It began as a small, barely audible humming; however, it soon grew into a steady and droning din that demanded all of her and her brother's focus. She saw her brother's face change from calm observation to stoic concentration. She saw beads of sweat form on his forehead, his brows were furrowed together reflecting his current strain. It was clear he was fighting something she could not see.
But she could smell. Infiltrating her nose was the most horrid scent she had ever thought possible to smell. Such was its force that she stumbled into the back wall of her cell and sank to rest upon her rear. It was all she could do not to bend forward and wretch all over the ground. Its putrescence saturated what felt like every pour of her skin and every corner of her mind. She felt dark, heavy, so heavy, as if her muscles had shrunken in size, but her other physical attributes remained the same. She lifted her head and saw her brother. He too, was struggling against the magic of this wizard.
Her eyes began to tear from the solid nature of the stench. It was beyond anything mortal, as such, it was beyond anything she could withstand herself. As the stench reached an unbearable level, causing her stomach to heave and its contents to be emptied, the steady din increased in both its pitch and volume. Splitting her ears and penetrating any amount of concentration she had left, it drove her completely prone. There she lay, in a heap of foul induced solitude, on the vomit-soaked ground, completely isolated from not just her brother, but from anything that remained herself.
Just when she was about to give up and drift into whatever void could possibly offer her solace from her current abhorrent condition of existence, she heard a low and steady growl. Unable to move, she could do nothing but listen. It's heavy base subtly offered a soothing alternative for her focus, but even as she tried with all her might to hold onto it, the ear-splitting noise and awful stench had not relented in either of their intensities.
She heard the growl assert itself again. But this time, rather than hearing it as an outwardly audible intrusion, she felt it echo through her mind. No, not her mind, somewhere deeper. The growl continued to rise within her consciousness, as it did, both the stench and noise finally began to diminish. As the primal growl continued to grow, it carried with it a bidding to attend, as if it was calling to her to join with it, to become it, and not just to hear it. Whereas the stench and noise had forcefully demanded their assertion into her identity, this growl demanded the revitalization of an awareness set deep within her, beyond the point of memory. As it grew, so too did its demand for self-awareness, for it carried with it no less intensity than the stench and noise, and as such, she strained to the point of breaking once again. As it reached what had to be a frenzied crescendo, Zyndalia arched her back in response, straining under its force. She cried out, and the growl responded. Joining her primal howl, the growl added a depth of foundation to the arching of her shrilling voice as they joined into a single reflection of power and purpose. And then abruptly, it ended leaving her breathless, motionless and exhausted.
She was barely able to hear the voice say, "Well now. That was very enlightening. I was not entirely convinced when I heard the descriptions, but having witnessed it for myself, I am impressed. Not with the two of you, but rather with the mortals whose reports were actually correct this time," said the wizard who then paused as if waiting for a response. "I can see that both of you are exhausted at the moment so we will have to postpone the next phase of our investigation until you are able to withstand its rather taxing process. Rest well, little pups, and regain your strength. You will need it." As the hooded wizard walked away, she had no energy to follow him with her eyes. All she could do was lay there, breathing weakly, passively listening to his footsteps. She heard him open the door and close it after which her exhausted awareness faded into the darkness of her slumber.
However, her sleep was not filled with the blackness of her cell, nor the boundaries of her captivity, instead her dream directed her to a mist filled forest. She looked around and saw Rony, or at least her projection of him, standing about ten feet away from her. They were in the middle of a clearing that was lined with large oak trees. The knee-deep mist was thick, too thick to see the forest floor. That this was a dream, she was certain of, but her lucidity was more elevated than it had been in any dream she had before. She was still aware they were incarcerated in The University; however, everything about her surroundings including her brother, resonated with the reality of life.
"Zyn, what is this place?" said her imposed image of her brother.
"I do not know, but it seems real," she answered.
"Of course, it seems real. Why would it not?" he turned to look directly at her as he spoke.
"Well, I mean it seems as real as any dream could," she said dismissively as she continued to examine their surroundings.
"Dream? I do not think I am dreaming. It feels too much like life to be a dream," answered Rony.
"Wait, if this is not a dream, then how are we both here?" she asked.
Before he could respond, their attention was drawn to the figure of a huge, all white wolf striding out from between the trees. They would have thought it impossible for such an imposing figure to negotiate the thicket, but the trees seemed to bend around the wolf allowing it easy passage. It was immense, as wolves go, with shoulders standing higher than either of their heads. Its massive jaw was set into a face that commanded attention and respect bordering on awe. Its eyes reflected the entire collection of visible light as they swirled into infinity.
Both Ronialdin and Zyndalia took two instinctive steps backward, Rony actually reaching for his bow. But the huge wolf stood without flinching. Instead, it allowed a low grow to emanate from its throat. Zyn identified it as the same growl she had heard when under the influence of the wizard's spell. And much like before, it prompted a rising awareness within her. As it grew again, she felt a pressure inside of her, but not within her chest, nor any other part of her body. Instead its growl ignited a pressure inside of her concept of self. Still growing in dominance, its sheer might pushed Rony and Zyn to their hands and knees.
At only seventeen, her understanding of the world was relatively small and incomplete, but it was still hers. As such, it was the only focus of reference available to her to weigh that which was real against that which was not. She had a very difficult time with the utter feeling of reality growing within her as it began to dominate everything she had previously thought as real rendering it as simply ephemeral. All that she was, all that she is, and all that she would be was contained within the growing, basal growl from this incredible wolf.
She was barely able to steady her intentions enough to chance a glance over to her brother. She saw that he was likewise consumed by the immense beast but still had the fortitude to look toward her as well. It was all they could do to spare one moment of self-driven attention before returning their focus to the power contained within the beast's growl. Then, when they felt as if they were going to explode from the force of the growl, the beast raised its head and howled from its soul.
There was nothing else they could do but respond in the only manner the presence of the beast, its foundational growl and its piercing howl, would permit. But in its permission was contained no limitations. Open to both Ronialdin and Zyndalia was the infinity of everything they previously thought impossible. So, following the implicit bidding contained in its growl, they joined its howl with theirs. Definition, certainty, purpose, continuity, community, and unity all flowed into them. Remorse, regret, agony, isolation, desperation, and sorrow all flowed out, dissolved into the ether by the beast's influence. Much like their interpretation of themselves and their internal identity, when they joined their howls with the great white wolf’s, any physical resemblance they had to mortality and man gained a greater expression, their true expression. For when their collaborative howl ended, Ronialdin and Zyndalia, brother and sister stood on paws spanning twice the size of what their hands used to be, a reflection of the great wolf's dominating image.
> You have been called, said the wolf, but it did not audibly speak. Rather it transmitted its intent through a series of emotions and visions to each of them.
Called to what? responded Ronialdin.
You have been called to lead The Hunt! the Great Wolf said.
Who are you? asked Zyndalia.
I am The Huntmaster, little cub. And much do I have to show you. But the time is not now. You must travel to the Gabbon Swamps. There you will find what you need to know to do what you need to do, responded the Great Wolf
How are we to get there from here? asked Zyndalia.
You cannot. You must travel there from where you are, it said.
How can we do that. We are yet still trapped in cells by the most powerful people in Avendia. What you ask is not possible, said Rony as he shook his lupine head side to side.
All things are possible, little cub, said The Huntmaster as he dissolved back into the forest wall leaving Rony and Zyndalia standing in the clearing they first found themselves in. Moments later, they began to feel very tired. As they both laid down on the forest ground, the pale green mist completely covered them. When they woke, even though they were back in the confinement of their cells, they felt none of the bindings of captivity they had before their experience with The Huntmaster.
"Zyn, did you feel that?" Rony asked tentatively.
"Yes. I have no idea what that was, but I cannot deny that I was there," she said as she sat up and scooted against the cell wall for support.
"What do you suppose it means?" he asked.
"I have even less of idea of that, brother. But I think we need to go to the Gabbon Swamps, wherever they are," she answered.
"Agreed. But first we have to figure out how to get out of here. I will admit, when I was in the presence of that wolf, The Huntmaster, everything felt possible. But now, back in these cells, I do not see how we are going to escape. I mean, this is the University of Knowledge after all," he said as he stood up and looked around.
"Something tells me that escaping here will not be the same thing as escaping from the Goblins," added Zyndalia who was beginning to feel the same resignation as her brother.
"As I recall," said a female voice coming from the shadows, "you did not escape as much as you were rescued." Both brother and sister turned their heads to attend to the voice and were met by a slender but lithe woman. She was wearing black leather armor with a bow slung across her back and a short sword hanging from her belt.
"Dianali!" exclaimed Zyndalia. "How did you? When did you?"
But before she could finish her sentence, bewilderment lacing her excited words, Dianali cut her off, "There will be time enough for that later. First, I have to pick these locks. And from the looks of them, they will not be easy."
From the bun in her hair, she pulled two short and thin metal objects. She inserted the first one, wiggled it around for a few short moments, and then inserted the other. She moved the second one much more deliberately, as if searching for something.
"Can you get it?" asked Rony.
"I am not sure. These are very complicated locks with tumblers that are not commonly found. I have seen then only once before, and that was some time ago," responded Dianali as she continued working the second of the two objects. "Drano!" she said after a brief pause.
"What is it?" asked Zyndalia, intently watching Di’s hands.
"Nothing that I cannot bypass with time. I was hoping I could snap the inner mechanism, but the material they used to make this lock is too strong. I will have to set and hold each of the tumblers individually," she said as she reached into her belt pouch and pulled out several more metal objects.
"You can still get it?" asked Zyn.
"Of course I can still get it," she answered, her annoyance leaving a small signature on her statement. "The lock is not what worries me. These are wizards, Zyndalia. The Wizards. I cannot imagine a situation where they did not attach magic to these locks."
"What does that mean?" asked the younger woman.
"It means that at any moment, a magical trap could be set off and blow us up. Now, enough with the questions. I must concentrate," said Dianali as she worked the picks.
Zyndalia watched her and saw her intermittently insert several metal objects, presumably to hold one of the tumblers in place once it was set in the unlock position. Dianali worked for several minutes and when she was satisfied, she paused, looked up to Zyndalia and said, "You may want to stand back. Once the seal is broken, I am not sure what will follow."
Zyn moved as far away from the bars as she was able. And while she felt very much still exposed, at least there was some distance between her and the lock even if it was largely inconsequential. "Are you ready?" asked the older mercenary.
"Yes," answered Zyndalia, "and Dianali," she paused to make sure they were looking eye to eye, "thank you."
With a quick but subtle motion, Dianali sprung the lock open. And nothing happened. "You did it!" exclaimed Ronialdin from his cell.
"Yes, but just because there was no visible effect, does not mean we can make the assumption that no one noticed. We must hurry. Zyndalia, take my bow and quiver and shoot anything that comes down that hallway. At the end of it is a stairway leading up. If you see feet approaching us, do not hesitate. And do not miss," said Dianali as she unslinging her bow and quiver handing both to Zyndalia.
Dianali collected her objects from the first lock and quickly moved to the one holding Rony. Having already figured out the tumbler system, she was able to make quick work of this one, thankful it turned out to be identical to the first. When he exited his cell, she handed him her long sword and said, "Let us hope you do not have to use this. We need to be out of here silently and quickly, assuming our secrecy is still intact."
Just as she turned to make her way down the hall and up the stairs, Rony grabbed her arm and said, "We cannot leave without Liani." There was no request present within his voice.
"Yes, I know. I have no intention of leaving without her. But she is being held in a separate dungeon in a separate part of the University. It will not be easy," she warned.
"Easy warrants no consideration," he said evenly.
"Good. Because we will all likely die in our attempt," she said as she looked to Zyndalia. "Enough of the talk, we have to go. Now."
Fortunately for them, the quick succession of Grand Wizards over the last several months caused some gaps in the non-magical security measures previously present in the dungeons of The University. As a direct benefit, there were very few roaming patrols and no stationary security points to bypass. Dianali had made a couple of comments regarding the failure of the wizards to properly secure their dungeons stating their arrogance and belief that magic was superior, while advantageous to their current endeavor, was extremely detrimental to their security. After winding through several different passageways, they came to a door with three separate locking mechanisms. After waiting for a few moments to make sure their approach had not been detected, Dianali walked toward the door.
"This may be a problem," she said.
"What may be a problem'," asked Rony.
"You tell me," she said, "What do you see? Or rather, what do you not see?"
After examining the door for a brief moment, Rony looked to her and said, "There are no key holes."
"You are right. This door can only be unlocked and opened from the inside," she said as she stepped back.
"Is there another way?” ask Zyndalia, feeling the weight of their captivity slowly build again.
"That I do not know. But we had better figure it out quickly. Every moment we spend in these dungeons is another moment we draw closer to re-capture," she said ominously.
As soon as she finished her sentence, the three of them heard several clicking sounds coming from behind the door. Ending the series of rapid clicks, was as single, louder click followed by a short moment of silence. The three of them stepped back and looked for a place to conceal themselves. But because the locked door
was at the end of a long corridor, there was nowhere for them to hide. So, they readied their weapons and waited for the confrontation they knew was just an inevitability. Breaking the silence, however, was not the sound they expected. Instead of hearing the creaking of the door as it swung open, they heard several muffled sounds followed by a loud snap and then a thud. Puzzled, Rony, Zyndalia, and Dianali looked to each other, but their attention was drawn back to the door as they heard it creak open very slowly.
Stepping backward once again, they stood at the ready. However, their readiness was abruptly eased when they saw the small form of Liani emerge from the now opened passageway, blades in hand. She had several bruises to her face, and a small trickle of blood from the side of her lip. Like them, she was covered in the filth of the dungeons and wearing a simple sleeveless robe mimicking the one worn by Zyndalia.
"Liani! What happened? How did you get out?" asked Zyndalia as she rushed to hug her. As they embraced, their weapons dropped to the ground and they each squeezed tightly.
"It would seem that she has learned a few things after all," said Dianali.
Rony was stunned still as stone, unable to speak or to move except for the tears gathering in his eyes.
"All right. Enough of the warm reunion. We still have to negotiate our way out of here. There will be plenty of time to celebrate if we are successful," said Dianali as she turned to walk out back down the corridor.
"Please tell me there is a different way out than to go through The University itself," said Rony as he followed her. "I do not think we would be successful in that attempt," said Rony.
"Of course, there is another way out. How do you supposed I got in?" said Dianali with a small grin. "Though I would never have found its concealed entrance had it not been for your two wolves."
It was Zyndalia who spoke next, "You were with Inglorca and Xunmerco? How are they? I have not been able to feel them ever since we entered The University." At the mention of feeling their wolves, Rony shot his sister a silencing glare.
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