Hi there,

in this chapter a lot is going on but I will leave it to you to find out what...

Howling In The Halls

The Halls came into view and even though Sparrow was scared she went on. It helped that Hammer was beside her and could sooth her with a single glance.

The girls entered the Halls through creaky doors, their footprints echoed trough the silence. It was creepy to say the least.

They entered the main hall and what they saw shocked them. About thirty Balverines stood on the sides of the room in various had raven black pelts others various shades of brown like you see when you walk in the woods. There was a blonde like the color of sand one was gray and of course a big white one was in the middle of the great room awaiting them almost like a welcome.

The white Balverine stood on it's hind legs but it's back was straight not in the slight arch it was in when it was about to pounce. Even though it seemed like it wasn't attacking it was quite an intimidating sight.

"Welcome to the Howling Halls" it said whit a gruff voice. "Why have you come ?

Sparrow steeled herself before she spoke. "We seek only passage, the other roads have been blocked"

"I see" the beast mused. "Where does your path lead to ?

"We are headed for Bloodstone" Sparrow answered.

"What do you seek in Bloodstone ? It is a dangerous place.

"We are in search of a man"

"Why Bloodstone ? I think more agreeable man roam Albion. Soft growls could be heard.

Did a Balverine just tell a joke ?

"We seek a very specific man, one who is quite dangerous" Sparrow continued

"What did he do ?

"We know he isn't fond of woman, he sent his henchman to harass and kidnap them. We dealt with him and told the man to return to his leader and tell him he is not wanted here. Apparently he didn't like that and came down here himself now he is kidnapping the woman in Bloodstone we mean to stop him.

"As the noble heroes you are" the beast purred softly.

"I know who you are" it went on. Sparrow' blood turned to ice but she tried her best not to show it she glanced at Hammer and saw the statement had the same effect on her.

"Don't be afraid" the beast continued.

"You are defenders of the pack just like me. You both saved a lot of lives.

"You" it said bowing it's head to Sparrow "brought back hundreds of lives by ridding this land of Lucien and saving those who died because of him"

"And you meanwhile" it said turning to Hammer "Saved a lot of villages from Bandits, Slavers and even members of my former pack

"Former Pack ? Hammer asked.

"Yes haven't you noticed the attacks have stopped ?

When you both came trough here many years ago, you slayed a violent leader. Her son however survived. He tried to rebuild the pack and some followed him even though he was still a brown Balverine, he didn't have the leadership qualities to change his fur to white.

I had no choice in the matter I was bitten and changed and I had nowhere to go but the here. When the pack was big enough to his liking he began attacking villages.

At first all was well for him the pack grew because he bit everyone he could. But like me there were a lot of woman and they didn't want to attack villages who did nothing wrong. So he went on with the men of the pack. This didn't last long however because you put a stop to it" she said gesturing to Hammer again.

"all male members got slain in that fight. The ones who stayed in the Halls came to me for leadership because I was the first to defy Robert. I accepted the task and led this pack ever since. We only attack the ones who mean to harm us and we only hunt the deer in these woods for food. We mean you no harm.

I found it was strange the attacks stopped so long ago and it got me thinking" Sparrow said.

I always thought you were smarter then the other beasts of Albion, it seems I was right.

Please will you tell me your name.

"It is Raidah" the Balverine said bowing her head

"Then Raidah we will do you no harm we only wish to pass trough.

"As you wish but before you go, I may have some information about the man you seek"

She wanted to continue but was interrupted by a murmuring growl on her right. "Raidah" She ignored it and tried to continue her conversation with Sparrow. Another growl more urgent now "Raidah !"

"What is it ?!" She gruffed back irritated . "Look" The other said gesturing to a hole in the roof.

The halls were covered in blue-ish white light brighter then normal and when the whole company looked up they could see why. A second full moon rose up into the sky and was almost align with the other one. It was a sight to behold and they all watched as it crept higher and higher until they were align with each other.

A pulse of energy surged trough the room. All Balverines stumbled and even Sparrow and Hammer could feel the strange new energy surrounding them. A new wave hit and all around them Balverines started dropping to their knees with pained growls. The waves kept coming and with each one more Balverines caved and the growls turned to agonized howls. Before their eyes Raidah crashed to her knees trying to stay strong but to no avail, even the fierce leader fell to the ground.

The energy was constant now and the room was bathing in silver light.

The girls couldn't speak but what they saw was beyond anything they imagined.

The Balverines started to turn.

Fur became skin, fangs became teeth, claws became hands and tails started to disappear.

Before them were no more Balverines, all that lay around them now were humans

The glow faded and the energy was no more. The moons were no longer align. Whatever caused this to happen was over now.

The girls seemed unchanged, they hadn't grown fur they were as normal as ever but they were shocked by what they had seen. So shocked they jumped in fear when the figure before them slowly started moving. With a soft moan it stirred it's head and started to pull itself up.

The figure was a woman and had broad shoulders, a muscular body full of scars and long white hair.

Could this really be Raidah ?

Sparrow was still in a state of shock because of what just happened, but it seemed like the most logical explanation.

The woman in front had risen to her knees and groaned. "well that doesn't happen everyday"

"Glad to see you still have your humor Raidah" another woman said

"Kella ? Is that you ? Raidah asked.

"Yes it's me, what the hell happened ?

Raidah slowly stood and looked at herself before looking around. "Seems to me the moons turned us back to human."

"That's ridiculous Raidah" Kella said

"Don't believe me ? Look at yourself" Raidah answered

The other woman slowly rose and looked down, her eyes grew wide when she didn't saw fur but was greeted by skin.

The rest of the pack was doing the same and were just as shocked.

Raidah just stood in the middle looking around to see if everyone was alright.

Once all of them stood on their new found footing they started to look around too, they seemed surprised they were human again but the fact that they were all naked didn't seem to bother them in the least

Sparrow on the other hand tried desperately to hide her blush when seeing all these naked woman Hammer had trouble fighting back a huge grin.

When the shock of the transformation simmered down Raidah looked at Sparrow again.

"So, as I was saying I have some information for you before you leave" she said it like nothing ever happened.

Sparrow didn't know what to expect from Raidah but she certainly didn't expect this calm demeanor.

"Aren't you curious about what happened to you just now ? She asked a bit flustered.

"I am" Raidah answered her in all business. "But stranger things did happen in Albion and seeing my pack is okay we can find out what happened later . What I have to say is important for your mission"

She caught Sparrow averting her gaze and she guessed the problem.

"Do you mind us being naked ? She asked

"No ! Sparrow said quickly not wanting to offend Raidah. "Not at all but it is a bit distracting"

Raidah sensed Sparrow's embarrassment and smiled.

"We have some clothes lying around here, we will dress ourselves. Will you listen to me then ?

"Yes of course, it will be my honor Raidah" Sparrow said looking the leader straight in the eyes.

With a nod Raidah turned and the whole group followed her into the next hall.

As soon as they were out of hearing range Hammer burst out laughing while Sparrow buried her face in her hands.

"That must be the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to me"

Hammer could hardly hear her love as she was still covering her face.

Still giggling she went to Sparrow and put an arm around her shoulder.

"I didn't know you didn't like nudity Sparrow" Hammer said still grinning

"I don't ! But by Avo seeing a whole pack of fearsome Balverines get turned into a group of strong naked woman tends to get me nervous" Sparrow sighed.

"Yes all these strong naked woman made you blush. Should I be getting jealous ? Hammer quipped

"No" Sparrow said playfully as she smacked Hammers arm. "I would have thought you would be blushing too seeing I had to ask to see you" she continued to tease the big woman.

"That only means I didn't like my own body. I never said anything about not liking nudity now did I" Hammer said with a grin.

"Hhhhmmmmm" Sparrow mused "maybe I should be the one getting jealous.

"There's no need for that" Hammer said while drawing her in for a kiss.

Sparrow smiled and drew her closer.

They both jumped when they heard someone clear their throat.

Raidah was back and was wearing a highwayman outfit. The girls had to admit she looked quite intimidating in a black silk shirt and leather pants. But intimidating as may be she had a certain stern beauty in her as well which made her a force to be reckoned with.

The others followed soon afterwards the clothes that were laying around were mostly owned by bandits. Which had a group of cross dressing woman as a result. But now that the shock was over Sparrow could see how strong these woman were. They may look a bit strange in the eyes of others but it was clear you should not mess with them.

As they both composed themselfs Hammer looked at Raidah.

"Sorry we meant no disrespect"

"No need to be sorry, love needs attention too if not it would lose it's power" Raidah said looking at the pair still holding hand

Hammer was a bit dazed by that wise comment and the look the leader was giving them, so Sparrow took over for her.

"You are absolutely right Raidah, but believe me when I say you have our full attention now and I think you have something to tell us.

Raidah nodded at that. "indeed I do. The man you seek, he isn't from here is he ?

"No, we don't think so. We haven't seen him yet but the man he sent looked foreign"

"Did he have bronze skin perhaps ?

"Yes he had, how did you know ?

"Willow will you come over here ? She asked while she looked at a girl in the group.

She came forward, she had the same bronze skin the stranger had and long blonde hair.

"Sparrow, Hammer this is Willow "Raidah said while she gestured to the girl.

"She will tell you everything you need to know. I only know he's very dangerous

"He's a deranged bastard" the girl said. "Willow ! Raidah chastised her.

"No Raidah I'm done playing calm, if that bastard is here they need to know what sort of man he is.

I will not exaggerate but I will tell them what's going on. I'm done being the quiet one.

The girls watched as Willow turned leaving a confused and slightly shocked looking Raidah

"As Raidah so politically correct put it, the man you seek is dangerous.

His name is Darkan and he is the leader of the place I come from. He enslaves woman at a very young age and the only reason for that seems fun for his and his men. When you are born as a woman in my country you have a very unfortunate life in front of you. From the day you can walk you are the slave of a man. This can be your father, your brother or a stranger you never met. He owns you.

If you are with a brother or a father you get passed on to a stranger once your old enough to please him in bed. This mostly happens when you're twelve or thirteen. From then on you do everything he asks if you want to avoid a beating. You get these anyway but if your obedient you get less.

You will do the household, you cook, you work and you lay down when he asks.

When you're more or less around twenty six most men think you are to ugly or too old... Then you go to the mines" she sigh's

"Let me ask you something what do you think is old age ?

The girls had to think about that.

Hammer spoke first "Theressa seems like she is at least 70 years old and I think that's pretty old.

"Yes" Sparrow agreed "but I read stories of the old kingdom and the Guildmaster was 90 when he died"

"Do you consider reaching that age lucky ? Willow asked next

"Well... yeah, considering they both had their fair share of battle's in their lives that seems like a lucky number to me" Hammer said.

Willow had a grim smile on her face.

"I knew someone who didn't last a year in the mines.

She died when she was twenty four, where I come from that is considered lucky.

Once you end up in the mines you don't come out unless it's in a coffin. Some of us have to work underground our whole lives to mine for marl. Others work in the freezing cold all day to put it in carts for transport.

We all work till we die."

Sparrow was shocked by hearing all this, but she had only one question she wanted to ask.

"How did you escape ?

"We have Balverines too you know only ours live in the mountains not in the woods.

I had to work in the loading docks outside because I had some muscle on my bones.

Come twilight almost near dusk the beasts come out.

We don't get any protection so they are free to attack us.

That evening they bit a whole group of us and killed enough to keep them fed and leave the wounded behind. I survived my bite, I was the only one. Th rest died out of fatigue or just gave up.

Not me instead of feeling weaker by the bite I got more strength. By the time I got enough strength to walk everyone was asleep and they all assumed I died.

I took advantage of this fact and went deep into the mine tunnels.

The Balverines that bit were still feasting on the others so I could go in unnoticed.

The tunnels were natural and lead on for hundreds of miles.

I got far enough into them so no one could hear me.

Then I collapsed... the turn was painful but when it was over I felt stronger than I had felt in years.

I thought about going back and killing Darkan myself, but I didn't know my new powers jet and I was afraid I might hurt someone in the mines. So instead of going back I went trough the tunnels.

When you change you sense of smell improves, so much even you can sniff out water. So as I went on I found hidden pools of water and fed myself with cave bats. I roamed that mountain for four weeks.

When I finally got out I found myself in a forest where the sun always shined brightly. It had to much travelers for my taste so I stayed hidden en traveled at night. Next I ended up in a great deserted wood with a lot of open spaces. Somewhere along the way I found a deserted farm and stayed there for a while. After a few weeks of roaming in the orchard there I got tired of it so I went on. I stumbled on the bandit camp not to far from here but managed to sneak trough. Then I found Raidah in the woods she was hunting for the pack and invited me in. Robert wasn't to pleased but he let me stay because the pack was still small back then. I lived here ever since.

Sparrow was impressed with the girl standing before her but she couldn't find any words to say to her so Hammer was the one to speak up.

"It is very impressive you survived all that and I see that this man is a threat but Sparrow and I handled worse"

"I Thank you for the compliment and I like your confidence but you can't handle what's coming your way" Willow said with a tired smile.

"If he came alone you could beat him without a doubt, but he is not alone.

You humiliated his right hand and now he will come with an army. These men are cruel beyond your believe even you two can't beat this by yourselves.

Willow paused for a moment

"But... I think I know how we can beat him.

She turned and went herself to Raidah.

"Raidah you know how bad Darkan is and I know you wanted to help me safe my land but you couldn't because of the others.

I think if we join forces with Sparrow and Hammer we can have a chance of ridding Albion of this brute and saving my land all in one go.

Raidah sighed

"Willow, if we were still Balverines I would agree with you but we are just human now. We can't fight like this.

"Uhhhm I hate to interrupt but you are hardly just human" Hammer stepped in.

"You all survived Balverine bites, I bet you are very agile and to boot you are very strong.

In my book that makes a pretty fierce fighter.

Handling a weapon isn't that hard and Sparrow and I will learn you the basics.

If what Willow is saying is true I we need all the help we can get.

Raidah looked at her pack. They all stood there proud of their power and none of them showed any sign of fear. She shot a glance to a confident Willow before averting her gaze to Sparrow. She went to her until they were toe to toe.

Sparrow didn't back away.

If you promise to help me and my pack to fight in battle I will stand by your side.

Raidah said while staring into Sparrow's eyes.

Without even a blink Sparrow said "I will learn you everything I know"

"Then I will go with you, where do want us to go ?

"We're headed for Westcliff harbor. I have a ship that can take us right to Bloodstone" Sparrow said with a mischievous grin.

Oke so there you have it. it took forever I know but it was tricky to put in these new characters but I think it went well

For those of you who are wondering where Willow is coming from here is a link of the map of Albion

art/Fable-Combined-Illuminated-Map-202881350

Darkan lives behind the mountains on the lower right corner of the map

Willow escaped trough the mountains and finds herself in Brightwood, she travels to Greatwood and for the fable 1 fans she stays at Orchard Farm then she goes to the bandit coast and ends up in the howling halls.

this also took some time to figure out but it payed off.

I hope some off you are still reading this and hope you enjoy this

Greets Tigergirl

PS : SHOUT OUT to IsBreaLiomCaife who made the wonderful map in the link.