So this finally was it. This was the biggest day in Hamburg since Mara was born. Their little Mara now all grown up and getting wed to the most popular man in the village. Things like the curse was burried so deep that it was almost forgotten.

Hulderic the White Wolf was dressed in the traditional wedding garb that was reserved for nobility. He wore the traditional black Lederhose which was heavily embroidered on the front panels and suspenders. With this he wore the grey long socks and jet black shoes. The shirt was red and white chequered and with this came the black Lederjacke which was also embroidered the same as the Lederhose. To top this off he wore a grey felt hat with a huge feather.

His best man Heribert, whose elbow had healed rather well, and the groomsman Gerhard all wore similar outfits but not as ornate. There was no mistaking as to which one was the groom. Everyone thought that Hulderic the White Wolf looked even more handsome because of the snow white skin contrasting the black leather. Normally a cool, calm and collected man, this time he was pacing backwards and forwards showing his nerves.

People took their places anxiously awaiting Mara Goddess of the sea. A murmur ran through the Meeting Hall in anticipation. What would she wear? No one had any idea or had seen anything. This was going to be a total surprise. The only two people who knew were Frieda and Luitgard. They were the best of the dressmakers and they begged to be allowed to make Mara’s wedding outfit. Torture would not have made them reveal anything.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd. Something was happening. The wedding drums started their beat, first slow and measured rising in tempo then being joined by the Gemshorn then followed by the eerie sounds of the Dudelsack. A gasp fell over the assembly and Hulderic staggered as Mara made her entrance.