THE WITCHER AND THE WOLF

 

THE WITCHER AND THE WOLF

CHAPTER NINE: THE LYCAN WAR: PART TWO

The Witcher grunted at the long journey to the Lycan Empire but first he had to pass through the fishing village of Skasgaard, home to the werewolves and dwarves. He hitched his black horse Knight and fed him an apple. Good boy he said under his breathe petting his silky black hair. He sighed in affection. He took his reins and led him to a clearing by the village entrance.

The smell of raw fish rented the air. The sound of a nearby carriage nearly startled him carrying refugees from a nearby town. It was rumored that Lycans the half human hybrids would storm the night and feed on the flesh of humans, led by their insurgent king Dimitrius. He was a man of great power and everything seemed to be ruled by his iron fist.

Him and his loyal choristers would lure out the innocent people of Skasgaard steal all they had: their bounty, their live stock and most of all their children. The humans that lived there lived in fear of these ancient beasts. Every so often they would give a sacrifice to one of the leaders of their Lycan guild by butchering their own sheep to prevent any more extra blood shed that seemed to be too much for their village to handle.

The Chieftain of small fishing village was old and did not care much of the people of his territory he simply hoarded the villagers’ precious metals and treasures from himself and refused to step down from power. An usurpation took place where his twelve sons attempted to assassinate him but it was all futile for the great Chieftain Gangus had ears in the walls and he knew every secret that roamed through the shadows.

Amadeus led his horse near the tavern. He was thirsty and sought for mead. He tied Knights reins on the stead. Snow his wolf, had gone mating, he let him be in the Northern forest, let him do what animals have always done, it’s in their nature. And also carrying a dire wolf to this part of the realm would have raised too much of an alarm. It would not be wise to carry any extra attention.

He had a mission to find Amelia the deserter’s Lycans’ daughter. He stepped into the tavern slowly unbuckling his swords and putting them right next to the bar tender.

“Oh, in all my days of living in this rotten earth, a Witcher, I haven’t seen the like of you since the death of Witcher’s, you lot are an extinct breed.” He said as he was wiping a wooden cup.

“And I would like to keep it that way” said the Witcher.

“I am looking for a girl” said the Witcher.

“Many children go missing this time of the year, due to the sacrifice” said the bar tender.

The Witcher reached into his pocket and got out a gold coin. On one side was the sun embroided with dazzling rays. the other, the moon with a great face that shone brilliantly by the fires’ reflection. The bar tender put down the wooden cup and took the coin examining it while he smiled wanly.

“There are rumors that a child had been taken by the Lycan King Lord Dimitrius. She is rumored to be the chosen and is being held hostage by the very same Lycan King.” He said as he poured him some mead in the wooden cup.

So that half wit lied to me, his daughter is the Chosen One-reborn. What have I gotten myself into he said under his breathe. He took a sip of his mead, then another. He could hear some kind of commotion at the back of the tavern, two drunk gentlemen going at it. Fists flying and chairs breaking. But the Witcher did not flinch not one bit until…

“Hey you!” said a voice from behind. The Witcher hunched over, did not move until the drunken man poured his drink on his silver hair now turned dark from the ale. Amadeus stood towering over him, looking at him with null expression. The man shoved him, the Witcher did not move.

“The likes of you are not welcome here!” said the drunken man.

“I am not looking for any trouble” said the Witcher.

“These god damned Witcher’s think they can just waltz into any village and be given special treatment. A curse on you Witcher!” said the man as others approached, staggering towards them. One of the men punched him only for the Witcher to block it. Another drew a kick to the stomach only for the Witcher to parry it in midair and break it like a piece of wood.

He dodged their attacks with ease and precision. Punching one attacker in the shin while his left hand grappled the neck of one of the drunken men throwing him off balance and into a small fire in the corner from the room. He caught another by the collar and gave him a head butt that made him fly across the room.

Three men came from the side and tried to subdue him but his strength outnumbered them ten to one. The law makers of the town stepped into the tavern trying to arrest the drunken men but the Witcher showed no mercy, breaking bones and teeth for sport.

After a few moments later the assaulters were bound to each other and the Witcher was tired, blood oozing from his porcelain-like head. He was given a bandage by one of the so-called law makers and gave a short report.

“Amadeus, we have no quarrel with you, go about your way, I hear you’re looking for a lost girl. I am afraid Lord Dimitrius the Lycan King has her bound for God knows what reason. Be steadfast we will show you the way” said the Lieutenant known as Gatsby.

Outside the now crowded Tavern were by standers looking in great shock at the events that had unfolded in the small fishing village.  Lieutenant Gatsby escorted him out the fishing village and gave him directions to the conclave of the Lycans. And with that the Witcher got onto his horse and trotted away in dismay…