The Gray Wolf Tales: Part 2 ~ Chapter 5 - The Choice

• Posted by Ben W September 20, 2015 - 1,102 views

  Wergar

  “There, that wasn’t so terrible, Opal,” I said to the Pantherlady. For several days I had been interrogating the Beauty of Bast for information. Using her children as leverage, and a bargaining tool, she told me how to sail safely to the continent. That included the signals required to bypass the onslaught of dreadnaughts guarding its shores.

  “Yes…,” she replied, defeated. I couldn’t help but still take pleasure in her suffering. After all the pain she and her Family put me through… I deserved this. I grinned, my canines showing, slightly enlarged. Oh, how good it truly felt.

  “Good that you should feel miserable, beaten, Opal. Now you have the slightest understanding the pain I have been put through,” I remarked. Her left eye started to twitch, water forming in the corner. The iris shifted from her natural brown to that burning, mystic green of the Panther within. She appeared to have a little fight left in her after all.

  “Wergar,” she started, “I swear to my Forefathers, when I get out of these shackles, I’ll-”

  A clawed hand shot out and wrapped around her throat. My eyes burned a ferocious yellow, teeth bared in a wicked snarl. “You’ll what?! You can’t take anything more away from me, witch! It was all taken from me when Leopold invaded! Lyssia, my friends, my wife and children!” My chest was heaving up and down, rage coursing through my veins. “I loved them with my entire being and they were taken from me! And why?!?! Because you and your fucking kind thought my rule was a disgrace! That a Wolflord was ruling an entire continent and not a Catlord!”

  Opal’s hands were on my wrist, trying in vain to push my clawed paw away. All I did was grin like a maniac at her futile attempt to save her life. Shoving her against the wall, any air that remained within the Pantherlady was released into the cell. Now she was struggling to breathe even more, frantic for any intake of breath. “Ple- please!” she begged. “Air… plea-!” The burning fire that was Opal’s eyes began to fade, the raging inferno dying down to a simple candle-like flame. She was dying in my hand… and I didn’t give a damn.

  With a roar I released my grip, letting the woman fall uselessly to the cold floor. Instantly, a cough erupted from the Beauty, blood spraying before her and my feet. Great lungfuls of air at long last were able to make it into her body. No longer where her eyes that of the Panther, but instead the brown of her human-self.

  “Air,” I snarled, lupine eyes looking at her, “something you shouldn’t have.” Nearly fully transformed, I towered over the cowering Felinethrope, my tail swishing exactly like a wolf’s: tip twitching, ready to pounce. Prey… Figuratively, of course. The very thought of even considering eating human or therian flesh was enough to make me grimace. I turned my attention to Opal. “Anything to say, cat?”

  Defiant to the last, the Pantherlady looked up to me; more than likely I looked monstrous. “No, Wergar. Not to a dog like you.” She massaged her throat, trying to relax the constricting pain I inflicted. The chains connecting the shackles to the wall rattled against their links.

  Her remark made me chuckle a little. “If only you could have been a member of my Wolfguard. You’d have been a General… heh.” A new thought almost immediately hit me as I spoke those words. Maybe… maybe I don’t have to kill her now. Perhaps I can use her like a weapon…  “I may do just that,” I spoke softly.

  “Do just what?” Opal asked, her ears able to hear what I whispered to myself.

  I simply smiled, features returning to that of a man. “I going to use you, cat. Use you like a weapon over your brethren, using your children as the chip to make you do so.” Family is a powerful tool one can lord over another with, make them do horrible things just to save their children, husband, wife. Inwardly, I sighed, more than a little disappointed in myself for stooping to the level the Catlords, but I didn’t let the Beauty see that.

  Her eyes narrowed at first before slowly closing and letting loose a sigh. “I had figured you’d use my babies against me like that, Wergar…” She sounded... what was that, sad. Opal bowed her head in sorrow, more than likely thinking to herself about the atrocities she’ll commit against her Family.      

  “I’m not proud of it either.” Was I lying to myself, or did I actually feel sorry for the woman? Dammit, I didn’t even know anymore. “But it’s the only way I can keep you on a leash.”

  “Ha. A very good leash, Wolf.” Did… did she just…?

  “What…,” I responded, eyes wide with surprise, “what did you just call me?”

  “Are you hard of hearing, Wergar? I called you Wolf.” Her brown eyes looked up at my own; Opal was eerily calm. I had to admit, it gnawed at me as to why.

  “Yes, I heard. I inquire as to why. You and your Family despise me to hell and back.”

  “Oh, very true. However, when the tides of war shift, so do allegiances.”

  “That I know all too well, Cat,” I shook my head in exhaustion. One of my former officers, a man named Muller, betrayed me for the Catlords. That is how the Felinethropes were able to take the city of Highcliff so quickly and surround the castle. Fucking bastard, I’ll strangle him with his own intestines when I find him! “How is Muller by the way? Or did one of your subordinates kill him already?”

  “Oh, the man is still very much alive. Making use of that Wolfguard armor and sword.”

  I gritted my teeth, anger burning through me once again. “That fucking… little piece of shit! Using my signature to help your bloody conflict…!” My hands curled into fists, blood beginning to drip as my claws broke the skin. It was very quiet in the prison, so quiet infact that Opal and myself could hear the blood hit the floor.  

  “Wergar, you’re brooding again,” Opal chimed in.

  My eyes shot to her, yellow with anger but I couldn’t help but agree with her. Several moments passed before the anger subsided. “I noticed.”

  New thoughts began to swell in my mind, pondering my next move. But above all was Opal. I had to continue to keep her here until I obtained a base of operations or something similar. Letting out a sigh, I began to head out of her prison cell.

  “Where are you going?” the Beauty of Bast asked, looking at me with a little bit of worry in her eyes.

  “To the Jarl. Need to convince her that I need you locked up here until I say so. Requires a bit of persuasion,” I stated. A small smile, and chortle, made itself known. “Thankfully, I can be very persuasive.” With that, I took my leave of the prison, making sure to stop a guard and tell him to feed my prisoner.

  ~****~

  “Maven,” I stated when I entered Mistveil Keep, not bothering with formalities with the woman. The central fire blazed, giving much needed light to the dark area. It glistened off of the platters that lined the three tables along the fire pit.

  “Wergar, to what do I owe the unexpected pleasure for?” she asked. Pompous woman, everything the Nord said sounded void of emotion. She had a grudge against me as well for standing up and yelling her down. Good times.

  “You already know that reason. About my priso-”

  “MY prisoner, you mean.”

  “MY prisoner. You will keep her contained where she is until I say otherwise.”

  The Nord and her son, Hemming, looked at me like I was crazy. “Who do you think you’re talking to, dog?!” Hemming called out. “I doubt you even-”

  “I’m sorry, little child, but what was that?” I asked, placing a hand to my ear and stepping forward slightly. Maul stepped out from the shadows, armor clinking along the way, and pulled out his daggers. His expression was that of being perturbed. “Because I believe you just insulted me for being a Wolflord and doubting which woman is sitting on that throne. And it’s because of me that Maven even sits there, anyhow.”

  “Lord? Ha! That’ll be the day, mongrel!”

  “Oh Hemming, you’re just asking to die aren’t you?”

  At that, Maul stepped forth more. “Tread carefully, Wergar! One more outburst like that and-”

  “And you will find yourself,” I interrupted, eyes yellow and shining, “with shredded armor and broken bones, Maul. I’m not here for debating with you corrupt bastards! I’m here telling you to keep Opal in the cell until I say so.” I was not in the mood for any of their shit, now or ever.

  “Try me, dog!” Maul shouted at me, face red with anger, veins bulging along his neck. Both hands swung at me, his daggers hungry for flesh.

  His hands were fast, but I was simply faster. With quick movements, his wrists were caught in my now clawed hands. Maul let out a cry of annoyance, unable to pull his hands free from my grip. “Damn mutt!”

  “Easy now, Maul,” I stated, a toothy grin on my face, “or you’ll soon find yourself with broken wrists.”

  “Enough of this,” Maven cut in. “Maul, stand down. That is an order.”

  With a “Hmm,” I released the Nord’s wrists from their crushing prison. He placed his daggers back in their sheathes before massaging his now red carpus. A bit of a spoil right there; would’ve been nice to hear the snap of his little bones. “Going to listen to me now, Maven?”

  “That all depends, Wergar,” she replied cooly. A small smirk began to make its way onto her face.

  “On what?” I shouldn’t have asked, I already knew.

  “What’s in it for me?”

  Of course. “Really?” I honestly don’t know why I was surprised. “‘What’s in it for me?’ Is yourself the only thing you think about?”

  “Not just me, Wergar,” she stated, sitting back down on her throne. “I think of coin and my business along with myself.”

  “And you’re almost everything I stand against,” I replied nonchalantly. “Corruption, thieving, blackmail.”

  “You’re only getting my good side, you moron.” Maven was growing ever more bored of our conversation, this I could tell from her posture and facial expression. A cold, blank stare that tried to go through me.

  …

  “Are you going to follow my orders of keeping Opal in her cell or not?” My voice rose, my anger from earlier returning.

  “Oh, I don’t know, Wergar. Is there a downside of me letting her go?”

  “There is, in fact,” I spat, reaching near a breaking point. Steel gray fur began to sprout along my exposed skin. My canines became long, sharper; perfect for biting and killing. Long black claws burst through my gauntlets. “If you don’t adhere to my order, and you release the Panther, she’ll not only kill everyone in the city, but take control of it for her fellow Felinethropes. And I’d help her kill you,” I leered.

  The threat was very evident and I did not care in the slightest. This woman was the biggest bitch to ever walk the face of the world and she knew it. Gloated about it with her wealth and power. It only served to piss me off even more. Soon, breaking bones was audible to everyone within the Keep, even the guards in the back. The fire pit behind me spat up embers, as if adding to my intimidating figure. A terrifying shadow of half man and half wolf spread like ink on white paper.

  Hemming, however, was beginning to cower just a little. His face turning pale, almost getting to the degree of snow from the north. “C-calm down now, Wergar!” He drew his sword for extra emphasis, but it wobbled in his hand.

  “Put that down, boy, before you cut yourself,” I growled. If anyone in the Keep was dangerous, it was only me. The guards that Maven had around her were a close second, but no real threat, even with their weapons drawn. Hemming’s grip began to waver a bit more before finally dropping the iron weapon to the floor with a ching. “Good answer.”

  The Jarl looked to her left and right before turning her attention back to me. “Alright Wergar, you’ve proven your point that you have an anger issue-”

  “I wouldn’t start that battle if I were you, Maven.” My voice deepened, becoming far more animalistic than normal. It occurred to me that she angered me far more than Opal did, which I later found to be disturbing. “If you do, Lalia will have her job back!” To further prove my point, Moonbrand was removed from its sheath and white fire began to dance along the blade.

  She grimaced a little at the sight of the sword, hearing from stories of how dangerous, and deadly, the weapon really was. “Stand down men. This is one fight you won’t win. Nor will I.” And with that, the Imperial soldiers sheathed their weapons. Though Maven nor her son couldn’t, I heard the near silent sighs of relief from the soldiers. It made me laugh to myself a little.

  I withdrew Moonbrand, the flames dying instantly. “So, you know what I want you to do.” My bones began to reshape back to human ones as I spoke, shifting my voice to different octaves now and then. “The question is: will you follow my orders?”

  “As much as I’d love to, Wergar,” she commented, bringing a hand to her chin in contemplation, “you still haven’t stated what I will get from this.”

  “What you will get from this,” I stepped forward menacingly, “is not my hand around your throat when I squeeze the life out of you and watch the light leave your petty, pathetic little eyes.” Insulting people never got me anywhere, but it sure as hell made everything else better.

  “Hmm… as wonderful as that offer is, I know you can give me something better than that?”

  “So living isn’t your number one priority Maven? I figured you’d sell anyone’s hide to save your own.”

  “I would and will should the need arise.”

  “Mother,” Hemming spoke up, turning to her, “would you do that to me, or any of the other members of the Black-Briars?”

  “Of course, you idiot! Why wouldn’t I?” Hemming just gave her an incredulous look. “Oh don’t give me that worthless face, Hemming. You’d do the exact same, and you know it.” And just like that, Hemming’s face contorted between bewilderment and normality before realizing that he would do the same. “Alright then, Wergar. Seems you leave me with little option but to agree to your terms.”

  The hate on her face was the best thing I saw the whole day.

  “That’s more like it, Maven.” I gave my neck a crack as I tilted it to the right, the bones setting just right now. The sound echoed slightly in the room. “Now, keep Opal in the cell that she is in until I say otherwise. I don’t trust her to be free, even with the leverage I have over her.”

  “That sounds rather cryptic to me,” Hemming said a little hesitantly.

  “None of your business either, little shit,” I retorted, glaring at him with yellow eyes. “Opal stays. That’s final.”

  Maven began to weigh her options, however few there were. Bribing wouldn’t affect me: plenty of coin in Proudspire Manor and Breezehome. “Done,” she stated. “Anything else I can do for you, dog?” That last remark had a little bit of bite to it.

  “Make sure she’s fed and watered.” Turning my back to them, I left the Keep. Before reaching the door, I could hear Mave, Hemming and Maul speaking to each other about ‘business’ and their options.

  ~*****~

  The guards continued to make their rounds in the jai. It was still early in the afternoon, some munching on their various food: bread, roasted meats and mead. Several nodded to me as I passed, making my way back to Opal.

  “So, you’ve returned,” she remarked.

  “That I have.”

  “And the verdict is…?”

  “You’ll be staying here until I say so,” I replied, a bit triumphant.

  “At least it’s not at the mercy of the guards.”

  “You’re making it sound like the guards are cruel individuals.”

  “Some are. I can hear the talking to themselves as if they don’t know I can hear them!” she shouted past the bars of her cell. Both she and I heard some of the guards gulp at their food and drink, several began to choke and cough.

  “I think they might have forgotten you’re a Therian.”

  “Hard not to forget,” she hissed.

  Chuckling, I stated, “The baldness and extremely dark skin does send a clear message… to me anyway.”

  Opal’s eyes narrowed. “Very funny, Wolflord.”

  “I thought so.”

  “Now your next course of action?” The question kind of caught me off guard.

  With a shake of my head, and a light sigh, I replied, “Next is to get my friends and allies together and kill every last Catlord and their men we find in Skyrim. This place is my new home and I won’t let it fall like Lyssia. Ever.”

  “Well then, you’d better be quick Wergar.”

  My eyes widened in surprise. “What are you talking about?”

  The Beauty of Bast smiled, one of her canines showing. “We’ve already launched an attack on this province. The planning was a little over a week ago. Either the city they are suppose to attack is under siege or taken over.” Her one last trick.

  “You… you Gods damned Cat!” My blood was up again, eyes yellow, shining like a raging fire, face full of thunder. Bones cracked, sending the noise everywhere to all inmates and guardsmen. “And you waited until NOW to tell me?!!”

  “For threatening my children.” She smiled defiantly. Opal enjoyed playing with her victims. I was played by her twice!

  “Where?!”

  “The center-must realm.”

  Whiterun!

  “I’ll kill you later!” I roared as I turned and ran out of the prison. Guards tried to stop me to ask what happened, but they were merely shoved out of the way. I didn’t have time for this, Whiterun was being overrun and time was my enemy.

  Bursting through the door of the jail, I continued to run. Dark, black claws sprouted through my feet and dug into the soft earth and cracks between the stone for extra purchase. Nothing was going to stop me from this. Nothing!

  The sun was high in the sky, shining down on all below it. I’d have stopped to admire what I could of the natural beauty outside the brown, mossy walls of Riften if not for more pressing matters. Before I could fully transform and run on all fours, someone stopped me.

  “Wait, hold a moment!”

  Turning my head, my eyes fell upon a courier. I gritted my teeth. “What is it? I need to leave. Now!”

  The young Bosmer started to become a little frightened and apologetic. “Very, so very sorry Wergar, sir! But, this letter is for you.” His hand reached into a satchel on his side and withdrew a letter. With trepidation, he handed it to me.

  A clawed paw took the letter. “Thank you.” No matter the situation, a thanks is necessary. Opening the letter, I instantly recognized the handwriting. “Myst…”

  “The Arch Mage, yes.” The Bosmer prepared himself. “That’s it. Got to go. More deliveries.” Taking his leave, the man began to head to the west, towards Ivarstead.

  I scanned the letter, eyes widening in complete disbelief. “It… it just can’t… No.” My face softened, rage gone from my body.  “How…?”

  My options were two now on where to go. I could not believe it. Despite my judgement, I couldn’t tell if it was better or not,  my path was clear as a crystal.

  Dropping the letter, and to all fours, I bolted, running with all my strength and power to Winterhold for my wife. To Amelie.

  My choice was made.