Hunted

by Matt Mememaro

“He was right, we’ve been through a lot together. I put that ring on your finger because you mean more than anything in the world to me, I just don’t show it. Now all this business with the wolves is behind us, we can focus on the things that matter. I’ve said it once, but I’ll ask you again. Lois Behan, will you marry me?”

  Lois laughed. “It’s definitely not the best place to proposition me, but yes, Abner, of course. There’s nothing else I’d rather do. But you need to go and rest, I’ll tend to Gareth to make sure he doesn’t die on us. With what he’s said I don’t think we want to face down an Alilletian army either.”

  32

  The Wedding

  Several weeks after the interrogation the scene was set at the Tyrain Huntrey for the first wedding in many years. Tables and chairs were spread out across the plateau, enough to seat the entire population of the Huntrey. Training had been suspended for the day to prepare for the event. Hundreds of Hunters stood inside the altar, their hoods raised over their faces as a sign of respect to the soon to be wedded couple.

  As darkness fell the wedding began, the orchestra striking up a solemn tune as Abner made his way down the aisle. All eyes turned to him, the walk feeling like much longer than it was. At his back he had Gunthos, Malvrok and Zarazenih, the Hunters in a two-piece suit version of their day to day attire, without a hood, Abner forgoing his hat. Zarazenih looked out of place in his suit, constricting his massive frame making him seem much smaller than usual.

  The best men stood behind the groom, waiting for the inevitable arrival of the bride. The altar doors opened again and Lois began her walk to join Abner, her dress a pure white take on her regular attire, much like the men, minus the hood. The coat was also longer and effectively created a train, dragging on the ground behind her.

  Tori and three other young Hunters followed behind her as her bridesmaids. They came to stop opposite the grooms party and Lois was grinning like a jackal underneath her veil. Crix stood at the altar, his hand behind his back until both parties turned to face him.

  “These two Hunters come before you today, to take part in a life binding ceremony. Once bound, until the day that either one or both of them die, they will cherish, care and provide for each other. Once bound their lives are each other’s in entirety.” Crix turned to face Lois. “Lois Behan, do you take this man, Abner Toldar to be your wedded husband under oath?”

  Lois nodded up at Crix and turned back to Abner. “I do.” She could feel the sweat building on his palms.

  “And do you, Abner Toldar, take this woman, Lois Behan to be your wedded wife under oath?”

  Abner looked up at Crix and nodded before turning back to Lois. “I do. For everyday that I live.”

  “Excellent,” Crix said. He bent under the altar and retrieved a silver chalice and a knife. “Each of you fill this chalice with enough blood to prove your willingness to join in this matrimony together.”

  Abner took the knife first and looked up at Lois who held her hand out. The knife parted her skin with ease, blood pounding from the wound into the chalice. Abner then raised his own hand over the chalice and cut across his hand, dripping blood into the silverware to blend with Lois’.

  Lois took the chalice and drunk first, no more than a mouthful, but more than was necessary. She passed the cup to Abner who finished their blood off and put the chalice down. The gathered Hunters began to clap and celebrate as the two shared their moment together. A loud bang sounded from outside and red filled the sky. Another followed a second later, this time green was sent flying in every direction.

  “What are you waiting for? Get out of here and celebrate!” Crix said.

  More fireworks continued to fill the night sky, sending a display of all different colours scattering up to the stars. The Hunters spilled out onto the plateau, food from the kitchens now making their way to the tables that lined the plateau. A large section of grass had been left aside as a dance floor for anyone that wished to dance the night away.

  Abner and Lois along with their respective groomsmen and bridesmaids sat along the head table at the top of the plateau, surveying the entirety of the three course meal provided by the Huntrey kitchens. The main course consisted of everything from roasted lamb through to pork including a shank that Zarazenih ripped in half.

  “Almost tastes as good as it does raw,” he said.

  Fireworks continued to sporadically fly overhead, although none came as so close to bother the Hunters. Rookies once they had finished their meals, chased the children of the Huntrey around, guards stationed on the cliff faces warding any would be trouble makers away from danger.

  One by one Hunters from all across the Huntrey began to make their way to main table to offer gifts to the bride and groom. Crix brought forth a gift from the Huntrey, a massive hunting bow crafted from the finest wood, a quiver of arrows that looked more lethal than any of the crossbow bolts. Other gifts ranged from silverware to riding equipment and soon a small pile of gifts became a mountain.

  Abner offered his hand to Lois who had just finished draining her fifth ale. “Do you care for a dance?”

  “Of course.” She said. “I might be too tipsy for that though. Catch me if I fall.”

  “If we fall we fall together,” Abner said.

  They walked to the clear space in front of the gathered orchestra and waited for them to pick up a tune. A solemn and yet unrecognizable tune graced their ears that slowly developed into a waltz. The newlyweds held each other in each other’s arms, Lois resting her head on Abner’s shoulder. They danced to the beat, other Hunter couples joining them as they circled around the field into the late houses of the night.

  The last of the fireworks had long since exploded and no ale or wine remained in anyone’s cup. Gunthos stood up at the main table, hand in hand with Tori after hours of dancing. For a man of his sized he had moved quiet gracefully considering how drunk he was.

  “Oy, listen up everyone!” The Hunters all turned their attention to him. “So we’ve just witnessed the best fucking wedding I’ve ever been to. But how about we get to some fucking aye?”

  “I believe the term is consummate the marriage,” Gunner,” Abner said. He put his unfinished drink down on the table. “But we’ll have it your way.”

  The Hunters gathered around the main table and lifted both Abner and Lois off their feet, splitting into two parties. They walked into the Huntrey to the room that had been left aside for the two. Abner’s boots were stripped from his feet, clawed at by the drunk Hunters that carried him. They tried to derobe him, but he battered their hands away.

  Lois’ group reached the room first, setting her down gently, still fully clothed. She crossed the room, and pulled the covers back to reveal the white silk sheets afterwards.

  “We going to put on a show?” Abner asked.

  He could hear the Hunters gathered outside the bedroom doors. They tried to be quiet but their voices travelled straight through the cracks.

  “It’s like you hardly know me at all, my love,” Lois said. She began to undress herself.

  “No,” Abner placed his hand over hers. “Tradition states that I have to be the one to do it. Let’s just do this one thing right.”

  “We’ve done nothing else by the book, why start now?” Lois asked.

  “To appease the masses,” Abner said. “Besides, why can’t they all think for a night that we’re both young and innocent?”

  “Because you and I have done that much here that it’s common knowledge,” Lois said. “Are you going to undress me or not?” She wriggled her hips to get his attention.

  “Right of course,” he said. “You distracted me.”

  Lois laughed. “You distracted yourself.” She lifted her hands above her head. “It’ll be nice to have a proper bed of our own soon.”

  Abner tore the veil off her head, then attacked her with his lips. He turned her head to the side, kissing along her neck, tracing her jawline to her chin, before returning to her mouth again. Lois fumbled with his be
lt, quickly finding it undone, and his pants fell to his ankles. He kicked them off, leaving them in a heap on the floor.

  Lois fell back onto the bed, her legs up above her head. Abner stripped her pants off in a single motion and cast them aside as well. He grabbed her hips and shuffled her backwards, creating more room for himself. She pulled his top over his head and threw it to the back of the room along with the rest of the clothes.

  Abner kissed down her chest, swirling each nipple with his tongue as he passed. Lois dug her nails into his shoulders as he entered her, urging him on into the early hours of the morning.

  33

  End of the Road

  Crix had put the Lotu to work on Malvrok’s and Zarazenih’s new lodgings. It had been several days since the wedding and the newly finished cabin was almost an exact replica of the house that Malvrok had owned back at the fortress. In addition to the house, a stable had been erected several meters away, housing one of the horses that Malvrok had chosen from the Huntrey’s stock.

  “Bit small, isn’t it, guys?” Malvrok asked as they rode towards the cabin. He sat on the back of Abner’s horse with Lois riding by their side.

  “It’s only you and Zarazenih here,” Lois said. “I think you’ll find it quite roomy.”

  “Yeah and have you seen the size of him?” Malvrok asked.

  “Yes, I have,” Crix said. He emerged from inside the cabin. He tapped his walking stick on the patio that wrapped around the entire cabin. “We built it just to your specifications and gave you a bit more room. You’ll find it more than sufficient.”

  “What are you doing here, Crix?” Malvrok asked. “Was meant to be just me and the kids.”

  “Wanted to surprise you,” the old Hunter said. “And I’ve got a job offer for you.”

  “A job? I’m retired,” Malvrok said. He tried shouldering past Crix to get into his new home. He saw Zarazenih making coffee in the kitchen. “Actually, now that I think about it I might go mad here with the kid, what is it?”

  “You didn’t lose your mind in the Lock, did you?” Crix asked.

  “I did, but I am recovering,” Malvrok said. “Being here has helped bring me back into the fold.”

  “Glad to hear it. Duval is retiring from the Board and we can’t think of anyone better equipped to take his place,” Crix said.

  Malvrok raised his eyebrows. “Shit he’s leaving? He’s been on the Board since I was a kid in Sauria.”

  “That’s what I mean, you’ve got just as much experience in the field as he had on the Board, we want a fresh face and considering your imprisonment in the Lock, we thought this would be the best way to utilize your talents,” Crix said.

  “I’m grateful for the opportunity, Crix. I’ll accept,” Malvrok said. “When do I start?”

  “Next week, whenever you’re ready. There’s no rush,” Crix said. “Anyway good day to you Toldar. I’ve got a meeting I need to attend to.”

  “Mal, congratulations!” Lois said. She ran over to him and squeezed.

  “Well that was a surprise to be sure. But it was a welcome one,” Malvrok said. “Head of the Board coming to give me the job personally. What a time to be alive.”

  “Got any ideas on what you’ll try bring into the Huntrey?” Abner asked.

  “Wouldn’t have a clue, I’ll learn as I go along,” Malvrok said. “But I’ll do whatever I can to help you two achieve as much as possible. Not at all in sighting favoritism at all am I?” He laughed. “Looks like Zarazenih has made some tea. You two should come inside.”

  “I don’t think there’s a need for that.” A familiar voice echoed around the house.

  “Who’s that?” Lois asked. She grabbed her sword by the hilt and held her hand over it.

  Malvrok closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Barros, I haven’t heard your voice in over a decade.”

  “Father!” Zarazenih dropped the china cup he held in his hand and stormed outside. He began transforming into the wolf.

  “My brother and my sons, gathered in one place. What a lovely family reunion,” Barros said. “And congratulations are in order for the newlyweds. Finally, after so many years.”

  “Barros, show yourself!” Zarazenih continued to transform, dropping to all fours, his fur now spread across his body.

  “My son, I have transcended. I am no longer Barros. With the amulets of Tal’davin that have fallen into my possession, thanks to my agent, I have now become my true self.”

  “Ab, I smell Vampires,” Lois said. “How did they get past the wall?”

  “Brothers?” Zarazenih pinned.

  From the wood just inside the Huntrey wall, four figures began to emerge. Two men the size of Zarazenih flanked two smaller men. All the Hunters except for Abner drew their crossbows and Lois moved to take position behind him.

  “We’ve got this,” she said. “Don’t worry about a thing.”

  The four men approached, two with red eyes marking them as Vampires, their claws extended out. With a blink of an eye they vanished from sight becoming invisible.

  “Shades!” Crix turned on his horse but was torn down a moment later.

  A Shade leapt upon Malvrok, taking out his knee and there was a gargle from Crix as his throat was slashed open. There was no turning him into a Vampire, just brutality. Malvrok fought back against his Shade, an elbow catching it in the side of the head, making it visible. Lois shot it clean through the head causing it to burst into flames.

  Zarazenih walked out in front of the group. “Brothers, stand down, we don’t fight with the Hunters anymore. I have made peace.”

  “You sold out brother, our quarrel isn’t with them, it’s with you,” one said.

  “Fight me if you’re strong enough,” Zarazenih said. He completed his transformation and turned on his heel, racing to the wall behind Malvrok’s cabin. The two wolves transformed and began to chase him.

  In the confusion two more men had appeared from the wood. They both walked up to the cabin with an Alilletian robes wrapped around their shoulders. Gareth and Tal’davin stood before them.

  “Lois, shoot them,” Abner said. She remained frozen. “Lois!”

  “Ab, I can’t do it.”

  He turned to see what was holding her back. Tears were streaming down her face. She’d thrown her crossbow on the ground and had a Dreyth dagger in her fist. Malvrok had been knocked to the ground, the last Shade on top of him, claws pressed against his throat.

  “What in the fuck are you doing, Lois!” Malvrok screamed at her. “Kill them!”

  “I’m so sorry, my love,” Lois said.

  She stepped forward, stabbing the dagger into Abner’s heart. Once, twice, three times. Then a fourth into his shoulder were the dagger stayed. Fire erupted inside him, the pain unbearable and Abner sunk to his knees.

  “Lois, why?” Tears streamed down Abner’s face. “What have you done to me!”

  “Traitor!” Malvrok screamed again.

  He struggled against the Vampire, throwing it off him and rose to take down Lois. Lois looked down at her former teacher and kicked the crossbow up into her hands. Without hesitation she sent a crossbow bolt straight into Malvrok’s forehead. The bolt burst through the skin and his head dropped immediately to the ground.

  “No!”

  Abner tried to stand, he felt his blood surging through him and his claws shot out of his fingers. Lois ripped the knife from his shoulder and stabbed him again. Three short sharp jabs added to the pain and he doubled over, falling to the floor.

  Tal’davin stepped forward. Through the red, Abner could still see his father’s face, but his eyes had turned a mangled yellow and orange colour. Gareth stood by his side, smirking and sent a kick into Abner’s ribs. The pain was nothing compared to what the Dreyth blade had inflicted upon him. Lois moved to stand by Gareth. He wrapped his hand around her waist.

  “Kill me. You’ve taken everything from me. You’ve taken my life, you’ve taken my family and my woman!”

  “No, that’
s not part of the plan, my son. There is still more yet that we can take from you before you die,” Tal’davin said.

  “And she was never your woman,” Gareth said. “This was all part of your downfall, Toldar. “Once again the Graytooth family will rule over Alilletia without you meddling in our affairs. You and your uncle are were you belong, under my boot.”

  Tal’davin waved Gareth off and knelt down beside Abner. “I apologize for all of this my son, but it is necessary. One day soon you will understand, but now that I have all of my amulets returned to me, I can now begin to further Vampires across Taagras. You’re a means to an end. So thank you my son, and I will see you soon.”

  “I hate you!” Abner said.

  “In time that will pass,” Tal’davin said. He waved his hand over Abner’s face. “Now let sleep take you.”

  “I won’t let you control me,” Abner said.

  “Yes you will,” Tal’davin said. “It’s already too late.”

  Abner’s eyes grew heavy and he tried to fight back, but the power of the Vampire overlord was too much. Abner succumbed to sleep, Lois’ face the last thing he saw before he passed out.

  * * *

  TO BE CONTINUED...

  Acknowledgments

  Oh boy, we’re nearly at the end. Thank you so much for reading the Toldar’s journey so far and I hope you have all been enjoying it. Without you I wouldn’t be doing this. I’d once again like to thank my friend Angela for her efforts in to get everything to do with the Toldar Series up and running. Without her I’d be like a fish out of water. For now that’ll be all from me folks, and I’m very much looking forward to finishing the hunt with you all.

  About the Author

  Matt Mememaro is a fantasy writer working out of Brisbane, Australia. He is currently working on more projects outside of the Toldar Series. If you’d like to find out more about the Toldar Series or any other of Matt’s projects follow Matt here: