Perigord

by Marc Lindsay

  “Am I interrupting you two?” Mr Rosenberg asked sarcastically.

  “I’m sorry Sir, I didn’t mean to,” Jason began.

  “Don’t even bother. Just do your work and keep quiet,” Mr Rosenberg said as he walked back to his desk.

  “What was that about?” whispered Selene.

  “I don’t know, he’s been like this for the past week towards me,” Jason replied.

  “Well it’s probably in your best interest if we keep our talking to a minimum.” Jason nodded and pulled out his work book.

  As soon as school was finished Jason met Selene at the front gate.

  “Hey, what kept you?” he asked.

  “Oh, you know, the usual.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “Talking my way out of a detention,” Selene said with a grin.

  “Again?”

  “Hey it wasn’t my fault,” she said.

  “It never is,” Jason said with a chuckle. “Are you right to head over to the library with me?” Jason asked, Selene looked a little uncomfortable.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “We have to make a stop first,” she said.

  “Where?” Jason asked.

  “My Grandmother’s,” Selene said ominously.

  Jason and Selene sat at Ursula’s table as the old woman silently poured them all tea. The only noise was the ticking of the old grandfather clock in the corner of the room. After serving them each a cup she sat back in her chair and took a dainty sip of her own.

  “So, Jason, what species are you exactly?” Ursula asked matter of fact. Jason coughed, nearly spilling his tea. Selene simply looked at her Grandmother with her mouth open.

  “I beg your pardon ma’am, I didn’t quite get that,” Jason spluttered.

  “Oh you heard me young man, the real question you should be asking yourself is how and why is she asking me in the first place?” Ursula replied with a wry smile. Before either Jason or Selene could respond, Ursula placed a circular silver pendant on the table. The pair studied it closely. There was an image of a wolf surrounded by thorns, the same as the plaque in Plato’s library. Selene picked it up and held it out to her Grandmother.

  “What’s this supposed to mean and where did you get it?” She demanded.

  “I take it you’ve seen this image before,” Ursula said.

  “At my house. I mean my Uncle Plato’s, there’s a plaque that bears the same image, leading…,” Jason was unable to finish his sentence as Selene kicked him from under the table. Ursula saw this but didn’t pursue.

  “Your uncle and I were members of a select organisation, one that bore that emblem,” Ursula stated.

  “And what organisation would that be?” Jason asked.

  “The Guild of Wolves,” Ursula replied.

  “The Guild of Wolves?” Selene and Jason repeated in unison.

  “That’s right dear, our charter is to protect Perigord from the unknown and dangerous,” Ursula said taking a sip of her tea. Selene got up from her chair and stalked to the end of the room and back, her face a mask of mixed emotion. Jason and Ursula watched her expectantly.

  “So you’re telling me you’ve been a member of a secret society here in Perigord,” Selene said.

  “Yes,” Ursula replied.

  “And you don’t feel bad for not telling me this?” Selene asked.

  “I’m telling you now, dear.”

  “Only because somehow I’m involved and you have no other choice.”

  “I’ll admit the time of this conversation is not of my choosing, but I had full intentions of telling you after,” Ursula sighed.

  “After, after what?” Selene demanded.

  “After your training of course.”

  “Training?” Selene replied confused.

  “That’s right, there’s no way you’re taking over from me without properly being prepared.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I’m not going to be around forever and it’s only logical that my only heir take up the mantle of sentry for Perigord. Why do you think I keep you busy with unusual tasks and hobbies?”

  “You’ve been training me all this time?” Selene asked.

  “Ever since your mother died. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing.” Ursula turned to Jason. “And if your Uncle hadn’t passed away and your physiology changed so drastically, you would have been recruited as well,” Ursula added.

  “Like your plans for Selene,” Jason said.

  “That’s right, but I’m afraid since the emergence of your birthright, I’m sure Ulysses has other plans set for you now.”

  “How do you know about Ulysses, and myself, for that matter?”

  “I wouldn’t be worth my salt if I didn’t know about everything and anything here in Perigord, not to mention Ulysses, and I have an understanding,” Ursula said.

  “And what would that be?” Jason asked.

  “Let’s just say our interests and motivations cross and intersect, but the protection of Perigord is paramount to us all.”

  “So you know all about Jason and Ulysses and what they are?” Selene asked.

  “I know Ulysses is not from earth and Jason also carries a special pedigree, but no, not the particulars of their heritage. I am aware there are others out there, I’ve seen them on occasion. The good, the bad and the hideous,” Ursula said with a chuckle.

  “Do you know we were attacked last night?” Selene asked.

  “I do, as I know that brazen attack is only the start of something that has the potential to destroy Perigord.”

  “What about the book Selene gave you to translate, is it of any help?” Jason asked.

  “I’m afraid most of the texts within are beyond my level of expertise. I’m hoping Ulysses can make out its ramblings,” Ursula said, frustrated.

  “Well with the information we were able to get last night, hopefully we can start to make sense of exactly what’s coming.” Jason said. Ursula nodded and stood up from the table.

  “I hope you’re right young man, but for now I think you two should be on your way. I know Ulysses is waiting on you. Good luck Jason,” Ursula said cryptically.

  Jason and Selene arrived at the library shortly after; Ulysses was waiting patiently for them both.

  “How was your afternoon tea with Mrs Jaeger?” Ulysses enquired.

  “Not what I was expecting and to be honest, it still raises more questions than answers,” Selene replied.

  “Well to be fair on Mrs Jaeger’s part, she has a lot to impart on you and a short time to do it.”

  “Why do I feel Jason and I are well and truly behind the eight ball?” Selene muttered.

  “I don’t know Selene, you two seem to have a knack of catching on real quick,” Ulysses said with a smile.

  “What now?” Jason asked anxiously.

  “Road trip,” Ulysses said pointedly at Jason.

  “What about Selene?”

  “She’s going to be busy with Ms Jax. Besides, this only concerns you,” Ulysses said. Jason looked nervously at Selene, who gave him an encouraging nod.

  “I’m ready,” Jason exclaimed.

  Jason sat nervously in the passenger seat of the jeep wrangler as it bounced and jostled along the dirt trail. Ulysses kept a steady speed, expertly steering the vehicle through the forest.

  “Where exactly are we going?” Jason asked.

  “You’ll know when we get there,” Ulysses replied, and that was the last thing he said during the drive. Jason gave up on conversation, realising it was just his nerves wanting to break the tension. It was obvious Ulysses was off in his own head as well. Slumping back in his seat, Jason tried to enjoy the scenery. The rhythmic passing of the trees was definitely having a hypnotic effect on Jason. He could feel himself drifting off to sleep when all of a sudden the jeep came to a screeching halt. He sat up with a jerk and looked around.

  “Grab your bongos kid, we’re here,” Ulysses announced.

  “Bongos” Jas
on repeated, but climbed out of the jeep to check out this mysterious destination. They were parked in a small clearing of wild grass surrounded by a thick tree line. It was quiet and secluded, but otherwise unremarkable.

  “I don’t get it what’s so important about this place,” Jason stated, unimpressed.

  “It’s not the place but rather its location,” Ulysses remarked. Jason shook his head.

  “We’re away from prying eyes, noise and distraction. A good spot to begin your training,” Ulysses continued.

  “I get it, like Spiderman. With great power comes great responsibility. This should be a snap,” Jason said smugly. Ulysses didn’t look too impressed with Jason’s flippancy

  “I’ll admit I was mildly impressed with the way you handled yourself last night,”

  “Mildly impressed? I kicked ass!” Jason said.

  “You were lucky, lucky that Onyx and Strix were careless, but you better believe that won’t happen again. Not to mention there other dangers and threats that are waiting for us out there,” Ulysses stressed.

  “You make it sound like there are legions of bad guys preparing to attack,” Jason replied dubiously.

  “Not legions, but if enough decided to work together and take the library by force, then I shudder to think of the implications.”

  “Why would they want the library?” Jason asked, clearly puzzled. Ulysses sighed leaning against the bonnet of the jeep.

  “The library is more than just a storage depot for books. She is capable of so much more than that and in the wrong hands, well I think that’s better left for another discussion. Besides, we’re here today because of you.” Jason clearly didn’t like the change in direction of their conversation and decided they were going to continue with it at a later time.

  “Okay Yoda where do we start?” Jason asked.

  “Who the hell is Yoda?” Ulysses scoffed and turned his back on Jason.

  “You’re kidding right? You’ve never heard of Yoda from Star…,” Jason didn’t finish the sentence as Ulysses spun around and jumped at him. Long slender arms and hideous thin talon-like hands reached for him. Ulysses’ facial features had changed horribly too. His nose had receded and was almost gone, the corners of his mouth had widened almost to the sides of the head, exposing dozens of long needle-like teeth. The skin was cracked and had a yellowish hue to it, but the worst thing were the eyes. They were too large and were as black as midnight.

  “Holy shit!” Jason shrieked as he threw himself back, landing on his backside, his arms held up defensively. The horrific looking figure that had, previously been Ulysses stopped in its tracks and began to chuckle his body heaving as the laughter ripped through him. Jason slowly got to his feet, staring at Ulysses who was now transforming back to his regular appearance, laughter still erupting from him. Jason’s face had turned red with anger.

  ‘You asshole!” Jason exploded

  “I’m sorry,” Ulysses responded, even though it was evident he wasn’t.

  “Why did you do that?”

  “Because you were acting cocky and frankly it was pissing me off,” Ulysses said plainly wiping a tear from his eye. Jason was looking embarrassed, both from his mentor’s words and his reaction to the scare he’d received.

  “I still don’t appreciate being made to look like a fool,” Jason said as he dusted the dirt from the back of his jeans.

  “That wasn’t my intention Jason, but in my-our-line of work, it pays to expect the unexpected.” Ulysses walked away from the jeep and motioned Jason to follow. “Our race is pretty unique within the cosmos, even compared with other alien species. The ability to transform is part of it but I like to think it’s more than that. We’re like the Marines, we improvise, we adapt and we overcome,” Ulysses said.

  “Like how I transformed into steel?” Jason replied.

  “Partly. Our bodies sense our surroundings and can adjust accordingly, no matter the circumstances, whether it’s water, jungle, desert, hot or cold. No matter the atmospheric content, our bodies’ genetic makeup changes to cope with differences. Sometimes we make drastic alterations in response to eminent danger.”

  “And I can do all this?”

  “I don’t know, but that’s why we’re out here to find out,” Ulysses said, transforming in front of Jason, his frame growing in size, broad shoulders and thick chest. The arms extended to the ground under the weight of a pair of massive, coarse hands that closed and formed into fists the size of microwave ovens. The skin had turned a dirty mottled brown with clumps of hair growing randomly all over. Ulysses’ head remained the same size making it look tiny, however the features were blunt and hard and a single row of stiff black fur ran down the centre of the head from the brow, much like a Mohawk. Ulysses smiled, showing a row of grey, ugly teeth. Jason stood transfixed in front of the bestial presence of Ulysses. He was shaken from his stupor when the creature spoke, a single sentence in a deep guttural voice.

  “Let’s see what you got?”

  Jason was barely able to dodge the punch that was fired at him. The cannon ball of a fist sailed mere inches over his head, the length of the beast’s arms making it easy to reach him. Leaping back, Jason transformed as well, taking the same form he had adopted when battling Onyx. He stood his ground as the gigantic fists were propelled in his direction. He attempted to halt the second assault from Ulysses with his hands raised in defence. They struck with the force of a runaway juggernaut and despite the fact that Jason was armoured and ready, he was knocked from his feet and thrown into the trunk of a waiting tree. Struggling to get to his feet, Jason looked around for Ulysses who had changed his form yet again. This time into something smaller and sleeker, a cross between a leopard and a baboon. Taloned arms and a long face sporting dagger-like teeth. Sprinting at Jason with blinding speed, the fur on Ulysses’ body bore a camouflage pattern of silver and grey that shimmered as it moved. Jason had only just gotten to his feet when Ulysses leapt and slammed into him feet first, the impact knocking Jason back down. Ulysses used this momentum to backflip and land catlike on his feet.

  Jason sat up and looked around a little groggily at the approaching Ulysses. He formed a time out sign with his hands until Ulysses had changed his form back to his regular human appearance.

  “Give me a second,” Jason blurted out.

  “Maybe this wasn’t the best way to go about this,” Ulysses replied.

  “I’ll be right, I just need a moment,” Jason said breathlessly as he too reverted back to his human form.

  “You might not get that opportunity from an adversary,” Ulysses chided.

  “That’s not entirely fair.”

  “Again fair doesn’t come into the equation. I noticed you choose the steel form again. Is it the only one you can do?”

  “No, I can do others,” Jason said defensively.

  “Well let’s see then,” Ulysses requested. Jason nodded then stood back. Closing his eyes he held his arms out from his side and nothing happened. He opened his eyes, looked at his hands and swore under his breath.

  “Relax,” Ulysses soothed. Jason clenched his fists and shut his eyes, again trying to force the change.

  “What were you thinking the first time you changed?” Ulysses asked. Jason kept his eyes shut, trying to remain focused.

  “I wasn’t really thinking anything, I was angry,” Jason answered.

  “That’s good use that emotion. Don’t think, feel what you want to do as opposed to trying to become something specific,” Ulysses said.

  “I’ll try,” Jason whispered, as the effort drained from his face and the tension ebbed from his body.

  “What do you want to do?” Ulysses asked.

  “Fly,” Jason whispered and with that he changed. Golden fur ran from his neck down to his extremities, limbs transformed in shape and size. His body grew, ripping through his clothing and turning it to rags which fell from him. Jason wasn’t aware of what was occurring as he dropped to all fours, a long tail sprouting from his lower back
, his human form changing to that of a regal lion. Dark brown feathers seeped from the skin on Jason’s head as his eyes grew large and his mouth and nose elongated together, forming a beak. Finally two majestic silver wings erupted from his back. The wings opened in a wide arc and began to beat in a slow, rhythmic motion, lifting Jason from the ground.

  “Holy shit, a griffin, I don’t believe it,” Ulysses muttered. Upon hearing these words, Jason opened his eyes and was startled to see that he was hovering metres from the ground. He glanced down at Ulysses who was grinning broadly.

  “Well done Jason,” Ulysses called out, he then motioned for Jason to come down. Jason let out a screech and shook his head. Without waiting for a response he launched himself into the sky.

  “Jason, wait!” Ulysses yelled, but Jason was well out of earshot, spiralling directly up into the open sky. Jason felt total exhilaration as the wind rushed past him, his newly acquired eyes seem to take in everything. Despite the distance he could easily make out Ulysses on the ground. Jason spun then dived towards the tree tops, his paws brushing them as he passed. The feeling was almost indescribable and he yelled out in pure joy, only the sound came out a loud screech. He rose high into the sky, gliding on the thermal shifts in the air as he took in the beautiful scenery. Jason’s eyes caught a shimmering reflection in the distance and without further thought flew in its direction.

  Ulysses watched as Jason in his newly acquired form was flying further and further away. Without waiting another second Ulysses transformed as well, adopting a similar form as Jason. His griffin however was different in both size and design, slightly smaller in stature. The body was a camouflaged leopard, the wings jet black and the head was that of a pure white bald eagle. Ulysses let out a piercing screech, took a giant bound then leapt into the sky, flying directly after his young protégé.

  Jason flew on towards the shimmering image of Greymeade Lake that lay beyond Perigord. Climbing and diving through the cloud coverage his attention was completely focused on the pure joy of the flight, until Ulysses pulled up alongside him.

  “Jason, return to the car right now,” Ulysses screeched.

  “Oh my god, Ulysses, can you believe we’re flying? This is incredible”