Werewolf

They walked past his house to a smaller building just behind it. Unlike the other buildings, this one was secured with a padlock. Klara wondered what exactly he had that was so valuable that he didn’t trust just anyone to browse his collection. Entering, Klara realized exactly why. The building was immaculately designed with larger windows for more natural lighting and a high ceiling to prevent large build up of moisture. Unlike other buildings in the village, this one was fitted with large wooden beams which doubled as supports for the walled bookshelves. Klara whistled in praise.

“How did you acquire all of this?” she asked, marveling at the endless shelves of books and folios. Faelan smiled softly.

“Little by little. Being an apprentice opened a lot of doors for me.” Klara sighed in wonder, trailing her fingers over the pieces. He had a wide selection including loose scrolls from Egypt, simple stitched papers, and even beautifully bound hard wood books meant for royalty. “I collected anything and everything. I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking…”

“I should have become an apprentice.” Klara giggled. “Everything here sounds amazing!”

“Why didn’t you?” Faelan asked without pausing. Klara felt a small wave of sadness overcome her and he felt terrible. “God I’m sorry. I need to learn to control myself…”

“No I…” She smiled at him softly. “I’m alright. It’s been a long time since I talked about it. My family wasn’t wealthy, and just being a woman closed more doors than opened them.” She took a scroll and turned it in her hands. “I was supposed to be a proper lady. Nothing else.”

Faelan nodded, “I was supposed to be a knight, but even when I was a young squire I knew the battlefield wasn’t for me. No one understood why I would rather study, than practice with a weapon. I didn’t fit in, and paid a heavy price for it. Fortunately I found the church and started over.”

“Faelan…” Klara touched his arm gently.

“I tell you this so you know you have someone who understands what it’s like to be an outcast, even to the pack.” Klara stared at him in confusion. “The pack sees me as a weak wolf, since I don’t like to fight.”

“You seem strong to me.” Klara protested. He chuckled.

“You’re the only one to say so.” Klara understood all too well what he was going through and her face must have shown her sadness. Shrugging, he added. “I’m not ashamed, I am who I am.” Klara smiled brightly, and it made him blush. “I…I have to check on the..t-the princess, please browse!”

The wiccan giggled softly at his awkwardness. He felt like a little brother to her. After a quick glance, she found one volume that seemed the most intriguing. Sitting down at the table, she was about to read when Faelan returned, looking upset.

“What’s the matter?” Klara asked.

“She won’t let me help her.” Faelan sighed, sitting in the opposite chair. “She’s in so much pain but…” He groaned and rubbed his forehead. “Klara, as her friend, could you talk to her?”

“I can try but…I don’t know how I can force her to not be afraid.” Klara replied sadly. “Gerrick must have really hurt her.” Faelan nodded. “How did you help me?”

“My saliva heals wounds.” Faelan muttered. “It’s not too powerful but it’s gentler than Iskra’s medicines.” He shook his head sadly. “I can’t imagine what she went through. I just wish there was something I could do to help her.”

Klara sat in thought for a moment, trying to find a way that would help both her friends. Then a thought came to her and she asked,

“Faelan,” Her voice was soft and smooth, laced with cleverness. Faelan stiffened, not sure if he liked the sneaky glint in Klara’s eyes. “... how dedicated are you to helping Carina?” The young wolf fidgeted uneasily and Klara giggled.