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[WilliamCastle]

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In the fullness of the World, there are Beasts and there are Men, and the All-Father won mastery over all Beasts before the First Dawning, as is well known to all. But know this: the line between Man and Beast is not so clear as it would seem, and there are men who have learned to cross it at their choosing. Hear, then, the story of William Castle, a mighty warrior named William roamed the hills. William was said to be as tall as a Giant, and as strong as the fury of a storm.

One winter, the frost came early while William Castle was out on the hunt, being miles away from home, William became disoriented, the white snow blowing in his eyes sent William spinning in every direction, struggling to find himself, William fell to his knees in the snow.

As he neared death, a massive shadow emerged from the white mist, and William found himself face to face with G'Harron, King of all Bears. "Human, long have I watched you," said the beast, "your Spirit is strong, and wise. You are truly a noble hunter of the wilds."

"Alas, my strength and wisdom are undone." William gasped. "The storm crushes me, and I have fallen without being wounded."

The bear was silent a long while, then spoke again. "Know this... within every Man, there is a beast. The All-Father Himself knows it not, but it lies within the hearts of all your kind. Hear the Call within your heart, and find the Bear that waits, asleep, in the cavern of your soul. His strength will save you." As William Closed his eyes, A sharp pain shot down his spine, William fell silent, the white snow now stained with red blood.

William lay still, and put all thoughts of death and home from his mind. And as he lay, he looked about himself and unlearned the name of everything he looked upon. William saw the woods not with the eyes of a man, but with the eyes of a Beast. Time stopped, past and future both draining into Now. And William screamed as his sinews buckled, as the thick pelt sprouted from his skin, and his very bones twisted themselves into the image of the bear lord before him. William became a Bear, and roared in exultation at the moon.

It was many years before any man set eyes on William Castle again. Long did he wander in the wilds, on two legs and on four, and all the twisted creatures of Darkness learned to fear the great white bear who hunted at G'Harron's side.