By Volk-Oboroten'
As he slowly awoke, Bertolf recalled his horrible nightmare. He'd gone with a seductive sorceress to regain her lost jewel from Gorthaur, a feline demon also known as the Black Claw. They'd traveled into the midst of his lair, surrounded by evil Malachites. But now he'd forget about it, for it all must have been a dream. A dreadful, harrowing, dream!
As he opened his eyes, Bertolf was stunned to see that he was in a darkened room, lit by only a few torches. His sight seemed incredibly keen despite the lack of light. There were all the Karuvati guards, lying asleep against to the walls, stretched out so he could see their patches of yellow fur and green skin.
To the left, he spotted Fortinbras, slumbering on the ground next to some of his acolytes. The Shepherd's Cap had slid off his head, marking his face with a trail of blood as it dropped down to the stone floor. Red pools could be seen next to his feet.
So . . . it had really happened! Bertolf looked down at his hands and spotted claws where he should have fingernails. His fingers also ended in black canine pads, but were otherwise largely human. Lifting his right arm, he felt his muzzle . . .
"Wake up, Bertolf!" said an insistent voice in his head. "I told you not to watch me while I danced! Or Gorthaur! I'm not sure how long the spell will last, for my power . . ."
Turning his lupine head toward the center of the room, Bertolf saw a massively-built black shape sprawled across the ground. It lay at the foot of a dark throne, with its furry black tail stretched out toward Bertolf, ending near a bronze armband. The cat demon! Bertolf promptly grabbed a short dagger from a shelf on a rack of sheep skulls.
"You can't kill him," advised the voice. "The Black Claw isn't mortal. Also, I'm afraid my power is nearly spent. He'll wake up if you get too close . . ."
Oh great, thought Bertolf. Now, what should I do? Looking at the armband, he saw gleaming gem at its center. The Tiger's Eye - the gem Ulthenia had desired! Perhaps he could use the dagger to pry it out of the armband.
Moving forward, Bertolf heard a snort from the sleeping feline. Puffs of smoke rose from Gorthaur's nostrils, uneasily evoking the image of a sleeping dragon in Bertolf's mind. His eyes were still solidly closed while his face seemed to show signs of pleasure.
"I didn't do anything with him," insisted Ulthenia's voice. "Well . . . at least not anything that wasn't absolutely necessary. I'll be guarding the escape route so you can get away quickly. Once you get the Tiger's Eye . . . Run! Run as fast as you can!"
At least that should be simple, thought Bertolf. He dropped to all fours, leaning over the armband. He just needed to push the dagger against that notch, and the jewel would drop . . .
Thwack! A massive black tail hit the ground next to Bertolf, brushing its fur against the end of the bracelet. He jumped back, feeling a blast of intense heat. He brushed the unfamiliar fur on his arm, putting out small embers of flame.
Gorthaur's tail continued to thrash back and forth. Every few seconds, it would pound the ground near the armband. Was the cat demon waking up? Perhaps. Even worse, Bertolf could see the feline monster's arm quivering, displaying the sharp talons which had given him his other name: The Black Claw. He'd have to act now, or never.
Holding the dagger in his right hand, Bertolf made sure he was on the other side from the twitching tail. He then prepared to place his left hand on the armband to steady it. Then, reaching down . . . Ouch! It was burning hot! The mere touch of a few hairs from Gorthaur's tail made it feel like the bronze had just been in a forge.
But he could not be afraid. If the Tiger's Eye was truly as powerful as Ulthenia said, he couldn't let the Black Claw keep it. If the demon possessed such power, he could enslave Lik. Then, he'd force everyone to obey him. Every head must bow. Bertolf vividly remembered the awful words of the Malachites during their hideous ritual.
Stabbing forward, Bertolf knocked the gem smoothly out of its holder. As it rolled away from the bracelet, he dropped the dagger in his cloak, and grabbed for it with his right hand, pivoting his left arm for balance. Then, a black cat hissed next to him, scratching his feet with its sharp claws. Holding the gem, he moved his other arm to brush the ferocious feline away.
Aaaghh!! Intense pain! Burning! Gorthaur's tail had just flicked across the palm of his left hand. Somehow, Bertolf started running, finding the strength to ignore the pain. It was like his hand had been plunged into molten iron! He no longer noticed the hell-cat clinging to his right leg, slashing away with its claws.
Rushing out of the chamber, he smashed the cat into the side of the stairs, making it lose its grip. Behind him, Bertolf could hear the Karuvati grabbing their scimitars. The Malachites were all waking up! He must get away!
Surging ahead, Bertolf found he was able to run faster than he could ever remember. Perhaps it was from Ulthenia's wolf spell? Or from the magic of Tiger's Eye? His strength of will allowed him to ignore the deep cuts on his leg. Bertolf clutched his left hand to his side, now covered with blackened hairs where it had been burnt.
An enraged roar echoed from the pits below. He must flee! They were all after him. He could hear the Karuvati running, coming closer every minute. If only they were just lutins. But although the Karuvati had been created from the green-skinned goblins, he knew that the feline warriors were much fiercer. Much worse to face in combat. He must get away!
Finally, reaching the top of the buried fortress, Bertolf darted outside. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you, but I've been looking for Beruthiel," said Ulthenia, who had somehow escaped the cave ahead of him. How had she moved so quickly? "She sent one of her pets into the tunnels to wake up Gorthaur. Your leg . . . Did her cat . . ."
Seeing Ulthenia's look of concern, Bertolf tried to say "Just a scratch," but all that came out of his wolflike mouth was "Rrrr . . . Arrooo . . . rrrr." The feline sorceress leaned forward, and aimed a green gem at his foot. A beam of light shot out of the center of the crystal, and Bertolf suddenly felt his wounds healing, deep fissures torn by cruel claws fading away. He noticed that Ulthenia was once again fully clothed, although her dress was missing stripes of cloth, ripped off in narrow strips.
"It's the least I could do for someone who's helped me so much. I only wish I could do something about your hand, but that's beyond my skill." Then, Ulthenia hurled a red rock, which looked like a ruby, at the top of the tunnel wall behind them. Bertolf hurried away, sensing danger.
The red stone exploded when it hit the rock face, causing slabs of stone to crash into the opening. As the boulders tumbled, Bertolf heard Ulthenia's voice in his mind again, "I'm afraid that my power is all spent. The Tiger's Eye won't be any good until dawn."
Looking back, Bertolf saw that the cave-in had blocked the exit from the tunnel. But he was sure that there were other places where the Malachites could erupt from the ground to pursue him. Also, he imagined green, clawed hands tearing away at the stones, hurling them to clear the tunnel. Only one thought must be in the Karuvati's minds - the wrath of Gorthaur!
Rushing forward, Bertolf joined Ulthenia on the mountain trail. He nearly stumbled over a metal rail, but then jumped over it, finding renewed energy. He could see Lik! Down there, in the valley, where a few fires could be seen near the ancient guild hall.
But Ulthenia seemed very tired, unable to run. Why hadn't she saved some of her magic? She must have spent it all escaping from the cave. At this pace, the Karuvati were sure to catch her. Already, he could see their dark shapes near the valley walls, growing larger every moment
He just couldn't leave her in this awful place! Bertolf imagined what tortures the Black Claw would devise for someone who had dared to entrance him. He must ensure that they escape together. Once they got past the gate . . .
"Miaauuuww . . . hissss . . . ssss!" What was that? Nine cats! Eight black and one white, all guarding the gate. The felines hissed and spat again as he looked down. Even worse, their foul mistress was standing behind them, holding some sort of stick. A magic staff?
Ulthenia paused for a moment to catch her breath, but then saw Bertolf's unexpected obstacle. She nervously moved her orange-and-black hands and muttered something, as if performing an incantation. "You have no power now, false tigress," said Beruthiel, making a sinister laugh as she stared back at her adversary. "I'll get you both!"
"Let us go," pleaded Ulthenia. "Do you have any idea what he'll do with the Tiger's Eye? Can't you tell that the Black Claw will no longer need you once he has enough . . ."
"Your mind tricks won't work on me," insisted Beruthiel. "I saw right through them from the start. That's why the Malachites value me, for my superior . . ."
Bertolf tried to lunge forward, but found himself suspended in mid air. More magic? Yes, Beruthiel was doing something with her staff to block him. If only he could reach the gate!
"How foolish," muttered Beruthiel. "You really thought I'd accept him as a werewolf! This miner's nothing like Valaric. No real power. Far too small. Just a little dog."
"Let him go," insisted Ulthenia. "If you just want revenge, take me as your prisoner. I'm willing to face whatever fate the Malachites have prepared. But don't punish Bertolf. I should have never gotten him into this. You see . . ." She suddenly fell to the ground as a yellow blast of energy shot out of Beruthiel's staff.
"Enough!" declared Beruthiel. "I could leave you for the Karuvati, but I find their methods to be too crude. Not entertaining enough for my taste."
Bertolf found himself on the dusty path again, one leg propped against the strap rail lining the length of the track down to Lik. Beruthiel's spell must have just dropped him there. Perhaps there was a way to get around her. Getting to his feet, he ran up the hill toward Ulthenia, relieved not to find himself airborne again.
"What an idiot!" exclaimed Beruthiel. "Your pet must have forgotten all about the spiders. At least this will make it easy for them to catch both of you."
"No! Leave me here," pleaded Ulthenia. "Save yourself, Bertolf. Just make sure that the Tiger's Eye is safe."
Bertolf ignored her pleas, scooping up Ulthenia in his arms. He could see the Karuvati rushing down the hill, ready to drag them back to the Black Claw. Almost anything would be better than that. Another bolt of energy smashed into the hillside, causing him to stumble.
"You can't escape!" insisted Beruthiel. "Your deaths will honor the Nameless One!"
As Bertolf struggled to hold onto the rail, his feet fell into the gaping maw of an abyss. The spider pits! He could hear arachnid legs scurrying below, ready for a meal. Meanwhile, Ulthenia clung to Bertolf's side, desperately trying to avoid falling . . .
"Never anger a lioness," snarled Beruthiel. "Did you think you could steal the Black Claw from me? He's destined to be mine! All mine! He'd never desert me, like the manticore . . ."
"Please, just let Bertolf go," said Ulthenia, struggling to maintain her grip. Bertolf leaned back, pulling the tiger woman back from the fast eroding cliff. Somehow, he'd make sure that they both survived. He must save the Tiger's Eye from the Malachites!
"Bertolf? You're using a name for that thing? Why he's nothing more than a dog! Your little pet, brought here to fool us. Your magic might work on some Malachites but . . . "
"You ugly hag!" exclaimed Ulthenia. "You're even more cruel than your master."
"Ugly?" snorted Beruthiel, while rubbing her whiskers. "You won't be so pretty when the spiders are done tearing the flesh from your bones."
Bertolf found his footing and prepared to bolt toward Beruthiel. Maybe if he broke her staff he could get through the gate. But was it too late? He could see the Malachites gathered above, Karuvati guards glaring down at him with intense anger. Baring her leonine fangs, Beruthiel hissed, as she fired a barrage of energy down at the trail. The rail suddenly broke as the fireball hit it, snapping off as it plunged down the hillside. As the rest of the path gave way, Ulthenia and Bertolf both tumbled into darkness, falling down, down, down toward the pits of the hungry spiders.
Where was he? Bertolf couldn't tell, for everything had gone black. His left arm was entangled in something sticky, but at least his right arm was free. Not that his left arm would have been good for anything, as it felt like it had been burned by an iron brand.
Reaching into his vest, Bertolf felt for his dagger, the one he'd grabbed from the sleeping Karuvati in Gorthaur's lair. The Tiger's Eye was still there too, deep in the pocket where he'd stashed it. Perhaps he could use the dagger to free himself from this trap.
Grabbing the blade, he slashed at the cord which bound his left hand. What was it? A net? No, it resembled a huge cobweb. Fortunately, his legs were already free, as the lower threads had been smashed by falling metal, too heavy to be held by the silken ropes.
Getting to his feet, Bertolf wondered where Ulthenia was. He sensed that she couldn't be too far away, but worried about whether the spiders were approaching. How many were there? He recalled that Lilith's servants had delivered two to Cirith Morgul, but wasn't sure if any more might be hidden in this dank abyss.
Groping and fumbling in the dark, Bertolf saw a light shining from far above. Torches? Yes, the Malachites were all up there, gloating over the imminent demise of their prey. He could see the scowling faces of the Karuvati, as well as Beruthiel's grim gaze. She no longer looked remotely human, for her visage now closely resembled that of a ravenous lioness.
"Shouldn't we bring them back to the Black Claw?" asked Captain Ulthar, as his feline soldiers peered over the edge of the pit. "He wants to personally punish . . ."
"All in good time. All in good time," muttered Beruthiel. "One way and another, they'll be punished. I'll take the Tiger's Eye back from her dry bones!"
Bertolf tried to ignore the Malachites' foul plans, for he was resolved to rescue Ulthenia. She must still be alive, for he could sense her thoughts in his mind. There . . . wasn't that another web, tied to a branch from a fallen tree? He struck the thread with his dagger.
"You think you can help her escape? Hah!" exclaimed Beruthiel, looking to the east. "Look at that! The first rays of light are shining over the mountains. That's how much longer you have to be alive! Our spiders like to feed at dawn."
Why didn't the web break? The thread he tried to cut, just bounced back, like a bowstring after an arrow had been fired. But there must be some way to shatter the web, Bertolf thought.
From out of the darkness, he heard a long venomous hiss. One of the spiders? It must have been drawn to him when he struck its web. He could tell it was approaching him, climbing down the threads on its huge web. In the dim darkness before dawn, Bertolf realized a cluster of eight abominable, glowing eyes staring down at him.
The monster must be tremendously heavy, Bertolf thought. How could the threads bear both it and Ulthenia without snapping? Maybe he should aim for a cord near . . .
"Throw something to distract it," ordered Ulthenia, who'd evidently regained her wits. Bertolf knelt down and grabbed something near his leg. A skull? Holding it up, he could see bits of green skin still adhering to bloody clumps of flesh on the bones. It must have once been an unfortunate lutin, used by the Malachites as food for their arachnid pet.
After hurling the skull at the glowing eyes, Bertolf tore at the web with his dagger. He heard a screeching sound, as hairy legs scuttled down the web. The giant spider's forelegs moved back and forth, tearing chunks of bone from the lutin's skull in its frenzy to feed.
She was free! As Bertolf expected, the massive thread broke, as it could no longer support the weight of Ulthenia once the spider's bulk also rested upon it. Even better, he was also loose, for the entire web unraveled. Tearing the remaining threads from Ulthenia's arms, Bertolf prepared to run, looking for an exit from this hellhole.
But no! Another spider was coming. The creature scurried along the ground, moving on its clawed legs closer and closer. Not far away, the first spider freed itself from the broken fragments of its web, preparing to pounce on its prey.
"Bertolf, throw the dagger at its eyes! If you blind one, maybe we can evade the other."
It was almost upon them! Completely untangled from the strewn strands of webbing, the spider loomed over Bertolf, its remorseless eyes full of menace. What could he do? It had so many eyes! Even if he struck one, wouldn't that just make it more aggressive?
Throwing the blade, Bertolf thoughts turned to despair as he saw that he'd missed. The dagger dropped just short of the spider's out-thrust head, plunging into one of its hairy legs. The mighty arachnid brushed aside the minor annoyance, hurling it away with hairs that stuck out like steel spines. However, as it threw its leg out, the claw at its tip struck the other spider.
Greedy for food, the second arachnid had lunged forward, eager to devour Ulthenia and Bertolf. But now, it forgot them entirely, flailing its limbs against its neighbor. Both spiders soon began to grapple, throwing their creaking legs at one another.
"They're getting away!" screeched Beruthiel, in a piercing, shrill voice. "Seize them! Get the tigress! And her mangy little dog, too!"
Bertolf and Ulthenia stumbled forward, heading for the light at the far end of the pit. A gate! Bertolf found that it was open, for Beruthiel had left it ajar when she freed the spiders earlier that night. Running outside with Ulthenia, Bertolf could see the southern gate to Lik.
"No!!!" cried Beruthiel. "How could they destroy my beautiful wickedness? Now, I won't be able to see the spiders rip the flesh from their bones. But, perhaps it's not too late. Ulthar, head down to Lik with the draconians. Quickly! There's no time to waste!"
Meanwhile, Bertolf saw Ulthenia looking toward the forest. "I'll take you into Lik, where you'll be safe. The burgomaster has no love for the Malachites."
"No," she replied softly. "You'll never be safe if the Malachites know you have the Tiger's Eye. I must take it back with me, back to the temple where it belongs."
"But they're coming!" exclaimed Bertolf. "If you join me in Lik, Recared will protect us. Out in the forest, the Karuvati and draconians will hunt for you."
Taking a broach out of her torn cloak, Ulthenia said, "Put the Tiger's Eye here. Its magic will allow me to elude all of the Malachite minons. They'll never catch me."
Removing the gem from his pocket, Bertolf placed it in the necklace chain. The ends suddenly snapped shut and he saw a bright glow around Ulthenia. The light steadily became brighter and brighter, causing him to close his eyes against the glare.
When he opened them, he saw a large tigress, wearing a collar decorated with the Tiger's Eye. The great cat suddenly turned away, darting off into the forest. After she vanished, he heard Ulthenia's voice in his mind. "I'll never forget what you did, Bertolf. Some day, I'll come back for you."
Moments later, Bertolf started to run for Lik's gate. The Malachites were coming! He'd been spotted by the Karuvati, who were running down the mountain path at a feverish pace. Beside them, angry draconians carried spears, intent on seizing Bertolf as their prisoner. A few were already airborne, gliding above the steep cliffs to swoop down on their prey.
Could he make it? At least it was light now, for the sun was ready to rise. Ahead of him, Bertolf could see a number of people on horseback, gathered around the gate. Several were staring up at the mountain, watching the Malachites pursue him.
He must run faster! But something was wrong now, for Bertolf's feet felt odd, like they were contracting, returning to a more human form. The spell was wearing off! He felt his claws recede, shrinking every second as the sun's first rays began to shine.
If only he could get inside the gate! But it was too late, for the fleet-footed draconians were gaining on him. He'd never manage to outrun them, not while his feet were undergoing an awkward transformation. Bertolf felt his right hand contort, as canine pads faded into his palm.
A figure on horseback galloped in front of him and dismounted, followed by a number of men. Who was it? Spotting a badge, Bertolf recognized Captain Dagobert. It must be the group from the Tauremorna, back from escorting the caravan last night.
Who were the others? The dismounted warrior walked rapidly toward him, pulling back his hood to reveal a wolflike face. It was Valaric, Lik's lupine guardian!
Bertolf lurched forward as a draconian grabbed his arm. Nearby, two draconians and a Karuvati soldier brandished their weapons, ready to drag him back to the Black Claw's fortress. "Release him," growled Valaric. "He's from my pack! Get your stinking claws off him right now, you filthy lizards . . ."
The draconians reluctantly obeyed, moving off to either side of Bertolf. The Karuvati soldier, less respectful of Valaric's authority as one of Lilith's servants, snarled and waved his scimitar at Valaric. Then, observing the reactions of the other Malachites, he also withdrew.
The sun was now fully above the horizon. Bertolf felt his muzzle melt away, as his features resumed a normal human appearance. But one thing didn't change as he expected. His left hand was still dark, covered with thick hair. Turning it over, he looked at his palm, seeing a canine palm upon which rested . . . Cat hair? Black tufts of hair from a huge cat's tail?
"He attacked our Massster," hissed a draconian, pointing at Bertolf. "We mussst take him back to Cirith Morgul, for there are many questionssss . . ."
"Spike Tail, you should know better than to try to arrest someone here," said Dagobert, as several of his soldiers walked next to Valaric. "The Black Claw has no authority in Lik. We serve the Queen, not your feline overlord."
"But he's a thief! A nasssty thief!" cried Spike Tail. "Him and the tigresss! They stole our preciousss jewel! We must bring it back to the Black Claw!"
As a draconian grabbed Bertolf's vest, Valaric unsheathed his sword. "Didn't you hear me? He's from my pack! You won't do anything . . ."
The reptile-man retreated, as Bertolf declared, "I have nothing. I swear that I don't have any jewels. I'll be happy to prove it."
"What have you got in your pocketsss? Show usss!" demanded Spike Tail, baring his fangs in anger. "No one steals from the Malachitesss! It took us so long to get the gem . . . "
Bertolf then used his right hand to pull his pockets out, revealing that nothing was hidden there. Livid with rage, Spike Tail yelled, "Cursesss! Where did you hide it? The tigresss . . . where is she? The Black Claw will be furiousss . . . "
"You won't ask any questions here, not unless you show that something's actually been stolen," said Dagobert, looking at Bertolf's lupine left hand with surprise. "The burgomaster doesn't take kindly to false accusations of crime. This man, umm . . . Bertolf, has done nothing wrong. You'll have to present evidence . . ."
"Nothing?" asked Spike Tail. "Nothing! He took it from the Black Claw's own throne room! With that rotten tigresss, who put a ssspell on our massster! We hate them! Thievesss! Liarsss! We hate them forever!"
Valaric again clutched his sword, standing on the right side of Bertolf. Flicking his tail in annoyance, Spike Tail turned around and stomped back toward the mountain path. The other draconians followed him along the iron rail, with heads hung down, for they were quite despondent. How could they explain the loss of the Tiger's Eye to the Black Claw?
Valaric took the cat hairs from Bertolf's hand, noticing that they were still warm to the touch. Looking at Bertolf with great admiration, he asked, "You actually went into their fortress? This tigress must have been a powerful sorceress."
"I had to do it," explained Bertolf. "You see, the Malachites had stolen the gem from her. I just helped her get it back. That's all. If the Black Claw had kept it . . ."
As the draconians continued to walk away, one of Dagobert's men looked carefully at Bertolf, "But I don't understand. You're a werewolf now? How'd that happen . . ."
Bertolf continued to explain his story to Valaric. "The feline demon wants to deliver the whole world into the hands of his evil master, the Nameless One. They would have started with Lik, if he'd used the Tiger's Eye. The Malachites are already feeding their spiders with lutin . . ."
"Let's discuss this inside the town, in the guild hall," suggested Valaric. "I'm sure Recared will want to hear all the details. The burgomaster's never trusted the Malachites, but now he'll be fully aware of their foul plots. Perhaps we'll get the Queen to intervene."
Bertolf then followed Valaric, Dagobert, and the others into the town. Many of the men stared at his hand, evidence of the strange adventure he'd just finished. Bertolf wondered if the change was permanent. Had the mere touch of the Black Claw's tail somehow frozen the spell on him? Would he turn back into a wolfman at sunset?
On the path leading to Cirith Morgul, Spike Tail wondered where the tigress had gone. There was no trace of her, anywhere. He craned his neck, hoping to spot an orange or black stripe in the woods below. Perhaps Beruthiel could help, using her feline sorcery to help track down the foul temptress who'd defiled the sanctity of the Black Claw's own cavern. But she was too busy now, employing magic spells to get the feuding spiders to go back in their pens.
Deep in his fortress, the Black Claw brooded, dreaming of the day when the Nameless One would escape from his prison. How had he allowed himself to fall prey to a simple spell? But it had been so long . . . ages, since he'd met anyone so beautiful . . . Someone with such strength spirit. If only the tigress had been a true servant of the Lord of Darkness.
Then, his anger was rekindled. Revenge! Gorthaur swore that he would get the Tiger's Eye back. And something else . . . the wolf. Was it a servant of Lilith? Had she turned on him? Would even she dare to do such a thing? He was the Black Claw, the true lord of all Wild Beasts!
Not being mortal, Gorthaur resolved to bide his time until he had enough strength. Then, he would strike forth, making every head bow to the Malachite Order. All would become slaves of the Nameless One!
[End of Part Three]