Thread: The Wolf, the Forge, and Love Forbidden - Raivh & Abovetheroses

The land around the stronghold was vast and wild, with few roads. One of those roads led through the mountains, which bordered the fortress a few miles off to the north and west. There was a thick forest with trees as a tall as the giants of old standing strong around all sides of the stronghold and its lands used to farm and feed its people. There was a second road that led through part of this forest, and although there were whispers it was filled with demons, sorcerers, and monsters of all sorts, it was still considered safer than the decrepit road that led through the towering peaks of ice and snow. Clouds had already begun to form around the jagged rock that Alden and Aldred climbed with steady, sure footing. While Alden carried a full grown buck over his shoulder and back, neither of the men appeared to be winded. They'd made this journey many times. This was their home and had been for centuries, long before mankind carved out the heart of the forest and claimed it for their own. At first, the wolves had tried making peace with mankind. Everything was fine, until one fateful night, a young woman disappeared. Her body was found that same night, torn limb from limb by one of their kind. Aldred had lived many years. He'd heard stories about the wolf and many like him who'd gone rogue, finding joy in the murder of innocents. Anytime one of their own showed any sign of the rabid beasts of old, Aldred had them sentenced to death. Monsters like that were a risk to both the wolves and mankind, and he would have no part of leading a pack of mongrels. Aldred could sense Alden's pain, could feel his heart ache with each beat of his own. Elise was his youngest brother's mate. Only recently had he presided over and made their union official. As they steadied their feet on the next stretch of terrain, Aldred paused and turned his eyes to his brother. They're going to kill her, Aldred, Alden said defeatedly. They'll antagonize her until they force the change, and once they do, they'll hunt her and kill her. Breathing deeply of the fresh mountain air, Aldred felt its sting in his lungs. I know. We'll speak with the council soon. There's danger in attempting to retrieve her. We're not at our strongest right now. Most of our women are with child. It's just our men, and with winter coming, we cannot afford to dwindle our numbers. Although mourning the impending loss of his mate, Alden nodded his understanding, and the two proceeded onward. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rats raced about around the straw and stone at her bare and bloody feet, biting at her toes and around shackled ankles whenever her attention was drawn away. The woman was small for a wolf. She was only a half-blood and couldn't undergo the change for very long. She was only able to withstand it long enough to hunt. That's what she'd been doing when they'd captured her. All she could remember was running freely, weaving in and out of the trees. The buck had been right before her eyes. It was Alden that had wounded it first, and so the smell of its blood was strong and flooded her senses. She hadn't thought to pay attention to what was at her feet before she was blinded by excruciating pain. A heavy red curtain dropped, closing over her as the device clamped over her hind feet. It was pure dumb luck that she was in mid-jump when it happened, both feet poised to propel her forward for the final blow to end the valiant bucks flight. She didn't remember exactly what happened after that, only that she couldn't find Alden or Aldred. She could remember the feeling of her heart sinking as she howled desperately for them there in the woods. That same sinking feeling stuck with her now and churned in the pit of her stomach. Her throat was dry, parched from her hunt and not having been allowed any water by her captives. She was terrified and shaking. One of the rats bit her again, and she cried out in agony as it had sunk its sharp little teeth into the open wound. Her open hand swung swiftly for the rodent's body, catching it against her palm, and she wound her fingers around it. Tears pooled in her eyes and she bared a set of human teeth at the little creature as it squeaked and screamed, baring its bloody teeth back at her as if it stood a chance. She flung it toward the opposite wall, and it landed with a solid smack against the stone before falling to the ground, limp and lifeless. The force of the motion snapped the chain around her wrist, and she flinched as it fell back to the ground. Her breast rose and fell with heavy, ragged breaths, and she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall behind her. It was then that she heard a woman's voice. The gentleness of the tone startled Elise, and she recoiled, sliding against the stone floor. The clatter of her bindings against the stone floor must have alerted her guards. She could hear heavy footsteps heading in their directions. Frightened eyes steadied on the woman outside, but she couldn't see anything but a silhouette against the flame of the torch. The woman's words were little comfort for she was soon gone. The guards that followed peered into her cell with animosity and laughed at her as she cowered in the corner. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a cloudy day outside and thunder rolled overhead. The air was colder than yesterday, and Ahren could already smell the snow in the sky. He'd added new logs to the fire early this morning before he'd sat down to eat. It burned brilliantly and hot in the hearth, popping occasionally as it danced about. Outside of the door to his hut, he could hear the clank of metal against metal and knew his apprentice was hard at work, fashioning some crude dagger or sword to practice with. Ahren sat at the edge of his bed, tugging the rest of his boot up his leg before tucking the bottoms of his black trousers inside. Today, he wouldn't done an apron, so as he stood he was careful to ensure every inch of his white shirt was tucked in tight beneath the belt around his waist. Despite the cold, he kept his sleeves rolled up past his biceps. Satisfied with his work, he turned and snagged the leather chest armor he'd fashioned a while back. It was one of his better works, one he kept around for occasions when he was called upon by the Lord of the hold. The piece featured a leather pauldron off on shoulder with a double taper, strong leather strands bound and crossed over to close the front. Three pieces fell past his waist, one hung against his left leg, the other against his right, and the third behind him. He'd recently put one together for the boy as well. It wasn't as well made, but he figured in time the boy could make his own and perhaps one to best his master's. Heavy booted feet thumped across the wooden floor, which creaked and groaned under his weight, as he crossed over and pulled the door open. Rinan, he spoke to the boy as he stepped out and pulled the door behind him. It's time. Rinan stopped his work and smiled at Ahren as he wiped the sweat away from his brow. If it wasn't known to the people that the boy was not Ahren's own flesh and blood, it would have been hard to tell. The boy was Ahren's spitting image but for the features of his face. While Ahren was built thick and fit with a strong squared jaw, the boy's face was more angular and slim. He approached Ahren with a knife in his hand. Ahren looked down and held out his hand as Rinan placed it against his palm. It was of good quality, the craftsmanship and skill proving well beyond the boy's years. For the young Lord Luca. Rinan talked with enthusiasm as Ahren turned the knife over in his hand and brought it up to his nose for a closer look. If you find it suitable. I do, Ahren said simply, placing one large hand on Rinan's shoulder as he handed it back to him. And you will present it to him. Lifting his eyebrows in one quick motion, Ahren jerked his chin once toward the long sword and sheath the boy had modeled the knife after. Don't forget that in your excitement, though, eh? While the knife is of good quality, it still won't provide much protection. Right! Rinan exclaimed, scrambling back to grab the sword and then to follow Ahren who was already headed up the street to the keep. Rinan was quick to catch up, and the two walked together. Ahren's thoughts were on the task at hand, but kept drifting to his conversation with his brother's last night, to the anger on his younger brother's face and Aldred's concerned tone as he spoke of Elise. It was years ago, but Ahren remembered sweet Elise. He remembered the day she and her mother had come to them in desperate search of sanctuary with their pack. It wasn't just here that their kind suffered. It was all over this land. Although his expression was stoic, Ahren was plagued with an internal dilemma. At the gates of the keep, Ahren introduced himself and Rinan to the guard. The guard was familiar with Ahren and greeted him with a strong handshake before the two passed him and moved into the keep. Their ears were met with music and tantalizing aromas wafted about, giving sign of a great table and feast for such a proud day. It was easy to find their way. Loud, exuberant chatter led them to their destination, a grand hall where they also found the table and feast. Many of the nobles present already had drinks in their hands, silver and gold goblets full of dark red wine from the Lord's own stores. At the end of the hall, Ahren could see the young Lord with his crossbow already in hand, a quiver full of bolts over his shoulder. Ahren watched as Luca set one of the bolts in place and fired at the mounted head of a wolf against one wall of the hall. Clenching his teeth, Ahren cleared his throat and stood still while the room quieted to a dull roar. It was enough to draw the young Lord's attention, and he turned to Ahren with a brilliant smile and urged him forward with a beckoning hand. With a nod acknowledging the summon, Ahren stepped forward with a glance toward Rinan, Come, boy. In the face of the large crowd of nobility and fine bloodlines, the boy seemed to scare, but commanded by Ahren to move, his feet shuffled forward. Tables lined both sides of the hall, and as the two made their way toward the young Lord and his family's table at the head of it all, people became entirely silent and took their seats. The music previously played had stopped, and the only sound in the entire room were Ahren's and Rinan's footsteps echoing around the high ceilings. Milord, Ahren said, kneeling and dipping his head once before the Lord Andri Rosca. As requested, I have brought the Young Lord Luca's gift, crafted of the finest silver and steel. Rinan kneeled beside his master and before the lords and ladies of the House Rosca. He kept his head bowed in respect. The Lord Rosca gave but a single nod and then rose to his feet. Let us see it then, smith, he commanded before sitting back down, elbows on the table, hands folded before him as he watched. Ahren rose to his feet and muttered to Rinan to do the same. The boy stumbled to his feet, and dull laughter started amongst the hall. Ahren cleared his throat and grabbed Rinan by his shoulder, his free hand demanding the sword and sheath. From the corner of his eye, Ahren could see the Lord's lack of amusement and increasing lack of patience. Rinan passed his master the sword and kept his hands folded in front of him, looking on at the Lord and his family as Ahren spoke. It took many weeks of work to fashion it as you asked, Milord. Ahren held the decorated hilt of the sword in his left hand, the length of the blade in its sheath pointed between his ribs, the tip held steady by his right hand. Slowly, he brought the hilt of the sword up and pulled it from its sheath. It should be all you need to drive the death blow to anyone unfortunate enough to be at the other end. The hilt of the sword was crafted of fine silver with some inlay of gold and jewels. The blade was heavy steel laced with silver. Luca stared at the blade with a grand smile over his face and rose to his feet. It's fit for a king, smith! Luca hopped across the table and strode the three steps down to take the sword for himself. His piercing blue eyes met Ahren's, and his expression became very serious. This hunt is very special, you know. It's not like the others. I won't be hunting bear or boar, so a blade like this is a necessity. Ahren closed his eyes briefly and gave an understanding nod. Yes, Milord. The boy has a gift for you as well. I assure you I looked it over to ensure there were no flaws. Surprised, a pleased grin spread over Luca's countenance and he whirled to face Rinan, who was almost startled by the recognition. Have you, boy? Well, let me see it! Ah, Rinan started, unsure of himself. He looked to Ahren, and Ahren lifted his bearded chin. Yes, Milord. He pulled the knife from his belt. A small black sheath with embossed design similar to the sword's was handed over to Luca. Luca pried it from its sheath studied it with eagerness and a furrowed brow. Yes, I should say it is surprisingly well crafted. He turned his attention to one of his brother's and then bounded up the steps, sword in one hand, the knife in the other to show it off. Look here, Victor. Victor was the Lord Rosca's true eldest son, but the man was frail and sickly. There was bitter contempt in his eyes, but he acknowledged the quality of the hunting knife with a nod so his brother would move on. Back in front of Ahren, Luca attached the sheath to his belt and tucked the knife at his waist as well. He looked Ahren in the eyes, standing a good bit shorter than the blacksmith. Do you want to see? he asked. The beast I'll be hunting today? You've earned, good smith. If you say yes, the honor is yours. Ahren stood still before Luca, knowing that declining the young Lord would be an insult. Although everything in him wanted to say no, he put on a smile and accepted with a simple, Of course, Milord. The honor is mine. Luca spun around, searching for the guard standing near a set of doors off one side of the hall. They weren't the doors that Ahren and Rinan had come through, but Ahren knew what was beyond them. With a snap of Luca's fingers, the doors were thrust open, and from them was produced a cage, a large red cover shielded its captive from the eyes of its audience. Eagerly, Luca rushed to the side of the cage, showing his guards away. He kept his stare fixated on the blacksmith and grabbed two handfuls of the fabric. Behold! His voice bellowed in the hall, and a few in the gathered crowd let out an excited whoop, encouraging Luca to unveil the surprise. Today, we resume the legacy of our ancestors! My father is growing old, and so he has asked me to continue what was started before our beloved uncle passed away, bless his soul! Today, we begin our hunts once more for these beasts of old, who prey on our helpless women and valiant men! Make no mistake, friends! Though she be small, she is fierce! Even wounded, she still killed one of my the me whom retrieved her, having heard their howling for a fortnight as they camped in the woods near the mountains! With a powerful tug on the covering, the cage was revealed and the crowd cheered. Ahren's eyes met those of Elise, the terror in hers clear and evident. Still, he looked onward at her naked form. There was still blood on her tanned skin, debris and dirt caked there as well, her long black hair tangled in mats, likely from struggling against her captors. Too afraid to speak, she looked on at Ahren in tears.