Chapter 19

Wolf and Material Possessions

The character of the man we have come to know as Edmund Whelzling is one who is rich with knowledge and experience. It has been said that whatever thing in this world be it human, policy or society would have in itself the same capacity for good as it would for evil. Never could one meet another individual who objectified this belief better than the man of topic.

A man who has been on both ends of the moral scale, who has tasted salvation through reconciliation with his eternal head and who was also nearly suffocated with damnation from the dregs of hell by hearkening to the enticings of the natural man. Yet when deciphering how effective he was when the time to take action met the hour was unknown to our duo. For we only have witnessed him preach the word according to the dictates of his own conscience but have yet to have seen him test his metal.

When he approached the band of questionable strangers who were thus traveling along their route, how did he fair and what became of it all? It is about to be revealed through the eyes of the one who was absent.

Within boughs of the forrest and beyond, Ranger was hunting with his loyal, four legged companion. Man and animal though remarkably different in shape, intellect and instinct were seen united and one in purpose, for they knew the sport of hunting very well and relied on this one commonality to achieve a higher goal. With the keen senses of the hound and the deadly eye of the master, a young caribou was seen being carried on the back of the masked warrior.

Twas not the most favorable of trophies, for the antlers had yet to reach full maturity and the muscle was underdeveloped leaving less meat. Yet a man of the wilderness knew were to cut his losses and make do with what was obtained.

As Ranger was coming within visual distance of the trail he departed from, his eyes became stern when seeing the wagon appearing to be absent from its two passengers. He lay the caribou down and stayed haunched when he furthered his approach. Kaytaff immediately recognized his master's doings and did likewise. The wagon was still hitched to the shire who pounded the ground with aggression, but what of the other two?

It was then that Ranger discovered the severed rope used to restrain the missionary and assumed a daring escape had been attempted and feared Holo was caught off guard and overtaken in the process. That is when he heard a faint moan coming from the area of the tail gate.

Setting his eyes just above the stout greenery, Ranger saw a figure slumped on his hands and knees in the act of self recovery. It was Edmund who was resting against the wagon while clutching his side and agonizingly drawing breath. His attempts to stabilize himself were thwarted when hearing the aggressive sound of rock and soil mincing as Ranger walked up to him with a most vehement march.

Before the man could take note of the fullness of his situation he found himself hoisted up and lobbed into the wagon with much more force than necessary.

"What have you done?" came the deep growl of the masked man who, when Edmund was making it to his feet, shoved him harshly back into the wagon once more with even twice the force.

Kaytaff, who was becoming excited by all this, let out a loud whimper that transformed into a series of barks.

"Have pity on me sir!" said Edmund who was favoring one side.

Ranger however would have non of it, he took hold of the missionary's lapels and forced him to bend backwards while he nearly yelled, "Where is the woman!? Where is Holo!?"

"For heaven's sake release me that I may be given the comfort to tell you!"

The hands which held him down would not release any of the strain or succumb to letting up in the slightest, there was only the painful increase in pressure.

"She has gone with them!" came the fretful shriek produced by the man in unceasing torment.

"Who? What has transpired here during my absence?"

"I cannot tell you when my back is about to break!"

Finally Ranger abruptly reverted the direction which freed the man from his agony.

"You will tell me all that has happened for mark my words man, no god will come to your aid should I so much as detect a jot of deception in your testimony!" said the ill tempered warrior.

Adjusting himself in an attitude one would expect after the ordeal, Edmund accounted, "Holo could detect a group of men coming our way so we hid in the trees. From there about ten men approached the wagon. I decided to approach them to send them on their way and Holo assisted by cutting my bonds."
"And from there?"

"I convinced them that the horse and wagon were mine in hopes that they might leave but there was one among them who was being rather nosey. I warned him not to prod but he did not listen and was met with a violent kick from your horse. This upset the group who felt that a form of compensation was to be owed and they made an attempt to ransack your possessions. I made an effort to resist their scheme but was restrained and mishandled and would have surely been my life."

"Yet here you are, in good health." came Ranger's contemptuous tone as he was eagerly awaiting the jot spoken of to satisfy sudden justice on the man.

"Yes because Holo had intervened. The men stopped, most likely charmed by her beauty and she began to counsel and reason with them but they were not in the mood for negotiation. That is when she offered to make a trade for my well being."

"What did she propose?"

"I know not other than that she wished to discuss it in private and led them away into trees opposite from where you came from."

"She simply went with them?" came the aggressive inquiry of the masked man.

"Not until after they roughed me up a bit more."

"Who were these men?"

"Hunters and explorers I believe, I did hear them speak of some kind of employ in the north."

"How long ago was this?"

"They could not have departed more than two minutes ago."

Ranger was astonished and suddenly made another advance, "You let this happen, I wished so earnestly to be wrong about you."

He went to lay his hands upon him once more but then to his astonishment found his brain met with a jarring force that originated from the left side of his jaw. Edmund had struck him out of self defense and managed to deliver such an effective blow that it caught the masked man completely off guard. Edmund, knowing ahead of time the consequence that would befall him, turned and kicked away Kaytaff who became maddened with rage. The missionary evaded a few snaps then flung off his coat, rolled it up around his arm and used it as a means to distract the dog who latched on. They wrestled a bit more with Edmund complying with the aggressive motions for he knew resisting would only mean more incentive for the dog to fight back that much harder.

A sharp whistle screeched above all audible sounds in which the hound resigned his grip when feeling more inclined to do so. Edmund then felt the soft, deathly cold sensation of sharpened steel resting against his throat. The masked man had recovered and now threatened his life in which the missionary, though distraught, seemed at peace.

"Well then, are you going to deliver the killing blow or no?"

Ranger squinted, "Do not think that I am not considering it. Tell me, is your faith in a supposed one true God strong enough to stay my hand?"

With a passive smile that caressed his lips, Edmund said, "God is overall, cut me down now if you must it matters not for I am ready to meet my maker. I am content with whenever my earthly mission shall meet its end for I know that no man is taken before his time."

Ranger's eyes become rather neutral as if he had never been confronted with one who actually embraced death as a simple part of an eternal plan and was so strongly converted to it.

Edmund saw this contemplation and added, "The Lord is mightier than all men, even you."

Fastening his hardened gaze, Ranger growled, "And you believe He will bend to your will in your time of need as it is written of old?"

"No man can frustrate His eternal purposes neither is He governed by his prayers, but if He were to command a man to say to these mountains, 'be thou removed,' and he should say it, it would be removed. Proving that whoever takes the Lord's side will always have an ally for him who is greater than the enemies who are against him."

"Spare me your sermon preacher, no words of faith have ever stayed my hand."

"Yet here I remain unharmed. If not the fear of God, then what constrains you?"

Ranger's masked facade crooked at an angle then said with an odd sincerity, "Many a men have I slain have ranged from the cunning genius to the paranoid fool. From the strongly convicted visionary to the hypocritical coward, but the most common attribute I found among these is when the time came for them to meet their end. They have begged, lied and even attempted to justify their actions, whatever the cost to preserve the moments of their wretched lives a bit longer."

Then he slowly lowered his sword, "Every now and then I cross paths with the likes of you. Strong headed and willing to perish for his convictions and when he dies, accepts it as an inevitability and chooses to do so on his feet than on his knees and above all else, is willing to fight for his own personal safety than having to rely on the exertions of better men than himself." Then sheathing his saber, "Which is something I respect."

Edmund unrolled his coat and reapplied it before wiping away the residue of dog saliva and said, "Now that is set aside, let us go after Holo then."

"You have done enough." said the warrior with a scold that was equal in censure.

With a persistent plea in his tone Edmund begged, "Please let us not argue for every moment that we wait bickering is more time for calamity to unfold. For it was I who mishandled the situation forcing her to take a different course of action, so let it be I to make it right."

"Very well then, but know this, her life takes priority, yours does not."

"Oh fear not I can look after myself. But the real concern is how we are to find her, they could have taken her anywhere."

Ranger paused a moment then approached the wagon and scavenged about a moment then asked Edmund for a linen cloth. The man provided one in which Ranger used it to retrieved the book Holo was seen dedicating much of her free time to and presented it to Kaytaff.

The shepherd dog knew it was his master's wishes to trail the scent from the object to the individual who produced it. After a few sniffs Kaytaff suddenly looked up with glassy eyes to his master, for he recognized the scent of the one creature whom he loathed most and seemed at an impasse, for tracking this creature was a conflict of interest.

Reluctantly he complied and began to smell the earth and retreated slightly off the road then turned back and awaited his master.

"He has found the scent." said Ranger who then retook his bow and a handful of arrows then proceeded to follow the hound leaving Edmund unarmed.

It was not long until the two men found themselves in a widely spread thicket moving at a moderately slow pace for Kaytaff was moving from side to side more often than he was forward to keep track of the smell. Ranger kept an arrow seated and stayed behind Edmund to keep him in view as they stepped over logs and overturned branches.

Edmund, being overcome with grief for his inability to prevent the need for this small search party could not help but say to himself aloud, "I pray that she is alright."

The masked man in tow could not help himself but to respond, "Prayers and pleas cannot save even the most powerful of beings from utter foolishness."

Looking back slightly, Edmund replied softly, "I would not call her actions foolishness just yet, who knows why she choose the course she did."

In his own indignation Ranger spoke hastily, "Because in the moment she was only seeking to save you from harm which now has more or less worsened the situation."

"I daresay you speak too presumptuously."

"Presumptuous? I speak from observance."

"And what is it that you have observed to be so opinionated about her character?"

Ranger slowed a moment then replied with a hint of irritability, "She is governed by emotion which not only has had to call me to action on her account but also has had me to endure her bouts of weeping and self pity."

Displeased by this statement, Edmund inquired while stooping below a low hanging branch, "Have you no compassion? The woman is dealing with so much right now. Her life is in danger, her husband is missing and is in unknown condition, she is with child and to finish it off she has to put up with the likes of you."

"I do what I do in order to survive, I am not like you or her who can be carried away on a whim of compassion and sing 'all is well.' If she truly murmurs so much against me perhaps it would be in our best interests to simply part ways after this and be left to our own designs."

Becoming more agitated Edmund rebuked that notion, "You may say it but I know you will not propose this to her."

"Why? Because I need one with her skills or intellect? Companionship can make certain assignments easier however if I am do it alone I will find a way as well."

"I do not speak of her assets that cause you to keep her close."

Ranger then growled, "What do you speak of then? You suppose that you can simply look upon the situation and know the finite details that construct and govern it?"

Edmund then turned around and spoke harshly, "You hearkened to her counsel Fivel."

Ranger stopped dead in his tracks and stared intensely in the man's face without so much a shudder in his posture in which the missionary realized he had but moments to explain himself, "Last night I was sure I was to meet my doom by your hands. I don't know what she told you but I do know that I live because she had softened your heart in someway to spare me. I do not know what ever happened to you or in what ways your compassion was ripped from your bosom, but I do feel that whatever has been lost from you is somehow being restored by her. A man can live in coldness for so long before he yearns for the warmth and she rekindles that for you. That is why I know you won't propose separating as you are."

Ranger was silent for a decent space of time before saying with deep malice, "Bold words for a man who preaches peace yet is willing to bloody his knuckles."

Edmund gracefully raised his hands in a casual manner and said, "One does not go around taverns infested with gamblers and harlots without learning a thing or two about physical altercations."

The two continued on in silence for the next few leagues until they came across a grove that was encircled with thick pines and bushes. Ranger halted the progress and went down on one knee to listen, for judging by the animations of Kaytaff who stopped and pointed with his snout towards the thicket, Holo was believed to be beyond this veil of greenery. Slowly he took his hand and lowered the rim of the bushes and saw what was beyond.

He then motioned with his head for Edmund to follow him in and there she was, sitting upon a fallen tree and shivering. The jacket of Lawrence that she was once wearing was missing leaving only the simple blouse to prevent her upper frame to be exposed to the morning air. Yet her trembles did not wholly place their origins in her skin being cold. For the most part Holo seemed well enough and alone yet distraught.

She looked up to see the men coming to meet her with sad and lonely eyes that were then set back down to the earth. Edmund was the first to approach her and asked with earnest of soul, "Are you alright?"

Holding her arms more tightly around her torso she said somberly, "I am fine."

"Were you harmed in anyway?"

"No I was…"

Ranger however was less than forgiving, "What happened?"

Composing herself more conductively she replied to him with sternest, "I made a trade that the hunters would leave us in peace."

"Did they learn your name or anything that could compromise us?"

"No."

"What did you trade?"

Holo took a deep breath and replied calmly, "All the coin I had on me."

Ranger's eyes widened with unthinkable disbelief and nearly stammered with inconsolable rage, "You forfeited nearly ninety trenni?"

With a hard scowl she fixed her hardened eyes on his and said, "All that I had on me."

Ranger hotly turned about and shot such a daring glance at Edmund that it made the missionary feel as though all his arguments prior in defense of the woman had suddenly lost stable ground. He marched off in the near distance with his back turned and muttered under his breath, "Fool." of which Holo could hear and caused her to cast a hateful side glance off to the distance.

Edmund still remained close by while the masked man secluded himself yet stayed within hearing range. The missionary then noticed Holo was still shivering and took off his coat and laid it over her.

"Come my dear you can tell me." he coaxed.

Scrunching her lips Holo began to account the actions that had happened, "They were not content with the amount that I had given and desired more. One among them then suggested that I had not in essence given all that I had on me."

Edmund let out an apologetic sigh, "The clothes on your back."

"Yes, they thought it sport to strip me down to my skin and sell the clothing I had on me."

"Is that what happened to your jacket?"

Holo shuddered, "It was Lawrence's jacket…"

Edmund slightly lost his composure as he shifted upon himself the blame, "Oh my dear Holo I am so sorry."

Gritting her teeth she spited, "They did not need to take his damned jacket!"

"How is it that they only made off with just the jacket?"

Taking a deep breath the lass replied, "Another man appeared and they all stopped to recognize his presence."

"Did he tell them to stop?'

"No he did not say anything, he simply looked at them and they went with him in total silence."

"Can you describe him more?"

Holo shifted slightly, "He was older, closer to middle aged with a beard of pepper and salt that drooped to his collar while wearing a thick nit cap that nearly covered his eyes. He wore a deep green trench coat that was well worn and kept on his person a caliber. The last thing I noticed was that the right side of his mustache had a bald streak that was an indication of a scar that ran down his lip."

"But this mystery man, led them away?"

"Yes, I suppose they were on their way to unite with him somewhere and he ended up finding them."

"I see."

At this point Ranger came turned around and demanded with a surge of hostility, "Now it is I who has questions. What were you thinking? Going off alone knowing the risks that you do. You could have been discovered, you could have been slain or abducted!"

With a face that was becoming more perturbed Holo said, "It would not have come to that!"

Edmund then interjected, "Let the woman explain herself."

Holo then snapped to her feat and nearly yelled, "I chose to barter my possessions so that we could avoid an altercation that could potentially be traced back to us. And if that plan fell through I would be in the seclusion of the forrest to revert to my wolf form and take care of it just in the event that these men did come from Cross Iron. Is that not what you want? To constantly be discrete and cover our tracks!?" I am not like you, violence is not always a first resort for me!"

There was a pulsing silence that ensued shortly after, the conclusion involved Holo saying a final word, "Just because I can use my wolf form to fight off threats does not mean it should always be done. Was it not you who rebuked me yesterday saying that taking on the form of that behemoth could bring about other unseen consequences that could hinder our designs? Tis' better for us to be linked as victims of a robbery than suspects for murder."

Ranger let out a deep respire and said, "Valid points, I suppose."

The group was then set in motion towards the wagon with the ripple effect of the confrontation still present among the two. Edmund noticed that Holo was habitually looking back to where the hunters had exited in which he suggested, "We could still track down those men and attempt to reclaim your husband's jacket."

"No,' said she with a bitterness to let go of one of her last memoirs, 'I would rather reclaim Lawrence, therefore let us keep moving."

As they continued it could not help but be noticed that Holo kept an infernal gaze upon Ranger's back and gritted. Edmund then whispered to her, "He is only concerned for your safety."

"If that is concern he displayed I would hate to see him overly worried." said she in a harsh whisper.

Edmund was about to speak until Holo cut him off and said nearly to herself, "It is as if everything I do falls prey to his unrelenting scrutiny."

It was then that the missionary said something the she wolf did not intend to expect, "It must be quite unbefitting for the wise wolf to have her pride tested in such ways."

His accuracy in that statement found so many truths that Holo became suddenly unhinged from her elegance and pronounced with quick puerility, "I have lived for hundreds of years and have earned the title of 'the wise wolf,' and I will not suffer myself to be treated by such conduct!"

Edmund took note, "You know, Fivel most likely has feelings that are tuned quite similar to yours."

Holo was hasty to respond, "It matters not how he feels on the issue, though men like him are few and very far in between, I know a thing or two about gaining one's respect."

Seeing that she was still in the repercussions of the last argument, Edmund thought it beneficial to cease the pursuit of the topic and chose to speak no more. They were coming close to the trail but as Ranger moved past the last line of green and on to the dirt road, Holo stopped Edmund with a gentle restrain on the arm.

"Though…' said she, 'though I can hold my own against stubborn men, I do thank you for attempting to defend my honor."

The missionary let out an embarrassed grunt when realizing she had overheard that discourse when awaiting their arrival. He could only let himself to say, "You are welcome, though I am sure many have spoken up for one such as fair as you."

Holo looked away slightly, "Actually, most people when seeing me as I am would turn away in fear or hate, those who chose not to flee and ask for my help would later turn their faces in anger towards me on false presumptions. I have had very few people ever have the kindness to speak in my defense. Those are the people I have always considered to be friends."

Edmund portrayed a soft smile to graze his lips and said in reply, "Though I have only known you a short time, I too consider you a friend."

She returned his sincerity with a grateful expression of her own as they rejoined Ranger at the wagon on the trail. At this point Ranger had already packed his bow up all while upholding his sour disposition on the whole ordeal. The she wolf then made a stunning move as she walked to the other side of the road and into the bushes where she and Edmund were hiding beforehand.

When she returned she held up the bag of coins given to her by Alexandre that was mostly full. Ranger cocked his head and said with disagreeing astonishment, "You said you gave them all the coin."

"I said I gave them all that I had on me."

Ranger then realized that she must have only withdrawn a few silver pieces to barter with which may have been the root cause for the hunters to feel cheated. Yet still refusing to forfeit his right to adamancy he scolded back, "Why did you simply not tell me this when in the woods?"

Slanting her head she callously replied while mounting in the back, "Why indeed."

Though this interaction could easily be deciphered as arrogance on Holo's part, it must be noted that she chooses to act this way not out of selfishness but for a higher purpose. In most cases she wishes a lesson to be taught in the most effective ways possible. In this instance, she wanted to see how Ranger would react to her decisions and in this lesson we learn that not only did Ranger not trust the wise wolf but was also at a loss for another element that is crucial for effective partnership.

Edmund, when seeing this display chose a course of action that would ultimately seal his loyalty to this party and in a way that was most shocking to all. He approached Ranger with the severed cords that had once held him bound and beckoned, "Retie me."

The eyes of the masked man lifted slightly as he replied deeply, "You trifle with me? What man gives up his freedom willingly when it profits him nothing?"

"As far as I can recall I am your prisoner not your guest. I don't remember you releasing me from that position."

Holo understood the man more clearly, for he knew the value of companionship and knew that should these two become more distant from one another, it would mean failure in every sense. This could not be afforded, therefore he let Ranger have the dominion of his world to allot him the winning point.

With a sigh Ranger rebound Edmund's wrists together and sat him down in the back without saying a word, only pondering many things. Holo wished to say out loud that the he did not need to do what he did, but could only communicate it with her eyes. The wagon moved forward in silence with Holo reading for her novel to pass the time while Edmund looked out towards the landscape which depicted greatly the edge of wilderness. His soul however was filled with dread, for if Holo had heard his words of defense then she also had heard Ranger's consideration to depart.

…

The following morning hours were spent as they normally would be when dedicated to the actions of commuting. They scarcely took the time to eat, Holo herself could only manage to get her hands on a few wild berries, which thankfully to her keen senses found them to be safe for consumption. Yet this did not trouble her for she was in awe of the beautiful landscape of her homeland. For every mountain and pine had its routes in the ancient nostalgia of her mind. Naturally this would arouse the curiosity of Edmund in which a conversation would ensue.

Holo delighted in sharing these experiences with him, though she wished she could have enjoyed it with Lawrence, it was better for her words to fall upon the ears of one who was more favorably disposed than Ranger. What astonished her more than the simple sights of monuments long forgotten was that a road had in fact made it this way out, which filled her soul with hope that some familiar inhabitants could still be found in her ancient home.

As they came around a bend there was a small shack found nestled in a small clearing of the forrest which seemed scarcely an appropriate lodging for personal residence which led Holo and Edmund to wonder what purpose it was constructed for. Ranger pulled the wagon to the back to conceal it behind any other traveling eyes and instructed, "Hold here a moment I will go in and have a word with the host."

"Is this your associate?" asked Holo.

"No, this place serves as an outpost where information can be shared. Due to the harsh conditions of this region, people, settlements and organizations can come and go or relocate. I must first inquire if my associate and his checkpoint are still where I intend them to be."

"What if he has moved or worse?"

Ranger then gave her a soft look of reassurance, "We will find a way."

He then called his dog and soon were found gaining entrance into the small edifice.

"Well he certainly seems to be in a better mood all of a sudden." jested Edmund when feeling sure his voice would not be heard without the bounds of seclusion.

Holo let out a soft respire, "Yes, that is one thing to get used to. He may be quick to anger but he is also quick to forget."

"I do have one question, why did you not tell him in the moment that you had not given all the money away? I am sure he would have been less wroth if you had done so."

Holo repositioned her legs more comfortably underneath her and responded, "I wanted him to see the errors in the ways he judges me."

"Be wary, many men do not appreciate being made fools out of."

"It was not to make him feel stupid or imbecilic but for him to learn something that is missing in this partnership."

"Trust?"

"No, respect."

Edmund let out a soft smile that was so discrete that it could be compared to the cosmos that manages to slip through the veil of clouds in a nights sky. Holo continued, "We are not so hostile towards one another that we could be enemies however it is clear that one does not respect the intellect and position of another."

"Or the both of you."

Holo flexed her eyebrows at him who went on to explain himself, "To be fair it appears that perhaps the two of you need to work on seeing eye to eye, not just the one."

Holo let out a depressing sigh, "On that I suppose you are right, I cannot say that I have always been cooperative or that I have not contributed to some of our problems we have encountered."

"It does not matter at this point who was to blame for what, what matters is that both of you put such things away and be united by a common goal."

"And how would we come close to seeing eye to eye?" inquired a agitated Holo who already knew what the answer was.

"Forgive one another." answered Edmund sincerely.

She blinked many times then fussed, "Where does one even begin in a situation like this to achieve that goal?"

The missionary flexed his lips modestly and said with caution, "By being the first one to apologize."

Holo's mouth opened as her brows knitted hysterically, "Why should I be the first one to apologize?

Before a rejoinder could be attempted, Ranger came around the structure in the distance and set his eyes upon Holo before motioning her over. She pettily quitted the wagon and briskly walked up to him who, when nearly finishing her advance, casually walked back around to have her follow after.

"What is it?' she asked.

Keeping his head angled down yet holding his body straight, Ranger informed, "I was speaking with the man who runs this checkpoint and there is some news I wish to run by you before we proceed."

"Has it something to do with your associate?"

"No; his outpost is still where I last remembered it. What I have come to talk to you about is that the hunters who robbed you were seen coming through here and we are not too far off their trail."

With softened confusion Holo asked, "Why tell me this?"

With a delicate breath he replied, "We have time to track them down and reclaim your husband's jacket."

Her eyes widened, not at the simple notion of obtaining back a simple article of clothing but was that he was prosing to go out of his way for the sake of her own personal interests. Atop this, this action would require an certain amount of risk. The peak of her astonishment had escalated so high that it left her speechless. She only paced about and pondered the situation.

She walked passed him and said, "Let us reason together on it."

Meanwhile Edmund was patiently awaiting to be reunited with the party when all of a sudden he had heard a snapping sound resonating in the woods behind him. Quickly he took his attention to where the acoustic had sourced. His hands where still bound at the wrists which made the feeling of panic all the more unwelcome. His eyes sharply moved about the individual elements of the foliage to detect any unnatural anomaly festering within for he felt as though he was not alone.

Suddenly a sinister voice spoke behind him, "Well, God has been good to you hasn't he?"

Edmund scrambled while turning to put his face towards the culprit the words spoken and found a tall and slender figure garbed in a forrest green robe complete with a hood that covered most of his head.

"Who are you?" stammered Edmund.

With a sinister like bow the individual responded, "Me? Nothing but a simple informant however if you must know, I am the modest and humble Terusilan."

"Am I supposed to know that name?"

With a quirky smile the hooded figure replied, "No but perhaps you knew of my brother, Lord Truyeo."

"The snake god of Tereo."

"Ah very bright for an apostate of Ruvenhaigen who now travels abroad seeking to reclaim what was lost to the people."

Edmund's mouth fell as he asked in horror, "How do you know that?"

Terusilan smirked rudely, "Oh by simply going to and fro and walking up the earth and down it."

Edmund, though still maintaining his mantel of distrust asked sharply, "What do you want from me?"

"A few days ago that overbearing brute sent a letter by bird to the cripple he takes orders from in hopes to inform him of all that has happened.' then withdrawing a sealed envelope from his cloak, 'He replied but seeing how the masked do-gooder is always on the move he was absent by the time of its arrival. So I took it upon myself to deliver it for the old fool."

Terusilan then extended it towards Edmund who quickly snatched it away with the attitude that we would more rather smite the serpent across the cheek. He carefully examined it to check for any signs that discrete eyes may have snuck a glance at its contents but the fold was too perfect and the seal was intact.

"Thank you,' replied the missionary coldly, "I'm sure the instructions will benefit this party greatly."

The serpent man then sighed and said with mournful delight, "From where I'm standing they'll need a miracle."

"Why then do you not help?"

"Because my little friend its not really my concern."

"If it was not your concern then why remove yourself from your own comfort to perform this simple task? Unless you fear the disciples of the moon hunting bear and wish to see this threat eliminated yet only to do so by burrowing in a hole while better men engage in the endeavor to safeguard your own welfare."

Terusilan let out an aggressive hiss and responded, "Choose your words more carefully or you will see why it was that God cursed the snake above all the other beasts of the field."

Edmund saluted his head, "Only the guilty take the truth to be hard, for it can cut them to the very center."

The serpent flicked his tongue before rejoining, "I know many things but I do not know all, and it just so happens that the deepest and darkest corners of Yoites where you fools are headed are one of those things in which I am ignorant save one."

"That is?"

"Many a guild have dispatched hunters, mercenaries and even explorers into the uncharted domains of the ancient home of the Kenrou. The Delink company and Myuri mercenary group to name a few."

"And their findings?"

"That is where my ignorance feigns, for none of their agents return."

"What becomes of them?"

"Who is to say? Perhaps they froze to death or fell victim to another element. Maybe they got lost and starved before eating each other. I do know this much that the area they were headed towards was the Ketchiwa mountain which you see before you. Tis where the ancient village of Yoites is said to have been according to the breathe of rumor."

Edmund turned to see the great mountain that brought Holo to the realms of forgotten nostalgia while Terusilan sneered, "Many have called it 'no man's land,' rightfully worthy of its title if I must say."

A shiver shot through Edmund's spine as he considered the multiple possibilities of how fate was served to the expeditions thus fore mentioned. He then fanned the letter in his hands and only pondered.

Terusilan then rested his head upon his hand which was mounted upon the ledge of the bulkhead and said with a sigh, "I wonder what it will be in store if that creature ever makes it to the old village of Yoites."

Nodding Edmund replied, "Holo will make it, I have faith she will."

With a delighted coldness the snake man rejoined, "Who said I was speaking of the wolf?"

Edmund's head turned abruptly, "What are you talking about?"

Terusilan leaned forward with an uncomfortable veer and said, "Instead of simply answering those rash inquiries with undeserved answers, allow me to ask you a few questions which may open your eyes to many things."

While this conversation ensued between evangelist and snake god another was happening in tandem among warrior and wolf god. Holo and Ranger were discussing the ideology of tracking down the men who had robbed her and demand satisfaction, among this discourse were all the conundrums that could be birthed by this action. It was a difficult stance for Holo for normally she would take up the opportunity to make certain transgressions right yet was not willing to delay the rescuing of Lawrence.

"Tis only a jacket at the end of the day." said she.

"You are sure of this then?" replied Ranger with a tone that desired absolute surety.

"Yes but do know, that if I do come across them again and I do have the chance to reclaim it, do not think that those temptations will be dismissed lightly if dismissed at all."

Ranger rubbed his brow and said with a slight disgruntle, "So long as it is done discretely."

Holo chuckled, "I think by now we both know there can be no promise in that."

His reaction to her jest was not entirely neutral, he simply strained his eyes in such a manner that it implied both the wariness of danger and the appreciation for acknowledging it. He simply replied before walking past her back to the wagon, "Let us just keep our wits about us."

She followed ore in contemplation about what Edmund had spoken of in the moments prior. Unable to bring herself to apologize she decided then to do what she had done before.

"Thank you though for consulting me about this."

He looked back and gave her a simple nod before going on his way. A quick thought passed over her, as if perhaps the real motive behind his proposal was to discover more of the potential threats that lurked in the north country. She could never assume that he was a man of simple intention.

She briskly caught up with him as they turned the corner, once Edmund came into view (who was now by himself) she defensively stopped herself while grabbing hold of Ranger's back garments to halt him while declaring, "Someone else has been here!"

Edmund, though healthy, pointed his distraught complexion towards them before motioning them over.

"I just had a peculiar visitor." said he when they came into closer view.

"Who?" inquired Holo with unconstrained worry.

"He went by the name Terusilan, I'm sure you know him."

Holo looked to Ranger with an inquisitive demeanor transfixed upon her eyebrows who answered her shortly after, "That is the name of the informant we met in Valenfurt."
"Why did he not make that known to us?"

"I cannot say, he has always been selective on who knows what about him while sparing no courtesy to what he can know about others."

Edmund turned to Ranger and said, "Yes and he seemed to know of you quiet well."

Holo was stricken by the means in which this statement was communicated and was made all the more suspicious when Ranger quickly averted topics, "What did he want?"

"He only wanted to deliver you this." said the missionary as he held up the envelope and presented it to the party.

It was quickly taken up and examined. Ranger quickly recognized the seal and said with a slight tone of relief, "It is from the Count Laternieux."

"Well what does it say?" pressed Holo with earnest, for within that letter she felt was the much needed guidance to helping her find Lawrence.

Ranger, though never inclined to be governed by the demands of the impatient opened it up and began to examine its contents. The letter consisted of three papers that had script written on both sides signifying that the information and knowledge found within was bountiful. Once finished, he concealed it once more in the envelope and pocketed it, then with a simple sigh, instructed Holo and Kaytaff to retake their spots in the wagon.

"Well?" questioned Holo as she clamored into the back.

"It can wait." said the masked man who seemed to be called into the deeper bits of his concentration than normal.

She let out a grunt of dissatisfaction as the coach was set in motion.

…

Further along did the mighty shire pull the wagon along the winding trails that were embraced by pines, maples and spruces. Edmund began to shiver for his own mantle was bestowed upon the she wolf who, when seeing his condition, offered to give it back to him. He declined the offering yet kept his face in such a disturbing state that Holo asked him what was vexing him.

He looked at her then motioned with his eyes to Ranger who was oblivious for a moment that he was being watched, but turned to face him when expecting to hear an answer yet was not given, which was quickly answered by Edmund who said, "Just a bit chilled."

Holo was far from ignorant and quickly caught the message that Terusilan shared more with Edmund than simply a letter. Information that must be spoken of in private.

Her senses became bewitched when smelling a rather charming aroma. She turned around and saw a chimney above the tips of the greens which sent out a continual vapor of dark white. Secretly she hoped that that was the checkpoint and to her delight the wagon steered towards it which put a spacious lodge in view. It was a rather large structure which seemed to serve many purposes. Holo however was less entranced with its size and more and more fascinated with the smell it produced.

"This is the checkpoint of your associate?" she inquired with a salivating mouth.

"There has been much added to it since I was here last." returned Ranger.

"Was it not always this large?"

"It was once just a small collection of cabins, tent mess hall and a small office. Now it seems to have all been combined into one."

"How did he manage to upgrade on such a scale?"

"I know not." said he as he dismounted.

Holo was about to do the same in hopes to partake of the savory delectables she smelled until Ranger held out his hand to stop her. She looked absolutely dejected and stammered with hurt feelings while the man replied, "Do understand, the associate and I, we are not what some would call close."

Becoming hasty and more spontaneous she sharply spoke back, "Yes, yes we have had this conversation before, you do not make habit of becoming friendly. Why can we not-?"

"Once he sees me, there is no telling how he will react. I must go about this carefully."
"Why make us wait out here?"

"He will most likely not be overly fond of additional guests once I make an appearance, especially those associated with me."

She sat back with her arms folded, "Go then and do whatever it is that you need to."

He then whistled in which the black and gold shepherd dog leapt out and healed at his master's side. Holo saw it and muttered, "Does he not count as an additional guest?"

Ranger saluted his head and replied simply, "He happens to be fond of Kaytaff."

Shortly after, just as before, man and animal went into the edifice leaving Holo and Edmund to await anxiously. She noticed him shivering a bit more and this time arose and walked over to him.

She looked down upon him with pity in which he looked up curiously, "I normally do not share this with others, however you may be more in need of it than I." said she.

She then sat down beside him with the mantle spread across both their shoulders when he felt something odd yet warm slide across his back and wrap around his waist, it was Holo's tail. She felt his body stiffen most likely due to this foreign experience. Giggling she said to him to calm his fluster, "It does not bite! Aside from this you should feel honored, for very few ever have had the privilege of touching my tail."

He did not speak, he only stared at the other end of the wagon in deep contemplation.

"So what else did Terusilan tell you about Fivel?" asked the she wolf when now in the position to discuss the missing details of the encounter.

Edmund sighed, "He did not tell me anything additional, but he asked me some questions that have caused me to think much about your partnership."

"What did he ask you?"

"Let me sum up the source of the questioning like this. How has his knowledge faired when considering the layout of this land?"
"Remarkably well."

"He has displayed some inquisitive insights in regards to the Kenrou yes?"

"Yes in Valenfurt there were two statues of wolf gods like myself and he had some familiarities with one I believe was named Nazani."

"Lastly, he was the one to determine that this Jurgen was a disciple of the moon hunting bear by the utterance 'praise be to my master,' given by Evgeny?"

Holo slanted her head, "That is correct he was the one who was able to come to this conclusion."

Edmund then turned his face to hers and asked very darkly, "And exactly how is it that he knows these things?"

Holo straightened her posture to that of a more slightly alarmed state, "I know not, in fact he puts in the effort to actually refuse in answering these things."

"Why do you suppose that is?"

She went slightly pale, "I do not know."

Edmund then looked towards the structure in which the man in topic had entered and said, "Watch that one for I believe that man's past has much to do with his knowledge on these things and perhaps he is not who he portrays himself to be."