The screams and growls erupting from the rogue's cell, echoed through the dungeon.
The guards feared getting too close to the creature after they were finally able to capture him and confine him to his cell.
Sargon pulled on a pair of gloves. His whole body was covered to prevent him from begin contaminated by the creature's curse.
He walked into the rogue's cell and stood face to face with the filthy beast.
The rogue was shifted to his human form and wouldn't be able to shift into a wolf for a few hours, if Sargon let him live that long.
"What is your name? Who sent you?" Sargon asked, as he punched the rogue so hard his face went in one direction and his body struggled to follow.
The rogue began cackling loudly as he spit out blood and teeth at Sargon.
"You think this is funny?"
Sargon began punching him repeatedly and couldn't stop.
"He's done Alpha." One of the guards said as he pulled Sargon away from the rogue who fell on the floor nearly passed out as soon as Sargon was pulled away.
Sargon picked up the rogue and effortlessly threw him on a long metal table strapping his arms and legs to the table with silver shackles.
"Let me know as soon as he wakes up. He's not getting off so easily. Let's make this interesting. Remember not to let his blood or spit get on any of you."
"Understood, Alpha Sargon." The guard said.
Sargon removed his protective covering and made his way to the healing room.
***
"The rogues bite marks on Vincent have the same effects as those sustained by Harold." Dr. Brinks said as he examined Vincent's lifeless body.
"How did he succumb so much quicker than Harold?" Sargon asked as Harold listened for answers.
"Vincent was not as powerful as Harold, so whatever the bite marks contained, worked faster than it did on Harold. He was also bitten in main arteries, which practically no wolf could recover from."
Sargon interlaced his fingers behind his neck and exhaled deeply.
"Dammit! This is a major problem, doc."
"Indeed, it is, gentlemen." Dr. Brinks agreed.
"Vincent was one of my closest guards. Whoever is doing this knows exactly who they need to attack to get to me."
"Do you have any idea of who it could be?" Harold asked with his arms folded in front his chest.
"I honestly don't know. I may need to reach out to Princess Dezerae. She is next in line for her father's throne. She may try to weaken my kingdom to strengthen hers. If she was smart, she would try to form an alliance instead. There are many kingdoms for her to go up against as a woman ruler."
"You may be on to something, Sargon. This is the strongest kingdom. It would intimidate anyone." Harold said.
"Let's meet with the counsel. They may have further insight on all of this." Sargon said as Harold nodded in accord.
Sargon left Dr. Brinks to finish examining Vincent. Harold followed Sargon out of the healing room.
"So when are we going to Ethron to flirt with the Princess then?" Harold said, trying to lighten the air.
"I don't think you should come, Harold."
"Ahh, you want her for yourself." Harold teased.
Sargon rolled his eyes.
"You are still recovering and would be an easy target for them." Sargon said truthfully.
"I can't just sit on my ass and wait for you to do everything, Sargon. I need to help."
Sargon stopped walking and turned to speak to Harold placing his hand on Harold's shoulder.
"You can help by recovering as fast as possible and taking care of Catelyn. She's carrying your child, Harold. I can't let you be put in harm's way. Not in your condition. You all are my family, and I am responsible for protecting you all. Until you are better, I can't agree to putting you in harm's way."
Harold remained silent. He knew better than to argue with Sargon. Once his mind was made up, there was no changing it. He had to do what was right for the kingdom and his family.
"I will let you know when the council meeting is the moment I know. You will be in charge in my absence if I am to leave. You are still the Beta and that is not going to change. I will catch up with you shortly." Sargon said as he walked away from Harold.
A wash of relief passed over Harold's face. He didn't even realize he was concerned about losing his title. He just knew he felt useless after losing his wolf.
Harold left in the opposite direction to look for Catelyn.
"Well, it took you long enough to call me." Marie's soothing voice calmed the anger and frustration in Sargon instantly.
"The phone works both ways." Sargon said, teasingly.
"That it does, my dear. How are things at the castle?"
"Not great. We lost a guard. He was one of my best. He was attacked by a rogue like Harold was. The wounds are the same, but he wasn't strong enough. The poison killed him moments after being bitten."
"Oh my goodness. I am so sorry, Sargon. I wish there was something else I could do than being so far away from you hunting witches."
"Your voice is doing wonders for me right now." Sargon said as he crossed his legs and stretched them out on the same couch him and Marie sat on in his office.
He could tell Marie was blushing by the sound of her voice.
"I may have to leave town for a bit. I have to go to Ethron and meet with their Princess. She is next up for the throne and may be trying some tactics she doesn't know how to execute well. I am going to pick her brain."
"I see." Marie said, then became quiet.
Marie knew of Ethron's Princess all too well. She was feisty and confident. She was also very beautiful with blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was strong when it came to fighting as well.
Flirting was also one of her favorite pastimes.
The thought of Sargon going to meet with her was unsettling.
"What's wrong? You are so quiet."
"Oh, nothing. Are you sure you have to go all the way out to Ethron?" Marie asked.
"I have no other ideas at the moment. I am setting up a meeting with my counsel and hope that they have more to offer. It has just been so much so quickly."
"I understand. You must do what is needed to rule effectively. If there is an attack on your kingdom, you need to put a stop to it."
"How far are you from where you need to go?" Sargon asked, realizing he had no idea where Marie was headed to.
"I am not far, maybe about an hour away."
"That's good. I just wanted to hear your voice and let you know what was happening. This may be bigger than we anticipated."
"It seems so. I will do all I can to help. I will let you know when I arrive at my destination."
"Please do. It is so good to hear your voice, Marie. I already miss you."
"I miss you too Sargon. I hope we resolve this quickly." She said.
Suddenly a thought came to her.
"Wait, if rogues are infiltrating the castle, then that means the witch is masking their scent. That's why the guards didn't catch on till it was too late. Wolves can smell rogues. You need to find a way to keep track of everyone who enters and exits the castle. I know you said no one comes or leaves but you need to be extra careful. Once they find ways to get into the castle, they will have field day in there."
"That makes sense. I have a few ideas on how to stop them. Just work fast and hurry back. This would be a lot less stressful if you were here."
"I know exactly how you feel. Let's hope for the best."
"Let's. I will update you on things as soon as I know more. Be careful, Marie."
"I will Sargon. Goodbye"