OUTCAST : THE PATH OF A WARRIOR

2. INTO THE WOODS

CHAPTER 2

It was almost dark, the bats seemed braver, in this part of the world, swooping lower to the ground, barely missing my head.
Three men of the so-called 'pure', seemed to be praying!

" What are you doing? Get off the ground!" I said firmly.

I grabbed the hair on my chin, stroking the knot close to my chest. " Go on, tell me more about my species?"

They looked at each other, as they remained where they were, confusion clearly on their faces.
"We have heard of your kind before..."One of them explained, pausing as he searched my intentions.

" May we speak freely?" He braved

I crossed my arms, nodding.

"In stories told to us as children". He hesitated to tilt his head up toward me.
"The bull God Taurus came down from the heavens and fell in love with a human female. Their offspring took the form of part human..." He said gesturing at his torso." And the head of the bull." He continued, gesturing at my horns sitting on my head.

"But we didn't think you existed. Is it true that you are all... cannibals?" He queried nervously, awkwardly stretching his face, and shrugging his shoulders.

I snorted, before giving away a forced smile" Do you always believe in children's stories?" I said
"In reality, nobody knows where our origins came from, and as for cannibals...!" I said showing greeted teeth. " We have been known to in the past, human flesh is delicious and nourishing, cooked or uncooked," I said watching them like an animal about to devour fresh meat.

" Get off the ground!"

They stood up slowly but remained uneasy on their feet.

" Who was the man you fought earlier ?" I said.

"He is foreign to us, but he is definitely from the guild. Anybody with enough funds can hire professionals like that from there." One explained.

He looked around nervously."She most likely stole gold coins from our employer to pay for her escape. But the woman must be important to him, as he's willing to reward handsomely, for her safe return."He continued.

" She is the mistress to...!" Started to say another, but was interrupted.

"Someone important!" Finished the other, his eyes cowed betraying fear, then turned to him, daggers shooting from his pupils.

" I see... will you continue your pursuit?" I said.

He shook his head "I guess not, we don't venture into the woods after nightfall."He said, gesturing at the thickening darkness, enveloping the woods.
"And besides." He continued. " The woods stretch seriously far and wide, and you don't want to meet the nasty creatures that dwell within."
"Oh?" I said

"So..." he added. "If you are considering letting us go...! He said squinting.
"We could share the reward if you help us capture them! Besides they couldn't have gone far."

I crossed my arms and nodded my head towards the way they came. "I suggest you leave now while you still can!

Relief fell over their faces. "Come look for us at Crossroads Inn, just south of the woods . If you make it out that is". He finished, braving a cheeky grin.

At that, they gestured a goodbye and took the reigns of their horses.

"Be sure to ask for the Jaxon brothers, next time you're in the area." One of them called back, as they made their way out of the woods.

My instincts told me to go after the female and her hired hand and see where that leads me to.

The sound of a robin chirping was suddenly silent, as I stood rigid when my nose picked up a scent.