The Demon Wolf (Book 1 of The Devil and the Huntsman)

Chapter 92

The demon hunter and the vampire gazed upon each other and debated whether they should fight each other. It was apparent that they were both influential people who fought their enemies and ripped them apart at the same time. The vampire's long red hair breezed with the wind, and her white coat protected the red dress she wore. Julius held his greatsword with one hand and was hesitant in bringing his blade up to stab her to death because she is a vampire.

"Well, glad you know who I am. Haven't introduced yourself, though," Julius said.

"I am Lenora. I'm here to make sure everything goes as you have foreseen. And to make sure you don't slip away from what you wish to do," she said.

"So you know me. Well, also know that I'm a busy man and have no time for someone like you. I'm prepared to lead my army into the gates of Midland, where I will take my rightful place. And I have nothing left. My wife... my daughter..." he said.

"Oh. Well, I'm very sorry to hear that. What happened to them?"

"I'd rather not tell you. It's not your concern. You will tell no one of my family, vampire. I'll make sure of that if you have anything in your mind to tell me. But tell me this, tell me exactly why I shouldn't stake you alive. You're a vampire. You're all abominations."

Julius had no time to waste and could not have Lenora take her time to explain herself. Lenora knew it would not be a simple task to give out every detail to the demon hunter. Julius continued holding his sword because he could not trust himself nor this vampire who stands before him. Lenora knew all who had such brute strength and understood only a few of their intentions as she walked the earth. Julius then reconsidered as he reflected his next move.

"I don't know who I can trust here or who I should offer help. But since you have something inside of you that led you to me, you want to come with me?" Julius asked.

"Oh, and exactly where are you going in this ungodly hour?" Lenora asked.

"I am going to a village where I'm expecting someone. If you're coming with me, then know you're not gonna eat anyone nor drink their blood. At least you can follow that much, right?" He asked.

"Of course, I can follow that. Unlike most, I respect my roots. Unlike some, I kill nothing as an indulgence."

"Oh. Well, I can respect that. If you have nothing else on your mind, then we should get going. I don't recall accepting such an offer, but even if I am on the brink of doing something I've never done before, maybe I could use some backup. I'll also need someone who will not let me down as I walk the earth. And maybe someone who will not fail in living by the sword and finishing their enemies in a single blow."

"I'd say your chances with me are high. I may look like an attractive and cunning lady, but inside me is a darkness that shall never leave me so long as I live. If anyone gets in your way or stands in our path, then I will be the one to finish the job... if you can't, of course. I can reap anyone in two and poison them if they deserve it. You start with me, and I'll start with you."

At that moment, Julius started being a bit Impressed with Lenora and how she controls her powers like him. As long as he knows how to use his dark forces, his invasion of Midland's castle should be a piece of cake. He was now thinking about allowing Lenora to follow him on becoming the ruler of the world. Such a burden was never straightforward on Julius because that request made pretty much everyone be against him. He saw this as an opportunity of having a new friend to be around instead of using her as an object.

"I think I might like you," Julius said. He then raises his hand to let Lenora take hold of it as he agrees to follow him.

Even if she would let her be by his side, he still kept his expectations low and put a lot of faith in himself that he will not abandon whatever is left of his humanity. And so, Julius and Lenora continued on the long road that led to the village where Erica and Brant were settling in. Julius hoped that they were still alive and hoped that they could always trust him after everything that has happened. The demon hunter remained silent as the vampire was a bit interested in him because she had no connection with the humans. She made sure she kept up with Julius because he was a pretty quick walker in such a time as this.

The trees in the forest were still alive, but this may be the last time Julius will ever see anything outdoors. What he is about to do in the night will most definitely change his life for the better. Whatever happens to those close to him will be left to decide their fate and how they will live out their lives without the demon hunter. He believes he will need neither Stonethorn nor Helvegen to defeat King Harald, but only for the invasion outside the castle. If there were going to be any duel, it would only be between two men who once treated each other like brothers.

No matter how many demons walked the earth, their footprints meant nothing to Julius because of how much he got used to killing them. It was not by mere coincidence that led Julius and Lenora to each other, but because they both saw something in each other, that may as well be fate. Both Julius and Lenora could hear the sounds of a few birds chirping and crows making flapping noises. They could listen from a very long distance and know pretty much everything about the world. The earth had a place for many powerful beings, and a throne was something for the strongest of mortals.

The demon hunter and the vampire walked with each other until they could see a large village with many refugees. This village is known by many as the village of Jorvik, and the people who lived there usually had to deal with a few newcomers passing through. Thankfully, the town had plenty of room for even the most unusual newcomers who are rare to see. Then, Julius and Lenora walk to the village gates to be seen by both the guards and a few suspicious men. But the guards stayed where they were because they believed the man and the lady to be harmless, yet a few villagers monitored them.

"Remember, Lenora. We're here for one reason only. We will speak to nobody, except for those who will guide us to the person I seek," Julius said.

"Very well. I'll be behind you if you need me," she said. Then, she takes her hood behind her cloak and pulls it up to cover the top of her head as she walks behind Julius.

They walk alongside each other until they come across an inn and a tavern; Julius believed this to be the place where Erica is. They stood next to each other and gazed upon the massive hotel that could fit a quarter of the village's population. Before they could go in, a young man with leather clothing and a broadsword on his side walked towards them. Julius turned around and saw that it was none other than Brant who walked to him to see what it is they are doing there. A vast difference about Brant is that now he appeared to be a fully grown man instead of an old teen who stays in his room every day.

"Brant. You're alive," Julius said. He then had a brief smile on his face as he watched Brant walk to him and was thankful he did not have any scars from the invasion.

Then Brant spoke with Julius, saying, "Julius, what are you doing here? Don't you know about all that has happened? My mother and I searched all night for a village to stay in, and we made it here. But after that more, things began changing. They gave me this hunting outfit and this sword. Now... I don't even know what to do."

"Brant, is your mother here? I want to see her. I have some things to tell her," Julius said. He needed to speak with Erica about what his plans are and if all is well with her as she stays in the village of Jorvik.