Castlevania: Awakening

Chapter 8

A morning mist had crept in and settled over the forest. The air was thick with the damp and chilling effect.

Laeleth thought she could still hear her name gently whispered on the wind. She knew not where Gabriel had gone, but she was reluctantly growing accustomed to his abrupt nature.

Now that he was no longer in her company Laeleth felt in full force just how tired she really was. It was still a mile to the village gates and what would normally be a pleasant and simple walk was all too difficult and despairing.
All Laeleth could think of now was what had happened to Demetrius. Yes, Laevon had given his permission for them to go out alone, but what would everyone think when their most beloved ranger did not return with her?
Surely Laevon at least would not think the worst of her!

“It will be all right, Laeleth,” she spoke aloud to herself. “Laevon will … believe you.” She hesitated even as she tried to encourage herself.
She knew that Laevon’s patience had been rather thin the last time she had been missing.
Certainly Gabriel would not have allowed her to return to the village if he thought she would be in any danger. Laeleth knew that he was not dooming her to this fate intentionally.

A raven called out a harsh cry as it flapped its wings and took to the air. It startled Laeleth from her daydream and she realized that she was now just outside the village walls.

She could see the small, thatched huts with the stone chimneys puffing out wisps of smoke. The ominous spire of the church pointed straight into heaven.
She walked somberly towards the lights of home, her feet treading heavily with every step. She had not gone far before she heard a disturbance.
There were men’s voices crying out and the sound of hurried footsteps. Laeleth soon felt herself wrapped in the loving arms of her brother, Laevon.

“Laeleth!” he cried, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her forehead. “Oh thank God you are safe!” His relief and concern warmed Laeleth’s heart and she momentarily forgot her troubles.
But it was not to last as Laevon looked anxiously around and asked, “Demetrius? You have his cloak, but where is he?”

The group of rangers surrounded them both waiting eagerly for her reply. But from the look on his sister’s face Laevon could tell the news was grave.

“We were up in the northern glade,” the words came more painfully for Laeleth as she began to relate her tale. “Everything was going fine! I do not how it all happened,” her voice trailed as she tried to choke back the fresh tears.

Now that she was home and surrounded by familiar faces all the reality of what happened hit her in a devastating way. These men had been like brothers to Demetrius and they would surely be upset over his grim fate.

Laevon tried his best to comfort her. “Take your time, Sister,” he soothed as he waited.
He was far more eager to know what had happened than he was showing, but he thought it best that Laeleth feel secure first. He was sure it could not be anything good since she had come home alone.

After a brief pause she continued, “We were surrounded by a pack of wolves. It was all so sudden. There had never been any sign of trouble! Demetrius told me to run and not look back. I heard so many awful noises. I tried to get him to come with me, but since he was so insistent I ran and …”

Laevon did not wait for her to continue as he felt time was of utmost importance now.
“Philip! Darrion!” Laevon commanded, “Take some men to the northern glade and follow Demetrius’ signs. He surely would have marked their trail. Do not return until you find him!”

The rangers nodded and hurried away to carry out their orders.

“Come, Sister, I will take you home,” Laevon said with care as he gently guided her.
Laeleth was still in shock over the whole experience and now that Gabriel’s mesmerizing and calming presence was not near to occupy her mind she found herself once again sober and forlorn.