Worgenslayer

The crisp cold air blew through the boroughs and leaves of Teldrassil, the world tree. A giant tree that reached high to the sky on an island off the coast of the continent of Kalimdor.

Massive branches that supported whole villages and valleys that held life in all kinds of forms ranging from animals to those who call the tree home, the Kaldorei. Or as their allies and enemies would call, the Night Elves.

The only city on Teldrassil was called Darnassus, a place where thousands of night elves called home. A city in perfect harmoney with nature, it's buildings made out of discarded wood and shaped by treespirits and the most skilled of elven masons. As people walked around the streets, across white empavement roads, a new custom that had come over from the Eastern Kingdoms. Carved pumpkins in the shape of an laughing man as to ward off evil spirits. In the city there was a small tavern where laughter and drink was commonplace. In that pub there was a large group of Kaldorei, drinking and laughing, as well as a few non-kaldorei. But these were not seen as outsiders and were treated as kin. A sentinel laughed as she drank her pint of ale, her arm draped around a grey haired handsome human who was enthralled into telling a story.

"And thus..." he concluded as the sentinel twirled her purple finger in his greying hair." That is why every Hallows End, when the sun has set and the moon comes out... if you listen very carefully you can hear the cry of the Headless Horsemen in the wind." He smirked as he spoke the rhyme. "Prepare yourselves, the bells have tolled! Shelter your weak, your young and your old! Each of you shall pay the final sum. Cry for mercy, the reckoning has come!"

The kaldorei clapped and cheered at the end of the tale, his lover included.

"Well done, Gendry." Elrienne the Sentinel smiled." A very amusing tale!"

"I aim to please." Genn kissed her cheek.

"It's very illogical to have a pumpkin as your head." a gnome pointed out.

"Oh shut it, Sprocket! The manling told a good story! Had drama and shite and everything!" a dwarf with a fiery red beard replied with his deep, booming voice before downing half his stein of ale.

The gnome glared." It's Sprocket the Great!"

The dwarf gave him an confused look." That's what I said. You aren't listening, clearly."

Another Kaldorei by the name of Luna chuckled and playfully smacked the dwarf's arm." Be nice, Hadhod."

"I am nice! I didn't thump him." Hadhod took another sip. "Alright then!" Sprocket pointed at the fiery dwarf." Why don't YOU tell us a story?!"

"I for once agree with the gnome." Almadira, a grizzled one armed Kaldorei wiped the drink from her mouth with her arm." Tell us a tale, Hadhod."

The dwarf smiled." With pleasure!" He stood up." Let me tell yer all a tale! It's something that happened to me four years ago! It has action, heroes, horror, women with big bosoms and terrible monsters! I call it...." he paused, swaying his stein across the room like a great ruler orating to a large crowd."

"Worgenslayer!"

"A terrible title..." the gnome muttered.

"SHUT IT!"

Four years ago....

It was midday when the battle began. On the roads south of Lordearon in what was once called Silverpine forest and just north of the massive Greymane Wall, the last survivors of High Marshall Garithos's army who were fortunate enough to escape the slaughter that proceeded after the assault Lordearon's capitol were themselves attacked however by the same creatures that once aided them.

The group of battered Alliance soldiers were beset upon by the undead. Unlike the Scourge they had fought before, these had intelligence. Where a wall of teeth and claws and sheer numbers would've torn them asunder these undead used tactics, magic and skills much like a mortal army. Some wore the tabard of white faced woman. "For the Forsaken!" hoarse voices cried out as they lashed at the humans." "For the Dark Lady!"

"For the Alliance!" Captain Davonforth cried as the Alliance shields tried to brace for the next assault. Davonforth did not ask to be captain, he wasn't even asked to be part of the army when the former High Marshall drafted him and every abled man in his village, but he took to the job the best he could. Still best intentions were not good enough as he led his men into this shitshow

The banner of the Alliance Lion was torn and ripped, a sign of it's previous campaigns. It struggled against the tide as the soldiers fought with desperation against the fury of the Forsaken. All except

a dwarf, with a beard as red as fire and a voice as loud as a mountain giant, was laughing madly as his axe cleaved through undead flesh. The runes on his axe lit up bright red as it cut through armour like hot knife through butter. His dwarven forged armour was battered in many places but happily took any punches that slipped past his defenses.

"COME ON, I FOUGHT KOBOLDS TOUGHER THAN YOU LOT!" He boasted as another Forsaken warrior dropped to the ground, bisected from the shoulder to the groin.

By the dwarf' side was a human man, unlike the others who wore the armour of a footmen, he bore similar armour of an mercenary much like the dwarf save for a red headband, a memento from hisbr former affiliation. He fought side by side with the dwarf, making sure no enemy that survived the dwarf's ferocious attack would attempt a sneak attack as the dwarf's back was.

Unlike the dwarf he fought with restraint and conserved his energy. Precise strikes and faints. That is why he waded behind the dwarf, using him like a storm breaker to shield from the fordaken onslought.

And much like a storm, the dwarf was just as loud and just as destructive. The two were sellswords, hired to fight for the Alliance along with many others. Unlike the others, who either fled like that Gilnean bastard William Robertson, or were dead, these two tagged along with the survivors seeing the upside to safety in numbers.

The dwarf kept cutting and laughing, a miniature wrought demon from hell, surrounded by the flames of his runed axe and just as maniacal.

It was only when a Forsaken warlock attempted a dark spell and was swiftly cut down by the human that the dwarf's ire.

"By the beards of my ancestors, manling! That one was mine!" he scolded his ginger bearded companion.

"Apologies, Hadhod..." the man replied as he severed the warlock's head from his shoulders." I got carried away."

"Make sure it does not happen again!" Hadgar replied before another Forsaken fell to his blood encrusted axe.

Despite the ferocious battling, it was clear the Forsaken were still clearly winning. The white shields of the Alliance fell more and more as the undead made quick work of the already tired human forces. They would've all been slain, perhaps the dwarf and the human as well, were it not that fate sadly had something worse in store for them.

A hunting horn sounded as out of the forest bullets were loosened unto the undead and hunters came to join the fray.

Men dressed in hunting garb, leathers and pieces of armour, fired their guns or charged in with big lumberjack axes and attacked the Forsaken into the rear. It was clear the attack was a feint, an opening for the Alliance to escape.

The hunter's leaders, a big burly man wearing a top hat, pulled at the captain." This way, chum! We have a safe haven!"

The captain agreed and called for the retreat. The horn sounded as the meagre Alliance forces fled as the hunters provided covering fire.

Hadhod himself was pulled away by two of the larger hunters as he cried angrily at them during thebr "Let me at 'em!" Hadhod cried." WE WERE WINNING!"

One of the hunters stared confused at the human warrior.

"Has the dwarf hit his sodding head?" The accent was Gilnean. The warrior who had no qualms about retreating shrugged to the hunter's question." I've asked that question so many times myself..."

"Well can you give him something to stop struggling, we still got the bloody rotters behind us!"

One of the hunters nearly lost his hold on the wrangling dwarf.

The warrior paused." Do you have any alcohol on you?"

The small Alliance group, fifteen souls including the two sellswords, arrived at the walled village that the hunters called home. Thick wooden palisades, armed guards at the walls and the sound of a human village greeted the beleagured forces.

Some of the men began to weep for it was the first time they had seen anything resembling civilization in the months since the fall of Lordearon. The patrol was let inside as the people inside cheered for them like conquering heroes who had returned home. Flowers were thrown in front of them, some of the women went over and kissed them on the cheek while the men offered drinks, food and pipes.

The smell of bread being baked wafted in the air as the chapel bell rang in celebration. This was the heart of the town laid bare before their guests.

Even the warrior was not left unmoved as a small tear rolled down his cheek.

"What's the matter with you, Matthias?" the dwarf finished the whiskey flask one of the huntersbr 'borrowed' to him. "Why are you crying?"

Matthias smiled." It's been so long since I've been somewhere that reminded me of home..."

The dwarf gave pause and concurred with his friend." Aye, yer have a point manling..."

A sense of longing to darted over his visage.

It was a happy sight to be among normal people again, to feel an semblance of normal life away from war and death. The one thing that seemed out of place was the looming castle in the distance which overlooked the village. A cold shiver ran across Matthias' spine as he saw it. It was like that moment in dream where the good times were about to end and were to be replaced by a terrible nightmare.

A ugly thought came to his mind but he quickly buried it. This was a happy moment, a reprieve from the horror and the past. The path to paranoia had already cost him many sleepless nights wracked with guilt.

A delegation came to greet them. A man in fine expensive robes with black hair and moustache along with his followers garbed like him walked to the captain. His smile was wide and very welcoming. He extended his arms like a father welcoming his sons.

"My friends, welcome to Pyrewood." he bowed." My name is Morrison, i'm the Mayor around here."

"It's an honour, Lord Mayor." the captain took off his helmet." I am Captain Davonforth. Me and my men owe you our lives. For that, we thank you."

The mayor waved his hand in a dismissive way." Do not mention it. When Greymane closed us off from Gilneas when he build that wall, Pyrewood has been in the same boat as the Alliance. An enemy of the Scourge is an friend of ours." He motioned to the townhouse." Come Captain, please enter. There is much we must discuss. Your men may walk around Pyrewood without any issue. Our people will open their doors and homes to you as heroes of the Alliance."

The men cheered at this as the captain once more thanked the mayor.

Matthias and Hadhod joined a few of the men at the inn where tankards of ale were passed around eagerly and readily. Matthias to enjoyed a drink with the men and raised a toast to the fallen.

"To the honoured dead!" one of the soldiers shouted. A cry followed by the others.

Hadhod finished half his ale when he spoke once more to his friend." Somethin's bothering me..."

"Me to..." Matthias replied. Although he had tried to burry his suspicions, some things just seemed wrong." I do not see any children here, and the people seem... to happy. Like... overly. As if a spell was cast on them. And that castle... not once have I heard anyone speak of it's Lord. Nor do I see any of his men among the guards here." the warrior rubbed his chin." Something's wrong."

The dwarf blinked." I was goin' ta say the ale here is very shite. I mean... I know yer manlings try but it ain't like the ale like back home in Khaz Modan."

The warrior turned to his friend and could not help but chuckle. He left the rest unspoken as a bard began to play on his lute. The musician of the group took up his war drum and likewise joined the merry band.

A waitress came around serving drinks. Her long red hair was tied up in a bun, and the apron she wore did not do much to hide her ample bosom. The dwarf nearly fell into them as she refilled his ale withoutb even asking. She had long legs and striking green eyes. Matthias admitted she was quite attractive.

"Are you enjoying our ale?" the waitress asked the dwarf, giving him a warm and seductive smile.

"Oh aye, lass. It tastes even better when yer here ta serve it." he gave her a grin which made her blush.

"I haven't met many dwarves." she said and placed her tankard on the table." The ones I met were smaller and not as muscular as you are."

The dwarf pumped up his chest." My name is Hadhod Greystone, lass... and I am quite tall fer a dwarf." He began flexing his arms." And muscular to. I fought the undead scourge, Orc worshipping demons and three tribes of Murlocs all by myself! And that was all before breakfast."

The waitress laughed." My oh my, a war hero indeed. Pleasure to meet you Hadhod Greystone, my name is Bella."

Matthias rolled his eyes and looked out of the window. His breath was stuck in his throat as he saw blue smoke go passed. Once more his spine shivered. The same sensation he had when he saw a....

He did not speak of this to others. The last thing he needed was to alienate himself further from the his fellows. None knew except the dwarf who did not care. That was a good thing about Hadhod, he was perhaps a drunken violent womanizer but he did not let taboos cloud his judgemen.

"I'll be back, Hadgar..." the warrior said but his words were unheeded as the dwarf was to busy flirting with the waitress. He left the inn as the others continued their merrymaking.

He followed the cold feeling as the sun slowly began to set. As he moved passed the villagers, his old instincts began to kick up again, like an old wound cone winter cold.

The villagers did not smile as much now, some looking at him with predatory like glances.

He gazed at the castle in the distance. With the sun having begun to set it looked even more sinister.

His trail led first back to the two hunters who helped drag Hadgar away earlier. Only this time their good naturedness was gone and only replied with one word answers or deathly silence.

"I noticed there are no guards here or a Lord came to greet us. Has the castle not aided you during this dark time?" Matthias asked.

"Nobody lives in the castle." One of the hunters replied. And that was the end of the conversation.

Making his exit with an polite goodbye he followed the trail. He stopped near a stall where a vendor was hastily putting things away. Matthias already saw the cold sweat falling from the woman's forehead even before he spoke to

"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"

The woman gave a nervous smile." Of course! Why- our Lord mayor told us to treat you like honoured guests."

"Thank you. Is he the one in charge? Last I heard wasn't Baron Silverlaine Lord of the lands north of the Greymane wall?"

"I don't know, sir." she replied." I'm just a simple peasant. The fates of Lords and knights and brave warriors such as yourselves are a mystery to me."

Matthias gave a humourless smile." Of course... does your Lord Mayor live in the castle?"

She stopped." Yes, he does!" She quickly closed up her stall." Excuse me, I have to go. Good day!"

With that she left, leaving nearly half her merchandise behind. The box was barely closed and it did not take much for the lid to be pushed open.

Raw meat. He took a quick look inside the box and inspected the meat. In a previous life he and his wife ran a farm and as such sometimes had to butcher animals himself either to sell the meat or to feed their family. He knew how the cuts should look like and quickly concluded that whatever this meat was, it did not come from any animal he knew. Even more so than before he felt hungry eyes on him.

Another shudder on his spine as he saw a blue shape run passed. He had a clearer look now. It was not shape but a person. A young woman wearing the attire of a noblewoman. She extended a hand and beckoned to follow, a ghostly blue wedding ring adorned on her near see through hand. He pursued the phantom.

***********************************************

Back in the inn, suggestive moans, grunts and thuds came from Hadgar's room. Articles of clothing such as Bella's apron and dress and pieces of Hadgar's armour were strewn across the room. The axe however was neatly placed against the wall, ready to be picked up in a minute's notice.

Bella rode on top of her new dwarven lover, her hands placed firmly on his muscular chest.

"Ah, yes, ah!" she cried, every thrust inside her indulated her speech." Ah, ah, ah! Ah yes Hadhooooood!"

The dwarf held her by her ample hips as he met her thrusts with his own. He grunted in pleasures as the sounds of flesh hitting flesh sounded in the room.

"So strooooong, AH!" She cried as her own climax came once more. His own arrival followed shortly, like a herd of rampaging rams. He firmly held her hips and plunged inside her with one last thrust as his essence filled the waitress.

With a happy sigh, Bella slumped down on top of Hadgar, exhausted by their love making. Hadgar trailed her lips and neck in kisses. She moaned at the feeling and he rolled her onto her back as she caught her breath.

"By the tits of my ancestors... I needed that." Hadgar said in between gasps.

"So did I..." Bella replied with a gappy sigh. He gave a happy sigh himself as he crossed his arms behind his head." Told yer, we're big where it counts."

"So you are..." she said with a smirk.

She laid her sweaty red haired head on his chest, twirling her finger around his neatly kept beard for a few moments. His cock had deflated and fell out of her as some of his dwarven cum dropped out. Absentmindedly she began to grab his cock and slowly began to jerk it.

It was so sensitive he groaned, the ideal mix of pain and pleasure.

Suddenly Bella began kissing him again before she fully lunged at him, kissing him deeply with the same fervour as their first bout.

He returned it, holding her in his arms." Again? We've done it four times already!"

"What? Is your fabled dwarven stamina not that much after all then?" She gave a wicked grin.

In reply he pushed her on her back. His cock had hardened once more as like a miner it delved into her folds.

"When I'm done with you, you wont walk straight for days!" He thrusted in her like a bear in heat.

"Ah, yes!" Bella cried."Fuck me, silly! Ah! Fill me with your bastard children!"

"You bet!" He pounded onto her as the bed banged against the walls again. His mouth went to her breasts which he burried his face in.

Once more the love making began. The ecstasy was so great that as she began to bite his shoulder and claw at his back, he barely felt it.

******************************************

The trail led to a small shack towards the back end of the village. The windows were boarded and a big, heavy lock was on the gate. It was rusty but well used. Matthias glanced left and right before he drew his sword. In one swift motion he severed the lock. The broken metal fell to the floor with a thud as he opened the door.

He was greeted by corpses hanging on meat hooks, bodies chopped into meat slices and a small pile of bones and skulls. Jewellery still attached to the white boned fingers. One ring in particular drew his attention, that of a ghostly blue wedding ring. What was more disturbing was that here and there he found articles of clothing. Such as an bloodied Alliance tabard. The stench of dried blood and viscera assaulted his nostrils, taking him every ounce of willpower not to heave.

Once more he saw the blue spirit, this time hovering over one of the bone piles. He had a clearer view of her now. She was indeed a noblewoman with a sad visage, her dress torn in many places and a fear in her blue eyes. He saw more pieces of jewellery on her finger, the kind of jewel only found on the persons of high ranking noblewomen. Such as the wives of lords. Or Barons. The ghostly copy of her ring was exactly the same as the severed arm.

"You summoned me, Lady baroness." Matthias walked over to the bone pile. He picked up a femur, seeing teeth mark along it as if it was gnawed at by a wild beast.

"You were slain here?"

She shook her head, nearly weeping. She pointed her ghostly finger outside. In the fading sunlight he could see her pointing towards the castle.

"What happened?" he asked. " Why did the people turn on you?"

She spoke slowly. Although no words came from her mouth, he could read her ethereal lips.

"Wolves."

"OI!" A loud voice sounded. Like snow before the sun the ghost disappeared as a large burly man entered the shack with three others." What are you doing here?!" They were armed with meat cleavers and wore bloody leather aprons. Matthias drew his sword from his back. No point in pretending in the charade.

"You are monsters."

"They were meat... and so are you!" the largest of them lunged forward as his two toadies followed in stride, their eyes filled with murderous intent.

Matthias made quick work of him, one swift slice severed the left man's arm. It fell to the ground, his hand still clutched on the cleaver as he fell to the ground crying in agony. The second man tried to strike but Matthias dodged and severed his head with a powerful blow. The third however got lucky and tackled the warrior. His meaty, bloody hand pulled at Matthias's vest. The butcher pulled hard, revealing a mark on the warrior's neck. A red L emblazoned with white undertones.

This time the butcher paused as he recognised the mark." And you call us monsters!"

Matthias headbutted him before dispatching the last man with his own cleaver.

The last who remained was rolling on the floor, holding his stump of an arm in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding. Matthias ignored him as he began rooting through the blood soaked barn. He found some clothes, hay and an unused lamp.

He stacked them up and lit it with a fire stone and the spark that came from his flint.

"Wait! WAIT!" the wounded butcher attempted to get up." You don't understand! We had no choi-"

He was interrupted by a mailed fist to the face and once more the big man dropped. The ghostbr re-appeared, smiling as the fire began to consume the remains of the bodies.

Matthias gave a small bow, " Lady baroness." before he walked out of the barn. He locked up the door as smoke began to escape from the cracks. He did not turn back once as he heard the man began to scream. Unlike the others he had burned in the same of the greater good, thus was truly deserved.

**************************************

Hadhod held Bella from behind as he bucked into her from behind. Each thrust still solicited a soft gasp or moan as his balls slapped against her back.

Bella's breasts swung with each thud, her sweat and his seed had mixed where he previously came between her mounds. He had claimed her pussy, her mouth, her teats and now claimed her arse. He had her in any way he could have a woman.

And STILL she wanted more.

"Gonna... cooome!" Hadhod groaned as what little seed was left entered the waitress again, this time in her arse.

Bella cried out in pleasure as she clawed at the sheets, her nails having grown sharp.

Hadhod gave one last thrust before he jumped out of the bed, covered in scratches and bruises. He did not seem to mind as he quickly pulled on some trousers with a whistle and went to the drink cupboard. He took a peek outside as he walked past. In the dying sunlight he swore he could see a plum of smoke.

"Huh... wonder what they're cooking."

"Come back to bed, Hadgar..." Bella growled, her naked features glistening with sweat." I want you..."

"In a bit, woman! I need ta refuel." the dwarf winked to her before he poured himself a glass of bourbon." Do you fancy anything yerself, lass?"

"Yes..." her voice became deeper. As the last of the sunshine faded from the window, Hadhod heard ripping of fabric. He turned. The woman on his bed was no more. Instead a large lupine creature was in her place. Long sharp claws came from her hands as they tore at the sheets. Dark fur as black as the night covered all over it's body. Teeth came from it's elongated maw as murderous eyes trained on him.

Saliva fell from it's maw as it hungrily eyed him. It rose to it's full size, it nearly towering the dwarf thrice.

The dwarf blinked in confusion before looking at the bourbon. He gently placed it "See lass, i'm not sure i'm into this kind of thing-"

The creature lunged at him with incredible speed. Were it not for the dwarf's reflexes she would've gutted him there and then like her previous prey. He dodged the strike as his instincts kicked in. He picked up a chair and smashed it over the wolf's head. The creature brushed it off and tried to claw at her lover.

"Oi, bloody knock it off!" Hadhod exclaimed and picked up his axe. In a flash he slammed the flat end of it hard on the wolf's head, knocking it down. He kept smashing until the creature stopped moving. He stopped midswing and checked for a pulse on it's furry throat. He gave a breath of relief as he sat down on the bed.

His heart raced a mile a minute as the dwarf tried to wrap his head around it. He was still panting for air when Matthias barged through the door.

"Hadhod, we have to go!" the warrior shouted half out of breath.

The dwarf angrily pointed to the unconscious wolf creature." YOU BLOODY THINK SO, MANLING?!"

A loud scream got both running for the window. Captain Davenforth was beset upon by three of the creatures. One had him pinned as it bite hard at his chest. The man screamed in horror and pain as they began tearing at his innards. Blood flew against the wall as one of the wolf creatures ripped the man's arm off with a loud crunch. He was still alive when they began to eat him.

"Holy Light..." Matthias cursed.

"Magni's beard..." Hadgar concurred and quickly stepped back as Matthias quickly closed the window." We can't fight our way out, I see like twenty of them out there." the warrior said. "The whole village must've turned!"

"Can't fight our way out?!" Hadhod picked up his axe." Bloody watch me!"

The warrior groaned." Hadhod you-"br "THAT BLOODY CURSE RUINED MY EVENING!" He took a swig of the bourbon of the table." SOMEONE IS GOING TO BLOODY PAY!"

***********************************************

A pair of worgen feasted on the fresh warm corpse of one of the Alliance soldiers. Blood ran down their muzzles as they guzzled on the warm flesh. Most of the pack had gone to the burning building where the smell of cooked meat lured them. Here and there the scream of a human sounded in the night followed by the howling triumph of the pack.

But not him or his mate though along with a few others who were hunting the metal clad humans within their den, they preferred their meat raw. It was an old instinct, one they could not fight. To slay and eat their prey. Often during the day they dream of their prey. How they live and frolic.

How they foolishly cling to safety in numbers and fortifications. Little did they know how strong and powerful the Worgen were.

This was their time, they were the predators. They had feasted on many kills such as these although lately they had only the undead creatures to feed off. It sustained them but they were not as warm or as tasty as the human prey. Perhaps after they finished this meal they could go to the big wall down south. Perhaps snatch an infant from it's bed. The younger ones always tasted so much better...

The wolves ears went up as the scent of alcohol wafted passed them in the wind. Their senses were still acute and turned away from their fresh kill. They growled at the two intruders and erected to their full size. One was a small man with an axe while the other was another human, a bit older than the one they just ate.

The small man with the red beard growled right back as it ran towards them, roaring a insane cry. It's axe cut through it's mate like it was nothing. Two halves of the former creature dropped to each side a the other got stabbed in the chest by the human's sword. Disbelief fell over the last worgen's visage as it fell down and began to bleed to death. The last thing it heard before it closed it's eyes forever was thebr /inane bickering between the two.

"I'm telling yer, this way is shorter!" Hadhod shouted as he cut one of the wolf creatures in twain. The axe became stuck however and he was forced to punch the creature with his fist to get it off." KNOW YER PLACE, YER FURRY GOBSHITE!"

"Can you stop shouting?!" Matthias hissed." You'll have the whole village after us!"

"Says the man who bloody set a whole barn on fire! Now there's barely any monsters left!"

"You still got some, don't you? On your left." He parried a claw "I see it, ta." Hadhod backslapped the worgen before burying his axe in it's chest. The runes flared as it set the beast on fire." And that's not the point! These things ruined a night with a lovely lass!"

"Right, what was her name?" the warrior jammed his blade between one of the creature's eyes as it attempted to bite his throat.

The dwarf tackled into another one before severing it's head with his axe." Bessy! Wait... Gemma? Doesn't matter! She was going to bear my bastard kids!"

"Holy Light, protect me..." the warrior groaned in disgust as he muttered his invocations to the Light.

It seemed to have answered his prayers as the route the dwarf instructed was indeed the correct. However the gate was closed. Thick tree trunks that served as the gate obstructed their exit. No guards were among the perimeter, no doubt having turned into the wolf creatures as well.

"Bloody great!" Hadgar growled.

Matthias saw the mechanism on the palisade and rushed ahead." Hold them off, Hadhod!"

"Aye, manling!" Hadhod replied as he turned to face the village side. Already the sky was lit with fire from the barn and wolf howls filled the night sky.

The castle itself seemed to have grown in the darkness, as if it absorbed the night to grow larger and more foreboding.

Matthias pulled at the lever. It seemed stuck. He exerted more force as the mechanism began to creak into motion. Slowly but sure the iron chains creaked to life as the gate slowly opened.

The noise drew the attention of some nearby wolf creatures. They rushed for the gate but were cut down by the enraged "YES! MORE!" he shouted." COME 'ERE YER MUTTS! I'M GONNA SKIN THE WHOLE BLOODY PACK OF YER!"

"Hadhod!" Matthias shouted." Gate's open! Quick, I don't know how long I can keep it open!"

Hadhod groaned annoyed but ran through the gate. Matthias followed as he let go off the lever. The gate slowly closed once more as both warriors fled into the darkness, followed by the angry blood curdling howls of hungry pack.

***********************************************

When dawn had come, the two were covered in blood. The duo sellswords walked along the road tiredly as their armour was battered, their blades blunted. Both had not spoken since the escape of Pyrewood the night before. They passed a large stone gate which marked them they had entered the rolling plains of Hillsbrad greeted them. Bright green grass and the distant white buildings of Hillsbrad village were seen in the rising.

"Hadhod..." Matthias said.

"Aye, manling?" Hadgar replied.

"Fuck Silverpine Forest."

"Oh aye..." Hadhod concurred." Fuck Silverpine."

"Think we should've listened to Robertson and your cousin?"

"Fuck them, they could've told us about the wolf people!"

"Would we've believed them?"

Hadhod snorted. "Ah... suppose not."

The two moved their weary feet once more, their spirits raised a little by the rising sun.

"Shame those wolf creatures are evil. They could've been useful against the undead."

"Manling, the day the Alliance has those wolf bastards in the ranks, I'll hang up my axe and start me own brewey. Yer can come to if yer like."

Matthias laughed." I might accept your offer, my friend." He patted the dwarf on the shoulder who in turn returned the gesture.

Hadgar pondered. "Did we actually get paid for this shiteshow?"