Witchers of Camelot

The Hunt Begins

Arthur believes the whole plan to be utter suicide. He thought they'd all be facing the beast together. Instead, Ciri's plan dictates they protect these totems, or whatever they are, and make sure they don't break. All Arthur sees are a bunch of stick with carved bones and stones dangling over it. 

'Are you sure about this, my lady?' he asks again. 

'Trust me, those things in your hands are the most crucial part of this plan. If any one of those things break, the Black Dog escapes and we'll all be done for. The demon knows it as well. It'll try everything in its power to break even one of those. So don't let it'.  Ciri answered him cheerfully.

'But what about you?'

'I'll handle it myself. Don't worry, I've taken down worse'. 

Arthur doubted that but kept it to himself. 'Very well, my lady. But if you ever find yourself in trouble, quickly call out and we'll come to  your aid'.

'Aww, how sweet. Such brave knights you all are'. The lady grinned at him. Did she think this all to be a game.

'Lady Cirilla. Please don't tease them too much', said Merlin.

She gave another hearty laugh before walking to the center of the clearing. Above them, clouds began to shift as the wind rustled the trees into a frenzied dance. The pale moon darkened before turning into the colour of blood.

'This is it', warned Lady Cirilla. 'Everyone, to your posts. Be ready'. As she spoke, she uncorked the vial of liquid before emptying it in one quick gulp.

They heard the wolves howling before they saw them. The feral beasts leapt out of the woods, encircling the group. Arthur waited but not a single one of them attacked.

Then, the wolves made a path and what came out of the woods was beyond anything he ever imagined. A monster larger than a warhorse made its path towards the lady.

Its eyes were a deep empty void.  Spear like teeth emerged from its lower jaws, ready to devour anyone who stood in its way. Large paws with knife like claws and thick powerful limbs for shredding. It was enveloped in thick dark mist that sucked the life out of everything it touched. Worst of all, the Black Dog had no skin. Arthur watched as muscle strands convulsed with the demon's every movement.

No training could have prepared the knights for a night such as this.

With an evil glare, the Black Dog looked at them one by one before locking its eyes on Lady Cirilla. 'I was promised a child this night but reaping your soul is a much better bargain'. The demon's voice was deep and guttural, like the voice of tormented souls spoke in unison. 

'Come to me, child of surprise. Let me rip your soul apart. We both know you deserve it'. 

With the demon's every step, Arthur's heart beat faster. His eyes moved from the horror in front of him to the girl, waiting for her to finally give them the signal. 

'You'll have to take it from me'. Lady Cirilla raised her blade and pointed it at the demon. 

The Black Dog snarled at each of them but kept its careful pace as it walked closer to its target. But then, the demon sniffed something in the air. It looked at Galahad before bearing him its massive teeth. Arthur saw as the terror showed itself in the young knight's eyes. Galahad panicked and quickly planted his totem on the ground. The magical item lit up, restraining the demon with a thin layer of light. 

'No!', yelled the lady. 'It's too early'.

Suddenly, the Black Dog roared, ripping and tearing the magical light that enveloped it. Around them, the wolves leapt at the group, throwing everything into chaos. Arthur held his position as best he could but the endless waves of feral beasts continued to push him into the middle of the clearing. Behind him, Arthur caught a glimpse of Tristan and Lancelot running to Galahad's aid. But even together, they were barely able to keep up with the beasts' continuous attacks. Merlin, however, managed to hold his own using his strange sorcery. 

'Lady Cirilla, we must fall back'. Arthur expected her to be cornered on one end, fighting for her life. What he saw left his mouth wide open. The white haired huntress danced weightlessly around the demon, moving flawlessly between its attacks. She was untouchable. But so was the demon. Lady Cirilla struck it with her blade but every strike simple bounced off the creature's body. Arthur could see the huntress's breathing grow ragged. 

Finally, the demon managed to land its first strike. Nothing more than a measly cut on Lady Cirilla's forearm but it still did not bode well. 

'I'm coming, my lady', yelled Arthur, striking down another wolf before turning towards her.

Lady Cirilla looked back at him, eyes filled with an imposing strength. 'Hold your posts', she said simply. 

Arthur grunted but did as he was told. He continued to butcher every wolf that came his way. Their sharp fangs couldn't pierce his armour. But with every strike, the knight felt his strength waning. How long before the huntress's plan is ready. And how long before the demon and its beasts finally overrun them.  

Then, after what seemed like an eternity, the moons dim blood light vanished. A natural pale hue lit up the night once again. 

From behind him, Arthur heard Lady Cirilla's gleeful laugh. 'Now, demon. It's my turn'.