sergeant, I find a greater quandary with you, than that of your tone."
"Sir…?"
Dorian held out a parchment in which the Sergeant recognized the script of his own hand written upon it. The Lieutenant sternly spoke, "What in the name of the nine hell's is this about?"
"Sir I have reason to believe that the people of the city of Nyohirra to be in great risk."
"Explain yourself."
"Sir, as you know five years ago, there have been disturbances, starting in the nation of Trenni. First there were the injured accomplices found on the road by Pazzio. Then Ruvenhaigen and Kumerson had reports of murders and missing persons, and then a group of four and a barkeeper found dead in Lenos then two more in Lantra."
"What's your point!?"
With a sigh Bourgeois defended his hypothesis, " I have found some similarities concerning their deaths."
"Which are….?"
"Precise lacerations of the heart; amputations, decapitations and mutilations by blade, and no witnesses. The ones who were only assaulted required recovery from inverted joints of knee and elbow, with severe trauma to the head. They scarcely spoke of their attacker but whoever he was, he was quite proficient in accomplishing the task. I believe this to be more than random incidents, I do contend these to be the workings of single individual who is a professional in the art of slaughter, and has an agenda."
Dorian almost laughed in the presence of his lesser officer, "Why would you let something that happened five years ago outside the city concern you now?"
The ambitious Sergant stood his ground. "Alas, there has been a recent finding closer to our city. A group of bandits camped off the roadside were found with the same style of injuries which brought them to their end. I do feel strongly that he will make his mark here if not already."
Dorian interjected with unhappiness, "And this is why you have placed your men on double and even triple shifts?"
Bourgeois nodded in hesitant assurance, then said with nerve, "I understand your concern, but I am the type of leader who places duty above comfort. I know the fatigues I bring upon my men, that is why I work alongside them, if you do likewise then perhaps things shall speed up and you can return to the only troubles that have ever concerned you; that is to say, which woman you would be bringing back to your quarters."
Dorian's brow flared with a look of surprise and displeasure, "What I do in my free time is my own leisure, and unlike you I don't break protocol, for why is it that you know of the happenings of other cities?"
Bourgeois grudgingly answered as he was setting himself up for a rebuke, "I have sent by courier to inquirer of the public servants of their respected jurisdictions, they in turn have responded likewise."
"Yes, and I was not made aware of this until recently. Taking pleasurable company into my dwellings is not a punishable offense by law, but bypassing the authority of your ranking officer by doubling man hours without consent over a foolish theory that is all backed by circumstantial evidence that you have received insubordinately, is grounds for circumstances of the direst nature. Now as your superior commander I demand you cease this charade of shadow chasing and get to your patrol. Am I clear, Bogey?'"
The Sergeant nodded, then waited for Dorian to leave before muttering an obscenity to him under his breath. He dressed himself according to the duties of his employ before following the commands of his pessimistic Lieutenant. When exiting his office, and scarcely made it outside when confronted by a member of his own detachment.
"Sgt. Bourgeois, come with me sir, there is something you need to see." said he with a series tone of urgency.
Officer and subordinate advanced with great haste to a section filled with public housing, when stopping at an apartment the young sentry guided him towards the back the made an ally. There, the sergeant saw above, a broken window, and at foot level the body of a man lying on his back motionless, with shards of glass planted into his flesh, and coagulated blood that had driven out in streams from the corners of his mouth. His flesh was pale, and his eyes were still opened with his facial expression locked in the same composure taken when the shock of the fall came upon him.
Bourgeois looked up to the morning sky and said to himself in a silent but mocking tone, "Well then Dorian, we have a murderer in town."
…
After the morning routine which dictated the schedule of the inn keepers, they made their way to the plaza. When they had reached the area desired, they sat and waited for further instruction that was to come from Laternieux's servant.
"I'm still put off somewhat by the caution they're taking to contact us." Said Lawrence.
Holo glanced up at him and said proudly, "Do not worry if it be a trap, they shall be no match for the wise wolf."
"Let us hope…" he said with an indescribable air that caught Holo's ears.
"Is something on your mind?" asked she.
Lawrence collected his composure, " I was wondering, is it possible for….' Then rethought his words and asked more seriously, 'Have humans been able to hunt and kill wolves like you?"
For the most part, she would have believed this to be a joke, but hearing his manner, she realized this was a time for honesty.
"Do you remember when I told you why wolves attack humans?"
He nodded, "Because humans were something to be feared."
"It is not their strength that threatens us but their intelligence. Though humans may appear to be foolish and feeble creatures upon first glance, they know of their weaknesses, which serves as their strength. As a result, humans invent ways to ensure their position in the circle of life. We fear them because of their determination to aspire to be the superior species and safeguard their own race."
Then asked subtly, "But that does not answer your question, does it?"
He shook his head slightly, so she changed her approach, "I myself would not have had the need to have killed humans in the past, unless they had proven to be a legitimate threat."
She looked down and said quietly, "Yes, humans have succeeded in killing wolves like myself."
Lawrence then pressed another subject on the matter, "What of a single man, like a hunter?"
She looked up at him then said in irritated humor, "Honestly, you have seen me in my wolf form twice when greatly outnumbered. I alone have engaged dozens at a time and eliminated the threat they posed without even taking a single life. Ask this of thyself, whether or not a lone man could withstand my might?"
After an awkward silence of them looking upon the ground, she inquired of him, "Out of curiosity, why do you ask?"
Lawrence gave a nervous gesture then replied pathetically, "Oh just wondering."
She looked at him with skepticism, she knew there was more behind his interest than what he had led on. But simply chose to change the subject rather than argue. "Is there anything to eat while we wait?"
Lawrence let out a stunned interjection, "We ate before we left, plus we'll be eating again soon anyway."
"We do not know this Laternieux well enough to know whether or not he will be so cordial as to include a decent appetizer along with our complimentary meal."
"That doesn't justify gluttony." Said he in attempts to prevent the weight of his pocket book from becoming lighter.
Holo then said cleverly, "You may have heard the proverb, 'it is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman.' You must remember that…."
Just then a foreign voice of unique mildness overtook hers, "How does one safeguard his warranty?"
They both looked in shock and awe at a man who stood as tall as he was confident dressed in the scarlet robe with golden embroideries which also possessed a hood that drooped so low that it covered the man's face. Holo looked to Lawrence for him to answer, but he only stared with embarrassment.
"Indemnification." Holo managed to utter. She looked over again at Lawrence being puzzled by his lack of composure.
The Scarlet crooked his head, then responded, "You have answered well, am I to confirm then, that I stand in the presence of Holo and Lawrence, owners of the 'Spice and Wolf Inn and Bathhouse?'"
Both nodded in return, in which the Scarlet raised his arms in a beckoning motion, "Arise then and permit me into your company that I may reveal unto you the location my master desires you."
They were stunned by his polite modesty, it was as if he were an otherworldly messenger working on behalf of the beings who dwelt within holier spheres. After a moment's hesitation, they arose as directed.
As they began walking, Lawrence finally spoke,"I owe you an apology…."
Holo jumped somewhat, the Scarlet set his face to Lawrence's, he continued, "Yesterday, I had knocked you down, if you remember."
Holo raised an eyebrow from confusion, she had not known of this incident. He quickly turned and informed her briefly about his venture.
"When running for the doctor I had stumbled along the way and rudely disturbed this man's personal space."
Then turning back to the Scarlet, "I truly am sorry, I was in a state of an emergency."
He kindly returned, "Your restitution is most humbly given, and it is most gratefully accepted." Then extending his arm, "Let us press on."
As they moved forth through the houses and buildings that each played a part in the cities design, Holo kept her eyes affixed upon the Scarlet.
Though he appeared young, what he lacked in years seemed to be made up for in charisma and demeanor. Nevertheless seemingly young, he was large in stature, standing six inches taller than Lawrence with a shoulder span like that of an eagle's wings. Alas when he spoke, his voice seemed to be the perfecting touch of his features. Young but deep, strong yet gentle, and though it was influential enough to captivate the attention of an adult, it was also mildly forceful enough to still a misbehaving child.
It finally donned on Her that she knew not the title by which this fair gentleman was known by. "Is it by all means appropriate to know the name of the one whose hospitality we find ourselves in?" asked she of the stranger.
The Scarlet maintained course before answering lowly after a brief pause, "Alden." A brief flutter passed under the cap of Holo, as her ears flexed in reaction.
"That's an unusual name,' interjected Lawrence, 'where does it come from?"
"I hale from the lands eastward. The very direction in which the compass shall find the sunrise." Alden answered with a rare tone that perfectly combined pride and humility in the same aura.
They made their way to the city gate when Lawrence, being a man of intelligence, desired to know more of their host.
"Exactly who is this 'Count Laternieux?' and what is it that he wishes to discuss."
"Fear not, though I am forbidden at this hour to divulge the true nature of this meeting, be comforted that you shall be well treated and that in time all things shall be revealed."
Holo and Lawrence traded uneasy glances with each other as they followed closely behind. For when Holo first spoke to Alden, as he claimed his name was, he told what appeared to be an untruth when concerning his identity. In her mind she analyzed the various reasons why someone would lie about their identity, most of them normally not for reasons of good report.
While Lawrence saw the dangers in secrecy. Though he understood that many merchants and guilds withhold precious information so that their successes may not be compromised by their rivals, this seemed somewhat extreme.
"Behold your carriage." Revealed Alden while extending his hand, presenting a most luxurious stagecoach before them. Man and wife gawked paralyzed and dumbstruck at its splendor. The wood was decoratively polished and cut from the hands of the most skilled of carpenters with the same compliments, coming from the metal used to decorate and give it strength, to the blacksmith.
The workmanship of the coach was so exceedingly fine that it could be argued as to whether or not if it were possible for it to have been built by human hands. In short, the construction of such a magnificent spectrum of a commute seemed just as expensive to maintain as it was to build.
The horses that drew it were in a group of four of the finest breed money could buy, dark brown Friesians, who were harnessed and girdled with fine black leather that was expertly cured and tanned.
Holo and Lawrence walked up to it as Alden opened the side door and graciously stepped to the side with a bowed head and beckoning arm. As they climbed upon the small steps that led inside, they felt equally as guilty as if the soles of the common shoe could desecrate the purity of the carriage. When inside, the awe did not stop, the floors were carpeted which was very rare even for the most noble of dukes and duchesses, while the seats fit more the grandeur of sofas that could exceed the fancies of the king's furniture.
Alden shut the door, while Lawrence and Holo sat across from each other with wide eyed facial expressions. The coach shook violently as Alden climbed onto the driver's seat. Again, a display of his might was made manifest, for to make the stage shake asunder as it had, could only come from one whose density ranged at least to two hundred and a half pounds.
Then with a click of the tongue and crack of the reigns the carriage lurched forward and moved swiftly as the mighty grays pulled it along with modest speed. Lawrence looked out at the passing pines and rocks, then was brought into full view of the city of Nyohhira in front of the great white mountain. He closed the window curtain of white satin before looking at Holo.
"Well someone definitely wants our patronage." He said with humor that failed in masking his suspicion
"We have come this far, we may as well hear what it is that he has to say,' returned Holo, 'we must simply remember that evil can lurk behind smiling eyes."
Lawrence rubbed his chin as they rode on. After a moment's time he looked over at his lovely wife who sat starring off out the window with same pale complexion as the night before.
"Are you ill?" asked he, he was only thinking of the early stages the development of human life inflicts upon the female body and feared that Holo had the same conditions befall her.
She looked over to him and shook her head, "No; I was only thinking upon our last conversation before Alden appeared, then about last night."
"You mean, you didn't like how we…." stuttered her husband nervously thinking that his performance the previous eve did not please her.
She rolled her eyes, then snapped with a harrumph, "Not that you simpleton! Why must men always think with their loins? I am talking about what you had asked me!"
"You mean about, 'Chugiak?'" he asked assertively.
"Yes, and now I do remember something about him."
"Him?"
"Yes, he was a man and an old legend I remember being told when in my youth. Before I divulge into that, first you must understand that even back then, man feared us. Even though I myself along with many others were worshiped as gods and deities, there were humans who waged war with us only because they did not think as such. Some men worshipped gods of their own creation and decided us blights upon the earth. They thought us demons, or so I had been told."
"Go on." Lawrence implored earnestly.
"As the legend goes, there was a warrior supposedly powerful enough to slay the deities like myself.' She then shifted uncomfortably in her seat, 'it is said that he was summoned from another realm by ancient and dark rituals that were designed to call upon the agents who dwelled in unseen dimensions. The tribes of our adversaries performed a wicked ceremony that brought forth an evil and dark warrior named Chugiak, 'the demon hunter.'"
Lawrence sat forward with an intent gaze.
Holo continued, "It was said that as he went about destroying the deities, he came to Yoites and battled with the wolves there, my ancestors. To their surprise, he was quicker than the flash of their teeth and stronger than the might of their jaws. The pack leader began to send his strongest combatants out to hunt down this warrior from hell. They did not prevail"
She began to cringe. "It was not long before all were sent down to eliminate this threat which haunted the welfare of the wolves. Chugiak responded by gathering his followers and had them battle with the wolves while he…he…."
Tears began to flow down her cheeks, "Chugiak's followers served only as a distraction while he went to the village and burned it down while killing the women and children!"
Lawrence moved forward and sat next to Holo who could not hide her fear, he cradled her head as she turned towards him and buried her face into his chest.
"I am sorry,' she sobbed, 'I only remember this because of a nightmare I had last night. I dreamt that I was walking within the village of Yoites. Our baby was in my arms, then the village began to burn and then I saw… him! He was standing in the flame as black as night and eyes which glowed a dark red, as if he were a demon himself. Oh, Lawrence he had the baby and walked into the fire and there was nothing I could do!"
He soothed her, "It was only a dream, I'm here…"
At last she dried her eyes then said carelessly, "However, it was only a legend and no such man has ever been confirmed to have ever lived in this world."
"I'm sure you're right about Chugiak, he's most likely an exaggerated tale, and that's all." said her husband with a reassuring tone.
"There is but one question I must ask you.' Said Holo leaning closer upon him, 'where did you come across that name? For it was an old legend, even for Yoites."
Lawrence bit his lower lip, "There was an old hunter speaking with Fernand and Dante in the baths yesterday,' started he, 'he spoke of a young girl who mentioned the name but never knew the meaning."
Convinced of his sincerity, together they rode in silence as the stagecoach rolled over rocks and terrain as the trees whisked by the window.
At length the sounding of the horses stride began to slow as the wagon wheels reduced in speed. Holo sat up and looked out as their ride began to come to a halt. Alden dismounted the driver's seat then with the grace, opened the door, took Holo by the hand and gently led her out. When Lawrence disembarked, Alden stood with similar courtesy but assisted him not, as to respect his masculinity and dominance.
They were stopped at what appeared to be a small ghost town, due to its rundown appearance, standing in the thicket of the woods. The small settlement was inhabited, but by what seemed to be paupers, malefactors and harlots, for their appearances were coarse and their dispositions foul. Holo stood behind Lawrence in discomfort as the blaze of unfriendly and envious eyes beat upon them. Lawrence was as equally apprehensive of their situation, for he knew all too well the looks of evil men who had mal intent to rob the wise of their goods so that they may briefly better their own situation.
The grandeur of the stage coach along with the costly apparel of Alden's robe, worsened the feeling of unwanted financial superiority among the couple. Alden tended to the horses after directing them to go further into the urban area and knock upon the door of the house with a mossy roof.
The inn keepers cautiously pressed through into the heart of this sickly township. The wooden walkways that connected the infrastructures were rotten and poorly maintained, with floor beams lifting from the nails that had once secured them, under the weight of every footstep. It was indeed a most peculiar choice of location when taking into consideration the supposed wealth of the Count.
"Well maybe you won't get that appetizer after all." Said Lawrence while holding onto his wife's hand and guarding his wallet.
"Perhaps Laternieux obtained his wealth by finding the cheapest places to accommodate his guests." Holo responded while glancing around at this sight of humanity at it's worst.
"That or he went bankrupt from the cost of that wagon." Returned Lawrence.
They stopped in a grassy opening that resembled a humble plaza, there they checked their surroundings before finding the mossy crown Alden had spoken of. As they proceeded to the desired house, a rude and coarse voice called out to them.
"Hey! Mind parting with a minor contribution to the less fortunate?"
They turned about to see a staggering man with a dirty face, misaligned teeth and an overall look of contention, advancing toward them. He was accompanied by another who shared similar wanton features.
Lawrence felt Holo bristle, "Here is what I'm willing to part with." Said he, while withdrawing a few bronze coins from his pocket. The beggar seemed dissatisfied with the scanty spread of currency bestowed upon him.
"Surely you can be more generous." Said the beggar with a condescending tone.
"Look I'll give you a trenni silver coin, if you'll leave us in peace."
At this point a collection of sympathetic spectators mustered together in favor of the beggars.
"If you want peace then I propose you give each man in this company a gold lumion or its value in silver."
Lawrence was startled, within their currency system, the gold lumion was the highest valued coin, what this man was demanding of Lawrence was for him to forfeit all of his wealth.
"I don't have that kind of money, I'm sorry the bronze will have to do."
The other beggar moved in closer to examine Holo more closely, who glared at him aggressively.
"Hey Jasper,' said he to his comrade, 'how much do you figure he paid for this fancy little hat his woman is wearing?"
"More than a few bronze pieces I'd wager." replied the crook.
Lawrence cringed as Jasper came in closer, "Don't play the fool with me, we all saw that coach you elegantly road in on. Didn't we Erik?"
"As I live and breathe we did. The only question I have is why you keep those spoils to yourself while we curse the bread we eat?"
Jasper gave an indescribably evil grin, "Be at ease, we are not men who are totally without reason. If you are not willing to part with your money, perhaps you can part with the worldly possession you can get by without."
"In exchange for what?" asked Lawrence defensively.
Jasper then lifted up his shirt which brandished the hilt of a knife tucked away in his waistband. Lawrence gritted his teeth, Erik then went to grab Holo's beret.
"Let's see what we can…." he started, as his filthy hand landed atop her head without consent.
In a heated exchange Holo dug her claws into the top of Erik's hand then slapped him with enough force to have him stagger back, he then checked his face which had three red streaks across it due to her nails that had carved into his flesh. The surrounding illiterates started to make menacing noises.
Erik recovered, enraged he yelled, "c'mere you little….!" He advanced forward before having his collar grabbed from behind and brought straight back into the ground. Attention turned to see Alden who had dispelled Erik's efforts to cause Holo bodily harm.
"A price cannot be placed on well being,' he addressed the two roughens, 'therefore I advise the two of you to be on your way and molest the peace of these two no more."
Jasper got his friend from off the ground, and brushed him off. The people watching began to grow restless, for they desired to see a primitive display of human altercations. Alden then guided Holo and Lawrence through and had them walk away from the two scoundrels. Jasper came quickly from behind and grabbed the Scarlet's shoulder to turn him around. He was either a brave hero or a desperate fool, for Alden appeared to be the largest man among all the people.
"Empty your pockets,' then pulling the knife from his waist, 'or it will be you who pays with his well being!"
Erik came to the aid of his friend, while Lawrence and Holo felt their innards curl as this situation became more and more dangerous. Within a flash, Alden's hand jolted forward, striking Jasper's brow, causing him to stumble backwards. Erik advanced towards him, who simply stepped to the side seized an arm, then redirecting him in a semi circle and threw him toward the wooden pathway. People withdrew rapidly as Erik's face flew into the throng and split on the ledge, then sat up grasping in agony, his gashed facade.
Jasper came in with a lunge and roar, Alden turned and caught the wrist of the knife hand then grasped Jasper's throat and drove him into the ground. He got to his feet with even more rage and attempted to thrust the point into Alden's stomach. The Scarlet grabbed the knife hand with both of his, then twisted Jasper's arm around and locked the wrist which forced him to bend over at Alden's mercy. He then brought forth his left foot and hooked it around the back of Jaspers neck then swung it back down which sent Jasper flipping forward onto his back. The scarlet then dropped to his knee while tightening his grip then shot his fist directly into the high cheek bone of Jasper's face making a loud sickening slap of the flesh. Alden took the knife then let fall Jasper's head, who lay dazed and squirming.
With a loud voice Alden addressed the mob, "For those here who are ignorant of my identity along with these two whom I have brought here. Let it suffice you to know that I am on the errand of the Count Laterniuex and has had these two respected patrons summoned into his company and ensured their safety into my hands. If there be any other who wishes to quarrel, let him come forth now!"
The surrounding mob began to shudder with fear, shortly thereafter they began to dissipate without looking at the trio directly. Alden then advanced towards Holo and Lawrence whose facial complexion matched that of Jasper's, who sat up and weakly protested, "That's my good knife."
The Scarlet flipped the grip upside down and planted the blade deeply into a nearby post without breaking his stride, then accompanied the astounded couple to the door, and led them inside. The crowd left the two bumbling fools to their own consequence. Erik kept the pressure upon his wound while Jasper failed in his attempts to pull his knife free from its wooden enclosure.
