War

Alright guys, it's WAY early for another update but I just typed this up and I coudln't wait to upload it b/c it's at such a pivitol part of the story and I'm finally getting to dribble out some background on Azel. So yay, I hope this amends for my terrible absence. Thank you to those who reviewed. Starmix you're closer to the truth than you think. Wulf was the symbolic presence, and it was most important to catch that presence at the very end of the chapter. You're close with your guesses but not totally right on. I guess you'll just have to look for more clues. ^^




16

Catherine sat on the bed for the longest hour of her life. Wulf paced for a time, fueled by her discomfort but now he lay next to the door, his head on his paws. She had listened to the pound of hooves as the small force left, she didn't go to the window to watch. He had to come back for her, she didn't want to think what would happen if he didn't. After a lifetime of sitting curled up on the bed, her arms wrapped about her legs in nervousness, a knock at the door drew her from her thoughts. She stood hastily; wanting to run to the door, hoping it was Azel returned to tell her it was foolish for him to leave her. She stopped short; she knew he wouldn’t do that, not for her. She rested her hands against the rough wood of the door and listened to the presence on the other side.

"What's the safe word?"

There was barely a pause on the other side, a young but firm voice traveled to her ear.

"Falcon."

She glanced to Wulf who was sitting on his haunches again, staring at the door expectantly. He was relaxed, calm, almost playful looking, she decided there was nothing to be afraid of. She opened the door to find her temporary keeper staring down at her. He was very tall, but no older than Azel; light stubble darkened his face below his bright green eyes. His hair was cut short, much shorter than Azel's and of a lighter color, almost a sandy blonde. He was handsome.

"You must be Cat."

He paused a moment as his green eyes took in Wulf, who moved protectively to her side.

"I can see why Azel has asked me to watch you."

******

Azel followed his commander at a trot, happy that he wasn't going to be in the background like a noble. That cold part of him was rising to the surface, the one that liked to smile while he killed. The chilling part that loved the feel of metal through flesh and bone, the heavy scent of blood on the air. So many years in battle, so many fights have left his skin stained red, and he's taken that deep within himself. His back was starting to burn, he knew why but dread the release of that burning. He was something beyond human anymore; he was something that would make a wolf of a man cringe.

His stallion started to scream beneath him, the animal was aware of what was riding him. He wondered why the beast was so stupid that it never realized what he was unless it was battle that was calling him. His skin was starting to take on a feverish heat but he didn't sweat, he was ready for what awaited him just over the crest of hill. The boots of those around him dug deep into their horses flanks to urge them ever faster to their waiting enemy. They knew they were coming, he could feel the sure preparedness they all held inside their hearts. He could hear the pulsing air in their lungs, their blood through their veins. He didn't need to kick his stallion to go faster, he was already trying to outrun the creature above him. Something borne from over the Wall.

******

Catherine watched Wulf eat his latest catch next to the fire and decided she didn't want anything for dinner. After a few seconds of total silence her temporary keeper decided she wasn't going to speak. She learned his name was Wil and that he has known Azel for years. He talked most of the way to her camp, a little private piece of ground a short way away from the other tents. It suited her fine, she wasn't worried about her safety as much with Wulf around, and the way he was gnawing on some small animal she didn't want to see those teeth put to work on something a little more human. Despite his intensiveness on his meal his ears were always alert to everything around him. The slightest thing out of place and she would know in an instant.

"I would leave you alone for the night, but I don't want anything to happen."

She stared at Wulf; sadness filled her when she realized she would be sharing her bed with a man other than Azel. It surprised her that this came over her; he had bought her for that purpose didn't he? Despite what his first intentions might have been.

"That's fine Wil, I understand your duty."

He left her alone after that, he knew she was struggling with herself. It was certain that they had met the enemy already in battle, that had occurred hours ago and yet no scout had been sent back with news of ground gained. No man returned with news of victory or of total loss. She would take either one so long as Azel came back. Or maybe his absence was a more permanent arrangement; maybe Wil was to be her new keeper. She glanced over to him across the fire; he rested against a log, his eyes closed. He was attractive, and kind enough.

If Azel wished to abandon her she could possibly grow fond if Wil. Wulf licked his chops, bored of his bloodied bones and looking for a warm place to sleep his full belly off. He stretched and trotted to Catherine, she welcomed him into her lap, his head and shoulders resting against her legs. She wanted to sleep, every fiber of her being was frayed and exhausted, but her heart wouldn't let her rest. She would lie awake and take what comfort she could from Wulf's affection.

Terribly short I know, there will be a few like that, little dribbles for right now until this pivitol moment ends. Review please and tell me what you think, I'd love to hear feedback and suspicions of what's going to happen next. >.O that and you guys actually give me ideas sometimes lol. So please review and I'll update again on Monday or Tuesday.