Timeless

Devon

Over the following days, Devon managed to get Corvinus to explain about the different creatures nearby. The only ones he went into detail with were ones Devon mentioned, mainly those in the orphanage.
    “So werewolves change whenever, not just the full moon?” Devon asked as he watched some of the werewolves change as they played.
    “Correct and the full moon has little to do with it.”
    “What's so special about elves? They seem to be just humans with pointed ears and slanted eyes.” This said as he watched some of the elves play catch.
    “Do you see that girl over there? The one that might be eight.”
    “Yeah.”
    “She could likely pick you up and throw you across this room.”
    “Ah.” Since they were in the throne room, Devon was a bit bothered by the thought. Clearing his throat he took a different aim, “So, what creates a large shadow and scares old men?”
    “I think that is enough questions for today." This had been the same response as the last 10 times Devon had tried asking.
    By the following morning, Kate had gotten tired of hearing Devon asking the same questions and suggested a change. “Let's take the children outside to the courtyard today. Everyone has been inside too long. Corvinus, Devon you two can help keep an eye on everyone.”

“Um, I'm not good with kids,” Devon protested. “There's also nothing out there for them to really play wi-.” He trailed off as two of the elves picked up the stone seesaw and headed towards the doors. As he watched, those that could helped to get the larger items out the doors.

Walking over to Devon, Kate laid her hand on his shoulder. “You just have to make sure no one wanders off. And yes, their strength can take some getting used to.”

Clearing his throat, Devon just nodded and followed Kate out the doors where everyone else had gone.                                         

***********

After making sure everything was set up, Corvinus and Kate retreated to a shaded alcove to keep an eye out.

Once settled, Kate turned to Corvinus, “Now, tell me why you helped this boy when you've left others like him behind.”

When Corvinus didn't answer, Kate whispered, “You don't think he's him do you?”

“I think it's possible,” Corvinus finally said. He was watching Devon get pressured by three or four werewolves to play fetch.

Following Corvinus' gaze, Kate studied the unremarkable young man, who had just given in and thrown the ball. He wasn't tall like most of the human men Kate had seen. He didn't stand much taller than Kate herself. His black hair and red-brown eyes were not uncommon, either.

“He wouldn't stand a chance against Napoleon,” Kate decided.

“There just seems to be something about him. Perhaps he has some sort of skill.”

Kate doubted it, but chose not to say so.                                 

*********

Who knew… Werewolves played fetch.

After throwing that damn ball for what felt like the hundredth time, Devon began to feel uneasy. While waiting for the wolves to bring the ball back, Devon scanned the rest of the courtyard, but didn't see anything out of place.

As he threw the ball again, Devon's sense of unease had become impossible to ignore. The only thing he knew was something unwelcome was coming.

Since the wolves hadn't had a victor in the tug of war with the ball, Devon did something that he hadn't in years. He stretched his senses beyond the castle wall.