The Heretic and the Wolf

Answers never come to him — only more questions. These incessant questions plague the crestfallen shell he has come to be. As the last bastion of hope fades, Aldus the Black lets go.

Through these weeks, or months, or years of confusion, he’s learned the ability to allow his subconscious to take the reins. It’s led him here, for better or worse.

The heretic glances downward at the cave’s winding path scattered with decaying severed limbs and corpses of exposed bone. To him, they are merely magical supplies. He makes a mental note of their abundance at this location and continues on. Here in the depths of soot and flame marks the lair of an onyx wolf pack — animals known for dwelling in extreme climates.

The descending path seems to awaken to the heretic’s presence. Burning embers consume the air by some destructive instinct. As his lungs struggle to inhale their vital resource, eerie howls herald the arrival of the cave’s lupine dynasty. The looming darkness ahead spreads into formless shapes. Sweat drips from the heretic at an alarming rate. The approaching shadows unmask to reveal black majestic wolves slowly circling the heretic, who wields a sword as dark as their fur. Their glowing purple eyes warily follow the blade. Though armed, the heretic didn’t venture into this cave to hunt. He subconsciously seeks a bond that he’s never known. Not one forged from fear or cruelty that he’s accustomed to, but a loyal bond. One that channels dominion over life, death, and legacy.

To Aldus’ surprise, the onyx wolves sense his intent and cease their circling formation. No threats are issued. No hostility is displayed. The oppressive heat of the cave suddenly lifts its infernal grasp of him. The regal shadow-like creatures appear to convene in a silent cryptic forum until the moment they all sit on their haunches, except one. The lone onyx wolf gracefully advances to Aldus. The two stare at one another. A set of iridescent purple eyes meet the heretic’s resolute gaze. As the moment stretches on, an understanding coalesces. A tilt of the wolf’s head is answered by a nod from the heretic.

Divining from his subconscious that this meeting has concluded, Aldus bows formally and carefully backs away from the pack. He turns around to face the upward path and begins the ascent to the mouth of the cave. He is not alone.

Entered by: 0x03d9…c658 and preserved on chain (see transaction)