Hail

The snow had fallen heavier today than our mages predicted, Our forces had to set up camp in one of the Neighbouring villages during our march.

They were wary of us at first but eventually let us in, the atmosphere were.... less than desirable but I digress, At least Their Booze is good, the inn was a run down miserable little shit hole but the booze was good!

Everything was going all so well until some local drunks decided to 'welcome' us.

I was not pleased, neither were our women!

They always go for our women.... I wonder why?

Well after the commotion the mayor of the town welcomed us to his home, even offered us a couple of drinks and some fresh meal too! The others thought it was a bit raw but I didn't mind.

Though the house felt stuffy and the smells, Fenris help me! What kind of man keeps so much sheep under one roof!

Well I vent out some of my frustrations to distract me and the others.

I take a pause to attack my meal, it's been a bountiful harvest lately, we haven't lacked in meal for close to months now, I ponder on how long we'll continue to receive such wonderful gifts before continuing with my story.

"So I ask Amari, 'You don't want me to Hunt for Nicklaus, Neither the abomination, Hell you won't even let me guard the Outpost, so what will you have me do?" I wave my hands about and look at my listener expectantly.

The poor man is shivering like a wet kitten, "Well?" I asked, "M-My lord?" The mayor mumbled foolishly causing me to roll my eyes.

"What do you think she said in return?" I retorted.

"I-I-"

"Hahaha, What'd you want the poor bastard to say when you look like that!" Maxie shouted whilst pointing at me.

"The wolf form is a bit too stimulating eh? Though I need it, the Weather is bloody cold y'know?" I sighed.

"I think his comard's leftovers aren't helping your case either," Peters added.

"But I'm hungry!"

"Now, now, don't be like that, we're all a bit pinched too, but you don't see us traumatizing our potential recruits..... too much!" Maxie barked before slapping the mayor on the back.

The mayor was in full tears now, "Please you've already killed my eldest son, spare my other children at least," He knelt before me.

I sighed.

"A bit rude of you not to answer my questions, even ruder not listen to my story," I sighed again before taking a bite into my Brisket, the blood gushed out and stained the Mayor's white coat.

The other sheep were had wet themselves now, the women cried, the children cried even their men were crying too!

Come on.... now I feel like I'm the bad guy here! Well.... I am from their point of view, I was willing to leave this village quietly until they started that ruckus at the Inn.

Booker shifted uneasily, from my peripheral vision I saw her try to comfort one of the village children.

"Barker-"

"Chief Karl," I corrected.

".....Chief Karl, perhaps we should get to the point already, we do not like the stink here," She said while petting the boy, he was staring at her, his eyes filled with half hate and half fear, he was shaking uncontrollably but made no further movements.

She smiled bitterly at the boy.

"Very well... So the point of my story is this, we're looking for a certain man, A Sol Master by the name of Finn, Golden haired, tanned, burly fella, about my Brother's height," I pointed at Maxie, the bastard was flirting with Gail now, I'd slap him but I still have a full plate, I sighed as I attack the leg next.

"N-N-N-No my lord, we haven't met anyone like that! We.... we...."

"Hmmm.... well that's a shame... I guess I'll need to postpone our wedding now..."

"My lord?"

"Amari, weren't you listening!? How am I to marry her if I've not slain a Sol Master!"

Maxie rolled his eyes, "Bastard has already gotten her pregnant but is still going on about that 'Forever ice' nonsense," He mumbled causing the rest of our pack to chuckle, I chucked the remains of my leg at him and the fool caught it with his teeth....

"Anyways.... regarding your fate,"

"Fate?" The Mayor's face paled.

I grinned.

"Of course, well we can't let you go after all, it'd be a waste, so you have 3 options; 1- You die and become our food.

2- You become our slav- Shadow wolves.

3- You entertain us"

"Entertain you?" one of the villagers was aghast.

"I wouldn't pick that one if I were you," Peters voiced, "Our Chief Karl has quite.... the imagination when it comes to his entertainment," He finished.

I smiled coolly at him, he met my smile with a wink.... I'm beginning to like this guy.

"What are Shadow wolves my lord,"

"They're akin to servants.... servants who have the opportunity to become like us,"

"Werewolves?"

"No Witches,"

"Really?"

"Of course not you dolt! Should I just kill you- ah I'm kidding, I'm kidding of course! No need to keep crying or I'll get mad for real!"

"I doubt that is helping things Chief Karl," Booker muttered, She glared at me, for a moment I saw a reflection of my mother in her, but it was gone just as quickly.

No.... she's not like Mother, Mother would have challenged me directly against this crusade, I would have gone anyways but still....

"...Do you mind allowing us time to decide,"

"What about the other villagers?"

"You killed half of us when you went on your rampage!" One of the elderly spat.

"We 60 are all that's left!" the woman next to him added, his daughter? No.... from their movement, I sense their relationship is more.....

Iva moves to smack the couple, probably for the old man's insolence, The couple backs up, eyes wide but I wave her off before she does the deed, She nods then stalks over to my side.

She's grown attached to me during these few months, especially since we learnt Amari was pregnant, Insisted on becoming my personal bodyguard as her way to make sure I got back home in one piece.

'This one needs their daddy' She said while pointing at Amari's belly, that was probably the first time I saw her flush at her sister, their hug afterwards was painful to watch though.

"Very well, I'm done with my meal anyways, I expect an answer by Dinner. Kar, Gar, Maxie and Peters watch them, I'll send more men to join you soon, Gail go join the others at the gate, Iva with me"

Maxie looked disappointed for some reason, The fool probably wants to continue his play with Gail, I'm beginning to regret bringing her and Nicki along.... I'd not wanted to separate them for moral.... that clearly was a mistake.

"And you Chief Karl?" Booker asked.

"..... What about me?" I narrowed my eyes.

"I only ask because you gave me no active duty...."

"..... I am meeting with our prisoner, wanna make sure he's strong enough to face Maxie tomorrow,"

"May I escort you to him then? I wish to discuss personal matters with you" She said while shifting her legs.

I sigh and make my way towards the door, Booker stalks right behind me.