8 Unseen Threats

Mother Tanya and Cassandra returned to the church with joyful conversation, Cassandra seeming more vibrant and healthy than she had in a while. They had two small bundles with an eclectic assortment of items and supplies that they set with the provisions Calder had already set aside in the resting room in the back area of the church that were sometimes used for travelers and others making religious pilgrimages that did not have enough money for an inn. Calder had finished the chores Mother Tanya had asked for him and was now playing with children in the grassy area next to the church running around with a small child on his shoulders the two of them growling like a two headed monster, the other children screaming and giggling as they fled from the monster. "I haven't seen him this joyful in a while," Cassandra said smiling as she and Mother Tanya watched Calder play with the children from a window inside the church. "It reminds me of when he was a boy," Mother Tanya gleamed, "so cheerful and friendly with the other children. It may have been difficult to leave Paradise, but it was right for him."

A small while passed with each of the children eventually shuffling off to their homes leaving Calder alone under a tree watching the city around him. "You should get some rest. You will be leaving early tomorrow morning." "Thank you mother," Cassandra said hugging her and turning toward the back of the church. "You three be careful. I do not want any of you to be injured or worse," Mother Tanya pleaded smiling at her child. "We will mother," Cassandra replied, "Calder will be there to protect us." "I hope it will not have to come to that," Mother Tanya whispered to herself.

---

"You have failed me Erikson!" boomed a dark figure his glowing eyes glaring at Erikson, "It shall not happen again, or else!" "I'm sorry master," Erikson whimpered averting his gaze, the wound he received from Calder gleaming from the light from the fire pits that lined the lair, corpses of various under-worldly creatures hanging above. "Gasta! You and your brother find Calder and bring him to me. The bounty on his head will bring us get power and riches. Do not fail me." "As you wish Master," Gasta howled bowing to him.The Dark Figure disappeared into the shadows leaving the two werewolves alone. "Come brother we have much to do and little time to do it," Gasta growled lowering to all fours and running off, Erikson tailing behind.

--

"Calder, be careful. The dangers you are sure to face will be perilous," Mother Tanya said embracing Calder. "Thank you mother, I will not let Cassandra or Monique come to harm," Calder assured. "I will be watching over you even if i cannot always be there to help you," Mother Tanya said kissing Calder on the forehead, "now be off, you have a long journey ahead of you and you must be prepared for anything."