Bred For Extinction

The Queen's Sacrifice

Hot pants lead the way as Mochan streaks in four-legged form after leaving Cianna to her own personal woes and regrets. Little time has passed as he reaches the mountainous home of Penduran and shifts back to his human guise. Now, standing at the base of the massive structure, thoughts ponder where a possible entrance could be hiding in the rocky terrain. His chest heaves from the crossing to this place, but even as tired and worn as he has become, he knows this night has presented no challenges even close to the one he must still endure. Unyielding eyes glance over the monolith before a slight moment of relinquishment causes him to turn his back and lean to the structure's side, slumping low with eyes closing for a brief moment of solitude and contemplation.

Silence does not come as words begin to slam into his brain, "Dwight, you have arrived. It is time to prepare for the first true battle."

His eyes flash open, glaring about the landscape, knowing the voice that has presented itself to him from past dreams...but this time he knows he is not dreaming. A slow snarl creeps across his features, awaiting tense as breath again picks up with the possibility of confrontation.

"Why must you think all a threat, Dwight," her speech is slow as she slides into his vision, gray-cloaked and haunting. "You know me. You have known me all your life. Is it such a surprise I would finally appear in person?"

Mochan does not move, unsure of reality, yet knowing this scene is different than any past dream or vision. "You have led and pushed me for all the time I can remember. What have you to say now?" The words are almost barked in anger as this night truly is wearing on his patience.

"Is true...I have. But this night will be the last time I appear to you, either in mind or person. Tonight, you will learn the final links that I have to offer you. It is the information that will set you on your way to either destruction or salvation. Are you ready to learn the final pieces of this wicked puzzle?"

His gestures show disgust with the thought of having to absorb more information, "Everyone has told me their stories, and now you want me to listen to another. I am tired of the long-winded histories and having to guess at the true meanings. What else is there to learn? I know all I need...either Penduran or I must die."

She stays calm, knowing the frustration in his mind, "You know much, but not all. Let me continue and before the final confrontation of this long night, you will have all the information needed for all your existence. I will tell you what is known and then you will decide if you will be the wolf you are...or a lamb to be slaughtered like your predecessors."

"Fine," eyes blink as his head shakes with disbelief, "ramble on then. I can use the break as I'm sure your story will be as boring as the rest and will give me a chance to relax."

She nods in acceptance, "I am Liadan, daughter of Morna, and mother of your ancestors...the 'Tiocfaidh Ar La'. That is the name we chose for the great wolves."

Mochan questions with a squinted eye, "My ancestors?"

"Yes, your ancestors. Surely you have been told, and by now realize, that you are not human and definitely not of the normal wolf species. You are part of a great scheme meant to be the ultimate downfall to the vampire race."

Nostrils flare as he tastes the air, "And I am to believe anything you say when I smell the rancid scent of the leech breed flowing so strong from you."

"You are correct...but I was not always so. As I stated, I was the child of the great witch Morna. I alone was selected to be the vessel that would bring the first mixture of wolf and witch blood into this world. The plot would hopefully save our breeds, as we knew the Great War was already lost. I gave birth to the first of your kind, the golden haired one, who later fell in battle to Penduran, as did all his great descendants. You see, even though he was perfect to the plan, his children did not follow the pattern. We hoped that all the offspring born from his loins would be of the great wolf caliber. The problem came as most were born either witch or wolf, but not containing the great combination we had hoped. It was long until the next true great one came, and even though each of your kind is born closer and closer, it has never been what we dreamed. We wanted an army. How fearful the vampires would have been, to face such a force. Still, there is hope, as each 'Tiocfaidh Ar La' comes closer in time of birth, the dream still exists that perhaps one day two will exist at once...then 3, then 10, then 100, and perhaps our army will become reality. But for now, this actuality is far away, and the responsibility of the breed lies upon you."