Fire erupted across the fields. The sounds of battle rang out from the narrow valley. From atop a hill overlooking the battle, a young man watched. His shoulder length silver hair whipped about in the fierce wind, and the harsh light from the battle cast an orange sheen over his pale skin. His blue eyes glinted as he watched the battle progress. Soon, he turned and walked away, heading east to a nearby city.

“Halt! You don’t look too familiar. What’s your name?”

The young man looked at the guard, clearly annoyed. “What are you talking about? I come through here all the time. And as for my name, why do you think I would give it to you?” he asked, his striking blue eyes glinting angrily.

“Because if you don’t give me a name, you don’t get through.” The guard raised his sword, looking haughtily at the man.

“Mark! Let that man through. And put your sword away. You look like an ass.” A tall man came striding down the walk, glaring at the guard, who instantly sheathed his sword and stepped aside.

“Of course, Mr. Bishop. I beg your pardon,” he said, hurriedly.

“Oh, shut it. Smarmy kiss ass,” snapped the man. The young man outside the gate stifled a laugh. “Come on in, son.”

“Thanks, John,” he said, giving the guard the finger as he passed. Now it was John’s turn to laugh.

“Still got that attitude, huh?” he asked, smiling at the young man.

“What did you expect? A change of heart? This late in life?” he asked, laughing with John.

“Oh no, boy. You don’t know anything about being old. When you’re my age, then you can use that excuse.” said John. “So, how’ve you been? It’s been a while since I saw you last.” he said, as they entered his house.

“Oh, you know, can’t complain. But I hear you’ve been having some problems lately.” he said, looking concerned. “What’s been happening?”

“Damn lycans. They’re harassing my business. I’ve lost three caravans this month. They know they aren’t supposed to attack humans. I’d say we’ve got a group of renegades, rebels who’re sick of the treaties. I don’t know what to do. I lost three of my best men in the last attack.”

“You should send me on one. I could handle them. You know I could.”

“Aye, you could handle a few. But we don’t know how many there are. I don’t want you in danger. But enough of my troubles! You’re a guest in my home, and a I wouldn’t want to darken your stay with such troubled thoughts! Now, I’m not sure you’ve met my brother, have you?”

“No sir, I haven’t,” he said, clearly annoyed at the change of subject. John led him into the dining room, where a rather short man was eating breakfast.

“Robert, I don’t believe you’ve met Mr. Ramsey,” said John, quite loudly.

“Gabriel, sir. Pleasure to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.

“What? Sorry, I didn’t catch that,” yelled Robert.

“He’s rather hard of hearing,” he whispered to Gabriel. “I asked you if you had met Gabriel, Robert!” he yelled loudly.

“Oh, of course you said that. Well, I don’t believe I have. Gabriel, you say?”

“Yes, sir. Gabriel Ramsey,” said Gabriel, loudly. He glanced over at John, who was having a hard time keeping from laughing.

“Oh, well, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ramsey. I’m Robert Bishop,” he said, shaking Gabriel’s hand.

“Well, we’ll let you get back to your breakfast, Robert. Young Master Ramsey and I have other matters to talk about,” said John, shouting again.

“Yes, yes, of course. Nice meeting you, Gabriel,” he shouted. Gabriel smiled and walked out with John. As soon as they were out of earshot(which wasn’t exactly too far), Gabriel and John both started laughing.

“Well now, that was interesting, wasn’t it?” asked John.

“Oh, yes. Your brother is an interesting man,” chuckled Gabriel. “Now, about those attacks-”

“I told you, I’ve got it under control,” he said, abruptly.

“Doesn’t look like it to me.” John glared at him.

“You know that nose of yours is-”

“Gonna be the death of me. I know. You’ve only told me about a thousand times.”

“And it’s true! You don’t need to worry about me! I can take care of myself,” John snapped, growing angry.

“Why are you so worried about me? You know I can handle anything you can throw at me. Werewolves, vampires, whatever,” he retorted, growing angry himself. “Are you afraid they’ll focus on me? Just because I’m half lycan?”

“Not so loud! And you know that’s why I’m worried. You’re an outcast. Unaccepted by all races. If you go, there’s no guarantee you’ll come back.”

“There’s never any guarantee. But you know I’ll be safe. John, I’m going, whether you want me to or not. There’s nothing you can do to stop me,” Gabriel replied, looking defiantly at John.

John sighed. “Stubborn as always, eh? Okay, but be careful. I don’t want you getting hurt just to help my business.”

“Thanks, John. You won’t regret it.”

“I sure hope not.”

After spending a bit more time at John’s, Gabriel headed back home. On his way, he noticed dark clouds on the horizon. A storm. Great. He began to walk a bit faster in the hopes of getting home before the rain hit. However, before long, a light drizzle began to fall. Damn. he reached the door just as it started to really come down. At least I didn’t get caught in that, he thought, watching a man running down the street. He went to his room and changed into dry clothes. After a small meal, he began to prepare for his trip. John’s next caravan left the next day, so preparations had to be made immediately. As he was sharpening his sword, he thought about the werewolves. It can’t be more than I can handle. It’s got to be a small group. Just a few renegades. If it’s not, then that means we have a much bigger problem than John thinks.

After he was finished with his sword, he packed several more changes of clothesWhen he was finished with preparations, he ate a proper meal and changed for bedHe fell asleep immediately.