by Marc Lindsay
“What’s going on? Where am I?” Selene asked, groggily as the group converged around her.
Everyone listened as Jason told them the events of the night, with Selene filling in some of the details. When Jason was finished they looked on in disbelief.
“That’s outrageous!” Ulysses snarled.
“I knew those two were rotten, but murder! I can’t fathom what was going through their minds” Ursula said.
“I can, they think I’m evil,” Jason replied, but Selene shook her head.
“No, I mean yes, Hector does, but not Tiberius. Did you see his face when Hector was ranting? He was giving him this queer, uncomfortable look the entire time. Up until then Tiberius looked excited,” Selene said.
“Either way they planned on killing you both,” Ulysses commented.
“What do we do?” Selene asked weakly.
“We go to the police,” Ursula said.
“And say what? Those two boys were trying to kill us because they think I’m the spawn of Satan? Who are people going to believe, us or them? Not to mention when it comes to the law in Perigord they have that sown up too,” Jason said as he slumped down next to Selene.
“He’s right you know,” Ulysses replied. Ursula looked shocked at his statement.
“No, he’s not. It’s not right and the town needs to know what it’s harbouring. They can’t get away with what they’ve done, they just can’t,” Ursula said indignantly; but her voice had begun to falter and her eyes had started to fill with tears again. Selene grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“I’ve got it!” Jason exclaimed. Everyone looked at him expectantly.
“I go to their houses, invite them to come and talk then I fly them a mile into the sky and drop them,” Jason added. Selene and Ms Jax burst out laughing. Ursula looked as if she was seriously contemplating the idea. Ulysses looked less than impressed.
“Be serious Jason,” Ulysses lectured.
“I am,” Jason argued.
“They have it coming Ulysses,” Ursula said coolly.
“How about we do nothing,” Selene announced to the group. Everyone looked at her as if she had gone mad.
“Selene, sweetheart, you’ve had a terrible night and I think…,” Ursula started to say.
“I have more reason than anyone here to want revenge but to be honest there’s not much we can do, and either can they,” Selene let her statement hang in the air a moment then added. “You’re all forgetting the biggest issue at hand.”
“And that is?” Ursula asked.
“The Harvest Festival. We have a potentially end of the world scenario about to take place and anything else just pales in comparison.”
“She’s right,” Ulysses agreed reluctantly. Ursula also nodded but didn’t look happy about the notion.
“Fine, for now we continue our efforts, but the sooner we’re done, the sooner we can come back and tidy this other little mess up,” Ursula said defiantly.
“Agreed,” everyone replied in unison.
“One last thing. How exactly were you able to free yourself from the purification plant? From what Selene said, you were as weak as a baby,” Ulysses asked. Jason remembered the man from his dream and he started to rub his arm absent minded. He didn’t want to tell anyone about this for now, so he decided to keep that detail to himself.
“I’m not too sure, but I woke up in the pipe where I found Selene floating,” Jason shuddered at the memory. “I changed my form and set us free, the rest you know,” Jason said quietly. Ulysses watched him closely, in particular the way he was rubbing his arm and realised that Jason was holding something back. He decided not to pursue it for now, instead turning his gaze on Selene.
“And how did you find your way in the darkness to the bottom of the pit and through the pipe?” Ulysses asked.
“That was the easy part. The bottom of the pit was lit up with these glowing blue rocks,” Selene replied.
“Glowing rocks,” Ursula repeated.
“Yeah, with the rocks I was able to clearly see the entire time, in fact…,” Selene said as she dug one of her hands into her pocket. “Ms Jax, can you get the light please?”
Ms Jax nodded moved to the door and flicked the switch off. Except for the flickering of the fire in the far corner, the room was shrouded in darkness. Now that Selene had everyone’s attention she pulled her closed hand from her pocket and opened it for everyone to see. In the palm of her hand were four small blue glowing pebbles. Groaning loudly, Ulysses staggered back from Selene. Jason also shied from the rocks as if they were hot embers. Dropping to his knees, Ulysses slumped forward and into the arms of Ms Jax.
“Selene, quick, put those rocks away!” Ursula ordered. Selene jammed the rocks back into her pocket, the effect was instantaneous. Ulysses shook his head as his eyes lost that glazed appearance and the colour returned to his face.
“It feels like I’ve been riding a rollercoaster,” Jason said weakly. “For a week,” he added. Ulysses nodded in agreement as Ms Jax helped him to his feet.
“I don’t know what those rocks are, but I want to find out ASAP,” Ulysses said, a look of controlled rage upon his face.
“I could possibly find out from one of my teachers,” Selene replied.
“Well at least we now know what caused Jason’s mysterious illness,” Ursula said.
“Oh my God, what time is it? Mum’s probably going ape shit wondering where I am!” Jason blurted out as he got to his feet.
“Give her a call and tell her you’re at my place,” Ursula replied. As Jason made the call, Selene interrupted Ulysses and Ms Jax who were talking privately.
“Have you made any progress in regards to the description of The Gjallarhorn?” Selene asked. Ulysses looked a little unprepared for her question.
“We found a couple of images of what the horn supposedly looks like,” Ms Jax interjected. “I’ll be right back,” Ms Jax added and left the room.
“We’re not entirely sure how accurate they are though,” Ulysses said. Jason finished talking.
“Well that’s one thing that’s gone off without a hitch tonight,” Jason said, as Ms Jax re-entered the room carrying a handful of books.
“This is all the library could find on the subject,” Ms Jax said as Jason, Ursula and Selene took one each from her.
“I’ve bookmarked the appropriate pages,” Ms Jax added. The trio thumbed through them until Ulysses cleared his throat loudly. Everyone turned to look at him.
“I’ve got a better idea, come with me,” Ulysses said cryptically. Without so much as a word from anyone they followed him to a heavy set timber and steel door at the far end of the room.
They passed through a large, mostly empty room. In its centre was a short stone pillar three foot in height and intricately carved with beautiful jungle scenery. The top of the pillar was inlaid with a cloudy green crystal. Everyone except Ms Jax and Ulysses looked around the room, which was dark and damp.
“Can I have one of the books please?” Ulysses asked in a polite tone. Ursula gave him her book without comment. Opening it up, Ulysses then placed it gently on the pillar and then looked toward the ceiling.
“If I could ask everyone, when you’re in this room, please keep all noise to a minimum,” Ulysses said. “Greymeade, can you display this book, please?” Ulysses asked respectfully. The crystal began to glow, then a strong emerald light enveloped the book. To Jason’s amazement it projected a large, three dimensional image into the air. The contents of the pages were displayed with crystal clarity for everyone to see.
“Whoa,” Jason and Selene breathed. Ursula remained silent but was clearly impressed with the technology being utilised. The group scrutinised the image from the book which was of a crudely drawn Gjallarhorn. The picture was useless, but the description was a little more detailed - ‘long and twisted in appearance, gold rimmed and jewel adornments, engraved upon the wooden surface images of a serpent a wolf and winter.’ Ulysses tried the other books in their
possession but nothing else came close to the first book.
“Maybe if we tried something a little more comprehensive and up to date than texts, like, um, the internet?” Selene asked sarcastically. Ulysses gave her a deadpan look.
“Greymeade, find any pictures or descriptions of the Gjallarhorn on earth’s internet,” Ulysses asked in a neutral tone. Hundreds of listed texts filed in view, projected into the air.
“Greymeade can you list them numerically in file size. Those with images and information from scholarly references, eliminate those with fiction based locations and social media sites and the misuse of the origin’s name and properties?” Ulysses asked again. He stared at Selene with a bored expression on his face. Immediately the list was shortened to that of sixteen items.
“Show off,” Selene hissed.
“Greymeade, can you open the last file please?” Jason asked politely. The file opened and displayed its contents in the air. Ulysses and Ms Jax looked at Jason, eyebrows raised.
“How did you do that?” Ulysses asked.
“Just like you did, duh,” Jason said matter of fact.
“Because only those chosen can commune with Greymeade” Ulysses replied, then looked at the display without further explanation. The file showed little other than what they had already seen in the books.
“Greymeade, can you show us the next file please?” Selene asked. This time nothing happened. “I guess I’m not one of the chosen then,” Selene added a tone of annoyance in her voice. They continued through the list with Jason navigating. Nothing new was discovered until they viewed the third last file, a report written by a Scandinavian professor on the events of Ragnarok. One passage in particular detailed the Gjallarhorn and gave a clear detailed image.
“Greymeade, display picture Gjallarhorn?” Ulysses asked urgently. The image was enlarged immediately before their eyes, ten times its size and crystal clear.
“Wow, that is pretty impressive,” Selene said and everyone nodded in agreement.
“Is that just an artist’s interpretation or a detailed picture of the actual horn?” Jason asked.
“It doesn’t say, but I think it’s our best lead so far,” Ursula replied.
“You might think I’m crazy, but the horn looks familiar, but I can’t think why,” Selene said.
“The likelihood that you’ve come across the horn is statistically impossible,” Ulysses replied.
“You’re probably right, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling that I’ve seen it before,” Selene said as she stared at the image of the horn.
“Hey, is it possible Greymeade could find us the information we want on the rocks Selene has in her pocket?” Jason asked. Ulysses nodded,
“I was going to suggest that before, thanks for reminding me.” “Selene could you place one of the rocks on the crystal display?” Ulysses asked.
“What about you and Jason?” Selene said. This time Ulysses smiled knowingly.
“Greymeade, place a containment field around rock sample and evaluate its content and origin,” Ulysses asked. “We should be okay,” he said, turning to Selene.
Selene retrieved one of the rocks from her pocket and carefully placed it upon the pillar. A faint green glow could be seen surrounding the rock and Selene. Ms Jax and Ursula watched Jason and Ulysses for any sign or reaction. Everyone let out a breath of relief when nothing occurred. After waiting for one long drawn out minute, Ulysses looked at Ms Jax with a raised eyebrow and a shrug of his shoulders.
“Greymeade, analyse mineral content and origin,” Ulysses repeated. Again they waited and again nothing happened. They were just about to give up when five words appeared in the air above them. ‘Unknown mineral, alien in origin’.
“What does that mean?” Jason asked.
“It means there is nothing in Greymeade’s data base concerning those rocks,” Ulysses replied.
“Should we be concerned?” Ursula asked.
“Not for the moment anyway. I’m tempted to let Selene ask one of her teachers. Seeing as how these rocks are in this region, maybe one of your teachers has knowledge about it,” Ulysses said. Selene quickly removed the rock from the pillar and placed it back into her pocket.
“We can only try, right?” Selene said.
“Well I think we should call it a night. You two kids need rest after the day you both have had,” Ulysses said.
“I agree. Jason, you’ll be staying the night at my place,” Ursula said, then gave Jason a shrewd look. “No hanky panky, you’ll have your own room,” Ursula added. Selene went red, protesting loudly and Ulysses let out a loud belly laugh. Ms Jax walked them all out but Jason hung back and grabbed Ulysses by the arm.
“Where were you tonight? You look kinda dressed up,” Jason asked with interest. Ulysses looked taken aback by the question then gave Jason a smirk.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I was out on a date,” Ulysses said pointedly.
“Date? You? Really?” Jason blurted out in surprise.
“What, you don’t think a good looking rooster like me can land a date?” Ulysses replied with a raised eyebrow.
“Hey, that’s not what I said, of course you can. Do what you want, but I mean, you know, you’re not human. How does that work?” Jason spluttered.
“How does what work?” Ulysses said playing dumb.
“You know, yours and her anatomy?”
“Who said it was a woman?” Ulysses replied, amused.
“I, I, didn’t mean anything. I was just curious that’s all.”
“Relax Jason, I’m just messing with you. I’m in human form on earth, most of the time and I do appreciate a bit of company from time to time, especially the female kind.”
“Fair enough, I better get going. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Jason replied and turned to catch up with the others.
“Jason,” Ulysses called out, stopping him in his tracks.
“I’m glad you two are all right, good work,” Ulysses added. Jason nodded then ran off to catch up with the others.
He met the others at the front door where he found Ursula giving Ms Jax a big hug.
“I can’t thank you enough Amelia, I’m indebted. Anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Ursula said warmly.
“It was my pleasure. I’m just glad no one was hurt,” Ms Jax replied.
“I don’t mean to interrupt Ms Jaeger, but I promised to help Ulysses with something and Ms Jax could drop me off at your house after? It won’t take long if that’s okay with you?” Jason asked. Ursula nodded.
“I don’t mind dropping him off later,” Ms Jax said.
“Fine Jason, but not much longer. I promised your mother and I don’t take that lightly,” Ursula said.
“Do you want me to stay as well?” Selene asked, but Jason shook his head.
“Oh I don’t think so young lady, you’re coming home with me and getting some rest,” Ursula said.
“I’ll be there soon,” Jason added with a smile. Selene still looked fatigued and didn’t put up a fight.
“Don’t be long okay,” Selene said.
“I’ll be right behind you,” Jason replied. Ursula and Selene departed down the library front stairs and into the night.
“What has Ulysses got you doing?” Ms Jax queried. Jason turned to her with an expression of guilt on his face.
“Ulysses doesn’t need me tonight,” Jason said.
“I don’t understand, why did you lie?” Ms Jax asked.
“Because I need to run an errand.”
“At this time of the night? What’s so important?”
“I can’t say, please don’t tell Ulysses,” Jason pleaded. Ms Jax appeared torn at the request and after a brief moment of hesitation nodded.
“Okay I promise, but you have to promise me as well. No one else is going to get hurt tonight, least of all yourself,” Ms Jax said sternly.
“I promise, you won’t regret it,” Jason replied and kissed her on the cheek.
“I regre
t it already, just go and be safe,” Ms Jax muttered.
“Will do,” Jason said and transformed before her into an eagle. With a massive beat of his wings, he took off into the night sky.
Chapter 31
The party at Hector’s had been going strong for the past few hours. Everyone inside was heavily inebriated and were either making out or consuming more alcohol. Hector walked through the house as if he were the Lord of the manor. The noise emanating from the party was deafening but the neighbouring houses all feared Sheriff Rope, so they remained silent. This fact was not lost on Hector, who tended to treat them with disdain.
“Is everyone having a good time or what?” Hector called out, a huge shit-eating grin on his face. This was met with drunken cheering from the group. Hector continued to strut around drinking liberally from a bottle of cider. He strolled over to Halo who was sitting on a lounge, trying unsuccessfully to cop a feel from a young brunette who was glad to be at Hector’s party, but not happy to be the object of Halo’s affections.
“Halo my man, have you seen Tib?” Hector asked casually. Halo shook his head, barely taking his eyes or hands off the young girl.
“I think he’s upstairs, with Mandy,” Halo replied, a dirty grin on his face. Hector nodded, images of his own time with Mandy still fresh in his mind.
“Cool, I’m going for a piss,” Hector commented as he walked toward the back balcony and quietly let himself out. He leaned against the railing and looked out into the night, the cool breeze having a slightly sobering effect on his senses. He could faintly hear the sounds of the party happening from inside the house. This brought a smile to his face.
“Whoo hoo!” Hector screamed into the night.
“That’s all you have to say for yourself? Whoo hoo?” a deep, gravelling voice replied. Hector jumped at the unexpected sound.
“Who’s there? Do you think you’re funny?” Hector yelled, angry at being caught off guard.
“You’re right, it’s not funny, in fact it’s deadly serious,” the voice growled back through the darkness. Hector continued to peer into the night but his courage was faltering. Something wasn’t right. The hairs stood up on the back of his neck. Before he could move a large, dark figure swooped down in front of him. All Hector could make out were two enormous bat-like wings, a pair of red glowing eyes that stared with murderous hate and white canines that no human could possibly possess. Hector stood paralysed with fear. He took a huge breath and prepared to scream when the figure grabbed him by the shoulders with its large taloned hands and ripped him up into the sky, before He could make a sound.
