Bardulf, Philippa, and the thirteen wolves all were on their way to the village, having just shown the people of Ciza they were well and alive. Philippa had on the coat Bardulf gave her that swallowed her up and even Bardulf himself had to search to find her and be able to kiss her. Even though she didn't like the cold, she was glad for the fresh air.
She wasn't well enough to stand and walk, so Bardulf carried her everywhere. Her back didn't protest too much at his big arms, but she was glad when they got on the reindeer and she was able to lean against him. He had told her to let him know if it started hurting too bad so he could put some of the salve on it that he brought. She nodded, agreeing with him.
Their people were ecstatic to see them. Tears of joy and relief could be seen from the women as the couple rode past, making Philippa want to hug them but settled for Bardulf clasping their hands and giving words of gratitude. It took them over two hours to get out of the throng of people and into the wide open space that was their kingdom. Behind them, the wolves howled and began to run. Philippa smiled as they went past, catching only a blur of each because they were so fast. She caught the eye of Seth who she finally recognized by his black right forepaw. He gave her a wolfish grin then bounded ahead. She didn't know what he meant by the look, But was delighted he was being carefree in his natural environment.
Bardulf led the reindeer into the village of Cryo, seeing his men spread out around them, Seth staying near. Women welcomed them. Children swarmed at the animal's feet, but he caught sight of one woman in particular and reined his deer over. Elerie bowed low to him, her dark hair pulled back loosely in a tail, her grey eyes downcast.
"Elerie, it's good to see you," Bardulf said softly.
"Majesty, congratulations on your wedding."
Philippa waited as Bardulf got off then reached up for her. She slipped her arms about his neck and gritted her teeth against the pain in her back. Once on the ground, she breathed heavily, waiting for the pain to subside. When it did, she heard her husband's voice say, "What do you mean Ysmay is gone?"
"She ran away, sir. All I know is that she wouldn't listen to me or my husband when we explained her situation isn't her fault."
"Do you know where she went?"
"All I know is that she ran towards Ciza."
There was a rumble in Bardulf's chest as he called for one of the wolves. He ordered one to find the girl and take her to the castle then set Philippa on a pile of blankets. She looked up at him and nodded. Bardulf understood and went to the reindeer to rummage in the saddle pack.
Bardulf turned back to his wife and knelt behind her, gently manoeuvring his hand down the back of her dress to run the salve into her skin. When he finished, Elerie smiled at them and said, "You are handsome together. May you live happily for a long time."
This made Philippa smile as Bardulf sat beside her and grabbed a platter another woman set before them. He held it out to his wife and watched as she ate slowly, looking around her with interest.
Jared has just caught sight of Ysmay when another scent hit him: bitterness mixed with blood and a rotting smell. He scrunched his nose and sneezed, alerting the girl ahead of him to his presence. She turned and stared at Jared for a long minute before stumbling towards him. "I-I want t-to go home," she said shakily.
Jared went up to her and nuzzled her chin, then bent down so she could climb on. Ysmay did, holding onto him with numb fingers. Jared stood up and ran lightly to the castle.
An hour later, after he made sure Dezra was tending to her, he went back out and looked around. He saw nothing unusual, nothing to suggest danger, however, the stench lingered and he felt tense, as if dreading the future.
With another look around, He sighed and went back inside, knowing Bardulf would return soon.
Philippa was asleep by the time Bardulf halted the reindeer at the castle that evening. She and Elerie got to know each other as well as a few other women. Bardulf stayed near, but when he asked each of his men to report, they said they caught a strange scent, a horrible scent. It made their hackles raise and their lips draw back to show sharp teeth. Bardulf decided to leave before dark and Philippa didn't argue. He told her they'd come back soon to visit and she smiled, saying her goodbyes to her new friends.
Now, he held Philippa as he got off the reindeer and strode inside. Flik, who had ran ahead, greeted him just inside. Bardulf looked around, seeing Jared and his grim expression. "Flik, take Philippa upstairs. Stay with her until I arrive. Jared, find Varge, Ernest, and Leon. We're going on a hunt."
Jared left as Flik took Philippa from Bardulf. He watched as his wife disappeared upstairs, letting himself breathe so he could focus on the task at hand. He knew Flik would take care of her, But was still worried all the same.
When Jared returned with the others, Bardulf led them in wolf form on the scent they described. It was just beginning to fade, but fresh enough for him to follow to the edge of Asaya. He couldn't enter the kingdom without permission and therefore he turned back, locking the scent in his memory.
Philippa awoke with a protesting belly and sound from the bathing chamber. She stretched carefully, her back still sore from Bardulf's scratches, but much better than earlier. Sitting up, she saw a tray of food on a cart next to the bed and reached for it. She spent the next few minutes eating delicious pork and vegetables.
Just as Bardulf came out of the bath chamber, there was a knock on the door. He didn't notice her and headed straight to it. Opening it, he saw Dezra. "What is it?"
"I just came to check on the Lady."
Turning, he saw his wife sitting up and smiling at him, eyes bright and an empty plate beside her. He smiled back and allowed the female inside. Going over to the armoire, he pulled out trousers and a shirt for himself. While Dezra checked on Philippa, he dressed and cleaned up his mess.
After a long time, Dezra came up to him and asked for a private word. He led her out of the room, letting Philippa know he would be right outside. When the door was closed, she said, "The girl, Ysmay, is not doing well at all. She is with fever and having hallucinations."
"is there anything you can do about it?"
"I"m trying, but I fear the hallucinations aren't stopping. She continues to scream out for her father and demands someone let him go."
Bardulf furrowed his brows, confusion about the girl's predicament making his brain race. "Do you know who exactly this someone is?"
"She does not give a name. But I know it is feminine."
Bardulf nods and assures Dezra that he'd go visit the girl soon, then turns to go into his own chamber. He found Philippa standing unsteadily by the bed, her face a mask of pain. "My sweet, what are you doing?" he asked, going over to wrap his arms around her.
She sighs in frustration, leaning her head against his chest. Bardulf didn't ask more from her, but held her a few moments before setting her gently back down. He knelt before her, taking her hands in his and kissing her brow. She looked at him with helpless eyes.
"I know you want to move, but give yourself a few more days of minimal movement, then we can slowly move around."
She glared at him, but it was halfhearted and soon she nodded then asked to go somewhere else. Bardulf obliged and carried her to a sitting room where some of his men and a few females were mingling. SItting her on a plush sofa, Bardulf greeted Kobe.
Philippa looked around and saw many females, all hanging onto one male or another. One noticed her and separated from the group. She was a pretty green-eyed woman with curly black hair. She was tall and seemed well built. The female first curtsied to Bardulf, who only nodded to her, then she bowed her head to Philippa with a smile. "My Queen, it is an honor to be in your presence."
Philippa was shocked by her words. No one had ever said such a thing to her before. She glanced to her husband who paused his conversation with Kobe to say, "Katla, while alone in the castle without the citizens, you may be informal. Philippa is not used to her role yet."
Katla nodded and sat beside Philippa. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
Philippa waved her apology away and smiled. She didn't know what to say. Everyone, it seemed knew her, but she didn't know them. Not to mention, she didn't know how to communicate with the others like she did with Bardulf. She felt inadequate to be their leader.
Katla didn't seem to mind Philippa's silence and continued to talk. "My husband is Elliot, the male with the shaggy brown hair."
Philippa glanced to the male and grinned. She liked the male while only having little contact with him. He was kind and respectful, always being willing to help. He liked to tease the others sometimes too.
"I know you haven't been around many Kingdoms, but I'm from Chatsdon Forest in Khosta. It's west of Asaya."
Philippa thought for a moment then thought she remembered a name similar to Chatsdon on a map she viewed in Jaqueline's father's war room. Tapping her husband's arm, she asked him how Katla met Elliot and how they decided to come to Zurus with him.
Bardulf translated her question to Katla and rested one hand on his wife's shoulder. Katla explained that Philippa's husband was just a juvenile at the time and had met Elliot a few years before. They were loyal friends by the time Katla met them, and when she did and realized who and what Elliot was, she was afraid of breaking such a bond. "But since my family was in poor condition, Bardulf agreed that if i went with him and Elliot, my family would be cared for."
Philippa gave her a questioning look.
Katla gave a dreamy smile. "They are living better than I could have hoped! Elliot was not easy to understand at first, and even worse to live with, but in time, I came to love him."
Philippa made a growling face and clawed her fingers.
Katla giggled and nodded. "Yes, his wolf too." She paused, glancing at her husband where he stood talking to Stephan and said, "His wolf was kinder to me than his human form. It was easy to love his wolf as it always wanted to curl up around me and keep me warm."
Philippa made a heart with her fingers and tilted her head.
"It was months after we met," Katla explained. "I was angry at him for being angry at me for something I wanted to do. So, I ran away. I wasn't thinking clearly and didn't dress properly for the freezing temperatures. I was nearly dead when Elliot found me and brought me home. We came to an understanding that he would let me do as i wish as long as I let him hover and protect me."
Philippa was amazed at Katla's story and knew she had it easy with Bardulf who accepted her for who she was and in return, she accepted his nature. Even with all that she learned about him and his people, his wolf, and his way of ruling Zurus, she hadn't been angry or disappointed in him. Shocked maybe, but never disappointed.
Soon, more females came up to her and introduced themselves. Kobe's female was white-haired and blue eyed, named Isbeil. She came from Xousian in the far east. Afan came from Zaegon and was Stephan's wife. Rhun was Jared's, and came from a different part of Zaegon than Afan. Erora was from Vulia and was married with Levi, Brian found Nevaeh in Wradian, Hugo and Ernest met Pavot and Madallaine in Douvell, and Christian went to Slarene to find Vera. All the women were nice and were patient with Philippa while she tried to communicate with them. Every now and then, Bardulf interpreted for her, but she did most of the communicating on her own.
By the time Philippa was ready for bed, it had been hours and the night was late. She looked around for Bardulf to signal his attention. He was on the far side of the room, all his men around him and laughing. She knew he couldn't see her, so she had to make noise. Looking down at the floor, she saw it was soft with fur rugs and knew it wouldn't help. Glancing around her, she saw Afan had a whistle around her wrist, remembering it was for her dog she owned.
She now wished she had one of her own, but gestured to the device with a questioning look. Afan handed it to her and showed her how it was to be used. After a minute, she put it to her mouth and blew.
It made no sound to her ears, but after a long moment, she felt the floors tremble and heard a bark of excitement as a large brown and white dog bounded into the room, going straight for Afan in greeting. While the whistle may not have gotten Bardulf's attention, the dog did. He glanced over and saw the creature greeting it's mistress then saw his wife looking at the whistle in confusion.
Excusing himself, he went over and knelt beside Philippa, scratching the dog behind the ears in welcome. "It is a very high pitch. You may not hear it, but Peadrus can."
She looked at him, glared at the device, then handed it to Afan. She told him she was trying to get his attention and thought it would help. She said she was disappointed when it didn't work, but she was ready to go to bed. Bardulf let her say goodbye, then carried her away.
Philippa rested her head against his shoulder and felt exhausted. She didn't understand how the device worked, but had no strength to ponder it. She fell asleep just as Bardulf was laying her down.