Chapter Text
This story takes place a long time ago. When the Vilebloods didn't exist like we know them today and when the knights of Cainhurst Castle only hunted monsters.
It’s said that one winter morning, a young knight was sent on their first mission alone. With only their armor, their weapons and accompanied by their faithful steed, they flushed out and hunted the few creatures that could be found at the edge of the snowy forest. After a while, they heard a kind of growl coming from the center of the wooded area. Curious, the knight wanted to know what kind of being could be behind it. And so, they disappeared into the woods.
The tall, slender, and dark trees grew in number as they progressed. It was difficult for the horse to move quickly through this field of spears. After some time, the knight decided to continue by foot and leave their mount behind. It wouldn’t get too far anyway and will wait there.
As the knight started walking, the snow began to fell. Only the heavy footsteps of his armor, on the frozen ground could be heard. The knight seemed completely alone. Yet, something was lurking in the shadows of the trees. Something large and moving far too quickly. It was getting slowly closer to them. Footsteps were starting to be heard. It was impossible to know where they came from exactly.
The young knight began to walk slower and more carefully, his hand on the hilt of his sword, the other on his firearm. Right after, they felt a massive presence very close by. They didn't even got the time to draw their weapon and turn their head when a large shadow threw them violently to the ground.
The knight got up as fast as they could, and he was finally able to look at their mysterious aggressor. It was a huge beast, two or three times their size, covered with thick dark fur, armed with huge ebony claws, and staring at them with deep scarlet eyes. The two looked at each other for a few moments. The knight had never witnessed such a monster.
They tried to shoot the creature several times, but the bullets just seemed to get lost in its dense fur. The beast began to counterattack. During several minutes the knight fought valiantly, but they were not strong enough to face all alone such a powerful foe. Exhausted and injured, they were thrown into the snow again, their helmet falling on the side. It was over…
The beast picked up the damaged helmet and began to speak with a deep and almost inhuman voice: “You’re not going to give up now, I hope? I was just starting to enjoy myself!” The knight remained completely stunned by this statement.
The beast continued: “You are quite talented you know… It would be a shame…” It thought for a few moments before adding: “Ah! Why don't we play a little game, you and I, dear little knight?”
The latter was more and more confused. They slowly got up and asked: "A game?
- Yes, it's quite simple!" The monster put his imposing hand on the shoulder of the armored combatant. “You just need to return home! If you manage to get back to the castle, you win! If I catch you before that…you lose.”
The young knight replied in the most valiantly way possible: “How can I know that you will keep your word? How can I be sure you will give me enough advance?
- Well, I would prefer to catch up to you when you will be as close as possible to the castle. You see, the horrified faces of your peers would really fill me with joy!
-Very well…"
The beast handed them the helmet and stared at them with an abhorrent smile. The knight retrieved it, took a few steps back while remaining fixed on the eyes of their attacker. Then they began to run as fast as he could. A deep survival instinct overwhelms all their being. They had a chance to make it out alive.
After several long minutes of running, they reached the place where they had previously left their steed. The horse was no longer there… they had no choice now. The rest of the way was to be made entirely by foot, as quickly and discreetly as possible. The beast must have already been on their tracks. To make things worse, the snow began to fall harder.
In the distance, between the trees, the knight could see what looked like the towers of the castle. But they were still far from them. Too far.
The snow was slowing them down. The cold and his wounds hurt them terribly. It was a miracle they were even standing. Through his damaged helmet, they tried to concentrate on the surrounding noises. Across the blizzard they could faintly hear what sounded like a running animal. The beast was going to catch up with them before they arrived at the castle. They needed to react and think quickly.
When they almost reached the edge of the forest, they stopped and hid, ready to confront the beast. It was the last thing they could do. A distress shot would just reveal their position more quickly. They waited long minutes, trying not to shiver and breathe softly.
When the monster was about to pass right next to them, they jumped right in front of it and ignited their blade. The beast, almost on the ground immediately stopped, intensely staring at the burning edge. It seemed both fascinated and terrified by it. “Beasts are afraid of fire,” the knight recalled.
They didn't waste any time and plunged the tip of their flaming weapon into the creature's right eye. It screamed in pain. An abominable and inhuman cry rang out. Our young friend took the opportunity to start running again. As they moved away, they heard the beast yelled: “I hate you! I hate you all! It’s because of all of you, be cursed! It's all your fault! YOUR FAULT!"
The snow had stopped falling when our brave knight finally reached the gates of the castle. They were saved. The howls coming from the forest had stopped… But for how long?
“Uh… is the story already over?
- It can't end like this!
- Isn't there some kind of sequel?
- Don't worry, this is not the end of the story. I just thought we could take a little break before continuing. Who would like to drink some tea?”