Chapter 14

Lone Wolf

It was early morning, and Beowulf was making sure they had everything. He goes downstairs and meets with Fisher. Fisher gives Beowulf some papers. He told him to present them to the soldiers. Beowulf asks him about their plan while Madam is away.

Fisher told him that Madam had other businesses that he had to look after. Fisher was going to go around managing it all. He said that the Fishing crew had already left. He was going to check on a storage warehouse Madam owned.

Fisher then begins a pleasant conversation with Beowulf. He asks him about him meeting Adolpha's father. Beowulf said he was scared because he had heard of him and how much of a monstrous warrior he was. Fisher laughed and told him that all fathers were like that.

The sun rose, and customers were coming down to eat. Others checked out, and the staff was hard at work. Adolpha also woke up and headed down with Adolphus. Beowulf goes over and takes him. They ate, and Beowulf told Adolpha that he was going to go pick up his sword.

Adolpha wanted to go, but Beowulf told her to relax. He said the trip would be long and exhausting. Adolpha agreed but was upset. One of the waitresses came over and asked Adolpha to help with work. They said that one of the employees got sick.

Adolpha agreed because she had nothing better to do. Adolphus was given to Fisher to take care of. Adolphus began to cry, and he told Beowulf to take him. Beowulf declined because he said he was busy.

"You have jokes now, Beowulf."

The staff laughs, and Beowulf smiles. He has changed from his past self. Beowulf leaves and heads to town. He passed the shop and stands that were barely opening. He then sees that more soldiers are walking the streets. He thought nothing of it.

Beowulf makes his way to the smith's shop. They, too, were opening. A smith sees him and asks him to wait. As he waits, he notices a crowd forming. The head smith came out holding a sword. He shows it to Beowulf.

"High-quality craftsmanship, I guarantee. If you have any problems, I dare you to prove my handy work wrong."

The dwarf smith then laughs and sheathes the sword. He hands Beowulf the sword. He thanks him and leaves, but not before hearing a soldier begin to shout. Beowulf gets taken by the crowd and pushed closer to an announcement. A soldier was on top of a platform.

Other soldiers then surrounded the soldier. The soldier began by getting everyone's attention. He took out a paper and began to make the announcement. At the same time, more soldiers began to enter the town. The soldier said that the demon army had advanced on some territories.

He also said that Ivory Springs would be the enemy's next target. The people began to talk. They question the soldier. He ignored them and continued to speak. The soldier said that they would help all civilians escape to other territories. Some people began to protest.

The soldier said that King John had ordered them to evacuate. Some people got angry, and others kept talking. The soldier told them that they could only take what they could. Beowulf saw how they were reacting.

Some beast men people asked if the beast king had announced anything. The soldier said that the beast kingdom had not issued anything. The soldier said that passage to the beast kingdom could not be taken without adventures. He said that they would only take them to human territories.

This angered some of the beast man race. The soldier said that they would begin to take soon. Some people left the crowd. Other people started to panic. The soldiers told them not to. Beowulf had a bad feeling, so he began to head back.

At the Inn, the lunch craze settles. Adolpha changed out of her waitress uniform and was getting ready. She came out and took Adolphus from Fisher. Fisher then left to check on Madam's other business. Adolpha waits for Beowulf.

After some time, one of the waitresses said they needed more ingredients for dinner. The staff was busy, so Adolpha volunteered to go. The waitress sees Adolphus sleeping, so she declines Adolpha. Adolpha then tells her that she wants to do it and that they could look after Adolphus. Adolpha said that he was asleep and that it would be easy for them.

The waitress thinks about it and agrees. She gives Adolpha a list of what to buy. She also gives her money. Adolpha told them that she would return shortly. She kissed Adolphus and left. Adolpha takes a deep breath and walks to town.

Back in town, the soldiers were giving out orders. They wanted women, children, and the elderly to make their way to wagons. The wagons were being prepared. They throw out supplies to make room for them. You could already see a line forming.

Adolpha made it to the market and began to look for what she was asked for. She was still afraid to interact with people. She only did it so she could overcome her fear. Adolpha was buying some vegetables when she heard and saw people running.

Some vendors who were further from the entrance were given the news. They began to close shops and pack. Slowly panic began to spread. Adolpha was scared she didn't know what to do. Soldiers were seen running to the docks. Adolpha looked as they ran past her.

At the local adventure's guild, the guild master requested help from adventurers. He promised them a promotion and reward. Based on their rank, they were told what they needed to know. Lower adventures were asked to guild civilians to other places. Stronger adventures were given the option to fight the demon armies.

Adventurers began to move. Requests were taken, and they prepare. Back with Adolpha, hiding and trying to relax, she saw adventures running to the docks. Others were helping people make their way to the entrance. Adolpha began to call for Beowulf.

Beowulf manages to break from the crowd. He was running back home when he felt an evil presence. Beowulf could feel that it was focused on him. He began to run in a different direction. He then feels the presence of others following him.

Beowulf runs between two buildings. He stops when a soldier cuts him off. Beowulf turns and sees other soldiers walking toward him. Beowulf sees he is surrounded. He gets in a defensive stance.

"Well, what do we have here? Wolf, look at you, all dressed up. Are you leaving town too?"

Beowulf stares at a familiar face walking toward him. He began to shake. The man's voice greets him. The man was heavily armored. He has slick hair and blue eyes. He had a handsome, clean-cut face and was of average height.

"Harris."

Beowulf was scared but didn't show it. Captain Andrew Harris. The man who tortured Beowulf into submission to Lord Michael. Harris began to ask Beowulf questions about his escape in a friendly voice. Beowulf stayed quiet. Harris chanced his questions to the whereabouts of Adolpha. Beowulf remained silent.

"Come on now, Wolf, talk to me."

Beowulf looks around and sees the soldiers coming closer. Harris keeps questioning him. Beowulf then tells him that Adolpha is gone. Harris laughs and wants him to tell the truth. Beowulf said to him that he was not lying. Harris shakes his head.

"Lying to me, Wolf, I thought I taught you better. I know you won't leave her. A couple of friends told me about what you did."

Beowulf didn't know what he was saying. Harris then mentions Sam and Mike. Beowulf didn't know how to react. Harris said he talked to them, and they tried to lie to him. Beowulf asks him what he did with them.

"Well, after answering, they decided to go for a swim. Oh, by the way, the head maid Silvia sure was stubborn. When she heard her sister died, she thought she could do what she pleased. Lord Michael told me to make an example of her.

Beowulf pulls out his sword and makes a fast move against Harris. The soldiers move in front of Harris and pull up their shields. The shields glow, and Beowulf's attack is not that effective. Beowulf steps back.

The other soldiers surrounding Beowulf move closer. They also have their shields up. They all then feel the Mana energy and shacking from the ground. Walls of earth spring from the floor in various places. Beowulf could hear the humans yelling.

Beowulf thinks of a way to escape. Harris continues to question him. Beowulf ignores him and looks at the soldiers. Harris seems to be getting impatient. He orders the soldiers to attack. The soldiers in front of him advance. Beowulf gets ready.

Harris tells his men that Beowulf cannot use magic. The soldier's bodies glow, and they attack. One soldier moves fast and swings his sword downward. Beowulf steps back. A soldier from behind him also attacks. Beowulf steps to the side.

The other soldiers then attack at once. Beowulf jumps up to dodge. He then gets hit by a gust of wind. Beowulf falls but lands on his feet. He looks over at Harris, who has drawn his sword. The soldiers surround him again.

Beowulf attacks a soldier who is late to get into position. He manages to push him down. Beowulf then tries to run, but Harris gets in front and attacks. Beowulf dodges back. The soldier closes in and stops him.

Beowulf stops and turns to them. He then feels his back get cut. Blood drips from his back. Beowulf looks at Harris, who smiles. Harris asks him to tell him where Adolpha is. Beowulf refuses to say to him. They all than hear explosions.

"So, they are here."

Beowulf could smell smoke. He also smells blood in the air. More explosions are heard all over the town. People were screaming, and the soldiers rushed to help them. Beowulf thinks of Adolpha. He gets angry and intimidates the soldiers.

Harris tells them not to panic. He tells them to close on him. Beowulf steps and gets close to one soldier. He punches the shield but does no damage. His hand gets hurt. The soldier bashes him with his shield. Beowulf stumbles back.

Over to Adolpha, who was waking up. She was injured and burnt. She sees herself next to a building that was destroyed. She then sees other people on the floor. Adolpha looks to where soldiers are running and sees the walls of the earth destroyed.

She gets up shaking. She screams for Beowulf. She takes small steps. Adolpha hears soldiers ordering an attack. Arrows are launched toward the ocean. Adolpha could then see ships approaching.

The ships were throwing fireballs. The fireballs crash into buildings and streets. Some civilians get hit by the fire. Others get saved by soldiers and adventurers using magic. They tell the people to run. An adventurer sees Adolpha and yells to her to run.

Adolpha was scared and was going to run when she heard a child crying. She then remembers when she was young. She remembers her village burning and the children crying. She crouches and covers her ears. Another fireball lands close.

Adolpha cries, and the adventurer runs to her. He held her and began to encourage her. He told her that she would survive if she ran. They then hear that the demon army has reached the eastern part of the town. Adolpha looks at the desperate adventurer.

"I know you are scared, but help me out. If you want to live, you need to get up and run. Run as fast as you can, please."

The adventurer helps Adolpha get up. He points to where she needs to run. Adolpha began to run. As she ran, she then got a flash of Adolphus. She then remembers her child. Adolpha began to run back to the inn.

Beowulf was still fighting against Harris and his troops. Harris told Wolf that he needed to hurry. Beowulf has cuts all over. Beowulf repeats that Adolpha is gone. Harris sighs, and his body glows. Beowulf loses sight of him.

Harris appears in front of him and punches him. Beowulf falls to the ground. Harris then stabs his leg. Beowulf holds his pain. Harris laughs and leans down. He grabs him by his hair and lifts his head.

"I know you are trying to hide them. Lord Michael was mad at first but somehow found a new silver light in this ordeal. You wouldn't leave your child alone in the world, right."

Beowulf was surprised that he knew about it. Harris mentioned that Sam told him. Harris makes fun of him and tells Beowulf how he tried to save Mike. Beowulf gets angry again. He gets up, and Harris jumps back. Beowulf takes his sword and aims it at Harris.

Harris smiles and gets in a stance. The soldiers are ordered to watch. Beowulf runs at Harris. Harris waits and then dodges his attack. He then moves but Beowulf attacks again. Harris parries that attack. He was toying with him.

Harris tells Beowulf that he promises to keep Adolpha and his child safe. All he wants is to know where they were. Beowulf calls him a liar as he continues to attack. Harris shakes his head. He makes a fast move and cuts Beowulf's hand.

Beowulf drops his sword. He grabs his forearm in pain. Harris uses wind magic to pierce Beowulf's limbs. Beowulf falls to his knees. Harris gets close to him and whispers to him in his ears. He told him he would have fun with Adolpha before giving her back to Lord Michael.

Beowulf gets very angry and draws Mana. The collar began to glow. Harris gets back and sees that it cracks. Beowulf was starting to change. Harris then tells Beowulf that Lord Michael doesn't need him.

Harris takes out a bracelet and activates it. Beowulf feels shocked, and he has trouble breathing. Harris swings his sword, and Beowulf's body falls to the ground. His head falls next to it and rolls. The light in his eyes began to fade.

Beowulf heard Harris tell his troops to look for Adolpha. He has a flash of his life. He remembers his father and mother. He remembers his uncle and his time with his clan. He finally sees Adolpha and Adolphus happily laughing. Adolpha turns to him and calls out to him. It echoed and slowly faded.

"Beowulf."

A tear falls from his eye. Harris wipes the blood from his sword. He thinks about what to do. He sent his soldiers to look for Adolpha and her child. He walks over to Beowulf and pulls out a knife. He crouches and cuts some hair.

Adolpha has made it to the inn. She was in shock because it was burning. She panicked and shouted for Adolphus. She was not sure what to do. She then does something she wouldn't have. She runs into the burning building. She screams for Adolphus or anyone.

She tries to pick up his scent, but the smoke blocks it. Adolpha ran to the back and upstairs. She saw dead burning bodies that were not of Adolphus or Beowulf. She hears the wood crack. Adolpha ran back downstairs and jumped out before the building collapsed.

Adolpha struggles to get up. She hears explosions in the distance. She looks up and sees magic spells being used. The smoke blocks what is happening. She then picks up a faint scent. She gets up and runs in the direction of the smell.

Adolpha ran with a limp. She was crying and shouting for Beowulf. Adolpha makes it into town. She then began to howl. She got close to the scent. She closes her eyes and reaches down. She howled so loudly that everyone heard it. Harris smiles and looks to where it might have come from.

Adolpha ran past some smoke when she felt something. She then gets hit by something and is sent flying. Her body bounces and hits a wall from the smoke, a giant creature that, from the looks of it, was made of mud. The ground shook from each step it took.

The creature was holding a club. The creature was about to leave when it saw Adolpha move. It began to walk toward her. She was whispering Adolphus's name. The creature lifts its club and brings it down. A dark whip changes its direction.

"Bastardo, atacando esta Señorita. You deserve to die."

From the smoke, a man with a heavy accent that resembles Spanish walks out. The man wore dark clothes with light leather armor. He resembles the Mexican legend known as Zorro.

The man holds a whip, and he pulls on it. He takes the creatures club. The masked man pulls out his sword and, in a swoop, he cuts the creature. The creature falls to the ground. The dark whip then disappears.

The masked man makes his way to Adolpha. He sees that she is still breathing. The masked man takes out a blue crystal and activates it. Adolpha's collar glows and absorbs the Mana. The masked man was shocked.

He then picks her up and takes her. The Masked man reaches the front gates of the town. Soldiers run to him and salute him. Other soldiers salute him. The masked man hands Adolpha to some soldiers and asks them to take her to the medics.

He tells them to hide her collar and not use magic. The soldiers follow his orders and leave with her. The other soldier asks him what they need to do. They also fill him in on what is happening. The masked man looked and saw the town of Ivory springs burning.

He also sees the ocean and the ships heading their way. A soldier came running to him and reported about the east front. The enemy is overrunning them. The soldiers, who seem to be captains, await his response.

General Phillipe Cortez of the Umbridge Kingdom orders a retreat. He tells his captains to begin a full retreat. They question him, and he tells them they are not ready for a fight. The ships make landfall, and other smaller creatures get off.

Orders are passed down, and a signal is sent for retreat. The human knights fall back. General Cortez has his men protect the retreating forces. He then sees captain Harris and asks him where he is. Harris lies to him by saying that he has helped some civilians. General Cortez orders his troops to help with the retreat.

Harris follows his orders. He turns and walks away. Harris was smiling as he left. General Cortez draws Mana and converts it into a dark orb. He throws it into the air at the enemy. The ball expands and shoots out black spikes. This helps the human troops escape.

The rest of the enemy army gets off the ships. They wore knights' suits too. As more civilians got on wagons, they were leaving. Some people had to walk. Soldiers protected them. Adventurers also left behind them. General Cortez witnessed the town fall and burn in flames as the last human army left.

The enemy did not follow, and they cheered. Some enemy knights were on the ship still. They remove their helmets and reveal themselves. The enemy has colored skin and eyes. They also have horns and pointy ears.

They get off the ships and order their troops to begin clearing the town of debris. The creatures are also put to work cleaning. The enemy soldiers were talking when they heard the voice of someone. They bow to him and tell him their report.

Back with the fleeing human, they get to a fork in the road after some time. General Cortez has them split the now refugees. Some go to the Umbridge Kingdom, while others go to the Kingsland.

A medic attends to Adolpha, who has a head injury in a wagon. She also suffered broken bones. Adolpha was calling for Adolphus while the medic made her relax. Harris was a little upset because they still hadn't found Adolpha.

An old couple tries to get a baby boy to quiet down in another wagon. A female medic goes over to them and asks if they need help. The older woman told the medic about the boy. She said she found him on the ground next to a burning body.

The medic asks if they knew to whom he belonged. They didn't know. The medic asks to see him, and they do. In the older woman's arms was Adolphus. He was burnt and bruised. The female medic took him and began to heal him.

A few days after leaving Ivory springs and people argued and complained. They have stopped near a lake to rest. Some people continued to move while others asked if they could go. They said they had family nearby.

General Cortez allowed them to go as long as they had some escorts. General Cortez asked the adventurers, and he promised to reward them. More people left, and the rest continued. The enemy was not pursuing, but dangerous animals and creatures attacked.

General Cortez's troops defended them. He has also sent word about their defeat. After more days of walking, they reach Kingsland, a neutral territory. General Cortez has his troops announce that they have made it. He also had his troops tell the people that they could now go where ever they wanted.

He told people asking him questions that the church had become an information center. If they needed anything, they should check it out. General Cortez told his troops that they would stay for a few days.

In the church, the priests and nuns help the injured. They also took children and tried to find their parents. It was a big mess when they started. After days of paperwork and getting information from people, they slowly sorted out some problems.

People that lost their homes got help finding places to go. Children were sent to relatives, or their parents were found. Some children weren't lucky. They became orphans. The church managed to help, but a lot more still needed help.

An elderly priest was walking by when he heard the sound of a crying child. He went to check and walked to a room. The child was all alone, so the priest went over to him. He looks at the baby boy.

"What are you doing all alone in this room? Where has everyone gone to?"

The priest looked like he was in his sixties. He wore a black priest's robe and had short gray hair. He has blue eyes and a wrinkled face. He was short because he was slouched. The priest picked him up and held him.

He turns when someone calls him. A nun comes into the room and gets mad at him. She then sees that he has a baby in his arms. The priest shows her the baby boy—a baby wolf beast child. The priest was holding Adolphus. The nun shakes her head.

"Father William, you know you can't take him. We only came to help out. The orphanage was close because you are too old now."

The nun complains to him about his age. Father William ignored her and comforts Adolphus. He then looks at the nun and smiles. The nun also sees Adolphus smile. The nun gives in and tells Father William that she will talk to the head priest.

The nun leaves, and Father William looks for a place to sit. He found a chair and sat. He talks to Adolphus. Another nun walks in and sees them. Father William asks about him. The nun told him he was placed in the room because he was injured.

She told him that he had burn marks and they wanted him away from the other children. She said they kept trying to touch him. She placed him in the room so he could sleep. The nun then apologizes for leaving him alone.

Father William told her he would look after him while they helped the others. The nun thanked him and told him she would return. Later the first nun that was with Father William came back. She looked annoyed.

"What is it, Sister Angie?"

The nun was Sister Angie; she was a helper to Father William. She looked to be in her thirties. Sister Angie has brown hair and brown eyes. Her skin was a light tan. Sister Angie was skinny and of average height. She wore traditional nun clothes.

Sister Angie tells Father William that the head priest wants to talk to him. He has doubts that Father William could take care of the children again. Father William laughs and gets up. He tells Sister Angie to take Adolphus. He said to her that someone would come back for him.

Father William leaves the room. It took a while for him to come back. Sister Angie was waiting for him. Adolphus was already taken to another room to be looked after. Sister Angie asks Father William about his conversation with the head priest.

"He said to give it time. Other orphanages can take children. He told me if they need to, he will call on me."

Sister Angie saw Father William disappointed. She knew how much he liked to help out. She tells him that the lord will need him. Father William agrees, and they head out. Outside the church, he sees all the refugees. They all need some type of help. Father William and Sister Angie help them.