by Marc Lindsay
“Of course, come inside,” Ms Gaia said and led Selene in through the front door.
Inside the house was plain but neat, nothing out of place as only a single person living on their own would keep it.
“If you would like a drink, please help yourself to something cold from the fridge. I’ll see if I can find my cell phone in the bedroom,” Ms Gaia said.
“Thank you, I think I will,” Selene replied. Ms Gaia nodded then departed down the hallway in search of her phone. Selene went over to the cupboard looking for a glass. After opening several doors with no success she went over to the pantry and peered inside. Again no glasses, but what she did find was something tall standing up against the wall and covered in a long, flowing cloth that appeared to have a primitive astronomical chart stitched clearly and painstakingly into it.
“What’s this?” Selene whispered as she slowly pulled the cloth from the hidden object underneath. What she found may her gasp and drop the cloth. Leaning against the wall was a long, twisted staff covered in runes, polished stones and engraved figures. At that moment Selene realised that she was staring at the Gjallarhorn and the missing festival sceptre that had been stolen from school.
“Oh my God, it can’t be” Selene muttered as she picked up the Gjallarhorn with a grunt and examined it closely. “The harvest sceptre is the Gjallarhorn” Selene said.
“Yes, yes it is,” a voice behind said, Selene spun to see Ms Gaia swinging a rolling pin in her direction, then darkness overcame her.
Selene slowly opened her eyes and lifted her head which felt as if it weighed a tonne and throbbed with a blinding intensity. She tried to focus her vision on her surroundings which seemed to be an impossible task.
“Ah, you’re awake already, I was right about you, you’re a tough one,” Ms Gaia said. Selene blinked and shook her head as she attempted to clear her vision.
“What have you done to me?” Selene groaned.
“Oh you took a nasty bump to the head,” Ms Gaia replied with a chuckle. Selene’s vision had started to clear but the throbbing in her head still made it hard to concentrate. She looked down to find that she had been bound to a chair in what she guessed was Ms Gaia’s basement.
“Why are you doing this to me?” Selene growled. This was met with laughter.
“I think what you should be asking me is what am I doing with the Gjallarhorn?” Ms Gaia said.
“How did you know that the sceptre was the Gjallarhorn?” Selene asked coolly.
“I like to think of myself as an educated woman, one who despite her intelligence had not been given the opportunities to realise her full potential, until now,” Ms Gaia stated.
“I’m afraid you’ve lost me,” Selene replied confused.
“Of course I have dear, but you’re like every other hick in this town who wouldn’t know a horn from a sceptre. Me on the other hand, I like to read and I have a healthy curiosity for the unusual and unexplained. That horn sitting in plain sight for anyone to see was practically humming with untapped power. Isn’t it funny how the small minded people in Perigord don’t seem to notice the strange things that happen in this town?” Ms Gaia said as she paced the floor.
“What are you planning to do with it?” Selene asked.
“Let’s not beat around the bush shall we. I’ve been keeping tabs on you and your boyfriend. You know what the Gjallarhorn is capable of, I intend to see its destiny fulfilled,” Ms Gaia said.
“Are you out of your mind? You want to see the end of the world? Just so you can act out some insane power trip?” Selene yelled.
“You’re no different than all the others, so small minded that you cannot behold the endless possibilities. Humanity is like a virus destroying this planet, I have spent years trying to address ecological issues and fight against greedy capitalism, but no one really cares. As long as people have their Wi-Fi and McDonalds they couldn’t care less about the destruction of the rainforests or the culling of whales,” Ms Gaia said vehemently.
“So what are you saying,” Selene said.
“That with the power of the Gjallarhorn and its unstoppable army at my disposal I will restore the planet to its former glory and then I intend to take my army and vision to the stars,” Ms Gaia roared. Selene stared hard at Ms Gaia in total disbelief, then she started to giggle quietly. This turned to a gentle chuckle and finally full gut bursting side splitting laughter. Ms Gaia’s eyes narrowed with anger as she watched Selene buck under the strains of her bonds with laughter.
“Stop laughing!” Ms Gaia snarled, but this only made Selene laugh harder. “I can’t,” Selene cackled, tears streaming down her face.
“I said stop it, you little bitch,” Ms Gaia yelled as she grabbed Selene by the shoulders and shook her.
“Listen to yourself, you sound like a comic book villain,” Selene said through gales of laughter. “I intend to take my army and vision to the stars, mmmwwwhahaha. I’m surprised you weren’t stroking your pussy while you were saying that. Whoops, that was a bit rude, I meant your cat,” Selene said, then continued laughing hysterically.
“I said shut your mouth,” Ms Gaia growled and slapped Selene full force across the face. The blow had the desired effect. It silenced Selene, rocking her head back and leaving a blazing scarlet mark on the side of her face.
“There, that seemed to shut you up,” Ms Gaia said with a level of triumph. “Some educated woman you are, having to resort to violence to get your point across,” Selene said calmly. “But then again you’re not completely sane, are you?” Selene added.
“I’m not here to state my case, but to prevent you from informing your colleagues of my involvement in this,” Ms Gaia stated, then walked towards the door.
“Wait!” Selene called out. Ms Gaia stopped mid step and turned around. “I have to know. How you are planning on distributing the potion to the town?” Selene asked. Ms Gaia paused to think this over.
“Why not, you’re going to be present when it happens. I’m still not sure whether to let you join them in the transformation or be amongst their first victims,” Ms Gaia said thoughtfully.
“You’re a freak,” Selene spat back.
“During the festival the town will be drinking free cider supplied by the Black River Brewery. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic contain the ingredients vital to the ceremony,” Ms Gaia said smugly.
“My friends will stop you,” Selene said suddenly, sounding unsure.
“I have my own friends to ensure that won’t happen, but you won’t be there to see. I have to go dear. I’m sure you’ll appreciate that I have a lot to do today,” Ms Gaia said, looking at her watch then spun on her heel and walked out. “Feel free to yell and scream, no one will hear you. I’ve placed enchantments nullifying any interruptions,” Ms Gaia called back as the lights went out, leaving Selene sitting in the dark tied to a chair with the realisation that no one knew where she was.
Chapter 34
Immediately after Jason had left the library, Ulysses went to his study looking urgently for something hidden in his desk. He ripped out each draw one at a time emptying the contents and searching until he found what he was looking for, a long roll of parchment. Ulysses wiped the desk clear with one broad stroke of his arm and untied the black ribbon that was knotted carefully around the parchment. He unrolled the parchment revealing a large detailed map of Perigord. Ulysses was leaning over studying the map when Ms Jax entered the room. She viewed the mess before her with a stern eye. Ulysses looked up then back to the map.
“Not now Amelia, I’m busy,” Ulysses said tiredly, but Ms Jax stood firm.
“Is this the lead you plan on following?” Ms Jax asked. Ulysses sighed and pointed to an area on the map showing the forests in the valley.
“He’s out there somewhere, I know it. I can feel it,” Ulysses said.
“How can you be so sure?” Ms Jax said shaking her head.
“If not him than whom, it has to be Heinrich,” Ulysses said slamming a fist down in frustration.
“It has to be, or you want it to be? I’ve put this behind me, why can’t you?” Ms Jax replied.
“Enough,” Ulysses said sharply. He then paused and his expression softened as he regarded his old friend. “I have to do this. The woods will be free of people today of all days and I will be able to roam unimpeded. I ask that you remain here and continue your task and assist Jason and Selene when required,” Ulysses said.
“And when will you return?” Ms Jax asked concerned.
“I don’t know, but don’t worry I’ll be back well before the festivities start. I promise,” Ulysses said. Ms Jax nodded and departed without another word, leaving Ulysses to continue to study the map in silence.
Within the hour Ulysses was racing through the dense forest, his form that of a rezire, a large cat-like creature from the jungle planet of H’soth, the form had rough black and grey fur and long retractable claws. Its head was more like that of a hammerhead shark, broad and blunt, its eyes located on the sides constantly scanning the surroundings. Below the eyes were what looked like dozens of small puncture holes. Their purpose was olfactory perception just like earth’s jungle cats, only hundreds of times keener. At the bottom of the broad head, a wide mouth full of razor sharp teeth. The cat’s two prehensile tails constantly moved about detecting variations in the air, alerting it to anyone or thing in its vicinity. Ulysses moved with purpose, his head darting quickly from side to side his powerful muscular body traversing the thick terrain with ease.
After carefully making his way around the lake, he eventually found himself at the far end of the valley facing a small clearing. In the centre stood an abandoned timber shack, barely bigger than a tool shed and obviously uninhabited due to its location and state of disrepair. Ulysses kept a low profile within the tree line and carefully circled the shack, watching closely for any signs of movement.
The clouds overhead had started to amass casting the entire area in dark shadows. Ulysses stopped in his tracks. Lifting his head he scanned his surroundings. The forest had become deathly quiet. He crouched low and emitted a low steady growl. His claws popped forth from his feet as he awaited an assault. He didn’t have to wait long, a crashing sound came through the brush from behind. Ulysses spun to meet his assailant - a tall dark figure moving at a superhuman speed. He barely had time to move as the figure dived at him and slashed his face with its deadly sharp talons. Before Ulysses could recover, the figure was gone. Ulysses let rip with a deafening roar out of rage and frustration. The slash marks left long deep trails in the flesh across his face. He watched the trees into which the figure had disappeared, another figure ploughed into his left side. This one was a little smaller and it too slashed his side however it was slower in its departure and Ulysses was able to see his attacker. It was humanoid in form but larger than a man, it had pointed ears and a tail like a cat, spotted camouflage covered its skin similar to a leopard.
“A bloody Were Leopard,” he muttered to himself, as another figure rushed him from the tree line. Ulysses was ready this time. Crouching low he prepared to leap at his assailant when he was struck on the side by another. Ulysses howled in pain as the perpetrator raked his side, leaving a trail of open wounds in its wake. He was able to see his attacker closely this time, as it grinned at his cries of pain. Ulysses struck out clumsily. The leopard easily ducked his blow and leapt back out of Ulysses’ range. The lone Were was then joined by two others of its kind, forming a semi-circle around the wounded Ulysses. All three were sporting hungry smiles that held no mirth.
Ulysses changed back to his human form. The transformation partially healed his wounds, although they were still visible, only now as raw scar tissue. Ulysses winced as he felt his side. This brought laughter from the Were-leopards, the sound more like hyenas than that of jungle cats.
“Ah the Stumpp brothers I presume, what brings you to Perigord?” Ulysses said trying to sound calm. This brought more laughter from the Weres.
“Why the famous Ulysses Walker, that’s what,” the tallest of the three replied casually in a strong Russian accent.
“I’m flattered really. You should have called ahead and we could have done lunch,” Ulysses said, this time there was no laughter.
“His reputation is as bloated as a fat sow brothers,” the smaller one said.
“I agree he’s trying to stall,” the tall one replied. “No matter, we’re getting paid for the kill, not in the manner in which it is conducted,” he added.
“I would have done this for free Peter. After all, to claim this one’s hide will only add to our rep and infamy,” the short one said.
“Who’s paying you?” Ulysses demanded.
“Why, are you going to double it?” the short one sneered. “I swear, they’re all the same. Pathetic,” he added.
“Hardly, I just needed the information so once I was done with you three I could finish this once and for all,” Ulysses said boldly. This brought growls from the three brothers. “Tell me, does the other one talk?” Ulysses asked, indicating the third brother who stood silently glaring at him with one eye. The other eye was missing and covered by an ugly scar.
“He prefers to let his actions speak louder than his words,” the tall one said defiantly.
“You know what I think? When I’m done with you three, the Stumpp brothers name will be synonymous with cowering like a dog,” Ulysses said with a grin.
“Rip him apart brothers!” the tall one growled and all three of them rushed at Ulysses, their mouths open with exposed fangs and their eyes filled with rage and blood lust. Ulysses closed his eyes for a brief moment, his face still and devoid of any emotion. When he did open them a split second later, his mouth turned up in a small smile as his body transformed. His skin turned blood red in colour and formed into rough, hard scales. His mass increased and doubled in size. A large tail formed from his lower back, stretching and spreading out along the ground, ending in a sharp whip. His arms and legs lengthened, lean and sinewy with both talons forming on his feet and hands. Finally his head enlarged, reptilian in features, wide mouth full of small dagger like teeth and large yellow serpent eyes that took in everything. Ulysses looked like a cross between a raptor and one of Dante’s demons.
The transformation took seconds to complete and when he was finished, he roared like something that was born from the pit. The three Were Leopards charged Ulysses. He leapt as well, fangs gaping and claws exposed ready to tear flesh asunder. This was a battle for survival and all the combatants were well aware of the stakes involved. The three brothers were experienced fighters who had spent lifetimes working with each other, knowing their own strengths and weaknesses explicitly. Their style had evolved over the years and it showed as they flowed as one. Ulysses on the other hand was used to working alone. Despite the fact that he was fighting three deadly assailants he was able to cut loose without fear of hurting or harming an ally or friend. His strikes and blows were efficient and precise. The short one leapt onto his back and attempted to apply a choke on him from behind. One eye darted toward Ulysses with the intention of disembowelling him with his outstretched claws. Turning suddenly, Ulysses struck one eye with his whip like tail, sending him flying into the path of a small tree.
“Hold him tight brother,” the tall one said as he weaved past one of Ulysses’ strikes that nearly cleaved his head from his shoulders. The tall one kicked out into Ulysses’ stomach, only to find it hard and unyielding. Ulysses leaned back on his tail, balancing carefully. He kicked out with both feet, sending the tall one hurtling through the air and into the side of the shack. The short one was still attempting to choke him from behind, its hold was great and Ulysses tried but couldn’t shake him. He tried a different tactic, changing form once again. The colour of his skin turned a dark shade of blue. The arms and legs withered away to nothing, the body now that of a long serpent. The head became broad and armoured with long horns growing from the base of the skull, twisting out in a curved arc. Similar horns, smaller than these began
to appear from the neck and worked their way down his spine toward the tail. The shorter Were Leopard managed to hold on the entire time during the transformation, once complete however, Ulysses coiled his powerful body around the Were Leopard and squeezed with all his might. The creature cried out and released its grip on Ulysses who only squeezed tighter. Eventually the sounds of bones cracking and breaking could easily be heard. Ulysses refused to stop though even after the Were Leopard’s eyes burst from their sockets and a torrent of blood gushed from its mouth. Finally Ulysses’ head poised ready to strike, his mouth open exposing two prominent fangs, which were dripping with yellow venom.
“NO!” the Were with one eye screamed as Ulysses struck the throat of the short one, his fangs digging deep, injecting lethal doses of venom into the Were Leopards blood stream. It blindly convulsed in its death throes, then went still. The great serpent released its hold as the body fell from its grip. The two remaining Weres stared dumbstruck at their fallen brother, then turned their murderous gazes onto Ulysses who remained erect like a cobra. The Weres howled in unison and prepared to attack when Ulysses whipped his head forward in a short controlled movement. His mouth opened wide and a burst of luminescent green fire billowed toward the two unprepared Weres. At the very last moment both dived to the side barely evading the mystical green fire. The intense heat singed the fur on their bodies and they rolled behind the trees for cover.
The serpent reared back and watched for any movement, its large yellow eyes staring unblinking for signs of a counter attack. The forest had become eerily quiet except for the ragged breath of the hidden Weres.
“And then there were two. Your reputation has been grossly exaggerated,” Ulysses said as he turned back into human form. “Oh where oh where have the two Weres gone?” Ulysses added in a playful sing song voice.