But I kept silent. Never saying a single word. Not knowing I could actually say it. And be heard. Not that I could have guessed, even though they call me the Bloodsucker, I don't have a mouth.

 

Many have come to be my companions. The fast, the strong and the courageous, the deadly and the cunning, the powerful. I remember them all and every move they made. Every one who became a part of me. I can remember the practice. Every thrust, every lunge, it is all just part of me. And then this boy picks me up.

 

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Its always different with a new owner at first, they try me out, test my balance, the edge, move me around to get a feel of me in their hands, but I have never been used to poke the fire under the hearth. I feel the heat but discard it as insignificant detail of my surroundings. But the song he is singing is infuriating me.

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

Don't you know the next line. Or any other line of the song you dimwit. It has been well over a 100 times you sung the same thing.

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

Guess not. 

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

The only meat on the rabbit you threw inside has already melted, probably including the bones. Its time to eat, not to keep poking the fire.

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

Its too quiet out there. Suddenly I can't hear any animal noises. Not a good sign for the new companion. He doesn't seem competent enough to take on a cat, much less the things I have seen roaming in these parts.

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

And the fool continues to speak. Bam Bam Bam. 

 

Not for long though, I can feel the environment tensing around me, the pressure is building up. This is definitely something out of the companion's league. It is way too quiet. When will the companion take notice.

 

"And the hearth cooks the meat. Bam Bam Bam."

 

Guess after it is way too late. Its a wolf, I can make out the huge form in the shadows near the clearing. What is it waiting for? I don't see anyone else around. Where is the rest of the pack. Is it scouting alone? Here it comes. 

 

Now he notices, when the wolf is almost upon us. Well at least the stupid song stopped. The companion seems too afraid to even move. Stop using me as a shield and attack. The wolf understands I am dangerous, it is assessing the situation. It will soon find out I am not at all a threat without a good companion. In the hands of a stupid kid, I am just a toy. 

 

His first attack was to get idea about the companion's prowess. It is a cunning and calculating beast. Seems almost human in this regard. I can see him taking position above the stone to jump. The companion is as good as dead. 

 

"Move left you dimwit."

 

He moved, exactly as I imagined him to move. It was so graceful. Absolutely unlike any movement he has made so far. He himself looks puzzled at his own actions. It felt like I moved him around. Intriguing. 

 

"Lunge."

 

Looks like it doesn't work every time. What did I do the first time to make it happen? Well, the wolf is attaching again. 

 

"Perry, attack, attack, back"

 

It should be impossible. That was too complex a maneuver to be done by almost anyone except the greatest of my companions. The wolf is injured, cut in several places. I can feel the blood of the beast rolling over my back. Feels like a feast when I was hungry for so long. Exhilarating. The beast is retreating, for the time being. A small victory. 

 

The fool is looking at me like I am something magical. Well what just happened makes me kind of just that. But what did just happen? I never tried helping any of my companions. Most of them never needed my help anyway. But this fool does and it is not the end of it. I can feel the wolf watching from a distance. He must be waiting for his pack members to arrive. 

 

And he just howled. It is difficult not to notice his cry for help, even this foolish boy understands this. Packing his stuff, he is almost ready to leave. 

 

Oh no, you don't get to eat when a wolf pack is looking for you. 

 

"Move."

 

Nah, whatever made him listen to me is not working anymore. At least he is not poking me into the fire anymore. Also, this way, he wont be my companion for long. The wolves will be here soon to claim their territory. 

 

He is gulping down the food. Quick, move. 

 

What is this anxiety I am feeling. He is jus the latest in the line of hundreds of companions I had. I'm being uneasy for no reason. He will get what he deserves. No skill with the sword or any personality for that matter. He is just another moron. One that will die soon for being too dumb.

 

No you didn't. You don't put any weapon, much less the indestructible bloodsucker in a cooking pot. He should die, I officially change the team. I am playing for the wolves from now on. Or rather just letting him die, which he will in any case. 

 

This all seems like a waste. The horse is too small and won't be able to outrun the wolves with all the overgrowth here. I can hear the rustles around us. Probably the injured wolf trying to stay near us to guide the pack. And there is the howl. His call seem to be returned. And it was from very close. And another from the other side. The wolves have surrounded us.

 

Here they come