Myths of Power

Both men stand in silence.


"Will I see you on the continent?"

Richard steps forward.

"I don't know my friend. I have some business to take care of here and I don't know if i'll make it out in one piece."
"Hrmp. One piece, ten pieces, or a thousand. I know I'll see you again, you bastard!"

Joseph bolts off into the distance, fur and claw once again asserting themselves. "Be safe, my friend. There are many dangers in Haladan that even you don't know of."

He covers the distance between Richard and the dancers at a speed that could outpace a race horse and claws to a stop in front of his bretheren.

"Sisters..Brothers... Today we have won a small battle, but I fear that this too will cause an even greater harm to our kind."

The dancers cease and listen intently.

A tall, slight form steps forward. Part human and part feline, black fur and bared silvered claws. Her voice as sleek as speed and as cold as death and bloodshed.

"Why do WE need to fear these humans, Joseph? Did this battle not prove that we can defeat them with ease?" She rubs a paw over her head and ears, her fur matted with blood and dirt.

Joseph bolts forward, barely able to be seen. He grabs her neck and lifts her into the air. Josephs lips curl back and he bares his long yellow fangs, many have been broken in battle. He screams with the authority of an old a battle-hardened warrior.

"DO NOT ENTERTAIN THE THOUGHT THAT YOU HAVE ANY SAY AROUND HERE, CELINE!"

Joseph throws her a few yards to the ground. Celine slides to a stop and begins to bare her own fangs, still bright and unfettered with age.

She stands and readies herself to fight only to find her shoulders in the grip of an extremely large lycanthran  with a badger form. She struggles but can not move. "Let me go, Leland, let me go!"

With little perceived effort, Leland pushes her down to her knees. "Joseph is our leader and you will remain calm and quiet while he speaks." Leland's voice denies his size and is calming to all around him, although gruff and very low-toned.

Joseph ignore the commotion of Celine and Leland. "We have been offered passage to the continent. There are too many of us here to all make it to the docks without being noticed. I want all the of those who are without wounds to make their way there, in HUMAN form. Do not make yourselves noticed. Head for the Lazerous, the captain will be expecting you. All others can find safety in the woods. We are all survivors and will long outlive this night."

Joseph walk to Leland and Celine. "Let her go Leland." Celine stands, well aware that Leland could stop her in an instant. "You show great promise, Celine. Even enough promise to lead your own cadre one day."

Celine bears her fangs slightly. "I could lead one now, if I wished it."

Joseph leans forward into Celines face. "Not with the arrogance that you showed earlier. It will gain you no respect."

Celine begins to calm down. "So what will you do with me now. Have me cower like a frail kit on the seas?"

Joseph smiles. "No. You & Leland will be coming with me."