Chapter III: The Wolf's Den
Across the valley, in the dark foot hills, Lieutenant Loccriccio upon his own steed approached the gate of the dark Castle Verfluchter Todd, the intent of his visit yet unclear. Upon the stone posts of the gate and wall was the word “INGVLFR” and below was the crest that beheld a bust of a double-headed woman from which two growling wolves were seen. He cautiously entered the grounds following the dark wood-lined path to the castle itself. There he found the entire building dark and quiet but for the evening wind that rustled through the black trees around him.
The Lieutenant’s training and sharp senses told him that he was being watched from the woods, and he slowly dismounted his steed, drawing his blade, he turned to face the dark woods, and thus he spake, “Lo, who goes there? Show yourself! I am an officer of the Imperial Majesty, and I am here to seek the counsel of the Reverend Custos Morum.”
The softly rustling wind turned into a rumbling growl as a black beast, all covered in thick coat of fur and the snarling face of a wolf emerged from the shadows. It held the limbs and sharp claws of a wolf, but stood upon its hind quarters as if it were a man. In one bloody hand it held the severed arm of another maiden and shreds of flesh hung from its sharpened teeth. The beast did answer thusly, “Brother Úlfhéðnar, you are late.”
Using his blade to point at the beast’s bloody mouth, Loccriccio spoke once more, “By Lycaon’s curse, you have supped upon the flesh of another human!”
The beast recalled a popular Christian invocation in it’s native Slavic tongue, “U volka v zubakh -Egorii dal,” then it laid bare his fangs in a ghastly smile and, “If a wolf has something in its teeth, St. George gave it,” the beast then snorted loudly as if to laugh at its own joke, “Aye, Master von Fockewülfe has called on the body of Úlfhéðnar as the purifiers of the Faith,” was the beasts reply, and lifting the severed limb in offering to Loccraccio, he continued thusly, “the humans are like chattle and are weak and corrupt, and Master von Fockewülfe, the Ulbrecht of our Pacte, has called for a holy Lycourgos to cleanse the earth of the weak and corrupt.”
At the sight of the limb, strong and powerful urges swelled from deep within Loccriccio’s soul, but he is able to suppress the dark urges and steps back from the beast’s offering. At this the beast howls into the night, and growls at the Lieutenant, “Ho, what is this? That a Brother Úlfhéðnar resists the Lycourgos? You have lived among the humans and far too long in their midst…I have seen with mine own eyes how you look upon that human, Amelie. Perhaps you have been corrupted as well…”
With a flick and flash of his blade, Loccriccio draws blood from the beast’s arm, cutting deep into its flesh. “By Saint James, hold your tongue or have it cut out by my hand! I am still a Brother Úlfhéðnar and senior to you among the Pacte!” The beast yelped at the deep wound and dropped the severed limb, as Loccriccio continued to speak, “Who has called for this bloodrage? Speak or I shall dine on your flesh for speaking such heresy.”
The beast growled and hissed before he replied, “Brother Könner, the younger von Fockewülfe, driven is he to madness at the spurring of his advances by the Abbess, he has called for this blood rage under the Lycourgos. The whole Úlfhéðnar debate it now in the chambers beneath the catacombs.”
Behind the castle, Loccriccio enters the ancient crypt of Greigor that leads beneath the castle into the catacombs below. After descending several levels of winding catacombs, Loccriccio comes upon two broad doors and enters the one on the left. Upon entering the scent of blood was strong and again he felt the dark urges rise from within his body. In the small chamber were a number of benches and small orifices cut into the rock wall. Within each and upon several of the benches were neatly folded articles of clothing. Finding one such orifice empty, Loccriccio divested himself of all metallic substances and disrobed. After which, Loccriccio succumbed to the blood scent and the call of the beast and his flesh tore and bones cracked as his form changed to that of a Lupine or Were-Wolf as the ancient Norse called them. From his mouth, his human teeth fell as his true fangs emerged from his gums, as did his fingernails and toenails to be replaced by his claws.
Having changed into his ancient form, Loccriccio entered the Great Hall of Ingúlfr, there at the far end was the tomb of Ingúlfr herself, the Matriarch of the Pacte des Loups. Upon the wall of the chamber above the tomb was the same crest as was found at the castle gate. Under the crest was the year 1015. The great hall that hosted several hundred Lupines was devoid of any metallic objects or furnishing but for the tomb itself. The Fockewülfes were descendants of the 11th Century Russian Prince of Polotsk. Prince Vassiley was considered to have been a Were-wolf, capable of superhuman strength and speeds. As the spread of Christianity into
In the year 1015, Vassiley and his kin were hunted to the last man and driven from Polotsk, his wife escaped with her unborn son and took refuge with a young count as distant relatives of Count Greigor von Fockewülfe, who took pity on the comely and lovely damsel in distress. The child born was named Hrodulf and bore the count’s name. Unknown to the poor Count, the young lady he had taken pity on and rescued was Ingúlfr Rogneda of Polotsk, a Lupine and chief wife to Vassiley.
According to the legend, Ingúlfr was chief Conchobhar or wolf-lover. It is said that there are women who, in consequence of deadly sins, are condemned to spend part of their lives in wolf’s form. In a typical account, a condemned woman is visited by a wolfskin-toting spirit, Liulfr, who orders her to wear the skin, which causes her to acquire frightful cravings for human flesh soon after. With her better nature overcome, the she-wolf devours human flesh. She wanders only at night, with doors and locks springing open at her approach. Once the son was born and named heir by Count Greigor von Fockewülfe, Ingúlfr one night turned on her surprised rescuer and devoured him in whole. Serving as regent for the heir, she slowly sought out and gathered survivors of the Diaspora to her household. By the time Hrodulf was of majority, Ingúlfr had built a strong following within the Castle Verfluchter Todd. These were her descendants and followers known as the Úlfhéðnar or Pacte des Loups. Their dark work was called Lycourgos or Wolf’s Work. Loccriccio himself is of the royal blood of Vassiley and a cousin to Könner, the younger von Fockewülfe, this fact, of course, was kept secret from the Colonel and Gabrielle Émilie.
As he entered he first kept his tongue still and listened upon the words of the Ulbrecht, Master von Fockewülfe, who was by blood and title the leader of the Pacte. The Ulbrecht spoke of the holy Lycourgos that had been given to Vassiley by the Angel Gabriel to cleanse and purify the followers of Cain, the weak and corrupt humans. As the Ulbrecht spoke of this holy order, Loccriccio looked among the crowds of howling Lupines for the counsel he truly sought. He found that which he sought in a far corner of the hall, surrounded by her own loyal followers. Her name was Ylva, and she was chief Conchobhar, or wolf-lover, to the Ulbrecht, Master von Fockewülfe. Remaining in the outer fringe of the Pacte, Loccriccio made his way towards the Conchobhar.
Loccriccio is the favored son of Ylva’s sister, and he often sought his Aunt’s counsel in many matters. Ylva is a Lupine, but is not as malicious as the rest of the Pacte. A distinction is often made between voluntary and involuntary were-wolves or Lupines. The former are generally thought to have made a pact, usually with the Devil, and morph into were-wolves at night to indulge in mischievous acts. Involuntary were-wolves, on the other hand, are such by an accident of birth or health. In some cultures, individuals born during a new moon or suffering from epilepsy were considered likely to be were-wolves.
Ylva was born of two human parents out of wed-lock; a wealthy and married marquis and his servant girl. The child’s existence was kept a secret, and as Ylva was about to be born, the two travel to a different principality to search for a mid-wife. On the way, her parents are attacked by a were-wolf whom her father kills with a knife made of pure silver, but the mother is bit by the were-wolf. The mother dies at child birth, and the father abandons her with the mid-wife. When Ylva first came across the Count von Fockewülfe and heard him preach of Chrsitian values, she saw this as a way of overcoming her sinful birth, and her “punishment” by turning into a wolf and her thirst for blood. Ylva represented a minority within the Pacte, though growing in number, that took the Christian conversion to heart, and tried to live within its “non-harm” doctrine, they were largely responsible for the livestock killings rather than hunting women. As the victims were all female, and being female herself, she found this fundamentally at odds with her own human half.
Escaping notice, Loccriccio was able to find his way to his favored aunt. Upon laying eyes on her nephew, Ylva embraced him warmly with joy in her heart, and thus did Loccriccio greet his dear aunt, “Mistress Ylva, since I have known your help; my hope is in you. You have always been sweet medicine to the unhappy, and have come very promptly to those who put themselves under your protection. Mistress, still and unfailing is my allegiance to you and I call on you now in my troubles, dear aunt, oh my sweet advocate; therefore my heart adores you, only in you do I find ease and true comfort for my cares.”
With a warm smile Ylva answered, “Dear nephew, I am gladdened by your presence in these troubling times.” Then the smile fading from her countenance, she turned to the Ulbrecht, her husband, who spoke at the center of the hall which was drenched in the blood and torn limbs of several victims plucked this very night. “You uncle seeks to wed your cousin to the fair Abbess-Princess Sophia, as her royal line and extensive estates bring hope of reviving the glory of Prince Vassiley.” Loccriccio could see his cousin standing at the foot of Ingúlfr’s tomb. Ylva continued her speech to her young ward, “but your young captain, the fair and handsome, Gustav has spoiled your uncle’s designs as Guatav has captured the favor of Princess Sophia. In a jealous rage, your cousin has called for this blood rage to exterminate the race of Cain.”
Loccriccio responded to her aunt’s words, “Have we naught forgotten our own persecution, that we should impart the same harm on others? The blood spilt on these floors do nothing to bring honor to us or to our ancestors nor does it erase the injustice done to us in past.”
“You speak with wisdom, dear nephew,” was Ylva’s reply, “address the Úlfhéðnar as you have claim as your cousin does and you shall have my strength at your back.”
At this Loccriccio made his way to the front, and at his sight, the Ulbrecht turned his attention to him. “Dear nephew, what have you to report to your Ulbrecht?”
The hall fell silent and all eyes were upon Loccraccio as he spoke, “By order of the Princess Sophia, Colonel Hussenpepper has increased the patrols and presence in the outlying areas, as well as doubling the guards at the Abbey.” Then looking about the hall, he continued, “I come to plead with my Ulbrecht and this Úlfhéðnar to cease this blood rage and to speak on behalf of those…”
At these words several among the Úlfhéðnar whispered amongst them, and the Ulbrecht sensing this interrupted the young officer and called upon Loccraccio to join the Lycourgos, “Dear nephew, have you forgotten what your true nature is,” then waving his bloodied hand over the carnage at his feet, “the race of Cain is powerless to stop us; there measures are futile. Come, dear cousin, embrace your fate and destiny and join us in our Lycougos…” at this the Ulbrecht raised a severed hand from the floor and tossed it at Loccraccio’s feet, but Loccraccio stayed his hand and calmed his heart for his love of Amelie did cause him to hesitate.
There was now more talk among the Úlfhéðnar as there was whispers of treason and heresy. Now Könner stepped forward to challenge his cousin, “Dear Cuz, how can we take your counsel? Were you not stripped of your command and title? Lo, what heresy you speak of? You dare ask this Úlfhéðnar to abandon the Lycourgos! Dare you with such contempt turn your back on your Ulbrecht and the Úlfhéðnar?”
The beast who first challenged Loccraccio at the gate now stepped forward and with raised fist cried of “Heretic!” and “Traitor!” Others followed suit. Könner continued with his attack, “Benafacio, I hear hasty words from the Úlfhéðnar, but I still embrace you as a cousin and brother, whence you came and what came you here to do? Or should we believe this heavy charge?”
“I issue from the House of Vassiley, my cousin. Before her death, my mother was second wife to the Ulbrecht and as such I have claim and cause to address this Úlfhéðnar,” was Loccriccio words as he looked at the angry faces about him, “I come here to subdue my passions and improve myself in faith.”
An elder of loyalty to Ylva stepped forward and spoke, “Tis true the royal blood of Vassiley runs through his veins as well. Let him speak and be heard; the law commands it.” At this many others also agreed.
Yet Könner pressed on, “What madness! You speak of Faith, dear cousin, yet you turn your back on the Úlfhéðnar and our Ulbrecht!”
Loccriccio stepped forward, “I turn my back on all that is wrong and sinful against the Lord, our God. In God’s Holy Name, let us remove the veil that so confuses and blinds our sight; let our groans pierce the heavens, each one demanding of God pardon for those transgressions which we committed at all ages. Fathers and sons, brothers,” here he paused and looked once again about him in the great hall, “relations, friends, and women friends, whom we have greatly loved, with whom we ate drank and sported many a day with, many graceful and beautiful creatures, ladies, maidens, and valiant young men who are enjoying their youth under the earth, and other gentlemen, let the sleeping soul arouse its senses and awake to contemplate how life passes, how death approaches so silently; how quickly pleasure goes, and how once remembered, it give us pain. How, we see it, any time in the past was better.”
The beast who called Loccriccio a heretic weaves his way amongst the throngs, silently hunting Loccriccio from behind, waiting to pounce and silence his divisive voice. He moves with little notice among the Úlfhéðnar, but there is one set of eyes that he does not escape. Loccriccio unaware continues to address the Úlfhéðnar, “Brothers and sisters, if we see the present, how it has gone and is over in a flash, if we should judge wisely, we will count the future as already past. Let no one at all deceive himself by thinking that what he is expecting will last longer than what he has already seen. For everything will pass in the same manner.”
Könner moved himself in a manner that took Loccricio’s attention away from the stalker behind him. Könner spoke to his cousin as to keep him distracted, “You presume, Cuz, to call us ‘men’ and ‘gentlemen’ as if we are of the same line as the sons of Cain? Of whom is this ‘beautiful creature,’ this lady and maiden – have you been enchanted and deceived by the perfumed harlot, Amelie, that you do not recognize your own kin?”
Then turning to the body of Úlfhéðnars around him, Könner demanded, “We must strike at this very place and cut out this malignancy of weakness and corruption. We shall the take the abbey as our prize. We shall drink their blood as nectar and feast on their sweet and tender meat!”
Loccriccio answered firmly, eyes fixed upon his cousin, “Cousin, your jealousy clouds your judgment. By sacred decree of Mother Ingúlfr, no harm shall pass into the walls of the Abbey or upon those who dwell within. The Abbey has always been beyond our reach as all the women were of the Royal houses of
Distracted, Loccriccio feels the presence behind him but far too late as the beast is already in flight with talons bare to rend his flesh. In mid-flight another strikes at the beast, for the hunter is hunted still, and both tumble in the midst of the great hall. It is Ylva who has struck out against the beastly assassin and her teeth drink deeply of the assassin’s blood; her claws tear at his flesh. He scampers into the crowd as his attempt was thwarted. Immediately, she takes her station in front of Loccriccio as several of her most able guards encircle him. Ylva turned to face Loccriccio, “By your mother’s honor, I have taught you well and brave Benafaccio you speak wisely before this Úlfhéðnar. Treachery and danger stalk you here, go now with my guardians and seek safety, and I will come to you when it is safe. Go! Now! I command it!”
With little choice, Loccraccio flees with Ylva’s warriors. Könner leaps at his own mother, growling “Mother dear, the time has come!” The two then lock in desperate battle, teeth and claw alike bite and rend the flesh as the two tangle in bloody combat.
Stepping aside, the Ulbrecht, yells unto the crowd, “It has began, he who subdues the Conchobhar is the new Ulbrecht, thus I so command!”
Ylva circles to the left and Könner circles opposite, as Ylva pleads one last time with her son, “My darling son, heed your cousin’s wise counsel do not condemn our people to another holocaust!”
The elder von Fockewülfe, Hrodulf, spurs his son on as a sign of strength and to assert his right to lead the coven. Mother and son grapple in violent combat; teeth knawing and claws slashing. No strike goes unanswered as the two struggle. Though both have supporters among the Úlfhéðnar, none dare interfere as the law is clear in such contests which are necessary for the right of accession. Though she was more cunning and wise in her attacks, Könner possessed the strength of his youth and after hours of pitched combat, it is Könner’s brute strength that prevailed, and thus he mounted his own mother and mated with her, signifying he is now the Ulbrecht of the Pacte, the Alpha Wolf. Ylva is left whimpering as Hrodulf watches from the shadows.
Bloodied and torn, the victor nonetheless, Könner stands above his subdued mother, and proclaims “As the new Ulbrecht, I hereby repeal the contract between my father and mother as the law permits. None shall find sanctuary and refuge in the palace or the abbey from this day forward.”
Her male followers encircle Ylva as the females tend to her wounds. The elder von Fockewülfe, Hrodulf approaches his son in confidence as the great hall empties of its occupants. Hrodulf eyes the guarded circle around the whimpering Ylva, and whispers to Könner, “I fear there are a number of Úlfhéðnars who are sympathetic to your cousin and mother, we must strike now at the abbey and palace as a show of strength. Punish your traitorous cousin and at the same time you strike at the very heart of the waning human authority in this land.” Turning to the shadows, he waves forth the same beast that once did lunge at Loccriccio.
“This is Dirk von Dijk,” Hrodulf points to the lurking beast in the shadows with yellowed teeth and eyes, “he serves on your cousin’s detail. He knows of a breach in the palace walls that has yet to be mended. He is loyal to us and holds a blood grudge against your cousin. Send him as your Geirolf, as your wolf-assassin, to feast upon the precious Amelie.”
Könner licks at his own wounded shoulder, and looks upon his yelping mother, and then at the Geirolf and growls, “When the time is ready, I shall send for you.” And the three depart the great hall.
Ylva lifts her badly mauled face and speaks to one of her nursemaids. She whispers in her ear and then commands her, “Go…and warn dear Bonefaccio.” Without hesitation the nursemaid departs by another way beneath the great hall that leads to the heavy woods outside the servant's cottage.
In his study in the castle high above the great hall, Hrodulf writes an urgent message to his eminence, the Cardinal asking for a dispatch of troops. Having changed back to human form, the Reverend Custos Morum is in private counsel with his son. As he writes, he inquires of his son, “Are you sure of this?”
Könner leaned upon the hearth of the fireplace and stared intently into the dancing flames. “It is as I have told you before. I have seen so with my own eyes, the Captain is a woman in the false guise of a man, and has seduced the Princess Abbess in her very garden,” Könner then turning to face his father at his desk, “I hid behind a rose bush and saw the two in unholy embrace. At first I did not believe mine own eyes, and moved in closer to confirm what I saw. In my haste I startled a flock of quail, but the two were so consumed by their sin that neither took notice. In the eyes of the Holy Mother Church, this sin they must recant or be burned at the stake as the Holy Mother Church had done to the Witch of Lorraine.”
“We must not expose her until the Cardinal’s men arrive,” spoke the Reverend Custos Morum, “we shall force the Colonel’s hand and make him deal with her himself so that the army shall not oppose us.”
“For sooth, Father, they shall have no choice,” Quoth Könner.
“With the Cardinal’s troops here, the Colonel shall not risk a confrontation between crown and cross with the army away at war. Of this I am certain.” As he spoke, the Reverend Custos Morum, dabbed his letter with wax from his candle and pressed his seal upon the wax. He called for his coachman and bid him to take this most urgent message to the Cardinal.
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