The Beast Within

Ambrosia: Chapter One

For a few days the wolf lived gloriously. 

With no people around to be frightened or angry at the animal, life was simple and sweet, and it became increasingly comfortable to allow the wolf to do as it pleased. It was perfectly capable of finding food and water and could stalk through the night without the need for fire to light its way, and its senses were far more keen at detecting possible danger. It was kind enough to carry my tapestry between its teeth, only setting it down to catch prey or drink, though every so often it had to be reminded to retrieve it before moving on.

It dawned on me that since my first transformation I hadn't spent much time alone, nor had the wolf been given many opportunities to wander without disturbance. After the tavern, the circus, and the castle, we were both in need of a release from the tension that had weighed on our shoulders.

But in the back of my mind there was always a wish to find my sister. I knew that eventually I would have to pull our focus to resuming my search.

For now, it was enough to allow the animal to simply be.

The wolf was drinking from a shallow stream when its ears pricked up at a small hissing. It was not a threat, but a call for attention, and the wolf followed it to the remains of a tree. Its bark was black as if recently struck by lightning or fire, and its branches were bare and brittle.

Atop one of the branches, perfectly balanced to prevent its ledge from breaking, was a black and white cat, which I recognized as the one I'd met before.

"You've escaped the king," the cat said through a yawn. "How did you find life in his castle?"

"No good," replied my wolf, and at its voice the cat arched its back and growled.

"Must I be forced to endure conversation with a simple beast like you?" The wolf bristled and I could feel it was offended. The cat pointed a paw at the rolled tapestry near the wolf's head. "Did you steal that treasure before you left?"

"No take. Gift."

"Let me see the boy. We have things to discuss."

"What say to boy say to wolf."

"But I don't like your face."

With an indignant huff, the wolf turned to leave, its patience worn thin with the offensive feline.

"Wait! You cannot leave me!" The wolf continued to ignore the cat as it hissed and mewed. "I've seen your sister!"

This gave us both pause.

Trap, the wolf thought to me.

I was inclined to agree, but the opportunity to learn about my sister was too great to dismiss.

Let me speak to it.

For the first time in days, I became a human again.

It was like getting out of bed after a long bout of sickness. My muscles ached and my skin was instantly covered with goose pimples. I had to wiggle my fingers and toes to wake them from a tingling sleep.

"How you've grown!" the cat noted with a purr. "You're starting to lose the boy and look something like a man."

"You've seen my sister?"

"Oh, yes. Quite recently, in fact." The cat hummed in approval of itself and gave a slow blink. "Truth be told, she's seen better days." It shuddered. "All that garish purple..."

"Is she hurt?"

"Not in a way you can imagine."

"Where is she?"