Story – Samuel Colbran

Blood Brothers: Part One

As Orroark, Asteria and Aldrich reached the top of the hill; they can finally see their destination. Two weeks previously, the three brothers were granted their first job from the Hall of Adventurers.

They needed to head to a town by the name of Bowmantle, which lies in between two major trade routes. The three brothers agreed to deal with an infestation of bees that was posted by Mayor Tabitha, a gnomish Alchemist of some renown.

“By the books, we have finally arrived!” Yelled Orroark, the youngest sibling.

Aldrich noted that there was a watchtower staked out in their path. “Calm down, Brother. It seems that your yell has stirred up the local scouts.”

“Bah, if they wish for knowledge.” Orroark lifted an odd weapon; a hefty tome bounded to a massive club. “I will allow them to feel the unending revelation from my Big Book of Bashing!”

A gentle hand rested on his younger brother; Asteria looked up at Orroark. His hair still looked perfectly styled even though they have been on the road for two weeks.

“Dearest Orroark, calm please, this is the town for the job.” Asteria swishes back his hair, exposing the small tipped ears of a half-elf. “I understand that is mother’s way; smash first.”

Orroark’s brutish half-orcish face didn’t disguise the glint of genuine intelligence that lingered behind his barbarian ways. Looking down at his more frail brother, while swinging his weapon up onto his shoulder. “I will never “Orroark Smash”, only show them the power of knowledge.”

The eldest brother, Aldrich, only inherited the human side of both parents. “It seems to be a moot point now, as our ruckus seems to notice us by the scout.”

Jogging up towards them was a small creature with wicked lighting blue hair, a shared trait of his race; a Gnome. The three brothers started down the hill to meet this ‘scout’.

As they approached, the gnome, male and visibly armed with a spear, yelled out. “Halt, who comes to Bowmantle?”

Asteria stepped forward, as the other brothers knew he was a better face to unknown people. While he is the carrot, Orroark is the stick with Aldrich as the sneaky tripline, which no one would expect.

“My dear sir, we are the Blood Brothers, an adventurer group coming to be of assisting your mayor in the removal of some vermin.” Asteria ended his speech with a flourishing bow.

A groan from Aldrich and a chuckle from Orroark meet the confused look of the militia scout. “Um, you are from the Hall of Adventurers?”

As Asteria took another breath to break into another flowery speech, Aldrich stepped forward, “Yes, we are. Could you take us to the Mayor?”

Asteria muttered under his breath. “Blunt brother, again.”

The gnome perked up by Asteria’s mutterings. As he looked up at the three while leaning on his spear, “You are brothers?”

Aldrich, Orroark and Asteria looked at each other. Before the more savvy brother answer, Orroark with a glint of menace and a half snark. “By the books, don’t we look like it! These are my elder brothers, Aldrich and Asteria, and I am the future scholar barbarian Orroark. And who be you to be judging us when you have been rude by not introducing thyself.”

“I am sorry… I am Militiaman Eli; please follow me to the town hall.”

Orroark broke into a guffaw. Asteria nodded with Aldrich, spying Eli’s coin pouch. They followed the Militiaman into Bowmantle.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Nine

Part Nine

If you like to catch up before reading this part, head the the link here.

High White Jessica Pureheart and her acolyte Arcareius walking down the street like there was not a care in the world. After leaving the Cathedral of the Trinity, Jessica had a notion of heading towards the Eastern Watchhouse.

“High White, why are we going to a Watchhouse instead of the Blue’s Gaol?” Arcareius wonders out loud.

“Simple my disciple, the Trinity wants us to go.” Jessica simply replies.

“Shouldn’t we take a carriage instead of the trams?” Arcareius asked.

“This is what I am talking about, the journey to the White isn’t learning from a book. It is going out there and learning.” As she explained while blessing people as they head to the tram stop. “You need to slow down and take in the whole world, Arcareius.”

“Yes, High White.” Arcareius grumbles.

A small group of people stop dumbstruck as Jessica walks pass. She just shows the symbol of the Trinity, “May the Trinity bless you on this beautiful day.”

All five of them bow, show the symbol and in unison. “May the White always shine on you, your Holiness.”

Arcareius watch as the High White blesses everyone who notices her. “It must be hard to leave the cathedral often, you get swamped, High White?”

“It makes them and hence me happy. What sort of High White would I be if I don’t go out and see our people?” Jessica replies. “And call me Jessica, Arcareius and that is an order.”

Arcareius looks at his teacher, her grey hair flowing in the wind. Crows feet bunched up at the corners of her eye, mirroring the massive smile on her face. It has been months since he has left the disciple’s living cells, maybe the White was correct.

“Yes, Hi…” Jessica gives Arcareius a stern look, but the smile lines never dimmed from her face. “I mean, yes, Jessica, I will remember.”

“Good, you are too young to be so dourer. Come on, hitch up your robes and we’ll run to the tram.”

With that, the High White picks up the pace and runs to the tram stop. With a sigh, Arcareius follows her boundless joyfulness.

Breathing hard, Arcareius caught up with Jessica. The tram conductor spotted Jessica approaching the tram and held it up to wait for her to board. Jessica, for all her age, didn’t even get flushed.

Looking at her acolyte, Jessica ponders. “I think I am going to have a chat with Crusader Giles, it seems you are a bit out of shape.”

Arcareius takes a deep breath and wipes the sweat from his brow. “Maybe it was because you sprinted and I barely caught up.”

“Pish, pot. You need a little more harding up.” An aged gentleman stands to give the High White his seat. “No, you take it, sir. May the Trinity smile upon you.”

Elderly gent just smiles and retakes his seat. “May the light of Trinity always shine on you, High White.” Jessica beams at the gent. “May I ask why you bless us with your presence?”

Looking around, Arcareius notices the whole tram was paying attention to the question. Jessica smiles. “Simple, my acolyte seems to be a little scholarly, and I thought a little jaunt would get his blood going again.” She turns to Arcareius. “Isn’t that right, my disciple?”

“Yes, High White.” Arcareius automatically replies.

Shaking her head, Jessica points out to the older gent. “I just told him to call me by my first name, and he has already forgotten. May I ask your name, Elder?”

“It is Albert, Albert Cooper, your High Whiteness.” Albert stutters in awe.

“I will make sure you and your family are in my prayers tonight to the Trinity.” Jessica smiles at Albert.

Albert and the other passengers were frozen in wonderment at Jessica’s announcement.

Over the silent crowd, a booming voice from the front of the tram. “Eastern city, please wait until we come to a complete stop before disembarking.”

Jessica turns to Arcareius, “Time for us to get off. Maybe we’ll visit the Hall first and then off to the Watchhouse.”

Arcareius nods at his teacher’s new request. He is struck dumb by her simple statement of mentioning a random encounter in her nightly prayers. Some of the wealthiest people in Favinonia would give up their money and fame for a few words to the Trinity by the High White. He notes that he still has much to learn.

As they head into the busy streets surrounding Hall’s city block, Jessica feels a disturbance in reality. Anger, fear, stubbornness are pouring off a group in waves. She could easily see a person towering over the crowd.

“Come Arcareius, we are needed.” As Jessica calls out for people to move.

All he could do was to follow in Jessica’s wake. At the edge of his awareness was something trying to break into this reality. What could that be? Jessica must have felt this. Arcareius notes to himself as he quickly tailgates his mentor.

Breaking through the crowd, Jessica notices six shining portals; one at each foot of a Watchman. A blue lizard being held by a mancatcher. The tall person was a woman who was armed to the teeth and a young lady with bright purple eyes with wisps streaming from them.

As she took the whole scene in one instance, Jessica knew what to do. “I beseech the Trinity to come to my aid, banish these creatures to protect your people! In the name of the Saints Jara, Mela and Jenell, I banish you! With the power of the Aspects of Orange of Emotion, Blue of Mind and Green of Soul, I dismiss you! For I am the White, with my voice and will; begone!”

Arcareius dazzled by the billowing of coloured lights being projected by the High White. With her last words, a wave of pure white blasts out of her. He could feel the Trinity cleansing his soul, body and mind.

Everyone stops to stare at the White. Jessica glides through the last of the masses to stand in front of the confrontation. “By my right as the White, I demand you to tell me what is going on here!” At once all speak out, their words blundered into each other. “No, this will not do. First, let go of the girl.”

The Ruddy Constable points out. “I am sorry your Holiness, but this woman is a witch and needs to be taken to the Blues.”

Arcareius pushes through the crowd to stand next to the High White. He takes in the whole scene and could feel that something was off, and it wasn’t the whole witch thing.

As he was about to point the wrongness, Jessica holds up her hand. “Excuse me, Constable but did I stutter? I ordered to release, the girl!”

The six Watchmen at taken back to the holiest person in Favinonia ordering them to do something. “Yes, High White.” He turns to the two men holding the night-haired girl. “Release her.”

Jessica changes to her teacher’s voice. Arcareius knows this will turn into a lecture about the Trinity. “So, Arcareius, what do you see here?”

The crowd is silent to wait for Arcareius answer, the large woman steps push the girl behind her to shield her from the Watch. The blue lizard is still being restrained by three Watch.

“Your Holiness, I see six men overstepped their power and apprehending an Incanta instead of summoning a Blue officer or a member of the College Magi.”

Jessica nods at her disciple. “And how can you tell that she, the black-haired girl, was an Incanta?”

With waited breath, the crowd watches Arcareius. “Simple, your Holiness, her magik. It is pure but wild, as she could call six beasts to her service, it could have been one hundred. There could be One creature for each individual in this crowd.”

The Constable calls out. “See she is dangerous and should be chained up!”

With muttered agreements within the populus, Jessica speaks out. “Why should one of the chosen be punished for being born to magik? It would be like proclaiming that I am not within my right to cast down the Trinity’s power to heal and protect. Free her Soulcast and leave this area.”

The blue lizard was then released, and feathery wings flexed out to flap the creature into the air then to land on the girl. It then turned to hiss at the Watchmen, it’s fang-filled mouth was an intimidating sight.

All six of the Watchmen performed the sign of the Trinity and left hastily.

The young girl with the winged lizard wrapped around her shoulders. “How did you know I was an Incanta and this was my Soulcast? Um, your Holiness.”

“Simple, the Trinity told me.” Jessica simply put. “Come now and join us on our walk. I think I would like to learn your story.”

Jessica left a space for the young girl. “My name is Raven, and this is Azraq.”

“Nice to meet you, Raven and Azraq. Your name warrior?”

“Well, your Holiness, it is Natasha.”

Jessica points behind her. “This is my disciple, Arcareius, and I am Jessica. Please call me by my natural name.” As she starts to walk off, all three of them stare. “Come now, I won’t bite…much.”

And with that, Jessica lets out a burst of mirthful laughter, and as a group, they follow in her wake.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Eight

Part Eight

If you have missed the earlier parts, head to this link here.

Natasha gathered up all her and Slate’s gear, which took a little longer as her adopted brother was a bit messy with his stuff. Not like he served in the army as she did, but that is where is found her huge brother. She was heading downstairs to drop off the key, as in no way will she stay under the roof of a bigot!

She is armed to the teeth with Slate’s bow, hammer and armour strapped to the outer parts of her pack. She was coming up to the sweating man, who was at least a head shorter than Natasha’s impressive build of two hundred centimetres.

Slamming down the key, cracking the wooden bar slightly. “There is your key, and you will return the rest of my slips or we will have a problem!”

Natasha paid for a week for their room. She and Slate were barely there for a day before this horrid person threw Slater to the wolves with lies.

“Um, no refunds.” says as Jonas Cuvar looks up at the furious woman.

“No, refunds? Let me grasp what is happening here; you lied to the Watch saying my brother has been a thug. Intimidating them in coughing up money and that he also been making passes at your daughters. Which we both know that did not happen, my brother is a kid, barely 15 years old and you demented bigot thinks you can make him into a monster. Trust me; he isn’t the scary one.” Drawing an inch of steel from her scabbard. “I am.”

Jonas swallowed in fear, reached under the desk to retrieve the strongbox. “That was thirty slips, for the rest of your stay.”

It was sixty, which included the food for each day and turnover service for the rooms. Not to push it, Natasha grabbed the money, turned and left. Not worth fighting with the jerk anymore.

As Natasha loaded up with too much gear, it might come off a bit more like an assault. The last thing her brother needs is that they both head to jail. What to do with all the gear?

Might head to the Hall and see if they have lockers for extra gear Natasha ponders to herself.

Walking down the busy streets, people yelling out for adventuring gear, weapons, armour and food. Being in the neighbourhood of the Hall means there is a lot of business catering to the Adventurers of Favinonia.

As Natasha was walking down towards the Hall, she notices a commotion with the Watch and a young lady. As her option of the Watch of the Core was at an all-time low, she thought Might go see if this girl needs some help from these corrupt fiends!

The closer Natasha got, she noticed that the girl was angry while two of the Watch had some sort of blue lizard in a mancatcher.

“Let him go, you are hurting him!” Screamed out the young lady with hair black as night, as she fought to free herself from two Watchmen.

The creature was shaking and thrashing to free itself, as it notices the girl’s restraint. “I am sorry, young lady, it is against the law to have a magical creature let loose in the capital. Unless you have registered the beast with your Adventurer licence, then it will need to be put down.”

That is it! Natasha pushes through the gawkers to the girl, “There you are.” Everyone stopped as Natasha growls out. “Where have you been, I said to meet me at the Hall.”

The head constable, the red-haired man with a ruddy face, turns with a shock look up at the massively muscular woman, dripping in weapons. “Do you know this woman, um, miss?”

“Of course, she has joined my Charter.” Natasha tersely replied.

All six of the Watch thugs looked at each other and Ruddy-face, sweat beading on his sunburnt plate. “She is an Adventurer?”

“Yes, you dumb arse. For Jara’s sake, she is one of my Adventurers, and we are heading to the Hall.”

Ruddy splutters as the crowd laughs at him. “I might just take you in as well after we kill this creature!” He threatens.

The girl loses it, her eyes start to shine with wisps of purple. With an otherworldly voice, she pronounced. “You shall not harm Azraq!”

Little circles of light began to appear around her, one opens with a massive claw reaching out to slam the enormous appendage into the cobbled streets.

Fear cascades through the six Watchmen, as things of nightmares, start to emerge from six portals on the ground.

Natasha thinks to herself. I am so going to recruit this woman, damn that is some magik mojo!

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Seven

Part Seven

For the other parts click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6.

Kayden left the den of the Deep Hand and escorted to the local Watch office by Mattrix. As they approached the barely standing shack of the local Watch house of the outer limits of Eastern Favinonia City, Mattrix turned to Kayden.

“Now be a lad, and shut ya trap. The Grownups needs a little chat to get ye straight.” All Kayden could do was nod, “That’s a good lad, a bit of the big house will be good for ya spirit.”

Sure it will, Kayden thought.

With a small push, Mattrix moves into the shack. “Now Kayden, me lad, you plonk down dare, and I mosey over to the head Watch lad.”

Easing his weight down on a stool that is about to collapse, Kayden watched as Mattrix swaggers over to the table with an older gent sitting behind it.

Mattrix tips his hat, “Good day, Mr Watch. I have a little deposit for you.”

The older gent with salt and pepper mutton chops looks up from a pile of papers. “Mattrix, this the one who done the jo… ahem, the guilty party of the robbery from a few days ago.”

“My oath he is, need to watch this one, a slippery fellow. Had to go to some dark and shady places to find me quarry.”

Mutton Chops stands up, “He seems a little subdued to me, you didn’t threaten his family’s life or some skulduggery to his close friends?”

“No, I simply bringing in a lad that my excessive sleuthing uncovered. He is guilty and will do his time.” Mattrix boasts.

Mutton Chops move from around his desk to stand in front of Kayden. “Stand up lad.” Kayden did as instructed. “As Watch Sergent, I will take you into custody from the Bounty Hunter Mattrix. You will be reprimanded to the Eastern Watchhouse and then in the morn will see the local Blue Inquisitor.”

Inquisitor? I am a dead man if I squeal that I am just the fall guy. Sweat beaded on Kayden’s face as he slumped back down on the stool.

Reaching into his jacket, Mutton Chops pulls out a large wallet, “For your bounty, that would be one hundred slips.” Pulling a note out of the bludging wallet, “Now could you used those manacles to lock him to the ground and see you next time.”

Picking up the irons from the desk Mattrix strolls over to Kayden, and whispers. “Sorry boyo, but this is business, and the fellow who did the deed are higher up in the Hand. In a few years of road building, you’ll be welcomed back.”

So I am just meat for the prison. If this is needed to not get shanked, then I will do my duty. Kayden thought.

Locking him into an iron loop in the floor, Mattrix pats Kayden on the back and strolls out of the Watch’s shack.

Mutton Chops puts his head down and starts to scratch at his piles of paperwork. Kayden just looks around, not knowing what to do next, so he gingerly lays his head back on the shack’s wall and closes his eyes.

With barely no time passed, Mutton Chops calls out. “Yeah, I got one in here. Guilty of a robbery of that jewellers down on Otto Avenue.”

A burly man with a massive black beard walks into the shack, “Got the paperwork for the Inquisitor?” Searching his piles of papers, Mutton Chops hands over a piece of paper, which is folded into an oiled leather container. “Okay, see you later at the pub.”

“Looking forward to the beer you owe me.” Mutton Chops replies.

Burly Beard huffs then bend down and unlocks the chains, he whispers to Kayden. “If you are a good lad, I won’t have to smack you with my billy club. Now come easy.”

All Kayden could do was nod, he feels to himself all he has been doing is moving and nodding to everyone.

Leading him outside, there was an armoured wagon with a horse hitched up to it. Leading Kayden around to the back, Beardy grabs a set of keys and opens up the end of the wagon. On each side was a long bench with iron loop every fifty centimetres attached to the bed of the wagon. Bars to the front and the back while sides are iron-bound wooden walls.

As Kayden is pushed in and Beardy just locks his chains to the closest hoop. Then closes and locks the door. As the young thief looks around there is only one other person in the wagon. A man whose head is nearly touching the top of the wagon. With granite-like coloured skin and dreadlocks that look like green vines. He stares at the ground, with tears splatting onto his impressive hands.

Kayden whispers out. “You okay?” The solid rock man doesn’t even stir. Lifting his voice a little more. “Are you okay, mate?”

The boulder looks over at Kayden, his eyes are a piercing blue. His eyes are full of tears, but there is a fierce strength behind those glacial eyes. “I am upset.” Shakes his chains, which were not only thicker than Kayden’s but there are four manicules mounted to parts of his body to the floor of the wagon. “But my sister will get me out of this.”

It might be in my interest to make friends with this big lug. Kayden thought.

“What are you doing locked up so, bashed the heads in of half the Eastern Watch?” Kayden jibes at the big lug.

“No, I was merely trying to stop a fight between me and five guys at my inn I am staying at. Then the Watch came in, and I was arrested for doing nothing.” BL replies.

“So let me get this straight, you didn’t swing a punch and were outnumbered?” The BL just nods. “Then you were whisked into the lockup for what saying some bad words?”

“Yep, it looked more like my sister was going to knock some heads. But the innkeeper didn’t like me much and said to the Watch I had been intimidating the other occupants for money. Which was not true!”

“I know that you look you could rip an arm off or two, but there is no blood on you. Let me guess you went all easy like?” Kayden asked.

“Yep, my sister Natasha said for me to shut my mouth and she’ll come down and bail me out.” With a smile, showing huge squared teeth. “Name is Slate, what is yours?”

“Kayden, nice to meet you, Slate.” Kayden didn’t mind how this day was turning into now. Slate could be the muscle, and Kayden will be the smarts. Prison doesn’t sound so hard now.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 6

Part 6

For the other parts click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5.

With each movement in the fate of the four to converge, the fifth enter the Core of Favinonia City. Raven Rjoko, hair as black as her name has been travelling for many weeks to the Eastern Expansion of Favinonia. The massive Warmachine of Favinonia has been ‘pacifying’ the Disputed Lands for the last twenty years, this causes many to travel east to gain fame and fortune. That is where Raven destination will end.

I wish I could travel with Family Jõgi Thought Raven as the barge’s rope lines to be tied off at the dock. Doubt there will be such lovely people who will travel with me for the rest of the journey.

The vessel that Raven has been travelling on, Fool’s Bounty is run by a family of Halflings. The matriarch Captain Adva Littlewhistle of the Family Jõgi informed Raven that the capital will be their final destination. Meaning, she’ll have to find another mode of travel for the stint to the Eastern border.

From the folds of Raven’s hood, a small broad nose poke her head. Are we there yet?

Reaching back, Raven feels the scaley brow to scratch in between the ridges of the creature’s boney eyes. With barely a flick of will, Raven sends a thought to the small beast that has been bonded to her since she was a young child.

Azraq Rjoko, I told you that this is a stopover. We will find another berth for the next stage of the journey. Stay in your travel form and hide.

With a snort and a small whine, Azraq cast back. Okay, but I want to eat a sausage later, a big one!

“Okay, I will get you a sausage,” Raven whispers to her Soulcast. Which lead her to think of how far she has come from the witch-girl of her past.

Raven was born an Incanta, people who were born with Magik. Their abilities can manifest at any point the person’s life. They tend to be drawn to a type of elemental magik like fire or air; or the ability to summon an otherworldly creature. These magiks are far beyond what the College Magi.

Her abilities were manifested by splitting a piece of her soul to form a creature of magik and flesh. Being raised by her librarian Aunt, Raven spent many days in the fables of old. What caught her interest was the legends of dragons. Seeing a blue scaled creature with bright blue feathery wings laying on her favourite book about dragons, she knew her life would be blessed.

Little did Raven know was her ‘dragon’ was merely an extension of her soul being magik into reality. With an impression of hunger in her mind from the small creature, she knew that they were one. She named the beautiful dragon, Azraq.

That happiness didn’t last long as other magiks started to manifest, ghostly creature and things of nightmares haunted the library. Little did Raven know this was the other side of her magiks, to bring mind-shapes into reality. Anything she could imagine it, with a little will would appear into the world.

One day, Raven was hunting down one of these nightmares with Azraq’s help, when the mayor’s daughter spied the commotion. This cause horrendous events to unfold. Which in turn causes the exiling of Raven and her Uncle from Briarthorne, the town of her birth.

“Ahem,” Raven knocked out of her remising of the past to see the barge’s Captain Adva trying to get her attention. “Lovely to have you aboard, wish we were still heading east.”

With a smile on her face, Raven looks down at the matriarch of the Family Jõgi, her salt and pepper hair with the tan face peering back up at her. “No, thank you for your wonderful hospitality and may your feet find safety in your journeys.”

“Ah, my dear Raven. Does your wee lizard want a snack before you leave out family?”

Oooo, ask her for a sausage—that nice one from the other day. Azraq urges Raven.

“No, we will find an inn, and then I will feed my little piglet of a lizard.” Raven could hear a whine from her Soulcast.

Adva looks up at the thin black-haired beauty, “You know Dear one, the offer for adoption into Family Jõgi was in good faith, and we would adore you being one of us.”

“Thank you but no, captain Adva, your family was a delight.” As Raven picks up her travel bag, then she jumps off the barge and turns to say “I wish you safe journeys, Family Jõgi.”

“And safe journeys to you.” Calls out the matriarch.

Raven turns into the bustling crowd of the capital’s dock, she turns to walk into Favinonia City with her Soulcast with hope sparkling in her eyes for adventure.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 3

Part Three

Natasha could hear the comments from the armed thugs that surrounded her brother. Said the balding man with a large gut barely covered by an arming jacket. “Are you some sort of Rock creature? You know your kind are allowed here. I think we might need to escort you back to your district to the other whores.” The rest of the group growled their agreements.

Another called out, his hair greased up to look stylish with a handlebar moustache to finish off his look. “Lookie at these dreads, by Mela they are green like a moss rock. Have you ever seen such rustic shit in your life, at you from the boonies?” As he reaches out to handle Slate’s hair.

From all the way over in the archway, Natasha watched as Slate shook. It was apparent that it wasn’t fear but fury. It wasn’t the first time he was accosted by humans, due to his unique look. With Slate topping over seven-foot and could easily lift a cow over his head, he has to learn not to knock the teeth out of stupid townies.

One thing Natasha dislike is the small-mindedness of her fellow humans, especially ones that treat other races with disdain. Seeing Slate’s shoulders bunch and knuckles whiten, Natasha knew it was time to act.

“What in Saint Jara of the Hammer, is going on here?” Natasha calls out.

Looking around, she noticed that the owner was not anywhere to be seen, more likely he is running to get the Watch. Having this many armed people in your place of business would be cause for alarm.

The one still holding Slate’s hair looks over at the solid armed woman that is Natasha. “And who in the Abyssus are you? And do you know this non-citizen scum?”

“Simple, this is my brother, and we are here for none-of-your-slip-sucker business! Slate come over here.” Natasha called out to her brother.

With a burst of movement, Slate moves like a reed in the wind, for someone as big and gaudy as he put most dancers to shame. As he slaps away the hand holding his hair, Slate flows through the crowd of six as he was akin to water flowing around rocks.

The six thugs barely even notice the movement, the only reaction was the man who was holding Slate’s hair as that small slap caused no small amount of pain to radiate up the thug’s arm.

Natasha whisper to Slate as he positions himself behind her, “I will handle this.”

Slate just nods, as this a regular accordance being non-human, especially in Favinonia City. He has his papers, but at least once per week, he is accosted by some small-minded thug or Watchman. It is better to not resist than to be in even more trouble.

“I was wondering why you are bullying a citizen of Favinonia?” Natasha asks.

The large balding man sorts at the question. “He is no citizen, he’s not even one of the demi-humans. Is he just a little savage you have to warm your bed? If you want a real man, you just have to ask.”

Being nearly a half a head taller than most of the so-called men in front of her, Natasha retorts. “If I was interested in men, you would be the very last on my list.”

“What you some sort of dyke? I would imagine being more looking like a man than a woman.” Said the one with the greased-up pencil moustache.

With a whip of her hand, Natasha grabs hold of her falcata, and with that, the six worms she is facing are just another annoyance.

With a loud crash, the doors to the inn are thrown open, and a booming voice comes from the opening. “Put up your arms, you are under arrest!” Reliquciing her blade’s grip, Natasha breath out. Good, the Watch will figure this out. “Capture that one.”

As Natasha turns around, she watches as eight Watchmen charge towards Slate, billy-clubs high. The last thing she sees before Slate raises his arms in the air and the first crack of a club was resignation in Slate’s eyes. Like this was just a Twosday.

Pack of Wolves (Part 4)

Sun rose on the Smith farm; all the foster children were up and working doing their chores. They were all told that it is not a charity on the farm if they want to eat, the kids worked. Benan is out with Ruairì and James shovelling out the barn then redoing the hay. Heidi and Mariah milking the cows, Betty, Kelvin and Brad feeding the chickens, pigs and other animals.

All in all, it was a typical morning thing for Benan, but sometimes he wondered why the Smith’s kids never helped them with the chores, besides the twins coming over kicking over buckets or complaining that the job wasn’t done right. Any complaints about Joeb or Gertrude would mean at least being ignored or at worst punishments.

Washing up and getting ready for the bus for school by 7.30am, the fosters had to wait for the bus while the twins left later as they got a lift from their mother. Once on the bus, the seven fosters took up the front seats as this is the only time they have to themselves.

Benan looked at Ruairì, “I’ve been finding our morning chores easier today, how about you?”

Ruairi shrugs, not even a bead of sweat on his face. James crinkles his eyebrows, “You tore through that pile of hay in no time. Been on the ‘roids, Benny?”

“‘ Roids? Haha, little Jimmy.” Benan barks out a laugh, posing like a bodybuilder. “Like we could afford that sort of stuff and aren’t we supposed to start getting big muscles?”

“Yeah, but it seems weird.” James turns to look at Ruairì. “You guys have been weird since being sick.”

Benan hears a laugh from the barn door, “You, Fatty, with muscles? Best joke I have heard this week.” It was Joeb, Benan thinks to himself, why can’t there be one day that this little pest leaves us alone? “Even if you got muscles, you’ll still be a discarded loser!”

Just take it Benan, his words can’t hurt.

Ruairi stares at the farmer’s teenage brat. “Go, we have work to do.”

James nods, “Yeah, piss off, Joe.”

“You can’t talk to me like that. Or are you fighting Fatty’s battles now?” Joeb sneers. “My father would like to know that you tossed out trash were picking on me. He might just send you away if I complain enough.”

All the foster children knew that Joeb’s parents were decent people but would and have believed everything their twins have said. Neither one could do anything wrong in their eyes.

Benan gives an involuntary growl. His body shakes in anger, calling him names was one thing but threatening his family was another completely different kettle of fish. As he turns, Benan’s skin starts to stretch, the growling increases to deep bass.

Taking a step forward towards Joeb, Benan could feel his anger rising, his body flushed with heat. This is a trespasser, a threat to our pack! Fight to preserve pack!

Those words reverberate through Benan’s mind. His muscles bunch and grow. Skin starts to break, and slick wolf hair could be seen emerging underneath. The very air around crackled with anger around him, all there was to do is remove the threat!

The scent of fear and urine stung the air, Benan growled an appreciation of this, you should fear the pack, intruder! Now it is time to remove the threat!

Before the change could completely take control, Ruairi steps in front of Benan. His own eyes have started to change, a reaction to Benan’s transformation. Just starting into his eyes, Benan knew the pack was safe, not need to worry.

As Benan takes a deep breath. Words were exchanged with the interloper, but this was ignored by him. The flush of instinct cooled, Beta will fix this, the hunt has not started.

“Wow, where did that come from Ben?” Benan blinks at the pup, his eyes blurred realising he was looking at James. “That gave me the willies.”

Ruairi came over to Benan, “He is gone and won’t say anything. Let’s get back to work.”

James gives an affirmative while Benan shrugs at Roy’s comment and heads over to the new hay bales and picks one up in each hand. Why should he care about the Smith’s children or William any more he is a wolf, not the fat 15-year-old anymore, I could just run away and be a wolf. Hunt and have fun, not caring about all this shit!

At least one thing the chores have been getting easier for me Benan thought not realising that he is carrying two bales.

Snapping the ties of the bale with a twist of his hand, Benan starts to spread the hay over each pen’s ground. James, with his face full of worry, calls out. “Didn’t that hurt Ben?”

“He is fine, James.” Ruairì says. “but Ben should be using the knife as he would hurt his hand doing that.”

Putting on a fake grin, Benan picks up the knife and cuts the next bale.

After all the chores, the children rush around getting ready. It is their responsibility to be on time for the bus, not Farmer and Mrs Smith. Ruairì and Betty get the lunches ready, while Mariah double checks the younger one’s bags are adequately packed.

Being the last to have a shower, Benan could hear the commotion going on in the main living area. Looking at his reflection, could he see muscles under his flab?

Keep dreaming fat boy, you are an overweight failure who will be a nothing forever. You will never get a girlfriend because you are disgusting. You are pitiful and pathetic, just run or die. A little ‘pick me up’ for each morning. Guess you are nothing, and no one can make you feel worse.

Knowing that he will be at the library today, that will mean he will have to be quick out of class before his bully corners him again. If he could, he would just run away and be a wolf. No one would pick on him as he could just run away or bite them. His luck he would only be shot by some hunter, either way, Benan would not be missed.

Three loud bangs on the bathroom door distracting Benan with his musings. “Come on, Ben, you will miss the bus!” Mariah yells.

“I am coming, keep your shirt on,” Benan grumbles, dropping his voice. “It not like I am excited about school.”

Pulling on his shirt and shorts for another beautiful summer’s day, Benan leaves the bathroom. Everyone else has their backpacks on, Ruairì and Betty have packed the last of the lunches, only his and Mariah’s are gone.

Putting on a big simile. “Sorry, Mariah just was lost in the mirror on how sexy I am.” Posing like a model on TV, all the younger kids laugh. In a fake Fabio voice. “What can I say? I am the most beautiful man in the world, ha ha ha.”

This got another round of laughter, Betty, with a big smile. “Hey Fabio, here is your lunch.”

Bouncing over to the bench, winking at Betty. “Thank you, my dear, you are most awesome.”

Betty laughs at Benan, he is always silly in the morning, let’s hope he has a good day

Dropping back into his normal voice. “Hey, Betty and James, me Roy and Mariah are playing Fantazim in the library today, want to come to play too?”

“Sorry, Ben, but I am with my hockey squad this lunch. We want to do a few drills for this weekend’s game.” Betty replies.

James shrugs. “Why not, is Mariah playing with her counter deck?”

“I choose a different deck today, want a bit more of a challenge today.” Mariah gives a snappy comeback.

“Bring it!” Both Benan and James yell.

Pack of Wolves (Part Three)

Staying low, the three approached their bunkhouse. Being foster children, they weren’t allowed in the main household as that was for only Glenn, Marcy and their twins, Joeb and Gertrude tormentors of the children.

The lights were still on for the main household, so it should be a quick run and back through the window of their rooms.

Benan whispers to the others. “Didn’t realise it would be so smooth sailing tonight.”

Ruairì rolled his eyes and growled a little, Mariah pressed her finger to her lips, her dark eyes absorbing the light from the house. “Quiet!”

Doing a quick sign of zipping up his mouth, Benan followed the other two towards the bunkhouse. As they reached the window, Mariah heard a bang of the screen door, motioning for Ruairì and Benan to stop moving, she moved to the edge of the wall to peek around.

Glenn was standing at the door, drinking something, more likely a beer; scratching his beard then the groin. Throwing the beer bottle at the bunkhouse, he slammed open the screen door and stomped his way back in.

Breathing a sigh with relief, Mariah moved back to her pack mates. “It was just his nightly beer bottle throwing.”

Ruairì nods. “I’ll make sure to pick it up in the morn before the young kids leave for school.”

In the bunkhouse, there were five other children, Betty, James, Heidi, Kelvin and little Brad. They all have been here for years. The bunkhouse has four rooms, one for the boys, one for the girls, lounge and kitchen with a small bathroom. They had to pull their weight around the farm to earn food and other needs. It was a hard life, but they all banded together to make sure no-one was forgotten.

Climbing through the back window, Benan flopped on to the ground making a racket. Two lights popped on, and the two eldest besides the pack came out of their perspective bedrooms.

Betty and James saw Benan sprawled on the ground, both started to laugh but covered their mouths so no-one from the main house could hear.

Ruairì and Mariah came through then, seeing Benan rolling around on the ground. Ruairì kicked Benan with his toe. “Enough, you are making too much noise.” With a tsk from Mariah, he bent over to help up his fallen pack mate. “Was this to entertain someone?”

“Well not all of us can be like you, Rory,” Benan said, rising to his feet. Then pulls a super serious face. “I could just be like this all the time, woe is me…”

This got giggles and laughs out Betty and James. Mariah held up a hand, everyone stopped, she then cocked her ear to listen. Nothing. “They are not coming out tonight. What are you two up for?”

Betty, a mousy brown headed girl, smiles with buckteeth. “I heard something crashing around I thought I would check.”

James, an awkward Asian boy with a large purple birthmark on his face. “I saw that these two,” Pointing at Ruairì and Benan. “Weren’t in their beds, so someone had to protect the kids.”

Smiling at that, Mariah turns to the two younger children. “Glad we had you two holding down the fort, but it is time for bed for all of us. School tomorrow.”

Both of them started to ask questions, but with one look from Ruairì, they both quieted down. Benan came over and scooped up Betty to carry her off to bed, while Ruairì laid his hand on the back of James to lead him back to his bunk.

Mariah headed to the bathroom to make sure she washed off everything. A few smudges of mud and a little bit of fur in her hair but all in all, she was cleanish. Thinking to herself The shower has to wait until tomorrow.

Coming back in, there were her pack mates standing there. Benan heads into the bathroom, leaving the eldest by themselves.

“Do you wonder Mariah why that wolf scratched us and made us into wolves too?” Ruairì asked

Thinking a moment, Mariah replied. “Not sure, now we know we can change. I think I might do a little research in the library tomorrow. Did you want to help?”

Ruairì shrugs, “What else am I going to do? Too weak looking to play sports and you want us to stay under the radar.”

Since the attack, they have been stronger, but because of the outcast situation in high school, they couldn’t just start going around beating up the bullies. Even if they really wanted to.

Mariah nodded. “We will bring Benan as well. Just caught him three days ago from losing his temper at that bully, William.”

“What about William?”

A spitting hiss from behind them as they turn they see Benan walking out of the bathroom. His face ruddy with anger, his fists are white at the knuckles.

Worry glinted in Mariah’s face. “Ben, we are heading to the library tomorrow to study more on our condition. I would like you to come too.” She pleads to Benan.

“Why should I hide from that prick anymore?” Benan walked over and grabbed the back of three-seater couch, the wood frame cracked under his grip. “I am no weakling or fatty-fat loser anymore.”

Ruairì walked over, grasping Benan’s shoulder, his grip firm. “We know you are not a weakling or loser, you never were, Benan.” Then patted Benan’s shoulder. “We are just foster rejects, we have each other, and now we are more. Come to the library, and we’ll play a game of Fantazim.”

Benan’s eyes lit up, the anger drained from his face. He loved playing Fantazim, a card game where you play a Magi who commands the very elements. “This time I will beat you, I have a new deck made from earth and fire!”

Mariah walked over and hugged Benan. “How about a three-way game, I have my air/dark deck?”

Benan mumbles under his breath as Ruairì guides him the bunkroom. “I hate your deck, too many counter cards.”

Mariah smiles at her now true brothers but was surprised in the feat of strength Benan showed. Heading to her bed, she wonders How powerful will we all become?

Pack of Wolves (Part Two)

As the three teenagers wash off the blood and dissolving wolf flesh, they put on their threadbare clothes. Their shoes are worn down to a fragment of a sole. Besides that they are more than just foster children living together, they are pack.

Mariah looks up at the sliver of a moon, seeing that it has moved to be above them now. “We might miss our curfew. Fingers crossed they will not notice us coming in.”

The squat tubby one known as Benan, “Sure, Alpha, that is going to happen. And maybe the pigs will learn to fly.”

Standing behind Mariah is the lanky Ruairì, a quiet sort who goes out of his way not to waste words. Mariah rolls her eyes at Benan. “You know we refer to each other as our names, not of pack rank.”

“Yeah, I know but wish we had more people in with this secret.” Benan whines.

“Enough, Benan,” Ruairì scolds. “We can’t talk about us turning into wolves. We’ll either be locked up or killed.”

“Yes, oh so serious Rory…”

Before the two fools start up again, Mariah steps in between them. “We need to be going, as we are already late. I understand the frustration. We have these new instincts with no outlet until tonight.”

Ruairì, in his deep voice, contradictory to his slight body. “The chase and kill felt good. When do we hunt again?”

Benan bounces up and down. Being a large boy, his boundless energy surprises many. “Yeah, Mariah, can we go out again tomorrow?”

Scratching at her mop of curls. “I don’t think so but next weekend. If you two are having any issues with part changing come and find me, okay.” Both nod, “Good, we have a bit of a jog to get back. Let’s go.”

Benan grumbles under his breath, “Would have been easier to get back home as our wolves.”

Since their first change only days ago, the three foster children have noticed a few things. As their senses sharpened since the attack, their strength, speed and endurance have increased tenfold.

As the pack bound over fallen logs and rocks the three stay in the same formation they run as wolves, it took them no time to get out of the forest to the large farmhouse their foster parents live. The journey in the past would have taken them over half an hour, now they arrive back in less than ten minutes.

It has been ten days since the attack. It was when their foster parents, Glenn and Marcy Smith were out with their own children. They were supposed to be doing their chores but decided to bludge and lounge around the barn. Suddenly the animals started to go wild, bucking and kicking at their doors. Mariah was the first to see a large wolf standing at the barn’s entrance.

Not wanting to get in trouble, Mariah picked up a rake while the boys following her example, grabbed hay pitchfork and shovel to drive the wolf away. The boys, Benan and Ruairì who look towards Maria as a big sister following her lead.

As they approached the wolf, it looked undaunted by these three teenagers with farm tools. As they make moves toward the wolf thrusting out the ‘weapons’ hoping to scare it away. The wolf started to shake and grow, it’s flesh started to expand and rip. This image assaulted their minds, their sanity rebelling to what they saw. Dropping their improvised weapons, they all fell back in fear from the growing monster. Then blackness came to all three.

Hours past and they were woken by Glenn. Mariah, Ruairì and Benan could not explain what happened or why they all had four scratch marks on their shoulders.

After a week of fever and sickness, the three of them felt the need to leave for the forest. In the darkness of night, their newly acquired wolf form ripped out of their soft human shell. Which brings them to today and their first hunt.

Breaking free from the forest and moving over the cow paddock, Ruairì could see the lights of the homestead. This might be the last foster house they will all live in when they reach adulthood. Mariah is only six months away from her eighteenth birthday, Ruairì a year and Benan nineteen months.

What are they going to do as people or wolves? A troubling time indeed.

Pack of Wolves (Part One)

Running through the undergrowth, branches smacking the three young creatures. Their panting is sharp, the night is young. The most youthful misjudged the jump and snagged in a bramble patch. Fur ripped from his side.

With the yelp from the pup, the elder two stop and look at their youngest pack member, brown-furred with blond streaks through the coat, piercing blue eyes and even in this predicament the cub’s tongue lolls out in a wolfy grin.

The Alpha, Mariah, standing over the cub, covered in dark fur and deep black eyes. With a yip, a wiggle of her ears, an understood message was sent to the youngest. “Enough, Gamma, we must return soon or be discovered.”

Benan, the young cub seeing his alpha reprimanding him, tucks his tail between his legs. “Sorry, Alpha, I got caught in the thorns. It hurt.”

The third wolf, Ruairì, with a grey coat with a shock of auburn down the back with green eyes, aware with nose to the air, checking for threats. “Alpha, we need to move, the herd is reacting to our Gamma’s thrashing around.”

Benan growls at his Beta’s remarks. “So serious, it is our first hunt. Have some fun, Beta.”

Ruairì stares at Benan, his hackles rise with the challenge. Then Benan dips his head and rolls on to his back, showing his belly to the grey wolf.

With a whine, Benan cowls before Ruairì, “Um, I didn’t mean it.”

“Enough, both of you,” Mariah commanded. “We have a hunt, eat and then back to the house.”

As she takes off, her pack follows in her wake. Dodging around trees, the smells of the forest come alive as they run. The feel of the moss under their toes, the hoots and calls of night birds swooping down to catch their midnight meal. The scent of prey and fresh meat on the air, the three plunge faster into the woods.

A glimpse of a horn, a crack of a stick and the chase is on. Mariah drives forward to break off a weak member of the herd. Benan moves off to the right while Ruairì breaks off to the left.

Spotting a young deer retreating after its mother, Mariah pressures it, howling and barking to cause a mistake. Ghosting either side of Mariah’s pursuit is her pack, making sure when it is time to attack, they are ready.

The fawn trips and its mother bounds away, only the strong survive. As Mariah comes into hamstringing the poor fawn, it jumps away quickly. Now the real hunt has started.

Leaping over the underbrush, the deer narrowly misses another bite from Mariah. Little does it know that she is just herding it to an ambush ahead. A fallen log with a wide river next to it, an excellent place for an ambush.

As the fawn reaches the log, it has three choices; jump, duck or go around. All three possibilities have been prepared by the pack. With the biting and barking from Mariah, the fawn tries to run around the log. Waiting for it is Ruairì, with a leap and snaps, he bites down on the fawn’s back leg.

Benan runs over and bites the neck and with a quick twist, snaps it. All three wolves look down at their meal, their mouth-watering with hunger.

Mariah bows to the fawn. “Thank you, little one, your strength will be added to my pack. Know that your purpose in life has been fulfilled. Be at peace.”

Then with a bite and rip, Mariah starts to eat. Benan and Ruairì sit there panting with hunger, but the alpha eats first. After a few moments, Mariah moves back, and Benan dives for the meat. With a growl, Ruairì jumps on Benan biting his throat, dragging him down to the ground. His snarl vibrates through Benan’s throat, the young cub swallows, knowing his mistake.

Leaving this to the Beta, Mariah trots over to the river and starts to shake. Her fur starts to fall off in chunks, underneath fresh brown skin. With a popping, her knees reverse direction. Her canine teeth begin to fallout being replaced with human incisors. Ripping out of her wolf body, Mariah the person screams to the night sky.

Her brown skin awash with goosebumps from the cold air, her mass of brown curly hair still with an ear attached to it. Shaking her head, the ear flies off into the woods. Stepping out of the pile of wolf flesh, she walks over to the river to wash the blood off her body and to rinse out her mouth.

Behind her, she hears two more sound of ripping flesh, as Mariah turns her dark brown eyes on to her pack. Ruairì standing in his wolf leftovers. Pale skinny body, face and hair with bright red hair. Benan, squat with blond-brown hair, his blue eyes bright on his chubby face.

Mariah, tall and gangly standing naked in front of her two pack mates. “Wash off, we need to head back to our house, or our foster ‘parents’ will be pissed.”