Mr. Dove and the Pipes of Creation - The Final Chapters

[davedove]

Scene 97

As we hurried in the direction of the lake, the trees began to thin, but the terrain became rougher, with large outcroppings of rock channeling our progress.

The two priests kept the creatures of the shadows at bay, but their attacks served to slow us even more.

Then we heard the howls.

“What’s that?” James asked, the fear obvious on his face.

Father David glanced quickly at Father Trefor, who listened carefully before nodding. “I’m afraid it is not good news. Those are werewolves.”

I listened more closely. “They’re in front of us.”

Father David nodded. “They seek to block our path.” New howls came from behind us. “And any retreat, as well.”

“Can you keep them back?” I asked.

Father Trefor shook his head. “No, they are cursed humans, not creatures of necromancy.”

“What does that mean?”

Father David looked worried. “It means that we need other tools to stop them, tools we do not have. We can only hope to avoid them.”

“How, they’re blocking our path.”

“Indeed, they are.” He quickly looked around for another path and then pointed to our right. “There, we can go that way.”

We all moved in the direction he indicated. The path took us over the rocks and through narrow passes. Even moving as quickly as we could, the howls were coming closer.

We passed through a narrow gap and the terrain opened up in front of us. The lake could be seen ahead. Unfortunately, it sounded as though the wolves were almost upon us.

Looking back, I could see that Gerald had stopped and turned around. I stopped as well and called back to him. “Gerald, come on! We’ll be there soon!”

“Keep moving!” he answered. “We can’t outrun them. You’re only hope is if I face them.”

“Gerald, there are too many! You can’t stop them all!” Father David told him.

Gerald took a deep breath, as if readying himself. “If I meet them at the gap, only a few at a time can attack me.” He paused for a moment. “And I release the beast.”

“Gerald, no!” Father Trefor cried with horror.

“I have to Father. It’s the only way David can continue. He has to succeed.”

“But Gerald,” Father Trefor started, but Gerald cut him off.

“Get him out of here, David! Once I release the beast, I may not be able to control it. You’re all in danger if stay here.”

We grabbed Father Trefor, but he resisted. “Gerald!” he pleaded.

Gerald looked back at him and we could see the tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Father. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” The young man started to transform, but this time he continued to grow, far beyond his normal dog form, beyond that of a wolf, until he was the size of a large bear.

“Go!” he commanded, and we could see him struggling to maintain control.