Nedric sat in front of a small table; a map unfurled on top. He traced a line with his finger through the pass where the ice barrier had appeared.

By this time tomorrow it should be completely melted; making it easier to follow the pack.

Nedric slammed his fist on the table. This would never have happened if that sorceress hadn't appeared.

Nedric wondered how in the world the pack acquired a sorceress to assist them.

He wasn't sure how powerful she was; but it was no matter, just a minor setback.

He would dispose of her with the rest of the anomalies.

A small knock interrupted Nedric's thoughts.

"Enter."

Merlin slowly entered Nedric's chamber; a steaming cup of tea in his hands.

He presented it to Nedric, who took it quickly; gulping it down.

"I'm sorry about what happened today." Merlin said staring at Nedric who had now completely drained the cup of its contents.

Nedric belched and whipped his mouth. "Why are you apologizing? It wasn't your fault the daemon's enlisted the help of a sorceress."

"I know, but I know how desperate you are to get rid of the wolves."

Nedric rubbed his forehead. "Is it that obvious?"

Merlin made an uneasy chuckle.

Nedric now turned his attention onto Merlin.

"Have you ever been in love?"

Merlin was caught off guard. "C-come again?"

Nedric sighed. "Looks like you haven't. You would never understand what a power it is."

Merlin had no idea where this conversation was going, or why it had even started in the first place; but something didn't sit right.

"I might; try me."

Nedric took a long look at Merlin; making sure that he was safe to talk to.

"I was taken with this unbelievable beauty once. She was perfect in every way: until I discovered who she really was."

"We're not talking about your wife, are we?" Merlin asked cautiously.

Nedric shook his head. "Don't misunderstand: I loved my wife, but she was my wife. This woman was a goddess."

Merlin had to stifle a laugh: this was getting ridiculous. A strong man like Nedric getting all poetic; it was quite a sight.

"And this other woman?" Merlin egged him on.

Nedric's eyes suddenly darkened. "She was promised to another; but I didn't let it disconcert me. I would follow her while she was in the market, just marveling at her beauty. And then one day I discovered who she really was: a monster."

This story was sounding quite familiar to Merlin.

"Does this have something to do with the wolves?"

Nedric's face changed; his cheeks were bright red, his eyes wild with fury.

"Of course it has to do with those damned wolves! Don't you see: she was one of them! A monster stole my heart."

"But, if you truly loved her, why should that matter?" Merlin asked.

"It's unnatural! A human and a creature like that? Unheard of; why would you even say something like that?"

Merlin wrestled with his next question. "Please don't mind me asking, but what exactly drove the pack to kill your entire village?"

Nedri's face turned from red to pink to pale. "I must say, young one, I blame myself for that. I had the lot thrown in confinement."

"What happened? Did they rebel?" Merlin asked.

Nedric lowered his head slightly. "I do take some of the blame; but if it wasn't for that woman!" he slammed his hand on the table again. "This was because of her! If she hadn't used her magic, none of this would have happened!"

"It's not your fault you fell in love with someone who was…different than you." Merlin said.

"No, it's not." Nedric said. "It's hers. And now she has a sorceress helping her; she was the one who cast this spell over me in the first place!"

Merlin shook his head. "I wouldn't say that."

Nedric glared at Merlin; standing he grabbed his shirt, lifting him off the ground.

"Oh really? What would you say then, boy?"

Fear and panic ripped through Merlin's body as he struggled to talk his way out of the situation.

"I would say that you should calmly talk this whole mess over with the wolves. Maybe some sort of agreement could me made?"

Nedric shook him slightly. "That'll never work! They'll most certainly use that sorceress they have to cast more spells on me!"

Merlin winced as Nedric occasionally shook him. "Why not speak with her? Maybe she'll stop."

Nedric stopped shaking Merlin; slowly lowering him to the ground.
"I know what I'll do." He said quietly.

Merlin adjusted his jacket. "You'll talk to her?"

"I'll kill her first." Nedric replied. "I'll slay her so fast she won't know she's dead."

Merlin froze where he stood. "No, no that's not…"

Nedric placed a giant hand on Merlin's shoulder. "I'll get rid of the sorceress and then head after the wolves. Without her they'll be defenseless."

Nedric gathered up his map; quickly striding out of the chamber.

"Oh no." Merlin squeaked.