The following morning, at dawn, I woke earlier than I wanted because Zanzabarr had started whining, loudly scratching at the door. Sitting up, rubbing my eyes, the wolf paced, holding his head low. Pulling back the blanket, I quickly put on my boots, then grabbed the blanket he laid on, wrapping it around my shoulders. Shuffling down the hall, trying to be quiet, I was surprised to see Marxus was awake, sitting at the kitchen table with his legs crossed, and a map in his lap, while tapping a pen on his knee.
“Good morning.” he greeted.
“Morning.” I nodded, then stepped outside, allowing my wolf to run, sniffing for a place to squat, “Come on, hurry up…” I called out, and I don’t think I could wrap the blanket around me any more than I already had, but I did, “come on now, it’s freezing!” I watched as he paced nervously, before standing still; head low and tail down, “Wh-what are you looking at?!” I turned looking to my left toward the trees, “What the hell?!” I watched as two men emerged from the shadows; their naked bodies were covered in deep claw marks and bites while their manhood just hung freely, “Marxus, Thomas!” I called loudly over my shoulder.
Marxus emerged first, with Thomas seconds after.
“What’s the matter?” Thomas worried.
“There!” I pointed ahead of me where Anthony trailed behind Nathan before he paused, respectfully placing his hands over himself, hiding his glory, “Here!” I quickly handed Thomas the blanket wrapped around my shoulders.
Thomas snatched the blanket, rushing toward his brother; he quickly draped it around him, then hugged him.
“Aye, Thomas…” Anthony pushed him away, “I’m naked!” he growled humorously, flashing his eyes.
Thomas couldn’t help but laugh in relief, walking next to him.
“Nathan?!” Sarah screamed, emerging from the cottage, and once she saw him, she didn’t care about his nudity, as she ran forward, jumping into his arms, “Oh my god, Nathan…thank god you’re all right!” she pulled away, looking at him up and down, “Are you all right?!”
Still having his voice taken away, he nodded, placing both of his hands on her shoulders then leaned in for another hug; he sniffed her hair and the scent of her perfume, that was in that moment, unfortunately, making him rise to the occasion.
“Sarah…” Jonathan stepped forward, gently pulling her back, while holding a blanket he fetched from inside, “let him get dressed!” he frowned, then leered at the young man, “Cover yourself for god sake!”
“It’s not the first time I’ve seen him naked, let go of me!” she pulled away from Jonathan’s grip, grabbing the blanket as she rushed forward, wrapping it around his waist as if seeing her brother’s nudity was normal for her.
Feeling a lump in his throat, he looked around, feeling a little unsettled by her concern and lack of boundaries when it came to sibling closeness and modesty. Turning away with no further words spoken, Jonathan retreated inside.
“Are you all right?” I approached Anthony quickly, ignoring the distracting images that would forever be tattooed into my mind. I scanned his face and neck, seeing wounds that weren’t hidden from the blanket, beginning to heal rather slowly.
“Si, little Yza…” he grinned, without looking at her because if he noticed her more, in that moment, he would have acted on his sexual prowess that came after the shift; it would’ve cause a lot problems, not just for himself, but her too, “I just, uh…” he felt a dryness in his throat, “need to shower.” he nodded.
“Then a cold one after.” Thomas whispered, referring to Anthony’s excited salute, then he grunted, feeling his brother slap him on the back of his head, “What was that for?!”
“Get inside, and take a shower!” Marxus urged in a firm tone, not wanting to gaze upon the naked men, “Nathan…you will cover yourself, now!” he warned the young man that still had not done so, “If you do not, I will castrate you here and now!”
Retreating inside, rushing up the stairs, the two Lycynians, for the longest time stood in the showers, scrubbing all of the dirt and blood from their hair and under their fingernails, but there was one thing they couldn’t erase, it was the taste of the fresh kills that lingered in their mouths, and of course their sexual need to mate. What made things worse for them, were having two female companions that were both enticing, for it wasn’t just their perfume and shampoos, but pheromones. As they emerged, freshly showered and groomed, both Nathan and Anthony ventured back downstairs, receiving awkward stares and looking around, it was Marxus, Yzavela and Sarah that were absent, but could be seen standing outside having an unsettling conversation from the look of their mannerisms.
“What’s this about, I’m hungry.” Sarah folded her arms.
“Believe me, this is far more awkward for me…than it is for you.” Marxus stated bluntly.
“Marxus, is this one of those talks again?” I wondered.
“What talks?” Sarah looked at her.
“Yes, yes it is.” Marxus nodded awkwardly, “I just need, not that I want to know, if you have or, finished your uh...” he ran his fingers through his hair.
“Periods?” I finished.
“Yes.” Marxus sighed heavily.
“Eww…” Sarah squirmed, “Marxus, that’s gross!” she took a few steps back, feeling uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry but if you are, this is going to be far more difficult.” Marxus finished, “I had a daughter once, I’m familiar with it.”
“You have no idea how wrong that sounds and on so many levels, but I’m not.” I declared, then looked at Sarah.
“I’m not either!” she barked, “So are we done?”
“Yes.” Marxus felt relieved, “Go have your breakfast.”
“Good.” both women nodded then turned, retreating inside.
“Dios mío, lo que daría por el toque de una mujer en este momento, ya no puedo hacer esto.” Marxus complained, wishing for a woman’s touch, because he couldn’t do this, having conversations like that anymore. He adjusted his jacket, then returned inside, closing the door.
“Everything all right?” Thomas approached.
“Yes, I was just getting a few things straightened out, that is all.” he turned to the Italian, “How’s Anthony?” he worried.
“As always, he’s quiet and doesn’t want to talk about it, and I don’t blame him, not after what happened.” Thomas groaned, then glanced toward the oven, hearing Yzavela shriek.
“My biscuits!” I shouted, “You guys burned my biscuits!” I complained, taking out the tray from the oven. Turning to Erik and Jonathan, I continued my complaints, “Come on, I thought you were supposed to be checking on them, making sure they don’t burn, now look at them!” I gestured at the pan, where burnt dough smoked.
“Sorry.” Jonathan grumbled shyly.
“I didn’t think you actually meant watch them.” Erik smiled.
Sighing softly, I shook my head, tossing the towel alongside.
“Nevermind.” I groaned, then turned to one of the cabinets behind Anthony, “Excuse me?” I offered a friendly smile.
“Sorry.” he whispered, but as she leaned close, reaching into a cabinet behind him, her sweet scent drove him wild, and just when he thought those urges had passed and been taken care of in the shower, placing his cup on the counter, in swift and uneasy steps, he backed away from her, rushing upstairs once more.
I frowned, for the way Anthony backed away, made me feel as if I repulsed him or something. Looking toward Nathan, the Lycynian inconspicuously grabbed his groin, growing a smug grin and in that moment, I think I realized what was wrong with Anthony.
“What got his britches in a bunch?” Sarah wondered.
“If he wears any.” Erik mocked.
“Really?!” I turned to him.
“Enough…of that.” Marxus affirmed bluntly, then glanced at Thomas, whispering softly, “Are you sure he is all right?”
“He’s never been released the morning after a shift, so if I am to guess, perhaps it’s too soon to control his impulses and yes, his urges.” Thomas answered, looking around, “Especially the scents of women.” his dark eyes glanced toward Yzavela and Sarah who were placing a batch of new biscuits on the pan.
Nodding, Marxus knew it could have been possible. Glancing in Nathan’s direction, he felt unsettled by the way his yellow eyes scanned both Sarah and Yzavela, with an aggressive bite to his lip, while his hands squeezed his thighs tightly.
“Nathan…” he barked at the young man, “go upstairs, NOW!”
As Anthony scampered into one of the bathrooms, he loudly slammed the door, standing at the sink. Unbuckling his belt, feeling the sexual ache, he was moments away from having to relieve himself which was something he had never liked to do for he never had a reason, when there was a knock. Looking around curiously, he wondered who it could have been that needed to use the bathroom in that very moment. Grunting deeply, he tucked in his shirt.
“Just a moment!” he called out, then turned, hearing the door creak open, “Li-little Yza?” his dark eyes widened in surprise, watching as she entered the bathroom, “What are you doing here?!”
“What we both want to happen.” she answered softly, as she stepped toward him, placing her hands on his chest, before running them along his neck and shoulders, “I mean, this is what you want, isn’t it? This is what you need, no?” she purred.
Grabbing her hands firmly, staring into her eyes, he breathed deeply. Flashing his yellow eyes, he didn’t want to take advantage of her.
“Don’t you want me?” she leaned in close, “Am I not appealing?”
“Yes, but…”
“Then shh…” she placed a finger to his lips, “I’m here.” she leaned in, kissing him quickly; moaning softly, she felt his arms wrap her small waist, pulling her closely.
Closing his eyes, feeling his passions rise, he lifted her up, sitting her on the sink, beginning to undress himself and her. Once undressed, he pressed himself against her naked body; he released a deep growl, grabbing hold of her small body, while her nails dug into his back. Both panting, he swiftly swept her off the sink, carrying her to the bed and lying her back, it didn’t take long before they shared a heated, passionate moment that for him, felt like a dream. Just as they both moaned pleasurably, coming to a climax, he leaned his head close against her neck, listening to her heavy breathing and racing heart, as well as soft and feminine giggles, before pulling away kissing her once more. Opening his eyes, the fantasy ended as he stood in front of the sink, staring at his reflection that was shameful, feeling vulnerable and exposed. Glancing down at himself, he frowned, growling in frustration that it wasn’t real. Once refreshing himself, washing his hands, suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Once his belt was buckled, he quickly opened it, hoping for a second, maybe it was Yzavela but instead, he found Nathan standing outside.
“What do you want?” Anthony groaned.
Nathan huffed, removing the notepad from his pocket, and as he scribbled something down, he raised the pad, showing his words,“Are you done?”
“There are two other bathrooms, surely you can manage, but it’s all yours.” Anthony pushed past him, deliberately hitting his shoulder with his own then felt a note slapped against his chest. Lowering the paper, he frowned at the words that were written, “Was it that good for you, like it’s been for me?!” then crumbled the paper, tossing it at Nathan’s feet, before turning around, punching the young man that fell to the ground, creating a loud thud that could be heard downstairs, “You’re disgusting Nathan.” he spat at his feet.
Nathan scoffed, holding his jaw with a bloody lip.
“Anthony?!” Thomas shouted, coming up the stairs. Entering the room, he glanced at his brother, then down at Nathan, “I don’t want to know.” he stepped aside, allowing his brother to pass. Leering at Nathan, he left him on the ground to fend for himself, then turned, following after his brother, “What was that about?”
“Nothing.” Anthony growled.
The rest of the day was mostly quiet, not wanting to talk, so everyone kept to themselves or passed the time by whatever means that felt comfortable to them, leading into the next few days that were also quiet, before questions began being asked, but as always, Marxus was vague, not saying much at all, but it was one evening that he stood outside with Yzavela, for he desperately needed and wanted to know about what happened in the town with no name. Sitting on chairs by the door that were taken from inside, he listened, and watched as the young woman explained everything that took place, using her hands at times, to express specific moments or describing the people, with frowns or teary eyes. Afterwards, she sat silently closing her eyes, wanting to forget it all, with her hands trembling in her lap.
“So…” I cleared my throat, looking at him, “what is this all about and I would appreciate an honest, upfront answer, with no riddles this time.” I turned in my chair, crossing my legs.
“What I’m about to tell you, is part of your training all right?” he affirmed, looking at her, “It’s important that you know, and understand, the history of the events that occurred in my past, leading me to searching for, as you said before, my heir.” he shifted, “It was…a little over one hundred years ago, when I fought in a great war against another Immortal like myself, one that practiced Necromancy and other darker magics for evil-unnatural purposes. This man at the time, was a great adversary for me, and defeating him proved difficult for I didn’t have as vast an army as I hoped, and I couldn’t call on the Order of Men, since they had nothing to do with him, but delving into the magic that I possessed, I had come to learn things that I did not think were possible, or existed.”
“Who was he, and why are you telling me now?”
“His name was Drakuul Lexus, and I say WAS, because he…”
“Drakuul Lexus?!” I interrupted, knowing the name too well.
“Yes, why do you sound so surprised?” Marxus wondered.
“Because that’s the name of the man that took over the Great City, and runs over it still.” I revealed fearfully, “And if that’s him, then no wonder he took over so fast.” I rubbed my arms, as if feeling an unsettling chill.
“That can’t be.” Marxus argued.
“It is.” I nodded, reassuringly.
“But it can’t.”
“Marxus…I’m telling you it is!” I reached out, grabbing one of his hands, “I never saw him, but heard his name mentioned everywhere, from everyone, and that doesn’t include all of the posters with his name plastered on every street lamp.”
Marxus frowned, nodding quickly.
“He is a very determined man, when he wants something.” he continued, “And yes, he will stop at nothing to get it, and by any means, doesn’t matter if it’s a city or an item. And despite everything you, and your mother, including countless others, have suffered I doubt we’re speaking of the same man. It can’t be.”
“But what if it is, how will you defeat him now?”
“During the first war against him, I delved into a book I’m sure you’ve heard of.” he paused, looking around, making sure his words weren’t overheard by eavesdroppers like Nathan, or Sarah, “The Book of Solomon.”
“The Book of Solomon?” my eyes grew wide, “Yes, of course.” I leaned in, “How did you come by it, where is it?”
“It’s hidden, that’s all I will say for the less you know about it, and of its location, the safer you are.” Marxus shifted in place once more, “That book, over the centuries, has been sought after, containing very ancient magic, both good and bad.”
“I can imagine, from stories I’ve heard about it.” I sighed; my breath fogged in the air, “Is it in the Room of Secrets?”
“No, and that, is all you need to know.” Marxus looked at her.
“Oh come on Marxus, you can’t drop a bomb like that and not expect me to ask more questions.” I urged, but he crossed his arms sternly, saying nothing, “All right, fine.” I raised my hands, surrendering the conversation, “What happened in the war against this…Drakuul Lexus?”
“It was in 1925, as I stated, one hundred years ago. I do not know where he came from, or much of his history, but at the time he lived in Portsmouth, near the…”
“The English Channel.” I said calmly, “Sorry.”
“No, that’s all right. You know your cities, that’s good. Today, it’s a large, growing city, but back then, it was just open land with small structures spread out, beginning to build itself into a town when one day, I received a message from one of my earlier sources on the mainland, informing me that this man, Drakuul, and his so-called army came to their city, from nowhere, and without cause or rights, he claimed it as his own.” Marxus frowned, “And it didn’t take long for him to spread his destruction like an incurable poison. Now, this was also during the beginning stages of the construction of the Isle but sensing the urgency from the letter, I traveled to the mainland and came face-to-face with the Immortal that’s in question.” he uncrossed his legs, standing slowly, “I gave a story that I was a trader passing through the area but he too, like me, could read my past with just a look and found that to be a lie, and when I was summoned, I stood before him in the Great Hall of the township, and he wasn’t what I expected.”
“How so?” I wondered, leaning forward.
“For starters, hoping things would go smoothly, harsh words were said, and threats were made, with promises that I would return.” he turned to her, “I was more temperamental back then, and I was surprised he didn’t take me captive, knowing that I posed a threat to his plans and rule.”
“What happened next?” I stood, needing to move for warmth.
“He gave me time to gather an army, perhaps it was part of the warriors’ code of honor, until this day I can’t say for sure. I gathered what I could, Leonus’ Viking ancestors were the majority of mortal hands, magical allies, Demons, Wraiths and Lycynians from the numbers that were just beginning to inhabit the island. Others, were trustworthy friends, but the true help came from Axeon’s assistance.” he paused, glancing nearby where he could see an imprint in the grass where the dragon laid cloaked, “The war was long, it dragged on and on, lasting for days with no rest. Many were killed by their battle wounds, destroyed my magic, or devoured by all of the beasts Drakuul conjured. Or, they perished from complete fatigue and let me be honest, it was difficult to stand by, watching honorable men risk their lives, and for nothing, but in the end, we claimed victory.”
“That sounds like war. Death, death and more death.” I stood alongside him, “And Drakuul, how did you defeat him, if he’s as powerful as you say he was, or is.”
“I’m sure your mother told you that there are certain spells that can’t be spoken of, so all I’ll say is that I recited one of the many banishing spells from the book of which you know I speak of, and not only did it banish, but it also binds another’s magic. Whatever was left of his army had been banished into a dark dimension by a powerful Nubian-Jinn warrior, he too is another great friend of mine, that helped build the Isle and the wall surrounding Ravenstone Manor.”
“Jinn?” I wondered, knowing the myth of the evil beings.
“Yes, Jinn but this tribe is not like those that you’ve heard of from myths or the middle eastern culture. Although, those do exist out there and are not pleasant company.” he finished in a soft tone, “And they’re not genies that emerge from a bottle or lamp, Azir would find that rather insulting.”
“Demons, Wraiths, Lycynians, dragons, Immortals, Jinn. Got it, but I’m still waiting for the creature of the black lagoon.” I had to tease softly, “But continue, please.” I smiled.
Marxus grinned.
“The spell I performed bound Drakuul’s magic, putting him in an unconscious state long enough to give me and Azir, the Jinn, an opportunity to take him a secure, and very secluded prison-Bastille in Paris, OBLIVIOUS PRISON, that houses, or housed, the most dangerous criminals of both magical and mortal individuals.”
“Like Azkaban?” I raised my eyebrows.
“Like what?” Marxus seemed confused.
“Nevermind, sorry.”
“Right.” Marxus nodded, knowing she meant something from a movie she had seen, “Knowing the warden, being a member of the Order of Men under the Castillion lineage, he made the immediate accommodations for Drakuul and his brother.”
“Matrx?” I finished.
“Matrx, yes. Since that day, they’ve been imprisoned there all these years.”
“But that can’t be right, they can’t be locked away, they’re the running the Great City. Drakuul is the Lord, and his brother Matrx is Commander of his army of Enforcers and all sorts of other monstrous things.” I argued, “But why are you telling me this now?”
“Because Little One, if you are correct and I’m not saying you are not, but if he escaped, he could rebuild his legions and this time, on a much grander scale, but the spell I used diminished most of the magic he possessed, leaving him vulnerable. It’ll take him years and centuries to regain fully, but I don’t think he will live that long, not without his magic. Immortal or not.”
“Not that I’m complaining, or arguing, but you’re wrong. I’m sorry, but you are because you haven’t been to the Great City have you?” I turned to him, “You haven’t seen what that man has done to a city that was once so beautiful, now it’s nothing. And how do you know he won’t live that long? He is one of your kind, he is an Immortal and since he practices the darker magics and Necromancy, I’m sure that included selling both his, and his brother’s souls for longer lives, because Matrx I do know is mortal.” I worried, “And Drakuul is regaining, or has regained, his magic quicker than you realize because all of the creatures that roam through the streets are things you’d find in Hell.”
“I have to admit that I…” Marxus paused, finding his words, “haven’t been to the mainland in quite some time but if this is Drakuul and his immortality has kept him alive this long, I’m sure he is out there looking to seek revenge on those, on me, that took everything away from him and for that, I am sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? You didn’t bring him to the Great City.”
“No, but I should have just ended his life that day and maybe none of this would have happened.” Marxus fretted.
“W-well, there are times when you do something thinking it was the right decision to make, only to have it come around to bite you in the a** later on and I hate to say this Marxus, but I think this is coming around to bite us both.” I worried.
“You are right.” he nodded agreeably, “And I’m sure you are wondering why I’m telling you all of this, and it’s because…” he turned to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, “I want you to be aware and prepared for what could come, for you’re going to be put through many challenges that will not only be physical, but emotional as well, and yes my lovely, it will even push you to use your half-breed demonic powers. Like me, like any warrior really, you will need everything that you have learned, and are still learning in the upcoming days, to prepare you for the task at hand. It’s not just something that you can jump into without preparations, nor will it be easy, and definitely not something to be taken likely.”
“No pressure then.” I complained.
“I don’t want it to be a burden, but it will be your destiny and your duty, to protect everything and everyone that’s hidden on the island, including the secrets that are hidden. It doesn’t matter if I’m an Immortal, I won’t live forever my lovely and my days are approaching its end.” his Hazel-brown eyes filled with regret and sadness, “Consider it one of the consequences of performing that spell I spoke of.”
“Why are you making it sound like you’re dying? I mean, it’s not possible you can’t, you’re Marxus Alejandro Castillion of the Isla de…well you get it.” I smiled, “You can’t go, I’m just getting used to you.”
“No, I uh, I’m not dying. Just think of it more like retirement.” he straightened his posture, “A very much needed one too.”
“Retirement, right. Of the magical variety or…”
“I think enough has been explained for you to understand and grasp some of the history that surrounds the Isle and yes, the responsibility that comes with the crown, so to speak. Now, if you think you have heard enough, let me know now.” his eyes scanned her, watching as she nodded, “Good.” he clapped his hands together, “Now we must prepare for the journey up the mountain.”
“Journey up the mountain.” I teased, “First, it’s Hogwarts.” I counted the scenarios, “Second, Hills Have Eyes, and now…” I raised my right hand counting three fingers, “we’re going up the mountain, looking for what? A dragon or Arkenstone?”
“No, you’ve already found the stone.” Marxus grinned, “We’ll leave first thing in the morning so come along, little hobbit.” he teased, then turned.
“That’s not funny.” I scampered after him.
“Come on, my lovely…you have to admit it was humorous.”
I chuckled, for it was humorous, but then I realized, since when does Marxus use the phrase COME ON so casually? It wasn’t like him at all, but shaking off the distraction, I turned seeing Anthony emerging from inside, having another cup of coffee. Veering away from Marxus, approaching him, I smiled.
“Hey.” I greeted.
“Hello.” he smiled, lowering the cup, but didn’t look at her.
“Um, is there something wrong?” I wondered.
“No, why?”
“I don’t know, I just…we haven’t spoken since the town and I was just wondering how you are and how your head is doing.”
Closing his eyes, trying to erase the images from his fantasy, he raised gaze, scanning her face, studying her features and new hair-cut.
“I’m fine, Little Yza…really.” he offered a charming smile, “I am always quiet after a shift, I prefer it that way because I do not want sympathy for having to go through all of it.” he let out a deep sigh, “And as far as my head, it still aches here and there, but I’ve healed.”
“And the scratches?”
“They’ve healed, thank you.” he nodded, “And since we have a moment, I wanted to thank you for caring for me. I don’t think I would have received such gentle treatment if it were any of the others, particularly Erik.” he grunted.
“Yeah, I know.” I complained softly, “And you’re welcome.” I looked around nervously.
“And your hair.” he reached out, touching the tips that hung above her shoulder.
“Yeah, I know.” I complained femininely, “It’s too short.”
“I don’t think so, I think…” he smiled charmingly, “it looks beautiful.” he withdrew his hand, “Frames your lovely face just right.”
“Thank you.” I fluffed my hair, blushing slightly, “So, we should come inside.”
“What?!” his eyes widened.
“We should go inside, it’s cold.” I answered, “Are you sure…” I wrapped the blanket around me tightly, “you’re all right?”
“Y-yes.” he cleared his throat, “Sorry.” he smiled again.
“Mm.” I moaned softly, then turned, retreating inside but suddenly stopped. Slowly turning to Anthony, I looked at him with surprise, then slowly made my way through the kitchen, rushing up the stairs with Zanzabarr.
Later that night, Zanzabarr laid at the foot of her bed, when his ears perked. Lifting his head, glancing toward the window, he jumped down. Walking over, standing on the window seat, his yellow eyes watched in the distance, flashlights flickering back and forth. Stepping down, he turned, rushing back to the bed where she lay asleep, nudging her face with his nose, then gave a few licks that woke her.
“Zanz, not now.” I groaned, turning my back, “Use the papers in the bathroom.” I listened as he whined several times before turning away. Turning back around, pushing myself on my elbows, I watched as he ran to the window, scratching at the seat. Continuing to listen to his persistent whining, I knew he sensed something outside. Tossing back the blankets, I stood quickly approaching, “What do you see, a bird?” and peeking through the window, I saw six flashlights that appeared to head for the cottage, “Sh*t.” I cursed then turned, rushing toward Sarah, “Wake up Sarah, wake up!” I shook her, “God damn it, Sarah…”
“Wh-what now?!” she complained, “What time is it?”
“Get up!” I urged.
“Why?” she sat up with messy bed hair and sleepy eyes.
“Hunters.” I grabbed my glasses off the table, “Or worse.”
“What?!” the young woman shrieked, jumping from her bed, “Bloody hell, you don’t think?” she put on her boots.
“I don’t know.” I worried, then turned, rushing into the hall. Knocking on Marxus’ doors, I rasped loud enough to be heard, “Marxus…” I knocked again, “Thomas…” I tapped my hands on the door frame then backed away, hearing feet stomping before someone unlocked it. Watching as the door opened, there stood both Marxus and Thomas.
“What is it, Little One?” Marxus inquired, “It’s late.”
“Trouble.” I spat the word, telling them people were coming.
“Are you sure?” Thomas questioned.
“Yes.” I looked at him, then back at Marxus.
Saying nothing, Marxus swept past her. Rushing down the hall and stairs, with Thomas close behind, he stood in front of the kitchen windows, peeking through the sheer fabric of the white curtains, watching as six flashlights grew closer.
From the living room, laying on the couches, were Anthony and Nathan, who approached. Combing his fingers through his hair, Anthony asked what was wrong, but his inquiry went unanswered. Turning to Sarah and Yzavela who stood on the bottom steps of the staircase, he asked.
“There are people coming.” I revealed.
“What?!” the Italian fretted, rushing forward, standing next to Thomas, “Who are they?” he looked at Marxus.
“I don’t know.” the man replied, turning to the young women, “Go wake Erik and Jonathan, and gather your belongings.” he urged them quickly, “Afterwards, hide in one of the bedrooms and please…” he pleaded, reaching for Yzavela’s arm, “don’t make a sound, that goes for Zanzabarr too.” his eyes veered up the stairs, seeing the black wolf standing at the top, “Go.”
Sarah and I ran up the stairs, knocking on the third bedroom.
“Bloody hell…” Erik complained, rolling over, “Jonathan…”
“You’re closer to the door.” Jonathan argued, placing a pillow over his head, but the loud knocks continued, “All right fine!” he groaned. Shuffling to his feet, and across the room, before he could even protest against those outside, his tired big blue eyes widened, “Sarah? Yza? What’s going on?”
“Men are coming.” Sarah whimpered, “We think they’re from the town with no name.” she feared, crossing her arms.
“We don’t know that.” I looked at her.
“Doesn’t matter, where are they?” Erik came to the door.
“In the distance.” I looked at him, “But Marxus wants us to hide in one of the bedrooms.”
“Why are you still standing around?!” Marxus’ voice boomed as he rushed up the stairs, approaching the young women and men in the hall, “Get your things and hide in the larger room that Yzavela and Sarah are sharing.” and looking around, all they did was stand and stare at him, “MOVE, NOW!” then he turned, returning to his room he shared with Thomas.
Once all of their coats, bags and boots were gathered Erik, Jonathan, Sarah and Yzavela, with Zanzabarr, all clustered in the second bedroom. Jonathan, locking the door, then turned, watching as Yzavela and Sarah ran around, hiding their bags and coats under the bed which Yzavela made the suggestion to make well enough so it appears they haven’t been slept in.
Erik reached out his left hand, waving it through the air; both sheets and blankets moved across the beds, falling in smooth layers, as if they had been untouched. Glancing at his friends, he smiled, then stood with them near the windows.
“Yza, what are you doing?” Erik watched as she ran forward toward her bed, reaching underneath it.
“I need his muzzle!” I shuffled through my bag for the leather face piece and harness, both of which Jonathan had repaired.
“Yza, hurry!” Sarah whimpered.
Once strapping the wolf in his harness and muzzle, I had no choice but to wrap the leash around the foot of the bed, so he could hide under. Listening as he whined, I reached out telepathically, keeping him calm with the sound of my voice, even if the words hadn’t been verbal. Closing my eyes, I remembered a spell from the pages of the Demon book, that could mute sounds of nature or any other sound. Listening to his loud whimpers, I waved my left hand toward the bed; the natural complaints had muted. As I looked at Erik and Jonathan, they shared a smile of approval, for they knew they had never taught me the arcane spell-craft.
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