Haru forced himself to stop gaping when they arrived at the chieftain’s manor. The hall Faolán led them into felt like an entrance to a viking’s mead hall, with its walls and ceiling covered with various furs and shields. In the middle of the hall was a long rectangular fire pit, with coals and ashes flickering above the low heat. It split the hall from the long tables Haru presumed were often filled with wolves sharing meals and drinks in various gatherings. Embalms of strangely shaped beasts decorated the walls as they walked past. One four headed creature in particular, with small horns and beady human looking eyes held Haru’s gaze the longest. This one he could not find it in himself to question what it once had been. Heavy drapes embroidered with complex gold patterns and symbols alternated the wooden columns that led to the back of the hall, to where the chieftain awaited. Perhaps it didn't have the refinement of Hell's court, but the place certainly had its regal flair to it.

There were wolf sentries around, on each side of the hall resembling the wolves Haru had seen at Hell’s court, except these bore their furry chests out disregarding any kind of armour. Instead of spears, they holstered swords, axes and long knives, complimenting their claws, which to Haru already looked like fierce weapons on their own.

To Haru’s surprise, and perhaps Mammon’s, too, judging by the way he let his eyes study them, not all guards here were full bred wolves. Haru counted at least three who did not quite look the part, surprising himself that he could even tell. Their bodies appeared smaller, or their snouts seemed less protruded even though they kept dark cloths over them; or their ears seemed shorter, rounder; or their haunches somehow lacked fur and that typical curve of a wolf’s. They did not look like Mammon or little Rudi, but they were somehow different.

Just as Haru observed them, the wolf guards met his gaze as he, Mammon and Faolán who still held the child, Rudi, walked past. Still, only their eyes moved, keeping their expressions inscrutable, and their bodies motionless, perhaps weighed by their own discipline. So far, and even though he wasn’t one for too many words, Haru reasoned that Faolán was perhaps the most laid back of these wolves. His playful grunts with the young Rudi kept the boy entertained for short periods, although the boy’s eyes, without fail continued to veer over to Haru at every chance available.

Mammon too, had kept his expressions unreadable. Haru couldn’t tell if he had noticed the guards or not. He still seemed slightly perturbed by Rudi, often stealing neutral glances at the child.

“Fenus, you lost something again?” Faolán said suddenly as they approached the dais where the chieftain was sat.

Fenus?! Haru’s eyes widened. He knew that name.

To Haru’s relief, this Fenus was not the chieftain. After expressing his exasperation in unintelligible grumbles, the smaller wolf curtly signalled for a guard to collect the child. Haru remained puzzle however, as this Fenus fellow was standing right beside the chieftain. He could be a wolf of higher standing, though nothing about his simple attire denounced as much, yet his small physique suggested an air of arrogance and a mix of disturbed confidence. Haru was concerned for the wolf-child. He looked over to see Faolán whispering something in the child’s ear. Rudi nodded quietly. Before he handed over the child to the guard, Faolán ruffled Rudi’s hair gently. Haru expected the child to protest, to cry, or to at least say something — he didn’t seem shy with his words just a few minutes before; but only teary eyes bid him goodbye. Something in the pit of Haru’s stomach squeezed.

“Faolán, will he be alright?” Haru asked.

“He will, eventually.” Faolán replied in low tones. “His father has his right to best handle it from here.”

Haru could not sense the reassurance he so craved. He couldn’t say for certain, but it seemed as though Faolán had his own reservations about the child go. Mammon also had an eyebrow raised to Faolán’s words, but as the guard disappeared with the child behind the curtains, the chieftain of Vargr quickly pulled everyone’s attention. “Grand Marshal Mammon, son of one-eyed Raymon, welcome home!” A deep voice rumbled ahead of them. The way he comfortably rested on his wooden throne, exquisitely carved with markings and symbols Haru would never understand, confirmed this stocky wolf the ruler of this peculiar wolf kingdom. That Fenus fellow and two more wolves stood beside the chief, strong and sure of themselves. The chief himself seemed less pompous than Haru expected, bearing his sculpted torso atop black leather trousers, exposing only his bottom paws. Based on the colour of his greying fur, Haru judged him to be quite old, but his vibrant disposition never betrayed his advancing years. He did not wear a crown, but a long golden chain supporting a sizable medallion around his neck, and a thick golden bracelet on his left wrist gave him a distinctive regal look. His thick beard was braided and held alternating golden beads, setting him aside from the rest. Haru couldn’t read the expressions of wolves very well, but it was clear from the chieftain’s tone that he was eager for this visit.

“I am grateful for your hospitable welcome, Chieftain Lobos, allowing this humble servant into your hall.” Mammon said evenly. “If I may, allow me a slight correction: My parent’s name was *Ulfhild - the betrayer. Raymon is a… close friend of the family.”

There was no noise in the room, yet Haru noticed it grew quieter somehow.

“Half-breed. You still have that ungrateful mouth on you.” Fenus said.

“Hmm, and I see you still like to… butt in matters and places outside the range of your intelligence, Fenus.” Mammon retorted though his gaze was kept low, as though he still addressed the chieftain.

Haru looked at the floor, too, as if somehow it helped hold his composure. He was certain of it now. This Fenus had to be the same one who had made Mammon’s life here in Vargr quite difficult when he was younger. 

**

 “Nonsense! Fenus still likes to taunt you, don’t you, Fenus.” The chief dismissed with a wave of his hand. “We all knew your mother, Mammon — son of Ulfhild; or knew of her. You’ll know, her legacy has been restored. She is no longer known as the betrayer. Not here, not under my rule. A magnificent warrior, Ulfhild. She deserved more recognition and less judgement. I’m making sure things are changing around here, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Mammon directed his gaze to one of the mixed wolves standing guard, the one closer to the throne. It didn’t surprise him that Grodus and Fenus would make their way to take up residence next to the chieftain. Grodus, for his monstrous and unrivalled strength, and Fenus for his… well, his toadyish ways always burrowed into the ears of the powerful; as a good worm ought to. Having a half-wolf standing with them, however, was something else entirely. Mammon had always known that Chief Lobos was outspoken against the clan’s treatment of half-wolves, spending most of his life convincing them they weren’t a threat, or the dilution of the bloodline they so feared, but another source of great strength. It was for this reason that Mammon had accepted Chief Lobos’ son *Kaeltan into court and under his care, even if Lucious thought at the time that he had been ignorant of the fact. Still, there was no such thing as overnight changes, or magic strong enough to rewrite the past. A past felt… lost and bled for. Not even in Hell.

“We’ve heard of your changes,” Mammon said. “They seem rather favourable and… prudent. It doesn’t do the departed much good, but it helps strengthen the bonds with court. The king still holds the wolves in the highest esteem. Forgive my bluntness, my intention was far from insulting.” Mammon lowered his gaze slightly. There was no need for more than this. They needed him more than court needed them. Or so they should remain presuming.

“There’s nothing to forgive, Grand Marshall, raise your head. I appreciate bluntness. Shows me what I’m dealing with.” The Chieftain said, sparing a side eye at Fenus, though this one kept his eyes ahead, as though he hadn’t noticed. “You’re right, there’s not much to be done for the dead. What they did to your mother was… unacceptable. I admired Ulfhild. I learnt a lot from her. I have no doubts, were she to be alive, she’d be the one deserving of this chair. All I can do for her now is uphold and respect her memory. You’ll remember what that means to us wolves.”

Mammon nodded once. There was not much more he wanted to say on the matter, and he also didn’t entertain the idea of turning this into a celebratory reunion for his dead mother. The quicker they got through this, the quicker they would leave.

The chief then looked at Faolán who stood a few steps behind. “Faolán, did you not show the Grand Marshal around?”

“Only the new main road, my lord…” Faolán lowered his head.

“What? I told you to give them the grand tour! Show him the new training ring, the whole of the west wing, the new school—”

“Pardon, my lord,” Mammon interjected smoothly. “I insisted we come straight here. It was an arduous journey for my mate. I wanted to come greet you first, so that I may have him settled to rest right after.”

Mammon could feel Haru stiffening at the words my mate.

“I-I’m fine, Mammon-san.” Haru’s small voice tempted.

Mammon-san, again. Still, he had to offer Haru a special discount in this situation. His nerves were clearly flaring up.

*Ulfhild Nordic name derives from a combination of the Viking words ulf, which means “wolf” and hildr, meaning “battle” or “struggle”.

*Kaeltan – The chief’s son service at court that Mammon saved, during the confrontation with the angel, Aarin. He was only briefly mentioned in ch. 25.2 in the main story.

                                                                                          ******

And because this side story is focusing on Haru and Mammon, I'm sharing here a dear gift to celebrate my birthday a few weeks back, received by my good friend, Paradox. To say I was elated is an understatement🥰✨. Paradox said the inspiration for this illustration was the chapter in the main story, All Things Broken (ch26.1), if you remember when Mammon surprised Haru with a visit outside the convenience shop (ꈍᴗꈍ). 

Thank you so, so ,so, so much, Paradox 🤗💖💖💖!!