Starting Out As The God of Beasts

Chapter 5: Pray to Varanus

The canvas of the tent was not woven; it was stitched.

Heavy, mismatched pelts of mounted elks, scarred bear hide and the coarse, crimson fur of their own fallen kin were bound together by thick tendons and rusted wire.

Outside, the night had settled in with a bitter, suffocating weight. The wind howled through the jagged ravine, a cruel mockery of the pack songs they used to sing.

Black smoke choked the air, rising lazily from the pathetic campfire. Inside the tent, the scent was overpowering.

A stifling mix of wet fur, iron-sour blood, and the bitter tang of cheap ointment. Half a dozen wolf-men lay scattered across the frozen dirt.

Their ears pinned flat, their tails tucked tight against the cold. A twig snapped. It was a soft, wet sound, muffled by the mud, but to the ears tuned to the frequency of survival, it sounded like a thunderclap.

Inside the tent, ears twitched. A low, collective rumble vibrated in the chests of the wounded.

Through the parting of the raw hide flap stepped an old wolf-man. He was ancient, his eyes sunken and his skin drier than ever.

"Hello." The old man wore a tattered oil-stained wool cloak hung over his stooped shoulders. He leaned heavily on a gnarled staff of ash wood, his breathing ragged, and distorted.

The language spoken by these wolf men was a mystery to Roy, but for some reason. He could not only understand them.

He could even speak their language fluently.

The low growls in the tent sharpened into a menacing chorus, yellow eyes flashing in the dying embers of fire.

"Peace," a voice cut through the tension. It was deep, scraping, and heavy with authority, though frayed by exhaustion.

From the deepest shadow of the tent, the Alpha rose.

She was brute; despite her intimidating stature, the old man’s eyes were glued to the bouncing voluptuous boobs that hung on the air.

She emerged from the tent, she stepped into the dim light of the fire, her eyes narrowed as she stared into the eyes of the old wolf-man.

A man shrouded in mysteries.

"You walk bold into your graveyard, old one." Her voice etched with venom, but Roy saw through her.

Despite her ruthless efforts to intimidate this old man, she would truly never hurt him unless he’s a danger to the pack.

The old man exhaled a deep sigh, "My apologies for intruding but I was strolling through the desert storms when I came across this tent." The old wolf-man smiled.

The Alpha’s eyebrows furrowed, "You were strolling?" She asked.

"Do you doubt me, young child?" The old man giggled, "I’ve traveled the continents for hundred years, this may likely be where I die."

A slow, sad smile touched his weathered jowls, and he lowered his head in a respectful, rhythmic nod. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

His words had calmed the Alpha down, "What is your name, Old one?" She calmly asked.

"Anazora," The old man answered, "I’m merely a traveler who serves my god diligently." He explained.

"Your god?" The Alpha asked. Roy, who disguised himself as the old wolf-man, could see the curiosity lingering in her eyes.

"Yes," The old wolf-man nodded, "My god is the protector of beastmen and the guardian of all wolf men."

"Is that so?" The Alpha grinned, "What is his name then?" She asked.

The old wolf-man sighed, "Before I answer your question, tell me your name first."

"Eurenia," She answered, "That’s my name and I’m the Alpha of this pack." She declared.

"Eurenia, huh?" The old man’s smile broadened, "The state which your pack is in is quite dire I must say."

"What happened?" The old man asked.

"Those filthy grey-skinned Ogres!" Eurenia clenched her fist, "They attacked us when we least expected us, killed hundreds of my people, and destroyed our home."

"My father, the true alpha was killed in that attack and we had to flee. I’m the current alpha." She explained.

"I see," The old man sighed deeply, "May Varanus guide their souls to eternity."

"Varanus," Eurenia frowned, "Is that the name of the god you serve?" She asked.

"Why?" The old man giggled, "Is he quite famous?" He asked.

"No," Eurenia shook her head, "I’ve never heard that name before. No true gods I’ve studied has that name."

The old man’s lips curled faintly, "That’s because my god who slumbered for a thousand years has partially awakened." The old man explained.

"Partially awakened?" Eurenia asked. The old-man stepped forward; the hidden wolf-men moved.

"Stop!" Eurenia held them back, and they returned back to the shadow where they were hidden.

"What does partially awakened mean, old man?" Eurenia asked. The old man inhaled deeply, "It means my god who is ancient has awakened after years of listening to the cries of beastmen."

"He’s the reason why I’m here." The old man smiled. "The reason?" Eurenia frowned, "What are you talking about?" She questioned.

"If you don’t want me to rip your head off, you better talk!" She clenched her fist, her men ready to strike.

But the old man showed no signs of fear.

"The answer is simple," The old man giggled, "I was sent here to warn you guys of your impending doom!"

"Our impending doom?" Eurenia growled, "Who are you to...."

Eurenia froze when she felt it: a fragment of divine presence Roy had intentionally leaked.

"A legion of grey-skinned ogres are constantly trailing your scents. In a few minutes or an hour, they’ll be here."

"And there will be a bloodbath!" The old man warned.

"Is that so?" Eurenia sighed, "How certain are you, Old one?" She asked.

The old man chuckled, "I’ve seen them myself so I’m quite certain I must say."

He slightly turned, "I’m too frail and weak to fight against them. In my prime, I would have crushed them without coming here to warn you."

"But even a servant of God do get old," The old man chuckled, "But Varanus, the God of Beasts has extended his hands to protect your pack."

"To give you the power to take back what was rightfully yours!" The old man stretched his right arm, "The power to make them pay for what they have done!"

"Will you accept Varanus as your god or will you die protecting your people?" The old man questioned.

"....." Eurenia observed the smile written on the old man’s lips. His brimming confidence in this Varanus god he serves.

She exhaled a deep sigh. "What do I have to do to receive his blessings?" She asked.

"The answer is simple....."

"Pray to the God of Beasts, Varanus!"

** freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Author’s Note: Please support this book by voting with powerstones, your reviews and comments are much appreciated.

I’m still new to writing so please go easy with me 🙏