Javier could see the woman at the top of the stairs. Her body slowly turned as she took one hesitant step down back into the basement. “What are you talking about? Grendel is a story, a legend.”
“And all legends have their basis in fact,” Huan Li replied evenly. “The monsters who will be coming for you are far worse than how the tale describes Grendel. They are cunning, powerful, and have absolute contempt for all those not like themselves, with us Shape shifters hated among them most of all.”
“I am nothing like you!” Yrsa almost spat as she turned back towards the head of the stairs.
“Does every woman in this country have the ability to lift whole trees in their bare hands?” Huan Li asked quietly.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Yrsa asked. “I was just born strong like the rest of my family.”
“You are a Berserker, Yrsa, at the very least you are part of the fabled bear clan.” Huan Li said with a touch of steel in his voice. “You are not a child anymore and you must take responsibility for what you are. You, like the legends of old, have the strength of the bear coursing through your body and soul.”
From his spot on the floor Javier saw the girl listen with a soft scoff as Huan Li spoke to her. Her cool blue eyes grew hard, as a sneer twisted her lips.
“And what if I am. My father passed down his strength and wisdom to all his children. What? You think only men wield the abilities of our clan?”
Huan Li shook his head, “No, but I expect you, of all people, to understand that the force of nature, of whatever will of the universe that has blessed us with our abilities, also imbues you with similar abilities and traits. We are the universe’s answer to the question of nature vs society, human vs animal. We are the same.”
“No,” she whispered just loud enough for him to hear. “I am NOTHING like you!” She yelled hoarsely.
Huan Li stepped around the corner blocking Javier’s view of the girl. Her hard, hate filled, and unblinking eyes didn’t see Huan Li at all. Javier slowly stood up and moved to the side of the elder.
“It’s true Yrsa,” Huan Li said coldly. “You are very much like us and come from the same magic, the same source, the same Gods if you will, though I suspect you can’t actually shift forms the way we Shape shifters do. You were blessed with the gift of bear like strength and we need your help.”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She met Huan Li’s animalistic gold eyes with her cool blue human ones.
Huan Li looked up at the woman as she stood defiant on the staircase. “You know that what I’m saying is true, don’t you.”
The woman didn’t answer.
Huan Li continued, “Our pack mates are missing and we need to find them. They may be in great danger, especially if they had been moved when you happened to come upon us. Yrsa, we need your help. Please, help us to save our people.”
The woman whispered through rigid lips, “Will you leave if I do?”
Huan Li nodded, “Yes, after we find our companions, we will leave you in peace to live out your life as your wish. Do I have your word that you will help us?”
The girl nodded her head slowly. With that Huan Li smiled and nodded towards Javier. He shifted back into human form. The old man heaved a heavy sigh. His eyelids fluttered and he collapsed backwards from where he stood.
If Javier hadn’t been standing close to him, Huan Li would have crashed backwards onto the earthen floor. As it was, he was able to catch the old man by the shoulders. He grunted with the sudden weight and pulled him back to where they had slept. He laid Huan Li down and the old man rested easily.
Javier turned around and saw Yrsa slowly making her way off the stairs and walking towards him. “Are you like him too?” she asked with untrusting eyes.
Javier nodded, “I’m a Shape shifter, if that’s what you mean. But like him?” He glanced behind him at the old man and smiled, “No. He’s an Elder of our city and he’s in a league almost completely of his own.”
He felt the woman behind him. She stepped past him and looked fiercely at the sleeping form. “I should kill both of you while I can.” She murmured. “I should do it and erase my conscious of any wrong doings.” She stared harshly at the evenly tall Hispanic man standing next to her. “Monsters deserve to be killed, regardless of what form they take.”
Javier felt a sudden rage at the woman’s words, “Do you really think we’re monsters?” He asked loudly. He grabbed her hands and held them in his. “Is this the hand of a monster? Would you kill us in cold blood?”
“If a predator is hunting your family, you have the right to defend your land and livestock.” Her lips twisted in a very ugly smirk, “I’ve killed quite a few beasts in my time. You’re no different.”
Javier shook his head and scoffed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Fine, fine I’m a monster. I’m an ignorant beast just out to take what others have built.” He shot her a hate filled glance, “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused of that.” He slapped his arm with an open palm. “This skin hasn’t been easy to live in some times.” He threw himself on the floor and stared up at the woman.
“You gave your word you’d help us. I don’t expect you to keep it though, why would you keep the word given to a pair of monsters.”
Yrsa glared hard at the sitting man. “I HATE everything you stand for and everything you represent. I wish I had left you two to die out there in the snow, but I didn’t. I will keep my word,” she spat. “Even to monsters like you.”
With that she spun on her heel and left the two creatures. Javier listened to her quickly climb the staircase and then heard the heavy wooden door slam shut and the familiar slide and rustle of metal as the heavy door was locked securely. The two men were once again prisoners in the basement.