This story begins at the High point in the reign of Shaitan, Mightiest of all sorcerers, whose dominance of the land broke the spirit of good, and rose Thakria to be the greatest city of its age. but first let me speak of myself for tis only my own story I can fully tell.
My name is Calagan, Keeper of the Grey Forest and I am the undisputed leader of the Brigands of the Grey Forest. my loyalties at this time laid to the village of Springtown and it's patron Andromeda the Goddess of Dreams. Having gained Guildmastery of a slient and empty guild all my early efforts went into building my guild, and so after many months of recruiting and thievery to pay for the expensive magical defences needed to hold at bay ones enemies, I felt the call of the hunt.
Many were the wolves that fell to my arrows and blades but none proved a true challenge, still the thrill of the hunt kept me wandering , and I dreamed of facing the ultimate challenge, perhaps my dreams were heard for one day whilst stalking one of the filthy wolves of the dark forest below Thakrias walls, I scented a wolf, whose sheer presence and power was writen in its own rank odour, quickly abandoning the trail of my prey I began searching the forest floor for tracks left by this mighty beast, stretching my skills to the utmost, I caught sight of marks upon some moss covered stone, the size of which took my breath, how could a creature of such obvious bulk and power leave so few tracks for a Huntsman of my caliber not to follow, surely this was what I had Dreamed of.
Uttering a swift prayer to my Goddess I took up the trail, moving thourgh the greenwood and crossing the boundries of sorrowful Elusis, nearing the ruins of Ilmareal I heard the sounds of battle, approaching slowly I spied from the undergrowth so as to remain unseen.
Standing pround and defiant over a shattered foe, Shaitan, Lord of the Cemeterys screamed his Valour to the ether, the crushed remains of demons lay scattered about and several very alive ones feasted on the remains of the great steed that had bourne this valiant defender of the light. still I could not see what I had scented earlier, but bewtiched by what I was witnessing I remained unseen. Walking over to the mortal remains of the Knight, a harsh sneer crossed the sorcerers features and in a voice that evoked memorys of dark tombs he spoke to the almost invisible ghost of his Vanquished vow
"Haplo, you are a worm and I will crush you at every oppertunity"
reaching down he placed his hands on the chest of the body and spoke words that will haunt me forever and I dare not repeat. Suddenly darkness decended and hideous feasting sounds came from the mists of the night. paralysed with fear, I froze for what seemed like an eternity and when the dark was lifted only Shaitan and his unholy entourage remained.
Standing he emitted a screeching whistle, And only feet behind me, a low gutteral growl was loosed, I had become the hunted, only Shaitans call had saved me. I turned and faced what I had scarce dreamed was possible, a Wolf of immense proportions, dark gleaming fur masked rippling muscles, fangs half a foot long dripped steaming slaver at my feet as eyes as red as the fires of hell looked with alien inteligence into my soul. Again the whistle came, and with a mighty leap the beast broke into the clearing and took the Sorcerer lord onto its back.
Realesing the breath I had been holding, I made my way back to Mercinae and the temple of my Goddess to learn more of this creature. After sone time I discovered that I had seen Fenrir, the Dread wolf of Armageddon, granted as a steed and companion by Mephisto, the god if the Night to Shaitan his Highpriest. I vowed I would wear the pelt of that beast as proof of my mastery over the night.
Searching for months afterwards I sought a time when the Sorcerer lord would give me the opertunity to take the beast, knowing in my heart of hearts that I could never face Shaitans necromantic might or chance sneaking into the halls of the sorcerers who at that time were too powerful. At last the time came, I scented Fenrir in the tower of G'Hraann, taking up my bow I raced to the tower pasing unseen the spectral guards and rotting zombies that haunt the forest, approaching the tower I could hear distant screams of pain and knew the torturor Angrak was at work, there was no better time. Using my skill with locks I gained entry, and lying like some great sleeping dragon, Fenrir laid at the top of the towers steps awaiting his masters return.
Slowly I took aim drew back the barbed shaft and let loose ! With a great roar the Wolf tore free the shaft that pierced its hind, and instantly penetrated my hiding place with those unholy eyes, a single leap brought the beast into melee distance making my bow useless, drawing my long hunting knife I began darting within the Shadows and striking out as my tutor Erigast had taught me. Fenrir struck from left to right her great jaws tearing at my clothes and flesh as I used all my skill to avoid her full might. taking time only to draw at my potions, I began to realise that the evil of this place was giving Fenrir the upper hand.
Taking my chance I retreated and began to run back to the safety of Mercinae but alas I could not shake the wolfs chase. Out of breath and badly injured I reached the junction of royal walk in the south of Mercinae before the dread wolf caught me. I battled on trusting to the Goodness of the city to nullify the wolfs Evil power, the battle raged and injured to the core of my soul I felt the wolfs hot breath close about my throat tearing at the last vestige of life within me, Yet even in death the forests protected me, for I had wisely ingested that most powerful of herbs Olvar and felt its magic coursing through my veins repairing torn muscles and broken bones.
Returning to life I looked up into the wolfs eyes as its bulk pinned me to the ground, and deep inside I knew death would soon find me again unless some miracle occured. The wolfs fetid breath began to choke me as it took its leisurely time in despatching one who had dared to hunt it, mightiest of wolves. Then, as the will of my Goddess must surely have decreed, Sir lancelot the High Priest of Dreams had sensed my first death and came running to my aid.
A mighty blow from his blazing magical sword sent the beast rolling form on top of me. Jumping to my feet and clutching my Knife my ally and I leapt to the attack, The bold knight dealing powerful blows with twin swords of blazing fire and I darting from within the shadows to deliver terrible wounds to the body of the Wolf. As if sensing its own demise in this terrible turn of events Fenrir tried one last giant leap to pass us into the safety of the market square to the north, roaring in defiance and victory Lancelot struck one last horrible blow to the vulnerable underside as the body of the beast passed overhead, but still stubborn life resided in the wolf. Taking my own aim I hurled my knife at the retreating beast, piercing deep into its hind quarters, but luck was with us, some vital part had been reached and Fenrirs back legs collapsed allowing us to continue our fight, Leaping onto the huge back I fastened my hands about the muscular neck and began to squeeze as only a trained strangler can do, again and again I squeezed, until with one last crawl for freedom the fire died in the monsters eyes, Screaming my victory I hurled the limp body to the ground, and collapsed atop it, until my erswhile ally gave the succor of healing and I could be brought round.
Helping me return it to the Temple nearby I got about about my work and took the pelt, the body I gave in divne offering to Andromeda for such wicked power and life as this foe had possesed would surely gain her power. And thus ends the tale of my hunting of Fenrir, the Wolf of Armageddon, though not the tale of my life.
Written by Calagan
