The Marvelous Misadventures of Captain and Matteo the Wolves of winter green by arabis esey the town of winter green did not live up to its name snow blanketed the streets bent branches low beneath its weight it caught the glow of torches and lanterns reflecting orange glimmers out into the old night few Souls were brave enough to trudge through the mess most either stayed home where hearths flared High against the bite of winter or stayed at the tavern where drinks and Spirits were raised in eq
ual measures Captain pushed his way through a snow bank face wrapped tightly against the whipping wind snow clung to his exposed fur and Frozen clumps the township loomed ahead of him warm houses of wood and stone promised sucker and gentle hears but it was a siren song the people here were like the people everywhere else and everywhere else people held nothing but disdain for canids most did not even know what he was mistaking him for a lyan the captain was neither ravenous nor entirely Lupine
if lyans were wild wolves that Dogg the limits of civilization Captain was the domesticated product bred for purpose trained for War Two guards huddled next to a Brazier warming numb fingers behind tan leather gloves a half empty jug of wine sat in the drift next to them gently frosting in the night air the guards didn't react as Captain approached they were entirely absorbed in their conversation far too distracted to see aone traveler had they been soldiers under Captain's command the derelict
ion and Duty would have resulted in double shifts and docked food a LAX watch got people killed there was nothing more dangerous than a defense as it stood however it was one less roadblock between him and warmth The Tavern loomed ahead of him bright against the snow loud music and louder voices could be heard from down the road it seemed half the village was gathered there despite Dawn being not far away more than half if the smell was anything to go by it was a dangerous place for Captain to b
e but the night was cold and it had been too long since he'd had a fire in a bed the chances of him getting to that point with without issue were practically non-existent but the Allure of a knight with even small creature Comfort was infinitely preferable to another Knight hiding in someone's Barn waiting to be chased out the following morning Captain had lost track of how many wouldbe Monster Hunters had chased him out of a village brandishing pitchforks torches and half-remembered verses from
whatever Patron religion was unlucky enough to be bastardized in the region the doors stood in front of Captain the noise on the other end was near deafening compared to to the smothered Silence of snow he'd grown used to scents washed out from the building cooked meat unwashed people strong ale lots of leather Captain's nose wrinkled it smelled like a war camp and that was nothing Captain wanted to remember he pushed his way inside and stamped the snow off his boots the blast of heat from insi
de was like a loving Embrace fueled by no less than three roaring fireplaces some of the p glanced his way but he was still bundled tight from outside and had yet to drop his hood to the rest he would appear as a traveler just like any other it would take a closer look to see The Oddities of his appearance the different Bend of his ankles the dark fur that covered his entire body the protrusion of a snout Captain pushed his way through the throng toward the bar a big fellow was behind it green s
kinned with a piggish face two massive tusks poking up from his bottom lip a half or perhaps a bit more than half by the look of him a good sign perhaps The Village would be a bit more open to those with non-standard appearances judging by some of the suspicious looks being thrown his way however it wasn't wise to Hope much the half workk Barman looked Captain up and down as he reached the counter eyes drawn to a squint his hand rested easily on the wood but captain saw the twitch of his fingers
the glance towards some concealed weapon under the bar not that the barmen could be blamed of course strangers were rare in villages like this and Captain's covered appearance was not likely to Garner him any sympathies what can I get you traveler despite his size and Gruff appearance the half workk was surprisingly mellow an amicable sort the kind of voice that patrons would confess to after a Pinter three too amicable in fact it put captain on edge open hostility was at least honest false fri
endliness was much more likely to end with a dagger flying in his Direction just a room for the night perhaps a meal if the stots hot the half workk nodded eyes never leaving captain that can be arranged five Silvers for the room another three coppers for dinner expensive for what it was but not unreasonably so Captain reached for his coin pouch slowly well aware he was being watched from multiple directions there was no hiding the uge sword slung across his back after all and that was bound to
make people even more nervous than his appearance before he had even put his hand on metal the half workk leaned in one more thing friend I don't rent to those I don't know liabilities and all drop your face cover and we can do business Captain placed a single gold coin on the counter and slid it forward with a gloved fingertip this is the only face that matters consider the extra Li ability Insurance the half workk picked up the coin bit it then tucked it away in his apron from below the counte
r he produced the key right then a pretty face you have indeed the room is yours up the stairs last on the right girl will be along with your stew in a while Captain took the key and moved away a pair of sturdy men Farmers by the look of their hands stood by the end of the bar blocking his way to go around would bring him into the crowd again a throng of tightly pressed Drinkers and dancers courtesy of the bar to the far end of the room playing a lively tune on the loot the two men stared Captai
n down as if daring him to move through them do you two need something don't Li strangers around here times are tough and strangers mean trouble you're not looking to start trouble are you no then you'd best be on your way stranger and I will be tomorrow morning after a night's rest and a meal one of the men shifted his stance letting his coat spread open to reveal the handle of a cudel hanging from his belt not a guard's beating stick but a thick piece of wood that had no doubt sent quite a few
animals packing in its day though the Farmer's hand didn't stray toward it the threat was clear get you gone you're not welcome the song wrapped up to a smattering of Applause The Bard hopped down from his little stage at the far end of the room and shoved his way through the crowd ending up at the bar between Captain and the two farmers Roger a bottle of your finest lenan red if you would the half work barkeep gave a longsuffering sigh and turned toward the Bard for the last time we don't carr
y wine ale or me is all we have two bottles of each then for my friends here they can take their pick and we'll all be on our merry ways Captain felt the slightest shift of air around The Bard the scent changed filling his nose with artificial flowers on the other side the two farmers glanced at each other Shrugged then took their Steines of Ale and left the barard turned toward Captain with an easy smile holding out a mug of mead pay them no mind friend the people here have been on edge lately
one harsh season and they jump at every passing Shadow your striking appearance doesn't do much to set their hearts at ease The Bard gave a loud whistle cutting through the noise of the crowd to get the bartenders attention then held up two fingers and pointed toward an unoccupied corner table the half workk rolled his eyes and started pouring two more drinks on me friend come let us talk a while I'm not here to talk I just want to rest my head for the night the words were true enough but Captai
n found himself self sitting at the table anyway he suppressed the sudden urge to growl bards were Infamous for their powers of suggestion and this one seemed like the type to prove the rule nonsense indulge me a moment it's not often we get Outsiders not this far in the middle of nowhere The Bard set the meat on the table in front of Captain so sweet he could taste it in his nose a few moments later a serving girl came around with a bowl of Stew Captain's mouth began to water and it was all he
could do to not start licking his chops there was meat in the stew rabbit at a guess he couldn't eat it not yet not with so many Around The Bard might have diffused the situation for the moment but that would change if they saw what exactly was in their midst my name is mato Amore and you are no one of consequence certainly no one of importance Mato gave a winning smile and leaned in conspiratorially a musician and a Canan walk into a bar the beginning of a bad joke but what is the punchline I w
onder Captain's eyes darted side to side but no one paid them any heed he resettled on Mato fingers itching with the need to hold a weapon but he forced them to be still I don't want trouble but I will make it if I have to I may bar friend trouble is what we do that said I have no quaro with you if you want to go on up to your bed and be on your way you can but I think we have a common interest here every Instinct in Captain's body told him to take the food and run the bed was forone the presenc
e of a trouard especially one with an interest in him complicated those matters far too much to make staying here safe he could take his chances out on the road dig into a snowbank for the night that's what he should have done but a small voice in the Forefront of his mind told him to stay to wait and see so Captain stayed put Mato glanced between Captain and the untouched food ah I see perhaps we should take our conversation somewhere more private your room then what about your patrons Theo let
out a soft whistle and snapped his fingers three images of himself appeared on the stage wielding a loot a flute and a small drum as one they struck up a lively tune and the tavern began to dance I think my patons will be satisfied for quite a while don't you worry Mato slid easily from his chair and wandered toward the stairs drinks appearing in his hand as easily as if he'd conjured them Captain looked at the bowl of stew in front of him he could take it and run no one would ever be the the w
iser it warmed his hands through the gloves as he followed Matteo up the stairs and into the last room on the right Captain shut the door and turned the key in the lock the huge sword slipped from its sheath and into his hand in a smooth motion as he turned to Mato still holding the stew The Bard's eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise and he raised his hands dramatically are you a othian how long have you been haunting me hardly tan has the prettier princess at any rate I'm not here for you the s
word did not dip or sway as Captain set the bowl of Stew down on a small table and pulled the wrappings from his face small clumps of partially melted snow hit the floorboards seeping between the cracks Mato gave a handsome Smile as much as I would enjoy a duel I think there are efforts that would be better suited to two of our talents wouldn't you say capan how do you know me come now did you really think word of a secret canid hit squad amongst the Turan military would stay secret I'd be a poo
r excuse for a Bard if I hadn't heard of you in Turin they insist you don't exist in lenoria they threaten excommunication to any who even suggest you killed General fulin two pretty strong indications you were real but how did you know that I'm a captain you are not the first canid I've met you know but you're the only one I've seen without a master there's only one Canan I know of who can say the same and only one who would have a healthy paranoia for lenoi and assassins that combined with the
big sword you carry would give you away to anyone who keeps an ear open to the heartbeat of society now shall we eat in peace or do you intend to run me through Captain's shoulders slumped if word had gotten out about him traveling would be even more difficult he'd yet to learn the name of the Kingdom he resided in but it was neither Turan nor lenia that much was evident he was somewhere east and north but there were few that would speak with him before perceiving him to be some kind of monster
he set the sword against the wall and started pulling the heavy clothes away more snow fell to the ground in great heaps what stayed behind soaked Captain's fur leaving a wet dog scent that even overpowered than meat stew finally comfortable he sat down at the table and began to eat you know me you singled me out what do you want from me some assistance if you can spare it I don't play easily remedied but know what I mean there is legitimate reason Beyond a poor harvest that this Village is war
y people have been going missing at a steady rate for months well one was found 3 weeks ago torn to a bloody Pope most they don't find I'm not a monster hunter no but my own investigation has hit a wall and I need help what's your stake in this a friend of mine lived here had not heard from him in quite some time as it turns out he was one of the first to go missing there was risk Mato could be lying could be leading him into a trap or could be completely genuine and lead him toward a monster th
e longer he stayed in town the more he risked with the locals as well when men looked for Monsters they found them everywhere the presumption of innocence was a luxury reserved for those who did not know fear and the burden of proof was a luxury reserved for those who did not look like Captain your friend he said a better rival much the same he kept me on top of my game and I him four months ago he stopped responding to my letters I said magical correspondence but that too was ignored I came her
e to find him Captain eyed The Bard again looking at him more closely the clothes were fashionable but completely out of place with a backwoods Mountain Village like this they weren't cheap imitations either as he had initially suspected AO held himself with all the grace and edge of a trained courtier with enough glinting wit to unbalance an entire court you look like you've had some success in your Ventures why would your rival be in this Village why here I've spent the last week trying to fig
ure out that very answer every lead has led me here but I have yet to find a reason Hector was a brilliant Wordsmith his talents fine enough to earn him Place among any [ __ ] Gathering such clever machinations of mentions are lost on these people for whom education is an afterthought behind menial labors and crippling taxes you're a Bard someone has to know something exactly but not even my powers of persuasion I've turned the tongue to my cause if the people here know something they won't say
all I find is superstition what kind of superstition Mato chuckled and gave his meat a swirl with one hand he gestured toward the window with a Shining Light of full moon reflected off the snow wolves in the night Captain felt his hackles rise they suspect a Lykan among various other nighttime Mountain Abominations yes de anthropy is ridiculously rare though the chances of there being a full-blooded werewolf in these parts is laughable most likely they just saw a big wolf and now the air runs we
t with rumor Captain cursed aloud and stood from his chair he reached reach for the winter wrappings now soaked with melted snow and started the laborious task of binding himself with them what in the hells has gotten into you these people are witch hunting for a lyan and a freed kanet just walked into their Tavern I'm not waiting to be strung up from the nearest tree come now surely a big fellow like you would be able to handle a few unruly villagers until they come with pitchforks and Flames w
hen they find the Fire doesn't so much as curl my fur that's when the talk of Hells and Devils comes out I don't want this Village's blood on my hands then help me find out what's really going on here if we put a stop to it we'll be heroes how would it feel to be welcomed in a place like this for once instead of shunned how would it feel to save someone Captain fro wet fabric wrapping half his face a guilty memory Rose to the Forefront of his mind and the faces of Four canid swam in front of him
he blinked them away with a growl and let the wet rappings fall to the floor what did you have in mind it seems most of the people have gone missing from the forest surrounding the village usually taken at night we shall be two such individuals lacking the convenience of being attacked all right perhaps you can pick up the trail a lot of trouble you're going through for arrival I am a Bard capan my whole life I've sung the tales of valiant Heroes tonight we have the opportunity to make others s
ing of what we do let us not disappoint them just so long as they don't sing it in a minor key A Hound of culture I see let not to keep the singers waiting then Mato gave a short trilling whistle and a cloud of steam puffed from Captain's discarded wrappings the moisture dissipated into the air leaving the fabric warm and dry another short whistle and heavy cloak appeared around the B's shoulders Captain tried not to be envious as he AIX the wrappings in place knowing that it would be only a few
short minutes before he'd be cold wet and covered in snow again who knew how many hours they would have to spend out in the cold luring some creature of the night he hadn't even been able to feel the lumpy comfort of the bed his first opportunity in weeks the triple projection of Mato was still performing on stage when the unlikely Dua made their way downstairs the song had slowed from a jaunty tune to a slow ballad with the lead Mato singing in a pretty flowing language is that Elvish silan ac
tually an old Ali taught to me by a fay Maiden I met some years ago I hope you fight as well as you sing not to worry you'll find my bite is even better than my bark for the first time in memory Captain was able to cross a crowded room and reach the far door without being stopped or harassed Mato had separated from him halfway through moving to collect what silver and copper had been placed into an upturned fish Hat by appreciative drunks the magical copies never flickered or wavered as Captain
knew some Illusions were want to do a testament to The Bard skill the wind had picked up in the half hour he'd been inside it fluttered his Fabrics biting a captain's face and eyes his fur was strong protection against the gnawing cold but the weather was ever persistent and Keen to make him submit the short time away from it was enough to make it vengeful Mato appeared next to him a moment later Hood high and face covered be War out isn't it oh most makes one one to go for a swim all captain co
uld think of was how cold and miserable he would be by the time the sun came up his thick fur took hours to dry on the best of days and with that time denied him thanks to this Reckless Quest there was little doubt a funk would follow him until he could bathe it away properly Mato blind to his sacrifices gestured toward the woods that way a path runs from the village to an Old Logging it's as good a place as any Captain gave the tavern one last forlong glance a small orange glow caught his eye a
nd he saw an overturned brazer sputtering against the snow and wind without another soul in sight the two guards there had either abandoned their post or been forced to leave either was likely but it twisted a knot into his stomach Mato stomped away toward the forest either blind to the dangers or over were confident to his own safety Captain tugged at the strap across his chest Shifting the weight of the massive blade on his back if it was truly a lyan they faced the sword was nothing but dead
weight but if it was anything else they had a chance the wind shifted blowing a skirt of fresh snow across the covered paths between buildings fresh scent caught in Captain snout he spun his sword appearing in his hand with the Shing of drawn steel Mato drawn by the noise produced a Rapier and spun as well empty Village space greeted them jumping at Shadows we're not even through the woods yet quiet Captain took a hesitant step forward there was no mistaking the scent but it was hard to tell whe
re it was coming from with the wind whipping around them a snowbank Rose against a building to his left seemingly innocuous Captain used his blade to wipe it away and revealed a mass of blood and clothing beneath it I don't think we need to go to the forest what the [ __ ] that's disgusting there were a couple of guards when I entered the city looks like enough meat for two but it's buried not eaten this was deliberate deliberate you means something did this left her behind purposefully what why
Captain note closer examining the wounds and Pulp it was violent and quick but not especially careful it was animalistic Claws and fangs but the wind had covered any tracks beneath the scent of blood and flesh was something canine and just doesn't make sense why kill two guards and reduce them to piles of meat if you're not going to eat it it's a wild monster huh no no it's a monster but it's not wild not entirely it killed the guards so they couldn't raise an alarm and if the guards went their
focus what Captain sniffed deeply multiple scents mingled together difficult to separate to create an opening for their real Target B more than one Captain turned toward the tavern the orange lights inside flickered and hint of music it could still be heard over the whipping wind Mato followed his gaze have the villages in there a lot of fresh meat enough to fill an entire pack or create a new one Mato gave Captain a withering look don't tell me you think it's lyan too bad enough to deal with t
hat superstitial nonsense from the no nothings a howl split the night deep and mournful a second joined it then more five cries lifted to the Moon discordant and full of pain despite the cold and cloth Captain's hackles Rose there was something deeply wrong with the hows emotive Primal but wrong then the howls dissipated until all that could be heard was the whipping Wind and The Gentle play of music from Matteo's elusory triplets perhaps I was a dad Hy with my dismissal Captain caught movement
between two nearby buildings a shadow against Shadows another dark spot flitted from one rooftop to another the clouds parted and a sliver of moonlight Shone through reflecting off the snow like a silver Sun get to the tavern get the crowd under control what are you going to do the only thing I'm good for Captain pulled the wrappings from his face and removed his heavy cloak dropping both into the powdery snow Mato took off running for the tavern Rapier banging against his hip Captain unsheathed
the mighty blade across his back and sank it into the snow the careful Edge would be useless in what was to come he could smell them now all five carrying the scent of men and Wolves of death and blood they surrounded him creeping forward out of the Shadows huge bent things covered in brown fur they were wolves and they were men both and neither their yellow eyes met captains identical in all but intent and their fangs dripped with their hunger and their confusion no doubt they were taking in h
is scent trying to understand him they would see him for what he was a distant cousin but they wouldn't know what it meant if he would be pack or prey Captain let the rest of his bindings fall to the snow retaining only his trousers and Boots Globs of ice and snow clung to his maded fur as it did to the fur of the five around him one gave a low snarl a challenge Captain turned to it but didn't respond canids had been hunted to near Extinction and enslaved for more Generations than they could cou
nt but each pack held an oral history passed down to every new litter whispered word by whispered word in a language only they knew stories of dark experiments under the full moon canids who had been turned rabid robbed of sense and reason men who had given themselves to rage and power lyans werewolves the union of canid and man the sum of their worst parts to create something more powerful than either a fairy tale among humans but a very real history for the Canaanites it took a powerful curse
to create a true lyan though a lesser Beast could be made with Wolves still dangerous still powerful but not at the Pinnacle of its potential the lyan slunk closer to Captain still unsure how to place him in the creatur's narrow worldview pack or prey the two were not exclusive Captain uncurled his fists feeling the strength in his fingers to fight one lyan was a sopian task to fight five was suicide perhaps it was his time his way he'd been searching for a purpose for months searching for why t
he world needed Captain perhaps this was it to die in this time and place for this reason against a ghost of his people the thought was almost a relief the lyan lunged for Captain fangs bared claws outstretched Captain Duck the attack on his throat and bludgeon the werewolf's ribs with his fist it felt like punching a tree but the lyan gave a light cough and took a step back surprised Captain pressed the attack he doubted the lyan had ever felt pain before at least in this form and had to move q
uickly if he wanted to capitalize on its distress action Captain's claws dragged along its fur but its skin was too strong to break his fists collided with face and body but after the creature's initial surprise wore off there was almost no effect the back of the creature's hands shuck Captain's chest and the world lurched away wind flapped against his ears then he was surrounded by Broken Glass and frightened people The Tavern ceiling stared back at him the Mateo's face came into view good show
but it's my turn to take the stage the patrons had crowded into the narrow Upstairs Hall standing on each other's feet on the stairwell packed together like fish fresh for a wolf's dinner captain grunted and lifted himself to his feet some of the closer patrons got a look at him and screamed pressing back Mato lifted his hands dramatically and his doubles multiplied again turning into five different Matos each holding either a violin or a drum let's start the main event the drums tattooed a bea
t inside of kath's chest louder than reason louder than thought it filled him with energy and vigor made him want to jump back out the window and face them again but there was no need one of the lyans leaped through the open space sending more shattered glass to the floor as another crashed into the front door Mato the real Mato drew his sword and held it up like a conductor's baton bows met violins in a frenzy of strings and the fight began the lyans rushed Mato Fury and strength and ravenous h
unger the Wy Bard slipped between them drawing his sword along the legs and arms but the small wounds the blade opened healed almost instantly they Whirled and chased him as he danced up onto the tables keeping them at Bay with well-time thrusts that caused pain more than damage Captain stumbled back hitting the wall the room spun before him he needed something he could actually use against them something that would hurt his eyes fell on the half workk bartender Roger crouching behind the bar cl
utching the coin register Roger bared his teeth in defiance but flinched away Captain took a step forward and stumbled to the ground you're one of them get away from me I need your silver and your sock mato ducked a mess of Claws and kicked a wooden plate into one lyan's face another lyan had entered through the open window and lunged for the band it twisted and snarled among them utterly confused as to why it couldn't touch any of the flesh it could see but the magic needed more than anger and
Claws to break Mato whistled in time to the music his voice split into two distinct tones one high one low the wooden plate in his hand cracked apart forming a circle of Twisted wood and Thorns Matteo somersaulted over the lyan as it lunged for his legs placing the circuit down onto its head it howled clutching at its face as the barbs wormed into skin then caught sight of the fourth lyan coming through the doorway the two fell upon each other and tumbled into the snow punching kicking clawing a
nd biting with all the ferocity of wild beasts Captain Rose from the bar as the lyan scrabbled onto it bearing down on him with all Force forse his fist cracked into its cheek then he swung with the loaded sock change rattled but the lyan recoiled from the strike skin sizzling Captain vaulted Over the Bar and swung again battering the lyan across the face and chest each strike leaving hissing red welts and puckering boils that refused to heal the werewolf fell over a chair and Captain brought th
e sock down again and again until it stopped moving something tackled him from the side send them both through a thick table claws tore into Captain's chest and he snarled with pain the Lykan had lost interest in the band and found him to be more entertaining Captain bucked his hips throwing the lyan over his head and into the wall he turned and swung with a sock but it burst apart sending silver coins scattering across the floor the Lykan twisted over snarling and lunged for him again Captain g
rabbed a handful of coins and slapped them into the lyan's mouth it wretched and gasped but a punch to the throat made it swallow the werewolf fell to the floor and curled in on itself moaning a hand grabbed Captain's arm and hauled him to his feet there I wasn't so bad was it that's only four where's the fifth a screeching eye-watering scream pierced the night the body of people pressed into the stairwell and hallway Beyond surged forward into the room Captain and Matteo shared a glance then ra
n forward pressing their way through the crowd the final lyan had circled to the back of the tavern and entered through the Second Story window amid the broken glass it held the bloody torso of a woman in its grasp the rest of her was in pieces on the floor blood wetted the fur of its mouth dripped down to the wood as it stared triumphantly at Captain and Mato a mad cry burst forth from Mato so loud Captain had to clap his hands over his ears the air in front of him shimmered waves radiating out
ward from the sustained note wood splintered glass turned into sand and the lyan was thrown back out the window the whole end of the hallway shattered outward crushed beneath a concussive noise Captain lowered his hands and threw a sidelong look at Mato was all that really necessary occupational entitlement come on it won't be dead the bar jumped through the Splinter Ed hole and landed in a snowbank below Captain followed a moment later the lyan had gotten to its feet snuffling as if getting its
bearings then turned toward the two of them Captain brought his fists up ready to fight but the wolf's gaze switched to something over his shoulder then it turned and disappeared into the forest Mato took a step after it but it was already gone damn we'll never catch it now Captain turned hoping to find where the lyan had run from and saw a purple Glow In The Sky far to the east Dawn was approaching the fight was over they had survived Captain stretched his back and shivered snow clung to his f
ur making him slow and heavy without a word he walked to the front of the inn and retrieved his cloak wrappings and sword the lyans that had fought each other had spread evidence of their bloody fight all over the snow but neither was present Captain's wrappings would be useless until he could get dry but the cloak would help a little he pulled it on as the first few villagers left the tavern monster another one a rock thed against the wall next to him Captain turned toward the people staring at
them for a long moment a few froze under the weight of his glare but others reared back their fists holding more stones and sharper things wait wait you fools he saved you Mato placed himself between Captain and the crowd arms spread wide as though trying to scare away a larger Predator capan fought a pack of werewolfs single-handedly while you all cowered away in your rooms you should be ashamed of yourselves he probably led the pack to us the half workk bartender hobbled his way out into the
snow one big green foot exposed he stole my money and my sock and gave you back her life you blithering idiot the Barb tender flinched and fell back Mato waved a hand and muttered a strange word blue Sparks flashed around the half Fork's head before disappearing [ __ ] overdid it there listen the only reason you're alive is because of that canid right there get out the both of you we don't need you around here Captain Turned and Left trudging away to the West Mato stared open-mouthed at the vill
agers then turned to follow I don't believe it why wouldn't they just listen to reason that werewolf is still out there people see what they want to see and you why didn't you stand up for yourself tell me one thing I could have said that would have changed their minds you're one of them and they ignored you to people like that I will never be anything more than another monster guns how do you stand it I don't what you need is a rebranding a bit of marketing to help sell you to the people of the
se lands your tail is already one that makes for a great tragic hero we just need to Spruce it up a bit tell me do you like your meter a Amic or thr no ah you thrust my judgment in the matter very wise of you not to worry my furry friend we'll have the villages singing your Praises by next year's end but by the way where are we going there were five lyans three remain I'm going after them wait what you're still going after the werewolves a pack of lyans can destabilize the entire region winter g
reen isn't the only Village in these mountains many more will die if nothing is done I can see it now the tireless hero fighting through the night hunting through the day constant dogging that which threatens civilization they will love you enough if you want to come keep moving of course I'm coming I still haven't found my friend so what's the plan find them and put an end to this one way or the other and how exactly do you intend to solve the issue that they are practically immune to our weapo
ns you're a busker got any silver a buer bker a basker was that a street corner I performed on did you see an open case I saw an upt hat that's completely different silver Mato oh fine here I hope you're not expecting me to finance all our adventures all what do you have more pressing matters we'll see well that's hurtful but no matter come Adventure await The Bard led the way along the trail of blood one hand resting against the hilt of his Raper to keep it from banging against his hip the othe
r holding on to his large feathered hat so it wouldn't blow off his head captain followed along binding the silver coins into the wrappings around his hands the sun had fully emerged from The Horizon birthing a new cold day Captain had survived the night his daily surprise there had been no sleep no rest but that was a blessing these these days sleep brought dreams and dreams brought memories ones better forgotten the trail of blood widened giving way to more viscera Captain quickened his Pace w
alking sidelong Mato it was good to have a purpose again even if it was ridiculous he had something to point himself toward a vector to pursue perhaps the good he could do here would help offset the gnawing emptiness in his chest or perhaps the would kill him and save him the trouble he flexed his knuckles against the wrappings feeling the hard lumpy shape of coins press against his fur uh Gabby then I see it ahead of him three lyans had collapsed amid the trees barely shaded against the Morning
Light two of the three roed and howled their flesh bubbling like a stew pot swaths of furry flesh fell away in glopping heaps to settle into the snow revealing wet bloody skin beneath like that of a newborn they wried along the ground tearing at themselves with long clawed fingers the last stood above them hunched and snarling but showed no signs of discomfort after a loud uncomfortable minute two humans a man and a woman laid panting in the snow seemingly unaware of the bite of Cold against th
eir bared skin the lyan above them snarled but they showed no fear Mato drew his Blade with a rasp of metal gaining the attention of all three time for the C Let's Take a Bow capan The Bard stepped forward with a flourish of his sword two identical copies appeared next to him each wielding Blades of their own the two humans scrambled to their feet teeth bared and arms wide as though they were still wolves Mato circled to the side and they charged him cries as feral as their eyes the lyan turned
to Captain looking at him with that same expression of confusion uncertain what to make of him Friend or Foe pack or prey Captain gave the straps around his fists a final tightening tug and squared up heart thumping painfully in his chest the lyan snorted a violent exhalation of breath and jumped at him with all the speed of a strke ing snake Captain ducked more Instinct than thought and the lyan Snapping Jaws found only the split ends of Captain's fur he responded with an uppercut planting his
fist into the werewolf's stomach the hot stench of burning flesh filled the air and the Lykan growled Captain sidestepped around a swipe of Claws and hit the Lykan in the jaw momentarily stunning it nearby the Matteo triplicates danced around the two humans swords flashing spilling bright red blood against the snow the wounds closed quickly but slower each time one caught a mato by the throat and the illusion melted away another dug their fist into The Bard's heart and that illusion melted away
as well leaving only the original now outnumbered Captain caught a backand to the jaw knocking him off his feet a tree intercepted him and sent him spinning into a snowdrift pain flashed across his face and back a snarl tore its away from his mouth loud and threatening each of the lyans turned toward him as he pushed himself off the ground the one still in wolf form the pack leader let loose a baleful howl and the two followers let loose cries of their own high pitched and anguished the cloth ar
ound Captain's fists fell into the snow torn and bloody Captain's Knuckles dripped with blood torn from the sharp bits of metal it wouldn't be much help but he drew his sword anyway and held the massive blade out marking his challenge Gan switch with me Matteo's Rapier pierced the back of the pack Leader's knee making it buckle and howl Captain switched his attention to the two others who ran at him with Fury etched deep into their faces Mato let out a loud cry then somehow added a second voice
to the note turning the note minor and discordant Captain's great sword wisped and blew light for a moment he swung it in a large Circle forcing both lyans back the man caught the sword in his forearm and the blade cut through severing the limb below the elbow the woman tried to jump on the captain's back as he turned but Captain Sid stepped and brought the sword around cleaving through her torso from hip to shoulder she landed in two pieces against the snow hands and feet twitching Matteo's Rap
ier blurred as he brought it to Bear against the the pack leader steel rang against claw sound dampened by snow a claw clutched for his throat quickly withdrawn after biting blade severed three furry fingers the pack leader stumbled back clutching at their hand Captain spun keeping his huge sword in motion as the human Len Dove howling for his throat the blade buried itself in the Len skull slinging his body to the side as Captain turned with the strike panting from the eff he faced the pack lea
der the lyan's flesh bubbled as it clutched its hand the burning Wrath of its yellow eyes gave way to an all too human hate in green patches of fur and flesh fell away in Mounds revealing the man beneath in moments all that remained of the wolf was the mess of Flesh and shivering amongst the cold was a young man with Autumn hair green eyes and not a stitch in sight the three severed fingers of his right hand had regrown Mato who stood with Rapier Poise to deliver the final blow hesitated Hector
the man twisted and glared at Mato but his eyes kept jumping back to Captain you shouldn't have come Mato I shouldn't have come what the [ __ ] were you doing here are you Captain Captain took a step to the side angling himself toward both Matteo and the lyan his back throbbed painfully what is this a trap Mato sheathed his sword and placed a hand over his heart everything I have told you about my intentions is the truth you're B the truth is water in your hands gabitan please I am part of no tr
ap I came here to find Hector that is all you are Captain the free canid finally i' hope the IND you what happened to you Hector it's pretty clear what happened to him he turned himself into a len but he lacked the key ingredient Mato took a hesitant step away disgust crawling along his face you are searching for Canan the people of these lands have long told of the legends of the wolf men winter green especially has had Tales of lyan thrrs going back the last 200 years I spent month here resear
ching learning preparing I thought perhaps a wild caned pack lived in the woods but I was wrong the last can was killed four generations ago all that time wasted you're not making any sense Hector the Flesh of man is weak Mato it breaks under the stress of true power it must be cold to give way to something better you you had ma TR didn't you treatments they offered me a delay never a cure I knew what had to be done what I would need to become to survive I didn't expect it to be so intoxicating
I sacrificed a wolf pack under the full moon covered myself in their pelts and became as one with them they give me strength but they are nothing compared to the power of a canid with you Captain I will become a through werewolf one who never has to relinquish the power of their stronger form the GS you're pack Gods Hector how many people did you kill in your M Pursuit for power I killed those not strong enough to join me don't make their mistake Mato you can spend your life gring at the feet of
the elite or you can make them bend to you are you the lap dog nipping at their heels for scraps or are you the thing that hes in the night fing them to Bar their doors and C in fear fear was never the goal Hector nor power you forgot that forgot no you forgot what it was like to be nothing I will not be nothing again with the power of a canid I will become more than you can imagine the full moon will instill the power of Legends within me I can almost taste it Hector took a stumbling step towa
rd Captain Mania dripped from his eyes as his flesh roiled sprouting heavy fur the leather grip of Captain's great sword squeaked beneath his hands at the end of the day there was another human come to take from him his people there was no end to it subjugation and broken will were not enough Humanity would drain every last vesage of power and Slaughter the canids when they were no longer useful pain seized Captain his back was wet and weak his hands achd and bled weariness was a shackle around
his Limbs and it was all he could do to stay standing it always boiled down to humans in the end fighting them saving them killing them it never made a difference Captain had followed a human's orders his entire life right up until until he was given freedom but Freedom had been another cage the world was a big place made all the bigger without an idea of what to do it was no Mission no cause No Authority there was nothing for him just as there had been nothing along the whole long road to get t
here perhaps it was finally time to die Hector's mouth swelled pushing out from his skull fangs ripped through gums with splatters of blood at any moment the lyan would complete his transformation and there would be no stopping him not from Captain a blade Grew From Hector's mouth red and bloody it moved to the side parting flesh and sinine with a spray as Hector's head fell the other way the lyan wobbled for a moment then fell to the snow the fur boiled away and revealed the corpse of a man ben
eath Captain stared at it for a long moment then brought his eyes up to Mato still holding a bloody Raper rest in peace old friend I will remember you Captain's leg buckled and he fell into the snow the cold had settled in his marrow something rubbed out of his back a branch embedded and broken when he hit the tree a cough forced its way out of his throat wet and painful I didn't kill my oldest friend for you to die anyway a hand grabbed Captain's shoulder the other gripped the branch and pulled
it free heat poured into him encouraging the skin to knit itself back together Captain let out a low whining Keen it was all he could manage the pain faded Captain opened his eyes and saw Mato standing above him silhouetted by the sun one hand extended Captain took the hand and let the bar pull him up which wasn't without some difficulty they're heavier than you look you know I'm not dead he had fought five lyans without sleep or suitable weapons and he had survived nor me I don't know about yo
u but I think I've had enough of the cold we's say we go somewhere warmer and do what if this is what happens after just a couple hours of us being together I can only imagine the depths of Mischief will get up to think about it The Marvelous Misadventures of Mato and Capitan huh sounds like the beginning of a bad ballot perhaps if you are singing Once I make it famous you might be able to sleep in an inn without burning it down first what say you I can live with [Music] that [Music]
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