"For centuries, my people hid themselves from the humans. We knew that they wouldn't understand what we were."
"Werewolves." Eilwen said.
"Good guess, but not exactly; it is true that this pack takes the form of wolves, but we are forced to be that way. We are called forma amoveos."
Eilwen instantly recognized the term. "Shape shifters?"
Wynoa nodded. "Now, you see, we take the form of humans during the day and our animal forms at night so we can coexist with the humans and not risk getting ourselves killed.
"Long ago, both of our families upset a very powerful witch that resided in our village. It's been so long that the families can't quite remember what exactly happened: my guess is that we stole something of hers. But, for whatever reason, she placed this curse on our families: that we would be human by day and beast by night. Our pack used to be very vast, but time has ravaged our numbers. Today the pack consists of myself, my husband and leader Daman, Henery; his brother, and Cameron; my brother. We lived in a small village near the West before we were forced to flee. We blended into the community; no one suspected a thing. At night we would leave the village to venture into the surrounding forests to hunt. But, while we were living in the village; someone took a rather unusual liking to me."
A low growl emitted from Daman's throat; he apparently didn't like this bit. Wynoa bade him to sit besides her. He obeyed. Wynoa placed a white hand on his knee lovingly.
"I caught the eye of a strong tracker; a very well known and liked man of the village."
"Nedric." Eilwen whispered making the connection.
Wynoa nodded. "He would always follow me in the village when I did my shopping; stopping to chat with me. He even visited my home on occasion to see if any work needed to be done. Of course, I was married and he would only come around when Daman was out; but nevertheless it still bothered me. You see, he was also married with two children. Nedric's fondness became so overwhelming that Damon made Henery accompany me to the market for protection. But it didn't work."
At this point, Wynoa's eyes had begun to water. Daman wrapped an arm around his distraught wife.
Cameron joined the group; continuing the story.
"One night, before the sun had gone down, we retreated into the forest to do our nightly hunting. Little did we know we had an unwelcomed guest following us; and when the sun set, we transformed. Nedric had witnessed the whole event, hiding behind a bush. He returned to the village and told the elders what he had seen. Our pack was imprisoned upon our return. We tried to explain to them that we were not dangerous. But no one would listen to us. Humans scare so easily."
Eilwen's brow furrowed. "But where does all this mass murder come in? Nedric said that you killed his whole village."
Cameron lowered his eyes. "They did that to themselves. The villagers started to bicker and fight over what to do with us. Some wanted us killed; others wanted us to be imprisoned for life. Nedirc offered a bargain: he would keep Wynoa as a slave and the rest of our fates would be left to the villagers." His voice cracked. "The villagers agreed and we were sentenced to die."
The tone in Cameron's voice only cemented Eilwen's belief that he was telling the truth.
Cameron raised his eyes; pain and remorse flickered in them. "We couldn't let that bastard hurt Wynoa. We did what we had to do."
Eilwen lowered her eyes. "You killed the villagers to protect your sister: I can't penalize you for that."
"It's all because of me!" Wynoa wailed. "If I had done something…"
"Hush now, there was nothing any of us could have done." Daman said lifting Wynoa's chin. "It's not your fault you're so beautiful."
The two kissed sweetly; Eilwen adverted her eyes in embarrassment.
"So, the pack has been traveling all about trying to escape Nedric, right?" Eilwen said trying to change the subject.
"That's correct." Henery replied in his deep throaty voice. "We've avoided him until now."
"Why can't you just keep running? I'm sure he'll give up, everyone does in the end." Eilwen suggested.
"We could, but Nedric will never stop. His desire to capture Wynoa is powerful; it'll keep him going for years. And Wynoa in her current condition doesn't let her run for long periods of time." Damon replied.
Eilwen tilted her head in confusion; then Damon placed his hand on Wynoa's stomach tenderly.
"You're pregnant!" she exclaimed.
Wynoa smiled. "Yes, with twins."
"Congratulations." Eilwen said warmly. "I can understand why you wouldn't want to exert yourself in your…well you know."
"It just complicates things." Cameron said staring into the fire killing the semi-joyous mood. "He'll catch us if we stay here too long, I know it."
"Than I'll make sure that doesn't happen." Eilwen assured. "I know people who would be more than willing to help. I promise; we'll get you all to safety."
Daman stood; approaching Eilwen he offered her his right hand.
"Thank you, young miss. The tribe appreciates your kind assistance."
Eilwen took the leader's hand in a firm grasp. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Henery suddenly snapped his head to the sky. "Sunset: I think the young miss should be getting back."
"I agree." Daman said letting go of Eilwen's hand. "I'm sorry you have to see this."
"I don't mind." Eilwen said warmly.
As the sun retreated from the sky and darkness enveloped the forest; the pack suddenly started to change. All four were shrouded in a bright yellow light, almost as if the sun had taken over their bodies.
Eilwen had to shield her eyes from the intensity of the light; when the lights desist she slowly removed her arms.
In the place where the pack stood now sat four large wolves. Eilwen stood gazing at the larger than normal animals.
There was a big brown wolf with strange hazel eyes. He sat next to an even bigger black wolf with intense eyes.
Daman and Henery. Eilwen thought. It must be.
On Daman's left was a smaller snow white wolf with brilliant blue eyes.
"Wynoa?" Eilwen asked out loud.
The white wolf trotted over to where Eilwen stood; bumping her head against Eilwen's hand.
Eilwen bent down so she could be eye level with wolf Wynoa.
"You're even more impressive as a wolf." She said scratching her behind the ears.
Eilwen suddenly felt another bump on her left side. A small shaggy chocolate colored wolf with bewitching green eyes rested it's head on her knee.
"Cameron? Is that really you?"
The wolf lifted its head and licked Eilwen's cheek.
"I'll take that as a yes." She said.
The white wolf bumped Eilwen's hand again to get her attention.
"I know, it's late and I should be getting back to the castle." She said standing. "Thank you all for not eating me."
The brown and black wolves howled; making it sound like they were laughing.
Eilwen smiled weakly. "I'll return if I hear news about Nedric."
She turned to leave, but felt another bump. She looked down; meeting the big green eyes of Cameron.
"It's alright; I can find my way back. You best stay here; it's dangerous to be out looking like that right now."
But Cameron was insistent; he kept nudging Eilwen's hand.
She looked at Wynoa for approval. The white wolf gave a few quick nods as a response.
"Alright then, let's go. No doubt Gaius is worried about where I could be at this time at night. And I'd rather not have him discover that I was disobeying him."
Cameron barked in agreement.
