Revelation

"How did you know I'd be on this train?"

"Well, you did mention something about heading east and I couldn't possibly forget how early you got up. I also needed to go this way to meet someone so it worked out."

Clyde wondered if she was heading all the way to Avalor as he was himself. Assuming that nothing crazy were to take place, the train would arrive in two days time.

Tired from last nights sleeping condition, Clyde prepared to get some rest in the cabin for a few hours.

This task was easier said then done. Within a few minutes Bell was asking him questions.

"So why are you going to the East?"

"I'm meeting an acquaintance."

"Are trains usually this guarded?"

Clyde didn't realize it when he arrived because he was in a rush. There were far more guard men on patrol than normal.

"Now that you mention it, no it's not."

Standing up to leave and investigate, Clyde left Bell in the cabin alone.

Traveling through the carts he made his way to the trains bar. At the bar was a man taller than anyone surrounding him, with several guards near him. Looking at the guys shirt Clyde noticed an imperial insignia. This man was someone from the kings court.

The change in security made sense but for some reason, Clyde felt uncomfortable.

'What about this guy is my head trying to tell me?'

Deciding to get some answers, Clyde approached a passenger to ask some questions.

"Sorry to bother you."

"No problem, what do you need?"

"Could you tell me that gentleman's name over there?"

"You mean you don't know? That's the newly elected memeber of King Nell's council, Rodney Black."

"Thank you, have a good day."

Left to his thoughts he began to trace his memory.

'Rodney… Rodney Black. That's so familiar to me.'

Not wanting to cause awareness he went back toward his cabin. Halfway there he ran into Bell who was headed in his direction.

"I was wondering what you were doing?"

"The security is here because of some royal big shot. Nothing out of the ordinary, although I do get a weird feeling from him. At the very least a weird feeling about this ride."

A dark stare came across Bells face. It was such a powerful look that Clyde was honestly frighted for a moment.

"Did you catch the name?"

Baffled at how quick she returned to a normal expression, Clyde fumbled his words.

"Rod.. Rodney Black I believe it was."

"Oh I see, well then. I'm gonna go explore the train some more since I've never been on one before. I'll meet you back at the cabin some time."

Heading to the cabin, Clyde would finally get to indulge in a proper sleep. Falling onto the makeshift bed on his side of the room, his eyes shut.

A knock on the door startled Clyde.

'Seriously!'

"Good evening sir, would you like any complimentary foods and beverages? A selection of items are being given away to guest as a form of goodwill thanks to Lord Black."

'Since I'm awake again I might as well get some drink.'

"Do you have water?"

"Yes sir."

Grabbing the water from the servant Clyde grew more weary of this so called councilman. This was the second time he was brought up in casual conversation and yet there was something Clyde was missing.

Despite his countless feelings the idea of sleeping felt much more powerful. With further distractions he fell back into darkness.

***

Hours passed by until it was already the afternoon. Clyde would have continue sleeping for several more hours if it was not for the arrival of Bell.

"It's time to get up Clyde you're gonna miss the gathering. That Rodney guy is gonna be paying for everyone's food and I know you're as broke as I am."

'Can't argue with that logic.'

"Alright lead the way."

Making there way through the now crowded compartments of the train, the two reaching the dining hall. As they managed to find open seats the Lord of the hour was finishing up his speech.

"-and if it wasn't for people like you, this nation would be no better than the fools in Helin!"

This got a loud cry of laughter from the passengers. Helin was a neighboring nation that started and lost a war with Cider. Obviously Clyde knew that there was no such thing as a victor as both nations were still recovering. The only reason they lost was because of the demonic invasion began in their land first.

The train started to halt as the conductors voice appeared through the speakers.

"Attention all guest, we will be stopping momentarily for a routine check up. We are expecting to get back on track in about fifteen minutes. I must ask that you stay inside the train and refrain from exploring outside. We will not be announcing the resumption of our departure."

After a clicking noise from the intercom Clyde felt sick and was unable to continue eating. Bell was pigging out as this type of food was still a delicacy to her.

"Hey Bell, I'm gonna head back to the cabin."

"Alright."

Traveling the compartments as everyone was still eating Clyde noticed something that caught his eyes from the window. Two of Rodney's guards were carrying several dark bags that appeared heavy. Things weren't adding up so despite the warning from the conductor, Clyde opened one of the exit doors to follow them.

Tracking their footsteps downhill he was able to catch up. The two men stopped in front of a hole that was about six feet wide and nine foot deep. One of them sat his bags down and kicked them into the hole. The other guard just dropped them with his hands. Still hiding Clyde waited for the two to head back up the hill. Once they were gone Clyde walked over to the hole and jumped in.

Hearing a strange crunch on his landing, he began to open up one of the bags.

After a minute he finally untangled the not and peeked inside.

'Oh god.'

Clyde already felt sick from what he ate but the sight of the contents in the bag had brought him to a new level.

It was a body. The bag he looked into wasn't just in random person but of the servant who gave him the water earlier. Judging by the remains it looked as if the guy had been tortured for weeks. Claw marks and gnashes in various places, as well as a few limbs missing. He was missing an eyeball to top it all off.

After a second Clyde realized what he was standing on. All of these bags, at least five, were all human remains. Climbing out of the pit he wasn't sure what to do with this information. Those guards definitely knew what was in the bags and they worked for Rodney. He needed to get answers and fast after all, everyone in the train could be in danger.

Before he had to look for the guards, one was on his way down the hill with another bag. Unable to hid in time the guard stopped in his tracks dropping the body. He turned around to run back to the train but Clyde was fast and brought him down on his stomach.

Flipping him over to his back the guard was in fear of his life.

"Is your Lord responsible for these crimes!?"

"I can't te.. tell you anything or he will kill me and my family."

"If you don't tell me I'll kill you now and make sure your family knows of your involvement. In fact on the count of four I'll start tearing off limbs to match those bodies unless you talk."

At this point the guard looked like he was going to pass out any second and started talking.

"Do you promise you won't kill me if I tell you?"

"I won't kill you but you're not getting back on that train today."

"He is a beast. I don't know how to describe it because I've never seen it, I just get what's left. Me and the other guy just do what we are told."

'Rodney did this himself? He's no wendigo that's clear. Judging from the sheer carnage and bloodbath he is not a vampire either. This leaves one option that I can think of.'

"A werewolf…"

"What?"

"Nothing forget it, you are gonna have nice little nap."

"Wait! I'm not sure how strong you think you are but you are no match for something like the Lord."

"Regardless I can't let weakness be an excuse for punishment on the innocent."

Knocking the man out Clyde returned to the train right before it was about to take off again. Making his way to his cabin he hoped to find Bell there to warn her.

Approaching the entrance to the cabin Clyde opened the doors to see Bell asleep on her side of room.

"Wake up it's important."

"What is it?"

"I need you to be careful of the Lord I have reason to believe he is a werewolf."

"Oh my god what happened!?"

"I'll explain later, but for now stay inside and lock the door. It's me if I knock 5 times."

As he left the room he turned around and immediately bumped into someone.

"Excuse me, do you have any idea who I am!"

In front of Clyde was Lord Black.