Altered Soul

Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh! The characters Hamed, Terry, and Kieran are mine.

Chapter One- New Type of Monster

Aknadin moaned softly as he left his chambers. His body’s aches and stiff joints had flared up when he awoke this morning. Being old can be quite inconvenient at times, he thought as he headed for the throne room. My wisdom and experience are highly valued, but my aches and pains do not seem a worthwhile trade. If only I could be rid of the pain forever, I would not mind my age.

He entered the room and took his place: Right by the throne’s steps to the right of the throne. Across from him was Isis. She inclined her head at him when she looked at him. He returned the gesture before his gaze slid along the other four members. All of them were young healthy men with Seto, his own son, the youngest of them. He resented that he was so old; only the advisor, Siamun, was as old as he was.

Atem then came in and Aknadin bowed as the other did, a dull ache occurred in his back but he smothered it as he straightened. “As I understand it,” Atem said once seated. “We have a criminal to judge today. Mahad, have the criminal brought up.”

“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left, indicating that he would be one of the ones to bring the prisoner.

Aknadin frowned briefly. It was known that Mahad had watched over Atem when the pharaoh was a child and thus a close friendship had formed; as a result, Atem would call Mahad without the title of Priest or Master preceding it. Then again, I sometimes refer to my fellow court members without a title. And yet, it annoys me. It shouldn’t. He is the pharaoh and can conduct affairs as he sees fit.

The sound of footsteps was heard and all looked to see Mahad with two guards behind him who led a man between them, his hands bound behind him. The man appeared slightly strange to Aknadin and he eyed the man carefully before he thought the man’s ears seemed pointed thought not very noticeable and dismissed his observation. The man seemed scared which made sense and Aknadin gave that no additional thought. The trial was about to begin and he needed to be alert and prepared to do his part.

“This man was caught stealing fish from a fisherman,” Mahad stated. “His actions while being apprehended seemed almost like a…beast for he fought like one.”

The man then gave a low growl as if to prove Mahad’s point. The man now looked threatening and the guards took hold of his arms to prevent any attempt at escape.

“Begin the Millennium Trial now,” Atem declared.

Shada came forward and raised the Key. “I use the Millennium Key to look into this man’s soul.” The Item glowed and Shada looked within the man to see a shadow creature that bore a resemblance to a fox. “I see a monster with the capacity to be violent and dangerous.”

Shada stepped away and Aknadin came forward as a stone sealing tablet was pushed into place. “I will use the power of the Millennium Eye to extract the monster from within.” He activated his Item and it glowed. That same glow outlined the man. His mouth opened and a thin tendril of smoke emerged. Aknadin grunted slightly as it felt like the monster was fighting to maintain its place in the man’s soul. The man’s ears then gained distinctive points and Aknadin focused harder.

A thicker amount of smoke emerged and the points of the ears were lost as the monster finally emerged. Seto wasted no time in capturing it and sealing it. Aknadin breathed a sigh of relief as the tablet and the man were taken away.

Atem’s brow furrowed before saying, “That was unusual. Why did his ears become pointed?”

“It could have been because of his monster,” Seto said. “It looked like a fox and it is known that foxes prefer fish as food. A monster that looks like an animal could influence its host to act animal-like as the growl he had made earlier is evidence of that. The ears could have been a sign of how strong its influence was.”

“It is not unusual for a monster to look like an animal but to influence its host to make sounds like growling or causing him to have unusual features is not something we have encountered before,” Atem said. “It seems to me that a new type of shadow monster is making itself known.”

“If so, we must know more about it,” Aknadin said.

“Agreed. Mahad, question the man. Find out what caused such a beast to grow within him.”

“Yes, my pharaoh.”

“Good. Meeting adjourned.”

The court dispersed and Aknadin wandered through the corridors, thinking of the trail and speculating about the odd events of it. Most trials were the same as far as the judging went but the extraction could vary. Some were simple…most were simple actually while some required more effort, and very, very few require enormous effort. Today’s trial fell into the middle category which he thought was curious. Theft of that kind usually produced a weak monster, easily extracted.

Perhaps he had eluded capture long enough for his monster to grow into its present state. That is certainly a possibility. It would also explain why we haven’t encountered this type of monster before. I look forward to hearing what Mahad learned from that man.

The court gathered in their tower that night, minus Mahad. Isis passed the time by probing her Items for any visions while the others stared out into the night, Aknadin grimacing slightly from an ache in his arms’ joints. He inwardly sighed at the thought of another day of ever-increasing aches and pains. Isis opened her eyes and simply gazed into the fire. This action told them that no visions had occurred. Most often Isis did not have visions when she purposely sought them out and even then her visions were dark.

Mahad then arrived and looked at the court with troubled eyes. Isis asked, “Mahad?”

He took a seat beside her and the others came closer. “I spoke to the man,” he finally said. “He told me that he can take the form of a fox. It explained the growl we heard. He said that he usually kept such sounds to his fox form but the monster that grew inside him due to his fox form’s instincts prompted him to growl, bark and yip in human form.”

“So, he’s what?” Seto asked. “A kind of werewolf, but a fox?”

“Exactly. He was quite eager to talk about it and respectful with the monster gone. He told me that he must transform on the night when the moon is dark. He acts like a real fox during that time. He can bite on those same nights and transmit his curse to others. He told me that he can become a fox whenever he wants and is able to talk. He believes that the constant changes caused the monster to be born and grow in addition to looking like a fox.”

“What about the ears?” Shada asked.

“The slight points are part of his being able to change shape. Usually, the distinctive points are only on the days when he must change. He agreed with me that the monster caused the points in an attempt to resist the extraction.

“I expressed concerns to the pharaoh that others like this man are either living among us or are just passing through. People able to transform into animals could pose a risk to the city.”

“I say they can and we should not give them a chance to do so,” Seto declared.

“The pharaoh agrees with that and I assured him that my men and I will be extra vigilant during our patrols. We will also ask the citizens to report to us if they see someone acting strange or suspicious.”

Everyone else nodded as they left for their chambers. Aknadin knew Seto was right about shapeshifters posing a threat, but surely it was their shadow monsters that were the real threat?

Chapter Two- Fateful Encounter

“Of course their monsters are the real threat,” Seto replied when Aknadin pointed it out the next morning. “But the host’s choices can cause the monster to grow stronger. Wrong choices produce evil ones while right choices produce benevolent ones. Isis, Mahad, and I are examples of the latter. I confess Master Aknadin, I am curious as to why you do not have a creature of your own. You have had your Item for quite some time and you have served the previous pharaoh.”

“I don’t think my soul is strong enough to create a monster to help defend the city. It is not because I’m old as Kalim and Shada don’t have monsters of their own.” Aknadin did not say that he feared the possibility that his monster would be evil due to the fact that he had ordered the slaughter of a village to create the Items. Murder was evil and could cause the creation of a monster to influence him to kill and commit other crimes. Yes. It is better that I have no monster, he thought as they entered the throne room and waited for Atem along with the others. Said pharaoh came in minutes later with a preoccupied expression; no doubt due to Mahad’s report from yesterday.

He sat and seemed to be gathering his thoughts before saying, “I know this will be different but so are the circumstances. I ask that all of you help the guards today. You will try to find people who are what Mahad has dubbed were-creatures. Mahad has also cast a temporary spell on our Items so they can sense evil the way Ring can. The spell will terminate at sunset.”

All six bowed and chorused, “Yes, my pharaoh.”

“All right. Court adjourned. Do your best out there.”

The court bowed again and headed out of the room and toward the palace gates. Aknadin lightly fingered his Eye. “So, our Items can sense evil like yours can, Mahad. That is genius.”

“It may be, but not all were-creatures are evil. We need to be alert for unusual signs.”

“So, there could be law-abiding citizens who are were-creatures,” Seto stated.

“Precisely. So, good luck everyone.” The gates opened and all six stepped out onto the streets.

Aknadin moved through the streets, carefully looking at the people and smiling at some or talking to them, the latter to see if they had unusual teeth, but they didn’t. Indeed, he saw nothing unusual. They were just ordinary people. He looked toward the market and he grunted slightly as his Eye briefly glowed. Mahad’s spell, he thought as he headed toward the market, sensing his Eye guiding him to the evil it had sensed. He was led to a young man swiping food and snagged his arm. “Put that food back,” he ordered.

“No,” he said defiantly.

Aknadin’s eye narrowed. “You will put it back.” He lifted his gaze to catch the attention of two guards. They came over, took the man, and Aknadin recovered the food. The man was taken away, Aknadin returned the food, and resumed his search for were-creatures.

He passed Mahad as he headed for the outskirts. “A young man has been caught stealing food.”

“So, we will have a judging later today. Thank you, Master Aknadin.”

“My pleasure.” He continued on his way. He ran a finger over his Eye; if it hadn’t been for Mahad’s spell, he wouldn’t have caught that minor thief. Most criminals are minor ones. That is fine. Our job is to insure the peoples’ peace and safety. Every man, woman, and…child. Aknadin saw a child peering around a corner at him, round brown eyes in the face of a boy who seemed to be nine or ten summers old. Curious about the boy, he headed over to him and into the alley the boy had darted into and pressed against the dead-end wall. “Do not be afraid. I will not harm you. I am Priest Aknadin. Who are you?”

The boy approached and then kneeled before saying, “Hamed, Priest Aknadin.”

“Where are your parents?”

“Dead. Three years ago. I was seven.”

So, he is ten. “Then, you’ve been taking of yourself since.”

“Yes, sir, until recently. A tribe of nomads took me in.”

“Are they nearby? I am sure the pharaoh would gladly allow you and your tribe to settle here.”

“They’re nearby but we will be moving on soon. I’d like to buy some food but I don’t have any money with me or anything to trade.”

“Hmm…perhaps I could give you some money for food. You don’t have to repay me.”

“Really?” Hamed rose to his feet and hugged the elderly priest, who was surprised by the gesture.

“Yes, really,” he said as he was released. “It is my duty to see to the welfare of-,” Aknadin cried out as he felt pain in his left arm. He looked down to see a black wolf where Hamed had been and his teeth in his arm. The wolf released and turned back into Hamed with a grin on his face.

“You’re a…werewolf?” he gasped in shock and pain.

“Yes and now so are you. There is a lot to tell you about being a werewolf.”

“Why would someone want to turn a child and, for that matter, why me?”

Hamed laughed. “I am older than I look. My age froze when I was bitten. I use my age and looks to lure people so I can bite. I chose you because of your priest title.”

“Your age froze?”

Hamed nodded. “I look ten, but I was turned a hundred years ago.”

“A hundred!?”

“Uh-huh and you won’t age anymore, either. You’ll also gain perks I didn’t get as I’m young. You’ll have the physical strength and energy of a man half your age, for one.”

“I don’t care about that. You just made me a monster.”

“Aw, don’t say that. I think of it as a gift with one drawback.”

“The full moon.”

Hamed nodded. “Every full moon turns one into a wolf with a tendency to be vicious and bloodthirsty. Not for humans,” he added quickly. “Just prey that appeals to wolves, though some do turn humans at the time which can be risky with our vicious behavior. I’m curious if you will be able to resist it since you’re a priest.”

Aknadin sighed, knowing that he couldn’t deny what he had heard and what he would become. “Tell me what I need to know.”

“Gladly. You will transform tonight since you were newly-bitten. After that, you can change at any time and bite at any time when in wolf form. You’ll gain wolf senses in human form. You’ll be able to talk in wolf form except for the full moon and you’re immortal.”

“Immortal?” Aknadin asked in surprise.

“Yeah. It happened when I bit you. It will keep you healthy and immune to injuries save for silver. If silver impales your heart, you die.”

Aknadin’s head whirled with this information. He had become an immortal werewolf, the kind of person he and the others had come out to find. By all accounts, he should turn Hamed and himself in and tell of the only way they could die.

But Hamed has not done anything except attack me which is a crime. If I have him arrested, the guards will want a reason. I will find myself arrested if I tell that Hamed is a werewolf and that he made me one too.

Chapter Three- Transformation

“Shouldn’t you have me arrested?” Hamed asked. “I mean, attacking a priest is a crime, isn’t it?”

“It is and I should but I can’t seem to bring myself to do it. I don’t understand. I should turn us both in as the sacred court was sent out to find were-creatures.”

“You won’t because wolves are social creatures and are protective of their own kind. That same sense is part of our kind as werewolves.”

“Yes,” he said in soft realization. “Yes, that explains why I can’t arrest you. Hamed, you said being immortal keeps me healthy. What exactly does that mean?”

“Any terminal diseases you had will vanish and no illness can touch you. It will also bring your body to full health. Any pains or aches will disappear and never return.”

Aknadin didn’t allow the joy of this revelation to show on his face. His body would be perfectly healthy forever and his aches and pains would never bother him again. “Will tonight hurt?”

“Of course. You’re becoming a wolf and your human half and wolf half must join together. Every change after that is painless and it takes your will to invoke the change.” Hamed looked up at the sky. “I need to return to my pack. The alpha will want to hear if I bit and who it was. Farewell, Priest Aknadin and good luck.”

“Goodbye,” he said as the young-looking child left before he left the alley to continue the search, only his heart wasn’t really into it. His world view had changed and it would remain so. I will have to leave at some point as I won’t age and can only die by silver impaling my heart. I can fake my death around the time that Siamun dies. I will then leave to offer my services elsewhere.

“Master Aknadin!” came Mahad’s voice from behind and he turned to see excitement on his face. “I found a good were-creature.”

“Oh?” Aknadin asked with interest.

Mahad nodded. “A man confessed that he can become a falcon but only in daytime. He offered to help us by seeing criminal activity from the sky. I said that the offer was tempting but not necessary.”

“What made him admit his condition?”

Mahad smiled in amusement. “I was alone when a falcon swooped down and landed on the ground before it spoke to me and spread his wings in a kind of bow. He then changed back to a man and explained himself. He had overheard Seto and I discussing our search while he was in the air above us and wanted to assure me that he wasn’t a threat.”

“That’s good to hear. Tell me, Mahad: What were-creatures would you consider to be a risk, plain and simple?”

“Predatory ones, particularly wolves. Werewolves are a risk as they tend to bite humans into more werewolves. If we were to encounter one, he or she would be judged and sentenced in the harshest manner allowed.”

“Of course. But suppose one simply wishes to live in peace and not harm anyone. What then?”

“Well, yes, a benign werewolf would be nice, but the odds of that are slim. Werewolves are, for lack of a better term, monsters.”

“Yes. They are monsters and the shadow monsters in them are equally so.” The two men separated to continue the search until the entire city had been covered. None of the others had found any were-creatures but two more criminals were caught. Mahad spoke of the were-falcon and the others were impressed with his discovery.

Aknadin subtly checked his arm as they headed inside. He was momentarily surprised to see no sign of the bite mark before he remembered that his immortality made him immune to injuries. I can’t be hurt and I can’t die unless I’m impaled in the heart with silver. Hmm…I wonder if I can touch silver. I need to know. Once in the palace, he headed for the treasury and stared around until he spotted a piece of jewelry to test his curiosity: A jade stone in a silver setting and on a silver chain. He reached toward it, a finger extended toward the chain. He touched the chain and immediately yanked it back when he felt a mild burning on his finger. He put his finger to his mouth before pulling it out to see his fingertip red with an apparent burn mark. Okay. I get burned it I touch silver and, in hindsight, I should have known. Hamed did say I was immune to injuries except for silver. Aknadin shook his hand slightly as he left the room and decided to get something to eat.

He got meat, cheese, and fruit with some beer. It was as he chewed the beef that he saw the burn fade away. His brow furrowed as he ate. I have the weaknesses, advantages, and immortality of a werewolf and yet I haven’t transformed. But that will change soon. He finished his food and glanced out a window as he passed one before going to his room. The criminals they had caught would be judged in the morning. He watched the sky glow with a sunset and started to have thoughts of killing himself; an action he should have done when he had returned to the palace. I can’t do that now. By the time I reach the treasury, I will have already changed. Tomorrow, after the trials, I will admit that I was bitten and ask to be killed. I will express regret that I did not do so before. He saw the sky turn black with night.

He gasped as a burning swept over him. He moaned softly as he fell to his knees and doubled over. He felt his spine curve and he planted his hands on the floor. He lowered his eye to his hands to see his nails grow out into claws and his fingers shrink away so that he had paws, the claws concealed within. He groaned as he felt his feet also form paws.

Gray fur sprouted on his forepaws and spread up his arms that were lengthening and stiffening into legs. The fur swept over his entire body that was reshaping into a canine’s torso. He then gasped again as he heard a crunching, popping sound before realizing that his back paws were planted firmly on the floor: The sounds had been his legs bending into wolf shaped legs.

He felt his ears stretch while his nose and jaws pushed out into a muzzle of sharp teeth. He gave a whine as a tail grew out, his muscles grew a little bigger, and his senses sharpened before it was all over.

He blinked before shaking himself out. Gods, that was awful. Well, I won’t be changing into a wolf again as I die tomorrow. He stared around the room and blinked at how clearer and brighter the room was now. Whoa. I can see much better than before. Incredible.

He walked around the room to get a feel for his legs before he easily leaped into bed. I am stronger and I move quickly and easily. He sat on the bed, closed his eye, and he heard the sounds outside his room. He tilted his head as the sounds were clearer than they normally would be. He was also hearing sounds he never would have heard. My hearing is equally impressive.

He straightened his head and then lifted his nose to breathe in. He paused and inhaled again. He smelled the smells he detected on a normal basis, but they were clearer, sharper, and stronger than before. He had also picked up scents he never noticed before and he sat there as he tried to figure them out. This is amazing. My nose is sensitive enough to pick up a variety of scents. Indeed, all of my senses are sharper than before and will be this way in the morning…until I die tomorrow.

He opened his gold wolf eye and stared ahead, thinking. He had been given a wondrous gift that others would see as a curse and unnatural. Indeed, his training told him to confess and die while his newly-awakened instincts balked at his training. This is a gift and a curse, the former more than the latter. My training could help me resist the full moon tendencies. That is why I was chosen. Yes, I will not confess; instead I will hide it. Aknadin curled up and fell asleep.

Chapter Four- Fox and Jackal

Aknadin stirred the next morning to find himself human again and that he still wanted to hide what he was. He rose and stretched, smiling at how good he felt. He felt no aches and pains and knew that they would never bother him again. I am as strong as the other members of the court and as energetic, but no one can tell. He used a little water to wash his face. He examined his face as he dried it. Was it his imagination or did he look at least a little younger? He thought he saw fewer wrinkles on his face but not enough that anyone would notice; of course it probably was his imagination. He checked his ears, teeth, and fingers. They all looked just like they did yesterday. Good. I don’t need to stand out, appearance-wise. He left the room, moving quickly and easily to the throne room. He then moved slowly into the room so his movements looked like they always had. He took his place, pleased with how he felt but a little disappointed that he couldn’t share his feelings with anyone. No one would understand anyway.

Atem entered and all bowed, Aknadin savoring his ability to bow without pain. “Mahad told me that three criminals were caught yesterday so today we will hold three Millennium Trials. Have the first one brought up.” The guards bowed and left before Atem said, “Aknadin, you caught this man. What was his crime?”

“Stealing food, my pharaoh. A minor crime, but he did not put it back when I told him to.”

“Does that surprise you?” Seto said. “After all, Master Aknadin, most criminals do not cease their actions especially when told to do so.”

“You are correct. It shouldn’t have surprised me.”

The man was then brought in, still looking as defiant when told to put the food back. The judging, extractions, and sealing was simple and he was released as his crime was minor and he no longer had a monster to influence him to steal. Atem ordered the next one brought up and turned to Seto. “This one was yours, Seto. What is his crime?”

“He disrespected you and made the mistake of saying it within my earshot. I will not repeat his words.”

The man was brought in, glaring at Atem until his view was blocked by the court. His extraction was a little harder but it did not tax Aknadin like it normally would. The man was then taken away to seven years of hard labor.

“I heard the last one is a serious one,” Atem said before looking at Aknadin. “We can postpone it to tomorrow.”

“There is no need, my pharaoh. I am quite up to extracting any monster today. I haven’t felt this good in ages.”

Atem was surprised. He had watched Aknadin as the signs of aging appeared on his oldest court member. He was aware that the Items demanded physical and mental strength from their owners when called upon and tried to be considerate of Aknadin’s well-being when it came to trials. So for Aknadin to claim that he was doing well today was surprising but pleasing to hear as well. “Then we’ll proceed. Mahad, you were the one find this man. Explain.”

“Yes, my pharaoh.” He looked at the others. “I will confess that I was not completely truthful about the one I found and I beg your forgiveness. My encounter with him had left me shaking with how close I had come to having my life altered. The man was also a were-creature; a jackal, to be precise.” Mahad saw the others exchange horrified looks before saying, “Yes, he was trying to bite me.”

“He deliberately transformed in front of you to bite you.” Seto shook his head. “Terrible.”

“Well, they have to transform in order to turn someone. I had managed to avoid his first lunge and, if not for the guards, I would be standing here today as a were-jackal.” Mahad shuddered.

“Oh, wouldn’t that have been a tragedy,” came a mocking voice before a large man appeared with spears pointed at his throat.

“It seems were-jackals are vulnerable to iron, the metal we use in our spears and swords,” Mahad declared to everyone.

The were-jackal emitted a real growl before saying, “Just wait. One day, I’ll bite you. We were-creatures are immortal, every last one of us.” He gave a laugh that dissolved into barking laughs.

All seven Items glowed, indicating a good deal of wickedness in him. Shada did not need to use the Key so the trial proceeded to the extraction. Aknadin summoned his strength to fuel the power needed to pull the monster from the man. It was a difficult one but he succeeded and Seto had to use a considerable amount of effort to seal it. The man was still a were-jackal but a little less smug. “He will be sentenced to life in the dungeons like the were-fox,” Atem stated. It had been decided that life imprisonment was the only sentence for a were-creature as their ability to turn others could occur at any time.

Aknadin still felt good later that day. He knew it was because he was an elderly werewolf. He had the strength and energy comparable to Kalim and Shada, he was immortal, illness could not touch him, he was immune to injuries, and he did not suffer the aliments of old age.

He then thought of the fox and jackal who would be in the dungeons for life or rather until those who knew their crimes were dead as they were immortal like him and the falcon. I think I will speak to them. Learn more about their respective animal halves. He strode to the stairs and down to the dungeons. There were no guards so no one would hear him question the prisoners. His nose flared and he caught the faint smells of fox and jackal which grew stronger as he approached them.

They were at the far end of the corridor in cells opposite each other. The fox kneeled in respect while the jackal sneered. “So, the old man comes to visit us,” he said before baring a grin. “I had hoped to bite the one I tried to attack, but you’ll do just as well.”

“I suggest you use your nose before striking,” Aknadin snapped.

The jackal’s nose flared and then his eyes widened. “You’re a werewolf.”

“A newly-bitten,” the fox said, his nose also flaring. “I did not smell wolf before.”

“It happened yesterday. A child-like one lured me to him and bit me. I transformed last night. I chose to come here to learn more about your own gifts.”

“Priest Mahad questioned me. I thought he would tell the court,” the fox said.

“He did, but if there’s anything else…”

“I misspoke concerning the bite. I can bite at any time like all those who have teeth. I’ve heard that those who become birds can turn by scratching with their talons.”

“How old are you? The one who bit me is 100 years old.”

“I’ve been a were-fox for fifty years.”

Aknadin turned to the jackal. “And you?”

“I was bitten seventy years ago,” he said proudly. “I have turned others and was pleased with how they turned out.”

“Why try to attack Mahad?”

“The same reason you were bitten, I imagine. Jackals have the same full moon tendencies as wolves do and I wondered if a priest could resist them. Is that why you were bitten?”

“It is. I didn’t turn the boy or myself in due to a wolf’s protective nature.”

“Jackals have the same nature. Rest assured, priest, I will not speak of you being a werewolf.”

“I won’t, either,” the fox said.

“Thank you, both of you.” Aknadin left the dungeon, satisfied with the knowledge he had gained from his fellow were-creatures.

Chapter Five- Nature of the Beasts

Aknadin refrained from taking wolf form but reveled in his sharper senses and other advantages. No other were-creatures were found but other criminals were caught, judged, and sentenced. The jackal and fox were fed and watered, the former asleep when food and drink were brought to avoid anyone being bitten.

Aknadin would sometimes offer to bring them their food and he talked to them when allowed to feed them. The fox was polite and respectful of Aknadin’s position while the jackal showed respect mixed with smug superiority.

“I wouldn’t be so smug,” Aknadin said, a week after he had been bitten. “An ordinary spear or sword would kill you.”

“If I’m struck in the heart, yes I could die but I tend to bite or attack when in jackal form. Hard to hit the heart when on four legs, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I would. So…the full moon is coming.”

“I know,” the jackal said. He traced an ear that had a point though not as distinctive as the fox’s had been when his monster was being extracted. “I estimate another day or two as my ears are not as pointed as they would on the days of my changes.”

Aknadin reached over to his own ear. It had a point too, something he had noticed this morning and was grateful that he wore a robe with a hood. His ears would give away that he was a were-creature. I will need to get away in order to change and learn if I can resist the full moon tendencies and speaking of that…

“Is it possible to recall what you do during the full moon?”

“Of course,” the fox said. “When one wakes in the morning, they can recall their actions and what they did and saw, though in a vague sense. I recall the faces of people I saw but not who they were until morning.”

“Remembering faces comes in handy when turning others while in what is called your wild state,” the jackal added. “That way, you will know who had become a were-creature like yourself.”

“I have no intention of biting anyone,” Aknadin stated.

“That is your choice. I did it out of loneliness at first before doing it to share how wonderful it is to be a were-jackal.”

The fox sighed. “How wonderful can it be when jackals are known to be scavengers? I mean, I’ve heard jackals eat their own kind when food is scarce, just like hyenas would.”

“Real jackals do, yes, but were-jackals don’t have to. We can bring food with us on the full moon nights so that tendency does not occur.”

“All were-creatures act as an animal during their time of change,” Aknadin said.

The fox nodded. “We also act especially vicious. I saw one become a hawk and brutally kill a rabbit. When he looked in my direction, I only saw the hawk in his eyes. It didn’t frighten me as I know that I act like that every new moon.”

“I look forward to seeing that,” the jackal said.

“And I look forward to seeing you in a day or two. I’ve never seen a were-jackal in his wild state.”

Aknadin was fascinated by the conversation he was hearing, especially the fox’s encounter with the were-hawk. “What time of day did you see the hawk? Everyone knows they are daytime birds.”

“Oh, it was daylight. The sun wasn’t quite at the mid-point. I did track him and when the sun set, he turned back into a man. I hastened to speak to him and assured him that he was safe by revealing that I was like him. He admitted that his wild state was the daylight hours of the full moon cycle.”

The jackal chuckled. “If I had tracked him, I would have attacked and likely bitten him, even though he was already a were-creature.”

“I suspected that only one bite can affect a person at a time,” Aknadin said.

“Yeah,” the jackal said. “Once one is bitten, they can’t be bitten into another. You are a werewolf so I can’t make you a were-jackal though I can do it to the people in the palace, especially the one I tried to bite.”

“Mahad will not give you a second chance. He’ll use his magic to create a shield to protect himself.”

“That may be, but it takes only one unguarded moment for me to strike.”

Aknadin knew the jackal was right; if he feigned sleep in jackal form when Mahad brought food, he could indeed bite. He frowned a little. “How can you still desire to turn others after your trial?”

The jackal laughed. “Turning humans is what were-creatures do. It is our nature, though the size of my ego has diminished from the trial. I imagine you could use your Item to look inside me to confirm my words. Go ahead, Priest Aknadin.”

“Very well.” He activated his Item and looked into the jackal’s soul to find that it was half-human and half-jackal, the latter compelled to spread his condition to others. He also learned his name. He opened his eye and looked at him. “You are correct, Kieran. It is our nature, but I have no intention of doing it, as I said before.”

“I think you say that because you’ve only changed on the night after being bitten,” Kieran said.

“You’re right.”

“You should change more often. Enjoy the gift you have been given. You know what humans say about us is wrong.”

“I am a priest and changing into an animal seems wrong.”

“After the first night of the full moon, you will likely feel different about it.”

“I did,” the fox said. “After the first new moon, I found that being able to change whenever I want to is a wondrous thing.”

“Have you bitten anyone?” asked Aknadin.

“A few. It is our nature as Kieran said.” He smiled. “I never knew Kieran’s name. I just called him jackal.”

“I’ve decided to remedy that. So, what is your name?”

“Terry.”

Aknadin nodded at this. “I must say that I like speaking with you both.”

“I consider it an honor that you would visit us,” Terry said. “The others who bring our food simply put it down and leave.”

“They fear being bitten. Since I have already been bitten, I don’t fear such an occurrence. They make sure to avoid a bite by bringing food while you sleep.”

An amused smile crossed Kieran’s face. “I figured as much as when I wake, there’s food and water waiting for me.”

“I’m awake when they bring it,” Terry said. “They point spears at me as they put it down.” He shook his head. “The iron in the spears don’t scare me; like werewolves, silver to the heart is how my kind dies.”

“I give both of you my word as a priest that none of what we have discussed will be spoken to anyone else.”

“I appreciate that,” Terry said.

“As do I, but if someone gets bitten, you are free to tell them as they’ll need the information,” Kieran said.

“Naturally,” Aknadin said, feeling a sense of foreboding. Kieran was clever enough to bite someone as he had been doing it for seventy years. I could volunteer to bring the food from now on. It would protect everyone from being bitten. I will not allow anyone to be bitten if I can help it.

Chapter Six- First Full Moon

“You want to bring the prisoners their food from now on?” Atem asked.

“Yes, my pharaoh. I do ask for three nights off every full moon cycle. I would like to start after this cycle is over.”

Atem stared down at Aknadin who was kneeling. He found it curious that Aknadin was volunteering for feeding the prisoners considering their ability to turn others at any time. Yet, he had brought the food before and appears unharmed. He finally nodded. “Very well. You will feed them from now on starting after this cycle and you will have the full moon nights off as well.”

“Thank you, my pharaoh.” Aknadin rose and walked casually from the room, giving up trying to move like he used to but still not giving away that his body was much better than it used to be. He walked down the corridor to the archives. He had time before moonrise tonight and wanted to read up on were-creatures and werewolves in particular. He reached up to feel the point of his ear. He had gone done yesterday to speak with Terry and Kieran, the latter stating that the next day was the night that they would transform for the next three nights. A guard would bring their dinner before dark as Aknadin planned to be in the desert. He knew he would become a normal wolf, but would he be especially vicious or would he resist that part?

But first, I need to read about werewolves. He found the scroll he sought, lit a fire, sat down, and began to read. He read about how werewolves have an uncontrollable urge to bite people, full moon or not. When they transformed on the full moon, they became two-legged wolves who become absolute monsters who kill brutally and devour human flesh.

He shook his head as he returned the scroll and extinguished the fire before leaving. He knew the little he read was wrong. He did not have an uncontrollable urge to bite people; indeed he haven’t bitten at all in the days since the bite. He also knew he would not become a two-legged wolf who would eat humans. I might kill brutally but as I’ll be a simple animal, that is to be expected.

The scroll failed to mention the advantages of my gift. My weakness has spread via verbal stories and shared tales among people who had encountered a werewolf. I get burned by silver and I die if I get stabbed in the heart by silver.

Aknadin dwelled on the scroll and what Hamed, Terry, and Kieran told him as he headed out to the desert. He had mentally prepped himself for this night for days. Soon, he would experience the crux of being a werewolf. And Kieran will be a simple jackal once more.

Terry sat in the back of his cell as food and water were presented. His eyes were focused on Kieran who also sat in the back. His ears bore distinctive points and he had a small smile Terry knew well as he smiled that way on the night when he would transform. He watched as Kieran’s eyes became jackal eyes and he quickly shifted into a normal jackal. He let out a jackal’s barking laugh before growling angrily. Terry knew that he was angry at being caged. Kieran rammed the door, growling and snarling as he attempted to escape.

Terry shifted to fox and barked at Kieran to calm him down. It didn’t quite work but Kieran did stop ramming the door, ate his meat, and simply paced his cell, softly growling. Terry shifted back to human but then back to fox when Kieran growled and tried to get out again. Whoa. He only saw me as a human to bite. I’ll have to stay in fox form to keep Kieran calm. He watched the jackal and hoped Aknadin was having an easier time. He should as he’s out in the desert and free.

Aknadin shifted to his wolf form and then howled as he became a simply wolf who was hungry. He sniffed the ground and then the air before moving deeper into the desert, sniffing for something to eat. His nose picked up the scent of water and he tracked it to a small pond in the sand. He lapped up some before resuming his search for food.

A breeze sprang up and his nose flared and then again as the scent of prey flooded his nose and he raced toward it before he stalked slowly toward it. His claws kneaded the ground to make his approach silent. He slunk close to the ground as his prey’s scent wafted up to him. The wind blew in his face which kept his prey from smelling him.

He bared his teeth before he sprang over the small dune that separated him from his prey which turned out to be a rabbit. It froze for a split second before sprinting away.

Aknadin sprinted after the rabbit, panting from the excitement in having to chase his food. His legs moved faster before he leaped through the air and he landed a few paces behind the rabbit. He lunged forward to pin the rabbit down before he latched his jaws onto the neck and bit down so hard the rabbit died instantly. Aknadin released his catch and howled his success before his claws and teeth brutally ripped it apart so he could lay down and eat.

His gold eye blinked and showed self-awareness as he focused on the torn upped rabbit before him. Huh? Wha-? Oh, yes. I caught and killed it, just like a wolf. I ripped it open brutally and...I’m aware. It’s the full moon, but I’m aware of myself. How, though? Could it be that my priest training did indeed help me fight back against my full moon tendencies?

Aknadin sifted through his wolf mind as he laid back down and ate his catch. He was finding a mind that focused on finding food and being vicious in the takedown and killing of said food. He also found an urge to turn others that was doubtlessly born of his being a werewolf. A simplistic mind, but strong in its desires and impulses. I wouldn’t mind turning control over to this simple mind as long as I can take control should I realize that a situation needs some human reasoning.

He felt his mouth curl up in a wolf’s grin as contentment washed over him. His tail swished and he laughed in joy only it came out as a series of quick barks. He blinked and shook his head a little. Of course; on the full moon I only speak as a wolf and as I’m not supposed to be aware, it makes sense.

He looked up at the moon and was seized with a desire to dance in its light. Why not? I’m strong, healthy wolf, though not young. I can follow this desire. He got to his paws and let his wolf mind take over at this point. He leaped around the area, yipping, barking, and howling for the simple joy of being a wolf.

Aknadin stirred and blinked as he glimpsed sand beneath him. He noted its golden color as opposed to the silver it had been in the moonlight. It’s daylight. I got through my first full moon. He got to his feet and stretched, enjoying the feel of his bones popping and muscles loosening. He raced back to the city, noticing that he was running with a wolf’s speed. I might have unlocked the speed and strength of a wolf with my first full moon. A smile crossed his face as he ran. This is truly a gift. The drawback of the moon is not so bad, at least it isn’t for me.

He reached the city gates and slowed himself to walk casually into the city. He noted the early morning start of a city getting ready for the day. People bowed and greeted him as he passed. “Good morning,” he would reply when greeted.

“Master Aknadin,” a guard said as he knelt. “I was unaware you were awake.”

“That is all right,” he said. “Has the court gathered yet?”

“No, Master Aknadin. We have fed the prisoners, though.”

“I see. Carry on, then.”

“Yes, Master Aknadin.”

The guard rose and left to patrol while Aknadin headed for the palace gates. Terry and Kieran had been fed and watered which mean he would have an attentive audience when he recounted last night and listened to Terry’s thoughts on Kieran’s form.

Chapter Seven- Comparing Notes

“Priest Aknadin,” Terry greeted, kneeling. Kieran simply bowed his head. “I trust you recall last night?”

“More so than I expected,” he replied. “I became self-aware soon after I killed and ripped open my catch.”

“You did?” Kieran asked with interest. “It had to be your priest training. That training must require a high level of discipline.”

“That is my belief as well.”

“You stayed aware all night?” Terry asked.

“No. Just after my catch. I did analyze the wolf mind as I ate. It is a simple mind but with strong desires and impulses such as the urge to bite others. I switched to my wolf mind and recall that I danced under the moonlight while barking, yipping, and howling. I was celebrating the joy of being a wolf.”

“Wow,” Terry said. “I had to stay in fox form all night.”

“You did? Why?”

“Because of me,” Kieran said. “When I reverted to my jackal mind, it saw Terry as a human to bite. I remember trying to get out and when Terry became a fox and barked at me, I settled for eating and pacing. I tried to get out again when Terry took human form before going back to fox.”

“Interesting. So, I may react that way if I encounter a human in my wild state.”

“Maybe, but you made it sound like you can control which mindset you want to be in,” Kieran said.

“Sound like it to me too,” Terry added.

“I would have to agree. You two have more experience than I and I am grateful for the information you have shared.”

“And you’re grateful that you were bitten. It will make our life sentences easier to bear,” Kieran said.

“You will be free one day. You know that.”

“Of course. That’s the advantage of immortality,” Kieran said.

Yes, it is an advantage, Aknadin thought as he went through his day. I’ll never age and can’t die unless my heart is pierced by silver. However, I will be required to fake my death countless times; on the other hand I might witness wonders in the centuries to come.

I have already decided when to fake my death for the first time and once I have, that will be when I will free Terry and Kieran. We can travel together or separately. I could seek out a werewolf pack to join. There is a possibility that I will bite others as time passes. I can’t promise that I never will as it is not logical. I could suffer from loneliness and bite to alleviate that. Aknadin nodded at all this. There were all likelihoods in his now very long life.

Kieran laid back in his cell while Terry was napping. He planned to sleep once he had settled down from his change. His thoughts were on Aknadin who was proving to be a curious man. He was a priest, someone he took to be a honest, righteous individual. A person who lived a true and honest life and yet he was concealing the fact that he was a werewolf, a condition that many view as a curse that taints a person; if Aknadin was to live up to his priest status, he should have confessed to being bitten and allowed himself to be killed.

And yet he did not. He’s a priest who is not as pure and true as one would expect. I’m fine with that as he will set Terry and me free one day. I may travel with him for a time before we go our separate ways. I plan to try to form a pack of were-jackals to live with and be the leader; maybe even conceive born were-jackals. I think I’m old enough to be a father.

But first, I plan to bite…Mahad I think Aknadin called him. It would be interesting to have a magician as a were-jackal. He thinks it’s a terrible thing to be a were-creature and I will make sure he learns otherwise. Heh, maybe Aknadin can assist in making Mahad realize it’s a gift.

Dinner was presented and Terry ate while watching Kieran. The jackal had only consumed the bread and a little water, leaving the meat for when he had changed as he would be hungry as he usually was, like other were-creatures; indeed Terry had also left his meat for his change.

When Kieran’s eyes changed, Terry shifted to fox, seized his food, and fled to a far corner. He knew he couldn’t hide in the darkness as jackals could see in the dark like foxes and wolves can. Kieran fully changed, growled softly, and proceeded to consume his meat. After that, he paced the cell, looking for someone to bite before curling up and falling asleep when it was clear that no humans would be coming tonight.

Aknadin howled once he had changed and began to hunt for food again. He allowed his wolf mind to take control of hunting as it knew how to do it. He had thought of his first night all day and had to admit that it was easier to think like a wolf in this type of situation. As long as I don’t encounter a human, it’s safe to simply be a wolf, he had decided.

He padded across the sand, sniffing the air for something to eat. He could smell the scent of humans and continued further out to find prey. He didn’t think of animals preferring to live away from humans; all he knew was that he would not find food if he smelled a human scent and he was too hungry to think of biting a human.

It was deep in the desert when he sniffed out prey and stalked after it. He had chased, caught, and killed his prey with ease. He tore it open and once he had settled down to eat and had eaten a few mouthfuls, his awareness kicked in and he analyzed his hunting instincts. I know how to hunt in my wild state and should be able to tap them outside of the full moon as I will need to hunt once I have truly begun my immortal life.

He finished eating his fill and was about to revert to his wolf mind when a high-pitched howl sounded and the scent of a wolf reached his nose. I have company; possibly a pup judging from the sound. The howl came again and closer this time. Aknadin stood his ground, ready to go into wolf mindset if he needed to fight. A small black figure appeared, sprinting for the remains of Aknadin’s kill but halted at seeing the bigger wolf.

He’s hungry and it would be wrong to deprive a pup of food. Aknadin nosed the carcass toward the pup, backed away, and barked. The pup’s tail swished as he sat and began to eat. Aknadin felt a need to protect the pup as he ate and indulged in this feeling. He laid down and kept his eye, ears, and nose alert for trouble. The pup then stopped eating, went over to Aknadin, and laid across Aknadin’s forepaws before falling asleep.

Aknadin was surprise. He was a total stranger to the pup and vice versa and yet this pup felt secure enough to fall asleep in his presence. Could he be a werewolf? Surely a pup would stay close to the mother unless she’s dead or he had gotten separated from her. I’m inclined to believe he’s a werewolf and sees me as someone to keep him safe. Aknadin descended into his wolf mind as he puts his head down and falls asleep as well.

Aknadin sensed sun on his face as well as the feeling that someone was staring at him. He slowly opened his eye to see a pair of familiar round brown eyes. “I thought the pup was a werewolf,” he said as he sat up. “Hello again, Hamed.”

“I recall seeing you last night thought I didn’t really recognize you,” Hamed said. “To me, you were a wolf who had the remains of a kill that I had hoped you would share.”

Aknadin smiled. “That had been my intention. It would have been wrong to deprive a pup of food.”

Hamed smiled back. “I can hunt quite well on my own but I do take advantage of my age to get wolves to share their food whether they’re real wolves or werewolves.”

“I want to thank you for biting me. I see being a werewolf as the gift it is. I have learned a little bit more about were-creatures in general.”

“Yeah? I’m listening.”

Chapter Eight- Plans

“Well, the day before we met, we tried a man for stealing and that night we learned he was a were-fox. The pharaoh had all of us look for criminals and other were-creatures. Three criminals were found and tried the next day. The last one was a were-jackal who tried to bite Mahad, our captain of the guard and magician. The jackal, Kieran, is serving a life sentence in the dungeon as is the fox, Terry. A life sentence is the only punishment for were-creatures due to our ability to bite at any time.”

Hamed nodded as they walked back toward the city. “So, you learned about foxes and jackals?”

“I did. Foxes have their wild states on the new moon and are vulnerable to silver like us. Jackals have their wild state on the full moon like us and are vulnerable to iron which we use in our spears and swords. Terry said he was bitten fifty years ago while Kieran was bitten seventy years ago.”

“I’m guessing they have bitten others.”

“Yes, they have. Kieran made it clear that he intends to bite Mahad as he had planned.”

“Think he’ll succeed?”

“I think it likely as he is fast and clever.”

Hamed then stopped and gasped before facing Aknadin. “Wait. You were aware last night!?”

“After catching my food, just like the night before.”

Hamed smiled in delight. “You did resist the full moon tendency. That’s great.” “I am brutal when killing and opening my prey.”

“We do act that way, all of us. So, how will you hide the fact that you won’t age or die?”

“I plan to fake my death when it looks like the pharaoh’s advisor is nearing the end of his days as he is as old as me. I just have not figured out how to do it.”

“Yeah. That’ll be hard to pull off as we’re immune to injuries except for silver.”

“Perhaps, if I was seen to be attacked by animals, like a pack of wolves, for example.”

“I might be able to persuade my pack’s alpha to fake a convincing attack.”

“Leaving the Eye and scraps of clothing would convince everyone that I’m dead.”

“I’ll hang around your city until you have a plan to fake your death which I think should be sooner rather than later.”

“Sooner would make sense. Perhaps the week after the new moon.”

“Why?”

“I want to free Terry and Kieran. The three of us can leave and maybe travel together.”

“You could travel with our pack. I mean, you are a werewolf and foxes and jackals are kin.”

“I would like that.” Aknadin smiled at Hamed as he strolled into the city while Hamed went into an empty house. He got back in time for the meeting, thinking about how he would soon not be a part of the court. He would fake his death and continue to move on rather than pretend to die. I just need to fake it once.

He went down to the dungeon in the late afternoon with dinner to tell Terry and Kieran about his night and the morning talk with Hamed.

“So, we’ll be free the week after my wild state?” Terry asked. “That’s great.”

“It is,” Kieran said. “But we could be free sooner than that.”

“How?” Aknadin asked.

“Mahad has been bringing our breakfasts the last two times. If he does it tomorrow, I’ll be able to bite him.”

“Think you’ll do it?”

“I do and you’ll be able to smell it. A newly-bitten will carry the scent of the animal he or she will become.”

“Yes and I will tail him when he come up. I will keep him from telling the pharaoh or killing himself. I will reveal to him that I’m a werewolf.”

“Tell him the advantages that all were-creatures have and maybe share your full moon nights?”

“He wouldn’t be able to smell wolf on me so soon after being bitten, right?”

Kieran shook his head. “The sharper senses only kick in once one has changed for the first time.”

Aknadin nodded. He would tell Mahad he was a werewolf and then change to prove it. And that could happen tomorrow. I should tell Hamed now while there is still daylight. He stole out of the palace and sniffed out Hamed, enjoying his sharper senses. The world was brighter, louder, and sharper and it wouldn’t be so if he hadn’t been bitten and transformed into a wolf.

“Kieran might bite Mahad tomorrow?” Hamed asked.

“That’s the idea and I will do what is necessary to make sure that no one else knows and that Mahad doesn’t kill himself. I will also point out the advantages he had gained from the bite.”

“Of course you’ll change to prove how you know all this information.”

“Of course and we’re about to change once more. The sun’s going down.”

Hamed and Aknadin headed out into the desert to have their final wild night until the full moon came again.

“Kieran, do you really think you’ll be able to bite Mahad?” Terry asked.

“Yeah. I do. Obviously I’ll be in jackal form. I will pretend to be asleep by the door and when Mahad puts the food down, I’ll bite.”

“What if you miss?”

“Well if I do, I hope he backs up into your door and you can bite instead. I intend for him to be a were-creature when he leaves the dungeon.”

Terry nodded and moved to the back of the cell as Kieran began to growl and his eyes changed. Terry took fox form and Kieran’s growls tapered off as he saw no humans. The jackal ate his meat and paced his cell. Terry watched from the darkness and reflected on Kieran’s plan and backup plan. He seemed to be banking on that Mahad would feed him first. Suppose Mahad fed Terry first and avoided Kieran’s bite by backing up toward the corridor?

If I’m fed first, I’ll try to bite and if I miss, hopefully he’ll back into Kieran’s door who will be pretending to be asleep and he’ll bite. I will do whatever it takes to make Mahad a were-creature. Fox or jackal; either one is fine. Once he’s changed, he will understand the gift that he’s been given.

Aknadin kneaded the sand and saw the female nearby do the same. Hamed had led him to his pack and the alpha told Aknadin that if he was to join his pack whether in the immediate future or later on, he needed to spend the night with them. He agreed to this and was paired with a female as they hunted in pairs for safety, wild state or not.

Neither one was thinking of anything except hunting and working together to bring down their prey. They stalked parallel to each other as they looked for food. The night was cold but they ignored it as the air was filled with the smells of sand and animals. Aknadin breathed deeply and smelled a camel. He blinked as his awareness surfaced and glanced over to see his partner had smelled the camel too. She quickly headed after it and he copied her movements.

Soon, he was chasing after the frightened animal, herding it to where the female was lying in wait. She leaped in front of the camel and it reared up in fear. The female jumped up to latch onto the throat as Aknadin got onto the back and grabbed the neck. They both bit down and the camel collapsed to the ground, dead. Two successful howls sounded on the air.

Chapter Nine- Admission

Aknadin raced in the pre-dawn light toward the city, fully aware of himself. Today was the day to bite Mahad and he too had a plan. If Kieran failed, he would work with him to come up with another chance to turn Mahad; perhaps get Terry involved fi those two hadn’t already thought of it. Even though I had said I would not bite, I will if it will make Mahad a were-creature. Aknadin was aware that he was thinking thoughts inappropriate for a priest but he knew his days of serving Atem were numbered. In a matter of a day or two he would fake his death, free Terry and Kieran, and leave with a werewolf pack. He would live as they did: Travel the desert, live off the land, and turn others into werewolves.

Aknadin stopped outside the city as the sun peeked over the horizon. He felt a tingle go through him before he founding himself on his hands and knees. So, that’s what happens at dawn. I’ve been asleep the last two nights when dawn comes. Now that I know, I can sleep the night away. He got to his feet and swiftly moved through the almost deserted road as there were some night shift guards around. He reached the gate and the guards there opened it, a bit surprised that he was awake as no one noticed that he had left.

“I was camping,” he replied. “It was quite pleasant. Is Mahad awake?”

“He should be. He intends to feed the prisoners first even though he said that is your duty now.”

“He is quite correct. Carry on, men.” He passed the gate and headed inside. There was a cross-corridor close to the dungeon corridor. He’d be able to smell Mahad pass before he would take up a position beside the stairs. I’ll be able to hear Mahad cry out if he’s bitten. He inhaled as he heard footsteps and he caught Mahad’s scent as the magician walked by, having learned the scents of the court days ago. He followed at a leisurely pace and stopped beside the stairs, Mahad having already disappeared from sight. Now, I wait.

Kieran, curled up by the door in jackal form, cracked an eye open to look at Terry in fox form as footsteps were heard. Terry had filled Kieran in on his additional plan as soon as dawn had come. Kieran agreed that if Terry was fed first, he would get to try to bite first.

Kieran lowered his eyes to slits so he could watch while seeming to be asleep. He saw Terry execute a bow and say, “Good morning, Priest Mahad.”

“Good morning,” Mahad said, a bit taken aback at the greeting. He put the tray down and the next few seconds occurred in quick succession. Kieran popped to his feet as Terry lunged. Mahad avoided it, backed up toward Kieran’s cell and the jackal lunged, his teeth hitting flesh and piercing it. Mahad cried out and Kieran seized his tray with his teeth and set it down as Mahad turned around, a hand pressed to his wound.

“You…you…” Mahad was at a loss for words.

“Yeah. I bit you.” Kieran resumed human form with a grim smile. “I did say I would bite you one day. Now, you are like me or you will be once you change tonight.”

“I will not change. I will report this to the pharaoh and ask to be killed which will be easy.” He turned and rushed upstairs, checking the bite mark and seeing that it was gone! Impossible! How can it be gone already? He shook his head. Why wonder about that when he was going to be dead soon? He reached the palace corridors and headed for the one leading to the throne room, failing to notice Aknadin who had stood on the other side of the dungeon stairs.

Aknadin startled slightly as Mahad’s cry of pain floated up the stairs. It was loud to his enhanced ears but knew no one else had heard it. His nose flared as Mahad’s scent and the scent of a jackal reached his nose. Mahad appeared and hurried in the direction of the throne room. No! Aknadin thought before hurrying after him. He must not tell the pharaoh! “Mahad!” he called.

Mahad turned. “Master Aknadin,” he said in surprise.

“I don’t believe the pharaoh’s in the throne room yet.”

“Maybe so but we will need to gather in any event.” He rubbed his arm.

“Are you all right?”

Mahad sighed sadly. “No, I ‘m not. I was…bitten. That jackal bit me! The two of them planned this together!”

“I see,” Aknadin said neutrally.

“I intend to tell the pharaoh and ask permission to kill myself before nightfall.”

“No! You can’t!”

“I can and I will.”

“But…the advantages. The jackal did say all were-creatures are immortal.”

“How is that an advantage over being a monster?”

“They’re not monsters. They are people with gifts.”

Mahad stared at Aknadin. “You were bitten. The fox or the jackal, which one?”

“Neither. The day we all searched the city, I encountered a werewolf and he bit me.”

“You were bitten and you didn’t turn him or yourself in?”

“I could not; even though I had not transformed, I had gained the protective nature of a wolf. Wolves are social creatures like us and I imagine jackals are similar as they are kin to wolves.”

Mahad looked away and seemed deep in thought. Every moral fiber of his being told him to confess and die as well as turn Aknadin in and imprison him. On the other hand, he felt a need to hide it like Aknadin had and still was.

“Mahad, give it one night and then we can admit the truth and die in the morning,” Aknadin pleaded.

“You want me to transform?”

“Please. One night and then we confess and die. You have my word.” Aknadin hoped Mahad agreed as he knew Mahad’s decision to confess and die would change once he had transformed.

“All right,” he said. “One night. Perhaps you can answer something for me.” He held up his arm. “I know I was bitten and yet the mark is no longer there.”

Aknadin nodded. “You’re immune to injuries save for what can kill you; it’ll leave a burn if you touch it and it’ll fade once you consume some meat. I learned that myself.”

“So, I’m immortal and invulnerable to injury unless it’s my weakness.”

“You’re also immune to disease and your body will be in perfect health forever. I myself no longer suffer from the aches and pains of old age as well as having the physical strength and energy of a man half my age since I’m older.”

“What else did you gain?”

“I can change any time I want, talk when it’s not the full moon, I have the sense of a wolf right now once I had changed, and gained the strength and speed after my first full moon.”

“You can also bite at any time,” Mahad added accusingly.

“Yes, but I have not. I…know that at some time in the future I will but hopefully not for a long, long time.”

“Everyone’s been wondering how you could feed the prisoners and not be bitten but now I know how. You had already been bitten before the day we did those three trials.”

“Yes.”

“Is there a monster in you now? If so, it is not evil as my Item can attest.”

Aknadin looked inside him and then said, “There is no monster. That could change, but for the present there isn’t one.”

“Let us hope that no monster ever forms in you,” Mahad said as they headed to the throne room for court meeting, hoping his own monster did not become corrupt when he transformed tonight.

Chapter Ten- Change of Heart

Mahad gathered some meat and water before heading to his room with Aknadin behind him. Mahad wanted to see Aknadin’s wolf form and pump him for information about his coming transformation, even though their forms were different.

“It will hurt,” Mahad stated as he shut the door and put the food and drink down.

“Of course but only this time. Your senses will sharpen with your change. I unlocked my speed and strength after my first full moon night.”

“I may talk to the jackal tomorrow concerning my own speed and strength.”

“His name is Kieran and the fox is Terry.”

“All right. I may…no, I will talk to Kieran.”

The sun went down and Aknadin instantly changed before watching Mahad as he fell to the floor and groaned as his body altered and shifted into a jackal. He moaned softly as his change came to an end. “Oh, that was terrible.” He flashed a jackal’s grin at Aknadin. “Well, tomorrow I’ll be dead and you’ll be dead too or in the dungeon.” Mahad then blinked and his nose flared. He moved slowly about his room, his nose taking deep breaths.

“Amazing,” he said. “I can smell better than before. I knew dogs have a better sense of smell; naturally wolves, foxes, and jackals do as well.” He approached Aknadin and sniffed him. “Yes. I thought I smelled wolf earlier and I was right.”

“The sense of smell is incredible but so are the other two senses.”

“Yes. My eyesight is sharper. It is dark but I can see just fine.” He turned to look out the window.

“Try the ears,” Aknadin suggested, speaking very softly.

One of Mahad’s ears twitched in his direction. “I heard that,” he said. “That would be a low murmur to us as humans, but I heard you.”

“Did you test your weakness?” asked Aknadin as he laid down.

“I did. I touched a spearhead with a finger. It stung and burned. I ate a little meat to heal it. It doesn’t take much to heal a burn.” Mahad went to the meat, seized it, and dropped them in front of Aknadin before sitting opposite him and grabbing a piece. He couldn’t help but notice that while he was a little large for a jackal, Aknadin was bigger than him. Wolves are naturally bigger than jackals, so it follows that the same applies for were-creatures.

Mahad played with his senses as he ate and was very aware of the world around him. It makes sense. This is my last night on this world. Tomorrow it ends for me…but does it have to? I wouldn’t be a danger. I would be the same man I have always been. Aknadin hasn’t acted any differently by being a werewolf. The pharaoh might benefit by having two were-creatures on his court. Aknadin and I would just have to leave on the full moon cycles. Mahad licked his chops as he finished his meal before curling up and drifting off to sleep, deciding to live and present himself and Aknadin as benign were-creatures.

Aknadin also laid down and closed his eye. He was not as aware of all around him as he would continue to live…as a prisoner. He was a werewolf and because of that, he faced a life sentence in the dungeons for he would not permit himself to be killed. It would seem that the plan backfired. It was hoped that Mahad would hide it as I did and maybe help fake my death. Instead, he is going to turn us in, have me imprisoned, and receive permission to die. He whimpered softly as he finally fell asleep.

He awoke to see Mahad was gone. He sighed as he resumed human form, went to get the prisoners’ food, and headed down to the dungeons.

Terry tilted his head before sniffing the air. “Priest Aknadin, why are you sad?”

He put both meals down before saying, “It seems the intention of the plan backfired. I convinced Mahad to take his jackal form but he intends to turn us both in, have me imprisoned, and be allowed to die. So, when I next see you two, I will be a fellow prisoner.”

“Oh,” Terry said in a small voice.

Kieran bowed his head. “I apologize. I only wanted to make good on the promise that I would bite him.”

“I accept your apology. I will accept my punishment and return here before too long.” He headed up the stairs, savoring each one as he would likely never climb them again. He reached the top and reported to the throne room, not looking at anyone as he took his spot for what was possibly the last time.

Mahad found Aknadin’s demeanor curious. He seemed depressed and he could only guess that it was because of what he had said last night. He believes that he will be placed on the dungeons or killed. He will be surprised when I speak. I will not die and he won’t either nor will he be imprisoned. We will stay where we are. I wonder, though. Did Aknadin know I would reconsider my decision once I had changed? If so, then…he must have thought of killing himself when he was bitten but when he was ready to do so, it was likely too close to sunset. Well, I’ll find out soon enough.

Atem entered and all bowed as normal. Atem took his seat and Siamun chose to open the court himself before Atem asked for the usual reports. He received them while noticing Aknadin’s bowed head and decided to inquire about it.

“Priest Aknadin, is something troubling you?”

Aknadin looked up and then down again. “Yes, my pharaoh but I believe Master Mahad should be the one to explain.”

Atem looked at Mahad and the magician came forward and knelt. “I went to feed the prisoners yesterday to find both in their respective animal forms. I fed the fox first and when he tried to bite me, I backed up and the jackal bit me, having pretended to be asleep.”

“Oh, Mahad,” Isis said in soft sympathy.

“I had intended to tell you, my pharaoh, and ask to be allowed to die, but Master Aknadin persuaded me to delay it; in the midst of his attempt, I figured out that he had been bitten and he admitted that he is a werewolf.”

“What?” Atem asked sternly. “Aknadin, explain yourself.”

Aknadin went over to Mahad and knelt beside him. His head still bowed, he said, “I encountered a werewolf the day all of us were searching. He looked like a child and when he was close to me, he bit me. I had wanted to turn him in for attacking me, but the protective nature of a wolf had been implanted into me by then. I could not bring myself to turn either of us in, yet I did think of killing myself.”

“Why didn’t you?” Seto demanded.

“I learned that my immortality made me healthy, gave me the physical strength and energy of a man half my age, and my aches and pains are gone.” He expressed joy as he recounted these facts but then reined it in as he said, “I know I should not have allowed it to go as far as it did. I will allow myself to be executed or imprisoned for life.” Aknadin silently hoped it would be the latter for the idea of dying terrified him.

Atem looked at Aknadin who remained kneeling and his head bowed. Now he knew how Aknadin was able to extract at all three trials so easily and why he had asked to feed the prisoners. The bite had given himself health and energy as well as transforming him into a wolf. The fact that he had concealed it, had not told him about it, angered and hurt him. Did he not inspire his court to confide in him? He had been told that his father had been a kind and fair ruler and he had been determined to follow his example.

“Aknadin, you served my father. If he had learned you were a werewolf, what would he have done?”

“He would listen to me as I explained myself and then punish me as is proper for my crime.”

Crime? Atem thought. The only crime is hiding what had happened to him. He claims that he knows he should have told me immediately and killed himself. Now he is asking to be executed or imprisoned. Mahad is likely to ask for execution as well. What do I do?

Chapter Eleven- Plan Changed

“You have only hidden this. That is your only crime, is it not?”

“Yes, my pharaoh. When I left for the full moon, the only things I did was hunt for animals to eat and analyze my mind as I ate.”

Atem blinked. “You were…aware? How is that possible?”

“It was the reason I was bitten. To see if my priest training could resist the full moon tendencies. I do think as a wolf at first, but later on I do not.”

“I was bitten for the same reason,” Mahad added. “My pharaoh, Master Aknadin is a benign werewolf. He has not bitten anyone and left during the full moon to protect the people and himself. I have changed last night but I intend to be a benign jackal. I believe that having two were-creatures on your court could be beneficial.”

“Beneficial?” Seto scoffed.

“Yes,” Mahad said. “Aside from our weaknesses, we are immune to injuries and disease cannot touch us. If someone were to threaten those in the city or the palace, we could transform and run them off.”

Atem had to admit that Mahad made sense; to have a werewolf and a were-jackal on his court would provide a safety not only to him, but his subjects and all who lived in the palace. “Given your admissions and the benefits you could provide, I will not punish either of you. You will remain on my court and serve those who come after me.”

“Yes, my pharaoh,” both said.

“Mahad, you surprised me,” Aknadin said as the left the throne room later.

“How so?”

“I was ready for you to have me arrested and have a guard stab you in the heart with a spear.”

“That had been my thoughts last night but then I questioned whether that was the correct decision or if there was another option.”

“I had similar thoughts when I changed the first time. I had thought of killing myself but then chose to hide it instead of confessing and dying.”

“Is that why you persuaded me to change? That I may change my mind on what to do.”

“Yes. I did. I had hoped you would decide to keep living.”

“Self-preservation is part of every living thing; for you and me this part is doubled as we are were-creatures.”

“Then, that is true for all were-creatures.”

“Yes and I have a question for Kieran.” Mahad descended the dungeon steps, the destination they had been heading to as they talked.

Terry had his head down while Kieran looked levelly at Mahad as the magician approached. “You’re still alive,” he commented. “Am I correct in assuming you changed your mind?”

“If you are referring to imprisoning Mahad and then stabbing myself, then you are correct. We did confess ourselves to the pharaoh and he has decided to not punish us. Instead, we will continue to serve him and all those who come after him.”

“That is nice to hear. It means Priest Aknadin will continue to bring our food save for the full moon.”

“In which case, a guard will bring it. I warn you now, no more biting or you will be killed. Both of you.”

“Yes, Priest Mahad,” Terry said.

“As you wish,” Kieran added.

“I also have a question for you. Do I have to wait for the full moon to unlock my speed and strength?”

“Oh, no. All of your advantages and weakness unlocked last night when you changed.”

“Same goes for were-foxes,” Terry added.

“Curious. Aknadin did not get his speed and strength until the first night of the full moon,” Mahad said.

Kieran rolled his eyes a little. “Werewolves tend to see themselves as the supreme were-creature so nature had to put a limit on them however brief it lasts.”

“Aknadin does not see himself superior to me or anyone else,” Mahad stated.

“Granted, that is true. He is different from the werewolves I’ve encountered in my life. It could be his training as a priest that lends itself to that mindset.”

“I believe you’re correct as I do not see myself as superior to anyone despite my magic. It would seem that my own priest training has helped me in that.”

Hamed blinked as Aknadin related what had happened since last time they met. “So, the pharaoh and the court knows the two of you are were-creatures and you’re allowed to continue to serve him and future pharaohs.”

“Yes, so I will not be joining your pack. I apologize about that.”

“You still could even if that time is centuries away. All were-creatures have incredible memories. We remember every face and the events we witness.”

“That is remarkable and very convenient.”

“It is so even if we meet centuries later, we will remember each other.”

“Will the pack still be around for the next full moon?”

“The alpha had wanted to stay but if you are going to remain here, then we will likely move on before the next full moon.”

“I understand although I had hoped that the pack would live here.”

Hamed shook his head. “We don’t have the training you do to resist biting others. It is better to move on so we don’t end up with people hunting us down.”

“Yes. It is better for you to move on. Then, this is goodbye for now.”

“For now. I am glad that we met and that I bit you.”

“So am I, Hamed.” Aknadin turned to return to the palace while Hamed went back to his pack so they could continue their wanderings.

Aknadin passed through the palace gates and found Seto waiting with a faint look of disapproval. “Is there a problem, Master Seto?” he asked.

“I can respect the pharaoh’s decision to allow you and Mahad to remain on the court, but I can’t understand why you did not come forward when you were bitten. There was plenty of time to report it and die.”

“There was. Seto, I had said that I had gained the protective nature of a wolf when I was bitten. Also, there is the self-preservation that all living beings have; as a were-creature, that instinct is doubled. I am not a danger to anyone and especially to you, Seto.”

“Especially to me? Why would that be?”

Aknadin looked around to see no one before he leaned in close to Seto. “I had a wife and son I left when the country was at war and I sometimes regretted doing it even though it was for their safety. Seto, you are that son.”

Seto stepped back. “What?” he said faintly. “I’m your son?”

“Yes.” Aknadin gave a soft smile. “I am proud of the young man you’ve become. I can trust that you won’t tell anyone else about our connection.”

“Of course. Darkness and evil can threaten the land at any time and it will take advantage of such things to win.”

“Indeed.”

“Do werewolves have pointed ears?” Seto asked, changing the subject.

“Only on the days of the full moon. Jackals have this trait too and on the full moon as well.”

Chapter Twelve- Full Moon Again

Mahad traced the tip of his ear before putting his hat on. He had seen pointed ears on Kieran during the last cycle. Naturally, I have them too as I’m a were-jackal. Then again, Terry had pointed ears and I bet Aknadin has them as well. He left his chambers and reflected on the time since admitting to being bitten.

Word of his and Aknadin’s respective gifts had spread through the palace but not to the city. Mahad’s students had been scared when attending their first lesson after the bite, but Mahad firmly stated that he would not bite and that his gift had not changed him; only the full moon was different.

The guards were more nervous than scared. They showed greater deference to him and chose their words with care. This went on for two days before Mahad gathered them on what would be the third day to address the situation. “There is no reason to be nervous. I may be a were-jackal but it has not changed me aside from the full moon.” Mahad furthered proved this by acting normal and the guards relaxed at seeing their captain was the same man they knew.

Mahad entered the throne room, his recollections fading away. The sights, sounds, and smells were just as sharp as the night he changed. He discreetly took in the scents of Atem and the court, including Aknadin’s wolf scent. It was this scent that made Mahad think of tonight and he was a bit nervous. Would he be a simple jackal all night or would he gain some self-awareness like Aknadin? There’s only one way to find out.

Aknadin also picked up the same scents, but thought nothing of them. He had been bitten before the previous full moon and had used his senses constantly since his first full moon night. He looked forward to this cycle as he now knew what would happen. Tonight will be Mahad’s first one. He is likely nervous. Aknadin sniffed slightly, focusing on the magician. He picked up Mahad’s human scent and his jackal one, but there was also another scent. Is that an emotion scent? Terry smelled sadness from me the day after Mahad was bitten.

Aknadin dealt with bringing lunch. Both prisoners appreciated his presence and, as he put the food down, he said, “Terry, can you smell emotions?”

“I can and so can wolves and jackals. Any canine member can. This trait kicks in as one approaches their second wild state cycle.” Terry tilted his head. “Did you smell an emotion?”

“I think so. I focused on Mahad’s scent and found a scent in addition to his human and jackal ones.”

“He’s likely nervous,” Kieran observed. “Makes sense as this is his first cycle.”

“Would it be safe for us to be close together?” Aknadin asked.

“It should. You are a wolf and other canine members show deference to wolves.”

“Yes, I’m nervous,” Mahad admitted hours later as they walked toward the city gates. “Kieran is correct and you smelled accurately.” He shook his head slightly. “So, when the next cycle comes, I’ll be able to smell emotions as well.”

“Correct. Kieran also said we can spend our cycles together as wolves are shown deference from other canine members.”

The duo moved past the gates and into the open desert. The smell of clean air and sand filled their noses. “It won’t hurt this time, right?”

“Right. Your first change is the only time it hurts. You’ll instantly change and your jackal mind will take over. My wolf mind takes over when I change until I’ve killed and prepare to eat.” He subtly sniffed and caught the scents of a few animals to his left. He veered off in that direction before stopping as the sky was flaring with the final light of the sunset.

A duet of howls sounded as Aknadin and Mahad took their respective forms and minds. Mahad saw the gray wolf and was about to slunk away when his nose twitched as he smelled prey. He sniffed to find it was ahead of the wolf, but didn’t want to risk passing it to hunt. The wolf then stalked off in the direction of prey and Mahad slowly followed him before veering off in the opposite side of the prey, determined to kill and eat some of it for himself.

Aknadin stalked around a dune to see a variety of prey and licked his chops. He kneaded the sand and crouched for a moment before sprinting toward his chosen target. He chased, leaped, and killed with ease. He gave a howl at his success and then his head snapped around at hearing another howl to see a jackal with a dead animal at its paws. He blinked and his awareness kicked in. That’s Mahad. I wonder if he’s aware but I better not approach if he isn’t. He laid down in front of his catch and ripped it open and up as his instinct demanded before eating hungrily.

Mahad saw the wolf run off in one direction before running off in the other direction. He ran off after a prey he desired. He leaped onto it and killed it before hearing the wolf howl a second later and he echoed it. He then tore his kill open and began to eat. After several mouthfuls, he blinked and stared at it. Where did this come from? Wait…oh, right. I chased and killed it…and I’m aware. My own training has helped me resist the full moon tendencies too. His tail wagged happily at this realization as he returned to his kill. He smelled wolf nearby and knew it was Aknadin. He ate his fill and backed away from it, licking his chops and snout clean of food. He looked over at Aknadin who was looking at him. He barked in a friendly manner knowing he could only make canine sounds.

Aknadin’s tail swished and he barked back just as friendly. Mahad trotted toward him with a grin and then leaped at Aknadin, knocking him down while laughing in barks and yips.

Aknadin growled playfully as he tussled with the smaller jackal. They nipped and clawed each other with no sign of injury. They chased each other and wrestled with one another, their barks, yips, and howls echoed into the night as they played under the moon’s light and enjoyed one another’s company.

Aknadin stirred as he felt sun above him. He opened his eye to see Mahad curled up nearby and he smiled as he re-lived last night. We had fun once we became aware and we have two more nights to go.

Mahad shifted before his eyes opened. He blinked and focused on Aknadin before smiling. “That wasn’t bad,” he commented as he sat up and stretched. “I wasn’t sure if I would become self-aware like you can.”

“I admit I had my doubts about that too. It was a relief when you greeted me the way you did.”

“I felt the same way when you responded the same way.” Mahad got to his feet as did Aknadin and added, “Shall I teleport us back home or do we race home?”

“I would prefer to race. I love how fast I can go.”

Mahad gave it a moment’s thought before nodding. “Yes, let’s race home. I’d like to use my speed.”

“In that case, let’s have a real race.”

Mahad looked at Aknadin who had a wolfish grin on his face before smiling back. “Sure.”

The two men stretched a little before they took off, gaining speed as they ran for home. Mahad was impressed with how quickly he was moving. It wasn’t as fast as Aknadin’s, though the werewolf had a month’s more experience in running. Well, in time, that won’t matter. We will have years and years as were-creatures and it won’t matter who had a month of experience over the other. I have been given a gift and I will enjoy it as Aknadin and I witness the centuries that will come.