Waltharjaz Seth Estlow -Part 1Othalawulfaz was a warrior of the Kattiwiz tribe.

He was a man of the Wulfingaz lineage, and the son of the legendary hero Ermanaz. He lived among the rest of the Kattiwiz in the Black Forest in the old Theudish lands. It was the year 266 AD, and on a particularly warm evening in the month that is now called May, he walked through the forest with his sweetheart Thruthihildjo. They were young and in love, and the scent of fresh blossoms wafted on the evening breeze. Suddenly a huge ugly bird, like a giant buzzard, swooped down, crashing through thick branches to grasp young Thruthihildjo by both arms in its massive talons. Othalawulfaz drew his sword and chased after the bird, but it soared high through the air. Despite its speed, Othalawulfaz kept up with the creature as he flew nonstop, night and day, to at last swoop down once more behind a craggy mountain range. Othalawulfaz had come a long way where other men would have simply collapsed and given up. He decided to climb the huge mountains that stood in his way to see what was on the other side. Perhaps the people on the other side of the mountains would have seen where the bird had gone. He was in love with Thruthihildjo, though he had never truly told her. He wished to marry her someday. He would not let a bird, however large and monstrous, get in the way of that. Othalawulfaz climbed the mountain that stood nearest him, and as he reached the top of the peak, night began to fall. He looked out over the land below in the light of the setting sun. The mountain range surrounded a small country cut in thirds by two rivers. Only the central third seemed populated, separated from the northeastern and southwestern lands by the two rivers. The central land was also bordered by two forests, one at the foot of the mountains the young man stood on, and the other at the foot of the mountains on the other side, flanking the land on the northwest and southeast sides. Othalawulfaz climbed down the mountains in the darkness, following a winding and unsure path, down, down toward the wide forest. He knew not where the huge bird had taken his beloved, but perhaps he could get information from the people in the castle, or one of the towns. The light of the waxing moon illuminated the mountain path, but once beneath the treetops, Othalawulfaz would have to light a torch. Strange noises echoed through the mountains. They were not beasts, though they sounded inhuman. The warrior drew his sword, readying himself for whatever may attack him. At last he found himself climbing down the rock face onto soft, grassy ground. The tall trees blocked out the light of the full moon. The young warrior made a torch of wood and cloth, lighting the end and walking through the darkness of those woods, unaware of what creatures may lie in wait for him. Othalawulfaz strode through the woods guided by the half-light of his torch. Soon he was attacked by a swarm of bats. Unlike the bats of his homeland, these creatures were hungry for blood. He drove them off by swinging his torch. He continued onward, but soon he was greeted by flying arrows. He knew not where they came from, but he did his best to bat the projectiles out of the air. Soon he was struck by one in the shoulder, and he began to feel dizzy. The arrow was drugged! He fell to the ground, and just as his vision faded into blackness, he saw painted, savage faces hanging over him

When Othalawulfaz awoke, it was day once more. He had been tied to a tree. As his vision returned, he saw several children dressed in skins, with wild hair and painted faces. One of them was poking him with a stick. Get away, you savage brat! the Theudish man growled. The children fled in fear. Othalawulfaz looked around. He was in a small village of grass huts. One large man wrapped in furs and crowned with the horns of an ox emerged from a hut, called out by one of the children. The man walked toward Othalawulfaz and addressed him in the Theudish tongue: I am Theudowulfaz, chieftain of the Wulfageistaz tribe. We are the people of the Wulthuwalthuz, that is, this forest. Who are you? I am Othalawulfaz of the Kattiwiz, he answered. My beloved Thruthihildjo was taken into this country by a huge bird. Seeing that Othalawulfaz was not an enemy, Theudowulfaz took out his sharp knife and cut the ropes that bound Othalawulfaz. As he did so, he explained: That is the bird called the Gwaja. It is a very rare bird native to Waltharjaz. It has a nest in the Khrengawalthuz, but Lord Walthusteinaz has trained one to abduct pretty women to become part of his growing harem. Who is Lord Walthusteinaz? Othalawulfaz asked, stepping free of his bonds. He is the ruler of this country, which is called Waltharjaz, Theudowulfaz answered. He is an evil man, and some say he is not entirely human. If you wish, I can help you retrieve your beloved from the clutches of the Dark Lord. You do not know all of the evil acts he has done against my tribe, Othalawulfaz. Please, call me Othal. And yes, I would appreciate the help of someone familiar with these lands, Chieftain Theudowulfaz. You may call me Theudo, Theudowulfaz said. I am my tribes greatest warrior, and I sense that you, too, are very mighty. Together, we would pose a significant threat to Merjaz Walthusteinaz, Dark Lord of Waltharjaz. That is good, Othalawulfaz replied. When should we go to his castle? If we travel until dark, Theudo replied, we will be able to rest in the town of Wodanawiduz for the night, and then we can reach Castle Walthusteinaz by noon of the next day. The Dark Lord is weakest in the hours of daylight. Very well, Othal said. Lets go. After packing certain provisions, the two brave warriors made their way eastward. The men were not attacked by anything, animal or otherwise, on the way out of the forest. The creatures of Waltharjaz were more likely to attack in the cursed hours of night. Once the men were out of the woods, the sky grew dark. They crossed the grassy land to at last reach the walls of the town of Wodanawiduz. They walked around the wall until they came to the southwestern gate. It was now the dark of night, and a single warrior in a helm and chainmail, armed with a long spear, kept watch. I see that you two are a barbarian and a foreigner, the mustachioed guard said arrogantly. I cannot allow you entry into Wodanawiduz, a town under the rule of Lord Walthusteinaz of Waltharjaz. Othalawulfaz turned to Theudowulfaz and whispered: How do we get into the town? Relax, Theudo said. I think I have something he wants. Theudo drew a red mushroom from his belt pouch.

Perhaps you would let us in for a Wulthuwalthuz spirit mushroom? he asked the guard. It is the secret of the Wulfageistaz tribe. The guard took the mushroom. Of course I can allow you gentlemen entry! he said loudly. Waltharjaz is a free land after all! Go ahead! The guard threw the gates open and the warriors entered the town. The Wulfageistaz tribe are the only ones who know the secret places where the spirit mushrooms grow, Theudowulfaz said. It is a coveted drug that brings visions of the spirit realm to those who eat them. That is a useful item, Othal said. Yes, all of the civilized men of Waltharjaz desire the spirit-visions the mushrooms bring, Theudo replied. Where are we going to sleep? Othal asked. As in the other Theudish lands, hospitality is much valued by the peasants of Waltharjaz, Theudo said. They are still a fearful lot, and before anyone allows us into their home, they will want to test us to see if we are Ubyrs. What are Ubyrs? Theudo asked. Ubyrs, Theudo explained, are monsters that go about at night and drink the blood of the living. Legend says they were once men like us, but once a man has been drained of blood by an Ubyr, then he becomes an Ubyr himself. How does one test to see if someone is an Ubyr? Othal asked. There are several different ways, Theudo said. Youll see for yourself. Othal followed Theudo to a nearby cottage where Theudo knocked on the door. It was shortly answered by a pretty young woman. Hello, she said. Who are you? The men told the woman their names. Ah, I am Idamahtiz, though you may call me Ida. This is my fathers home, but he is not here right now. He left me and my brother Hauhagrimon to watch the house. He instructed me to provide a safe haven for wanderers while he was gone. Please forgive me for what I am about to do. The young woman got an old sack and reached into it, spilling beans upon the ground before the two warriors. Othalawulfaz looked down confusedly. What was that? he asked. Ubyrs, for some reason, feel a compulsion to count any collection of small objects spilt before them, Theudo explained. I suppose you two are not Ubyrs, Ida said. Please come in. The warriors were shown to a room where they both could rest. One of them lay upon a couch, and the other upon a mat on the floor. They rested well that night, and in the morning Ida made them breakfast. They never met the brother while they were there, and it may have been that she only mentioned him to defend herself from less honorable strangers. Either way, the men ate a hearty meal of roast beef and green vegetables before they said goodbye to Ida and left the city, heading south toward Castle Walthusteinaz

-Part 2The men walked the southern road until they reached the castle shortly after noon. They walked around the castle until they reached the iron portcullis on the southern side. There were two guards there dressed in chainmail and helms. They wielded halberds and wore white tabards bearing the image of a red beast with the face and breast or a woman, the forepaws of a lion, the wings and back legs of an eagle and the tail of a dragon. The flag at the top of the highest tower of the castle bore the same image. Hello gentlemen, Theudo said. May we enter? Why should we let you enter? the taller guard asked. You are not the guests of the great Lord Merjaz Walthusteinaz. I can give you these, Theudo said, producing two bright red spirit mushrooms from his belt pouch. Ill take it! the shorter guard exclaimed. The first guard backhanded the shorter guard. We will not be swayed by your drugs, barbarian! he said. What can we do? Othal whispered to Theudo. I dont know, he said. I only have those two spirit mushrooms left. I dont know how else we can convince them. We can fight them, Othal said. What if they summon other guards? Theudo asked. Well have to kill them as quickly as possible, Othal said. After that, well figure out how to get inside. Alright, Theudo said. Well slit their throats on the count of three. One... two THREE! The men attacked the two guards without warning. Theudo took his axe and lopped off the shorter guards head while Othal slashed the neck of the taller guard. Both men fell dead. After that, Othal spied a crank where a length of chain was wound around a spool, and the chain on the spool extended to a hole in the wall of the castle. Othal started turning the crank and the portcullis rose. Theudo walked beneath it, holding the heavy iron grate up as Othal ran through. After that, Theudo let the iron grate drop as he rushed inside to meet his comrade. They found themselves in a long stone hallway lit by candelabras. As they strode up the hall, Theudo spoke: Weve made it inside. How do we find our way to Walthusteinaz? We dont need to find Walthusteinaz, Othal said. If I can just find my beloved Thruthi Id be glad to just escape with her. But Walthusteinaz is evil, Theudo said. He has oppressed my tribe for far too long. Surely youd want to kill him for what he has done to you already! Very well, Othal said. I suppose it would be best to slay him. It would be easier to escape with Thruthihildjo if Walthusteinaz is dead. Besides, from what Ive heard of him, he deserves to die. The men walked up the long hallway to the end, where a doorway led to a winding set of stairs that led upward, ever upward. When they reached the top of the stairs a fiery, demonic figure appeared in a blast of flame, accompanied by the stench of brimstone. The creature had the body of a man, but the wings and head of a maddened eagle. The monster's blazing eyes gazed at them furiously, and then the creature pointed and spoke in a deep and monstrous voice:

"You men trespass in the abode of my master! You are doomed to the Dark Lord's dungeon! Begone!" With that, the stairs tilted downward creating a long, spiraling incline. The men fell down in a panic, sliding downward, ever downward, on the long stairway. They could not get a grip on walls, and just kept sliding and tumbling downward, rebounding off the curved stone walls until they at last fell into the open doorway in the floor below, plummeting into a dark abyss... The men fell roughly onto the stone floor in the darkness. Othal reached out blindly until he felt a wall-mounted torch. He reached into his belt pouch and found his flint and steel. He lit the wall-torch ablaze, illuminating the drab room around him. Theudo and Othal found themselves in a vast dungeon. The gray walls were splashed with blood. Torture devices stood here and there, and drab cells were formed of rusty iron bars. Rotting corpses lay about in agonized contortion. Skeletons hung from the rusty shackles on the walls. "Well, this is certainly a horrid place," Theudo said plainly. "Let's find our way out as soon as we can," Othal said. The men walked through the wide chambers of that evil place, lighting the torches of each room as they went. In some places the corpses would rise up in an unnatural manner to walk toward the men, arms outstretched, groaning hungrily. At first this was met with shock, but then the men would smite those creatures down in fearful repulsion, using their respective weapons to deal powerful damage. Once hacked to pieces, those corpses fell to the floor just as dead as before. At last the men came to another stairway. They climbed upward, arming themselves with torches. They were harassed by bloodthirsty bats as they climbed, but they fought the beasts back with their torches until at last they came to the top of the stairs where a wooden door stood tall. They threw the old door open with a loud creak and entered the darkness of the next room still armed with their burning torches. The men entered the room to find themselves in a vast library. It was Lord Walthusteinazs personal collection, doubtlessly accumulated through years upon years of searching for rare and useful tomes. Othal looked over the volumes, able to decipher some of the titles which were inscribed in runic letters. Others were written in more foreign and indecipherable text. Looking at some of the titles, Othal was able to discern some of the contents of the Dark Lords library. While many of them happened to be on subjects such as history or geography, many were manuals on the dark arts, dealing with the summoning of various spirits, different types of maledictions and such. This is certainly a very impressive library, dont you think, Theudo? Theudo had a look of superstitious fear about him. He made certain gestures of blessing and protection. I cannot read the words inscribed on these tomes, he said, but I know very well that these volumes possess evil knowledge, unfit for any son of man to read Suddenly an old man with a long gray beard, dressed in dull gray robes, emerged from behind a nearby corner. Who are you? Theudo asked. Im Hauhaheimaz, the librarian. I work for the Dark Lord. What are you doing trespassing in the Dark Lords library?

We have come to this castle in hopes that we may retrieve my beloved Thruthihildjo and slay the Dark Lord Walthusteinaz, Othal said honestly, thinking he had nothing to fear from the old man. I cannot help those who oppose the Dark Lord, Hauhaheimaz said. Theudo produced a spirit mushroom from his belt pouch. I can give you one of these, the barbarian said. The librarian stepped forward and took the mushroom from Theudos hand. Excellent! he exclaimed. I shall eat this while reading The Adventures of the Eternal Stranger! Let me see how I can help you The old man disappeared behind a corner and returned moments later with a large leather bag with metal buckles and an arm-strap. What is this? Othal asked. It is a kit Ive been compiling, Hauhaheimaz replied. As you may have heard, Lord Walthusteinaz is an Ubyr, and there are only a few ways one can slay an Ubyr. The librarian laid the case on a nearby table and opened it. The case contained several wooden stakes, a mallet, a hatchet, several bulbs of garlic, a few vials of water, a silver dagger, a small mirror and three sticks nailed together in the shape of the rune Elhaz (similar to an eagles talons) with the painted image of an eye affixed to the center. The symbol is a compound image of protection, in the form of the rune of protection, with the eye of Wodanaz at its center. With this symbol, a Theudish man who believes in the might of the Allfather can drive back an Ubyr. The vials are holy water blessed by a Theudish priest. They can do harm to Ubyrs, but cannot slay them. The wooden stakes, driven into the heart of an Ubyr with the mallet, can incapacitate the Ubyr long enough to decapitate him with the hatchet, or the silver dagger, as silver is toxic to vampires as well. Garlic can repel a vampire, and the mirror can be used to determine if one is a vampire. A vampire has no reflection in a mirror. Where did you get all this? Theudo asked. Sometimes the Dark Lord sends me on errands in the daylight hours, since Ubyrs are incapable of enduring sunlight. You see, sunlight can also kill an Ubyr. When I was sent on these errands, I collected these items in hopes that someone would have the courage to use them against the Dark Lord. Ive told you all I know. You can exit the library through that door. The librarian pointed to a doorway at the end of the library. If you turn to the left and walk to the end of the hallway, you will find the stairwell that is not guarded by the Dark Lords demon servant Nisroch. Those stairs will take you to a place where you may access Walthusteinazs throne room. I wish you good fortune. My family has always said that fortune favors the brave, Othal said. Nevertheless, I thank you. With that, the men left the library through the door at the end of the hall.

-Part 3The men turned left to walk down the long drab hallway. Though the library was well-lit, their torches were still ablaze. They needed them to see through the darkness of that hall, long-forgotten by the presence of living men. As they walked through the hall, they heard strange, pattering footfalls in the dark corners, but when they looked, there was nothing there. Though the men were certain they had heard something moving through the darkness, whatever it was moved furtively to avoid discovery. Suddenly a gang of four small, manlike figures leapt into the air before the men, flinging knives at the duo of brave warriors. The creatures leapt high and swiftly, and they appeared to be twisted, bent men of only three or four feet tall. They resembled the dwarves of the old legends Othals father had taught him, though they were beardless. The creatures were incredibly nimble, and the men had to keep constant guard, batting the knives out of the air lest they strike their targets. Theudo swung his axe with in a wild arch, hacking through one of the dwarves. Meanwhile Othal leapt up, driving his sword straight through another of the murderous little creatures. At last Theudo drove his axe down, hacking through the third creature. Finally the remaining dwarven creature ceased his attack, dropping his throwing knives to cower upon the floor. Please dont hurt me! he said in a whimpering voice. We Dweroz are slaves of the Dark Lord! He told us he would reward us for the heads of any intruders we slew! Theudo raised his axe, but Othal stayed his hand. What is your name, little man? Othal asked. I am Albirikjaz, the dwarf said. You slew my brothers Thuljan, Barlingaz and Grewan. We are Dweroz the people that once lived underground before the Dark Lord built this castle and enslaved us. What can we do to make up for slaying your brothers? Othal asked. The dwarf drew close to the humans and whispered, If you can free my people, I may be willing to forgive you, but the only way my people will be free is if you slay the Dark Lord! Show us the way to his throne room and we will destroy him. Very well, the dwarf said. Come with me. The dwarf leapt down the hallway, toward the staircase Hauhaheimaz had spoken of. The humans did their best to keep up with the nimble creature. May we call you Albi? Theudo asked. The dwarf stopped short. Just so you know, he hissed, it is considered impolite to call a Dweraz by anything other than his full given name. Uh, understood, the barbarian said, awkwardly scratching his head. Im sorry, the dwarf said, continuing down the hall. The Dark Lord has done far worse things to my people than you fellows have. You may have noticed we have no beards. The beard of a Dweraz is his pride. The Dark Lord, in a show of dominance, forced us all to shave our beards. It was a great insult to my people. Has Walthusteinaz enslaved all the Dweroz? Othal asked. By my ancestors, no! the dwarf said. It would take hundreds of thousands of years and many, many armies of men to enslave all the Dweroz. No, the Dark Lord has

only enslaved the Naudoz clan: the clan of Dunadweroz, that is, hill dwarves, unfortunate enough to live beneath the surface of Waltharjaz. Why havent the other Dweroz come to your rescue? Othal asked. The Naudoz clan has isolated itself from the rest of the Dweroz, much as the people of Waltharjaz have been isolated from the other kingdoms of men. As a result, there are none among the Dweroz who will help us. Even if the other Dweroz knew of our predicament they would not help us. Weve made it a point to sever any ties we once had with the all other clans. The dwarf came to the end of the hall where he found the spiraling stairway. He leapt up two or three stairs at a time as the men tried their best to keep up with him. When they reached the top of the stairs, there was a large glass window which Othalawulfaz paused to look out of. It is the full moon, he said in a deep and ominous tone. Yes, it is the night when the Dark Lord and his kind must guard themselves against the powers of their ancient foes, the dwarf replied. What do you mean? Theudo asked. Surely youve heard the old legend, Albirikjaz replied, that one of the greatest weaknesses of the Ubyrs is the power of their foe the Wirawulfaz. Ah, then Id better give this Ubyr-slaying kit to you, Theudo, Othal said. Theudo took the leather bag from Othal. Why do you give the bag to me? Theudo asked. Ive never told you of my lineage, have I? Theudo shook his head. Othal explained: I am from the Wulfingaz line. The progenitor of that line was a man called Hazdaz Wolffather, and he was believed to be the Wolf-God of my forefathers. Since his time, all the men of my line, it is said, have been capable of turning to wolves in times of intense stress. This transformation would become even more likely on the night of the full moon. I have never experienced this transformation before, but in this evil land, under the power of the full moon, it may happen. But, Theudo began, if we are to face a being who may be crushed under the might of the Wirawulfaz the man-wolf isnt that a good thing? I should be glad that the power of the wolf may take me over, Othal said, but ever since my father told me the legend of the Wulfingaz line of the power of the Wolffather I have dreaded the night I may transform into a bloodthirsty beast Well Theudo sighed, at least you will be protected from Walthusteinazs power. I must trust in the power of Wodanaz and this kit the librarian gave me. Despite the name of my tribe Wulfageistaz we do not possess the spirit of the wolf. It is our totem beast, but none of my people, as far as I know, are Wirawulfoz. So much the better for you, Othal said. Ive dreaded this night for over twenty years. On some nights I would find myself feeling unnerved maddened and hungry for flesh but I did not transform. My father told me he had changed before It was agonizing, and it filled him with such feelings of rage and hunger that when he became a man once more he felt such horrid remorse for what had become of him Dont mind that now, brother, Theudo said. You have the greatest weapon in our fight against the Dark Lord. Follow me, Albirikjaz said. I will show you the way to the Dark Lords lair.

The men composed themselves and followed the dwarf through a nearby doorway. They went down a brief hallway inhabited by wailing spirits. Theudo had his holy symbol the Elhaz rune with the eye of Wodanaz at the ready, warding off the spirits as the trio made their way to the end of the hall. The men walked the hall with their torches, but at the end of the hall there was a large unlit candelabrum standing behind a low stone altar. The hallway ended there, with no other doorways. What is this? Theudo asked. Give me your torch, Albirikjaz said. The barbarian handed his torch to the dwarf who leapt onto the altar. There were seven branches to the candelabrum, which the dwarf lit in a certain sequence. After they were all lit, a panel in the wall slid aside, revealing a doorway to a well-lit and luxurious throne room. Albirikjaz handed his torch back to Theudo. Good luck, gentlemen, the dwarf said. Youve come to your destination. Theudo and Othal walked through the doorway, entering the chamber of the Dark Lord. The blood pulsed hot in their veins as the candelabras burst into flame, lighting up the whole chamber. As they looked about, they noticed the finely woven rugs and tapestries, the furniture of gold and ivory. Upon the throne was the tall and dark-haired master. His skin was like cold, unfeeling alabaster. His hair flowed, raven-black and silky, down his shoulders. His eyes blazed with wicked flame as he sipped a dark-red liquid from a glass goblet. His fingers, though long and slender, were hairy and bore nails sharpened to points. He was dressed in black robes and furs, and wore a great deal of gold and jewels. He smiled as his eyes fell upon the two warriors, and that smile was filled with such brazen cruelty that the men had to look away. Fettered to the wall by fine shackles on slender chains was the pale and lovely Thruthihildjo, tears streaming down her once-rosy cheeks. Her golden hair was tangled and she had such a look of terror and distress that she did not seem to have noticed the heroes entering. Lacerations covered her slender arms, and her gossamer gown was caked with blood, clinging to her delicate form. The Dark Lord stood up to greet the heroes

-Part 4Greetings, gentlemen, Walthusteinaz said. I have seen you from afar. You see, I have many spies. You are Theudowulfaz, chieftain of the Wulfageistaz tribe, and of course Othalawulfaz, beloved of my latest prize. He laughed, pointing to the maiden in shackles. What have you done to her? Othal demanded. Well, with most of my prey, I immediately drain them of blood, transforming them into Ubyrs, like me. As for this one, Ive decided to slowly drain her of blood, enjoying each goblet of her hot young blood. The monster laughed perversely. Do you know that I am of the line of the Wulfingoz? Othal said. Oh yes, the monster said plainly, but you are weak and cannot control the power of the wolf. It will destroy you. Theudowulfaz opened his bag to draw forth the tools he would need to slay the Ubyr. Before he could ready the weapons, the creature was upon him, dashing swifter than lightning to the barbarians side. You surely dont think the tools of that feeble librarian can destroy me, do you? You are an Ubyr, and so they can slay you, he replied. The monster gazed into the barbarians eyes and he found himself unable to move. Meanwhile Othal went into some kind of convulsive fit. I am not just an Ubyr, Walthusteinaz said. My line was spawned by Xastur upon the descendants of Kuyun. She, Xastur, is the creature you saw on my flag. She is called the Motherbeast who slays men in the night. The power she gives to my line makes us more powerful than all other Ubyrs. And now the paralyzed barbarian spoke, you will drain me of blood to make me like you? No, the Ubyr said. If I drain you of blood, you will surely become as I am, and I cannot allow that. I will extend no such honor to a filthy savage such as you. The Wulfageistaz tribe is forever doomed, as you, the greatest among them, will meet with utter oblivion. Sweet dreams. With that he placed his hand on the barbarians head, gripping his skull and tearing his head right off of his shoulders. As the blood fell to the floor, Othal fell to the floor, growling in hate and pain. The Ubyr laughed. Such a shame to let this strong blood go to waste but I cant have any rivals, now can I. Now, what of you, dear Othal? The warrior threw himself against the floor hard as his body twisted. He could feel the silvery fur sprout all over his body as his bones and muscles stretched, bending into a new and horrid form. His face stretched into a toothy canine snout, and his ears grew to points. The muscles in his fingers grew powerful, and his nails became like claws. A bushy tail sprouted from his backside as his muscles grew dense and lean. He opened his eyes once more, and they were bright yellow and hungry. He stood on all fours as thick drool fell from his jaws. His eyes fell upon the Ubyr, who now appeared to him as no more than mere prey. The lupine creature could smell the pale things fear like an acrid stench in his snuffling snout. The huge wolf, covered in shredded clothes and broken mail, pointed his head to the sky, howling monstrously. No! the Dark Lord cried out. It cannot be! It must not be!

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Again, like lightning, the vampire returned to his throne a safe distance from the Wulfingaz. He snapped his fingers, and in a flash of light his form was covered in a suit of gray, dull plate mail which bore strange demonic sigils in thick black ink. In his hands he held a massive zweihander, also dull-gray. The huge sword also bore a series of strange black sigils. The Dark Lord smiled once more. Now that I have my mighty sword Feaster, your doom is at hand! Again he laughed cruelly as the man-beast looked on uncaringly. Othalawulfaz rushed at the Ubyr lord. Walthusteinaz swung his deadly blade, but the wolf-man dodged the weapon, leaping upon the Ubyr and knocking him to the floor. The sword Feaster fell from the monsters hand as the Wirawulfaz pinned him. You cannot keep me pinned, the Ubyr mocked. Who can contain the mist?! With that the Ubyr lord transformed into a bitter green fog. The Wirawulfaz coughed as the mist hovered out from beneath his grasp to take its humanoid form beside the blade Feaster. The Ubyr took the blade up once more. I am the devourer of life, and I bring life to those I devour! the Ubyr cried out. How can you face me when you seek only death?! The Wirawulfaz, still a bestial thing drawn only by hunger, could not answer him. Surely, if he were still but a man, he could reply that there is mercy in death. The life Walthusteinaz brought was a perversion, and surely those brought to such a false life would be better off dead. No, the wolf said no such thing, merely growling with hatred and hunger, and leaping toward the Ubyr. Walthusteinaz flung a volley of fireballs, knocking the wolf backward to rub his irritated eyes. You cannot destroy me! the Ubyr cried out. My power will last forever! The Dark Lord walked toward the wolf, prepared to deal his final blow with Feaster, the sword that could drain the life of any being it struck. The Ubyr stood laughing over Othalawulfazs body. Suddenly the wolf leapt up, grasping the Dark Lords throat in his toothy jaws. The wolf tore the head off of the Ubyr and blood splattered everywhere. As the warrior threw himself to the floor in exhaustion, reverting once more to his human form, the body of the fallen Dark Lord turned to ash. In human shape again, and covered in tatters of chain and cloth, Othalawulfaz at last rose to his feet. His sword belt lay stretched and torn upon the floor. He unsheathed the blade and took it up. Approaching Thruthihildjo, he broke the thin chains with his sword. The maiden fell into the mans arms, weeping. You are free now, woman, the tired warrior said. The woman said nothing, still in shock from the Dark Lords long tortures. The warrior was silent, too, dragging her out of the throne room through the main door. Albirikjaz stood there, waiting for the victor to emerge. Othalawulfaz! the dwarf exclaimed. We are free now! Youd better escape now, the warrior said gruffly. Another Ubyr lord may arise from the Dark Lords line. The Dark Lord has a son named Adalhelm, the dwarf said, but he is adventuring in foreign lands right now! Good, the warrior answered. Gather the other Dweroz, and the librarian Hauhaheimaz, and escape from the castle while you can. And tell the librarian to take the body and head of Theudowulfaz and return them to the Wulfageistaz tribe that they may bury them in a proper fashion.

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I will do as you say, Othalawulfaz. Albirikjaz led the hero down a long hallway, and then down a spiral set of stairs, and at last, back down another hallway, to the portcullis. By that time, Thruthihildjo was capable of moving on her own, and followed by the heros side. The dwarves raised the portcullis so that the humans could leave. Will you come with us? Othalawulfaz asked Albirikjaz. Not yet, the dwarf said. We Dweroz cannot long endure sunlight. Very well, the warrior replied. Thank you for your help. Thruthihildjo and I are leaving now. Goodbye. Othal and Thruthi walked north to the town of Wodanawiduz. They rested there that night, and in the morning, since Othalawulfaz had been wise enough to pick up his belt pouch before leaving the castle, the warrior bought a horse. The men of the Kattiwiz were not much for going about on horseback, but the two of them wanted to get out of those cursed lands as quickly as possible. Before leaving, he mentioned to the innkeeper that he should inform the Burgomaster that the Dark Lord was dead. The man and his beloved left immediately after that, having no desire to celebrate with the townspeople. The couple rode west into the Wulthuwalthuz and decided it would be best to spend the knight at the village of the Wulfageistaz tribe. When they got there a young man was waiting by the fire dressed in furs. As they approached, the handsome young barbarian stood up and stretched his hand out. Halt! he said. I am Widuhund, son of Theudowulfaz. Why do you come to the village of the Wulfageistaz tribe? I am Othalawulfaz, the warrior said. Your father and I left to slay Lord Walthusteinaz. Your father was slain by the Dark Lord, but I avenged his death. His body will be brought to you for a proper burial. That is poor news indeed, Widuhund said. I suppose this means I am chieftain of my tribe now. I salute you, Othalawulfaz. You may rest in my village for the night if you wish. Tomorrow we may pillage the Dark Lords castle So the young couple spent the night at the fire of the Wulfageistaz clan, and the next day they were off once more. They thanked Widuhund for his hospitality and continued westward. In the daylight they rode over the Kraftabirgan Mountains. They rode northwest through the lands of various tribes before returning at last to the Black Forest which the Kattiwiz had long claimed their home. Now that they were home and safe once more, Othalawulfaz proposed to his young beloved. Thruthihildjo agreed to marry the hero, despite the fact that he was a Wirawulfaz. Othalawulfaz and Thruthihildjo had a son whom they named Wulfasteinaz, but was better known as Wulfstein. He became a great hero in his day, but his father retired from adventure for the rest of his life. As for the young hero, he had many adventures of his own, but those are tales for another time

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