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Unfinished Chapter: Book of Creatures
The stench was horrible, overwhelming and sick, choking with its ominous reek. Anna carefully made her way further into the building, clutching the Book of Protection against herself. Guilt had once again driven her to retrieve one of the tomes. This one in particular was one of Dark Magic. As she stepped over twisted corpses of monsters, she could understand why.
The building itself was in the warehouse district in Cantinol, average sized, perhaps two or three levels, maybe a small basement. It was brick, a dark gray red, dirty and solemn with a used and rarely visited look. Immediately she had sensed the tome inside, as well as its magic. Quickly, she managed to crack open the book and call upon a shield to surround the structure. Once inside, she had come across blood and death.
The Book of Creatures, it allowed the user to have the loyalty of any animal, or create something entirely different. New species had arisen thanks to this tome, the Unicorn, Chimera, and Manticore for just a few examples. This user, whoever they were, was of a sick and greedy nature. Anna stepped over pools of thick blood, lifting her skirt and quickly chanting a painstakingly remembered spell as she saw eyes light in the dark.
The creature was of a new origin, and cried low and sad as it walked in the shadows. Like the others, it was an abomination, a twist of human and animal. Anna could distinguish the long fur, large paws, and young human face as it continued to pace. Out of curiosity or a moment of madness, Anna moved closer.
The abomination was slowly circling an even larger shape, never ceasing its pitiful moans. The mother, Anna assumed, obviously dead like the rest. Just what had killed these creatures? Anna wondered as she began to shift away. The spell would only work for a time, one designed to have creatures of magic avoid and ignore the caster. A grieving adolescent with large teeth and claws attacking in a sudden fit of rage was not her ideal evening. She made it several feet in the dark, cautious and nervous.
A sudden gut clenching roar shook the building and Anna nearly slipped on spilled blood and organs. Oh, that sounded near. And big. She glanced back at the monster still crying over the mother, for a moment worrying about its safety. The other one sounded large and mean, most possibly a successful experiment with the book. It wasn’t her wish to see the young one harmed.
Once she found the user of the Book, she could quietly leave with the tome and alert someone of the monsters inside. Anna cried out as little things moved against her skirt and bounced about. They quickly disappeared, hiding their green bodies in crevices and cracks. What kind of person was creating these things?
She caught her breath, inhaling the putrid air and nearly crying from the wretchedness of everything. Once Charles had mentioned the appearances of monsters she had known, she was a failure as a Guardian. Anna had heard the rumors, a mysterious death here, a chilling tale of horror there, also a new species had been discovered; did you know it could talk? Using her skills as a Guardian she had tracked the tome here, in this place of death and sadness.
“Who are ya? Whadda want?” A large imposing man with a candle was further ahead, squinting and peering at her with hateful eyes. “The monsters should have gotten ya. What are ya?” Anna kept still, soothing her emotions by stroking the tome in her arms. This reminded her of old nightmares, when she was scared of beasts in the catacombs. The man approached, swaggering as if drunk. He appeared uncultured, a commoner with large muscles, most likely a lackey.
“I am not a foe. I just wish to speak to the person in charge.” She spoke as forcefully and yet sweetly as she could, hoping that the man was one of opportunity and not kill first. He just grunted and turned away, assessing that she was weak, obviously not a threat.
“Are ya here for a monster of ya own?” His question was casual, as if he was selling pets and not monsters. She kept silent, and the man did not ask again. The walk in itself was not long, yet the entire situation made it into a hazy nightmare. Next time, she would plan a bit further ahead, perhaps even ask help from Charles. Surely her husband would support her wishes if she voiced them.
They went up a flight of stairs, the area slowly becoming brighter as more candles dominated the walls. Anna did her best to appear unconcerned, to not show her disgust at the blood on her gown, nor her fear as they entered the main hallway. As if welcoming her, two rows of monsters lined up against the walls, each a picture of grotesque art.
“Don’t mind them. They’re just pets.” The man said a bit carefully, as if hiding his own unease. He led her to the end of the hall, avoiding the walls. The monsters followed slowly, well mannered and silent; the one directly behind Anna appeared to be a mix of jackal and cat, larger than a dog, with large wide eyes and a human like face.
Finally, he led her to a room. The door itself was of no great distinction, they entered quickly. The beasts did not follow.
It took a moment for Anna to adjust to the brightness. There was a large desk, several chairs, a wooden floor, small shelves of books, an enormous red monster beside the desk, lamps, candles, and a rather bland looking man staring at her with a fixed expression. The tome was on the desk, not even hidden.
“Mrs. Robinsgrieve, I was informed you might visit.” Ah, no preamble. Whoever had the Book of Secrets must have warned this man. He motioned to a chair, in front of the desk, man, and monster. While she adjusted, Anna took a moment to study the creature. A mix of lion, bear, wolf, human, and some kind of reptile she estimated by its size and appearance.
“The spell is hasty, I can still smell.” Came the viscous, non-human voice from the monster. It sent shivers up her spine, its muddied golden eyes focused vaguely in her direction. The man tapped the desk as if to gain attention, possibly to himself and the book.
“Not only was I told that you would come, but also that you hold the Tome of Protection.” He glanced at the book in her lap as if to verify. “And also that as Guardian of these Tomes, you can recall them from the current owner.”
“Yes.” Her voice was pathetic in contrast to the monster’s and the man’s. “I avoided doing so for your benefit, as well as those surrounding you.” The man who had led her there had exited, she noticed. “I cannot allow the use of this tome any longer. You and the past several owners have abused both individual rights and value of people themselves.”
“They were murderers. I bought these people from the prisons.” The man justified.
“I still cannot condone these actions. Yet as the wife to a member of the Revolutionary Circle, I also cannot destroy the monsters you have already created for the use of the Revolution.” This seemed to please the man, whose sudden shift in posture did not go unnoticed by the red monster.
“Beings like I are necessary.” She hated that twisted voice. “Normal animals cannot process thoughts and plans like us. We were created to avenge the People, and to avoid mass murder from stupid beasts.” This was no ordinary monster. The words and thought put into them were greater than those of the lackey. “Most of us were saved from death, given our greatest desires, and even were able to choose our forms.”
“What of that of the child? I saw the face of that creature.” The smile on the monster was horrible. The man gave a small chuckle.
“She like her mother was condemned to death. Her mother asked for the child’s safety. I granted it.” He leaned back in his chair. “The fools downstairs were just fodder for my better creations. But as promised, the child is unharmed. I kept my word.” This sort of talk was creating a sick feeling in Anna’s stomach.
“Would you be open to a deal?” She questioned, and was rewarded with a slow hesitant nod. “If you hand over the tome willingly, I will tell you how to control the monsters without the book.” So far so good. “Also, I want to take that creature downstairs.” She paused, both the man and monster stilling as well. That condition had just popped in her head without warning.
“Hm…I give up my source of power and one of my valuable creatures, and get what in return?” The monster’s smile had widened to sick proportions as the man spoke.
“I will no longer interfere with your business. I only wish to have the tome out of circulation and that poor creature out of your hands.” Anna waited for his response, fingers curling around the sturdy binding of her own tome. This entire situation made her sick to her stomach.
“Fine.” The red monster replied, lips curling back to reveal too sharp maws. “Take the brat, take the book, but we want your secrets. All of them.”
“Yes. If we can’t have the book, then your secrets will be fine. Perhaps you’ll tell us who else has the tomes. Or even the location of that hidden magic temple.” The man was certainly an opportunist, Anna thought as she shifted uneasily in her chair.
“Those are not my secrets to give. I only offer the secrets unknown to you and your…friend.” Anna was still a bit unsure of what to call that red monster. “I’m only restricting the use of creating monsters, and none of the current powers you hold over them.”
“I’m afraid not-” The man began. “Agreed.” The monster interrupted. Uneasily, Anna watched as the two stared, heads turned towards the other, red monster vs. corrupt business man. The man blinked, in an instant the atmosphere changed. He gave a rather pleasant smile, then adverted his eyes to Anna.
“We relent, you’ll have the book and monster. But on one condition.” Another pretty smile. “We want several days until the transition. You may take the monster child, in three days, we will meet again to discuss the book.”
“Make that four days.” The monster with that horrid voice spoke again. “At this location. At evening.” There was a finality, a dismissal in his tone. He was no pet, not even close, more like a master with his speech and the amount of attention paid to him by the other. As she thought, the man nodded in agreement.
“May I inquire of the names of my associates?” Anna was already rising when she spoke. It had been an afterthought, more a curiosity, an impulse more than anything else. Too bad it was the monster that answered, with the chilling voice.
“I am called Terror, my ally here is Mr. Daur Astrik. No more questions Mrs. Robinsgrieve,” She hated the voice. “if you will, please leave. Don’t forget your pet.”
The lackey from earlier was back, standing in the doorway, leering at the red monster warily. He didn’t spare Anna a glance, turning around and disappearing back in the hallway. She was quick to follow, shivering at the monster’s gaze. More monsters outside, she adverted her eyes and walked quickly. Now that it was over, finally, she found her strength waning.
The man didn’t even glance back as Anna stumbled on the stairs, her weak body finally giving in to stress and fear. Everything was unwinding, her breath was quick and rapid as the ending drew near. The child monster, the once human girl, was still crying near its deceased mother’s body. It took only a moment for Anna to flip through the pages of her book and find the needed spell, even in the horrid light.
Once cast, the child monster raised its head in surprise. “Hush.” She whispered, her tome still open. The man was standing off to the side, looking both interested yet distrustful. “Come with me little one. Please.”
.
The young monster child was staring at her blankly, not mindless, no, the poor thing was in shock. Anna moved closer, kneeling down and gently holding her hand out. The child made no movements, so Anna began to run her fingers into the dull brown fur, dirty and long. “Will you come with me?”
Slowly, the child moved, large paws wet with blood, vast dark brown eyes unfocused and uncertain. It followed Anna out of the warehouse which still reeked of fear and blood, and stood in complete stillness as Anna paid the lackey three gold pieces to retrieve her carriage. While they waited, Anna was furiously in thought as she caressed the silent child’s fur. Though young, the girl’s shoulders were to Anna’s knees, with long fur, and a very fluffy tail.
Charles would accept the child, though the staff would be harder to convince. They were still suspicious of the lack of spousal affection Anna and Charles showed each other, and their separate rooms. Though Anna was fond of the little house outside of Hirei, the largest of mercantile and free cities of Allure, she would have to take a small vacation in the country for awhile.
“Well little one, I hope the sense of your loss passes quick.” The child finally responded as Anna scratched behind an ear.
….
For three days Anna waited patiently at the Inn, taking advantage of the child’s silence by claiming her as a pet, a rare breed from across the seas. It was easy enough to believe, Cantonal had a large port and was popular with the foreign trade. It was day outside, and the windows were open to allow the light and salty breeze inside.
“Marietta.” The child raised her brown head, an odd mix of cat face, long ears, and human eyes. Though she still avoided speech, Anna had been able to get the child’s name, though not much else. “It’s almost time for me to leave.” For the exchange, were the unspoken words. Marietta raised her head sharply, emotion crossing her deep eyes, fear. A letter had come the other day, naming a separate place, a time, and a very impersonal message from Daur Astrik.
“Nothing to worry about,” Anna motioned towards the desk. “I have already prepared two spells, one of truth and a shield protection.” The look of fear was still on the child’s face. “If you’re that worried, you may wait in the carriage. It would be foolish to full-heartedly trust those two, yet I must believe the best. I can’t let them keep the tome to create new creatures.”
“Pl-ease.” Marietta’s voice was strained, as if it were painful to speak. Anna had been surprised by her sudden willingness and words. “Don’t leave.” Those dark human eyes were like liquid, begging. “I won’t, at least for a permanent time. Just to resolve this situation.”
………………………………………………………………………
This was the moment; Anna was outside another obscure warehouse in order to retrieve the tome of creatures. It was a bit chilly, one in the morning and very foggy. All was in order, the spells had been cast, the carriage lay in wait on the next street over, and the freshly painted green doors of the warehouse lay in wait.
Why was she hesitating? Anna was accustomed to dark nightmarish places, books and spells of arcane nature, and even monstrous people and real monsters. She must be brave, or else more innocents like Marietta would be transmuted into monsters. It must be that red monster she decided, the one who spoke in a gnarled voice and had the deaths of thousands in his eyes.
Before her courage left her, Anna strode forward and entered without a knock. She caught her breath at the dozens of glowering eyes awaiting her in the gloom and the stalking forms that leapt at the door’s movement. Nearly immediately the predators calmed and stilled, craning their misshapen heads as they settled into motionless poses. She followed their eyes, clutching the book of protection with all her might against her chest. There was an omen in the air, she was walking into their trap.
“Mrs. Robinsgrieve, right on time, a pleasure.” The red monster spoke, standing in a graceful yet lethal stance, a pounce a second away. In this light, in that pose, with the flowing red flamed hair and too large teeth, Anna felt very much a female, struggling against fainting.
“Where is Mr. Astrik?” Her eyes quickly scanned the entrance area, seeing nothing but moving monsters that so very slowly moved in a circle about her. She recognized the jackal creature from before, his maws already dripping saliva, human features more prominent than the rest. He gave a chuckle, an odd high pitched noise in return for her scrutiny.
“He is running a tad bit late. Please, follow me.” The self proclaimed Terror fluidly turned, smooth muscles far superior to any movements a human could wish to accomplish. Anna reminded herself to take note of the surroundings as the monsters silently herded her to the back of the warehouse.
This warehouse was occupied by boxes, dust, and large bulky objects that were only faint outlines in the murk of the building. The further they went, the fewer lanterns mounted the wall. The darker it became, the amount of fear and wariness in Anna’s young heart mounted. Within these conditions, it was difficult to feel seventeen and safe.
“You still carry that same spell about you.” Terror replied as a creature nudged Anna’s knee. She withheld any noise, whether shriek or scream, and moved at a faster pace. Obviously the monsters could not see or smell her, yet the blank ring amidst their numbers was their indicator, clever beasts.
“Just a precaution.” She muttered, barely above a human’s hearing range, yet a number of chuckles and laughter followed. At the moment she felt truly, immensely irritated and on nerve’s end, they came to a room with no door. Like the rest of the warehouse, it was in use, with very little candles alighting the room. There was no window, only of moderate size filled with tightly sealed wooden boxes stacked upon each other.