Wulfger: Guntwin's Choice [ENG]

Kaja was the first to hear it: hooves on the path; a rider approaching. Ludwig was next, Quila heard it last.

“Who could that be?” Ludwig wanted to stand up and go to the door, but Kaja laid a hand on his arm and held him back.

“Wait.”

“What for?”

Kaja remained silent. Coldness ate its way into her body and spread through her belly. A nameless fear crept into her.

The rider reined in his horse and dismounted. They could hear him tying the animal to the beam in front of the house. Ludwig shook off Kaja’s hand and stood up.

“What’s the matter with you, child?” he asked, irritated.

Kaja heard boots crunching on the sandy ground in front of the house, heard footsteps drawing nearer. Then a knock at the door; short, violent. Kaja flinched. Quila, who had caught Kaja’s unease, let out a shrill cry. Ludwig twitched, then hesitated. The door was flung open and slammed against the wall with a loud bang. Ludwig staggered back in fright, Kaja froze.

A dark shadow stood in the doorway: tall, broad. Cold filled the room as though the summer sun had hidden behind winter clouds.

“Kaja.” The voice was hard, demanding. The stranger looked around, then stepped into the room.

“Who ...” Ludwig stammered, but fell silent as he recognized the newcomer.

The man shoved Ludwig aside as if he were a child, planted himself in front of Kaja, bent down toward her and looked her directly in the eyes. Kaja couldn’t breathe. The stranger reached into a pouch at his belt and took something out. He raised his hand and held a small wooden pendant in front of Kaja’s face.

“My medallion,” she whispered.

His voice was quiet but intense as he spoke to her: “It led me to you.”