Title: Reason to live (part XI)
Author: BELOVEDbyWAR
Rating: PG
TV verse: Blood Ties
Disclaimer: Not mine, not making any money.
Summary: Meanwhile, somewhere far away Christina reports the new developments.
AN: Thanks to luvinmike for proofreading!
WK: 1217
Reason to live XI:
(Meanwhile)
The bone-chilling howl that resounded through the night made even Christina shudder when thinking of the creature it came from.
Never before had she seen such a monstrosity. It was easily 7 feet tall with a bulk of pure muscle and sinews under a shining coat of fur, its only beautiful asset in her opinion.
The pelt had the most intriguing pattern:
The creature's whole front was covered by the softest white hair which changed to a golden color on its extremities and shoulders, to a dark grey, almost black on its wide back. The same shading was also present on its face. The ears and forehead were grey, which lightened around its eyes and on the bridge of an otherwise white muzzle, which - when curled - exposed sharp, pearly white canines, which were easily the size of her fingers.
But those were not even the most threatening part of the wolf-like creature. No, it was its highly intelligent eyes! She could practically feel the disdain whenever it looked at her with those glowing golden orbs. She knew it wanted to tear her to pieces and would do so if they ever met in freedom. Even the thought of it made her blood freeze.
Shaking off those dark thoughts, she entered the rundown manor. A pity, it must have once been such a beautiful estate with its big columned front and old arch yards surrounding it. The female vampire was strangely reminded of 'Tara'…
Her musings were interrupted by a stern-looking, stiff, middle-aged man already waiting for her, clearing his throat.
"He-hem, the master awaits you! Follow me, please!"
Without looking to see if she followed, he turned on his heel and climbed an enormous staircase.
They passed one dark, dusty corridor after another until they reached what Christina thought to be the west wing. No matter how many times she had already been here, it surprised her each time to enter a pristine, scrupulously clean parlor, which stood in sharp contrast with its furnishing. In the center stood a massive granite altar, now clearly illuminated by the full moon's light shining through the skylight. Around its base, strange runes formed a circle on the floor. This was the only object in the room, apart from two wide holding cells on its far right.
And there was the creature again. Christina had only taken one step in its direction before it started to snarl at her, pacing back and forth as if it was only waiting to be let loose. But she didn't come here for the beast. Next to it in the other cell, miraculously sleeping through all the commotion, lay a beautiful, dark-haired boy. His face was peaceful and relaxed as only children can manage. Christina almost felt sorry for the boy to have to stay near such a beast. It puzzled her that he wasn't terrified of it and actually managed to sleep, but well, children would always be a mystery to her.
"I presume you have news for me?!" a raspy, weak, but somehow powerful voice whispered to her from a dark corner she had not realized existed before.
Turning in that direction, Christina strained to look, trying to make out its owner's appearance, but all she was able to see were glimpses of white cloth and long white hair.
Feeling his impatience, she quickly answered:
"Yes, the plan is working. As you have foreseen, the whore has left my prince and Augustus played his part beautifully, despite his reluctance. I can't thank you enough for your help, O Wise One!"
"There, there, sweet child of darkness. I just do as the stars command me. And you say the General plays along? There is no doubt about that?"
Looking to the sleeping child, Christina smiled wickedly.
"No, he has after all something very precious to him to loose. So no, I have no doubt."
"Very well, then. Come back when you know more. You may go!"
More than happy to leave, Christina curtsied and then swiftly fled the building.
Once sure the female vampire was gone, the figure, still cloaked in shadows, dragged itself to its feet supported by an ancient-looking oak staff and walked to his two prisoners. After he checked the runes surrounding the bars he chuckled before he rasped out in glee:
"Ah, this is way too easy! She has no clue that I am using her! I just wonder if that insufferable Roman suspects something… What do you say, you big brute?" he knocked against the werewolf's cage with his walking aid, who lashed out furiously with its deadly talons, leaving a deep notch in the smooth wood's surface.
"NO! Look what you did to my beautiful staff!" he wailed stroking it like a precious pet before he turned once again to the wolf with a murderous glare.
"You disrespectful creature! I should have killed you centuries ago! But mark my words. You will pay for this! First I will destroy your beloved then I will relish your torments!"
As if understanding its captor, the werewolf straightened up to its full height and looked him smugly in the eyes, clearly challenging its captor to 'bring it on'.
Contemptuously sniffing, the old man turned around and left the room as fast as he could – which was quite slow - followed by his trusty servant.
After a few minutes of silence a soft voice whispered:
"Are they gone?"
At the wolf's reassuring huff, a small head looked up from its nest of pillows.
"That guy gives me the creeps!" the little boy said frowning as he rose from his bed and walked to the creature, showing no fear at all.
Sitting down next to the bars separating the two cells, the wolf gave a short growl, then, sneezed disdainfully, clearly stating its dislike of their captor and obediently lowered its head as small hands buried themselves in its silky fur.
For a short moment they were at peace and thought of better times when they had been free.
"I wanna go home!" the boy stated after a while, tears clear in his voice.
A soft whine drew his attention and big, sad, compassionate, golden eyes looked at the child, before a long wet tongue licked once over the boys face, distracting him from his melancholy until big brown eyes glowed again with happiness.
"Ewww!" Marcus grinned and started to giggle as a cold wet nose buried itself in his neck.
"Stop it! It tickles!" The boy cried laughing, hands on the mighty snout.
After one last wet lick, the wolf retreated as the boy tried to dry his drool-covered face.
"Not fair! If I would lick you, all I would end up with is a hairy tongue!"
This only made the werewolf yawn and curl down as close to the boy as the bars would allow, but its amusement shone clearly in its sharp gaze.
Plopping down next to his friend the boy again started to pet the soft fur and soon the werewolf closed its eyes, dozing off a little, but sure to wake up should danger arrive.
It did not hear the boy softly murmur:
"My uncle will come. I know he will. I only wish I could take you home with me, when he does!"
***
tbc
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