Kidnapped

Chapter 1

Note: I am posting the new, updated version of this story on my blog. You can read the next part here: https://jessilroberts.wordpress.com/2019/01/10/kidnapped-part-2/

For today only, you can read another story set in this universe by going to https://gohavok.com

Fern peered over the wall that surrounded the town of Refuge. A couple deteriorating buildings from before the apocalypse pierced the dense forest horizon.

Below the buildings, a rider and packhorse trotted down the road while a huge dog ran beside them. This incoming scout had to be Robiel. Only he had a diredog, and the horses were both duns. Good thing they'd made it before sunset. Then again, Robiel didn't fear the night or the dangers that came with it. He'd probably shot dozens of vamps and likely a few werewolves too. Contrary to old legend, lead bullets worked just fine on werewolves.

Fern leaned over the wall and waved at Robiel. He waved back at the twins as he pulled his horse to a stop below the gate.

Below them, the gates swung open with a screech of metal. Robiel rode through, his monster of a dog at his side and the packhorse trotting behind.

Fern turned to go down the stairs and nearly bumped into one of the guards. "Watch where you're going, elf," he snapped.

Ash, her brother bounded up the stairs to her side, his silver eyes reflecting the fire of the setting sun. "Touch my sister, and I'll feed you to the werewolf."

The guard backed off. "You're only allowed on the wall during your shift. No spectators allowed."

"We're going," Fern snapped. Fern and Ash ran down the stairs and to Robiel.

He dismounted and hugged them both. "You've grown." He released them from his embrace. "Still interested in becoming a scout?" he asked Ash. "You two are what now, fifteen?"

"Sixteen." Ash smiled. "We had some excitement of our own."

Robiel's tan eyebrows shot up. "You'll have to tell me about it." He glanced at the people of Refuge, who streamed from their homes to surround Robiel. They'd want news, especially from Robiel, one of the rare scouts who met with the werewolf packs living outside Refuge's walls.

Robiel led his horse toward the stables. "Talk as we walk."

Fern hurried after the fast-moving scout. "A couple days ago, the guards caught a werewolf poking around when we were weeding the gardens."

Robiel's copper eyes widened. "Did he bite anyone?"

"Nope." Ash ran a hand through his hair, making it stand up in silver spikes like werewolf fur. "He surrendered without a fight. He said he wanted to talk to a scout. It was nothing like the last time, but I think this one's pureblood. He barely looks human."

Robiel opened the door to the stable. "I'll check it out after I get the horses unsaddled."

His dog trotted toward the stables, her tail curled over her back.

The crowd gave the huge beast a wide berth. Fern couldn't blame them. The thing was bigger than any wolf or normal dog.

"Is there any news?" a man in the crowd shouted.

"I heard an airplane last month." Robiel walked into the stables and closed the doors, locking the twins and the crowd out.

"We should tell Barry that Robiel's coming to look at the wolf," Ash said.

All Ash wanted was an excuse to get another look at the werewolf. "Do you think werewolf bites would turn us?" Fern asked. A vision of the gore-covered wolf from last year entered her mind.