The Protectors

The Protectors 7

"What exactly is the Mountain Zone?" Saber asked me out of breath. I hadn't noticed how fast I was walking until she jogged to my side. I became too lost in the intoxicatingly glorious landscape to answer her question. We had exited the woods earlier that morning, and had now entered a small plain. The long unkempt green grass came up to our knees as we waded through its thickness. Towering over top of us and blocking the sun's direct light was our destination. The beautiful snow crested mountain peaks had formed a large flowing waterfall that glistened as it fell. Blue, green, and orange filled up the face of the mountain; colors of a variety of trees. Rolling hills led up to the foot of the mountains. A faint sliver of black smoke emitted from a large cluster of evergreens; showing me exactly where we needed to go.

"That's where we are headed isn't it?" Saber asked me, pointing to the smoke.

"Yup, that's the Mountain Zone." I said in a hushed tone.

"What exactly is it?"

I answered her as if I had given the speech a million times before. "The largest known man made fortress to protect from werewolves. Its walls are constructed of reinforced steel and are forty feet high. People from everywhere have travelled to this last safe haven."

"Do they allow werewolves there?" The question hung in the air as I refused to answer it. All throughout the day we hiked to reach our destination, but the mountains seemed to stay as far away as before. Warily we sat down when we reached the foot of the mountain. The place I thought was astounding only hours before now became a challenge to overcome.

"Why won't you answer my question Tyre?" She asked me. She tried a new tactic this time though, and I was dumbfounded when she rubbed her hand across my chest.

"Just tell me Tyre, you know you want to." I was a slave to what she was asking of me.

"I don't know if they allow werewolves. They could torture you, but I can't bring myself to think of such things." She sulked and stomped away from me. I ran to catch up with her and grabbed her by the shoulder. She turned around with a growl.

"What are you so upset about?" She curled her brow as if I didn't know

"Why are you too scared to admit you find me attractive?"

"I'm not, but I didn't think you liked me."

"If I didn't like you then would we both be here right now?" There was sense in what she said, but an awkward silence that followed. Suddenly we were wrapped in a tight embrace kissing each other. The kiss was short, but so perfect. She let go of me, and smiled with satisfaction. We stared into each others eyes for a short while before breaking the trance.

"Let's go now." She said, taking a hold of my hand. The rest of the hike up the mountain was grueling, but we eventually reached where we were headed. In front of us was the fortress that had led my whole village to their deaths. We were just stepping through the gates when a blur knocked me to the ground. I stood up and wiped fresh blood from my lip. I searched for the cause of my split lip, but it was not to be seen.

"What was that?" I asked Saber.

"I have no idea." She answered perplexed. Suddenly, a small plump man in his mid-sixties stepped out from the fortress and ran towards us.

"Come inside quick children, or the mountain wolves will destroy us all." We obeyed without hesitation. Once we were safely inside, the man started talking to us again.

"Welcome to my fortress children, I'm assuming you come here for my protection?'

"Your assumption is right. My name is Tyre and this is my friend Saber. I come from Sam's village."

"You can call me Arden. Your werewolf friend will be shown the bathroom so she can clean up. You come with me and tell me what happened to Sam." As we talked, I smiled inwardly, ever ready for the hidden evil I had been sent to join long ago.

Thanks for reading guys. I've got lots more to write about including Saber's life and Tyre before the Great Destruction, or I can continue writing what happens next, but it's up to you. Please comment on which one I should write first, and if you liked the story.