The walls, these halls. There was no quarter, not a sliver of joy or child-like delight. Everything that I know, and have known in this place... Perhaps behind, these walls somewhere off in a far land where my pain could leave and cause my heart to flutter adore. But biting at my shins, neck and anywhere else life could, I wasn't some fabled hero. Some destined one, was I?..If only it was that simple.

In full glory, it was the perfect time. As I had counted day in and day out, of it's rise and fall, the sun's warmth fading and about to descend to sleep, if it were only a breath closer-.. Heaving I ran, I had too escape this twisting place. Ragged rocks and prickling thorns cut deep laid every step, as if it was meticulously grown for just that. Though fleeting skin-deep slits of flesh torn was but a small price, past notice by already present scars and gouges from hell. I ran though the mansion' courtyard, it was the fastest way- The elaborate and vast network of hedge and wall was made gimmick from my ever present peering gaze in sleepless nights.

Still, it was unkempt with atrocious ferocity, and sinister intent. Spikes of barb and metal jaws ready to clank and snap bone laid in any misstep, my ankles knew all too well... My pallor was like that of a ghost, noticing now amuck the dodging of snare was somewhat comical. The stone halls and drab rooms were, but coffins. Joy couldn't surface, relishing in this. This was more than me alone.

I..ll get someone. M.. I'm sorry, I cant stand another agonizing moment here.. Just outside, the chilling breeze already clutched my skin and intruded to the bone rocking me cold, being damp and clinging. Evening mist had begun to settle, the outlining brush and sprawling thicket of trees was difficult enough in light of day. But I could just smell it, the freshness of outside it was a welcome rarity within the shackles behind me, I wanted to stop but I couldn't admire idly, they could know by now.

This was my only chance, my body was weak. Looking upon me one would wonder if I was more mummy than man, but it was a necessary plight, they would be at surprise to my state of running with these feeble limbs. My body ached, shivered still I went on. Pain I had known and grown accustom like that of a livelong friend or twin. The moon had long rose, surroundings had been cast in penumbra moonshine- It was a seldom calm, there wasn't a snip,crackle chirp or howl. The rhythmic bubbling of insects were displaced; was I imagining it?

Heated my breaths spewed out, in each exhale at the increasing stagger and bite my legs endured. I pushed past the brief respite, this had been the farthest now I had come. The mansion had vanished from view, all but a forest thick and haphazard, from inside no order or form was obvious. It just sprawled forever abundant with nooks and crannies. Without the guiding moon and stars it would've been impossible to keep track, ... I saw it once, Minilan was careless- But I saw it, a map with a keep and town to the eastern star and moon rise.

Just a few more miles, there had to be a knight there. Only then could I rest... They had to help me, they had too. But it was never that easy was it?.. Goosebumps ran down my back, as if being stabbed by some murderous intent. Between the veil of trees I whisked by, red dots-No. Red eyes appeared, like floating in the darkness they ran with me. Quickly searching for any reason to what it was, the question fell silent as numerous howls soon engulfed to my dismay, wolves?. And like a horrible joke, new pairs of eyes came.

They walked quiet as a mouse, was it inherent or an intentional stalk? The shadows obscured them, only glances of a glint and hazed and heated contemplation showed form. I had nothing, my light clothes and black night attire slightly torn, just my bare hands. Was this it?.. Eaten and devoured by some beasts, not much different I suppose than my previous fate. But damned, I won't make it easy for these animals, I have to fight. If not I'm no more than a coward accepting some "destined" fate..

In a rush almost stumbling I grabbed a pointed branch, sharp rock near a fallen tree. Soon growling intensified, had I walked upon their preying grounds just another slab to feed the pack?.. The branch had some heft a wide contrast compared to my lanky arms. I had to make it out alive, not just for my sake. But hers too. Rough I tried to calm my breathing as I became encircled by moving shadows. At my sudden stop, the sounds drew ever closer, basking in the moonlight paws-... Claws poked from the brush. Long fangs, patchy fur and a hollowing stomach. It was a starving wolf. The worst kind of predator. On the edge of desperation, was the pack the same? Was I the tipping gambit to their delight...

Looking for any avenue of escape, the wolf slowly came. A clear sheen of saliva saturated the wolf's mouth, even in the state of its protruding bones the beast was large. Paws bigger than my thigh, and a jaw easily able to snap my neck in a passing whim. I cant let any get closer, the air thinned somehow without notice I was out of breath, my skin prickly. An awfully familiar sensation.. I cant die here. But the wolf's glare, it pierced me as if I was already dead. Ebbing closer in that of an arched stalk, much had the other lingering pack slowly receded from shadow all in a bastard state and hungry snarl. It was intimidating. But it held no candle to him.

However much I tried to calm myself, my heart went rapid in the dire circumstance. My body shivered, was it fear or anticipation... I couldn't tell. For this beast leverage and reach are all I have, Tsk. Ingrained it in me haven't you? The beast was ready evident from the stillness and stiff jerks it displayed, I have to run though the weakest point. Readying myself I took off my shirt, wrapping it around my forearm-

Snapping at my sudden change the wolves charged, sets of serrated teeth and claw.. Bracing myself I ran forward, one abomination ahead one behind and each on my sides, trying to box me and tear my limbs..hmph.. I'm no simple sheep. It was intense to say otherwise would've been a bold lie, not matter how much I braced myself; I wouldn't come out unscathed. The first to step out and first to show itself, the closest lunged. Rabid like, or perhaps distraught with desire the beast held a wicked gait and slobbering mouth.

Watching the incoming beast my brain wanted to freeze, and perhaps I would have stopped like a deer in headlights if not for the twisting halls. Sliding under I dodged the beast's rushed lunge, with the branch in tow pivoted my unwelcome companion like some luggage making the branch like an extension of my body. And using the wolf's own inertia tossed the beast towards a tree, yet without the luxury of time I continued sprinting. A moment wasted would mean... The end.

Running between the trees to a soon clearing- Rustling in the bush, like a blur devoid of any patience the second and thirst insisted audience. Unable to dodge, I raised my arm as a shield, without remorse the beast bit down puncturing skin the shirt was made naught. A wave of pain flooded, but I had no time. Sensing the other I swung the branch bashing the third as it dashed towards my side, in a loud snap splintered the branch in two. Sprawling back in a welp the beast pawed at its gash had its ribcage been broken?.. Staggering, the wolf on my arm pushed its weight causing me to fall on my back.

At the sudden topple, blood began to rain down like a faucet dripping onto my face as I held the wolf by its neck. Weak my arm was about to give out, gnawing my forearm the beast kept pressure- Jerking my arm I twisted around to hold it with my knee against the ground. Caught by surprise, its bloodshot eyes were terrifying though reassurance laid in my hand... Bolstering the sharp rock prior, I drove for the eyes. And like that of a crazed lumberjack repeatedly cut deep, bashing to the point of blood turning to muck filling my fist.

The wolf spastically jerked, howling and whimpering at my mercy. A sorrowed state left the beast, it was a pitiful sound and posture. It wanted to live. Sighing deeply, before continuing I snapped it's neck, the wounds were too far gone. Though, of my own accord I also wanted to live-.AH, Sharp surging pain came to both my arm and ankle the shock had worn off, and with it another set of jaws. Nearly dragging me another beast gnawed at my foot, trying to pull me. To hell, if I let it. Grabbing the broken branch at my side, I turned letting it closer and thrusted the splintered end though it's neck.

Thrusting though the chest and out the back, the beast went immediately limp. Eyes rolling back, retreating into its skull soon it thudded at my feet in an instant.. Heavy the wolf's weight put pressure on the wound it inflicted- Painfully sighing in brief relief of its death couldn't last.

The marks were deep, deeper than that on my forearm a staggered limp would be putting it lightly. Tearing parts of my pants leg, I tightly wrapped the wound. It wasn't over yet. I pulled out the broken branch, held its other half. And then a predictable tune struck snarling the first wolf walked out from where I came, though it hadn't charged. It stood there waiting, what was it thinking?.. I cant escape from it with this leg, it'll surely run me down when my back is turned. Gulping the beast huffed, looking past me and to its fallen brethren.

The wolf slowly walked, ignoring me and to its writhing mate that I had clubbed in the ribs. Guided by its nose it went shallow, sniffing above the other. Taking full attention of its fallen mate, it had completely ignored me as if I wasn't there. A small veil of moonlight cast on the scene, the wolf momentarily paused and lightly pawed the other's neck. Then finally gave me view, looking up from its mate a rigid gaze settled on me-

Our eyes locked, for how long I couldn't tell. A strange stillness and rising sensation, somehow I felt as if I was peering back on myself into abyss like eyes... Breaking tension the wolf howled stopping the trance, and with it numerous more distant howls, like a symphony it deafened the area. And more, the beast plowed down feasting on it's mate tearing into the neck. Blotches of blood settled around its mouth, as it gouged on the fallen wolf.. Dripping red, the scene had changed rapidly, foregone calm replaced by a lingering. Foreboding scythe about to drop.

In that moment even the far howls sounded mere steps away. Perhaps some where, I had to leave. Any moment wasted could lead to a unwelcoming end, my legs were numb and too my arm but I had to persist. Almost buckling, my knee down wobbled under my standing weight. The splintered branches weren't enough for an aid, and I had no time to make a splint. As if to add insult to my damming plight, shifting figures came into the light. More pack members, hurrying to the fallen body to feast and dragging the others lying and too soon me...

They were not sickly, a full belly laid on the new arrivals. Had the weak and desperate been used as scouting, a disposable lure?.. Fully standing I needed to run while they were distracted amuck the easier lying meals. The clearing was close. I had too, they would run me down if not- It was the only logical choice. it cant end, or it the horror would have-... sleepless nights, halls of blood and flesh I have to save her.

...

My entire body clenched, plowing through the treeline in heavy steps far from quiet or any elegance I had wished. More in tune of a chugging train, to my feasting onlookers must've seemed like walking dinner bells. It was short, the clearing a small rising area cliff side. Branching in any other path led to shadowy depths of woods, the clearing was encircled in treeline in all but the falling coast. A clear and present coldness settled, toppled on by the thinning of air despite nearing of gushing wind...

The ground patchy and wet almost mud like, weighed each motion rising more to the clearing as if I was sinking. The cliffedge, ragged and mishappen- Bathed in erosion and crackage nearing to the graveyard of rocks hundreds of feet below. The murky depths and sounds of bashing tides, hadn't deterred the inevitable.

Looking past, around from whence I came my footprints were already laid in with others.

Approaching teeth and all. A quick stiffness rose, it wasn't the first neither, ... Time seemed to slow, the stress and eagerness clearly in sight. The pack receded from the opposite treeline, showing more than just a handful of abysmal numbers. It was a stark difference to merely four starved pups. Alone maybe. But a size as this, no way in hell could I survive... And judging by their movements they knew that too. Their worst had crippled me I as no more harm than perhaps a already stuffed turkey.. Hmh. Laughing probably in pity to myself, I didn't want to die.

Slipping back from sudden strain, I painfully met dirt. Like the call of a gunshot, the pack arched their backs in response seeing my downed state. I cant let it end, it.. Isn't fair. The cliff was it really the only way? Turning to run, I had to make it. Would I survive?.. The ragged rocks, was the water deep enough, would I be made paste by the mere impact!.. Boggling these questions, I had to ignore the encroaching huffs and growls even in the wake of their ever approaching state. I could feel their breath on my neck I had to jump.

Just tens of feet felt ocean wide, in every bruising stride it seemed unending. And as if to mock me, droplets of rain soon fell, then rushing into a downpour. Laying on thick the clouds went dark, and with it the somber moonlight ever darker. Causing the cliff edge to be masked in indiscernible shadow. Was I a step away from solid ground or a plummeting fall? My mind wend rapid at that, still I drove forward into the darkened abyss.

...

At the sudden change in footing, almost falling my eyes went wide as I reeled back from the staggering edge. It was closer than I thought, was that it?.. Peering over only brought ambiguity of its height, I had too. The wolves would tear me surely, but.. Was I imagining it? It was strangely silent, had the pressure gotten to me? The huffs and snarls that just accompanied had vanished.

As if too satisfy my crazed state in vain hope I looked back, just ever so slightly to the oncoming demise. Though to my defying thoughts, my guests were rooted like statues. And between them... A singular silhouette. The wind howled past, as I stood struck in surprise and apparently my pursuers too the pack had seemingly forgot me. Focused now on this strange figure, who.. or what? Tossing these trivial questions aside, I yelled in staggered breath. "Leave me! I.. Don't know who you are. But the pack would surely favor me if you run now!"... What am I saying.. I don't want to die, but surely this stranger needn't either.

I can still jump, whoever it is must be some fool. They shouldn't waste their life for someone like me...

I called out once more, and the figure again stood silent, it was an intense silence. The rushing of waves, soft whimpers of wolves and distant crackling of thunder came to ear. Even the ground seemed to quake at the sight, or just my mind racing beyond its limits.. This stranger would surely die in some stupid attempt to save me.. One alone against more than a dozen wolves. The mere thought was mad.

Growling and snapping soon erupted, and with it numerous jaws lunging. And like that it would be over, the figure's flesh torn and digested. But instead, the clench and ack followed, was but loud whimpers and howls. In shock I removed my hand blocking the once horror, the figure stood as if uninterrupted by the bodies lying at it's feet. Looking closer a thin sheen of metal poked out.. Daggers? Soon lighting lit up the scene becoming clearer, the figure was encased in some suit of armor.. A.. Knight?

At the sight of the carnage, the pack snarled further. Arching their backs in a heated display of rage; The largest walked out, pitch black it resembled an intruding shadow of teeth. Nearly double the size of the rest, they parted in its presence. The red eyed pack glowed fervently. In response the knight.. Looked like a fish out of water. Rummaging, and pulling out a strange bag the knight threw glinting orange dust across the field in wake of the pack. And quickly brought another bag, blackish dashing a dagger with it. And finally drew a sword from waist side, with seemingly a meter or more long blade.

Akin to the eye of a storm, the scenery sat in a motionless deadlock. As I blinked, and at the sound of twig snapping it happened. I would've missed it if not for my straining gaze, the knight in a faction of a second threw the dagger striking the powder. Afterward, a orange sizzle and dazzling flame spewed across the grass forming a fiery wall. And despite the heavy rain stayed a roaring flame melting even stones neath and around. Who was this stranger?.. The flames were bright reflecting of the supposed knight's armor, still their face dwelled in shadow.

Yet from tens of feet, a flash of goosebumps ran over me as heat radiated. Taken back by this, some of the wolves jumped and others caught in its blaze thrashed pawing in all directions till they resembled more like charred wood than anything else-.. I stood agape, unable to register what had happened. Yet a brighter flame rose in the eye of the alpha, passionately the wolf howled deepening their resolve tenfold. The aura of confusion soon dissipated, and with it the haze of uncertainty...They charged.

In a fury numerous wolves ran intent on ending this newcomers life, instantly the fastest of the bunch were already by the knight's side attempting to ravage the legs and topple the stranger... In a curved swing, last gazing view and breath was that of steel splitting them in two. Heads rolling, they hadn't made it more than a foot inside the knights reach. Three more, cut and dropped like a bag of potato's spilling out. Inching closer, the wolves started to organize. Not stopped by this the knight quickly ran towards the ever burning wall of flame, despite the heavy set of armor not a sound had carried over.

And such determined parts of the pack immediately followed suit. The knight pulled out daggers dipped in a strange ooze, soon coated the dull weapons in flame. With pin point accuracy they left the knights wrist in a flick stabbing some of the oncoming which were quickly engulfed. The writhing were dismissed as more jumped over uncaring of the danger the almost endless looking fodder danced, in and out of the knight's range. Teeth, claw and steel met toe to toe, at once numerous lunged that the knight returned with a twirl of blade.

Raining the flying bellies were split gushing muck. Not one had laid bite or slash on the knight's frame. Only that of splatter and mud had stained the armor, the movements were rigid but precise without waste, clear cut and fatal; each designed to kill in a single stroke or crash and buckle from a kick. The stranger had defied the notion of reason, the staggering amount of numbers was made mute by wicked steel crafted to perfection. It was like a predestined move, as if all stood still in the presence of the knight's gaze, predicted and slain.

Where had this stranger come from...? Those movements... And technique they were familiar. My dripping pondering was made dull, witnessing the battlefield. Like but weeds countless had been chopped and tossed away, as if trash. There wasn't a inch of restraint in their consecutive attack, the knight broke stance bolting to the pack's center. To an outsider unknown of the fury that just transpired, it looked crazy- And perhaps still did.

It was subtle.. But a yellow glow emanated from the knight, soon bulged around their shoulders and chest like a triangle.

In less than a flash, crackle or blink. The knight' released a wave of energy the yellow bulge twisted and carried down to the arms.. And shot out like a spiraling web, in fine points each line of energy had pierced skin to the heart. As the vibrant yellow faded so did the eyes of over half the pack collapsing to the ground in a quick thud. The knight stopped, breathing heavily and stood in confidence gripping sword; Shocked back, the alpha stood surrounded by a dwindling few as it raced its head between the dead pack members.

A surge of snarl it approached.. Then hesitated, gazing once more to it's pack and tightened posture slashing the ground. The alpha turned howling to the stark few and ran, retreating to the treeline. The remaining in turn followed only glancing back once behind the cover of bush and darkness...

...

The dull moonlight clearly showed it,.. It can't be. But there was no mistake, that magic was clear even in the murkiest of depths. Relaxing their shoulders, the knight.. Turned facing me. It had confirmed any trickling doubt as vain hope, the house of origin. Burning orange crest of a phoenix was plastered across the breastplate. My heart lunged they found me... I'll be taken in.. Dragged and made all futile, m.. I can't let that happen.

The edge was close but a stride away, and still, from all up here the salty waters below scrapped my lips. The world was just begging me to take a plunge.. I quickly gazed, glancing around the open field and darkened forest. It was just the one, wasn't it? Standing in the casting moon the knight had yet moved and their face still in indiscernible shadow. They were strong and that magic as beyond fact, it was rough but held a keen edge, ending all it touched. No reason to send more than one? Had they known what to befall me, and where I'd be?..

A heavy throbbing, increasing rumble shook me. My heart started to beat a thousand lifetimes in short breaths, looking upon the knight.. Nasty chills swept through me, I had no chance versus this monster of man... I had to jump. Building courage I turned and ran, I couldn't worry of the danger. It was nothing if I was to die there or a hundred feet below.. ...But it was never simple as that was it?

I'd soon plummet.. I volted stepping on air, the fall wouldn't be quick. My rushing mind.. Suddenly stopped, my dizzying fall had yet sent me to grounds below. A tug pulled at my waist, my feet dangled idly afore this clutching thing I now gripped. What..Shocked in realization of this oddity I looked back, a yellow and glowing chain had stretched out; from the knight like another arm.. Reeling back at the sight I tried to pull free,- ...

"Y..d...-" Interrupting my fumbling the knight spoke with a coarse and muffled tongue, edged closer in brief steps. I dismayed the dull words that past me in the roaring wind, cursed at the chain. It was there but at the same time wasn't, it was almost incorporeal .. It was another display of that wrenching magic, I hated it more than anything. "Free me from these binds you bastard!!" ... Guttural I shouted and just.. To make them even tighter, the chain coiled and pain lathered my side in tune of cracking bone.

The twisting chain had ensnared me, like a fly in a web I couldn't resist.. I..- No!.. In a angered rush I twirled the chain around my waist and pulled the dammed dog towards me to oblivion's end off this cliff edge. They'd fall with me. Whoever this wretched "knight" serving phoenix would be their end as mine. I cant die here, I'll use their body to block the water.

"..You look pitiful." Akin to an arrow piercing my heart, my actions and mind were cut short. The knight.. Stood unmoving, their voice.. His voice. Serving on a mocking display, the words invaded; Was it some manic delusion..? It had to be, .. But I knew it I couldn't run from it... In a violent jerk the chain pulled me unto the muck filled edge once more, upon the boots of the towering knight. "Do you really court death that much? Like a beggar for some distant meal running in desperation, for what. An inevitable end to my hand around your you to be dragged.."

Feigning the truth of it all.. I didn't want it to be true... "You bring shame, what would Martha say, what would be done of your actions? Have you considered it, what your absence might bring..." ... "Answer me." My body lunged, it truly was. And spite my unwanting of it, he brought me to my knees. A firm grip laid around my neck.

...

You.. Why? Sharing a seat with them, "Butchers and vile. Thats all they are, and you side with them and not with me?" I spoke in anguish, -... My words amounting to but scoff and a shrug as the grip around my neck lifted. And a gaze disdainfully looking to me as perhaps some potent excrement. In a rough laugh, an amused smirk emerged?.. "What you call it is of no consequence. There is only truth in powerful and strong, cling to your virtues as your ribbcage gets torn and.. I'll watch as someone more worth than you eats your heart."... "Only those who live have right in this world."

The words they.. Couldn't be true. They can't be. "..I- I cant go back to that place." Blurting in response my words were creaking, and my vision with it had begun to distort more than it already had.. My body went weak, the ground itself seemed to move, or was it just my head pounding the ground. I couldn't say, only his loud and ringing voice echoed. "I'm devoid of it... Empathy and their insistent clamoring about the failings of a odd vestige as you.." In the haze and blurring vision, his eyes had seemed red as crimson- A soon cracking came, splintering a fissure ran along the ground to the cliff's edge separating at my feet.

In more subtle and rising cracks my body felt as if I was dipping, sliding... Dangling? ... And then darkness fell, a embracing cold and silent void. Abruptly the blankness passed just as it happened, looking down my head and heart rushed, my feet and body was suspended and a familiar sense drowned me. Coiling at my sides a chain riding to the top of the cliffedge I was far from. Invading my bloodloss confusion and verge of delirium, the rain and rushing of wind was but distant to me, focused all on...

"Ta.. C.. Brother." ... In the same moment my pain had left and the pressure ran, the coiling chain faded.

My thoughts lingered briefly, before turning once more to black. Waiting fate in the salty depths below.

...