Chapter 2

Laros Encampment.

Joe woke up feeling strangely refreshed, like he had spent an evening in the hot tub at his parent’s house and followed it with a massage. As he grew more conscious, he became aware of changes in his sight and smell.

His vision had always been good, but now it was sharp and clear. He could count the number of leaves on the trees on the other side of the clearing, and even see the tiny specks that must have been ants crawling all over them. As for his smell…

It was as if he had gone through life with a cold and now it was over. He could smell millions of scents in the air and distinguish each one clearly. He could tell if they were male or female, sick or old, in heat or not. The wall of smells flattened him like a ton of bricks. What was going on here, he wondered.

A snuffling growl snapped his head to the left and he about screamed! A giant wolf, the biggest he had ever seen, was lying next to him! It twisted in its sleep and grumbled slightly, clearly experiencing some sort of nightmare.

Joe leaped up faster than the time his sister had dropped a bucket of ice in his bed. He began to back up when he realized that his arms were still down on the ground. He looked down and about fainted. Where his hands were supposed to be there was a pair of enormous wolf paws, dark grey with long black nails that gripped the dirt and shifted the needles noiselessly. A quick check showed that his feet were paws as well, and as was the rest of his body. He stared uncomprehendingly at the tail that stuck up like a flagpole. It was thick and fluffy, and wagged slightly as he stared at it.

Before his paralyzed mind could process what was happening, a howl of fright twisted him back around. The other wolf had woken up and was staring at her paws in shock. Joe had a terrible feeling, but had to confirm it.

“Sally?” he asked. The other wolf swiveled to him. He could feel the rank terror coming off her.

“Joe?” the wolf whimpered. It came out as a growl, but one that Joe found he could easily understand. It was then that he realized he had spoken in a low growl as well.

“Yes.” He said carefully. It was almost a bark, but soft. He tried to wrap his head around it, and found he couldn’t

“What happened to us?” Sally asked. There was an edge of hysteria to the question, and her body was quivering. Joe chose his words carefully.

“I don’t know. I think that we’ve been turned into wolves.” Duh. Dazzle her with your brilliance why don’t ya genius?

“I kinda got that.” Sally managed dryly. “The fur and paws was a big hint. But why? How? Who would do that?”

Joe thought for a moment. He really wished he could scratch his chin, but that was impossible. He sat down, already missing his hands. “I don’t think it was actually anyone.” He finally said.

“What do you mean?” Sally demanded. “It had to be someone. People just don’t go around turning into wolves! I didn’t even think it was possible!”

“I’d agree with you, but the evidence speaks for itself.” He said dryly. He still chewed on the problem, thinking. What had turned them into wolves? Sally was right of course, people just don’t go turning into wolves. It was ridiculous. The whole thing was. They hadn’t done anything except…

Except drink the water. Joe turned slowly to the pond. Could it be…?

Some of what he was thinking must have shown up on his face, because Sally followed his line of sight and shuddered. “You think it was the water?” she asked disbelievingly.

“I think―that it is a possibility.” Joe said slowly. “It was the last thing we did before fainting.”

“I’ve turned us into werewolves.” Sally whispered in horror. She backed away from the pond, back arched and a low growl coming from her throat.

“Don’t be silly.” Joe snapped. “It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t know the pond would turn us. Hell, I didn’t know. The most I thought would happen was that we’d end up with food poisoning.”

Sally looked at him and opened her mouth to speak when a scream echoed dimly through the forest. Both their heads snapped towards the sound.

Unlike last time, the scream continued; and in fact was joined by many others. There also came a crashing noise, like someone was banging pots and pans together, mixed with shouts and yells.

The screams galvanized Joe and Sally. As one they raced towards the ruckus, jumping over logs and weaving between fallen deadwood. In minutes they were nearing the edge of the forest. It was clearly the source of the screams, now Joe and Sally could hear the sound of fighting. Dropping to their bellies, they wiggled under tall ferns to the top of the hill and looked out.

In the shadow of the forest was a large camp made of tents that had been pitched in neat and orderly rows. Now many were burning and others had been trampled as combatants whirled and twisted amongst their ruin.

Joe didn’t need Sally’s hiss of disbelief, nor her whisper to identify them. “Joe, their centaurs!”

At least half of the fighters were centaurs; there could be no doubt about that. Many were dressed in leather armor or chainmail cuirasses, while others had bits and pieces here and there that spoke of them being taken by surprise by the attack. Each of them had a sword or spear, however, and others had taken up bows and all were trying to find chinks or soft spots in their foes.

Joe stared at the creatures that the centaurs were fighting. They were giant spiders, easily the size of a man, with hairy legs and huge abdomens. They threw webs and flung their legs about knocking over centaurs and tangling their legs. On their bags rode short stubby creatures in grey-black armor that had holes cut into the helms to make room for their short goat horns that stuck out on either side of their heads. Goblins; his mind whispered.

Joe and Sally watched the battle wide-eyed. Joe, for his part, was feeling a sense of growing unreality. How could this battle even be possible? Centaurs were fable, a myth. So were goblins, weren’t they? How could they be here, fighting?

A frightened, high-pitched cry snapped their attention to the edge of camp. There a large spider was menacing a pair of children. It snapped its jaws hungrily and waved its fore legs around to hem them in. Its huge pedipalps twitched in anticipation. The boy shoved his smaller sister behind him in an effort to protect her, bracing himself to take the spider’s onslaught.

The sight of the spider stabbing at the boy with its leg and making him buckle under the blow drove all thought and reason from Joe’s mind. No more than Sally, however. Their growls seemed to echo over the fighting as they tore from their hiding spot, racing down the slope.

In the camp, the little girl was sobbing as she tried desperately to move her brother away from the spider as it dealt with a warrior that had come in response to their cries. It disposed of the warrior with a sharp blow from its leg that sent him toppling into another tent and turned back to its meal. It found the girl trying to make off with her brother, and sent a net of silk spinning over her. She fell to the ground unable to keep her footing. The spider moved closer, confident of a quick kill, when two shapes leaped over the prone children and tackled the astonished spider.

Joe felt his teeth crunch through the armored chitin with ease. The spider screamed in agony as two of its legs on one side were bitten off. It stumbled backwards, waving the bleeding stumps and throwing yellow drops everywhere.

Joe advanced on the spider, growling menacingly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sally back up slowly until she was standing over the children and growled menacingly at anything that approached.

Joe was relieved that the children were safe. Now he had to dispose of the spider before it hurt anyone else. And that, he thought grimly, is going to be quite the job in itself.

He feinted left, making the spider lurch as it tried to compensate for its missing legs. It watched him closely, the eight eyes red with hate. Joe hurled his own to meet it.

Circling left, he made the spider turn to meet him, but it couldn’t spin as fast because of its missing legs. Picking up his pace, he darted in and crunched another leg with a single bite. The spider; unable to support itself; toppled onto its back and screamed.

Joe was on it in a flash, tearing at the joint where the abdomen met the thorax. In seconds, it had fallen off and the spider gave one last shudder and tensed, the remaining legs curling above it.

The death of the spider had a profound effect on the battle. Their arrival seemed to have taken the starch out of the goblins and spiders and given heart to the centaurs. The fighting was now at the outer ring of tents, and it was clear that the goblins and spiders were falling back.

Joe padded back towards Sally, who had gotten the net off the girl and was trying to revive the boy. He had a nasty bruise on the side of his face, and his hair was matted with blood and dirt. The blow from the spider’s leg had knocked him unconscious, but Joe didn’t think he was seriously hurt. He could hear the rasp of the boy’s breathing at least. His sister was holding his head and staring at him as if trying to make him wake by her will.

After several tense moments, his eyes fluttered open and he stared up at them. His mouth dropped open in astonishment and his eyes grew huge. The effect was comical that he looked up at Sally and grinned.

His grin faded as he saw the horror in her eyes. Joe spun around and felt like cursing; the goblins and spiders were running from the camp, but the spiders were carrying cocoons on their sides that were clearly wiggling and squirming. They were also clearly too small to be adult centaurs. The warriors were giving chase, but they were running afoul of the webs that were being shot at them.

“Joe, we can’t let them get the kids!” Sally growled fiercely.

“I know.” Joe snarled. The rage was back, and now it burned hotter than ever. He wasn’t going to let them bastards go without a fight!

Knowing that the two in front of them were now safe, they took off after the retreating spiders. They easily dodged the surprised centaurs, and ignored the shouts and cries as they slipped into the tall grass that made up the far side of the camp.

The scent of the goblins and the spiders was a blaring arrow, clearly marked to Joe and Sally even had not a wide path been trampled flat by the arachnids. They stayed to the sides of the path so as to not give them any warning and moved as fast as they ever had. The stalks seemed to blur as they streaked through them, the stalks slapping his nose like one of the Chinese silk fans Sally had bought one year.

Running flat out like they were, it wasn’t long before they caught up to the raiding party. They slowed and stopped when they heard voices arguing about something up ahead. They circled wide from the path and crept silently from the north, finally coming to a point where they could make out the spiders in the middle of a clearing created by their bloated abdomens crushing the grass flat. The goblins had slid off their bizarre mounts and were busy cutting the webbing that held the centaur children immobile. The frightened cries grew as the kids were dropped unceremoniously on the ground and roughly sorted. The oldest and healthiest children were taken to one side while the smallest or thinnest were herded to the center. Joe began to get a really bad feeling.

If we don’t hurry, those kids are going to become the spider’s lunch. We’ve got to take out the leader. Kill it, and the others will lose will.

Joe wished he could come up with something better. To find out who the lead spider was, he had to see who had the first pick of the meat, and it meant that one of the kids could die. He couldn’t let that happen! He began to edge closer.

At last the kids had been sorted and the goblins began herding their captives away from the impending massacre. Here and there a brother or sister screamed a sibling’s name and tried to force their way through the ring of goblins, but were pushed back with whips and blows.

A huge spider, bigger than the rest, made the first move towards the remaining kids. It roughly pulled out a tiny girl, mouth agape and screaming, from the crèche and brought her towards its jaws.

That was the one! With a roar of rage, Joe charged from the grass to the spider with Sally beside him. The spiders screamed and turned to meet the threat, but it was too late! Joe and Sally dodged their slow and clumsy moves with ridiculous ease and hurled themselves upon the leader. Joe went straight for the bulbous abdomen, determined to get under the spider and deliver the killing blow. It turned to him and dropped its meal, screeching loud enough to hurt his ears. Joe ducked a wild swing from its leg and jumped. A second later his teeth found their mark, and he tore a chunk from the pedipalp. The spider writhed in agony as Sally came at its flank and bit desperately at the connecting joint.

As it turned to face her, Joe circled to the right and took another chunk from the other side. More blood welled. Behind him, Joe could sense the other spiders getting over their shock and come towards him, pedipalps rasping against each other and filling the air with a ch-ch-ch-ch sound that set Joe’s teeth on edge.

With herculean effort, Joe got ontop of the big spider and tore another strip out from the joint. With a brittle crack!, the joint gave way, and the huge spider fell dead.

The others hissed and chittered in astonishment at this development. All at once they looked unsure. The centaurs children cheered, and the goblins shrieked in dismay.

Joe and Sally stared at the spiders defiantly, jaws dripping with the blood from the spider they had killed. Joe could feel the fear of the spiders, and it thrilled him. He took another step forward, and the spiders retreated one. Another step, and another retreat. At his third step, the spiders broke and ran, leaving their goblin riders shouting and waving their arms at their retreating backs.

The goblins glanced at one another, as if to say, “Now what?” Their question was answered by Joe and Sally’s growls. They cast fearful eyes on them, and began to back away slowly.

Joe made sure to stretch to his full six foot height, actually glaring down on the much shorter goblin folk. As the soldiers backed up, the children they had separated broke away from their clutches and raced for their smaller siblings behind them. Joe was relieved that none of the goblins had the sense to grab hostages before it was too late.

“If any of you want to live,” he snarled, “you will leave NOW!” At the last word he drew his lips back further over his teeth and snapped his head forward, ending the last word with an audible ‘click’ of teeth snapping shut.

The display broke the goblins, and they fled shrieking into the tall grass. Joe could hear them running as fast as they could, and it didn’t seem likely that they would stop anytime soon.

Joe turned around and saw the children clutched in a tight circle, the older ones on the outside and the youngest in the middle, staring at them. Waiting. Sally started to speak before Joe could.

“It’s all right. It’s all right. They’re gone now, and they won’t be back. I promise.”

“Wh-who are you?” asked one of the biggest children, a young boy with curly black hair and a roan body.

“My name is Sally.” Sally said gently. “What’s your name, young man?”

“Hephanoes.”

“Hephanoes. You’re a brave kid.” Joe nodded to him. The compliment made the boy swell with pride.

“I’m going to be a great hunter like my father.” He announced.

The boast made Joe and Sally chuckle. “I’m sure you will. But for now, how about you keep everyone together while we help you get back to your parents.” Sally told him. The promise made the kids whoop and cry for joy.

It was a long hike back to the ruined centaur encampment. Along the way, the younger children frisked and jumped, only to be shushed by their elders or given a hissed warning about straying too far from the herd.

Sally led them at a steady pace, following the path that they had made when they had rushed after the party. Joe could just see her tail bobbing above the shoulders of the centaurs when he looked forward.

Joe’s main concern was that some of the goblins or spiders would find a backbone and start chasing after them again. He kept a wary watch on their back-trail, eyes straining to see through the fronds. The grass remained empty of goblins or spiders, and they mad rapid progress.

When they came across the camp, they saw a hive of activity. Centaur raced around in full armor, calling for arrows or extra spears. In the center was a group of fifteen grizzled men and lean women all but stamping with impatience as tribesmen raced to fit the last of their armor and shields, sharpen their swords and fill their quivers. At their head was a massive roan, his dark hair hidden under a helm of steel and covered in heavy chain mail and thick plate. In his hands was a lance, and along his flank were two swords, and above his head curved the hilts of two more. His face was grim and set; Joe swore he could see tears.

“PAPA!” shrieked Hephanoes. The centaur boy took off like a racehorse from the starting gate. The other children surged after him, shouting parent’s names and waving their arms.

Hepahnoes hit the other roan in the low stomach and clutched around his middle. The other centaur’s arms enfolded him automatically. His face brightened when he realized just who he was holding, and his grip tightened.

“Hephanoes! Oh, Hephanoes.” He cried. His front legs folded and he finally came face-to-face with the boy.

The scene was being repeated all around the camp, as parents hugged children they never thought they’d see again. Joe didn’t see one dry face in the camp. He felt his heart in his throat, and tried to swallow past the lump.

“Come on Sal,” he whispered. He wanted to leave the scene behind. “Let’s go back and see if we can find that cave.”

“Right.” Sally agreed. They turned their tails to the tender scene behind them and started into the grass, when they were interrupted by shouts from the village.

“Lord Joe! “Lady Sally!” It was the brave little girl from before, the one who had tried to drag her older brother to safety. She was running after them, her pinto hide rippling the sun.

Joe stopped in surprise and watched curiously as she drew to a stop in front of them, panting slightly. Her eyes were a strange amber color, Joe noticed as they locked on them. She squirmed slightly 

“Won’t you come to our village?” she finally squeaked. She was practically dancing on her hooves with excitement. Joe found the sight strangely endearing.

“I would love to, sweetie. But we must find our way back home.” Joe told her gently. She looked crestfallen. Sally jumped in before she could start crying.

“But I’m sure we could stay for a short while.” She glared daggers at Joe like it was his fault. Joe realized that he had better agree quickly if he didn’t want to get an earful.

The girl reared excitedly and came up beside them, hand on their flanks as she led them into the village, where the centaurs were lining up to get a look at them.

“So, what’s your name, sweetie?” Sally asked desperately. Perhaps all the eyes on her made her nervous. It certainly made him nervous.

The girl wriggled her nose slightly. “My name is Apricitos.” She told them. Joe frowned.

“What does that mean?” He blinked as he realized he had asked that a tad indelicately, and thought frantically for a way to apologize, but apparently the girl had no problem. She laughed and pointed to the sun.

“That’s Aprictas, our light in the day sky. Apricitos is the name we give the rays that come from it.”

Joe nodded at the clarification. Apparently, Apricitas was the name for sun, and Apricitos was the name for sunshine, so her name was Sunshine. Simple. So why did he feel like his head was about to explode?

As they strode in, an older mare walked up to them. Apricitas wiggled out from between them and hugged her fiercely.

“Little one.” The elder said fondly. She was dressed in a simple dress that ended just above her waist. Her hair was braided with beads and simple metal trinkets that caught the sun. Her weathered face was warm and friendly, however; and she bowed slowly to them.

“Thank you, for saving my granddaughter. I can never thank you enough for the courage that you showed.”

“It…really wasn’t anything, ma’am.” Joe said uncomfortably. Beside him, Sally looked rather embarrassed at the attention she was receiving from a group of women, who were exclaiming over her wounds. In minutes, they had herded her away into a tent and closed the door.

Joe was left standing bemused and bewildered. How had they moved so fast? One moment they were together and the next…

He started when he felt hands running up and down his coat. It seemed he had picked up a pair of groupies as well, except these were men. Joe yelped! That poke had hurt! Why the blazes were they sticking their fingers in his wounds?

“Your pardon, Lord Joe.” One of the centaurs said. It was Hephanoes’s father. He looked grim. “But we must ensure that there is no piece of spider or goblin sword left in the wound before we clean it. Those blades carry a poison, and can kill slowly and painfully if left untended.

All of a sudden Joe was very interested in seeing a hospital. He knew better than to look around for one, and instead let them lead him to the remains of a large tent. One end had been slashed to ribbons, but the other still stood and even bore a pendant; a silver centaur on a blue field.

Once in the privacy of the tent, they made Joe lie down so they could get a better look. After some more painful prodding, they brought out wine and a small box, like the kind his mother held her sewing kit in. In fact…

Joe realized what they were about to do and felt a stab of fear. He battled his instinct to run, and made himself sit there. After all, judging from the stitched wounds that he had seen on several of the fellows that brought him in he was not the only one to have work done. How bad could it be?

He regretted that decision in a very few minutes after the men had started. Each stab of the needle felt like a hot poker burning its way through. Despite his efforts, his paws scrabbled for purchase to get him out of there. The combined weight of the centaurs holding him down prevented his escape however.

The hard neck of a glass bottle was thrust between his teeth, and warm liquid was splashed down his throat and out his mouth, unfortunately. A few drops landed on his tongue, and he realized it was wine! And very strong too. Within seconds, the pain had numbed to a pleasant fuzzy feeling. A second splash; and he was out cold.

Joe woke up feeling like two drums were pounding on his tender scalp with the force of the Chicago Orchestra. As he struggled to get to his feet, he noticed he was still in the same tent as before, but now the damaged section had been taken away and a new wall hurriedly stitched in place. He was lying on soft woven mats that he suspected were made from the grasses that had been outside, and the walls of the tent were lit only by a flickering glow.

Stepping outside, he found a scene reminiscent of an old western. The centaurs had built a huge bonfire in the middle of the camp, and they were cheering and stamping their hooves enthusiastically to rhythmic drumbeats. Occasionally one of the smaller centaur kids would whoop and begin leaping about in the center of the ring of elders, spinning at the top of their arcs and lashing out with their back hooves.

Holy crap. Did I step into a John Wayne set or something? But no, John Wayne never had centaurs. I still can’t believe what has happened. I suppose I should feel more panic about this, or something. But all I feel is…numb.

As Joe tried to pin down his thoughts, a silence fell over the camp as people caught sight of him. He retreated from his musings and tried to collect his scattered wits at the attention. Mustering what dignity he had, he strode boldly to an empty spot in the ring of spectators and sat down.

The centaurs were quiet for a time, and then Apricitas’s granddam walked over to him. Her white hair and grey tail were braided with colorful beads, and she had changed to a long flowing dress that was cut off at the lower back, but with the front half of the skirt cut so it covered her legs and ended a full foot above her hooves to allow movement. The dress was made of blue silk.

Joe straightened at her approach, watching her intently. She faltered slightly under his gaze, but quickly recovered and smiled.

“Lord Joe, it is good of you to join our celebration of deliverance.” Her voice was smoother than it had been before, and more regal. Joe fell back on the stories and movies he had seen and read.

“I am pleased to have been able to do so, milady.” He stuttered. He felt like such a fool for saying it, but the centaurs cheered like he had given them a winning lottery ticket. Was the whole world mad, he briefly wondered? Probably. Not much point in fighting it, he’d have to ride the flow and see where it led him. “It is quite the impressive demonstration.” He added, gesturing with his nose towards the children, who flushed at his praise.

“I thank you for your kind words.” The elder said. “But I suspect you were not in this region by chance?” she left the question open.

Joe grimaced. “That is correct, milady.” He said. He debated on how much to tell her, but decided that it couldn’t hurt. Maybe she knew a cure. “You see, Sally and I were walking in the park when this storm came from nowhere and we sheltered in this cave…”

“…and that’s when we heard the cries for help and came to investigate, and…well, you know the rest.” Joe finished. The fire had burned quite low while he had been telling his story, making the expressions of his hosts hard to read. Were they judging him? Thinking he was a fool for running in when he did?

I don’t care what they think. I KNOW I did the right thing. If they think differently, well that’s just too bad.

“More wood for the fire!” the elder barked, making Joe jump. Immediately several of the children scurried off towards the edge of the camp. Joe was concerned for a moment, what if the goblins came back?, until he caught sight of a figure in armor patrolling the perimeter of camp. He settled back, the guards would give more than adequate warning.

In moments, the children had returned with several pieces of firewood that they proceeded to toss on the fire. The greedy flames immediately consumed the bark and began burrowing at the wood underneath, burning brightly.

The fresh light showed Sally sitting on the other side of the flames, fur freshly brushed and given strings of beads weaved in. Joe uncomfortably wondered how long she had been there listening. The elder cleared her throat, catching Joe’s attention.

“Your words bring comfort to me, as your courage heartens me. You have shown that you can be trusted, and done us a great service in returning our children to us.” Her tail swished slightly, as she peered at Joe and Sally. Joe was mesmerized by her bright gaze. “It is only fitting,” she continued, “That we return the service given. There is no knowledge amongst us about how to lift your curse.” Joe felt disappointment, but the elder wasn’t finished. “However, many days journey to the north, there is a great and powerful sorceress. Her abilities are great, and her magic is unequaled. It is she who may be able to set you free.”

There was a general murmur from the crowd, and Joe heard “the Queen”, and “Her Majesty” several times. The elder ignored these and continued.

“You will require a guide.” She said matter-of-factly.

“If it pleases you, Elder, I will guide them.” Spoke a voice from the crowd. It was Hephanoes’ father. The warrior was still dressed in his armor; he hadn’t bothered to remove it in the intervening hours. His shield was tied to his withers and his swords were at his side and back. He was grim faced as he regarded the Elder levelly. Hephanoes clutched his hand as if he feared his father would disappear right then.

The Elder frowned at him. “Melanoes, are you sure about this?” she asked. “Your position―”

“Will servive intact. After saving my son, it is the least I can do, and I am the logical choice. I know the way, and my face is not unknown to the Queen. I can get them an audience.”

The Elder nodded gravely. “Then it is settled. You can set out on the morning after you have rested.”

“As you command, elder.” Melanoes bowed and stepped out of the light headed for the rows of tents that had been repaired while Joe had slept.

Joe was about to protest, but stayed quiet. They needed a guide to get them to the palace, though he hated to take Hephanoes’ father so soon after reuniting them!

He went to bed soon after, claiming to be getting ready for the morning’s journey. The centaurs were disappointed, but understood and let him go. He went to the tent they had set aside for him. The floor was carpeted with furs and rugs, though there was, obviously, no bed.

Joe curled up on the furs. His mind spun with the day’s events. The pools, the two battles in rapid succession, the hunt. He could scarcely believe all that had happened. He felt a strange feeling of detachment; it was as if all that had been someone else living that life, doing those things.