Black Waters (The SLEGWIT Cycle - Book 1)

Chapter 1 - Savage (The Penitent Beast)

There was a wolf in the middle of the road.

Many years ago, far away from this place, Ambrose had dealt with a particularly large and vicious pack of similar animals that had taken to hunting the livestock around his family's property. The one that stood in front of him on this night, however, was bigger than any of those that had heard the crack of his musket. Two feet at the shoulders, musculature covered with black, mud-streaked fur.

At the moment, it was facing away from where Ambrose had paused, staring off in the distance and sniffing for some vague scent carried on the chill wind. For now, it didn't seem aware of Ambrose's approach. If he were anyone else, Ambrose would have been wise to flee while he had the chance.

Ambrose took a step towards it. No reaction from the animal. Another step, and the wolf finally heard the pad of his leather shoes against the pavement. Its head turned in his direction. Not a panicked spin, but a slow swivel.

Its eyes locked on his. Pale irises with sharp black pupils. He could see the animal tense slightly, readying itself to leap at him but holding back for the moment. Nostrils flared, it bared its fangs, dull-white and stained with the blood of previous hunts. But for now, it made no other moves against him.

Ambrose stood still. Back straight, expression blank. He kept his stare focused on the wolf's eyes, not allowing himself to even blink.

It took a step towards him. Paused and watched him, then took another.

It's testing me. Waiting to see if I turn tail and run, Ambrose thought. Waiting to see my fear. It will be disappointed.

The wolf stopped its advance, as Ambrose remained motionless in the face of its cautious approach. It stared, and Ambrose stared back. Neither made a sound.

Do you sense it? Ambrose thought, keeping his eyes focused on the animal. Unblinking and unafraid. My true nature? I suppose you must. Otherwise, you would already be leaping for my throat. But I'm not such easy prey, am I?

Eventually, their standoff ended. Turning to a nearby stand of trees, the wolf dashed away, out of Ambrose's sight within seconds.

Ambrose looked into the shadows where it had disappeared, feeling the animal still watching him from the blackness. Waiting for me to leave, so it can return to its chosen hunting grounds and await new prey. A less dangerous kill.

Ambrose considered dealing with the beast. His musket was rusty and useless now, but he had other methods of handling a wild animal like this. Ones that required nothing more than his bare hands.

But here... wolves would be the least of any poor fool's worries if they found themselves in this place. There were other threats waiting in the shadows. Ones with greater hungers.

Putting the matter out of his mind, Ambrose turned away from the hidden predator and continued to walk. He found that he enjoyed the feel of the crisp night air, the slight breeze placing cold caresses along his pale skin. So rarely did he get the opportunity to just walk by himself these days. Most days, he navigated the world inside of motorized transportation. And even on those occasions when he could spend time in the out-of-doors, there were other, more efficient methods of locomotion available.

But tonight, he walked. And - he had to confess to himself - part of the reason he had chosen this night to take to his feet was a desire to delay this particular meeting. He didn't imagine that it would result in a positive outcome. But he had to try. If he could have another ally in the times to come, it would make him a lot more confident in the odds of survival.

But the one question he dreaded to ask kept rising up in his head: even if she would agree... what price would she ask of you?

After a few more miles, the object of his search emerged from the thick evening mist. He held back a sound of disgust when he saw it. She had always been one to make a show of things. And her current place of residence was no exception.