Chronicles of Brian

Chapter 32

"Let's get out of here before someone sees you or you." Brian paused as he searched for words "I don't know, you light someone on fire or something.""I would only do that if they deserved it!" Walfrus replied but before Brian could respond Tick-tock spoke.

"There was that time when you were trying to improve on your char cloth maker and..""Yes very well Tick-tock. Brian doesn't need to hear that and we have more important things to discuss. Lead on!"Brian looked confused as he watched this exchange

"Once we get to my apartment we do have a lot to discuss. How are you here. Why. As well as what is that?" He pointed at Tick-tock and then waved for them to follow him.They stayed to lesser used paths to get off campus.and eventually to a one bedroom apartment.

Brian opened the door and waved them in as he looked to see if anyone was watching. Once inside he dropped into his favorite chair "ok now what is going on now? Have you heard from Artemis and Sebastian? Are they ok?"A deep throaty growl responded "We can answer that."

Out of the shadows a large wolf stepped out, a small girl in red followed along side."Now who the hell are you!" Brian yelled."Partially right." Responded Walfrus as he stepped in front of Brian, he hand quickly going to a rod at his hip that had a end of welded cogs.

"What do you mean?"The blonde girl held up a placating hand "Now now Walfrus. If we meant harm we wouldn't have shown ourselves like this." Her voice didn't match her body, it sounded cold."Who are they Walfrus?" Brian's concern filled his voice.

"The wolf is Fenrir, you probably know him as Fenris."The great wolf shook slightly, his presence seemed larger than his body."And the girl is Hel.""Hel? I thought she was half maid half corpse?" Brian said."I am right here, Chosen. And I can appear in many forms."

Brian looked at everyone "Chosen?"Hel looked at Walfrus who just shook his head. "He doesn't, or didn't, know."Hel tapped a long finger on her chin. "Interesting. It seems we have much to discuss."

Walfrus nodded "First of which is whose side are you on?""True. With your father free and his mask in mortal hands it would be good to know this." Tick-tock flew from Walfrus' shoulder and landed on a bookshelf with a better vantage point. "Also who set Fenris free?"

"I knew of the mask but not father. That does make more sense now." Hel replied as she sat down."As for my freedom. I woke one morning to begin my struggles and they snapped as I stood. I thought it a joke or illusion at first." Fenris' voice made Brian's teeth hurt.

"It must be the mask." Said Brian. " you said before its' powers are greater and unpredictable in mortal hands so is it possible it has a cascading affect?"All three beings and one clockwork dragon stared at Brian in something akin to awe.

Hel spoke first "The Chosen's words make sense. It seems he deserves the title."Brian stood up "Ok. What is this Chosen nonsense!" He walked over to his kitchen and started make tea."I am a researcher who found a cow and tree.""Let's talk about that then." Hel smiled.