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Chamber of Trials

Hearing a small click behind him confirmed that he was locked within the chamber. Taking a look at his surroundings Fang saw an empty dark chamber, and a door opened ajar up ahead of him. Looking at the walls on either side of him Fang saw empty slots that were meant for torches. Hmm...seems like they removed them to test how well I can see in the dark. But why do that when every creature in the land of Translavkania has the ability to see in the dark? Something is amiss here...why do I get the feeling I'm being watched. The Door!

Fang looked at the door ahead and froze. There standing by the door was a creature that looked vicious as if it came out of a nightmare. To Fang it was a nightmare as he saw the teeth and heavily muscular jaws giving the creature a bite of bone-cracking power. The stout canines and rows of incisors were used for grabbing and tearing flesh, while the other teeth sliced and chewed. The coat was long, coarse, dense, and black as night. The head was the thickest and muscular; with an almost bear-like face but it were the eyes that sent the chills down Fangs' spine. Like his own in the dark they were golden flecked but with a different meaning to it. Violence, fury, destruction, and death were the wolverines' cold stare as he watched Fang.

Hearing the snarl and growling Fang took a step back as the wolverine started approaching. Fang feared wolverines not because of its description oh no it was far from that. It was the fact this creature is a capable killer that kills without mercy and certain death if anyone came across its path. I could make a run for the door and slam it shut. Then again..._The wolverine interrupted Fangs thoughts as it stood in front of the door and snarled viciously. _Well so much for that idea. Guess I have no choice then.

Fang took his stance as the wolverine leaped in the air for his throat. Dodging to his right he avoided the canine teeth and aimed for a kick at the beast. He missed as the beast whirled around snapping his jaws on Fang's right foot paw. Fang screamed in agony as pain seared though his hindpaw as he was yanked by the brutal strength of the wolverine. Releasing his grip the wolverine went in for the kill as he leapt on Fangs' stomach. As the wolverine slashed his chest Fang gasped as he felt hot blood running down his side. As the onslaught continued, Fang fought back by using his arms to intercept the jaws of death seeking for his throat. Not knowing if it was his instincts or the fighting lessons from Hawk he rolled over, pinned the beast down with his weight, and grabbed the wolverines' head intending to snap its neck.

Not seeing the countermove the wolverine tried to get up but found himself pinned. Trying to free itself from the wolf the beast tried to get free by struggling out from underneath Fang. Feeling one strong paw across his throat and another grasping the top fur on his head in a vice grip made the wolverine struggle madly for escape. Claws raked upon the stone floor underneath them as the two fought on. Whipping its head free, the wolverine managed to snap at Fang's right forearm that clasp it's head. Searing pain rent across Fang's face, yet despite the pain he held on with his left paw around the beast's windpipe hoping to make it release his forearm. The pupils of the beast locked on with Fang's, as it paused his antics for a moment its jaws slacking hold of the canine's right forearm. Accepting it was dead Fang slacked his hold on its throat and went to pry off the jaws when suddenly the wolverine went for his forearm again this time crushing the bones within his maw. Howling in rage, Fang kicked the beast away from him sending it into the wall as he raised himself off the ground as fresh waves of pain seared up from his right forearm.

The wolverine slammed against the wall, yet it didn't slow its progress of lunging at the canine's throat once more. Fang anticipated the move as he braced himself for the impact. Throwing his right forearm to intercept its jaws once again he managed to grab its throat once more rising it to his face. The moment their eyes' locked Fang struck home, using his canine jaws he seared through the beast's neck. Blood splattered the floor as the wolverine thrashed about in pain, it snarled as it tried slashing Fang's chest to make him release his hold yet it was in vain as lights came within its view. Ripping his head back, followed by a tearing sound Fang dropped the beast on the ground with its throat dangling within his maw. Spitting it at the creature's carcass, he limped past it heading for the door. As he reached the door he leaned against it flexing his right hindpaw. Surprised that was moving freely still, Fang pushed himself from the door and tested his weight on it. Must of not snapped it, otherwise it would have been crushed and useless. I'll take a look at it in the corridor that will lead me to the next trial I'm sure. Hopefully there are torches along the way so I can get a good look at it...along with the rest of my injuries.

Turning around slowly Fang looked for the wolverines' corpse noticing it was gone. Using his eyes he searched the chamber only to find no corpse of the beast. The blood was still there, proving of the battle that took place, yet the remains of that battle were gone. Turning around to face the door, Fang leapt back as the wolverine's head was mounted directly in the center of the door. Its maw open wide as blood still pooled about from its neck soaking the door in blood. The pupils remained open staring at Fang as he hesitated before its presence. Closing its jaws once more is smirked before it open its maw revealing small strip of parchment. Keeping his wits about him Fang grabbed the parchment from its maw, opened the door, and slammed it behind him. Suddenly torches came to life as they lit the corridor. Glad of the light Fang looked at his paw along with the wounds afflicted upon his chest, as well his right forearm that intercepted the jaws of death. He groaned of what he saw, five deep slash marks covered his chest oozing out as it covered Fangs' body completely in blood. His left forearm didn't receive the damage compared to its equal on the right were it continued to bleed from the onslaught inflicted upon it. Trying to flex his right forepaw was in agony when he knew it was broken. Cursing himself he took off his loincloth swaying about struggling at the attempt. Finally succeeding, he took his under garment and created a sling for his right forearm.

Great! Just great, what will Silver say now? Well the wolverines' jaws may of not of crushed my hindpaw compared to my right forepaw never the less he sure did a great job of making me bleed freely. Fang sighed as he saw the blood puddle around him, not taking any chances he searched the ground to find that dirt replaced the stone beneath his paws. Kneeling down to the ground, he scraped the dirt within his left paw and placed it upon his wounds to slow the flow of blood. Wincing in pain as it stung from the dirt and by his touch. Well I came in here half naked in the first place, might as well come out in my true appearance. As for my wounds, the dirt will have to suffice for now. Garth will have a hell of a job patching me up if I survive this ordeal. Now that parchment...

Still upon the ground Fang looked up at the torch above his head, glad of its presence. Rising once more he took it before lowering himself back to the ground with it beside him upon the wall. After making sure the door before him was closed, Fang took a look at the parchment finding it written in blood. "What is fear if one conquers it? Those who do can save us all." Fang reread it three more times before bewildered at what its meaning before it struck him. So the first trial was fear, my fear to be exact. I wonder what's next. Taking a breather Fang positioned himself upon the ground feeling waves of pain across his frame as well other injuries bestowed upon him after the battle. Might as well rest here a bit, no sense of walking on till I recover some of my strength. Slowly his eyelids flickered as his cranium lowered upon his chest. The loss of blood, as well spasms throughout his body were enough to send Fang into slumber.

The sound of crackling fire rose Fang from his deep slumber within the corridor he rested within. The torch beside him still flickered of light, yet it was slowly dying. Rising from the ground he looked over his wounds once more. The dirt he placed upon them created a mask substance, caked over his injuries. Still feeling weak as he leaned against the wall for support realizing he rested enough. How long he rested was beyond him, for it felt like days if not longer for how stiff he was from sitting upright against the wall. Looking around he was surrounded by darkness once again. A sign that perhaps he did pass out for a day or so now that the torches before him where extinguish. Gathering up the extinguished torches he tried using two of them as splints within his sling. He winced at the fresh pain within the struggle attaching them. Accomplishing the task, he took a breather before using his night vision he followed down the path before him went straight. Though as the hours progressed he came to different passages, and turns throughout the corridor. It was if he was put in a maze to find his true exit as he opened the doors he came across cautiously finding nothing within the rooms. Doubling back a few times and choosing different paths were getting him nowhere. Sighing in frustration at his own foolishness he was. Instead of taking all the other paths just by guessing he could have paid attention to his sense of smell of the fresh air that moved about now and then when he was going through the darkness like it was hinting to him which way to follow.

Noticing now the fresh scent of air, Fang went forward once again relying upon his sense of smell as it flowed about he assumed that would lead him to where he needed to go. Following on through he noticed how he was going downhill leading to a door up ahead. Approaching the door he opened it slowly at first. Fang peak as he caught glimpse of fresh torches lilting within the chamber finding it similar to the one he entered earlier of the trail. Finally, a way out of this place. Or at least I hope so. Within the chamber were two torches already lit and another passageway with stairs that lead downward. Above the passageways' entrance was a colored stained window with an engrave shape that resembled the fang of a wolf, similar to the one that hung about his neck. Seeing that all was clear Fang closed the door as he walked in followed by a gust of wind that sprung to life extinguishing the torches. Great more surprises. This place just gets creepier and creepier by the minute.

Suddenly his injuries flared in pain sending tears to his eyes. Fang snarled as he tried ignoring it, then unexpectedly he was flung backwards hitting the door with a loud thud. Feeling his breath taken away from him for a moment. Wicked laughter broke the silence as Fang raised himself off the floor. Quick as it came, his body tensed as he was dealt with the same anguishing pain as before. This time he was picked up, flung across the chamber side to side, up and down, and back to the door. This onslaught continued twice more before Fang picked himself off the floor gasping for air. This place is cursed! It's like I'm being tossed about as a rag doll for amusement!

Not expecting a blow to the stomach by some unknown force Fang dropped to his knees. Gasping for air Fang raised his head as the sound of glass being shattered from the stained window. Standing below as a form of a beast with a scared features upon his right eye. He watched the pieces fall to the ground as the wicked laughter broke out again this time coming from the beast in the mist of black smoke. The presence of it sent chills down Fangs' back as he witness the shattered glass shards rise from the floor in the following motion of the beast raising his forearms. Its true features hidden by black smoke, used a force unknown to Fang, sending the shards straight at him. Some pierced his flesh while others just nicked his fur, the rest missed as he ducked his head. Fang tried to stand and make a run for it but was pushed down to be severed with fresh injuries. Curled up tight as a ball he took the onslaught from the shards; knowing that if he stood back up he would be pushed back down, get slashed, cut, and back into ball position.

Somehow, someway, I'm going to get of this alive that is if I don't die here first! But how? Grr...that's it! I can't sit here and die! Standing up on his paws again he ran for one of the torch holders, snatched the extinguish torch from the right side of the wall and brandished it like a club. "Come on then! Cut me up into ribbons! I don't care anymore! If I die here then so be it but as long as I live I'll fight my way out of here!" Fang screamed.

Nothing happened. All was quiet and still within the chamber. The torch in Fangs' left paw ignited, as did the other on the wall. The stain glass window above the entrance to the passageway was whole as if it was never shattered in the first place. Looking at his body Fang saw the cuts, slashes, and uneven fur as marks of what he experienced. Some of his caked dirt mixed with blood was falling apart from the onslaught sending another wave of fresh blood to the floor beneath his paws. Well whatever I said must have work. Never the less I don't care as long as it stopped and I'm alive is all that matters.

Taking the torch back to its holder Fang turned around facing the entrance to the passageway, and there floating in midair was another little strip of parchment. Walking towards it Fang realized it was exactly the same as the last except with different words. "Those who endure the afflictions of torture live on forever." Grabbing it he strolled down the stairs using the walls for support as his blood trickled and splattered each step he took as he left the chamber covered in his blood upon its wretched walls of torture. Finally reaching the end of the steps he trekked upon, Fang came across another passage with light torches upon the walls. The torches that lit the area exposed the passage with no doors on either side to reveal a room. Squinting his eyes Fang peered more towards the passage seeing nothing up ahead. Taking one of the torches from his left he continued upon his ordeal, searching for a door or some kind of entrance to anything that would free of him of this prison of hell.

Continuing down the passage that seem not to end finally came to a halt leaving Fang looking around in a circular room with a wooden ladder on the far side of the room to his right. Seeing no doors about he looked below the ground for a trapdoor of some kind since his progress seem to continue downwards throughout the ordeal itself. Again he was rewarded with nothing but dirt and few fragments of stone beneath him. Looking up Fang saw a trapdoor within the church's formation above the ladder. Fang approached the ladder as he placed the torched down on the ground careful not to snuff it out. Reaching for the ladder he slowly climbed upward with each effort to stay alive as more blood came freely from his wounds dripping to fall to the ground below. Reaching the trapdoor he pushed it upwards and was rewarded to find himself back in the same chamber he began for the ordeal. The chamber was lit this time around as the door that led to the corridor was gone to be replaced with a solid wall that had a mirror hanging on it. A huge wooden chest sat before its presence. Upon its smooth surface was white goblet with the same runes as the other one that was used in the ritual. Climbing out of the trapdoor Fang wondered what was about to come next as he walked towards the chest before the mirror itself. Ok I made it this far what's next?

Not sure of what to do Fang took the goblet from the chest box pausing for a moment before pressing it against his lips, and sprayed it all over the mirror. Slowly at first a light blue substance spiraled counterclockwise across the mirrors' surface. Then getting whiter and whiter as it continued till the mirror was white as snow. Words appeared across the mirror. "The past will lead to the present as it leads to the future. Know thyself well Fang." The words faded away as Fang dropped the goblet and watched in astonishment of what he seen upon the mirrors' surface.

The land of Translavkania was completely a winter wonderland. But it was the two figures carrying a babe while they struggled across the landscape against the blizzard that caught Fangs interest. It was himself as a pup wrapped in a bundle of clothing. The two wolves wrapped in hooded cloaks huddled close together to keep the youngling warm. Fang knew they were his parents for who else could they be? Wishing he could see what they were like under their hoods Fang sighed. Maybe I see what they look like later on? I'll just be patient and see what happens. One of the wolves took the pup, placing it within their cloak to keep the cub warm, while saying to the other. "At least we made it this far Amber. Look there's a cave up ahead, maybe we can wait out this blasted blizzard as we refuge in there."

"Aye let's get going before we all freeze to death out here."

The mirror swirled again as the wolves reached the cave. Fang waited patiently as the next scene formed in front of him. It was the time of spring in a little village similar to Slyvangard except it was in a different range of mountains. The season changed...this must be years after the blizzard. In fact it was six years ago to be exact for Fangs' parents found the village three days after the blizzard as they trekked downhill from the cave. Seeing the villagers care for them of their ordeal they were offered a place to stay. Not refusing such an offer they went to the cottage, inspecting its contents. Deciding it was worthwhile aside of a few minor fixes upon the cottage itself they agreed to live within the village. Once again the mirror swirled it's features to reveal the little cottage with a white wolf similar to himself standing outside but the form was slender than his own, was his mother. Wearing a peasants' dress outfit she looked down the dirt path road which lead to the village of Slyvangard a two day ride on horseback from here. She chuckled as a little white figure popped up from the cottage and hugged her. "Did you set out your fathers' lunch Fang?"

"Yes mother, it's all laid out on the table as you asked."

"Good, good... Fang I think I see dust rising form the road. It could be your father with the rest of boys back from their task." Amber said as she scanned the road with her eyes.

Fang whooped as he jumped up and down. "Yay father's back!"

Amber smiled as the sight of her son, then turned around to grab an empty wooden bucket and handed it to Fang. "Would you be so kind and fetch me some water from the river?"

"But I wanted to be here when father arrives..."

"He'll be here when you get back dear, I promise. Now hurry or you'll be late on your own birthday."

"Ok mother I'll hurry." He cried out as he ran over a small hill to the river with the bucket in his little paws.

Amber laughed at the sight. "For being an eight year old he sure can run."

Turning around Amber saw the approaching riders and behind them was a wagon filled with a fresh supply of wood and supplies for their village. Searching among the riders Amber tried to spot her husband, Alvarez. Among all the riders there she could see the proud father of her son was riding a chestnut mare riding towards her. The evening sunrays hit his grey coat making it a dazing sight that took her breath away. Still watching her husband come her way, Fang came back from the river carrying the bucket of water. "See mother I came back fast like I said I would. Here's your water." Fang smiled as he handed the bucket to his mother.

Coming out of her dazzled moment Amber reached down for the bucket. "Oh...thank you dear. Look here comes your father now. Go on and hug him you little rascal."

Running to his father Fang screamed. "Father!"

Alvarez guided his mare to his family as the rest of his company rode on, carrying the wood they brought from a nearby village. Steering the mare over to the stables, he stepped off the mare and tied her up in the stable. As he got off Alvarez pretend not seeing a little figure running up to him before jumping up and down in excitement of his father's presence. "Where's the birthday boy Amber? I don't see him."

"Father I'm right here." Fang cried out as he continued to jump up and down waving his paws about.

"Ah so you are you little terror. Come here and give me a hug." Kneeling down he outstretched his arms, as his son jump within them. Rising from the ground Alvarez strolled up to Amber, with Fang within his arms as they embraced each as one before they departed into their cottage.

As the mirror swirled again to show a different scene, tears trickled down Fang's face as he saw himself fast asleep in his fathers' arms. It was just after the celebration of his eighth birthday with friends, guests, and his parents that little Fang decided to take a snooze. That was until a blood-chilling scream rent the air. Alvarez rushed Fang into Ambers' arms, went to their bedroom, and after knocking a few items over he strolled into the room with a sword in his left paw. "Amber! Take Fang and get out of here quickly. Go and hide in the woods next to the river. Go! Go!"

Sensing the urgency in his voice Amber did as she was bidden. Going through the backdoor, she ran into the woods with Fang in her arms asking questions. "Mother what's all that noise?"

"Hush Fang. It's not safe out here to ask questions at the moment."

"Why not? Mother what's going on?" cried Fang.

Amber ran on, trying to reach the forest line where she hope they would be safe from harm. Not knowing she was being followed by one of the raiders that accompanied thirty others to raid the village for loot and plunder. She ran on towards the woods. Steering his stallion about he followed her thinking the bundle she carried within her arms was something of value. As she reached the forest line, the raider got tired of chasing her and pulled out his bow, notched an arrow, and aimed down the sights. Steadying his breathing, he followed Amber's movement before he set the arrow lose.

Thinking she make it safely as she reached the forest line Amber cradle Fang within her arms, trying to comfort his distress. "Shhh...it's going to be all ok Fang. Don't cry, it's going to be..." She didn't get the chance to finish; with an agonizing cry she fell, rolled a couple of times holding Fang close to her bosom to protect him, and landed next to the river with an arrow producing from her back.

Proud of his shot, the raider yelled as he spun his stallion about. "I got one! I got..." The raider never did finish, nor see what value Amber possessed as he took an arrow through his left eye falling from his steed from one of the villager's archers.

Fang not knowing what happened to his mother struggled to get free from her weight. As he freed himself from her arms he started tugging his mothers' paw crying. "Mother! Mother! What's wrong? Why aren't you getting up?" Tugging a little too hard Fang fell backwards into the river to be swept away for a league before he was washed up to the bank as the sun started to rise in the sky. Found unconscious on the bank by Silver riding to the aid of his son, he stopped at the sight of Fang beside the bank of the river. Steeping off his mare, Silver rushed over to the young pups' aid checking to see if he was alive. Seeing the young lad still breathing, Silver gently woke him up and began questioning him. "What's your name little one?"

Flickering his eyes, Fang noticed he was within the arms of a fellow canine of his species. Shaking his head Fang place his left paw upon his forehead trying to remember what happen, as well how he got there. With no memory coming back to him other than his name, he leapt embracing Silver crying. "My...my name is Fang sir."

Looking in the direction of the smoke ahead Silver made a decision as he cradled Fang. "And where did you spring from Fang?"

"I...I...I don't know." Fang said.

"You telling me you don't know where you came from?"

"No...no I...I... don't. Please don't hurt me." cried Fang.

Seeing Fang distressed and crying Silver carried him over to his mare placing him on the saddle before climbing on himself. Looking once more to the direction he was heading, he shed his tears praying his son would live the battle that raged on within the forest ahead of them. Shaking his head he turn the horse about, heading to his village with Fang in his possession. "I'm Silver by the way, and I'm not goanna hurt you Fang. Since you don't know where you came from and likely probably won't remember anything that happened how about you stay with me for awhile. Is that ok with you?" Nodding his head as he rubbed his eyes Fang agreed

Realizing that he just saw his past Fang wept. "Enough! I don't want to see anymore. I remember now, please just...just stop."

The mirror swirled once more, this time showing an image of his father. Fang cleared the tears that blurred his vision and looked. The image of his father was different than what he had seen earlier, covered in scars that spread across his face, clad in armor and wearing a red cape about him stood Alvarez. My father is alive?

The image faded away as the mirror swirled once more with wording across its surface. "Thou has proved thyself well and is worthy of thy name and destiny. Go among your friends and celebrate for thou has proved worthy unto me." Fang understood the message without hesitating he opened the door forgetting to knock three times and walked straight into Zaglar. Not sure who was surprised the most both just stood there looking at each other. It was Zaglar who broke the silence. "Welcome back Fang! It looks like you been through hell itself! My dear boy your injuries.... we'll soon have you fixed up soon enough now that Garth is back. Here take this cloak of mine, you can keep it if you like I have more like it you know being a Council Member of Slyvangard and all that." Zaglar said as he gave Fang his robe that he wore during the ritual.

"How long have I been in there?" Fang asked as he donned on the cloak covering his naked wounded body.

Zaglar lowered his ears in concern. "It's been three days since the ritual. Three days Fang! Come now the others had been setting up a feast for your return while they were waiting. Your father is awaiting your arrival my boy, he refused upon the latter outcome saying you'll make it. Using the feast to boost morale." Swinging his arm around Fang, he helped him walk past the rows of benches as he continued to inform Fang of what happened while he was in the Chamber of Trials. "Oh while you were taking the trials some regiment of the valor warriors, the tenth to be exact came here looking for you. They say that they have an urgent message from the king himself to bring you back to his palace immediately."

"Really? That's funny you should mention that." Fang replied as he limped with Zaglar towards the church entrance to the outside world. Feeling lightheaded as he was glad to be out of his ordeal.

"Yes really. And why do you say that my boy?" as Zaglar opened the door.

Dazzled by the sunlight Fang closed his eyes for a few seconds before he reopened them while he answered Zaglar. "Well after the trials father and I were planning to leave so I could join the valor warriors."

"Ah yes, now that you mentioned that I remember Hawk telling me that as she was helping Silver pack your two's belongings for the journey. Well since the tenth regiment is here I guess that will save you some troubles you might have crossed along the way."

"Zaglar before we head out is it ok if we head back to the cottage where I can rest peacefully in my bed? I'm so tired and exhausted from the trials that I could fall to the ground and sleep there." Fang pointed to the spot he might of likely have fallen and would have too if Zaglar hadn't caught him in time.

"Mhmm...I suppose. I'll send for Garth as we head up there." Searching among the crowds as they headed for the bridge Zaglar saw Liz talking with one of the council members. "Liz... Liz! Would you please inform Garth to come to Silvers' and Fangs' cottage please!"

Turning her head about as she was called, Liz saw the condition Fang was in. Nodding her head she replied. "I will. Would you like me also to inform Captain Blaze as well Zaglar?"

Zaglar sighed. "Yes you might as well. Go and be quick about it please, it looks like Fang might pass out soon with all the blood he lost."

"My pleasure." With that she left without another word.

As Zaglar carried Fang over to the bridge, he noticed as they made it halfway that Fang wasn't responding to his idea. "You know I'm going to reward Liz for all she has done for me. Don't you agree Fang? Fang? Fang! Oh my passed out already and were only half way across the bridge." Shouldering Fangs' weight upon his right shoulder he made it to the cottage where he met Hawk and Silver. Together they manage carrying Fang to his room and settled him upon his bed.