Wolfsbane

"Captain, are you confident about going on this mission alone?" My apprentices looked concerned, and I nodded, telling them, "I can't let you join me this time."

"Has the King assigned you to another dangerous mission?" one of them asked. I smiled and crossed my arms, reassuring them, "Don't worry about it. This is what we do, after all."

"When will you be back, Captain?"

"I'm not sure. I'll need a few weeks to scout the territory and plan my next move. But don't worry, I'll be as quick as I can."

"A few weeks is a long time, Captain!"

"I know, I know," I replied, preparing myself for the journey ahead. I donned my signature red cloak, tied the ribbon, and fastened my crest to my chest. "But I must leave now if I want to return sooner, right?"

They sighed deeply and hugged me tightly. I returned their embrace. These people are so important to me. And that's precisely why I can't bring them along. I don't want to lose anyone again.

"Stay safe and come back in one piece, okay?" one of them pleaded.

"I can't promise that," I said honestly, gripping them tighter. "But I swear I'll do my best."

After saying our goodbyes, I tightened my belt and headed to the carriage the King had sent for me. I was bound for the Northern Woods, where I would be scouting the werewolves' territory.

The King had warned me to be cautious and remain inconspicuous. If I couldn't eliminate every werewolf, I would at least target their Alpha.

As I entered the carriage, I took a pill from my belt case and swallowed it. It was a medicine I had to take daily to prevent sudden paralyzation, a side effect of the curse that plagued me. Since the tragedy that had taken everything from me, this medicine had become a constant in my life, a reminder of my limitations.

I wished I didn't have this curse. It was this affliction that prevented me from saving my loved ones that day.

As the carriage journeyed northward, my thoughts were consumed by the memories of that fateful day. The sight of blood, the feeling of fear, and the loss of everything I held dear haunted my mind.

I have vivid recollections of that dreadful day when I witnessed the gruesome fate of my dear grandmother, torn apart before my eyes, her face etched with terror. A woodcutter rushed to my side, pulling me close to his protective embrace as he shielded me from the horrors that conspired before me.

I remember how incredibly helpless I was.

The village was soon engulfed in flames, and in the midst of the chaos, we encountered a nightmarish creature that struck fear into the woodcutter's heart. I was told to flee, but my legs betrayed me, weakened. If not for that cursed ailment, I might have been able to save him, to evade the wicked creature's deadly blow that almost claimed my life.

Yet, I was spared by another man who introduced himself as Robin, claiming to be my uncle. With my family devoured, I had no other place to go. Robyn took me under his wing, teaching me the art of hunting and how to conquer the mightiest of prey. Through his guidance, I grew in skill and became the Captain of the Wolf Hunters in Arcanthal.

As I tried to sleep during the carriage ride, the unpleasant memories continued to haunt me, leaving a cold feeling within my chest. When I awoke, I found myself in an unfamiliar inn, greeted by a woman with a gentle countenance. She informed me that the King had instructed her to host me until I completed my task.

"You have fallen asleep in the carriage." she told me. "I had the driver carry you here.

As she offered me a warm cup of chocolate to ease the chill in my bones, I asked if she lived here in the North and expressed concern about the werewolves roaming during the night.

With a soft smile, she admitted her fear of the creatures, having witnessed their haunting shadows and heard their eerie howls.

"Of course, I am afraid, sweetie. I would see their shadows and silhouettes in the woods, and sometimes I can hear their howling. But moving away isn't an option. This is my home, and I will not be driven away by those beasts."

Surveying my surroundings, I realized that I had returned to the place I once called home, the Boreas… before I moved to the Capital. Despite my familiarity with the area, I was well aware of the dangers that lurked within these woods.

Curiosity piqued, I listened to the innkeeper's claim that she was safe here, protected by aconite flowers she had planted.

"Aconites..?" I asked confused.

"Monkshood, aconite, wolfsbane… they're all the same. It depends on how people call it. It has been protecting my family for generations."

"How would such a flower… protect you?"

"The wolfsbane's scent deters the weres of the night."

"I've never heard of such a plant."

"They grow on colder climates… Arcanthal's capital will never have it. My husband was the one who cultivated these seeds."

"I see…" I stared outside, seeing the plants she referred to. "And where is he now?"

The lady became quiet. When she spoke again, the subject had already changed.

"Take this." She offered me a stem of the indigo to sky-blue colored plant. "Put it in your pockets and crush it. That is if you do not want to end up like my husband."

I took the plant and did as she wanted me. After my long rest, I decided it was finally time for work.

Dressed in my crimson cloak with the hood drawn to conceal my face, I ventured into the hauntingly silent woods, the snow-covered path making me anxious about leaving any traces behind.

The sight of Mount Boreas loomed before me, their formidable presence sending shivers down my spine. These mountains were home to the notorious Weres, who had wreaked havoc on nearby villages.

"Time to see what these wolves are up to."