Perigord

by Marc Lindsay

  The first hundred metres they flew directly skyward. Hector remained limp, his heart in his throat. The second hundred he regained some sense and tried vainly to see who or what, his assailant was. Now in the moonlight he caught nightmare glimpses. Hooved feet, a flowing reptilian tail, leathery skin, finally a bestial face straight from Dante’s inferno that peered at him, its mouth open, displaying white razor sharp teeth arranged in what seemed to be a grin.

  “Will you stop squirming or I might accidently drop you?” The creature said casually. This time Hector did scream long and loud, ending in a high pitched wail as they continued their flight up. By now Hector had screamed himself to the point of exhaustion. The demonic looking creature breached the cloud cover that hung over Perigord. Bathed in the silvery reflection of the moon, the creature hovered there slowly flapping its wings. It held Hector out with one hand at arm’s length, appearing to just study him. Hector whimpered under the beast’s glare.

  “What do you want with me?” Hector blubbered.

  “Do you know who I am?” the creature thundered.

  “No, please don’t eat me!”

  “Eat you? How splendid! I must admit the idea never even crossed my mind, til now,” the creature growled as it pulled Hector close and opened its mouth wide.

  “No. No please stop! I didn’t mean, don’t, I’ll do anything, stop!” Hector screamed with every fibre of his being. The creature paused, Hector’s head inches from its opened mouth. It seemed to ponder his fate thoughtfully. After a few moments that felt like an eternity to Hector, the creature sighed, then held Hector out again.

  “You’ll do anything, I love that phrase,” the creature said, waiting patiently for Hector to answer. The silence that followed along with his shaking proved that none would be forthcoming.

  “I’ve been watching you,” the creature said letting the words hang in the air. Hector looked terrified and started to sob.

  “Quiet!” the creature roared and tossed Hector away with ease, like someone throwing a ball. Hector went sailing through the air tumbling head over foot, then disappearing entirely into the cloud canopy. Hector’s vision was a blur. The night sky and his spinning form made it impossible to get his bearings. He shut his eyes tightly and waited for death. His limp and silent body hurtled toward the earth. The trees below appeared to be reaching out for his still form. Then at the very last second, the demonic creature swooped in from nowhere and snatched him mere moments from impact. When Hector finally opened his eyes, he was again staring at the creature. This time however he was being held by his ankle and viewing the nightmare upside down.

  “I know what you did tonight,” the creature breathed.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hector said, shaking uncontrollably. The creature let out a huge laugh that sounded like thunder.

  “That’s the spirit. A murderer and a liar, just like your father,” the creature added.

  “You’ve mistaken me for someone else,” Hector whined and squirmed.

  “I’ll look forward to seeing you both in the pit,” the creature chuckled then without further warning, dropped Hector into the black void below. There was no scream this time as Hector passed out and plummeted toward the earth.

  Jason knocked on Ursula’s front door and was met by Selene, moments later.

  “Hey, what took you?” Selene said smiling, clearly happy to see him. Her voice still heavy with fatigue.

  “I just needed to stop and pick up this,” Jason said and pulled out a colourful bouquet of wild flowers from behind his back, holding them out in offering. Selene took the flowers from him and let him through the door.

  “I’m not really the flowers and chocolates type of girl but I appreciate the thought. They are very pretty though,” Selene replied. Ursula met them in the front landing, in her arms a large blanket.

  “What beautiful flowers,” Ursula observed. “I’ve made up a bed, but you might need this to take the chill off,” Ursula said. Jason took the blanket.

  “Thanks, you shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble on my behalf,” Jason replied. Ursula waved it off.

  “Tish tosh, it’s the very least I could do for a guest in my home. Selene will show you to your room. It’s been a big day for everyone. Do try and get some sleep, in your own beds, okay?” Ursula added. The pair blushed.

  “Gee, that wasn’t embarrassing, was it?” Selene said with a sigh and a small grin.

  “I’m too old to waste time mincing my words, besides I’ve said my peace and that’s that, goodnight,” Ursula said, as she departed down the hallway to her own bedroom.

  “And on that awkward note, I’ll take you to your room,” Selene said. They stopped at the kitchen along the way and made a small snack of milk and cookies which they nibbled on slowly. They talked about things that teenagers their age find interesting- movies, music and school gossip. They avoided all references to Heinrich and the Harvest Festival and despite his fatigue, Jason enjoyed his time with Selene. He stretched and let out a long yawn.

  “I’m sorry,” Jason said sheepishly

  “It’s okay, I’m tired too,” Selene replied. “My grandmother’s right though, we’ve had a big day and an even bigger one tomorrow,” Selene added as she climbed out of her chair and held out her hand to Jason, who took it as she pulled him to his feet with a groan.

  “I suppose you’re right, we only have one more day until the festival starts,” Jason replied.

  “Come on then,” Selene said reluctantly. Still holding his hand, she pulled him along down the corridor toward his room.

  “This is your stop, if you do need anything I’m just down the corridor, first door on the left,” Selene said without a hint of innuendo.

  “Thanks, will do,” Jason mumbled shyly.

  “Goodnight,” Selene replied as she started to leave. Jason felt frustrated by his lack of confidence in regards to their budding relationship. Frustration turned to impulse as he took a deep breath and grabbed her by the shoulders, spinning her around to face him. Selene’s eyes went wide in surprise as Jason lent in and kissed her deeply on the lips, his hands moving from her shoulders to her waist as he pulled her in close. Selene’s body began to relax as she pressed herself against him and returned his kiss with a renewed passion. They could both feel each other’s heat. Their sexual tension had been building for the past week and now their kiss felt pure, sweet and a little awkward, all at once. After what seemed an eternity, their lips parted. Both of them took a deep breath before opening their eyes. After a brief moment Jason blushed and averted his eyes.

  “I hope you don’t…,” Jason stammered, but was silenced by a ssshhh from Selene.

  “Don’t say another word,” Selene breathed with a relaxed and sensual smile, and without another word she turned and walked away to her room, turning once before she disappeared to smile and blow him a kiss. Jason watched her then he too retired to bed.

  Chapter 32

  The next morning Jason awoke and for the first time in ages felt truly rested. He laid there for a long while enjoying the tranquillity and quiet that can only be found on a Sunday morning. After a while he could hear familiar noises coming from the kitchen and decided he should get up. After quietly showering, getting dressed and making his bed he wandered out to greet his hosts. Much to his disappointment he arrived in the kitchen only to find Ursula preparing coffee and toast. She greeted him warmly with a smile.

  “I hope I didn’t wake you Jason,” Ursula said in a quiet tone. Jason shook his head.

  “No I’ve been awake for a little bit just lying in bed,” Jason replied sheepishly.

  “No need to feel guilty after the day you two had yesterday,” Ursula said shaking her head. “That’s why I’ve decided to let Selene sleep in. It’s normally not like her to still be in bed at this hour, I fear that her ordeal has more than just knocked the wind from her sails,” Ursula said.

  “I agree, better to let her sleep and recover as much as possible,”
Jason replied.

  “Feel free to help yourself to breakfast, you’ll need to keep your energy up as well,” Ursula said. Jason’s eyes gleamed at the mention of food; it felt as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks.

  “I think I will,” Jason said as Ursula poured him a cup of steaming coffee. He went about making cereal and toast.

  “I’ll leave you to your breakfast. I have a ton of things that I need to do this morning, thanks again for Selene,” Ursula said humbly and exited the room.

  After a brief stop off home, Jason made his way through town. He was surprised to find that there appeared to be a small army of volunteers working in and around the central park area, busily organising decorations, stalls and anything and everything to coincide with the Harvest Festival. He spotted kids and teachers among the helpers who were all busy assembling stages and marquees. Jason tried to be inconspicuous as he cut his way through the park towards the library. Every so often he would see someone he knew and would give them a brief wave then continue on, not wanting to get caught up in pointless, idle chatter. Arriving at the library he let out a sigh of relief. Behind its giant doors, Ms Jax was the first to see him as he entered the rear staff room.

  “I really wasn’t expecting you in so early,” Ms Jax said surprised.

  “I didn’t feel like sleeping in before the end of the world,” Jason replied with a shrug.

  “Oh it’s not that bad.” A voice echoed through the room and the pair turned to see Ulysses stroll casually towards them sipping a cup of tea. He smiled as if to parlay their fears. “I’ve been in tighter spots before,” he said coolly.

  “Really?” Jason asked incredulously.

  “Really. The battle for the three moons comes to mind and then there was the elemental rebellion. No wait, that didn’t turn out so well,” Ulysses said as he pondered this.

  “What do you mean it didn’t turn out so well?” Jason asked, clearly puzzled by his statement.

  “Well for starters it’s why I’m here,” Ulysses said in an agitated voice. Jason waited for him to elaborate further but Ulysses appeared to be deep within his own thoughts. He then turned to Ms Jax for support but it was obvious she wasn’t going to talk either.

  “Another time maybe. Have you an overall plan of attack then?” Jason asked, trying to clear the air.

  “Selene phoned just before you arrived,” Ms Jax said.

  “Is everything okay?” Jason replied, concerned.

  “Relax, she just wanted to say that she was stopping by a friend to ask about the stones,” Ms Jax said.

  “Well as you can see outside, the festival is here and there’s nothing we can do to stop that, but that doesn’t mean were sunk. Right?” Ulysses said. Jason shrugged.

  “I’ve been thinking about this all morning. Ms Jax is going to continue to hit all of earth’s databases for more information,” Ulysses said.

  “I’m on it,” Ms Jax replied in her usual deep gravelly voice.

  “Jason I want you and Selene to stay close to the park and keep an eye on the set up and proceedings. You see anything out of the ordinary, phone it in to Ms Jax,” Ulysses instructed.

  “That’s all? Surely my time could be better suited to something else?” Jason replied tersely. Ulysses placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder and looked him square in the eye.

  “I know this doesn’t appear to be very important, but we desperately need your eyes on the ground today, especially considering we are severely lacking in any decent intelligence. Use your abilities, your senses. I have a bad feeling that we are going to have some out of town visitors today,” Ulysses said.

  “Out of town?” Jason said confused.

  “Not of this earth Jason, beings like us. Find them, but don’t approach. Don’t do anything just report it.”

  “Report it, what’s the point in that? I’m ready, I can handle it,” Jason said a little testily.

  “I mean it, there are people on earth, and I use the term loosely, that make Onyx look like a cute and cuddly squirrel. If you try and engage an unknown quantity you not only risk yourself but innocent people as well. Do not engage, am I clear on this!” Ulysses said sternly. Jason nodded reluctantly.

  “Fine, fine, I just have one question though” Jason said.

  “Shoot,” Ulysses replied.

  “What are you going to be doing today?” he asked.

  “I’m going to follow a lead,” Ulysses replied cryptically. Jason’s curiosity was killing him.

  “And that would be?” Jason asked, but Ulysses shook his head.

  “I’d rather not say at this stage,” Ulysses said. Ms Jax appeared taken aback by his statement but remained silent. “We all have a job to do today, let’s not waste any more time.”

  Chapter 33

  When Selene awoke that morning she opened her eyes and just laid there. Between everything that had happened to her in the past couple of weeks, it all seemed a little surreal. She eventually sat up which required some effort. Her body felt like one big bruise and after painfully climbing out of bed and slowly getting dressed, she joined Ursula for breakfast.

  “Is Jason up yet?” Selene asked.

  “Yes dear, he had breakfast and left,” Ursula replied.

  “Oh,” Selene said and appeared to deflate.

  “Don’t be upset with him, he didn’t want to wake you and I agree. In fact I really think you should go back to bed, you look pale and tired,” Ursula said concerned, but Selene shook it off.

  “I’m fine really, I’m not made of porcelain,” Selene replied. Ursula clearly wanted to say more but bit her tongue on the subject. They sat quietly for a while as Selene ate her breakfast.

  “Today’s the day,” Ursula said as she got to her feet and started to clear the table, despite the fact Selene was still eating.

  “Yes, yes it is. I’m curious what your plans are today, or should I say what are the Guild of Wolves’ orders for preventing the apocalypse,” Selene said casually through a mouthful of toast.

  “Please don’t talk like that,” Ursula said uncomfortably.

  “I don’t understand. Is it or is it not the end of days?” Selene shot back, then immediately felt guilty for it. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little tense,” she added. Ursula shook her head.

  “The Guild doesn’t operate like that anymore. We would try to look at things in the long term, eradicate small threats. We were never capable of handling things of this magnitude,” Ursula said quietly.

  “Well I’m going to see someone about those rocks and then I’ll meet up with Jason at the library,” Selene said as she rose from the table. “Maybe you could join us?”

  “That’s exactly what I plan to do, roll up my sleeves and see where Ulysses wants to use me,” Ursula replied with a grin.

  “Great,” Selene said as she rounded the table and planted a kiss on Ursula’s cheek. “I’ll see you there.”

  Selene made her way to the west side of town toward a quiet street that backed onto the edge of the forest. She eventually reached a small cottage that was positioned second from the end. The cottage was plain, but well maintained and appeared to be inserted directly into the tree line. Selene walked up a path made of stone and moss. Large unkempt hedges lined the path which gave it a natural feel as well as provided privacy from the road. Approaching the porch steps, a female voice called out.

  “Good morning Selene, what brings you around here this early in the morning?” the voice asked pleasantly. Selene’s head whipped around in surprise.

  “Oh, hey, I didn’t see you there Ms Gaia,” Selene said smiling as she climbed the steps up to the house. Ms Gaia was sitting on a large oversized chair that had been carefully crafted from twisted tree branches, and like everything else on the property, it was hand fashioned and completely natural. “I hope you don’t mind me popping in unannounced,” Selene added.

  “Not at all. What brings you to my little corner of the world?” Ms Gaia asked warmly.

  “I wanted to ask you a question,�
�� Selene said.

  “School work during the festival? How dedicated,” Ms Gaia replied.

  “Hardly. No I found these rocks the other day and I was wondering if you could tell me anything about them” Selene asked, as she fished something from her pocket.

  “I’m probably not the best one to ask as geology is not my field of expertise. Mr Marin one of the other science teachers would be a better one to consult as geology is his passion,” Ms Gaia replied. Selene produced three rocks that glowed faintly under the shade of the porch roof.

  “May I?” Ms Gaia asked and took one of the rocks from Selene’s hand. After studying it for a few seconds, she then looked up satisfied.

  “I think I can help you with this after all,” she added.

  “Fantastic, what is it?” Selene asked excitedly.

  “It’s a rock known as Ambroxilene,” Ms Gaia said. Selene who was leaning against the porch railing stood straight with a jolt.

  “Ambroxilene? Are you sure?” Selene asked.

  “Absolutely, it’s used at the brewery for sterilisation,” Ms Gaia said as she tossed the rock back to Selene. “Now for the million dollar question. What’s so important about this rock that you needed to come and ask me on a public holiday, and does it have anything to do with the supernova you and Jason came and saw me about the other day?” Ms Gaia asked curiously.

  “I didn’t think it was until now,” Selene replied. Ms Gaia’s eyes seemed to dance at Selene’s answer.

  “Now I’m definitely intrigued,” Ms Gaia said. “Please tell me more”.

  “I’m afraid I can’t at the moment, but I promise later I’ll fill you in with what I can,” Selene said as she reached for something in her back pocket only to find it wasn’t there. “Could I possibly use your phone? I seem to have left mine at home,” Selene added.