Wolves and realms

prologue (many years ago)

The voice was one of authority. It was a voice very well known among the counsel. It was the voice of the Hierarch.

"You, wolf, are the murderer of eight mages. Four were children. You declared war on humanity that day. We must know why. Speak or die as they did."

The Hierarch stood in the shadows high above the other members of the counsel. Despite not seeing it's face, the wolf in the centre of the room knew very well that its unblinking eyes were locked onto him.

The wolf remained silent.

"Were you aware of your actions as you stained your paws with human blood?"

"Yes, great Hierarch." The wolf replied.

"Did you feel joy as you brought agony to them? As you turned them to dust leaving only their blood and souls?"

"No."

"Was it for a glorious purpose?"

"No."

"Or was it hatred? What did they do to break you?"

The room stood quiet. The only sound being the heavy beating of the wolfs heart.

"You're shaking. What do you have to fear?"

"I have no fear of the consequences of what I have done. Nor do I fear the judgement of the counsel and those I have killed. I fear that I may never forget what they did. Why I fought."

"And why did you fight?"

Silence again.

"Answer the question, beast!"

"They took life from my family. I... I was angered by their actions. By the time I had learned that the murderer had been controlled by that... Thing, it was too late."

"You killed them! You were aware that you did it! You knew that it was the fault of a single mage yet you killed them all!" Bellowed one member of the counsel.

"Murderer! He should feel their pain! Have him executed and his soul shattered!" Shouted another.

"Enough! There will be order in this court, regardless of whether we are in the presence of a killer or not."

The Hierarch focused it's attention back on the wolf. Once more, he could feel the cold stare of its glowing eyes.

The wolf looked to the crowd. There were two empty positions. One was his own and the other belonged to one of the mages. He then turned toward the Hierarch. There was a final moment of silence before it spoke.

"This session is inconclusive. All mages of the counsel shall return tomorrow at dawn."