Werewolf

When Randolf awoke, the house was silent and bright sunshine was peaking through the window. It took him a moment to clear his foggy mind and remember the events of the night before. How did he sleep so hard when he was so worried about Klara? Randolf scowled slightly, knowing Iskra must have put a spell on the room to keep out any sound that would awaken him. Randolf quickly stretched his aching muscles, pulled his hair back with some twine, then descended the stairs to the lower level. He frowned when he saw the beds empty and didn’t hear a sound in the house. Klara could not possibly be in good enough condition to be walking around so soon. Trying not to panic, he went outside then heard a commotion a few houses away and found a small gathering of wolves around one particular home. It was shimmering with fairy magic, meant to keep anyone at bay.

“Princess Carina, please open the door!” he heard Faelan call. The crowd parted instantly when they saw Randolf and Faelan looked disheveled and stressed. Before Randolf could even ask a question the younger wolf filled him in on the situation. “She woke up an hour ago, took Klara, and hid in my house. She won’t let anyone in.”

“She thinks we’re in allegiance with Gerrick.” Iskra sighed, folding her arms. She looked just as disheveled as Faelan, but held herself together far better. “I told her that we have to finish healing Klara or her wounds will be permanent!” Randolf stepped toward the door but even he was held back by the powerful fairy magic.

“Carina, it’s me,” Randolf called. “You can trust these wolves, they’re my pack.”

“That she-wolf said she was going to kill Klara!” Carina cried. Randolf angrily looked back at Iskra who sighed.

“If she had turned and was loyal to Gerrick, yes. But she wasn’t, so I didn’t.” Randolf half growled at her cold demur over this but decided now wasn’t the time.

“Please, Klara needs our help.” Faelan replied desperately. “And your injuries can’t be healed by anyone other than a wolf.” Silence.

“Carina, you named me Peace Keeper for a reason.” Randolf called. “You trust my judgment. Now open the door.” The magic slowly faded and Randolf opened the door gingerly, not wanting to scare Carina. The inside of the house was simple and fairly bare, dominated by the large fireplace. Faelan wasn’t one for clutter and even as a wolf craved the warmth of a roaring fire. Across the room Carina was sitting beside Klara on a bed, trembling with exhaustion.

“I just wanted to protect her.” She whimpered. Klara was shaking, clutching a thin blanket around her shoulders but she tried to smile.

“I’m alright, Carina.” Her voice was soft and hoarse. Randolf sat beside his beloved and drew her into his warm, protective embrace. It was only then that he realized his heart was pounding harshly against his chest, as it slowed with ease knowing Klara was alive. Sensing his own fears she repeated, “I’m alright.”

“I need to look at your wounds.” Iskra said softly to Klara who shrunk into Randolf’s embrace more. The female wolf then looked at Carina darkly. “Hopefully it’s not too late.” Carina looked like she was going to break into a million pieces, guilty tears streaming down her pale cheeks, but Randolf said,

“Let Faelan take care of you.” When she nervously glanced at the redheaded wolf he smiled gently. “He’s a kind, young wolf. You have nothing to fear.” Trusting Randolf, Carina started to get up but found herself too weak. Faelan offered her his hand, which she took with a shy smile, saying, “Here, let me help you, Princess.” Carina had never met a wolf so gentle, even when he placed a secure arm around her as he led her to the spare room, she felt safe. “Everything is going to be alright.” he assured, and Carina believed him.