Persephone's Ring
Chapter 4

As camp disassembled in the morning, Susan used the fire to make breakfast for the group with DeAnne’s help. It was becoming their normal thing to be the ones preparing food. Though they had added support from Padma this time. People had started to take up jobs as a way to keep busy.

Stomachs full they were on their way following Andrew. They were alert as there possibility of being caught or a creature was not a welcome one. They stopped twice to rest but didn’t linger too long in either place.

“Smell that?” Robert sniffed the air. “I smell…” he sniffed the air. “It’s meat, delicious meat…”

For a moment, everyone looked at him as if he were losing it, then the smell hit their noses.

“I smell it too,” Fredrick wiped the drool from his mouth. “Maybe we can get something aside from the junk we’ve been eating, I’m tired of fruit.”

“You don’t have to eat it,” Susan glared hands on her hips. “You can cook your own crap from now own you ass,” she rolled her eyes then kept walking.

Ten minutes later, and with rumbling stomachs, they reached the edge of a town. There was a sign but sadly none of them could read it’s degraded etchings. The group stepping into the town, looking around. The villagers stared at them, whispering as they walked through.

One thing that stood out where many statues of wolves placed throughout on building and streets.

“We may be stoned to death,” Susan commented.

“That’s not funny,” Henry frowned.

“We stand out by our clothes,” she stated. “So, until we get some new ones we may be seen as witches as this place looks stuck in the past,” she pointed out.

“Then we replace some,” Cole said. “How about we fan out and meet up in an hour.” He glanced around, “How about at the well there,” he pointed at it off to his right.

All in agreement, they looked around, slowly breaking off.

“I’ll go with Keiran,” Natasha grabbed his arm. “We should go with partners so we don’t get lost.” She grinned holding his arm to her chest and looking at him from under her lashes.

“Good idea,” DeAnne agreed. “How about pairs that complement one another not just because you’re looking for a boy to fool with missy.”

Susan and Rayen held in a laugh at that.

Keiran pulled away from her, “I’d rather concentrate on replaceing something to help us.”

Pouting, she turned away. “Fine,” she crossed her arms. “Let’s go, Char, we could replace clothes easy.”

Rayen took a breath to calm herself. “I’ll be fine on my own I’m heading this way,” she pointed to her left.

She started walking away from the group looking for a place a little out of view and stopped taking off her bag to check the egg. Glad it was okay; she gave a small smile. As she was closing the bag she felt something slither across her hand. Looking down, she saw a snake but it didn’t freak her out. She blinked for a moment then sat back. As the thing slithered around her wrist, it lifted it’s head a small pouch in its mouth.

“What’s this?” she tilted her head. Grabbing the pouch she looked inside. “Isn’t that lucky?” she mumbled, eyeing the money. “Thanks, little snake.” she grinned the stood, putting the pack back on. “Well, I should get going,” she set the snake on a nearby branch then started walking again.

She glanced at the pouch as she walked, thinking it’d be smart to use to resupply. She stopped as she came across a stand filled with knick-knacks. She gave them a once over then picked up a chain handing over a coin from the pouch.

“This will work right?” she asked the woman.

“Yes, very fine, thank you.” The woman took the coin.

Elsewhere the other groups were off searching for something useful but coming up empty. They all eventually gave up, heading back to the fountain. As they all arrived empty-handed Rayen walked over.

“So I found money,” she said. “We can use it to replace some clothes then get food and supplies,” she held up the pouch.

“What’d you do to earn that?” Charmayne sneered.

“A snake gave it to me,” she replied as if it were totally normal.

“Hun, you know how that sounds, right?” Susan raised a brow. “A snake gave you money in a place said to belong to gods, the horniest of which turns into animals and seduces women.”

“I took my chances plus it seemed harmless and just slithered away after,” Rayen said.

“But you have to admit that’s weird,” Henry commented.

“Maybe but I’m in one piece, and if it was some seducing god wouldn’t using something most people fear be dumb?” she remarked.

“Well what’s done is done, we have money we could sit and talk about it or use it,” Padma laughed. “Should we do this once more?”

“I’ll get some food then,” Susan said. “DeAnne want to help collect some?” she asked. “You too, Tilly,” she smiled at Padma.

The three took some of the coins as they left.

“Well, maybe we don’t really need clothes if we’re leaving soon,” Rayen mumbled.

“I’ll take Andrew and try to get us some supplies, though we may need help,” Cole took some coins as well.

“I’ll join you,” Henry said, following them. “We can see what they have in the way of protection too.

Rayen looked in the pouch still seems to be a bit,” she mumbled. “Well, here,” she passed some to the others. “Then I’m going to go look around a bit more.” she waved, leaving the group.

“There sure are a lot of dogs…” Rayen mumbled. “Do they worship them here?” she stopped at the statue of a large feral looking wolf. She examined it carefully, leaning in for a closer look.

“Is it that interesting?” a voice came from behind her.

She turned, seeing Keiran. “Just wondering why wolves,” she answered. “They’re a favorite of many, but was there a reason why specifically this place worships them.”

“Who knows.” Keiran shrugged. “But you should get what you need, and we should leave, we’re still being watched so suspiciously,” he added.

“Guess you’re right,” she glanced around at the people whispering about them with judging eyes. “I’d rather not get caught here…” she sighed.

Nodding in agreement, Keiran watched the townspeople then started walking. Rayen glanced at him a moment then started walking beside him.

“Actually,” she stood in front of him. “I was gonna wait, but here,” she pulled the chain she bought earlier out of her pocket. “If you use this, then chances of dropping that ring decrease,” she told him.

“...” he stared at the chain a moment. “Thank you…” he gave a small smile. “That will help.” He slipped the ring onto the chain then put it around his neck. Keiran tucked the ring into his shirt.

Nodding, the pair started walking again without a word. Rayen thought the silence was a little awkward, but forcing conversation wouldn’t work; it’d just make things weirder between them. So Rayen concentrated on the stalls looking for anything of interest. She glanced at a pendant picking it up to get a closer look before putting it down.

“I think I’ll buy some fruit,” she mumbled.

“You don’t want to spoil yourself a bit?” Keiran asked. “Maybe replace something to use as a distraction?” he glanced at the pendant then at a few other things on the table.

“It’d be nice, but then I’d be taking away from staying alert if my focus goes elsewhere.”

“But it’ll keep you sane.”

“Everyone’s definition of that word is so very different,” she played with the ends of her hair, letting out a sigh. “I’ve heard many of them too.”

“Sounds tough,” he handed the money over to the merchant then walked over. “Well, we should meet up with the rest.”

As everyone met up once more at the well, they went over their new inventory. As this was happening, Andrew walked over to Rayen, both index fingers in a hooked position; he made an arched motion toward her.

“Huh?” she tilted her head.

“Present,” DeAnne spoke, walking over. “He wants to give you something.”

“Oh,” she held out her hand to him.

As he placed the item in her hand, he smiled. It was a hair tie with a narcissus flower on it. She looked it over then used it to tie her hair into a ponytail.

“Thanks, really,” she gave a small smile. “And the flower on it, narcissus, it’s a favorite.”

“You’re a flower person, that’s surprising,” Cole commented. “You don’t look like someone with the slightest interest in them.”

“I enjoy them, but I don’t see them often,” she shrugged. “Mostly see them in books.”

“I see,” before more could be said, a woman appeared.

“Travelers, hello,” she smiled. “I apologize for the way my people are acting, so I have come to greet you properly,” she clapped her hands together. “A group of us are ready to receive you properly.” the woman had a massive grin on her face. “There will be food and merry-making. Travelers are a rarity and must be treated as honored guests.”

The group looked between one another, wondering what to do.

“Hot women and food I’m in!” Robert was loud and rowdy.

“Some hot food couldn’t hurt, and it’d help save a day’s worth of food,” Henry commented.

“Then it’s settled, please follow me!” the woman joyously clapped her hands. “I am Merill, by the way!” she winked at Robert then started walking.

The group followed the bouncy, peppy woman. She leads them down the streets, skipping happily. The walk was a bit long and tiring. They kept straight for a while then took a right. They kept on straight then took a left after passing a few buildings going toward a large building. Outside, people were prepping for a banquet. The people looked up, greeting them more friendly than the ones in town.

“Please rest and relax; we will be ready soon.” Merill led them into the large building. “Here you are,” she smiled then left to finish helping with preparations.

Henry looked at the others should we go over inventory again?” he asked.

All in agreement, they pulled out everything counting it out. The group bought a supply of jerky, some fresh fruits, bread, vegetables, and honey. They also had found some useful things such as rope, bandages, medicinal concoctions, a fishing net, flint and steel, and another knife bigger than the one they already had.

“Seems like we have enough stuff,” Grace said. “It is a wide array of equipment, and we should be able to efficiently use it. I take it you boys can fish at least,” she raised an eyebrow. She seemed like a woman never told no once in her life.

“I think I’m gonna head back to town for a moment, something I want to check one more time,” Rayen said.

“Shouldn’t go alone,” Padma shook her head. “Take someone with you.”

“I’ll go,” Cole said. “Come on.”

As they left, Susan laughed. “They’re quite close, maybe they’ll hit it off and get together when we’re home.”

“As if, he’s pretty hot he needs someone who can match that better, someone with money and style,” Natasha said. “Char, you should go for it.”

“You two live in a narcissistic bubble,” Susan sighed. “Didn’t you hear the meaning of the word before. Guy turned into a flower and all.”

Natasha rolled her eyes. “I still don’t believe that woman.”

“Well, that’s your right but careful what you say.” Susan shrugged then packed everything up.

“OKAY!” Merill called. “The party starts now!” she yelled into the hall. “Come and enjoy the food and dance.”

Outside the building, the sky was starting to resemble fire. The villagers had meat cooking, a whole pig, and what looked like chicken or some other bird. There were villagers drinking wine seeming already drunk and others dancing.

“Eat! Enjoy!” Merill took Robert by the hand, pulling him away to dance.

“Well, don’t mind if I do,” he grinned happily as he was pulled along.

“Why are these types always around,” Keiran sighed. He sat down, having a cup of wine, watching everyone.

Susan went to listen to some stories with Andrew and DeAnne. Grace spent time drinking and conversing with Fredrick. Padma was reveling in the native customs and dancing. Henry was by the firepit sampling the delicious meats prepared for them.

Back at the market, Rayen and Cole walked through the stalls as they were beginning to pack up. Rayen stopped at one of the stalls.

“Wait!” she stopped the merchant. “I’ll take those,” she pulled out some money handing it over. She picked up a pair of black leather gloves that resembled driving gloves.

“Gloves?” Cole tilted his head. “Why gloves? And they’re surprisingly modern-looking too.”

“I have issues with gripping things,” she told him. “Just helps,” she shrugged, slipping them on. ‘It’s better like this too,’ she thought, flexing her fingers.

“You should leave…” the merchant woman whispered. “This is no place for travelers,” she seemed a bit frightful. “If you want to make your escape do it now before the moon rises,” she whispered, glancing around.

“What do you mean?” Cole asked as he tried to pay her.

“I don’t need your drachma, I tire of the slaughter…” she shook her head then gave them a knife. “Take it.” Pressing the knife in Rayen’s hand, she grabbed the last of her things and fled.

“That was strange…” she said, taking a deep breath staring at the knife.

“Yeah and it’ll be dark soon, we should head back… I feel a little uneasy now after what the woman said,” Cole admitted.

“I do too…” she gave an agreeing nod then they both took off back the way they came.

Back at the party that was now in full gear some people passed out others filled and fat with food. There had been other guests, travelers from different parts of the island who were no match for the partying people. Night had fallen now the moon slowly rising higher in the sky. The townspeople were very much still lively and pumped. Most of the group was resting inside, taking a breather from the excitement.

Outside the hall Robert was chatting and drinking with some village girls while Fredrick was talking about herbal remedies. The beauty of the moon and the dancing flames illuminated the grounds as time passed. The full moon was bright and pure as it sat high in the sky.

“AND NOW!” A man stood up. He seemed to be the leader of the partygoers. “The moon is high, we are ready to begin.”

Inside the building, the group who was resting heard the noises. They all turned to try and look out the window. Keiran was leaning out one of the windows watching attentively, on edge.

Outside with the moon was high, and the townsfolk began to howl and yell. Their skin split flesh falling and being ripped off as fur became visible underneath. There were yells of pain as bones creaked and cracked deforming and reforming their bodies growing larger. They began to look feral, taking on canine characteristics yet anthropomorphic. Fredrick yelled and tried to run, but a mid-transformation woman jumped on him, slashing at his chest. His screams could be heard far away.

Robert pushed away the transforming women then ran for the building, yelling. “HELP!!” he called outrunning in as they opened the door.

Once inside, he panted in checking himself for wounds; he had a few scratches but nothing more.

Outside those poor travelers were being torn apart by the lycanthropic beasts. They screamed in horror as the life drained from them.

“What now?” DeAnne asked.

Keiran was already acting by boarding up the window as best he could; the others soon followed suit using whatever they could to block entry. Meanwhile, still en route, the final screams of the doctor had reached Rayen and Cole. They stopped for a moment as the sound echoed around them. With one glance at each other, they took off faster than before.

“Wait!” Cole stopped her once they were close enough to see the, for lack of a better word, werewolves. “We can’t just rush in,” he whispered. He knelt down then threw mud at her.

“Hey!” she wiped it off her face. “What the hell was that for?” she asked, trying to wipe it off.

“We need to cover our scent, in the end no matter what you call them, their dogs so they hunt by scent, we met so they may have us pegged already,” he explained.

“Right…” she nodded. “Though, you could’ve just said so rather than throw mud out of nowhere,” she pointed out.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” he shrugged then began to cover himself in mud.

As they covered themselves for a moment, one of the wolfmen lifted his nose from a bloody body to sniff the air as it blew in. It looked around but with nothing in sight and the scent gone, it turned to help its pack try to break into the building.

“They must still be alive,” Rayen whispered. “Why else would they be trying to get in.”

“Yeah,” Cole gave a nod then stayed low as he moved. “Come on, we have to replace another way in.”

In the building they were barely holding back. The Wolfmen burst through the window DeAnne and Andrew were holding off. The two fell back with a yelp as the creatures entered through it.

“They’re inside!” Grace called out. “What do we do now?”

They were in a pinch as it seemed this was their end. Henry thought of jumping in to help but if he let go, more would enter. The Wolfman was ready to attack when a crash came from outside. A fire was spreading far and fast. The Wolfmen turned as the sight distracted them, one of their own on fire fur burning as it ran around trying to put it out. As the confused beast split their attention in the unfolding chaos knocking sounds and thuds could be heard in the distance. One of the three who came through the window was stabbed. The other two turned, hearing the third cry out behind them. Each was met with a blow one by Rayen who held a large stick beating one, the other stabbed by Cole.

“Glad to see you,” Henry laughed. “But why the mud?” he looked confused.

“We’d be dead if we didn’t,” Cole pointed to his nose. “Now, while they are confused, let’s go.” He slipped out the window again as Rayen grabbed her dagger lodged in the back of the one she’d stabbed following.

They all quickly followed grabbing their bags. The pack ran for a while, rabid howling behind them. They had some distance as the Wolfmen didn’t give chase right away more focused on trying to put out the fire.

“Okay, cover yourselves in mud, no complaining,” Cole ordered.

Everyone complied, even Natasha and Charmayne, even if they didn’t want to. They weighed their options and it was better than dying. When growling got closer, they quickly hid as the beasts ran pass not noticing them. Quietly they waited scared and shaken. They didn’t move for a long time in fear any move would call them back. Instead, they all came to an unspoken agreement to stay where they were until morning. Fear kept them in place.

They all kept close, hiding near a cluster of trees. With the first rays of light they heard nothing come their way. Carefully they peeked their heads out, seeing no sign of their pursuers. Cole jumped out first cautious.

“It’s clear.” He assured them.

“Great, but we’re covered in mud now.” Charmayne frowned.

“Here I thought your type was into fancy little mud baths,” Susan rolled her eyes.

“You-” Charmayne was cut off.

“Don’t start fighting; we have other things to worry about.” DeAnne intervened. “Now why don’t we for now get a little further from this town then decide from there.”

“Where’s Fredrick?” Rayen asked.

“They killed him,” Susan looked away. “He was a pain but he was still my boss who gave me a job and all that, worked for that man for six years.” She sighed. “To die like that… shredded and eaten…” she shuddered.

Rayen put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you want a few moments before we move on?” she asked.

“No, I’ll be fine,” she smiled. “I’ll just make sure to live through this hell then get home to tell his kids he tried to make it back to them.” She smiled. “Well, let’s move on before I get more depressed,” she started walking.

The party hit a clearing and decided to stop there. They sat taking a moment to gather themselves.

“So what now?” Charmayne asked. “We gonna camp here?” she raised a brow.

All were quiet, not knowing what to say.

“Maybe we should make this camp for now and really rest and regroup… we’ve just been getting bad luck, and we’re worn out,” Rayen opened her bag, looking at the egg.

“We should check out the surroundings as well,” Henry added.

“Find something then let everyone know, I’ll stay here and start setting up,” Grace said. “It’ll speed things along.”

“I’ll help,” Susan said. She opened up some of the bags.

“Cool,” Rayen nodded then waved walking off with her bag. She made sure to leave herself a trail so she could replace her way back. “Okay, little egg, what do you think we’ll replace?”

The egg was glowing a bit brighter as if in answer, making her laugh. “Alright, then.”

She’d been looking for a while when she heard splashing that seemed to be getting louder. She followed the sound in hopes that large fish were the cause. It would be great to have something different in their stomachs. She could see it come into view.

“Water!” she ran over but stopped as soon as she reached its edge. “OH… Sorry…” she quickly looked away as a half-naked Keiran appeared. ‘Guess that was the splashing I heard…’ she thought. She glanced out the corner of her eye, giving him a once over. He was covered in wounds long healed and looking quite old.

Keiran turned to look at her. “I’m done,” he slipped out of the water. “I should have gone back first anyway, but I couldn’t wait,” he told her. He reached in his bag, pulling out a fresher shirt to put on.

“It’s understandable.” she turned back to the water. She leaned over, looking at her reflection a moment before splashing water on her face.

“You aren’t hurt?” Keiran asked her watching her wash her face.

She glanced out of the corner of her eye. “If you mean by those wolfmen no, there were none in town it was more like the people there were afraid,” she told him, trying to remove the mud from her arms. “And a lady warned Cole and me,” she added.

He stood turning away then leaned on a tree. “You should get in, it’ll be easier.”

She looked at him then took her jacket, gloves, and top off, getting into the cold water. Submerging herself, she came up, letting out a relieved breath.

“You were saying?”

“The woman at the stall we were at told us to run if we wanted to live before the moon was high in the sky, we rushed back, but it was already dark, and all of you were barricaded in,” she kept washing off the mud. She glanced back once to see what he was doing, but he hadn’t moved.

“So maybe we were being watched because they knew what would happen,” he suggested. “That warning may have been someone growing a conscience… but the big question.”

“Why would they do it in the first place?” she finished the sentence. “Could be something relating to what this place is, a god, there were wolves and dogs statues everywhere, that should’ve been a giveaway.”

There was silence for a few moments, then she got out. Not hearing anything, Keiran turned around to check she was okay only to be met with a shirt to the face.

“I am still here. Don’t turn around just yet.” She went through her bag and grabbed a shirt putting it on. “Okay.”

He turned around, sitting once more.

Rayen sighed, pulling her knees to her chest. “This is all so much I can’t take it…”

“You’ve been so composed so far if it’s too much you should say so, no one will fault you,” he said.

“I’d rather not,” she closed her eyes, laying her head on her knees. “It’s always caused problems…”

He looked her over. “Well, just rest for now, at least.” his eyes moved to the gloves lying beside her. “What’s with those?” he pointed.

She opened her eyes, following his finger, “I felt like they’d be useful,” she replied. “I have issues with my hand, this helps.”

“I see.” He leaned against the tree again.

With another nod, she put them on then laid down, closing her eyes. A little nap wouldn’t hurt anyone.

When her eyes opened again, Rayen was back at camp, and twilight was fading. “Wh-”

“Oh, the princess wakes,” Susan laughed then passed her a plate of food. “Mr. Rich over there carried you back here,” she told her. “Now, eat up.”

It seemed while she slept, everyone had cleaned up at the lake and they even caught some fish to eat. The tension they all had, and the tiredness seemed gone as they all relaxed, talked, and ate. It seemed everyone was more or less used to one another and could get along with and if not tolerate one another.

She quietly ate, watching them for a few moments, then stood silently, sneaking off for a bit of alone time. She wasn’t far as their voices, and the fire were still in range, but she needed some moments to breathe, alone. She’d taken the egg and sat watching it humming. She put a hand on the egg, feeling the pulse as she closed her eyes. The moment she did, her whole body pulsed, and the image of a field played through her mind. It was brief, but she saw many types of flowers in that simple moment.

Rayen gripped her head in pain as the image brought about a headache, “Damn…” she groaned. “Not this again…” it was something that happened a lot when she was younger, something she was coming to forget.

“You okay?” she looked up seeing Keiran. He held out a bottle of water to her.

“I’m fine, thanks,” she took it. “I just needed some time to myself,” she opened the bottle taking a sip.

“I see, sorry to disturb…” he sighed. “I’ll leave you just wanted to hand you this,” he held out a book and pen. “As thanks for the chain, you can use it as a diary or so catalog flowers since you said you like them.”

She looked at the book for a moment then took it. “Thanks,” she gave Keiran a small smile. “But there was no need, really I just got it because it made sense.”

“Still,” he shrugged. “Anyway, I’ll leave.”

“Yeah… and you should keep that ring visible else those two will keep coming onto you.”

He waved in response walking back.

“Oh, maybe I was wrong about my pairing choice,” Susan joked.

“What are you talking about?” Cole asked, confused.

“Nothing nothing,” she shook her head. “But this will be interesting,” she laughed.

“You have a strange imagination.” Cole sighed.