The village Elders

The man untied my ankles after about 10 minutes after dragging me through the forest floor. I tried to stand but my ankle hurt so bad... I wasn't able to walk on it.

"You walk the rest of the way." He told me. "Go, or you will be found by the guardians and killed on sight."

"I can't... My ankle. It's twisted." I pleaded.

"Fine. I'll carry you. But if you try anything or are suspicious, I'll kill you."

"Thank you..." I stated quietly.

"Quiet. I don't need thanks from the likes of you."

"What is your name?" I inquired.

"None of your business. If you don't already know who I am it's better you don't know at all... all you need to know is that I hunt your kind."

he raised his hand and the next thing I remember is that I am getting cold water thrown on my face.

A low booming voice interrupted my foggy awakening, "Valentyne. What have you brought here? And why?"

"Elder Kanai, this creature said that it is of human origin. It attempted to lie to me therefore is not to be trusted. I came to ask the Elder Council permission to extinguish the Wolf-kin. Starting with this one."

"Bring it here. Let me see into it's eyes then. Let the Council know of this beings origin."

Valentyne carried me to the seat on the far left. there were five seats... one empty. the first made of wood, seemingly naturally formed. the second was made of a deep obsidian draped with a maroon silk, it's edges were sharp. The third chair looked as thought it would crumble at any time. It was the color of seashells but was crumbling rock. the fourth was another wooden chair but this one was so much more beautiful than the first wooden chair. it's branches intertwined, and had living growth on it, flowers bloomed and budded throughout the back and arms. butterflies seemed attracted to the assortment of colored flowers. But the fifth chair... Empty... No one day upon this chair made entirely of ice. I'd never seen ice that didn't melt. the chair was splattered with blood that I had not noticed before. I began to tremble.

Valentyne set me down somewhat harshly as my knees slammed into the wooden flooring of the Elders hut. "So.... Give me your bound hands creature." the booming voice said. I would not have expected the creature behind the voice to look the way he did. It was a skinny, white haired, emerald eyed creature that was half man and half goat.

I reach out my hands towards the elder and he grabs them in his. "Valentyne..." sais Elder Kanai. "Unbind this creature and bring it to my quarters. Immediately."

"Uh-oh..." I thought.

"I'm gonna get raped...." I thought to myself.

Valentyne grabbed my arms and pulled me hard to my feet. I winced in pain as I put weight on my ankle. He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing and brought me to the Elder's chamber. Elder Kanai was already waiting for us. I didn't even see him leave the Council's Courtroom.

"You must hide this being. Toros... if he finds her we are all doomed." said Elder Kanai

"What do you mean Elder?" Inquired Valentyne.

"She is something....Else... She could mean the continuation to a once prosperous and healthy alliance, or Toros... will take her and kill us all. We shall shelter her here though you are responsible for her safe ascension."

"What is she?" demanded Valentyne.

"The Golden Wolf." Elder Kanai said hopefully.

"I'm... What?!" I screamed. Hands were thrown over my mouth.

"Do not scream." the Elder hushed. "Do you not know what you are little one?" he asked in a low whisper. I shook my head.

Valentyne whispered, "No one has ever seen the Golden Wolf. It cannot be this one. Look at it. Much too ugly." I glared at Valentyne.

" There are a few who have seen the Golden one young Valentyne. Your Elders are only a few. as is Toros... though the last Golden one he killed on that very throne in the court over 400 years ago."