“Brethren,” said High Brother Amfield, “I now call this meeting of the Church of the Brethren into order.” The crowd cheered, boisterous words echoing through the canyon.

“Now brethren…” Amfield paused. Curious rustling of leaves halted his words. He turned and looked into the woods. Suddenly Wolfhook burst out, twigs and torn branches soaring in the black air. Amfield spread his arms and closed his eyes. The cruel hook was thrown into his stomach. Wolfhook pressed harder as blood constantly flowed. Amfield smiled. Powerful eyes opened. Silence deafened Wolfhook’s ears, the emptiness twitching in his ears. Wolfhook withdrew his hook, eyes gaping as the hole closed and the blood dried.

“We are the Church of the Brethren,” Amfield started, “The world will see us come. We are the…” The congregation started in the haunting chorus. They yelled the words loud and proud.

Wolfhook snapped his head angrily. “Shut up, you faggots!” he yelled as the words plagued his mind. He thrashed and slashed, blood and innards flying as the wounds healed. Amfield threw back his head and laughed, booming over the chanted words. “I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you all!” Leaves rustled and the wolfbeast was gone. Silence again prevailed.

Amfield turned to his followers, “Now brethren…”

To Be Continued…