The Son of Artemis and Fenrir

Chapter 35 - Growing Cadre

He was incredibly nervous. Me, Luna, Rowan and Rennie could all practically smell it wafting off of him like the smell of a freshly baked pie. His eyes were incredibly skittish as they darted amongst us. They lingered on me the longest. I noticed that his leg seemed to be holding his weight pretty well, he hasn't yet cried out in pain. Silence loomed over us as he continued to look at us. Eyes constantly moving.

It almost seemed like he was going to bolt, but we all knew he had nowhere to go. I sighed as a smile grew on my face and a chuckle began to emerge. "Please, sit by the fire a while. You must be pretty cold... oh and do help yourself to the food. Plenty to go around." I offered as I indicated an empty spot next to the fire. His gaze turned back to me, he opened his mouth as if he was going to speak, but no words nor sounds came out. He simply nodded as he sheepishly sat down and took a piece of venison from the fire.

"He seems so nervous. Despite his age and heritage, he's acting no different to a new born  fawn. So skittish and afraid." Mum said as I silently gestured for the others to sit. As they were sitting down, I made my way to my saddlebags. I thrusted my arm deeply into the one on the right and felt about until I found three large wooden mugs. I placed them down beside me before rummaging through the other one. I stopped when I felt a cork lid, I slid my hand a little further down until I could grip the barrel entirely.

I then pulled the miniature barrel out and, picking the mugs back up, walked back to the fire. "So, you got a name friend?" I asked as I poured the cider into the three mugs.
"My name... my name? It has been so long since someone has asked me... it is Taylor. My name is Taylor." He answered as I handed him a mug. I also passed Rowan a mug before sitting down and taking a swig from my own.
"Well Taylor, what are you doing this far north?" I asked as I lent back.

"I was stationed in a Red Cloth outpost on the other side of the mountain. But I had to leave. I could not stand the pain and torment they were causing. So I am now looking for Fenrir's heir." He explained. Thankfully, he did not seem to notice that all of us almost jumped when he said the last part.
"Why are you looking for the King of Wolves?" I asked calmly as I finished off my mug.
"It is because they are not only holding Dire wolves but Sköll is also there. Forced to obey the commands of Jesus due to a golden helmet like chain." Taylor explained.

"Just as we suspected. It was not like Sköll to cause so much unnecessary destruction." Robyn exclaimed. She had been so quiet and I had been so distracted that I had not heard her leave her tent. Taylor jumped and spilt half of his mug around him.
"Robyn you gave us all a jump, Taylor especially." I half scolded as she continued across until she was sat with Luna and Rennie. I then turned back to Taylor and motioned for him to continue.
"How long has it been since you ran away?" I asked.
"Maybe two or three days. I had found a crevice that allowed me to travel through the mountain instead of around it. To be honest I dunno how many days I was in there. It's all been a blur since it resurfaced." He answered as he covered part of his arm.

This only peaked my curiosity more. I mean sure, I had a rough idea with what he was. But I needed to know how much he knew about it as well.

"Since what resurfaced?" I asked curiously. He instantly became even more nervous, his hands now fidgeting even more.
"Did I say something resurfaced. No I didn't mean to say resurface, I meant to say..."
"Taylor calm down. You are safe here." I interjected as I gently placed my hand on his shoulder.
"But... b-but you don't understand I... I am a..." he stuttered uncontrollably. Once again, a smile returned to my face.
"Don't understand, Taylor, we are some of the people who do understand what you have experienced. Why, because it is our lives. Take Rowan over there, you know what he can do?"

He shook his head.
"Rowan, show Taylor why he isn't so different from us." I instructed as I stood up.
"Yes, my lord." Rowan said as he stood up before fur began to spread. After a faint flash of light, Rowan was stood next to Rennie, looking up at us happily.
"You see Taylor, while Rowan's magic may not be as unique as yours. He understands what you are experiencing." I explained as Rowan rose back on two feet.