by Lee Taylor
“Never mind that, friend. Come; let us find you something to eat. You must be hungry,” Ivan said.
I liked this guy already.
After sitting and eating equal to half a horse, I looked up at Ivan expectantly; he had just spent the time allowing me to eat, watching me. I would have felt uncomfortable if I wasn't so freaking hungry.
I rocked back on my chair and attempted to strike a casual conversation.
“So, what's your history with Tessa? It sounds like you two know each other.” Ivan blinked as if stupefied... I thought I had asked a reasonable question... Slowly he lit a cigarette without moving a muscle, the end ignited, either they were magic cigarettes or he had some power of his own. Politely he offered me one, which I turned away. Placing his feet on the grand dining table he slowly put his hands behind his head as he reminisced. As he began to speak, the acoustics bounced his husky tone around the chamber.
“When I was a young man, and I am talking about a long time ago. I had just killed my first man. I believed that I was doing my duty for my home country. I was taking it pretty hard. For months I was away doing what I believed was God's work... I was married then, and my wife was the most beautiful woman of my village. I was proud to be her husband. I did not know while I was away she grew cold and angry and left me for another man. When I found out this... I put myself more into my work, drinking into despair. On one mission I stumbled across an old book. It was one of the offenders whom I had been sent to execute. Instead of burning it like I had been instructed, like all heretical artefacts, I took it to my lodge, hoping that I may regain my wife somehow. It was a Gypsies Grimoir, I figured what possible harm could it do? I honestly thought I had nothing to lose you see. As I have said, my wife had already left me, and the man that she left with was my brother...” Ivan closed his eyes. I could see that he was still in pain from just recalling it... I was trying to figure out how old he was... talking about book burnings and heretics sounded very old school. Ivan continued with his story, sombrely stroking his goatee.
“I did not heed to any of the written warnings in the book, of balance, or equivalent exchange, why should I care? So after one too many pitchers of wine, I had a go as you say. I attempted to bring forth something that promised to make me wealthy. That was when Vine appeared. As soon as I saw her, my heart skipped a beat. It dawned on me what I had just accomplished. She was, without doubt, the most dubiously beautiful woman I had ever set eyes on. Seeing how I was broken, she offered to me unimaginable riches for the small cost of my broken soul. She said she would collect it in two decades. On the condition I could never marry. I hastily agreed. And with a flash of violet, I collapsed to the floor and slept. When I woke, hours later, I was in an estate, similar to this.” He whisked his hand around in the ether.
“Everything was as I wished in regards to fortune, and so I began my new life. An extravagant life... After a few months, my absent wife turned up on my doorstep, hearing of how I was now so prosperous, and no longer the broken and drunken shell of a man that I had been. She claimed how we were still married, and so she was entitled to my purse. I did not argue; you see I was still pathetically in love with her. And so I was more than happy to have her back in my life. My joy was short lived. The night after she returned a terrible accident befell her. She was in the main courtyard, and there was a tremor of some sort according to my maids that I was unaware of. A gargoyle fell from its perch and landed on my dearest Denise...” Ivan grimaced pulling another cigarette from his carton, touching it to his lips.
“I re-read from the gypsy's book, hoping to find another solution, a way to bring my dearest Denise back to me. There was no such thing in that particular Grimoir. So the only logical option I could see was to contact Vine and see if she would exchange my prosperity for my wife. For some reason that I do not understand, Tessa arrived. She was not as... Hospitable as Vine was. She told me to stop weeping with regret, and to forget her. I was outraged.” Ivan’s gaze met mine as he was apparently making sure I was listening... Of course I was, otherwise I would have said something stupid by now.
“As time passed by, and I managed to procure more tomes and Grimoires, I acquired more knowledge on this world and ones around it... Until I finally found accounts that could help me bring my Denise back to me. I could not go through with it; it would mean crossing over from being a Ki user to using the foul-blood magic.” Ivan’s eyes frosted over as he said the words, his cigarette was nothing but ash clinging on the filter.
“As the two decades came to an end, I had grown to accept my fate. Vine never arrived for me. She still hasn't to this day. That was well over two centuries ago.” Ivan stretched, discarding his dead cigarette, he unsheathed another and again it sparked to life. I was going to have to have a word with him in a minute about his chain smoking habit.
“You know, Ursine, the whole time while I was on this journey of self-discovery, Tessa was always close by, literally standing there and watching me while I burned. One time I thought she remained because she was in love with me. So, after one too many glasses of wine, I attempted to coerce her into bed... I was lonely and broken... She didn’t respond kindly. The next day when I woke up I was adrift somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, covered in tiny cuts from head to toe, and every time I moved, I would recoil in pain... She has a sick sense of humour, Ursine. Best you are aware of that.” With a sniffle, he blew his nose into a handkerchief, his thin lips stretched into a smile. I wasn't sure if he was joking or if he was serious. As he was in a word: eccentric.
“Enough reminiscing; let me tell you some of the situation you find yourself in the middle of. Kaitlyn, who has taken an interest in you, is a Witch. She draws powers from long passed deities. She is not working on her own, either. The fact she had a ghoul as a familiar, means she is acquainted with Necromancy. Tessa and your other charming colleague, Lycaon, have informed me of what happened at The Ocean Motel... It will not take her long to replace him. Ghouls are dreadful, unnatural things. You know they are pretty much immune to KI?” Ivan asked. I stared at Ivan blankly and shook my head.
“Ivan, I have got to be honest, I have not got a freaking—”
Ivan interrupted me. “No no, of course you wouldn't, you have so much to learn, my young friend, and not long to do that in... Never mind that now. Your English friend, Kitty, has received information in regards to a massive power convergence.... Lots of strong Ki's are moving to a location; Kaitlyn is in the process of consolidating her powers with the Summers. Those stupid mongrels... Please, Ursine, take no offence.” Ivan's brow furrowed, and his smirk shifted into a frown.
“What? Oh right; yeah I kind of think of myself as more human than anything, Ivan. If I don't, I start getting sick thoughts...” I chuckled lightly, Ivan didn’t embellish my outburst.
“J'es well, be that as it may, Ursine, this is not a time for jokes.”
“It certainly is not, mate. There is talk of the bloody Venetians turning up to ally with that crazy bitch, too. Venetians... they have been a thorn in my side for well over a century,” Kitty spat, leaning against the dining halls grand mahogany arch, her arms folded across her chest almost defensively.
“I say it’s about time we pay those bastards a visit and procure your mother, wouldn't you say?” Kitty roused. The mention of my mom set my blood on fire.
“The calling card they left at your place is typical. Hey, Ivan, I don't suppose you fancy becoming an un-neutral party in all of this, do you? If not, then I know Lycaon isn't going to go anywhere without getting his bleeding sister back first. Chances are she was taken with the Summers to become a breeder, the poor bugger. I know this must be pretty rough on you, Ursine. But you’re not the only one with a personal stake in things...”
I stood up from the table. I know that she wasn't saying it to be a bitch, but if I didn't get out of that room, I was going to explode. I had a thousand things that I wanted to say, but couldn’t for some reason, and that frustrated me more. So on I stomped, towa
rds the other side of the chamber through a large oak door. I could just about hear Ivan mutter something under his breath as I just got out of earshot.
I trudged through the house blindly until one of Ivan's servants who had prepared the fine dinner for me before appeared. Her name was Adora, and she was kind enough to point me toward one of the various side exits. Wow. Ivan's house was big. His manor was filled with rich tapestries, medieval suits of armour, large gothic carvings etched into wood and marble columns. It was breath taking, like being in a museum.
I think she sensed that I was pissed. As I got outside, the wash of fresh air pooled over me, and I could feel a shudder of relief ripple from my core. My dark passenger needed some exercise; otherwise I would probably start to hear pesky voices.
I broke into a sprint across the lawn, heading to the tree line as fast as I could. I shook off my clothes, leaving them heaped on the floor. I thought of what my mom would say if she was standing next to me.
Come on, Ursine, you can't just leave things lying around like that here they can be lost or broken. Now don't give me any chat back, you're not too old to be put on the naughty step! I scoffed at the thought.
I began to run faster; I’d say with purpose, except I didn't know where I was going. I just knew that I had to run. My dark passenger was screaming to be let loose, and I didn't feel I could hold him back at this point, nor did I want to in all honesty. My mom had been taken, my dad was missing, and so were the remnants of Lycaon's small pack. So much already lost, and yet I was angrier with the prospect of all that could still be taken from me. Living in fear sucked.
Chapter 10
The last time that I had been on the hunt for something my dark passenger was in full control. It made the whole experience hazy at best. This was different; now, I was charging through the woodland, leaping off the ground up into the canopy, enjoying how the breeze met me, flowing around me. It was like being in a bed made of silk. The dark passenger and I were in harmony with each other, for what was possibly the first time.
I knew bears could climb trees, but I was practically flying from tree to tree. And before a tree had a chance to shudder under my mass, I would spring to another. I was feeling more in sync with my dark passenger. I reached the end of the tree line. I scouted the ground; the caribou was in sight, but with my heightened senses, I noticed many smaller options to mark as prey. I wouldn’t have thought that I would be able to eat another morsel after the banquet Ivan had laid out for me, but I guess I was eating for two, in a non-maternal way... Or was it? Whatever... The caribou cautiously sniffed the air, it had definitely sensed me, or could hear my approach. It whipped its head at his surroundings, looking for me, not knowing that I was practically salivating over top of it. The breeze began to shift; it must have caught my scent as I crept among the branches of an ancient oak because it turned hastily, and tried to flee. It was too late. I was already sailing towards it, and with my sudden collision making a tremendous crack, its lifeless heap was flung to the ground, just stopping short of the creek.
My dark passenger roared in euphoria, echoing along the estuary as I tore into the musky carcass. It was not as bad as I remembered... If anything, it was better than the freshly cooked meal Ivan had made. The satisfying squelches and slurps as I bit into the expired caribou didn't even make me bat an eyelid. Unlike the stomach turning I had felt when I had tried to grip so fiercely to my humanity, it felt natural, and it felt normal just to let it all go.
With my appetite finally settled, I returned to the estate. I caught wind of Lycaon, who was dashing through the trees sniffing the air for my position. I thought I would surprise him. Leaping from up in the tree’s canopy, I landed a few paces from him, glowing with accomplishment. Immediately he rounded on me, snarling in surprise. I barked with raucous laughter; my passenger wanted to play...
“What have you been doing out here, Ursine? This is no time to be playing.” Lycaon's serious tone didn't dampen my mood. With a grunt, I lowered myself, hunching forward onto my front. I recoiled for a strike. Lycaon changed back to his human form, clouding himself in smoke. As it began to settle, he emerged, brushing some ash from his olive skin. He quickly tied his long hair back into a ponytail and secured it with a band from his wrist.
I changed my stance, closing my eyes and focussing on my humanity. I felt my talon-like claws crack and crumble before revealing my hands beneath. I was really glad of having five talons for fingers in my Ursidae form. They were awesome for... A: gripping, and B: scratching.
I was concerned at one point of cutting something off whilst I was scratching inappropriately, but so far no such incident. Shaking the remnants of the ash from my hair I stood and faced him.
“So other than the obvious, what's got you so wound up? And don't give me another lecture on my dearly beloved, like I said I had no clue. I thought I was doing the girl a favour... Do you know if demons believe in pre-nuptials? Or would it be nuptials... I don't know,” I confessed, feeling ill I released a drawn out sigh. “You know, Con, it’s the first time I have been in a serious relationship.” I paused, acknowledging the truth in my statement and sniggered at my own remark. Lycaon still seemed rigid and stood with his lips held tight into a scowl.
“That is another issue that we have to attend to. You know she is blood-bound to you, and that is deeper than any mere marriage. If you die, so will she,” Lycaon's voice reverberated in my head as I stood still frozen in place. The smile dropped, and my euphoric feeling fogged over with the suiting melancholy that completed my bleak surroundings.
“Hang on... What? She'd die as in, she couldn't live without me? Or... You know what, tell me later. I want to go get some clothes on. What will people think... two naked guys in the middle of a forest isolated in the mountains,” I teased. I was uncomfortable, and it had nothing to do with my immediate surroundings and so deflected with humour. Or at least pushed for it, and I don't know if I could say the same thing if it was naked women in the woods, but with my bullshit hormones going stir crazy... What was it Kitty said? My mind was like a pervert's maze, and little did she know was that that was on a good day!
“Your humour is lost on me, Ursine. We have much to discuss with your friends. Also, inform your friend Michael that if he asks to stroke me again, I will dispose of him.” Lycaon turned and began to walk in the general direction of the estate. I faltered.
“Hang on; Lycaon, did you just crack a funny?” I shouted in loud astonishment.
“No.” I let Lycaon's answer hang in the air for a few seconds before nearly buckling over in hysterics. Shifting back into his wolf form, Lycaon took off, disappearing over a ridge in the maze of trees. I recomposed myself and followed suit.
When I reached the estate I could see Mike standing by the gigantic arch into the place. Kitty was at his side, on a mobile no less. Wow, and I thought witches or whatever could use their freaky-telepathy or they would be calling long distance on a crystal ball at least... What a let-down. My derogatory comment went unheard, so I was pretty sure I wouldn't get a slap. She turned to see me approach, and with a slight curvature of her lips shook her head in disapproval and pointed to her head...
Oh shit... I forgot she could enter my mind even as a bear... Well here's to hoping she's in a better mood than Lycaon was. I sighed, defeated once again.
You know, Ursine, I could hear that, too. Lycaon's voice startled me, and I turned sheepishly to face him. He huffed and returned to his human form, picking up his clothes he had set down in the brush.
“Great!” I complained with a dreary sigh. “I guess it's just going to be one of ‘those days’ where I piss everyone off.”
Slowly I padded towards my discarded garments that I had left strewn across the yard. I finished getting changed and shuffled towards the archway, waiting for what fate bestowed me. Probably a slap from Kitty and a punch in the gut from the ball of fun that is Lycaon... I was sure that I made him laugh... once, but that seemed like a lifetime ago.
&nbs
p; “Hey, Si, glad to see you came back. These guys are all so boring.” Mike grunted, gesturing towards the others with a nod.
“You couldn't have come back at a better time; I have to go, and what is it you yanks and canuk’s say? ‘Grocery shopping’ plus, if I spend another minute with your dolt of a friend, I think I am going to murder him.” Kitty's British accented tone was filled with humour, and I smiled in return.
“Something normal might seem a bit odd now.” I chuckled lightly. “Sure I would love to tag along!” I beamed, over enthusiastic to the point of seeming sarcastic. The atmosphere took a change for the worse; a whirlwind of pain was heading toward me in the form of my alleged guardian, Tessa.
“You, stupid animal! You're not going anywhere without me!” Tessa stomped over from the estate in another fresh change of clothes.
“I don't know what the hell you were doing out in the woods, but you were happy... I could...” She shuddered. “Feel it... And I plan on making sure that you are as miserable as possible.” Tessa's words sounded like a very open threat. I attempted to conceal my response of a snigger, and in hind sight, I should have tried harder. Well at least I was sticking true to form so far as annoying goes. I was winning three out of three chances, and that was definitely not the smartest move to make. I think I was becoming a masochist. Fury took hold of her pretty face, and her brows rose together in anger. A sneer spread from one flushed cheek to the other, and with a furious grunt she vanished in a blur of colour. My eyes traversed the lot as I searched frantically for her approach; I wasn't expecting her to appear beside me. Before I had a chance to guard, even with my preternatural senses, she shoved her fist in my gut, sending me sailing across the yard, bouncing and tumbling off the pea-shingled surface. I stood up, brushing off the filth, gripped in excitement, shock and fear. I turned to face her, making sure to catch her gaze and winked. Her face contorted with malevolent rage. I tried not to show it, but the pain in my stomach was so intense that I thought I was going to suffer internal haemorrhaging. Slowly the pain diminished enough to stand and to mock. God bless the Therianthrope in me.