Reign of Fire: Rising from the Ashes

Chapter Four- First Impressions

When Alex said the room was small, she meant it quite literally. It has space for a bed, a wardrobe, a desk and a chair. That was about it, instead of crossing the room to get to what you needed all you had to do was swivel and there it was, right in front of you. Not that Wolf actually minded, the room was situated slightly off from the rest of the castle, in what you could guess was an extension. Whilst Wolf enjoys the company of others, through all her years of travelling she had developed a bit of a reclusive streak, and did find being around lots of people daunting and sometimes a bit uncomfortable. After having a wash and a sleep (which was thankfully not interrupted for the first time- in well, a long time), Wolf sat on the window sill and stared out a the horizon not sure what she should be doing, or why she had even agreed to stay. A knock at the door broke her out of her reverie.

"Wolf? It's Alex, can I come in?"

"Yeah sure" Wolf replied standing up and heading towards the door. Alex walked through, an impish smile on her face.

"Dinner's ready, I just thought you'd like to know. You know, you've caused quite a stir with your arrival; especially with the kids- they're desperate to meet Sarah-Lou's hero." Wolf couldn't help blush at this, for the first time in a long time she was actually wanted.

"Well they better be introduced then" She smiled in return, following Alex as she headed down to the dining hall.

Wolf easily memorized the route down, observing all she could in the lack of time she had. Fear coursed through her veins as they came upon the door to the dining room, what if they don't like me?

"So Quinn, what do ya think of the new girl?" Creedy asked, desperate for his best friend's answer.

"She seems nice enough, but I don't trust her much yet- she's a bit of a mystery." Creedy nodded in reply watching his friend eat his stew quickly.

"I think the real question is- what do you think of her?" Quinn asked between mouthfuls. A blush crept onto Creedy's face as he almost choked but looked at his friend with a look of surprise and innocence.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"You know exactly mate."

"Well, I don't really know her so how can I judge." Creedy replied in a mock innocent and diplomatic voice, Quinn rolled his eyes.

"For pity's sake, stop with the bullshit will ya!"

"All right, all right she is pretty gorgeous in't she," he replied his tone quiet to not draw attention. A look of victory crossed Quinn's face as he felt his friend squirm.

"Quinn can I talk to you?" Jared said out of nowhere as he sat down next to his adopted father.

"Sure Jared, what's up."

"That new girl"

"Oh you to eh?"

"No not like that. Listen when I was looking after her horses, I noticed, I, well, looked in one of her packs"

"Jared you shouldn't look at other people's things," Creedy said, helping himself to another bowl of stew- hoping that no one would notice him.

"I know, but, she's got so many guns and ammo. I swear she could stock our entire arsenal for a long time." Quinn and Creedy both looked at the boy at this. He was 19 so technically an adult but he still held many of the childish qualities that most kids lose when puberty hits. He was obviously sincere and the two men frowned at the news.

"Why would she have all that?" Quinn said, keeping his voice low, "Looks like we're gonna have to have a chat with our new friend."

Jared turned towards the door and spoke, "Now seems as good a time as any."

At that point Wolf walked through the door, many stopped and stared at the stranger who seemed completely oblivious to the looks she was receiving. She had changed into a pair of very old and faded stone wash jeans and a white fitted t-shirt, a simple outfit that still had Creedy's heart racing. It was the first time that Holly herself got a good look at Creedy, Quinn and Jared, who had left the table to join some of his friends nearer his own age.

Creedy was the tallest of the three, averaging at 6 foot 2. He had dark brown hair that was curly and quite long. He had piercing green eyes and was lightly tanned from spending time in the sun. He was currently sporting a bit of scruff but from what Wolf could tell, he was a man that was usually clean shaven. His height was complimented by his muscular frame; he was lean but broad which Wolf always admired in a man. His strong Scottish accent only added to his charm, which she concluded he must have seeing as she noticed several of the women drool whenever he entered the room or was within close proximity. Quinn seemed to have the same effect only the women were less obvious around him, seeing as he was involved with Alex. He was two or three inches shorter than Creedy but just as well built. He had chocolate brown hair in need of a comb, a matching scruffy beard and deep brown eyes. He was just as tanned as Creedy possibly more and also had a bit of weathering along with frown lines that seemed permanent. Where Creedy was Scottish, Quinn was a true Londoner, his East London accent strong and gruff. Jared was smaller than both Quinn and Creedy, he also had a lighter, more wiry frame possibly due to his age. His hair was brown also but hazel brown eyes showed that he was not really Quinn's son. His features were also more feminine, soft you could say, but he still looked just as much a man as Quinn and Creedy. Alex was the odd one out of the close foursome. Dirty, golden blonde hair, grey-blue eyes and her American accent setting her out from the rest. She had been a dragon slayer before she settled down with Quinn. Another similarity between Alex and Wolf; both were 5ft 8in with slightly curvaceous figures and had killed their fair share of dragons.

Alex smiled at Quinn and made her way over, Wolf following rather uneasily behind.

"So how are you feeling Wolf?" Quinn asked as Wolf sat down to his left. Quinn was sat at the head of one of the tables with Creedy on his right, directly opposite Wolf.

"Fine thanks" she replied, brushing her long black tresses into a pony tail.

"Your room OK?"

"Yeah it's great, you didn't have to, I would have stayed in the barn with the horses."

"No we couldn't let you do that, you're a guest and we'll treat you as such. But I have one question, Jared noticed that you seemed to be heavily armed- may I ask why?" Wolf looked thoughtful for a moment whilst she processed his meaning- he didn't trust her and she didn't blame him.

"I came across an old abandoned military convoy just south of Manchester, and took all I could manage. The rebel gangs are getting worse, they are fighting over everything, food, land, women. It's not safe to travel in groups let alone on your own, so, when one has to, well, then you deal in the best way you can." She stopped both men and Alex seemed content with her answer, it was after all the truth.

"Then why do you travel alone? Don't you have anyone left?" Creedy asked. Wolf turned and looked at him, a sad smile on her lips which still sparked something within him.

"Not any more" she paused, she might as well tell them, earn their trust- least that way she would have allies to run to in an emergency.

"My mum died when I was a baby, my dad when I was ten. It was just me and my sister until she was killed when I was fifteen. I've always distanced myself from people, just in case." Wolf stopped and watched the three people absorb the information she had revealed to them.

"Understandable" Alex said placing a bowl of stew in front of Wolf. Her eyes widened with surprise as she saw the hot steamy contents.

"Everything all right?" Creedy said, smirking at her reaction to the food.

"Yeah, I just haven't eaten anything hot like this since, well since Zara was alive." Creedy's jaw gaped open at this, maybe they were luckier than most. Wolf quickly got stuck into the bowl, eating as if she hadn't for a very long time.

"Sorry you must think I'm an absolute pig," she blushed.

"Nah, it's cool," Quinn reassured her, the other two smiling reassuringly. At that point Jared returned. "Quinn, the kids are ready for bed, do you want me to do the story tonight?"

"No, Jared, me and Creedy promised the next instalment of The Beauty and the Beast," Wolf snorted.

"That is very sweet, so who's who?" she asked.

"Well," Quinn said smugly, "I'm the beast and, Creedy got the short straw- may I introduce you to our resident beauty?" he pointed to a not very amused Creedy.

"Apt, very apt. " she replied, bowing to Creedy, "It's a pleasure, I'm sure" Creedy scowled but the others just laughed.

"What is it, mock Creedy night or somethin'?"

"Yes, why didn't you know, and I thought I was the newbie." Wolf's teasing initiated another round of laughter.

Quinn was liking Wolf more by the second, she knew how to have a laugh which many around here had forgotten since the dragons' rise to power. Putting down his cup of water he went to stand, Creedy joining him.

"If you don't mind Jared, would you give our guest here a tour of the castle? You know, explain everything an' that." Jared nodded in reply. "Afterwards, come back here. We'll continue this chat and discuss anything else that might be necessary." Wolf was the one to nod this time.

"All right then, come on beauty," Quinn joked patting Creedy on the back who smiled at the remaining three and went off too.

"Well I have washing up that's calling me, I don't think Magda and Rhona will let me get away with missing my turn," Alex said "See you later Wolf."

"Right then, we'll start outside shall we?" Jared started, motioning with his head for Wolf to follow.

The castle and it's defences were impressive, not that Wolf was surprised. If Quinn and Creedy were the type of men she thought they were then it was obvious that they'd run a tight ship. Jared seemed to warm up to Wolf as he continued the tour, telling her about everyone and answering her questions as best as he could. The sun had set and Wolf's 'sixth sense' kicked in; she had the feeling again. The feeling she got before she found Sarah-Lou being attacked by the men, but she wouldn't say anything, not yet- sometimes she was wrong and she prayed it was one of those moments.

They found Quinn, Alex and Creedy in the kitchen instead of the dining room, drinking something that Wolf could not identify. Wolf entered the room, going towards the beckoning Alex.

"Well I'm gonna hit the sack early tonight, see you guys in the morning," Jared said turning back down the corridor.

A chorus of 'Night!' came from those left in the kitchen, Wolf slowly went to sit with Quinn, Alex and Creedy. She knew full well that their curiosity about her wouldn't be sated.

"What's this?" Wolf asked as Creedy slid the glass of dark liquid towards her.

"Creedy's Black Label- a special brew as such. Mind it though, strong stuff is that; drink it as quick as you can so it only burns your stomach and not your throat." Creedy stated proudly.

Wolf arched a brow and drank the liquid, downing it as he said. It was pretty much like paint stripper, and for most people who drank it, well at least the first time, they would cough violently and turn a nice shade of cerise. But not Wolf, possibly because she was trying as hard as she could to suppress any reaction she might of had from the brew. All three looked at her surprised, Creedy the most- little did they know that she felt like her insides were slowly being eroded.

"Not bad, not bad at all." Wolf complimented, grimacing as little as possible as Creedy poured her another glass.

She sighed and frowned at her hosts; they were squirming a little, obviously wanting to ask her something but too polite to ask, "What is it you want to know?" They seemed a little taken aback by her bluntness.

"Well, err," Quinn started, from what she could tell he wasn't the type of man to stutter. She sighed again before smiling from amusement.

"Why don't I just tell you what I think you'll wanna know- if you're gonna trust me then you should know something about me right?" They nodded.

"My real name, my birth name is Holly, Holly Matthews. But I go by my alias Wolf- well The Black Wolf to most."

"Why do they call you that?" Creedy interrupted. Wolf smiled and pointed to herself, they seemed to catch on pretty fast once she had.

"Ah" Creedy spoke.

"That and my, well, reputation. I'm a bit of a loner, and the things I've done have only helped to gain fearful respect of many in the south. Anyway, I've spent the past couple of years in London, living amongst rebels and dragons. Killing the odd dragon that got in my way, surviving how I could. Before Zara died we were in Pembrokeshire, but when she died I went south. I don't know why. Well about six months ago I left, for a while I noticed how the dragons seemed to be decreasing in number, hoping against hope that it was because they were dying out. They are, but really slowly; their heading north like I mentioned earlier. I'm not completely sure why but I do know that more people that survived are heading to the city; I don't know why they think it will be safe there. I barely survived, between the rebel gangs and the dragons I had many a scrape that I just made it out of. To be honest I think the dragons are waiting, waiting to strike when the masses become complacent. Our numbers are increasing, 26 years is plenty of time for the small colonies that survived to grow again. Of course they still out number us 20 to 1 but like the bacteria we are, we're spreading. And they're watching. That's why I left, I don't want to be part of the carnage. Sarah-Lou told me of the man who came, you were right to not leave Quinn. Don't no matter what your told, don't go to the city. The rebel gangs are getting worse like I said and no one can stop them. They are worse than the marauders, much worse. They will do anything to not just survive, but dominate too. They'll kill anyone who gets in their way, they'll pillage, burn and plunder with devastating affects. As far as I can tell you'll be safe here, it was only because Sarah-Lou was guiding me that I found this place." She stopped and drank some more. Even though she wanted their trust, she was wary of telling them all about her- just in case. Even if it was the right thing to do.

The feeling came back stronger, Wolf's stomach jolted and her flesh tingled like it had not in a long time. She stood slowly, stepping over the bench she had been sitting on. She closed her eyes and clenched her fists, the three friends sat and watched intently as Wolf stood there concentrating as hard as she could.

"What is it?" Quinn said, joining the others in a confused frown.

"Shh, I have to concentrate."

"Why" Creedy asked, no answer. Wolf opened her eyes and stared down at bemused trio who had grown considerably on her.

"If I can't concentrate then I don't know how long we have. You may want to prepare, wake the others what ever. We haven't got long- the dragon will be here soon." Her words were final and fear was struck into Quinn, Creedy and Alex. "Go now!" She shouted, making them jump into action.

The castle was thrown into action just as the warning alarm was set off. Eddie, Ajay, Jared and Tito grabbed all the rifles they could as Alex, Quinn and Creedy took the others down into the shelter underneath the castle. Once all were inside, Alex realised one person was missing- "Where's Wolf?"

Wolf had no intention of going to the shelter, once out of sight from the others and the warning bell sounded, she headed to the barn where Jared had left her saddlebags. Grabbing one of the semi-automatics, her hunting knife and as much ammo as she could she ran towards the gate, hoping to draw the dragon away from the first safe place she had known in a long time. Of course, the motorbike that caught her eye was not initially part of her plan but a new one was forming quickly. Jumping on she was relieved to find the keys in the ignition just as the dark outline of the dragon came over the top of the hill, the weak moonlight helping her somewhat. The engine started immediately which she hoped would attract the dragon's attention. Speeding out through the gate which Ajay had fortunately forgotten about she drove out and up the road.

The going was rough but the bike's suspension smoothed it as much as it could stand. Looking back she could see the dragon turn back and follow her, gaining on her slower than she thought it would. It was weak and couldn't keep up, but was too hungry to admit defeat. Wolf stopped when she was about a mile from the castle, turning the bike to face the oncoming dragon. Her heart pounded in her head, the adrenalin racing through her veins as she took up position; pulling out the semi-automatic she waited for the dragon to make its first move.

It began it's final descent, mouth open ready to burn it's prey to death. Wolf swallowed hard, steadying her hand and waiting for the opportune moment. It came, and fast. Squeezing the trigger, Wolf aimed into the open mouth of the dragon, the spray of bullets lodging into the soft pallet and brain of the beast. One last roar erupted from its throat as it fell, swooping down over her head to fall in a crumpled heap of twisted flesh. She exhaled, not noticing that she had held her breath the whole time. She looked through the dark of night at the corpse but she did not go to it. One time, she would of, she would of taken a tooth as a memento- but not tonight. She did not have it in her, all Wolf wanted was sleep and peace. Turning back she flicked the ignition and headed back to the castle slower than her exit.

The minutes dragged by in the cold silence. Muffled sobs and whimpers were all that broke it, but these were few as all were too scared to make a noise. Memories of the night six years previously when Creedy nearly met his death flooded the minds of many, Creedy included. All the adults found themselves comforting children who hugged them madly. Sarah-Lou had managed to get herself between Quinn and Creedy who took in turn to tell the girl that Wolf would be all right; praying to the God they no longer believed in that their words were true.

Another ten minutes passed before they heard a noise- a repetitive thud echoing through the hallway and then stairwell that lead to the shelter. Quinn, Creedy, Ajay and Eddie all raised their rifles as the sound got nearer, the children hugging to who ever the could even tighter. The sound stopped, and the men cocked their guns, looking between each other not sure what they should do. The steel door creaked open ever so slowly and the men aimed ready to fire. Wolf stepped into the small opening, obviously tired but still smiling.

"Well is this a private party or can anyone join?" she joked, the men put down their guns and relief flooded the face of several of the party. Sarah-Lou moved from her space on the floor and practically rugby tackled Wolf only remembering her arm before impact. Wolf 'oomphed' anyway, not used to such affection.

"What happened?" Alex asked, looking up the stairwell behind Wolf and then at the semi - automatic resting in the band of her jeans.

"Had a date with a dragon, it's safe enough to say I won't be getting a post-date call tomorrow." She chuckled, the others looking between themselves. Maybe it wasn't the time to joke after all.

"You killed it?" Creedy asked shocked.

"Yes, I believe so, seeing as it was dead an' all." Wolf remarked.

"How?" Eddie, an older man that Wolf wasn't that well acquainted with questioned. What is this? The Spanish inquisition? I just saved their home and their questioning me? That's bloody nice.

"Well, it involved me, a semi-automatic and a dragon. The dragon chased after me and I shot it- would you like me to elaborate?" She snapped and Eddie backed off.

"Now if you don't mind, I think I'm gonna hit the sack; I'm shattered and as you can tell, when I'm tired I get cranky. Night all." They watched her smile and wink at Sarah-Lou before heading back up the stairs and to her room. Some broke out in smiles others, frowns but either way the dragon was dead.