by Amy Morris
“I would think the western path is safer and would lead to less of a threat of guards since its less worn,” Angel offers.
“I agree, I believe the western route is the one that will lead us to Declan,” Rabble nods.
Rabble and Angel take the lead as we start on the path west, but Talia is being blocked by the deer. “A little help here?” she asks, not wanting to trample the poor animal.
“We can have fresh venison for dinner” Goss offers griping her bow. The deer freezes at this, then trails off from the group.
“Do you think it knew you meant to shoot it?” I ask.
“Doubtful, probably bored with us and the lack of handouts,” Angel shrugs, paying attention only to the path ahead.
Following the slightly over grown trail for twenty minutes, Rabble calls us to a stop. “Well, I’ll be,” he wonders aloud with Angel shaking his head alongside him. Peering past them I see what they refer to, three deer including the one with purple eyes are blocking the trail just ahead.
“Do I shoot now?” Goss offers.
“No,” Rabble answers. “They’re probably just grazing. Best to go around.”
So we try to go around the small herd to the left to no avail since they shift to block us. Going right has the same affect.
“Alright, I give,” Rabble grunts at the offending wildlife. “We should be across the border and into the Groves now.”
“Shoot ’em,” Angel agrees. “We’ll have fresh meat for dinner.”
But before Goss can loosen an arrow from her bow, she disappears right before our eyes. “Where’s Goss?” Talia yells right before evaporating herself.
“What’s going on?” Angel questions, then he’s gone.
“I don’t like this,” I grumble as my horse spooks.
“I don’t either, now gather their reigns so we don’t lose the horses, let’s see what we can find,” Rabble whispers before vanishing himself.
“Not a good joke,” I yell at the trees and empty horses around me. “It’s not funny!” I scream now, trying to get one of them to reappear. But they don’t. The only thing I see is trees, low vegetation, four empty horses and a violet-eyed deer standing by me.
The deer’s penetrating gaze only leaves mine as it takes the slack in my reigns into its mouth and pulls me back south the way we just came.
“What are you doing? I can’t just leave my friends,” feeling silly imploring my plight to a damn deer now. “I have to find them.”
The offending animal releases the strap from its mouth, looks back behind me, then bounces off into the woods. Leaving me alone. “What in the seven hells is going on here?” I ask to no one, knowing that I’m alone now.
“You’re not alone, princess,” reverberates in my mind. Turning my horse quickly, I look to see if Rabble’s returned, but he hasn’t. The man I see just ahead holding my friends' horses is a stranger. Unsure of who he is, I keep myself guarded and draw my mind to a blank as quick as I can. It seems he is the one who communicated with me.
“Again you are not alone princess, I’m here to help you,” the man offers. His worn robe would signify that at some point he lived in a monastery, possibly. From the state of disrepair it’s in, it’s been some time since then. A long white beard covers most of his face except black eyes that seem to penetrate my soul. “Come to my camp, I can help you,” he offers.
“I do not understand who you are or why my friends vanished, so why should I trust you?” I spit at him, unsure I can justify my harsh tone.
“Ah, you will learn to trust me in time Ned’s daughter, but with the dangers in these woods its best we seek the shelter of the village before we speak further.” He knows my father. Against my better judgement, I nod to him and follow as he leads the other horses east off the trail.
Twenty silent minutes pass while I slowly follow him, I’m not sure of him. Maybe my father has sent him to help me, I try to reassure myself. As we continue towards his village, I ask several questions that go unanswered and the silence makes me even more uneasy.
An hour has passed since we left the trail entering a clearing, which I can only guess is his aforementioned village. Which consists of one crudely built house made of timbers and multiple animal pens surrounding it containing various wildlife.
“My name is Jobe the Mystic, I’m at your service princess. My home is yours for as long as you need, along with my services,” he announces with a flourished bow.
17
“Where are my friends? Do you know?” Are the first questions I need answered.
“Your friends are now my friends as well, everyone around you is so happy to have new companions, aren’t you?” He gazes at an animal pen to his right. Nodding to himself, it seems there’s some conversation going on in his head and it’s unnerving the hell out of me right now.
“Are you ok?” I ask hesitantly.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Just talking to my animal friends, that’s all. They like you as well, but I can’t let you join them since there is a lot for you to still do princess.” He opens the door to what I can only assume is his home and gestures for me to enter. Nope, I decide, I’ve heard how this story goes. It doesn’t end well for the dimwitted girl that enters the house.
Sitting on a stool close to me at an outdoor table, I watch him for a reaction. Again, he’s silent and distracted by something other than me. “So you know who I am. What else do you know?”
“That is easy princess, like I said before I am Jobe the Mystic, former resident of Shyne or I was until they expelled the magic from the land. Now I’m a seer for those who seek me in the tiny village I have created here named Town. So welcome my dear to Town.” He makes a grand gesture with his arms, but from what I see Town is not so much that or even a village more of an elaborate animal camp in the middle of the woods. “But let me finish the rest of your question. I know that you are seeking the amulet stones, I will assist in whatever way possible. As for your friends, let me show them to you, do not be frightened by their appearance. I did it to keep them safe from Jack.”
I follow him to the nearest pen as he points towards a small black pig in the far right corner, then to a pair of deer, one of which has bright blue eyes that eerily resemble Goss’. “Why are you showing me animals?” I ask before I notice the second deer’s emerald eyes imploring me to run. Startled, my feet move backwards unsteadily to put distance between this man and myself. “Are those my friends?”
“Best to keep your protectors safe from Jack, like I said. The other female is in the pen behind my cottage, she isn’t adjusting well to her new form.” Shaking his head, he strides off in that direction so I follow but keep my distance.
The smell of skunk assaults my nose before even rounding the corner of the cottage. On closer inspection, I can see the green eyes and red tinge to its hair. “My gods, you turned Talia into a skunk.”
“That was the form that seemed to suit her personality best,” he admits with a shrug. Can’t argue that to be honest, still this man has turned my friends into animals for his menagerie.
“How did you do this? Why?” Imploring him for answers.
“You seem to be a little slow to be the savior of our people, but who am I to judge. It was to save them from Jack. He doesn’t like visitors, he tolerates my collection of animals with minor complaint. How that is simple. My power over animals allows me the ability to turn people into animals.”
“We were nowhere near your village on the trail, so why come after us?”
“Jack takes offense to anyone in his woods, especially when they venture near our home. I did all this to protect you, my dear I promise,” giving me a slight bow of his head.
“Change them back so we can leave. Change them now, you’ll never see us again,” I beg.
“That I can’t do. You could not leave the woods in time before Jack returns. He would hunt your party until none made it out alive.”
“So what happens to me when he returns, when do you expect him?” My
voice shakes a little at the thought of being hunted by a madman, more insane it seems than Jobe.
“He wouldn’t hurt the heir. He is magical, you will see. Just don’t antagonize him, my dear and all will be well. Once he leaves again, I can release you, but if it’s not within two days. Your friends won’t be able to return to human form, I’m afraid,” he almost whispers the last part.
“So let me get this straight, some crazy guy named Jack is going to appear soon, and he needs to leave within two days so that my friends can be human again to join me on my quest?”
“Precisely princess, I expect him after dark tonight since strangers in the woods call to him. There’s no telling how long he will stay. It fluctuates each visit I’m afraid,” he offers with nothing else.
“You know the prophecy, you are a seer from Shyne. I need my four protectors to help create the eight I’m destined to have. So why not help us get out of here?” I plead quickly.
“There are always more protector’s princess. Some names are set, but not all you know will be the final eight so do not fret,” he offers.
“I want these four so release them now, you madman,” yelling now to get through to him.
“No need for insults. Now come join me for a light supper before Jack’s arrival. You will need your strength for him later, I’m afraid.” And with that he leaves Talia the skunk before me and heads towards the front of the house.
Kneeling in front of the enclosed pen, I make a promise to get her released soon and beg her not to spray me before parting. As I walk towards the front of the cottage, the words from Verona reverberate in my head loudly, use some power in town, this must be “the Town” she was referring to. I wish she had warned us better I try to send her way, but don’t think my powers are strong enough to communicate that far.
I retake my position of sitting on the stool, staring at the pen containing my other friends as Jobe whistles merrily bringing out covered dishes for our meal. After uncovering everything, I’m relieved to see its just different vegetable plates we are to dine on. Gods only know when I’ll be able to eat meat again after this. Eating just enough to satisfy my grumbling stomach, I again reject his offer to come inside to sleep.
“I think I’ll stay out here with my friends,” I sternly tell him after the third offer.
“Suit yourself, it won’t be any easier on you when Jack arrives to find you out here. He may not realize you’re the heir,” he offers as he merrily goes in, leaving me alone.
Filtering through my mind I try to come up with ideas of escape, they all seem futile since I have no way of remedying my companion’s current state. It seems I am stuck until this Jack person comes and goes, unfortunately.
Two deer and a black pig greet me at the fence of their pen, I do what I can to explain our situation. I’m not able to see into their minds exactly, but from their gestures it seems they might understand. A few more quiet hours pass as I walk along the rest of the pens and realize that none of these animals were born this way. “No, we weren’t,” something offers to me.
“Who was that?” I ask quietly.
“Down here.”
I see nothing below me and huff with frustration when I notice a large toad on the top of the fence post. “Found me.”
“Who are you?” I whisper. Feeling ridiculous talking to a fat toad.
“I don’t know for sure to be honest with you. The longer we’re in animal form, the less we remember of being human. You can call me Toad, everyone else does.”
“Nice to meet you Toad, any idea what to expect of this Jack person when he arrives?”
“Jack’s bad, doesn’t like humans. So Jobe changes us to keep us safe. But really he doesn’t need to, I think he’s lonely and wants companions. Makes sense since he can talk to us with his mind, kinda like you’re doing with me girly.”
“Yes, well, I’m magical. Really a long story, but I’m able to speak to you. So that’s at least something. Why can’t I communicate with my friends?” Feeling silly, still talking to a toad.
“That one’s simple to answer, your friends are in between right now. Until they fully transform, they can’t communicate with him or the rest of us.”
“So unless I get them set free soon they’re stuck as far as you know Toad?”
“Seems that way and got to be honest with you, I’ve seen no one leave. He transformed me over twenty years ago, I think. But sad to say, the life of a toad isn’t eternal. My time is ending soon, I fear.”
The shock at his statement concerns me. My friends could be this way forever. Well, not forever, but for the average lifespan of the animal body they possess. “Any ideas on how to set them free Toad?”
“I would hope Jobe would set them free when Jack leaves, but I’ve personally yet to witness that.”
“Why aren’t other animal talking to me?” I ask.
“They don’t trust humans anymore, for obvious reasons,” he responds.
Deciding I can’t gather any other information from a toad. I return to the table and lean my head on it, almost crying in frustration at this whole situation. Saving myself would be easy, neither Jobe nor Jack will hurt the heir it seems, but leaving my friends would destroy me. With no other choice right now, I sit and wait for this Jack to appear. I resign myself to make sure he leaves quick so we can continue our journey as humans.
I don’t have long to wait as I finish the pitcher of ale Jobe left on the table from dinner. Jobe comes barreling out of the cottage door with a scowl on his face, he’s changed into a black robe I notice. The ravings spewing from his mouth aren’t intelligible to me until he finishes stalking to the table and takes a seat across from me.
“So you’re the heir?” he questions.
“You already knew that before I arrived Jobe,” not sure what to make of this change in temperament.
“I’m Jack. It’s best you remember that, missy,” he grumbles.
Oh hells, I think as the realization hits me, this crazy man from earlier is Jack. Loud squealing breaks my train of thought. My attention is drawn to the pen holding three of my friends. Jack is on his feet in a flash, approaching their pen before I can act. He’s holding the offending pig by the scruff of its neck, staring it down.
“I could use some bacon in the morning little pig, Jobe’s not here to save you. You understand me,” he mutters at Angel.
“Don’t hurt him, it would not please Jobe if you ate one of his friends,” I plead to him.
“Aye, you’re right, lass. That’s the last thing I need. His nagging about me cooking another one of his animal friends. But you open your snout one more time and I get a full spread for breakfast piggy,” he admonishes Angel in pig form. “So if you’re the heir, why are you here?”
“I was riding the trail through the woods and Jobe approached me,” thinking it best not to mention my companions.
“He would know I wouldn’t hurt you, so how long are you staying here in our humble village?” He gestures around us.
“That depends, how long are you here for Jack?” I ask in return.
“Hard to say, I’m locked up so often that when I come out, it’s for a week nowadays,” he answers rubbing his beard.
Not good news for me, “so are you ready for bed?”
“In a bit princess in a bit, you might as well make use of the cottage I’ll be hunting tonight. Probably won’t return till morning.” And with that, he leaves me and heads into the darkness of the surrounding woods.
“Hells, what do I do now?” I ask the animal forms of my friends. Knowing they can’t answer me which doesn’t help since their advice is needed right now.
Realizing that Jack won’t return for some time I venture into the crude cottage he calls home, knowing that it’s vacant at least for now. Upon entering, I notice this person with two minds is neat and organized. The old sofa is threadbare but clean, with extra pillows lining it for comfort. The fireplace is lit, offering some warmth from the night air and light for the entire build
ing. In the kitchen, I realize there is not one dirty dish or scrap visible from our meal. If nothing else, the two roommates that inhabit the same body both strive for cleanliness. A door inside the kitchen opens to a small bedroom that comprises of a bed, a small chest of drawers and bench. Utilitarian at its finest, I surmise before plunking back down on the worn sofa. Staring into the fire for some time, the only idea I have is to bide my time until Jobe reappears. Force him, with magic if need be, to release my friends. Still unsure of how to use the magic of the three stones around my neck, I hope that when the time comes it works.
I’m awoken sometime later to something frying over the fire near me. The sweet smell of seasoned meat scares me at first. Gods is he roasting one of my friends for his meal.
“Don’t look so alarmed princess, I only hunt birds and rabbits since Jobe isn’t a fan of them. It keeps the arguments down if I only kill those. Even people he gets upset about, but I still don’t understand why,” he turns back to the fire.
“Do you know what I’m thinking, Jack?” I ask. Needing to know how much he may have already seen.
“What like read your mind? No lass, that’s part of Jobe’s magic along with speaking to animals, hence this collection he keeps as friends.”
He doesn’t offer me anything on himself still, so I need to bide my time. Hoping he’ll grow bored with me and leave returning Jobe when he does. The day passes as Jack whistles familiar songs while he works around the village replacing rotted fence posts and roof thatching.
“Do you just work when you come?” I ask innocently enough, not sure how much longer I can handle this situation.
“Most times, but I deal with intruders when they appear. Normally I would consider you a threat, but knowing your story from Jobe is enough to keep you safe for now,” he warns with a look in his eyes that makes my skin crawl.
I keep my distance the rest of the day and wait until he serves me roast rabbit for dinner before broaching the subject of Jobe. “This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your meal with me. So when do you think Jobe will be back?” I ask in my sweetest voice.