Shadow of the Wolf

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Dartian, I see you do not accompany her. Where is she? I still need to speak further with her to appease the council.” He knew that the reasons Viktor had to see Saleene had nothing to do with the council and everything to do with some unseen obsession.

“Viktor, you have no need to speak with Saleene. You have already asked her questions, and both I and Nadrin have already told you she knows nothing of our special gifts.” Anger seethed just below the surface. Dartian stilled himself “I am telling you this much though, she is under my protection and the protection of my clan. Understand that before you come looking for her in the future.”

Not allowing Viktor time to rebut his claim, Dartian moved past him, continuing in the direction of Nadrin’s home. Opening the door, he stepped into the warmth and solitude, drinking in the aroma of burning candles. Looking in the direction of the table, he saw the old man sitting in his chair, eyes closed.

“Welcome back lad, it is good to see you’ve returned.” Once again had not been sleeping. He should have known he would not get away without having to speak to the old man. Turning around, he saw a half-cocked smile cross the old man’s face, one he couldn’t help but return.

“You should know better than to fake sleep. Didn’t Saleene already chastise you for it before?” He couldn’t help but jest with the old fool.

“Why are you still awake?”

“Just an old man wondering where the two love birds had taken off to. I can sense the change in you my lad. Something has happened. Come on, out with it.”

Dartian pulled out the chair and placed it across from Nadrin, sitting down quietly, choosing his words carefully.

“Remember what you said to me the night you saved Saleene’s life?” He waited to hear if he remembered the conversation, hoping he would, so that he could understand the reason for his concern. Watching him closely, he was not disappointed when the man nodded his head in acknowledgment.

“Aye my son, of course I remember. I told you that I did not know what effect saving her would have on her body. Come; tell me what has transpired so that we can prepare for anything that may ensue from the choices I made that night.” Relieved that Nadrin was not upset, Dartian replayed the night’s events in great detail, never once leaving out any bit of information, no matter how small or trivial.

“Ah, I see. I had a feeling something like this might happen. It makes perfect sense now. I knew I sensed something about her; I just couldn’t place it. Now, you did mention something that I am curious about. You said she had a birthmark. What did the design look like?”

As Dartian was about to open his mouth the door flew open and Zachius stalked into the room. Dartian watched as he closed the door with the kick of his boot and headed right for him, a look of concern etched on his face.

“We have a problem.” He muttered. Looking around he did not stop, but headed over to the window, pulling the curtains closed to provide further privacy. Returning his gaze back to the two men, Zachius pulled out a chair and sat, his face strained.

“What is it? You are never worried.” That in itself bothered Dartian.

“Dartian, after you left the woods I remained. I wanted to be sure she would be okay. I remained hidden by overgrown log when I noticed that something else was in the area, cloaked by the darkness. As I remained silent, the form emerged from the shadows. It was Viktor. He knows Dartian. He knows Saleene can now shift.” His words registered like a blow to the head.

Dartian jumped from the chair and headed for the door. He knew he had to find Saleene, now. With Viktor knowing of her ability, he would pursue her tenfold. Opening the door, he found himself facing her, a single tear flowing down her face.