Hide It

The explosion caused Fulcher to flinch, covering his ears at the noise.

“Matron Mother!” Vardia shouted, diving to the ground dramatically. Fulcher looked up to see the chains holding the doors to the anchor had been shattered. He bolted forward and grabbed the first pen door, swinging it open victoriously.

The woman inside flinched, covering herself as she cowered in the corner.

“Come on, go! Run!” Fulcher said.

The woman looked up, staring in awe at the open door. After a moment she stood, scrambling out of the pen and sprinting into the growing darkness of the evening. Fulcher moved on to open another door, moving the clasp up after the chain had fallen away.

“Run! Quickly!” he shouted inside. This time though, the man that exited the pen ran to the next, opening the door for his fellows. Fulcher smiled and joined in as the captives began cheering and waving their hands for aid. One by one the doors swing open, with Fulcher looking over to see Vardia joining in. As they were freed, the people ran out into the town, most heading in the direction of the woods. Fulcher smiled as he watched them flee before he heard the shouting of approaching soldiers. Vardia grabbed his hand and pulled.

“Come on! We mustn’t be seen Sir!” he declared. Fulcher ran fast, looking around for Arrow but seeing only darkness. He followed Vardia as they ran, heading back towards the keep. As they approached they slowed their pace, Fulcher taking the lead.

“Act natural…” he instructed. Vardia nodded, causing his visor to clunk shut.

As they entered the keep, one of the guards approached them.

“My Lord,” the guard said. “The Sire is waiting for you inside. The feast cannot begin without the Prince,” Fulcher let out a sigh of relief.

“I’ll come straight away. Vardia, you are relieved of your duty for now,” he said. Vardia nodded and did hit best to act normal, offering a sloppy salute before jogging off. Fulcher looked back towards the dark town.

“If my wolf returns, let him in at once. Understand?” Fulcher looked at the guard.

“Of course, My Lord,” The guard stood at attention for a moment before moving back to his post.

Fulcher moved towards the keep, the guards opening the doors as he approached. He moved quickly through the keep, making for the great hall. As he entered he saw the table from the earlier meeting now filled with food ranging from fruits to delicate pastries and cooked meats. The Sire sat at the head of the table next to the young Stella. Lord Nerrel sat nearby, already downing a glass of wine. Dilyniant glared as Fulcher walked in.

“You look disgusting,” he began. “Go change quickly and get down here. You are letting the food grow cold.” Fulcher had hardly thought of how to respond before the King was waving him away dismissively.

He furrowed his brows and turned, beginning the trek to his chambers. He entered quickly, tossing off the muddied greens he had woken up in and opening the doors to a wardrobe. He pulled out a simple looking linen shirt and leather pants. Throwing them on, he stumbled back into the hallway, noticing the open door of the chamber across the way. He peered in, eyeing Schon as she stared at the blank ceiling from her bed. She sat up, offering a glare his way.

“Is it time for your leftovers already? I assumed you had forgotten,” she sneered. Fulcher rolled his eyes slightly.

“Come on,” he said, “They’re waiting on us to begin.”

She stared at him a moment before standing and brushing herself off. Approaching with a careful step and a suspicious eye, she looked over his clothing.

“You’re going dressed like that?” she asked.

Man, this seemed normal enough. Isn’t this like a t-shirt and jeans or something? Fulcher thought. He motioned for her to follow.

“Come on,” he said simply. She scoffed lightly, but followed without protest.

As they returned to the great hall Fulcher could feel eyes on him. Nerrel looked over the rim of his mug.

“Looking quite comfortable, Fulcher!” he chuckled. The Sire did not seem amused, his glare shifting between Fulcher and Schon.

“Let’s get this over with,” he said. “The sooner this is finished the sooner I may return to work.”