Jane looked at Geoff then back at Sawyer.
“How do you know…,” her words trailed off as she saw the look of urgency in their eyes. Geoff’s hand trembled in hers. They were genuinely frightened.
“Please, Jane! Let’s go!” begged Geoff as he pulled her toward the door.
“Jane, it’s true. The werewolf is coming closer every second,” insisted Sawyer.
“I don’t understand. How do you know?” she said with a quick shake of her head.
“The sword,” said Sawyer, holding it up. The blue-white glow and electrical arcs had stopped. “It warned me. I don’t know how to explain it, Jane. It just sorta…showed me that we were in danger. For a moment I was a huge, ferocious werewolf running through the forest. I knew our scents. It’s coming, Jane. It’s coming for us. I felt it.”
Jane studied Sawyer for another moment then said, “This better not be a joke, because it’s not funny.”
“It’s no joke! The werewolf is close!” Sawyer’s eyes never wavered.
“Please, Jane!” said Geoff again. This time he was almost in tears.
“Okay,” she said. “Let’s go tell Ariel and Eben!” With that, they dashed out the door.
Eben and Ariel were just leaving the great hall when Sawyer, Jane, and Geoff came charging around the corner running as fast as they could.
“Ariel! It’s coming! The werewolf is coming!” shouted Geoff.
They stopped in front of Ariel and Eben and started to speak at once. Ariel held up her hand for silence and they quieted down.
“Now, what is it?” she asked. Geoff, who was a bit winded from trying to keep up with Sawyer, was the first to speak. “The werewolf is coming. It’s coming…to get us!”
Ariel raised her eyebrow slightly. “Yes. We knew it was following us, but we are safe here. Why are you so alarmed?”
“Sawyer saw it!” said Geoff as he pointed at Sawyer.
Ariel turned her attention to Sawyer. “Is this true? Where did you see it?”
Sawyer took a deep breath. “I didn’t actually see the werewolf. It was like I was looking through its eyes as it ran…the sword showed me.”
Ariel looked at Eben.
“The Stormblade showed you the werewolf was coming?” asked Eben in a slow, deliberate tone.
Sawyer nodded. “Yes. I think the sword was telling me we’re all in danger. The sword was glowing when Geoff and I returned to our room after dinner. And when I touched it, I saw the werewolf running through the forest. It was huge and had black fur. It’s the same one…”
The look on Eben’s face became grim. He looked at Ariel and then turned and shouted, “Thomas! Rouse the guards! Secure the gates and walls! Nothing and no one gets in tonight! I need my armor!” The old caretaker, who had come to see what the noise in the corridor was all about, nodded and hurried away.
Eben looked at Ariel, “As much as your magic and weapons would be sorely needed, I think it would be best if you and your companions leave while you can. Use the secret route through the catacombs.”
“No, Eben. I will fight at your side.”
“And if we cannot stop the beast? What of them?” asked Eben as he motioned toward the three teenagers.
Jane was confused. “Wait,” she said. “Aren’t we all in danger?” She looked at Ariel and then Eben. “Aren’t we?”
“We are,” agreed Eben. “But for reasons I do not know the beast stalks you. Heed my words. If what Sawyer Stormlord says is true, death hunts you this night.”
Eben turned to Ariel. “You must get these three safely away. We will stop the beast…or die trying.”
Jane shivered. She thought she saw Ariel’s eyes well up slightly as she met Eben’s gaze. Eben shook his head. “Whatever happens here will happen whether you are with us or not. Now go. Quickly.”
Ariel nodded and raised her chin. “Then allow me to leave you with a druid’s blessing, old friend.”
Eben frowned and shook his head. “Oh, very well. But be quick about it. I know how you druids love long, drawn-out spells and charms. I have a werewolf to do battle with. Now hurry up.”
Ariel managed a slight smile as she placed her right hand on Eben’s chest and closed her eyes. “Eth’nara ban’ethel lo’gara nee’salar.”
Eben tilted his head to one side and raised an eyebrow. “Happy now?” Ariel looked at him and forced a quick smile as she nodded.
“Good. Now if you will excuse me, I need to prepare to defend my home.” Then he turned to the others. “You three go and pack your things and take whatever supplies you wish. Go!”
Sawyer, Jane, and Geoff ran back to their rooms to gather their things. When they rounded the corner Sawyer and Geoff disappeared up the stairs while Jane had to stop and untangle her dress, which had become wrapped around an iron gothic- looking door handle. As she freed herself she overheard Eben and Ariel speaking.
“In all the years I have known you, you have never been so dedicated to a human, let alone three human children. You’re taking a tremendous chance, Ariel. Are they worth it? What makes them special?”
“I am not sure. I cannot explain it, but there is something about them. I sense it. I can see their auras. I think they possess power. Perhaps they can help us, but they have no idea of their potential.”
“And if they do have power,” said Eben, “what can they do? How can they possibly help us stand against the Shadowlord? After all, they’re only children.”
“They are more than children. Perhaps these three outlanders may well deliver us from darkness.”
Eben took a deep breath. “I have never heard you speak so well of anyone.” They looked at each other for a moment, saying nothing.
“Very well. Go. The beast will not harm you or your friends. Not here. Not this night.”
Jane peeked around the corner just in time to see Ariel embrace Eben and whisper, “Thank you.”
Upstairs, Sawyer and Geoff wasted no time in changing and throwing their tunics along with an extra blanket or two in their newly furnished knapsacks. Geoff watched Sawyer’s hands. They were shaking. “Sawyer…,” he said. Sawyer stopped, closed his eyes, and hung his head. Then he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
“Sawyer,” Geoff said again, “are you…”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Sawyer without looking up. “At the waterfall. I saw it up close. I thought I was gonna to die.”
“Why didn’t you jump with the rest of us? What took you so long to jump, Sawyer?”
“Heights,” said Sawyer. “I’m afraid of heights.”
Geoff looked at Sawyer for a minute longer. “Okay. I’ll go and check on Jane and make sure she’s ready to leave,” he said. “I wish I had a gun with silver bullets.”
“Geoff, you don’t understand. The thing’s really big. It isn’t like any of the werewolves you’ve seen on TV or at the movies.” Sawyer raised his head and looked at Geoff. “It’s a monster, Geoff. A real monster. And it’s coming. Coming for us.”
Geoff’s smirk faded away and a feeling of anxiety rushed over him. He saw that Sawyer was frightened by what the sword had shown him.
“Sawyer,” said Geoff, “why is it after us? What did we do it?”
“I don’t know, Geoff. I just don’t know. C’mon, let’s get outta here.”
They picked up their full packs and hurried out the door. Jane was just leaving her room when Sawyer and Geoff nearly ran into her. Jane was dressed in her jeans, tennis shoes, and blouse.
“Got everything, Jane?” asked Sawyer.
Jane nodded. “Here. A maid brought us some food,” she said as she handed a sack to Sawyer.
“Let’s go. Hurry,” said Sawyer.
Shouts of men preparing for battle resonated throughout the keep. Armor clattered
and weapons clanged as guards equipped themselves and hustled to their posts. Their heavy footsteps echoed like drumbeats. Servants were scurrying from room to room closing shutters and locking doors.
They could also hear shouts from the guards outside as they worked to secure the main gate and walls. Ariel and Eben were waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
“Got everything?” Eben asked. He looked at all three of them as they nodded. “Good. Listen carefully; this is important.” He placed a hand on Sawyer’s shoulder and leaned forward.
“Beneath this manor is an escape route through the catacombs. Ariel knows the way, so you stay close to her and do not wander.”
He paused and looked into their eyes and continued. “Don’t worry. Heed Ariel’s words and you’ll be fine.” He gave them a quick nod and pointed back down the hall to the great room, “Go. I need to speak with Ariel.” Without a word, they obeyed and ran to the great room.
Eben turned to Ariel. “Take care. Alas, I haven’t been in the catacombs for several years. I don’t know what—if any— strange creatures now call it home.”
Ariel unsheathed her twin scimitars and held them out to Eben. “This werewolf can only be harmed by enchanted weapons and spells. Take these. Protect yourself and your men.”
He shook his head. “Keep your elven blades. I’m no damn good with them anyway. Get to Chalon and tell Lionel what you have seen and heard. Tell him to prepare for war before it’s too late. Keep safe.”
Ariel held out a hand. “Your sword. Give it to me.”
He drew his sword and handed it to Ariel. She knelt on both knees and held the sword in front of her. She slowly ran her slender hand along the length of the blade and chanted, “La’olonara telna seda ith ruln del nuvale ith ruln anath” over and over until the blade of the sword began to glow with a faint green hue. Ariel stood and handed the sword back to Eben. “This is the best I can do. I will not flee and leave you defenseless. The enchantment will last until dawn.”
He looked at his newly enchanted sword and then at Ariel and smiled. “Harrumph! Well, at least that wasn’t as long as your usual spells. Thank you. Now go. I have preparations to make. The beast will not get past us this night. That much I promise you.”
Ariel kissed him on the cheek and smiled. Eben didn’t say a word; he simply nodded and turned away. Ariel hurried to the great room, where Sawyer, Jane, and Geoff were waiting. The windows were shuttered and locked. Along the walls torches were being lit by servants. Ariel walked to them and took a deep breath. “Remember, stay close to me. Do not stray, and be alert. I do not know what dangers we may find in the darkness of the catacombs.”
Sawyer and Jane looked at each other for a moment then back at Ariel. Jane swallowed and said, “Okay. We’re ready.”
“Let’s go,” said Sawyer. The corners of Ariel’s mouth slowly turned upward, revealing her attractive dimples. “To the catacombs then.”
Ariel walked to the far wall and ran her fingers along a specific section of the stonework. As she did so, a loud click echoed in the great room. A stone door in the wall slowly swung open and a horrible stench overcame them.
“Oh! Oh my! What is that? I’m going to be sick!” cried Jane, as she covered her mouth and nose with one of her hands and stepped back.
“It stinks!” said Geoff as he stepped backward too. Sawyer held the collar of his tunic over his nose. While he looked into the dark opening, Ariel reached into a pouch and removed a gem the size of a plum. She held it overhead and said, “Iluminara.” The gem began to glow a bright green. She ducked inside and surveyed the passage, then motioned for the others to follow. Sawyer was next to enter, then Jane, still covering her mouth and nose, with Geoff close behind. The passage itself was a rough-hewn, dank gap through solid stone that led into darkness.
Outside the manor, the torrential rain ceased to fall. The moon peeked through the clouds, shedding a pale glow over Silverthorne Manor. At the rear gate, two guards had just finished placing a large, iron-shod bound beam across the heavy wooden doors. “There. That’ll do ’er,” said the elder of the two guards. “Yer wife and children’ll be happy to know yer safe now.” The younger guard grunted. “Any idea what this is about?”
The older guard just shook his head and answered, “Nah. Just do as yer told and keep yer eyes open.”
“Keep my eyes open for what? No damn thing’s gonna get through these gates ’cept a full army with a battering ram. A large battering ram.”
“Aye, but we have our orders, so we stay up all night patrolling the grounds and—”
The older guard saw movement out of the corner of his eye, something behind his younger comrade. The large gate slowly moved inward, as if someone was trying to gauge its strength.
“What? What is it? Have ye gone daft, old man?” The young guard rubbed his black scraggly whiskers and turned away from the gate.
The older guard held up his hand for quiet, and then slowly stepped toward the gate they had just barred. He thought he heard heavy breathing and a growl, but he wasn’t sure. Maybe his eyes and ears were playing tricks on him. After all, he was the eldest of the guards and his eyesight wasn’t what it used to be. He stepped close to the gate and peered through a crack between the large wooden doors.
Just as he did, the gate suddenly and violently lurched inward. The beam that secured the gate cracked and groaned from the pressure, nearly splitting from the force marshalled against it. The old guard was struck by the gate and fell over backward, his head striking the ground. A deep, vicious growl came from the darkness beyond the gate.
“What the hell?” said the younger guard as he drew his sword.
Holding his head, the old guard struggled to his feet and drew his weapon.
“Alarm!” yelled the older guard. “Something’s tryin’ to break down the rear gate! We need help! Hurry!”
The younger guard stepped toward the gate and examined the damaged beam that barred it.
“By the gods! It’s nearly broken in two! What could’ve done this? What did you see, old man? What’s out there?” he demanded.
“I…I…dunno…something was out there. Something big…and then…” The old man’s voice trailed off.
“Speak up! What was it?” The younger guard held up the lantern they had carried with them.
“Answer, you old foo—” He had glanced over his shoulder and saw the elder guard was standing still with his mouth agape. His gaze was fixed upward, somewhere overhead.
Something warm and syrupy splattered on the young guard’s shoulder. He spun toward the gate. As he did so a deep, guttural growl from above pierced him to the core. He turned his gaze upward and was instantly overcome with the same fear that had stricken the older guard.
Crouched on top of the wall was a large, sinister shape that was darker than the surrounding night. Two malicious yellow orbs peered down on him. Below the two burning eyes was a massive twitching snout. The creature opened its maw, revealing long, jagged fangs. Streams of drool rained down around the guard.
Without warning, the black beast leapt upon the young guard, crushing him beneath its weight while it savaged him. The young guard didn’t even have time to scream; it was over too quickly. The elder guard backed away and again called for help. The monster turned its gaze to the old guard, who trembled as he stumbled backward. He could barely breathe. Instead he only gasped as a large, fur-covered claw reached out and snatched him off the ground like a rag doll. He managed to scream as he was lifted toward the gaping razor-lined jaws.
In the distance, more armed men were hurrying toward the commotion at the back gate.
“There!” shouted one of the guards in front. “A beast from the pits of hell! There it is! Hurry!”
A large black silhouette shone against the wall, then two glowing yellow eyes flashed and the monster q
uickly bounded away toward the keep. The guard who had glimpsed the beast turned to the subordinate guards behind him and ordered, “Sound the alarm! We are under attack! Warn Lord Eben that a beast has entered the grounds! The rest of you come with me!” Two guards in the rear obeyed without a word while the other four guards in the group followed him as they ran to their fallen comrades.
When they arrived, they saw the carnage left behind in the light from an overturned lantern.
“May the gods help us,” said the leader. “What manner of beast could do this to a man?” He looked away and steeled his nerves.
“Come! The beast went this way! Stay alert, men! It cannot be allowed inside the manor.” They turned and rushed toward the keep, following the path of the beast they had seen only moments earlier. They failed to notice the shape of a black, winged creature slip from the shadows and crawl onto the top of the wall. There it sat and observed them as they ran.
Inside the manor, Eben Silverthorne was finishing his preparations for the defense of the manor when the alarm sounded.
“Hurry! Get in here! Bar the doors and check the windows!” he shouted. “Bring more torches!” He turned back to the great room. He had ordered his men to move the long tables and benches to the sides of the room, creating an open space in the middle. Several barrels of oil were brought in and positioned around the edges of the room.
“I don’t know of any sort of wolf that likes fire,” he said as he walked about inspecting the room.
“Any wolf’ll burn,” he added. “If he makes it this far we’ll give him a warm greeting indeed.”
Eben also had numerous brown, pint-sized clay jars of oil placed about the room so that they could be easily reached and hurled at a target. If hurled hard enough they would break on impact, splashing the target with a thick, flammable liquid. Eben had planned to use these should his keep ever come under siege.
Wizard's Key (The Darkwolf Saga Book 1) Page 16