《Two Friends》


 Misty Hollow

    Two toddlers¡¯ hand in hand, walking at a slow peace as they were out of breath. They kept their small legs moving despite the mist covering their path, they just advanced ahead, no aim, just what seemed like an endless walk.


    One of them looked around in the hope that she could identify anything, but soon after realizing nothing can be seen through the mist, she moved her free hand up and down, as if hoping the mist was smoke and it would move. She sighed, then looked at the other girl and asked almost teared up "Do you think we will find a way to somewhere?"


    The other girl just walked silently as if the movement was mechanized. At the sight of this, she panicked and shook her while shouting "Helena! Don''t give up yet! I know..." in an instant Helena snapped her fingers "Miriam be quiet! We are in the middle of nowhere" she whispered as the spell took effect making both of their voices fade away in the distance, hoping it will echo back.


    They stood still for a great five minutes, even the cold started to get to them as they were dressed just in nightgowns. Helena tightened the grip on Miriam''s hand, while her stare was pinned at Miriam. They both nodded and continued their wobbled walk, into nothingness.


    Walking through out the whole day, the bodies of the two frail girls were at its ends, which made Miriam fall on her knees. Soon after fainted while trying to hug Helena to warm herself up. Helena caught Miriam¡¯s body, then tried to carry her, but she was too weak hence she just dragged Miriam.


    The temperature kept going down, as if it froze even the air. After another day of dragging Miriam through the snow Helena fell on the snow and closed her eyes, it was a soft fall as she couldn¡¯t feel anything anymore.


    There they lay for two more days, during these two days the mist was pushed away by a snow blizzard, covering the two girls under snow.


    It was clear, the sun¡¯s radiance was reflected through the snow, the trees with their icicle adornments slowly parted from each other as if they showed a path. From the distance chatter and armor chingle could be heard as the sounds advanced deeper into the forest. One of the men tapped the shoulders of the spearmen and pointed towards their left. Showing them the herd of deer, they instantly threw their spears at the herd. Some even threw rocks, just so the more they could hunt and bring home the better.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    One of the spears hit Helena¡¯s upper shoulder, it awoken her suddenly. She groaned in pain but as soon as she realized that she has made a sound, she held back from making any further noise. The huntsmen immediately heard the groan as the spears were landing, so different from the ones the deer made that they went to check what it was.


    The lead huntsman spoke to one of the men, Helena couldn¡¯t make a word out of it, as if they spoke another language. As instructed the novice huntsman grabbed the spear and tried to pull, but it didn¡¯t nudge. Whilst all of this just made the wound widen making Helena grit her teeth as hard as she could to not make a sound, hoping they would give up on getting the spear back. The lead huntsman quietly analyzed the novice¡¯s decisions and soon realized that the spear was stuck in the prey¡¯s body, he sighed as he spoke to the novice ¡°Please move and pay attention¡° he strictly addressed the novice, keeping all the men on their toes. He moved the spear to the side, which made Helena¡¯s body rise from the snow. All huntsmen where in shook by their discovery, even making the novice fall by such a surprise, but he landed on Miriam¡¯s body, which made her scream in agony. The leader shouted at the novice ¡°Move! You¡¯ll kill her!¡° he stumbled and panicked under the gaze of his superior, then decided to dig Miriam out of the snow. All men were astonished by Miriam¡¯s beauty, despite being a child, her silver hair, pale skin it was as if the snow gave birth to a myth, in comparison to her shine Helena was a wounded beast panting heavily and groaning while she was glaring at the novice when he touched Miriam.


    The leader once again shouted at the newbie ¡°Don¡¯t touch her! We don¡¯t know what they are, everyone hold your positions ¡° after ordering his men he looked at Helena and asked promptly ¡° Identify yourself and your reason for being here ¡° Helena tried to move her hand to snap her fingers to cancel the spell she hand in effect, which did not allowing them to speak. The leader as soon as he saw her hand moving, he stepped on it to avoid any potential fights then he spoke again louder, his voice resonating in the silent forest ¡°Are you deaf? Mute? Do you not understand? ¡°


    In reply Miriam snapped her fingers, cancelling the spell, then she broke into tears. Crying loud and trying to speak at the same time. Making it very hard for the men to comprehend her train of thought, she made no sense.


    Helena spoke as if ordering ¡°Take your hand off of mine and cut the spear that¡¯s not in my flesh¡° the men were taken by surprise by the tone Helena spoke to them. The huntsmen looked at each other confused, but their leader did as was told, took off his feet, freeing her hand. Afterwards kneeled next to Helena and unscrewed the wooden part out of the metal one that was stuck in her shoulder.


    ¡°We will need that back, after you get it out¡° he requested of her as he stood up.


    Helena slowly stood up, took a few steps towards Miriam, then remembered the huntsman¡¯s questions ¡°I am Helena Tepes and she is my friend Miriam Drima, we have no reason to be here, we are lost ¡° by the time she finished talking she reached Miriam, grabbed her hand, which somewhat calmed her down, whilst Helena was ready to confront the leader if needed be.

 The Path Behind Icicles

    The leader of the huntsmen rose his eyebrows as Helena replied, but his expression turned back to its seriousness as he replied ¡°You sure are a child, answering so honestly¡± he shortly paused while giving a last glimpse to the two girls ¡°I am Fred, we will have to bring in front of our higher superiors as we cannot conclude a complete report without the two of you¡± he signaled to some of his men to collect the deer that they have killed. He stood up and looked down at them, as if he was angry by just their sight ¡°Follow me¡± he turned around, while his men slowly picked up the peace to catch up to him as they were slowed down by carrying their hunt.


    Miriam wiped her tears of as she finally stopped crying, yet as soon as she saw the state Helena was in all she could do was hold her hand tighter ¡°Should we follow them?¡± she asked a bit worried if Helena would be able to move.


    Helena smiled as Miriam tightened the grip on her hand ¡°I don¡¯t think we have a choice, since we are outnumbered¡± she stopped talking midsentence as she touched the tip of the spear that was coming out of her shoulder. She instantly grabbed it and pulled on it but couldn¡¯t get it out. ¡°We should start walking, I don¡¯t any of us wants to spend another night in the woods¡± she laughed it off to cover her pain and stress while started to walk towards the huntsmen yet keeping a distance between them and her.


    Miriam just nodded and smiled while she followed up to Helena, then whispered ¡°Do you think they know what we are?¡± At this moment Helena turned around with an expression of confusion yet disappointment at the same time ¡°Are you even using your brain, or did that freeze as well?¡± then yanked Miriam¡¯s arm towards her. Thereafter she leaned in and whispered ¡°One thing is for sure; they don¡¯t think we are humans¡± Miriam looked at Helena surprised ¡°We might look like humans but do tell me if a human would survive a snowstorm or under snow. And I don¡¯t even know how long we were unconscious for¡±.


    Miriam nodded again, but with a sense of defeat yet now having a better understanding of their situation than ever. It could be kill or be killed, or just a walk to the huntsmen¡¯s settling.


    In the front some of the huntsmen were eying Miriam, still amazed by her unique features. One of them address Fred as he saw the girls get closer ¡°Sir, I think they are whispering and plotting something¡± Fred didn¡¯t reply to his subordinate, just turned around to see the girls himself, then turned his attention back to the road ¡°If I were you I¡¯d worry about myself, since you didn¡¯t kill anything today¡±.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Fred was known as the best hunter among his peers, yet as age has taken a toll on him, he did not wish to part with his honed skill. He trained and lead many men throughout many hunts and ambushes they have encountered. But because of his tunneled pursue he had no time for love, nor to find a partner to share his achievements with.


    The novice run up to Fred, while still being ashamed of his mistake, but could not withhold his curiosity and spoke up ¡°Sir, why do they have two names?¡± Fred did not reply to the question, he just stared in anger. The novice felt as if he has asked the wrong question, wronging his superior once again. He apologetically lowered his head ¡°My apologies for over stepping¡±. Fred just ignored what he said then out of nowhere ¡°Brynn, go give the girls one of your blankets, you will be responsible of them until we arrive¡±. Fred moved his hand showing him off ¡°Go, satisfy your curiosity¡±. The huntsmen were baffled by Fred¡¯s orders, while some were laughing at Brynn knowing that he will have to look for something else when they reach town, while others where whispering why would Fred order something as such, he was known to be very cautious. And others wondered ¡®Did the old age get to him?¡¯


    Miriam saw Brynn walking at a fast peace towards them, then yelled at Helena ¡°Someone¡¯s coming towards us!¡± Helena angrily replied, ¡°I am not blind!¡± with this she pushed Miriam away from her, with her weak state she couldn¡¯t send Miriam further than two meters away from her.


    Helena stood still, while she slowly started mumbling something as her fingers were moving. Brynn unaware of her magic, he just thought she was freezing from her mumbling. He covered her with his blanket. Both girls were so surprised at Brynn¡¯s actions, that Helena pushed him away, while Miriam just started running towards Helena. As she reached Helena, she just curled up next to her and enjoying warmth for the first time in a while.


    Helena was at loss of words, as Miriam reached to her. The warmth woke her up to reality. She looked up the Brynn ¡°Don¡¯t you want to keep your job? You will get fired if you help us¡±.


    Brynn grinned and proudly replied ¡°Not if it¡¯s an order¡± he then kneeled in front of them, grabbed them and held them up. Despite his fresh start in hunting, he was quite strong. Holding both Miriam and Helena. Then started to walk to catch up to his group, during this time the two girls were both happy to finally have their burned reduced but also scared for the unknown that awaited them at the arrival of who knows where. Brynn out of nowhere leaned towards Miriam and smelled ¡°You guys smell so nice, I envy you¡± then realized that he was not aware of the harshness the two have been through ¡°Sorry¡± then looked at Helena ¡°Does it hurt?¡± he sadly looked at her shoulder as he saw the spear come out.


    This behavior only angered Helena more and more, you cannot sugar coat such a dire situation.

 Quiet Night

    Brynn knew he couldn¡¯t get through the two, especially Helena. Miriam seems like and angel while Helena a caged animal set free. He also considered to be wary of Helena as she seemed to be one most prone to jump up for a fight.


    Helena studied Brynn hoping he could be of any use, but she had no idea how she could use him. She had to learn more about the place they were heading to. ¡°What is your name?¡± she asked showing genuine curiosity.


    Brynn smiled happily that the most threatening one can be docile too ¡°Brynn¡± he paused remembering the question he had asked Fred ¡°Why do you have two names?¡±.


    Helena looked at him confused ¡°You don¡¯t have two names? How do you differentiate each other from other families?¡± Brynn was happy to see her interest towards his hometown, knowing at the same time she might have underhanded reasons towards her questions. ¡°No, we usually use our names and jobs to differentiate between others, but sometimes can be hard when some have the same name and job¡±. Helena got so confused by the logic behind this, through her studies she had not encountered a nation nor city that would have naming traditions such as these. But showing such knowledge, especially as a kid, and tried to dumb down some of her questions to fit her age. ¡°That is weird, say Brynn are we far for our stop?¡± Helena wondered while she kept looking around, all she could see for the past hours were trees.


    Brynn proudly answered ¡°I am not sure; this is my first time out of the city¡± despite the small chit chat that Helena started he did not wish to divulge too much. And a dead silence laid between the three, Miriam fell asleep as soon as they stopped talking, she didn¡¯t have to pay attention to Brynn or Helena. In case she spilled the beans, she¡¯d have to kill Brynn and be ready to run, but all the tension dimmed down with the silence.


    Fred rose his hand signalling to the men to stop, thereafter he spoke aloud ¡°We will be camping in the vicinity, please start looking for the needed materials to set up camp¡±. He then walked to Brynn surprised by how he took care of the children. ¡°You three will stay with me¡± he leaned closer to look at the girls. He could clearly see that Helena was not just look around amazed by the view, but rather studying, understanding her surroundings, would anyone expect such from a kid no more than five years. Whilst Miriam was the definition of a toddler their age.


    Fred moved to Brynn¡¯s left side, where he held Helena and asked her ¡°Are you scared?¡± he asked to test her somehow, he somehow saw potential in her. He not only could see her as a hunter, but as a fighter to conquer many battles. Helena within an instant replied, ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±. Fred frowned upon this reply, as if the tables were turned around ¡°Who knows?¡± he glared at her, intimidating her by leaning towards her. ¡°Why should I be afraid?¡± he asked in a deep gruesome voice.


    Helena was taken aback by Fred¡¯s decisions; he was behaving like a dog marking its territory. It felt like he was trying to provoke her more than anything. ¡°Us?¡± Fred¡¯s frown faded away as he was struck by her honesty, she continued ¡°I can tell you aren¡¯t humans either¡± then leaned towards Brynn¡¯s neck and smelled it ¡°But I can¡¯t tell exactly what, as you people are halflings¡±.


    At this Miriam instantly straightened her hand and pointed it at Brynn¡¯s neck. Her grey eyes turned red, glimmering despite the darkness that was slowly setting in, she was getting hungry. But also acted upon Helena¡¯s stupid decision on taking the bite and getting ruled by Fred.


    Fred just laughed at the sight of Miriam, while Brynn was just scared of the demons he was holding. ¡°Well seems like your friend is more attentive than you are¡± Fred pointed at Miriam, showing it to Helena. Fred just chuckled as he looked at Brynn ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry girl. We won¡¯t fight you, unless you make us to. You would lose anyway with that weakened body of yours.¡± He waved one of the huntsmen to come over to him.


    ¡°Bill you¡¯re a werewolf, can you smell these two and tell me what they are?¡± he looked around to see if the others found the necessary resources to start a fire. ¡°I think one of them might be of your kind, since she was smelling Brynn¡±.Stolen novel; please report.


    The werewolf lowered his head to salute Fred. Thereafter without saying a word he headed for the girls, he was surprised as one of them was ready to kill Brynn anytime. Brynn face was screaming for help, yet his lips were sealed shut. Bill smelled Helena then moved to Miriam, she stood still, despite her being ready to kill. She was curious if they would stop her, but nothing happened. She almost started to feel sorry for Brynn. Whilst during this time, Helena just looked at Miriam. To Miriam it felt as if she looked down at her, as if she is disobeying unwritten rules. But at the same time seemed like Helena couldn¡¯t care less if this led to Miriam¡¯s death.


    After a while of silence and Bill just trying to figure out what they were often switching in between the two of them. Miriam retracted her hand and hid away in Brynn¡¯s chest, without holding back, almost as if victor Helena turned to Fred sometimes glancing over to Bill. He did not look the least like a werewolf, she had so many questions, yet none could¡¯ve been asked.


    Bill stroked his chin. Fred seeing this even the more it proved up to his decision of bring in the girls. Then Bill spoke up suddenly ¡°Sir, they¡¯re both vampires, but sir¡± he paused ¡°Have you met any vampire children?¡±. Then again Bill pointed out ¡°They also seem to be very well in control of their powers and to manage their hunger¡±


    Fred instantly caught into Bill¡¯s confusion ¡°What makes you think they can control their power?¡±


    Helena instantly interrupted them ¡°We are here, just ask us. If you give us food, we will answer some of your questions¡± Fred just stared at her, knowing this could turn out to be a negotiation ¡°We don¡¯t have any blood and I don¡¯t want you two to feed off of my men¡±.


    This made Helena realise how unknowledgeable they were of her kind ¡°We don¡¯t feed only on blood and worry not, Cattle like your men is not something I¡¯d feast upon¡± at this point Miriam realised Helena was at its end of her patience with these people¡¯s secrecy. She cut off Helena ¡°We eat human food as well, you seem to be preparing to make some¡± her words might have been directed at Fred and his men, but she looked at Helena wondering what is wrong with her. Why would she bring her pride into this, why now?


    Fred realised there is more than it looks to these two girls. He sighed, he was tired from the long walk ¡°Very well, we have an understanding¡± Miriam cut in again ¡°Good, but the talk will only go between us and you¡± paused remembering Brynn carried them all this time ¡°and Brynn¡±. Fred chuckled as soon as she finished her sentence ¡°Well if you look at that Brynn, you are not forgotten¡±. Brynn tried to laugh it off as Fred agreed to Miriam¡¯s offer.


    In half an hour the camp was set up. It was nothing fancy, no tents. Blankets laying around messily and fire lit in the middle of an empty space they have found next to the road. Some men were working on the meal, while others were collecting herbs that could be added to the meal or eaten. Others were sparing while trying to warm up in this frozen time of the year. By the time the food was ready the sun has set, and it was pitch dark, yet everyone seems to have worries of wild animals coming from the smell of the food.


    Fred brought food for Brynn and the girls. Sat down in front of them and muttered quietly ¡°Enjoy¡±. The five of them quietly ate, while Helena just stared at her food. She cannot eat human food, if she were to do so, her instincts would kick in and would kill everyone until she found something or someone to satisfy her taste. Luckily without a word Miriam after finishing her food, she took Helena¡¯s. Despite them being both vampires at root, they were quite different even within the vampire kin.


    Fred seeing how they were almost done eating he started questioning the two ¡°Are you two really children?¡±


    Helena answered as Miriam was still eating ¡°Yes and No, we were children once. If this helps you better, we were born vampires not made¡±


    Fred was surprised, but he continued questioning them ¡°Is this your true form?¡±


    Helena replied smiling ¡°Clever question, but I cannot answer this right now¡± Fred frowned but forcing something out of his interrogatee could ruin the outcome of the interrogation he continued ¡°Can both of you use magic?¡±. Both nodded in affirmation.


    Fred thought of asking how strong or skilled they were, but at this point it was useless. There was nothing to compare it with and he did not wish to spill blood unnecessarily. Then again, he grabbed his chin and sometimes stroked it as he was in deep thought into what to ask. He tried to remember how and where they found them ¡°Why were you hiding?¡±


    Helena was quite unsure to answer this question or not, took a quite glimpse at Miriam, which nodded. Helena leaned on Brynn¡¯s arm as she started talking ¡°Well this will take a while, better get comfortable¡±

 The tree that fell in a forest

    Helena giggled as he saw both Fred and Brynn showing their curiosity despite knowing their position in this discussion, she continued speaking ¡°As it might have crossed your mind, we were not exactly hiding. We were running from war. Our home city was at war with mages. Heard of them?¡± her voice somewhat trembled as she reminisced the past events, while her gaze was pinned to the ground, she looked up at Fred as she questioned his knowledge once again. Fred did not even fret and just shook his head.


    ¡°Thought so. During the hectic moments during their attack on our capital, me and Miriam changed into children so we could hid in a cupboard and thereafter escape through tunnels¡± Fred looked at their clothes to see them in pristine cleanness despite them being thorn and worn out ¡°It¡¯s magic, you could say it is pride or just a wish to not see ourselves in such a deranged manner¡± Helena continued speaking while gently caressing her nightgown. ¡°We just headed north afterwards and to our surprise we did not encounter any snow at first but only mist. Mist so dense we could barely see anything. We wondered in the mist for many days. Could not keep the count as we couldn¡¯t tell if it was day or night. ¡° she made a long pause then took a deep breath ¡°Then all of a sudden it started snowing, during this time Miriam had fainted. And somewhere a day or two afterwards I passed out as well. All I can conclude is that we were buried by the snow, for how long? Again, I cannot tell, nor know.¡±


    Fred could tell she did not go into details; she just scratched the surface of what has happened to the two of them. ¡°Are you of high standing?¡± he stroked his chin as he rephrased ¡°In your city were you of high status?¡± Miriam within a breath replied, ¡°I am, she is not¡± Fred continued ¡°Is this why she¡¯s protecting you?¡± Miriam looked at Helena as if looking for an answer in her eyes, Helena once again showed indifference towards Miriam¡¯s need of help. This made Miriam explain the relationship the two had ¡°Neither of us are in need of protection, but our relationship has deeper roots than just hierarchical support¡± she quietly collected the empty bowls while she continued ¡°My status is of no importance with our people gone.¡±


    Both Fred and Brynn pondered on what more to ask, fearing the two girls would stop answering until further provided with a reward in return for their knowledge. Then Brynn with a crooked smile asked, ¡°What is your true age?¡± Helena just rose an eyebrow, as to why would that even matter. Miriam smiled back and replied calmly ¡°We are around your age Brynn.¡± Brynn¡¯s face brimmed with joy as he did not like serious conversations. ¡°That¡¯s so nice, were you married?¡± Helena just cut in the middle ¡°I think that will be enough. We will ask one simple question, when will we be arriving to your city, home, settlement. Whatever you call it¡±Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Fred was starting to get enough of Helena¡¯s attitude and how she behaved ¡°We¡¯ll get there by tomorrow. Now stop that attitude of yours of all great and mighty. Look at you, you have nothing, just another lost soul, just like you.¡± Helena couldn¡¯t hold back, she immediately stood up to face Fred ¡°Watch it, old one¡± meanwhile Brynn was trying to calm Fred to take back what he said ¡° Now, now¡­ Don¡¯t take it to heart Helena, he¡¯s just old and senile.¡±


    All this making Miriam aware that there is a high chance for a fight to break, hence without any remorse she grabbed Brynn¡¯s jaw. Leaned closer to his ear and quietly spoke ¡°Careful of what you¡¯ll do Brynn. Unlike Helena I am fed and fully rested¡± she tightens her grip making her nails slowly dig in his skin ¡°Don¡¯t make me rip off your jaw, I am sure you¡¯re still in need of it.¡± During this time Helena were too busy getting ready for the element of surprise or how to counter it. This made them misunderstand the purpose of Miriam¡¯s approach to Brynn. Miriam stood straight after the quiet whispers left her lips but did not let go of Brynn¡¯s jaw. She mimicked Fred as he stroked his chin and smiled angelically ¡°You sure have a handsome face Brynn.¡± From this point on Brynn did not see Miriam as an innocent and idyllic beauty, but the horror that will hunt you until you rot and even then, it will still chew on your bones.


    Despite Fred¡¯s silence Helena replied to Brynn ¡°And you expect me to excuse everyone that is old and senile, if I did so, this world would be damned to nothing.¡± The huntsmen started to notice the tension between the four of them as time passed, and quietly encircled them. Fred did notice a few of his men, he could¡¯ve only guessed what their intention was.


    Miriam and Helena could hear the huntsmen moving closer towards them. Helena smacked her lips in displeasure of the situation that they have gotten. Thereafter she pointed her right hand up and left hand down, then moved them clockwise as they changed positions. Behind her hand a trail of fire remained, forming a circle. Fred was shocked behind his believes, he quickly stumbled to stand up while erratically looking around for his men. ¡°Move in men, encircle them¡± Fred shouted, but no one came. They were just as sacred and confused like their leader of the unknown. As no one interrupted the incantation Helena put her hand in the middle of the circle. Grabbed to what look to the human eye fire. But in reality, it was a small rock, unique to its own. The so-called substance emitted by the rock was not fire but concentrated sulfuric gas.


    Fred saw some of his men hiding behind a few trees and shouted once more ¡°Do you want these monsters to reach the capital? Do you want them to kill your loved ones?¡± No answers still, but you could hear as some branches were getting snapped as they were moving. Helena wandered, were they running? Charging? What matter to her was to get everyone out of hiding. She did not want any loose ends.


    The silence once again settles as if the huntsmen stopped their movements and awaited the right signal. This gave Helena a chance. Suddenly, she screamed grabbed her shoulder, which made the spear cut further into the flesh around it. She fell on her knees as more and more blood tainted the snow.

 Did you hear it fall?

    Helena dropped the rock on the snow as she covered her wound and crouched down. But the spell did not wear off of the rock. Then as if they were guided by an invisible person, they all charged towards Helena. Majority of the huntsmen headed for Helena, while fewer headed for Miriam. Helena patiently waited for them to get closer to get, as long ranged combat would disadvantage her when fighting so many people.


    All of this seemed very odd to Miriam. The way the huntsmen waited, while Fred was so confused and erratic. And that they knew precisely their location and blind spots. She looked to the left and right, maybe she missed something, maybe someone. Then she realized.


    Miriam didn¡¯t hold back anymore her hand was gripping his chin as she turned around. She was at her wits¡¯ end as to what she will do to him. Falling for such an obvious trap, this thought only angered her to such extent that her white eyes glimmered red then the color darkened until it was just black, void. ¡°Oh you¡­¡± She grits her teeth ¡°How do you communicate?¡±


    Brynn grinned beneath Miriam¡¯s small hand, then forcefully jerked it off. Leaving deep scratches on his cheeks and his jaw dislocated. He quickly took a few steps back, while some of his men were closing in towards Miriam. Brynn tried talking, he sounded more like a snotty brat that didn¡¯t learn how to speak yet. ¡°Bleu hafd nu ghange freum ze slarlt¡± Miriam didn¡¯t understand a word he said, but neither did his men. As he realized this he just started laughing, after a while his men were laughing as well. This picked Miriam¡¯s interest.


    On the other side Helena without any further notice she pulled out the spear end out of her shoulder and stuck it into one of the men¡¯s guts. She struggles to pull it back, but as soon as the man was no more than corpse, she put her feet on him and pulled out the spear end. Yet the men kept coming at her as endless raindrops. In desperation to dodge as much as she could, she threw the spear end at random towards them. Unexpectedly a weird sizzling sound came from the dead hunter. Helena turned to see, that the wound she has caused was now wider, the skin slowly melted as the blood within the body boiled. Soon after followed a few that touched the spear or that were unlucky and blood drops fell on them. It would start as a rash then the blood would boil up, melting any tissue until her blood would dry away. But not everyone was affected by it, she couldn¡¯t figure out why her blood would react in such way when in contact with other beings. It was the first time it happened.


    Helena had no luxury on her hands to understand why it¡¯s happening, she just used it as an opportunity. She quickly headed for the rock she took out of the fire circle that the men avoided very carefully. By the look of the situation and after a quick glimpse at Miriam, Helena knew this is had to be done the right way to not leave any trace behind. Hence, she put both her hands through the fire circle and took a bunch of rocks and threw them at the huntsmen. Unliked the effect from her blood, the stones engulfed the person in blue flame while the gas accelerated the tissue¡¯s disintegration. It was instant, there was no blood, no scream and no one was spared.


    To Miriam fighting was no problem, and Bryn knew this first-hand. But after seeing his men randomly being set on fire and just melt away, leaving nothing behind. He saw the last few running towards Brynn¡¯s group. As she saw his expression of victor dying along with his men, Miriam turned to see two last hunters running. To this she sporadically moved her hands, as icicles rose out of the snow. At first to pierce the two men, but afterwards it was everywhere. Except behind her, pristine calmness behind her.


    Helena was unaware of the reason why Miriam was so sporadic. Helena was blocked off by the icicle which over the course of the haphazardly used spell formed a spiky wall. She threw as hard as she could aiming behind the wall. In the hope to hit someone, as the fire circle spell soon ran out. Then started running towards of the ends of wall.


    After Miriam made sure not even one bit of Brynn¡¯s men is left, she returned her attention to Brynn. Her expressionless face and dark eyes made some of the huntsmen shiver. But this did not move Brynn a bit and then not long after the men calmed down. One of the huntsmen pointed as he shouted ¡°Fireballs!¡± all ran aimlessly dodging the fire rocks. Luckily no one got hit, but why would Miriam not create obstacles to see these headless chickens run around to their hearts content. She followed one of the men in close proximity to Brynn. While making small icicles that he¡¯d step on, slowly wearing out his shoes. In the end he still managed to evade all the fireballs. But this did not satisfy Miriam. She gracefully rose her hand while an icicle pierced the man.


    At this point Brynn took out his sword and started hitting the icicle to destroy it. Since they were halflings it was not enough to kill him. By this time Helena also arrived on the other side of the wall. She thought she¡¯d have to jump into the middle of a heated fight, but it seemed more like it had to come a halt. Helena hurriedly walked over to Miriam and asked, ¡°What is going on?¡± then saw her blackened eyes ¡°Oh god, you¡¯re so ugly. Don¡¯t look at me.¡±


    Miriam just nodded and answered, ¡°Brynn is the actual leader of these men, but get this I think he can use telepathy, or a form of communication with his people.¡±


    Helena was actually surprised for once a halfling could have such skill ¡°Now I am amazed.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Really?¡± Miriam looked at her curiously.


    Helena showed a somewhat displeased look ¡°Please understand, that at the moment you look very¡­not nice.¡±


    Miriam giggled ¡°Should we kill them all? If so, it won¡¯t be a walk in the park.¡±


    Helena snapped ¡°Maybe next time you shouldn¡¯t play cat and mouse with them. Anyway, no, let¡¯s keep Brynn alive, we need to find a new place to settle.¡± She rolled up her sleeves ¡°Please keep Brynn busy, I¡¯ll try to deal with the rest.¡±


    Miriam did as instruct. One by one, she erected icicles forcing Brynn to distance himself from the others. They quickly caught up with the two little monsters¡¯ plan, hence the men broke into two groups. One to help Brynn fight the icicles and the other to face Helena.


    Helena rushed towards the ones that were heading for her. She jumped to reach a punch oh the temple of the head, but instead she reached for the neck, punching Adam¡¯s apple. It was a hit, but not a knockout. Also, she had no more essence, to use magic. She could use her blood on her fists and maybe knees, but when to get the time to do it. She needed a weapon. Helena quickly eyed what looked like a knife in one of the men¡¯s lower pockets, she swiftly rushed for it. Happy with her newly acquired weapon, which turned out to be a butter knife. All this changed the flow of her fight, she lowered her stance and aimed for their Achilles heel. They might be halflings, but they were once humans. Their body tells it all. She managed to cut the Achilles heel of two as they charged at the same time for her, and luckily dodged one of the spears while the other pierced her upper thigh. After rendering the two immobile. She ran away, as the other three chased after her.


    During this time Miriam kept isolating Brynn from his comrades. But as her patience ran dry and seeing how Helena doesn¡¯t have a certain win yet, she moved up the peace of her fighting style. She kneeled and touched a chunk of ice and while she stood, and her hand took off from the ice a sword formed. She moved her feet to have enough speed to use it as strength in case she cannot pull it through. To compensate for the height difference, she used the icicles to gain altitude. With this strategy she managed to cut one of the huntsmen¡¯s head, then she quick headed to carve out the heart you of the body. She quickly picked up the peace again, quickly climbing up the icicles, but this time she jumped down, rather than sliding alongside, and with her weight she planted her sword on the last man¡¯s upper shoulder. While gravity was doing its work, she managed to cut downwards towards the heart. But the man had good reaction speed and pierced Miriam stomach.


    Helena¡¯s run now headed towards Miriam and was happy to see, two of the hunters were down and she also had a weapon. With this in mind, she jumped on Miriam and pulled the spear out of her, then quickly pivoted with the spear pointed towards her enemies. Piercing one¡¯s heart and scratching the other¡¯s face. Miriam quickly followed up with decapitating the man whose heart was nothing but past.


    The other two without even looking back for their brothers in arms, they ran directly towards Brynn. As if it was safer than elsewhere. Both girls quickly got on their feed to catch up to them, but it was a rather impossible task. Brynn was caged under ice, the two started smashing the ice with spear while they were yelling at Brynn for help. ¡®Why would they ask a caged person for help¡¯ Helena wandered as they caught up with the huntsmen, or rather what remained of the huntsmen. Despite all the struggle Brynn did not move an inch. ¡®Did he give up?¡¯


    Helena stopped Miriam for walking any further ¡°We should be careful, it¡¯s a bit odd what they¡¯re doing.¡±


    Miriam nodded in agreement ¡°You are right¡± then moved her sword towards her left palm and cut herself ¡°Here, open your mouth. I saw you ran out of essence.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Thank you.¡± Helena took Miriam¡¯s hand and started to drink some of the blood, to replenish her essence, while not even taking her eyes off the sole survivors of the huntsmen.


    Miriam clenched her fist lightly to give Helena the last drop of blood ¡°Be more careful next time with managing your essence.¡±


    ¡°Oh please, let¡¯s not start this. It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t been running around with a hole in my shoulder¡± Helena¡¯s voice cracked as she spoke in such intonations, made it hard for her age to pronounce.


    ¡°Fine, I will go to the two that you left there dying¡± Miriam headed in the direction where Helena ran from to part these men¡¯s heads from their bodies and gouging out their hearts.


    As soon as finished to replenish her essence Helena created two small fire circles with the tip of her finger and took five rocks. Threw one towards the two men that were trying to break the ice. They immediately ran in different directions, while one headed towards Miriam the other one was heading in the woods. Helena started running as she wanted to close the gap between them to not miss her target. After a minute of running, she couldn¡¯t keep up, so she threw one of the rocks. It hit the huntsman but it only obliterated half of it¡¯s body whole leaving the rest to melt. The other one instantly met it¡¯s end as he came face to face with Miriam.


    Despite the cold and the harsh environment, the two girls gathered all the bodies that were not disintegrated and any other remains that would lead to them. It took them half a day. The fight lasted throughout the night while during the day they cleaned. They lit everything up with one of the rocks Helena had left and the other one was put on the side for Brynn.


    Miriam sighed as she brushed off the dust off her hands form all the dirty work. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll find any clues?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, if they want to, they might find something. But if they don¡¯t want to find about it, it is as if the fallen tree never made a sound¡± Helena spoke as if this mess would one might come back ¡°But Brynn, if that¡¯s his name, is just¡­I don¡¯t know.¡± She paused thinking of a fitting word.


    ¡°Unusual? He gave up too fast?¡± Miriam laughed at Helena¡¯s seriousness towards the whole parade that went on ¡°What bothers me the most is that we don¡¯t know exactly what he¡¯s capable of, this is a bigger problem.¡±


    ¡°And that we need to get to their capital, I think he¡¯ll be a great guide¡± Helena put her hand on her hips, ready for a new goal to achieve.


    ¡°Easier said than done¡± Miriam spoke in a sarcastic tone as both headed for Brynn.

 The Silence

    Helena stopped in front of the icicle cage, knocked on it to see if Brynn was still conscious. His reaction was slow, but he looked up to see the two look at him, he panickily looked around. He couldn''t see any of his men, in his craze, he started smashing his head against the ice. Miriam moved her right hand horizontal, and the icicles broke.


    Brynn was not aware of the fact that all his peers were disposed of. In the most inhumane way. He passed out not long after he was caged, the sleepless night and the wounds on him had got him. Hence Helena''s knock woke him up after his forced rest. Yet he couldn''t even stand up, despite his rest. He started yelling, but his broken jaw made it sound more like a growl. Brynn couldn''t muster two words correctly. The girls couldn''t understand his behaviour.


    Miriam looked at Helena as if anticipating something, Helena rolled her eyes while Miriam just pointed at Brynn with her head. She was signalling Helena to do something. She then walked closer to Brynn put her fingertips on his forehead. Brynn was trembling awaiting his end, but weird mumbles started to appear in his mind. He was shocked. He looked at Helena then at Miriam, but the language the voices spoke, he didn''t understand it. Then the silence settled down in his consciousness. Then the voices once again approached him. But now he interpreted them as if it was his native tongue.


    "Do you think he can understand us now?" the voice asked the other as its reply echoed in Brynn''s mind. "I poured all my knowledge of the old language into his pea brain. Let''s see if he manages to figure it out." Brynn shouted at the voices "Who are you? Why are you disturbing my consciousness?" The voices did not reply. His focus returned to the outside as Helena grabbed his jaw and rose his head. He looked at her and Helena smiled as their eyes met. It just came to Brynn who the voices were. It was them. But why? What reason?


    One of the voices spoke again "Brynn your control over the telepathy is so bad we can hear all your thoughts." Brynn''s train of thought had an abrupt stop as he heard the voice. "Stopping to think will only dumb you down, so this won''t work either." He could hear the other voice giggling in the distance as if it was walking away, while she whispered, ''Here it comes.'' Miriam covered her ears while Helena moved Brynn''s dislocated jaw into place. He wanted to scream as the pain hit his nerves, yet he couldn''t Helena was holding his jaw in place, forcing him to groan while glaring at her.


    Miriam walked up closer to Helena, then patted her shoulder. Helena turned towards Miriam, then suddenly Helena had a displeased expression. Brynn could only figure they were talking, but how can he not hear them?The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The voice sighed within Brynn''s mind "Yes, we were talking. Brynn, there are many things you will have to learn." Helena took the butter knife she had snatched from the huntsmen during the fight and cut her right arm as she left go Brynn''s jaw. "You are halfling, can you tell me your ancestry?" He tried to reply, but his voice was not projected. The distant voice giggled once again, while the close on spoke again in a commanding voice "Think Brynn! Think." Then it clicked for him. His thoughts were his voice, but how could not voice everything. His curiosity only kept piling up, but the voice did not reply to any of his questions. He then realized; he was in no position to question them. Brynn''s thought poured out loud as he replied, "I am part Werewolf, part Human." Helena slowly frowned as Brynn spoke, then the voice once again spoke "You''re too loud, manner it down Brynn!" still the voice domineering his thoughts, Brynn could only obey. He slowly started to get used to the voice and its intonations, yet he couldn''t figure it out to whom did it belong. Was it Miriam? "No, I am not her." A shiver ran down Brynn''s body as the voice replied in such a cold manner; he never thought one could project such feelings with its voice. Brynn blinked a few times as he looked at Helena, she just nodded. Confirming it was her speaking with, then without any remorse, she opened Brynn''s mouth as she slid in her hand. While the other hand his jaw in place, the blood slowly dribbled on his tongue.


    "What about the townspeople?" Helena asked. Brynn was so focused on the telepathy that he had forgotten the outside, and the pain was not felt, but the burning feeling, Helena''s blood left, as it trailed deeper into his body numbing it as if melting. Brynn couldn''t think straight. He was on another worldly sentiment; it was ambrosia to his body. Something he had longed for but never knew he was longing for it. "Brynn!" Helena''s voice once again echoed into his consciousness. It had such an impact on Brynn that it felt as he was dragged from heaven into hell. He then replied, "Mostly everyone is a halfling, while the nobility is of pure breed. The common folk are only allowed to breed with humans and not with other kin." Silence settled into Brynn''s mind once again, as if it was the calm before the storm. Helena quickly pulled her hand out of Brynn''s mouth and took a few steps back, while pushing Miriam as she backed.


    Brynn''s mind was in such eerie silence. It started to worry him. The once dazed stare looked as if it came back to life, with his focus back on the outside. He saw the two walking backwards as if something scary behind him. But there was nothing. He quickly glanced around to see if something came about, still nothing. Then he felt his teeth suddenly grow, piercing his human lips. His stature started to increase; he could feel his wounds heal. Brynn took a step to stand up; He stood tall topping more than three meters. His whole body was covered in hair. A white fur coated him as a long furry tail grew, and ears emerged from beneath his scalp. As these appeared, blood dribbled on his white mane.


    Miriam and Helena were socked, but their curiosity overwhelmed them. It was their first time seeing a werewolf in its full form and to top it all the transformation had exceeded their expectations.

 Snow Werewolf

    The now werewolf Brynn stood still, his heavy breathing making his ears twitch left and right. Within minutes he got used to his enhanced senses, it was high compared to the others before, but now it was on a whole new level. He could hear his blood flow within him, the snowmelt and freeze again but nothing for the two standing in front of him. Brynn looked down at Miriam and Helena, he soon after started drooling. He couldn''t figure what made him drool, was it his instinct? He took one step towards them and with an instant Helena''s eyes glimmered red. Brynn kneeled instantly as if oppressed, yet he was wagging his tail.


    Helena stared at him as if analysing him, she smiled then walked closer to Brynn. She reached for his ears but couldn''t reach. Brynn leans in closer to her somewhat curious, she then pats and caresses his fur. Helena''s voice cracked as she spoke in the old language of her predecessors. "He''ll be a good dog."


    Miriam looked questionable at Helena "You should give up speaking in that language" she looked at her hands "The body cannot handle such complexity in pronunciation." Her gaze returned at Brynn "Did you finalize the contract?"


    Helena grinned "About to do so." while her teeth sharpened as she spoke. Soon after she bit into the werewolf''s neck. Brynn roared in pain, yet only silence was the reply to his cry. He then tried to reach for Helena that was hanging by his neck. His body stopped as soon as his claws touched her skin. He looked down at her, she was staring at him. Her bloody eyes piercing into his every cell, making his every thought of disobedience cower into a corner.


    For a good two minutes, Helena sucked the blood out of Brynn. She then let go of him. Soon after he fell flat on the snow, while slowly his form regressed to that of a human.


    Miriam quickly moved out of the towering werewolf''s fall and asked while staring at him turning back into a human. "Did you kill him?" Helena just shook her head. "You sure were hungry. I guess this is good as well. We need him in human form, rather than a werewolf." Miriam looked at Helena and pointed out "Clean yourself, so unsightly." She then threw some snow at Helena, to wash out the blood.


    After Helena finished cleaning herself, she walked up to Brynn then started to shake his body to wake him up. He did not move nor react, soon after she gave up as Miriam spoke up questioning the contract. "Did the memory exchange succeed as well?" Helena nodded; Miriam continued "What about your memories?"


    Helena sighed "You worry too much. Selected a few of my memories were shared." She glanced at Brynn again. "He is butt naked. We need to get some clothes from somewhere. People would get suspicious if they saw him naked with two kids."


    "Agreed." Miriam looked around to see what was left of the belongings that they didn''t burn. "We have a blanket." Thereafter she threw the blanket on Brynn. Both just remained silent, realizing the mistake that they didn''t take into account as they cleaned up. To leave a minimum of necessities.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.They stood next to Brynn, waiting for him to wake up for a great two hours. Miriam was starting to lose her patience. "Are you sure you didn''t kill him?" Helena glared back as she replied "I am very certain. Do not question me again!" and in her anger kicked Brynn, he then groaned but did not wake up. She quickly caught on to this, then yelled at him ordering him. "Wake up you damned mutt!" she then once again kicked him.


    Brynn immediately opened his eyes as he received the command, then looked confused at the two. At this point, he could only accept the fact that he has been chained by Helena. "I am up, stop annoying me." He spoke in the old language that Helena had shared with him through telepathy.


    Helena snapped as Brynn spoke, her red eyes glared at him. Anger, hate, and disgust poured in as she ordered him once again. "You will never speak that language again in this lifetime!" Brynn couldn''t understand why, but he just nodded as there was no other option, but just obedience. "Use it for telepathic communication only!" she then pointed at the blanket "Wrap that around you and take us to the nearest city."


    Brynn looked at the ragged blanket, he got up turned around and jokingly pointed out "You girls are too young for this." While he tied the blanket around his hips and picked the two up. He headed back on the main road, then started running.


    Both were taken aback by his joke, despite all that had happened he behaved in such an unexpected manner. This only made Helena question his thrust even more, despite having him under a contract of ownership. Helena remembered something she had seen through Brynn''s memories.


    "Miriam, do you remember the Count that wanted to overthrow the soon to be crowned prince?" Helena asked while staring ahead as Brynn''s speed gradually increased. Miriam shook her head. "No. How many years ago was that?" Helena sighed while frowning at Miriam "143 years ago. Remember the pale and bald geezer that was always picking on everyone''s etiquette?" Miriam instantly glowed with happiness and laughed "Straud the Failure?" Helena nodded.


    Brynn was shocked by what he was hearing. They knew Straud the Usurper, but they knew him as the failure?! Helena once again pointed out "We can hear you, Brynn. He was a failure as count as a vampire and most especially as a strategist in politics." Brynn was about to speak then Helena cut in. "We are not going to tell him about us, unless of course you¡­" once again the piercing red eyes stared at him, reminding him again and again of his owner. He swallowed his saliva as he tried to forget about Helena and her every breath''s doubt.


    The sun was setting. They have been on the road for more than five hours and during this time Brynn did not stop once, despite having been asked if needed to rest, he kept on running. After a short interval to the nightfall, they could see a dim light and as they closed in, a grand stone gate emerged into their view. Brynn slowed down. He then just kept a walking pace as they reached the gate.


    The guards stationed at the gate glanced at them. At first not recognizing Brynn but as they realized they were confused. What could have happened? Brynn without any greetings stood in line after the merchants at the gatekeepers office.