Chapter 5
The sun was sinking, casting a farewell glare, shadows crept over the valley. De Bellem's squad moved slowly. The armed horsemen were on guard, but it was not noticeable that they were particularly afraid of anyone, and even the fact that night would catch them on the way did not worry the baron too much, in fact there was no one to be afraid of. The rider bringing up the rear did not see anything that could cause alarm. But they were closely watched by a pair of sharp eyes. The pursuer kept a little apart, running between rocks and sparse bushes, trying not to attract attention and not make any sounds, his paws moved silently, he almost merged with the shadows of twilight. The horsemen rode into a small grove, he hid, waited until the detachment came out into the open and turned onto the road leading through the dunes to the seashore. Remaining on the hill, he could clearly see the silhouettes of people approaching the ominous abode of the sorcerer. When the full moon rose, the sad procession disappeared behind the dilapidated gates of the ancient castle.
That evening, Rhona was busy sorting through ancient manuscripts. By candlelight, she carefully smoothed the scrolls that had yellowed with age with her hands. She listened to the noises outside the cave, abruptly stood up and, going to the entrance, pulled back the heavy canopy that protected her from the cold and wind.
"You're just in time, come on in," she said.
A black beast slipped silently into the cave, sat down next to the hearth, he lifted up his intelligent muzzle, and looked into the woman's eyes. Being a witch is a vocation, but also an ordeal. Ordinary mortals have always been fascinated and frightened by their attractiveness and greatness. It is always frightening what is not clear, and many people have a desire to destroy it. You need to be careful not to go out to people unnecessarily, especially if you have the gift to take the form of another being. Anabel possessed such a gift and therefore was the favorite of the supreme witch, she took the form of a black wolf and her fast legs could tirelessly cover long distances. Flexible body, strong muscles, fast paws and no obstacles, complete freedom. Now, wrapped in her human form, and warming her hands by the fire, she regretted a little that she had to move around in the usual way again.
"Tell me," Rhona said, sitting down opposite her.
"Mistress, I managed to get into the courtyard of the castle," Annabelle boasted.
- You took a big risk.
- Maybe, I promise to be more careful next time.
- Good girl, go on.
"The sorcerer took two prisoners with him. One of them looks like a man from the east, he has dark hair. I managed to see, until a bag was put on his head, another prisoner of huge stature and he was led by four guards, they were afraid of him, I felt their fear. He also took the corpse with them. I followed the sorcerer to his castle by the sea.
- You've learned enough, thank you! Rhona said.
