Chereads / Delphine of Moria / Chapter 69 - The Truth of the Wolf Queen

Chapter 69 - The Truth of the Wolf Queen

"What else would you like to hear? I'm all ears," Lagertha said.

"You admit that you tried to kill Mephiles?" Delphine asked.

"No, of that I'm innocent. I have nothing more to say other than the truth. I've held onto that truth for my whole life."

"I prayed it not be true, but it's very obvious to me that you are leading me down a path that will decide my fate."

"I did not do it. I did not kill my father, but I wish I had. Watching my lover die in my arms gave me more sorrow and agony than a thousand sleepless nights. I wish I relieved myself of this curse. I have longed for a good death after failing to kill the Demon Wolf. He has cursed me to be exactly like him, but I refuse to live under his shadow. This time, he is returning from the darkness not only to rule Midland but all the lands of the earth."

"If it's true about what you say... if you are his daughter, then even you must be put to the sword."

"You won't be the one to do it? You may be powerful as it is, but I got enough power to wield any spell I desire."

Delphine may have already known the truth about Lagertha and Mephiles, but that did not stop her from forcing the Wolf Queen to answer her. Delphine's rest was already interrupted by Lagertha, and she was already wide awake by everything that seems to be stopping her and Simon.

Then, she spoke with Lagertha, saying, "When I walked inside that mountain, all I could see is events of things occurring every hundred years. I don't know if I'm supposed to feel good about that or if it's trying to show me other things that I have to deal with. If I went and spoke with the guardian for a reason, then it's bidding only I must endure. I have to deal with being tempted by darkness and being dragged away from the light. I have to go into darker territory and fight back against whoever guards it. The dragon gave me his scorching flames so that I can burn all who wish to test my might."

"Then, you know that you cannot stay in Bebbanburg for much longer. There will be a massive threat among the people on this night," Lagertha said.

"How do you know?" Delphine asked.

"I have foreseen it. This demon leader wants your power, your sword, and your blood. It will not be enough for Simon to handle all by himself. So... Simon... is he a good friend?"

"Of course, he is. I have watched over him and gave him rest from the onslaughts. Why are you changing the subject?"

"Because I wish to know if he can survive this journey you forced him into."

"I did not force him. He chose to follow me. He told me that his people abandoned him, and he has nowhere else to go."

"The price he has paid is too high. He is not of demon-blood nor wolf-blood. Imagine what would happen if you or I offered our blood to him. Perhaps I could make him much stronger."

"You will do no such thing! Yes, he will survive this journey, and yes... I will keep him alive."

Then, Lagertha had nothing else to say or do with Delphine at the moment, and she began to get ready to leave this place. She did not expect herself to be self-explanatory in Delphine's eyes, but she left her no choice.

"Fine, I'll leave you alone. See you around, Delphine," Lagertha said. She then walks in front of her and proceeds to step back into the shadows where she usually belongs.

Delphine knew that Lagertha would come back; she would have to be ready for more difficult things to be further explained. Then, she walks back to where Simon was sleeping, and thankfully, he was still asleep. She wondered how he could sleep through the entire conversation she had with Lagertha and thought how much sleeping could he endure. Delphine no longer needed any time to sleep since talking with the Wolf Queen gave her enough strength to be awake. She was glad to see Simon get as much power before they walk back towards the city to stay there.

But, Lagertha told her that she could only stay there for just a little while and needed to leave. In the end, nobody in Bebbanburg would continue to put their trust in Delphine and Simon since they were both considered Saxon. Delphine tried very hard to close her eyes and go to sleep, and it would not work for such a long time. Over time, Delphine was making sure that Simon kept his eyes closed and get all of the sleep that he deserves. She had enough faith in herself to make sure that the next onslaught she endures will be a sight to behold when she swings her sword.

About six hours later, Simon wakes himself up and checks his surroundings while the afternoon has come. He noticed that Delphine is sitting down while covering her face with her arms and legs. He also noticed she still had her armor on, which seemed pretty weird to him because he always took off his helmet before he goes to sleep. Then, he moves over to her and begins messing with her long hair; he ever wondered how her blonde hair could go all the way to her thighs while his hair is not as long. For a few seconds, he moves her hair to see if he can find her face, but she was still hiding her face from him so she can get some sleep.

"Well, Delphine. If you need anything, I'll be right here," Simon said. There was still no answer coming from her, but that did not stop him from being with her before they start walking around again.

"Alright, let's see if I can find your pulse," Simon said. A split second later, Delphine lifted her face and looked at him after he said that.

"What on earth are you trying to do?" Delphine asked.

"What? Nothing. Just checking to see if you're awake and ready," he said.

"You don't have to do that. I'm fine. But, what about you... are you ready?" She asked.

"For a few minutes, yes."

"Alright, then. Let's go."

Delphine and Simon realized they had nothing else to do while resting together, and they both had to go back and tell Osbert of their time in the mountain. Indeed, they would find a whole bunch of people not having faith in them because of everything that has occurred. Since they were seen as Saxons, they would think twice instead of falling for whatever it is they wanted to say to the earl. Delphine and Simon got everything they needed and walked onto the dark road, which led to the big city. They were both thinking about different things in their minds; they had everything under control as they walked back to the nordic city.

Delphine still felt the red flames of Rodan continue burning her sword, and it seemed as if it was giving the sword new kinds of power. The type of energy that allowed her to stand against tougher, bigger, and stronger opponents as she continued her journey. Delphine and Simon make it onto the bridge and could see many of the city guards watching her return to the city. They knew their orders were to let them in since they just met each other yesterday afternoon. Then, she saw one of the guards to tell the others to allow the Ebony Knight and the young hunter to enter the city.

"Back from the mountains, I see? I reckon you have returned with excellent news," Osbert said.

"I'll let you know when these doors get opened. Then, we'll have all the time we need," Delphine said. She and Simon stand there as the city doors slowly open all the way, and they were forced to wait for him to come down.

A minute later, all the doors were opened, and Delphine led the way as Simon followed her; they both walked straight until they see Osbert coming down from the rampart. Then, they stood there and waited for him to meet up with them and start asking questions with them. The captain of the guard was always the type of person to ask questions to those who were adventurers and had many stories to tell.

"Ah, it's good to see you two again. I take it you've seen everything in that place. I can see it in your eyes," Osbert said.

"It's a long story. But we'll need to discuss it in a place where nobody can hear us," Delphine said. She said this in a way that seemed like she has seen things so dark that it would make Osbert doubt everything he is about to hear.