Perigord

by Marc Lindsay

  “Stop!” Jason shouted on the run but his voice was drowned out by the sound of the booming horn. They approached cautiously through the sea of kneeling people who appeared rigid and unmoving. Despite their careful movement forward, Jason nearly tripped several times over the still figures littering the ground.

  They could now clearly make out Ms Gaia seated upon the chair. She paused and gave the pair a wicked smile then mouthed the words “You’re too late.” She continued to blow the horn, all the while keeping her eyes locked on them.

  “Screw this,” Jason said angrily as he strode forward. Selene reached out and grabbed his arm.

  “I don’t like this,” Selene said warily.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll just walk over, grab the horn and we’ll go home, trust me.” His cockiness lasted all of two seconds as a scream was issued from someone within the crowd. Jason spun around to see one of the kneeling people, not ten metres away writhing on the ground in pain. This was followed by another scream, then another and another. They looked around in concern and terror as people before their eyes began to change. Not the natural seamless way in which Jason did, but in a bone crunching, muscle tearing way you’d envisaged would happen in a B grade horror movie. The screams soon gave way to growls and roars.

  “Mum!” Jason yelled out as he frantically looked around for her. By now all of the town’s people looked like one giant seething mass of teeth, claws and muscle. Before they could take another step toward the stage, Ms Gaia stopped blowing the horn and was standing with it raised above her head, her purple eyes ablaze with an unnatural fire.

  “Feast my minions,” she screamed loudly and pointed one finger in Jason and Selene’s direction. There was a clear pause as all of the now fully transformed crowd turned their hungry eyes towards them. The only sound was the heavy breathing of the beasts as surveyed their prey.

  Selene stood frozen to the ground, paralysed with fear, completely unsure of what to do next. A large roar was issued from one of the beasts. It sounded as if it were coming directly from the gates of hell, a cross between an elephant, a lion and a touch of otherworldly madness thrown in for good measure. It was soon joined by another, then a dozen more and finally the entire congregation of creatures, their black dead eyes regarded them unblinking. Jason changed his form, becoming like that of a gorilla, squat and powerful but without hair. Instead the skin was grey in colour and thickened its density like hardened leather now with distinct armoured ridges. Jason’s head was now broad and blunt with two small horns, one on the forehead the other on the bridge of the nose like a rhinoceros.

  Now in full beast mode, Jason scooped Selene up with one of his powerful arms and with his other free hand, bounded over several beasts like a child playing leap frog. He was able to do this quickly and with relative ease, landing them temporarily out of harm’s way. Their sudden movement forced the beasts around them into action. The nearest one charged the pair, swinging its massive head. It attempted to take a bite out of Selene with its gnashing jaws. Jason brought his arm down onto the head of the beast at the last moment, his heavy fist laying it down hard.

  “Be careful,” Selene screamed, but Jason just stared at her incredulously. “They can’t help themselves,” Selene added hopelessly. It was then the realisation hit him. These slavering creatures were the victims and despite the imminent danger they posed, he had to be careful not to inflict any permanent danger on any of them. As if on cue, three of them bounded towards Jason, their teeth and claws bared ready to rend flesh and bone apart.

  “Run!” Jason growled, his newly acquired form barely able to spit the words out. Selene, understanding the inflection of the words and the immediate danger they meant, ran quite literally for her life toward the library entrance. Jason held his ground defending her fleeing form from the advancing beasts. She was nearly at the steps to the library when a shadowy figure streaked out of nowhere knocking her to the ground. Jason caught this movement out of the corner of his eye as he traded blows with another pair of beasts.

  “Selene!” Jason screamed as he spun to face her assailant, in the process turning his back on the army of Perigord who had now stopped their assault. The beasts were now waiting passively as Ms Gaia moved forward to see what was transpiring.

  Although the blow with which she had received had been intended to kill, Selene was far from dead. Her assailant was holding Selene up by her hair with one hand, the other poised at her throat.

  “Strix,” Jason growled angrily. Yet another added antagonist to an already one sided fight. “If you’ve hurt her, I’ll make you pay,” he added.

  “Too late for that,” another voice yelled out. Jason turned his gaze at the additional figure that was joining them near the steps of the library. The broad figure of Onyx strolled almost casually out of the tree line carrying the chain-bound figures of Ursula and Ms Jax over his shoulder. He stopped short and dumped his captives to the ground with a thud.

  “Give up boy, you’re on your own,” Onyx ordered.

  “I’m not alone, Ulysses is…,” Jason started, but was cut off mid-sentence.

  “Ulysses is dead,” Onyx said smugly, clearly relishing the chance to reveal this information.

  “Bullshit, you couldn’t bring him down if you tried,” Jason said furiously. This honest appraisal of Onyx’s abilities clearly pissed off the mercenary as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

  “Ms Gaia’s assassins would have finished him off hours ago. Like I said, you’re all alone, pup,” Onyx stated. Ms Gaia now stood at the head of her army, all of which stood motionless awaiting her next instruction.

  “Where the hell have you two been?” she ordered, clearly displeased.

  “We had to deal with these two before we could make our way back,” Onyx replied, indicating the two figures at this feet.

  “When I first hired you two I was under the impression I was gaining an exceptional pair of warriors that could get any job done. From what I’ve seen, this is far from the truth,” Ms Gaia said bitterly.

  “Now hold on a second,” Onyx bristled with annoyance. “We’ve done everything you’ve asked. Without us you wouldn’t have your army,” he added.

  “My planning, foresight and perseverance are what have got me where I am now,” Ms Gaia thundered, her army of creatures growling behind her as if in agreement.

  “Stupid human, don’t you dare dream of reneging on your side of the bargain,” Strix said. Ms Gaia shook her head and smiled.

  “My vision doesn’t include the likes of you two. Consider your services terminated.”

  “Bitch!” Strix screamed as she dropped Selene and charged Ms Gaia.

  “No!” Onyx yelled. He watched in horror as the army of the Harvest Moon who had been standing motionless behind Ms Gaia stampeded from behind their new mistress, ready to protect her from harm. It happened almost too fast to see. One moment Strix was charging forward and the next she was gone, washed away in a wave of howling carnage. Without thinking, Onyx too, ran into the fray, his large wrecking ball fists smashing into the rampaging beasts. No matter how many he hit there were ten more to take its place, and the ones he hit simply shook off the beating and came back for more. Incredibly, the sound of Strix fighting could be heard somewhere within the writhing mess. Jason, not wanting to waste an opportunity, raced to where Selene lay and again scooped her up in his arms. He fought his way through the throng of beasts to the top of the library stairs, however was unable to open the front door.

  “Why won’t it open?” Jason grunted.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Selene said weakly, nursing her gashed forehead. “Save gran and Ms Jax,” Selene added, pointing to where the two lay bound in chains. Jason changed back to his human form, kneeing beside Selene.

  “Okay, but stay up here out of sight,” he ordered. Selene looked dazed, but defiant.

  “I want to help,” she said.

  “I know you do, but I can’t be worrying about your safety and at the same time
trying to help them, okay?” Selene met his gaze, her expression hurt by his words. She nodded her acknowledgement then without warning leaned forward and kissed him deeply.

  “Be careful,” she said gently. Jason, initially stunned, smiled back, a glint in his eye.

  “For you anything,” he replied as he turned to granite and charged down the stairs and into battle. Selene sat there, a proud smile etched on her face. She watched him fight his way through to her grandmother and wished she could do more. Suddenly she heard the door behind her creak open. She crept forward to investigate who or what was behind it. As she peered into the darkness, she was met by a brilliant white light.

  “I don’t believe it,” Selene whispered as she walked willingly through the door. Ever so slowly the door shut behind her.

  After what seemed an eternity, Jason was finally able to reach his chained friends. Ursula was still unconscious but Ms Jax had come to. Relief flooded her face upon seeing Jason. The chains had been applied to her from behind, bounding her feet and hands much like a steer in a rodeo, allowing her no leverage.

  “Am I glad to see you,” Ms Jax said. “But I fear these chains may be beyond the abilities of us both.”

  “Let’s not give up just yet shall we?” Jason replied. He set to work trying to break her restraints. When sheer strength didn’t work he started to pound on the cuffed areas that held her wrists and ankles. This too proved equally fruitless.

  “Shit sake,” Jason growled in frustration. “Are we ever going to get a break tonight?” Out of nowhere a large silver key hit him in the chest and fell into his lap. Not realising what it was, he lifted it up for inspection.

  “It’s the bloody key to those chains,” an angry voice called out. Jason looked around to find a bloody and bruised Strix battling it out with half a dozen creatures. Every move she made was with a blinding and self-assured speed that Jason found mesmerising. Strix stopped only momentarily to give him an impatient look.

  “Would you hurry up? I can’t keep this up indefinitely!” Strix said. Nodding dumbly, Jason fumbled with the key as he unlocked Ms Jax’s restrains. They fell noisily to the ground. Rubbing her wrists Ms Jax climbed to her feet, crouching beside Jason. The pair joined in the battle. They were eventually joined by Strix and Onyx. The four of them formed a crude circle around the still figure of Ursula.

  “Our only chance of survival is to work together,” Onyx cried, struggling to be heard over the noise of battle.

  “Agreed,” Ms Jax replied, clearly not pleased with her options. The four continued to fight, despite the fact they were clearly not making a dent in their opposition’s numbers.

  Chapter 48

  Having been unable to track down the two remaining Stumpp brothers Ulysses had slowly made his way back to town, hampered by the injured arm he had received in the ambush. In his wolf form he had reached the outskirts of the township and could now clearly hear sounds of destruction emanating from the town centre. He raced toward the centre of town, determined to either help or avenge his friends. His wildest thoughts however did not prepare him for the sight that greeted him. Thousands of crazed beasts bellowed and rampaged near his library, all of them attacking four lone figures. Two he knew well, the other two he wished he didn’t. All four were fighting together and that was all he needed to know. Without waiting for an invitation, Ulysses dived into the battle, changing his form into solid rock.

  An uneasy alliance now existed between the hired mercenaries, Jason and Ms Jax. A flash of movement to Jason’s right got his attention as he prepared to face his new threat, only to find Ulysses’ presence in the fray

  “Ulysses!” Jason cheered. Whipping her head around, Ms Jax smiled broadly at the addition of her old friend. Ulysses had joined the group and their chances had increased by a factor of one.

  “Don’t you hate it when you arrive at a party only to find someone wearing the same outfit as you?” Ulysses joked as he and Jason fist bumped each other with a loud rocky thump.

  “I’m glad you could make it,” Ms Jax said as she grabbed a creature by the head and tossed it into the path of another five oncoming beasts.

  “Wouldn’t miss it,” Ulysses said with a wry grin. “By the way you haven’t seen two Weres making their way through town?” Ulysses asked.

  “Hey shit head, pay attention!” Onyx growled angrily as he brought two fists down onto the back of a beast.

  “Hey Onyx, as much as I appreciate your help here, this is our party, so shut your mouth and pull your weight,” Ulysses said savagely. “Oh, remind me later, we need to have a chat about your involvement in our current predicament okay,” he added as he tossed an oncoming beast high into the air. As it returned to earth, Ulysses lined it up and punched the falling figure, sending it flying into the tree tops. Onyx continued to hold his own, choosing not to reply.

  “No I haven’t,” Jason yelled to a confused Ulysses. “I haven’t seen your two Weres, have you misplaced them?” he said. Despite the dire situation, Ulysses let out a big laugh.

  “No can’t say that I’m missing them,” Ulysses said. “By the way can someone fill me in? I feel like I’ve walked in on the last half of a movie.”

  “Ms Gaia, a teacher from school is the mastermind behind this. She kidnapped Selene, who escaped, hired thugs to eliminate us and you, blew the Gjallerhorn starting Ragnerok and we are now in a battle for our lives,” Jason said all in one breath.

  “Selene,” Ulysses replied.

  “Safe,” Jason said as he threw a quick glance at the library entrance.

  “Your mum,” Ulysses asked, but was answered by a worried look. “Ouch,” he added. “Options?”

  “I was hoping you could answer that, big dog,” Jason said as he ducked the blow of a snarling beast.

  “I was afraid of that,” Ulysses said. “I think our only option from what you’ve told me is to grab the teacher and take the horn,” Ulysses said bluntly.

  “Easier said than done,” Ms Jax said, pointing to the object of their discussion in the distance, surrounded by an impossible number of beasts ready to defend her to the death.

  “Forget it, our only chance is to run,” Onyx growled. Ulysses shot him a look of barely suppressed rage.

  “You and your partner run and I swear by all that I hold holy, I’ll spend the rest of my days hunting you down,” Ulysses said. Everyone present knew it was no idle threat.

  “What’s your plan then shifter?” Onyx said, trying to sound calm.

  “Pull back to the trees, lure them into the darkness. Then Jason and I will flank the teacher and steal the Gjallerhorn,” Ulysses said.

  “That’s your plan?” Strix hissed.

  “Unless you have something better?” Ulysses said. His comment was met with silence. “You and Birdy go first, head east. The rest of us will hold them off. We’ll join you once we’ve seen you clear the tree line,” Ulysses snapped. Onyx was about to retort but Strix grabbed him by the arm and shook her head. This seemed to be enough for the mercenary as they pulled back, fighting the entire way.

  “Can we trust them?” Jason asked suspiciously.

  “I doubt it, but all I need to rely on is you two, and that is something that isn’t bothering me in the slightest,” Ulysses said honestly.

  “They’re at the tree line,” Ms Jax interrupted.

  “Amelia grab Ursula,” Ulysses instructed. “On me, let’s go,” he added. The three of them with the unconscious Ursula followed in the direction of Onyx and Strix. It seemed as if there was a never ending supply of foes to fight. Once in the cover and concealment of the trees, they were able to find Strix and Onyx who were standing over a pile of beast bodies.

  “Are they dead?” Jason demanded. His question was met with contempt.

  “And what if they are?” Onyx replied.

  “You Sonofabitch!” Jason yelled as he advanced on the large mercenary. Ms Jax held him back.

  “I think they’re fine,” Ulysses said. “I can see the rise and fall o
f their chests.”

  “Watch your mouth kid. I might let your boss get away with a bit of lip, but not his pup,” Onyx said casually. Jason bristled at his words.

  “Later Jason. Right now we need to continue to move back. There’s a slight rise in the terrain and we could definitely use some high ground,” Ulysses said.

  “Agreed,” Strix said.

  “Run, little piggies, run far, far away,” a voice sang out in the darkness.” They all stopped to listen.

  “I take it, that’s your teacher friend?” Ulysses said.

  “Friend is too strong a word. She sounds bat shit crazy now though,” Jason replied.

  “Keep moving,” Ulysses ordered. The rag tag collection of aliens and humans stealthily withdrew. Occasionally having to deal with a lone beast, they were eventually able to find the rise in the ground that Ulysses had described and located in its centre a large tree. Its thick trunk and out reaching branches appeared to be the answer to their prayers.

  “This is where you three are going to defend. Amelia, take Ursula, get high. From what I’ve seen those beasts won’t be able to navigate their way up there easily,” Ulysses said.

  “And once we’re up there, how long?” Strix asked.

  “As long as it takes,” Ulysses reminded her. “If we’re successful you’ll know.”

  “And if you’re not?” Onyx asked.

  “I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Ulysses said with a grin. “Amelia, you know where to go?” Ms Jax nodded.

  “It’s been a pleasure, I’ll see you one way or the other,” Ms Jax said.

  “In the halls they’ll be singing songs of our battles,” Ulysses replied. Ms Jax pulled Jason into a bear hug, followed by a kiss on the cheek.

  “I haven’t known you long, Jason, but I’ve come to admire your spirit and courage. May the Gods be witness to your exploits here today,” she said. Jason appeared to be a little choked up by her words. He chose to remain silent.

  “Are we done jerking each other off here?” Onyx interrupted gruffly. Ulysses spun to face the mercenary. Stepping up and into his face he poked a finger into his chest.