Chapter 2 - The Moonveiled Claws

A low buzz of magical energy seemed to pulse through the walls of the concealed cave, and the faint sound of footfall resonated down its winding, tight passageways. This cave was no typical cavern, it served as the covert gathering ground for a group of all-female magicians, healers, enchantresses, and assassins who worked clandestinely in the shadows to mold the fate of the Arcanis kingdom. The tunnel opened into a large underground room that was softly lit by magical crystals set into the ceiling. Women in dark robes were huddled in a close circle in the middle of the room, speaking to one another. The excitement of the impending clash filled the air. A tall woman with silver hair and sharp green eyes, who served as their leader, moved forward to join the others. She was followed by two other leaders, the combat specialist whose perfectly toned body exuded a deadly precision, and the group's philosopher and strategist. The whispering subsided as they positioned themselves at the front of the crowd, and the silver-haired leader of magic and sorcery spoke to them. With a calm yet authoritative voice, she addressed them, "The princes will soon ride out to battle, everyone is aware of what this means and what needs to be done” With ready determination on their faces, the women nodded. They had been working covertly for years, defending the kingdom of Arcanis without the men in charge knowing about it. The kingdom's four princes, known as the Four Pillars of Arcanis, had often triumphed thanks to their invisible and discreet efforts, they called themselves, The Moonveiled Claws. With a flick of her fingers, the sorceress's hand moved and a map of the battlefield appeared in front of them in a glistening blue glow. “As usual, we will split into two groups to ensure the princes' and their men's strength against the adversary” she began, “Olne group will stay behind and perform protective spells on them. Additionally, we'll try to weaken the opposing pack by causing uncertainty, exhaustion, and terror to spread throughout their ranks” The strategist, Nythara, came forward, “Lycoria is right. More so, I will lead the second group in changing into our werewolf forms. On the battlefield, we shall fight alongside the princes' troops, blending in. Keep in mind that no one will recognize us as women, only that reinforcements have joined” The third leader, the warrior, tightened her fist, “We strike hard, fast, and without mercy. When the tide of battle changes in favor of the princes, we retreat before anybody knows our involvement” The women exchanged eyes of strong agreement. They had done this many times before, emerging from the shadows, changing the balance of battle, and then departing without a trace. They were the invisible power that insured the princes' victories, the silent protectors of Arcanis. Without saying anything else, the group split. About half of the women were still in the cave, gathering around a big round stone altar in the middle of the space. Specializing in old curses and protection charms, these were the healers and magicians. As they started to cover the battlefield with layers of magic, they lifted their hands in unison and hummed incantations into their voices. The warrior and the strategist were among the other half of the gang who slipped into a different room inside the cave. Under the crystals' faint light, they began to change, their human forms were replaced by the strong werewolf bodies as their bones shattered and moved. The moon's mystical energy radiated through their eyes, fur rippled across their skin, and claws grew out of their fingers. They snarled silently, fully changed, their senses sharpened by the impending battle. The werewolf women made a final look at their cavemates before stealthily leaving through a secret entrance, moving quickly and soundlessly. The princes and their forces were already gathering at the battlefield as they approached it. With a thunderous clang of steel, the sound of swords and shields colliding, and the ferocious roars of both men and animals, the war broke out. The Four Pillars led their armies with unparalleled bravery, slicing through the opposing ranks with swords that gleamed in the midday light. The other pack, however, was formidable, supported by vicious fighters and black magic. The second group of the Moonveiled Claws, whose werewolf forms blended in perfectly with the rest of the Arcanis warriors, came while the princes were engaged in combat. They moved quickly and forcefully, tearing through the enemy ranks with their claws. Although the men were unaware that their strong new allies were actually the women they had long disregarded, their fierceness helped the princes win the battle. Back in the cave, the team of healers and magicians went about their business, cursing the enemies and directing protective energy toward the princes. The opposition pack's power declined, their movements slowed, and their brains became foggy with uncertainty and terror, turning the battlefield into a theater of chaos. Now that they were unbeatable, the princes advanced with newfound zest. As the fight came to a head, the werewolf ladies gave each other hints, a tacit understanding amongst them. As silently as they had entered, they started to leave the battlefield one by one, disappearing into the darkness. No sign of the Nightveil Claws remained once the battle was over and the enemy was vanquished.