Page 50 of The Empire and the Wolf King

He whinnied.

The men turned and looked in m’direction.

I whispered tae Stormy, “Och, they heard ye over the incessant buzzin’ of the wee beasties.”

The men were far away and twas dark, but they were focused on our direction.

I whispered, “Run if I tell ye tae.”

Then I howled like a wolf, low and long. “Arhooooo!”

The men stepped back, closer tae the house.

“It worked, the howls of the Wolf King will always drive fear intae man.”

I trained my binoculars on the house again.

A great deal of time passed while I considered my options. The men grew bored and relaxed a bit.

I crept silently tae another part of the woods and howled again, low and long — the guards seemed agitated by it and moved even closer tae the house.

I walked tae another part of the woods and howled again.

The guards drew back, closer tae the back of the house. Twas fun tae agitate them. Ben would hae enjoyed it, but it wasna helping me get inside.

I would need tae approach the brothel from the road, as if I were a customer. I could tie Stormy tae the rail and go in and procure a room.

And pray Asgall wouldna recognize me.

I led Stormy around the perimeter of the property, through the woods, and mounted him once I was out of the trees on the road that led tae the house.

But then the front door of the brothel slammed open and a man jogged out. Carrying a torch, he took the stairs at a fast clip, and raced across the grass. He was looking right and left as if terribly frightened.

He untied his horse from a hitching post, stuffed papers intae a saddlebag, mounted the horse, and headed up the road toward my position. He held the torch flame up, wavin’ it around tryin’ tae see in the woods.

I pulled Stormy around and began walking along the road, keepin’ pace tae stay just ahead of him until we would be well away from the brothel and I was certain we werna followed.

I wanted information from him. I was disappointed I hadna gotten intae the brothel, and I prayed this stranger might be an opportunity.

I slowed Stormy and allowed the man tae approach.

He hailed me, his torch high in the air, “You there in the darkness! Sire! Have you heard any wolves?”

“Nae… but I doubt there are many here. Likely the bears hae eaten them.”

He came verra close, looking frightened over his shoulder, waving the torch all around with a whoosh, whoosh.

He said, “My name is Greyson. I just left the bawdy house and…” He shifted in his saddle looking all around. “Perhaps we could ride along together to keep them at bay.”

“Who?”

“The bears — or the wolves!”

I chuckled. “I think we ought tae be much more concerned about the men.”

He was startled. “That is good advice…” He pushed the torch forward, illuminating my face. “What is your name, sire, what is your business out here in the woods?”

“My name is John Smith.” I turned Stormy and set him walking.

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