For a moment neither man nor wolf took a single step, Boaz has his hand straying to his sword as amber eyes follow the movement of his hands.

  The wolf chuckled again, throwing its head back and howling long into the sky. It crouched on its forepaws, nearly crushing the ground in excitement.

  “A brave fool is a fool all the same.” It said and lunged.

  Boaz caught the teeth only by chance, clashing his sword against the blood stained fangs, he was pushed back by the sheer force and raw power.

  With his teeth gritted he pushed back, mustering all his strength to slam his body forward and chip the tooth of the beast.

  The wolf shifted, jumping back at the shock of pain from its now broken tooth it glared, wagging its arrow pierced tail in excitement.

  “Will you not let me pass?” Boaz said, readying his sword for another strike. The wolf said nothing, only leaping into the air with the intention of landing a killing blow with its full weight. Boaz began running towards the orb, he might not have been able to face this beast alone but a daring escape could be favorable.

  A large shadow fell over him as he ran, with precise instincts he leaped away just as the beast came crashing down, kicking up a wave of dirt and debris as it did.

  Taking advantage of the wolf’s stunned form, Boaz jumped onto its back and thrust his sword into its spine. The wolf yelps, writhing madly and trying to buck its assailant off its back.

  Boaz nearly loses his footing but continues to pull and plunge the weapon into the wolf’s back with no hesitation, it was either that of fall into its massive jaws.

  He would not allow his story to end here.

  In a fit of rage, the wolf leaped again. Rolling over, it sought to crush the human once again by throwing its body against the forested floor.

  Boaz wrenched his sword out a final time, dodging the wolf’s haphazard attack with great effort. He panted, legs trembling as he used his sword to raise himself up. But the wolf wasn’t done yet.

  Large paws swiped at him faster than he could dodge them, Boaz flew threw the air, crashing into the ground and still no closer to the orb that would free him from this battle.

  Sensing something behind him Boaz spun on his back and grabbed his sword, thrusting upwards, his quick strike pierced the roof of the wolf’s mouth bathing him in the Primal’s blood.

  The wolf demon howled in pain, trying and failing to pull the sword out of its mouth.

  “Curse you! Curse you!” It yelled, narrowing its eyes filled with blood lust. To Boaz, the beast only seemed more excited at the prospect of a challenge. Boaz ran up to it, in its moment of distraction he reached the hilt of his sword and took a hold of it.

  Pulling hard, he drags the blade through the wolf’s mouth, creating a wider injury than the one already present.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  The wolf roared, throwing itself down in pain-filled writhing. Boaz ran as fast as his exhausted legs could carry him. The number on his wrist did not matter with the powerful creature behind him.

  Cold fear raced up his spine as he felt the ground rattle with the movement of the wolf who stirred from its painful lunacy. The orb was still too far away for him to relax, but his senses were open. Carrying the sword in his hands he continues to run and run.

  “Ahhhh!” Boaz yelled in pain at the sharp pain in his arm. The wolf’s jaw had clamped around his joint and pulled. Boaz reached for his sword only a hair’s breadth away from him. But he could not reach for it.

  Between the pain overwhelming his senses and the wolf tugging at his arm he had no choice but to make a daring decision. Following the force of the wolf, he pulled in the opposite direction until finally...

  Squelch!

  His arm pulled free in a jagged and ghastly piece. But he grabbed his sword and with a powerful leap plunged the blade into the wolf demon’s skull.

  The wolf fell dead, twitching as its brain was speared through by the sword. Its red soul was absorbed by the weapon, only making it stronger.

  306.

  Boaz screamed, with the adrenaline wearing off the full force of his missing arm came to bite him in searing pain. He kicked and screamed on the ground yelling and yelling until his throat was raw.

  The tower’s magic begins its heretical work, weaving a way to keep its guest alive. From his stump sprouts new flesh, conjoining and twisting until a new arm, seemingly an amalgamation of flesh and wood had formed.

  He gazes at it, marveling at how natural it felt and how strong it would be in battle. He was part of the tower now, of that, he was sure.

  There was no mistaking it, he had been granted a boon.

  He could not die here and he would not. The number on his other hand, a triumph. Proof he would make it would alive.

  ===

  Boaz’s face is stony as he tells the tale but Amais notes a hint of pride in his features just under his sorrow. By leaving the tower Boaz had forsaken power he would never taste again.

  “There are many who choose to remain within the tower, choosing not to return to forsake their new forms, others lose their minds.” Boaz said.

  Amais remained unfazed by his words but within his heart fear took root. Did he have what it took to venture into such a place? He had some combat abilities but that would not be enough against such a beast.

  “You have your doubts now, I see it on your face.”

  “Perhaps you’re only reading my concern.” Amais shot back.

  Boaz grunted, Amais was a stubborn one indeed. The cleric, despite hearing of what he had encountered, was still willing to risk it all.

  “A brave fool is still a fool.”

  “Reciting the words of your enemy?”

  “Wisdom can be found in the most unlikely places.” Boaz countered. “Take the advice.”

  “I understand what you’re saying but you will not change my mind.” Amais said rising from the seat he had made his perch the entire conversation. “Rest now, you’ve spoken for most of the day.”

  He tucks Boaz into the infirmary cot, the older man said nothing only allowing the cleric to go about his healing business.

  “I pray you do not regret this.”

  “Stop worrying about what I will or won’t do. Congratulations you’ve earned your life back now live it.”

  “You have chosen, but it does not appear to be a wise decision.”

  As Amais walked towards the entrance to the infirmary he saw a cluster of younger acolytes whispering amongst themselves.

  “What are you doing here when you should be in the study hall?” He asked, lifting a brow. A few of them dared to blush in embarrassment. “Run along now before one of the other Masters catches you.”

  The acolytes nod and run off, talking amongst themselves as they do, Amais could only shake his head in fondness.