Werewolf Hunting

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Chapter Twenty Five: Negotiations

Moody felt the spear press against his throat.

He closed his eyes, and waited.

"Wait!" He heard Boewyn shout. There was no fear in the man's voice.

Moody blinked as he felt the spear pull away slightly.

"We heard you having trouble with the black-cloaked ones. Perhaps we could help" Boewyn continued. The Kobolds chattered to each other.

"And how could you help, human?" The leader demanded.

Moody felt the spear move away more and he could look at the Kobolds once more.

"We too are owed by the black-cloaked ones. We have been following them in an effort to find out why they refuse to give us our due"

"Why do they owe you?" demanded another Kobold.

"I am afraid that that is none of your business, friend. However I propose an agreement."

"What kind of agreement?" questioned the leader suspiciously.

"You let us live and show us the way the black-cloaked ones leave and in return when we get our due from them, we shall also collect yours, plus an extra for their delay in paying you." There were some noises of agreement from some of the creatures.

"And how do we know you wont take our payment and keep it?" hissed one of them dangerously as his spear brushed against Beowyn's cheek, drawing blood as it scratched him.

"I'm afraid I can only give you my word. But I doubt those men will be back and your people don't dare move above the surface."

There were some hisses from the Kobolds.

"Your words are true. We do not go above the surface." Mused the leader over the hissing, "perhaps we should take something of yours to ensure your return."

"We carry little of value, friend." Boewyn explained.

Moody was surprised at how Boewyn was handling this. Never before had he seen the man so formal and focused on one thing before. He was still grinning away madly and yet there was determination in his shining eyes. The Kobolds chittered angrily to each other.

"We should make him swear!" A squeak called from the mass of creatures.

"Yes!" another agreed, "make him swear!"

There were shouts of agreement from the mass.

"A swear then?" Boewyn mused, "very well, I…"
"No" the leader barked "Not like that" the leader wrinkled it's short snout in a sneer "a blood swear is what we require"

"A… blood swear?" Boewyn questioned hesitantly.

One of the Kobolds came forwards, he held his sword lightly in his hand.

"Swear on your blood that you will return to us with our payment from the black-cloaked ones" the leader explained, baring it's teeth in a cool grin.

"And if I refuse?" Boewyn asked

"Then we kill you." The leader replied flatly.

"Ah, very well then." Boewyn shifted position and held his hand out for the sword, which to a human was a more a dagger. He took it carefully and examined the blade.

"Cut along your hand, human" the leader ordered.

Boewyn smiled grimly and lowered the blade so it was short ways across his palm, just below his fingers. He pressed it hard against it and sliced his hand open whilst saying "I swear on my blood that I will return to you with your payment from the black-cloaked ones." Blood flowed quickly, as the leader nodded satisfied.

"Very well. Show them the way out"

The Kobolds lead Boewyn and Moody through a short series of tunnels until they came to a cavern similar to the one they had first entered. It was there they were left with strict orders to leave and to not return until they had the Kobolds payment.

Moody watched them leave and shook his head – that had been close.

"Ummm…" Moody turned to face Boewyn.

"What?"

"I… err… appear to be bleeding… a lot…" Moody sighed and grabbed his wand and cast a healing charm on the hunters hand so the wound sealed itself. Now Boewyn was left with a healed hand that was covered in blood.

"Thank you" the hunter said cheerfully.

"Don't mention it" Moody replied and walked over to the wall opposite the tunnel, carefully he reached out with his left hand and pushed at it. His hand slid right through the wall. He slipped through, Boewyn right behind him.

"Well wasn't that productive" Boewyn announced into the dark of the night. Sun had long ago set and the sky was clouded and drab. A chill was in the air, threatening more snow. Although Moody hoped that that wouldn't happen. This job was hard enough as it was without having to slog through thick snow.

Boewyn was frowning as he examined his bloody hand.

"Will you get rid of that blood." Moody grumbled.

"But it's my blood" Boewyn replied defensively. Moody rolled his eyes. He couldn't believe the hunter, most of the time he was a clueless pain in Moody's ass and then other times, like back in the cave, he was serious and determined in what he did. It drove Moody crazy, why couldn't the man just pick a personality and stick to it? Preferably the determined, serious one.

"I don't like seeing my own blood. It disturbs me. It's so… blergh!"

"Blergh?" Moody questioned.

"Yes, blergh' Boewyn was holding his hand out at as far as he could get it, a look of disgust on his face. He shook his hand slightly making a noise as blood flew about. Moody closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.

"We should make camp for the night" he informed his companion with a sigh and then walked a short distance away from the hidden tunnel. He came across a small clearing and looked around. It was surrounded mostly by thick trees providing a fair amount of cover. He watched Boewyn walk up behind him, his arm still out, his tongue sticking out.

"Wipe that on me and I swear I will give you all hell." Moody growled

"Oh shush, Al. I would never do a thing like that.' As Boewyn spoke he moved to beside Moody, looking around the clearing with disinterest. Suddenly his arm swung across Moody's shoulders, blood dripped from his hand onto Moody's coat.

"Damn it Boewyn!" Moody shouted furiously.

Boewyn just laughed.

"Oh shush" he chided and then walked to the base of a tree sitting down and leaning against the trunk. He wiped his hand in the grass and then closed his eyes.

"Good night"

Moody sighed and settled himself down. Preparing to sleep only lightly, his wand still gripped tightly in his hand. If there were death eaters nearby, he wasn't taking any chances.

"So the Kobolds refuse to aid us anymore" Voldemort mused aloud. Before him, his loyal servants grovelled.

"No matter. We have no more need of them. Although they will not get away with defy me, we have much more important things to deal with"

There was a chorus of 'Yes master's' from around him.

"Tell me, how is our lycanthropic friend doing?" he asked mildly

"His will is failing. He is beginning to realise that he has no hope left. His mind and his body alike are weak."

"Good." Voldemort declared. "Very good indeed. It is almost time for our plan to begin to take effect. A few more days and we shall be ready"

Voldemort turned to his followers as they 'yes mastered' once more.

"You are dismissed" he hissed. Every one of the servants bowed and baked out of the room, still half bowed.

He smirked to himself. It was almost time to add more fuel to the fire he had started.

Authors Note: A semi update on Remus there. Not from his point of view (External) but from Voldie's.

Boewyn: I personally think he's trying to hide something, with a name like Voldemort… wipes bloody hand on X'andirth

X'andirth: Thank. You. Very. Much.

Boewyn: sweet grin Your welcome!