Back away. You will not win, wasset,Ward growled, shaking the ground with his stamping paw.
I would eat your snack, she replied. We must be ready for the summoning, brother.
This was ridiculous. I knew I was small, but why did everyone think I was a snack? I tried to bristle, or puff up in Ward’s fur, do anything but look small, but it was hopeless. This is not helping your case for shifters being pacifists, I told Ward.
He ignored my panic.We will be ready for the call.Ward played along.
Follow then, if you’re going to be stingy.The wasset slithered over the ground toward the temple, savaging a few of the Angel’s Bells along the way in fits of uncontrollable rage.
I knew they were just plants, but it was still horrific to watch their petals torn to pieces. A black panther bound past us, darting into the temple as we stepped into the forecourt of the stone building. Time had worn the stones beneath us smooth. Moss and lichen covered every surface, and the stones seemed to absorb the light. It felt dead other than the barks, howls and chatter of the shifters further inside. I made myself as small as possible so no one else would take me for a snack.
Following the trickle of shifters, we walked deeper into the temple as it opened up to an inner shrine where a tall bronze statue of what I assumed was the Goddess sat surrounded by agitated shifters of all shapes and sizes. Ward blended in without a problem.
I’ve never seen so many of us in one place,Ward said.Too many shifters in one place and monsters get nervous.
I could see why. If a group like this united, they would make a terrifying army. The panther skirmished with a giant wolf, aggression rising and ebbing like an invisible tide. A cornered stag looked more crazed than the mountain lion harassing it, pawing at the ground, antlers bloody.
Ward took a few swipes at any shifter that got too close, doing a good job at looking battle-ready with little effort on his part.
IT IS THE GODDESS’ WILL, the stag shouted into the crowd of shifters.We will bring glory to her name.
I shuddered. The village stories about shifter murder sprees always started like that.
Are you guys always this extra?I asked Ward.
He growled and answered at the same time.No, this is very wrong, little viper. Can you not feel the fever?
Cool as a cucumber over here.Maybe mistaken snakes didn't react the same as regular shifters. Nothing other than the normal dread of being around a bunch of crazed animals that might stomp me to death or eat me at any moment.
Ward edged around the noisy gathering, shoving shifters out of the way and snapping at any that got too close, growing more tense. They mostly competed with each other for dominance and only reacted when we made eye contact.
Then you may save us all yet, viper. Even with you touching me, I can still sense the pull of the relic. It’s telling me every shifter that looks at us will attack. Our bond is the only thing letting reason through.
Okay, it’s not like I was letting go of him anyway, but we needed to get this done.And what does the relic look like again?
Ward tossed his head to indicate above us.That vial the statue of her holds.
I looked up and up as we approached the massive bronze depiction of the Goddess. I had never felt so small in my life. Her face twisted in a snarl that showed sharp, pointed teeth. Long wavy hair framed her fist in the center of her chest, which indeed was holding something not bronze.
That’s a long way up,I said, like Ward didn’t see it for himself. But I was stumped.
She wasn’t voluptuous, but that girl’s legs were longer than a runner’s. The statue’s straight, pleated dress didn’t lend to any hand or foot holds, not that I had either appendage to work with.
But Ward wasn’t exactly doling out the quest plan, and I was too nervous to just sit there waiting for shifters to pounce on us. I sat up to get a clearer view and inspiration hit to reach the Goddess’ hand.
Stretch up there as high as you can go.
Ward stood at his full height and there was still a two-foot gap. I slid up into Ward’s outstretched paw.
Boost me up,I told him.Toss me a bit. I can latch on to it.
Absolutely not. I will tear it down.Ward leaned harder on the statue, and it didn’t budge an inch.
Nice try, big guy. Someone was making this one for the ages. My tail tapped the figure and the sound of metal rang back. I can reach it.
I told you I would not put you in danger,he snarled. Was it wrong that I wasn't afraid of his snarls?
No one is paying any attention to us and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you’re too short.
