WARNING: Contains Violence that may offend
C29 Manticore Attack
Isabella woke before dawn that morning. She gave a sigh and stretched like a cat, before leaping out of her bedroll. She quickly packed her meagre belongings, and dressed. Ty followed her, sitting by the fire and grooming herself. Emmett gave her a grin as she sat down and began to brush her incredibly long hair, before braiding loosely to keep it out of her face. As she slid on and began lacing up her boots there was a knock at the door. Emmett crossed the room and unbolted the heavy wooden door. Charlotte stood in the doorway, a large tray of food in her hands.
"Good morning Milady. I knew thee had to leave early this morning. I have brought thee all a hearty breakfast," she said. Isabella frowned as Charlotte placed the tray on a low table near the armchairs.
"Char please, thou should know I detest formality please just call me by my name, " Isabella stated.
Charlotte blushed. "If thou wishes, Isabella. I shall leave thee now, I'll have the morning crowd in before long," she smiled and closed the door behind her. Edward grinned at the sight of tall the food, he sat next to Isabella and began to eat.
"Oh, there be naught like Charlotte's cooking," he said with a mouthful of food. Jasper gave a yawn and sat up in the bed, reluctantly he climbed out of the comfortable bed and slumped in the chair on the other side of Isabella.
"God! What I would give for a giant cup of coffee right now," Jasper groaned.
"What be this coffee?" Emmett asked.
Jasper grinned while explaining to Emmett, "It's a hot drink, made from coffee beans."
Isabella smiled and handed him a cup of steaming brew. "Try this," she said. He took a big mouthful and found that it actually quite good. They began eating the food that Charlotte had loaded the tray with, there was fresh fruit, meats, bread, stew, fresh milk and hot tea. When they had finished eating Isabella made one final sweep of the chamber. Satisfied that they had left nothing they went downstairs to bid goodbye Charlotte, she enveloped Isabella in a huge bear hug, tears shining in her dark bright eyes. She gripped Edward just as tight. Before Jasper knew what was happening he too found himself in a fierce hug.
"Thou be careful now, young man. There be many people whose fates rely on thee," she said. Jasper smiled uncomfortably and nodded. Isabella said goodbye to Charlotte again and they collected their horses.
As they mounted up Isabella spoke. "Before we leave I have another stop to make," she led them out of the inn yard and around to the main street. They hadn't ridden far when Isabella halted and dismounted. She disappeared into a small shop, a few minutes later she returned laden with saddlebags and with a middle-aged couple. Isabella deftly attached one of saddlebags to Seth's saddle, and passed another of them to Edward. As he attached it to his saddle, Isabella walked up to Heidi, Jasper's horse and attached the final saddlebag to his saddle and gave Jasper a friendly pat on the thigh.
"I cannot believe how handsome thou look Jazzy," Isabella said with a grin.
Jasper winked at her. "You're not so bad yourself honey," she grinned and hugged the middle-aged couple.
"Thank yea. I hope to see thee again soon," Isabella said whilst waving. The couple returned the wave.
"Fare thee well Princess," they called as she mounted up and they headed back towards the small side gate they had entered from. Soon they were back in the forest and heading west again. They rode steadily until around noon when they stopped to eat. Jasper found that the saddlebags Isabella had collected before they left were packed full of food, they ate quickly before mounting up and riding west.
~~~ time elapse ~~~
"This be where we camp tonight," Isabella said, eyeing the small series of waterfalls breaking the flow of the Tileth River, a large rocky outcrop stood in protective crescent shape near the water.
'That would be fine cover for our backs if attacked,' Isabella frowned as that thought crossed her mind. Jasper went to insist they could continue, thinking she was stopping to spare him the ride but he saw her face and kept silent. As had become the habit, Edward disappeared silently into the forest, hunting for dinner, and Emmett disappeared for firewood. Isabella and Jasper began to care for the horses, after they were fed and watered, Isabella had them tethered over near the outcrop of rocks. She sat down and began to prepare a place for the fire.
"Bella, what's wrong?" Jasper asked.
Isabella looked up. "I have a bad feeling," she said, before falling silent. Edward returned with several birds, trussed up by their feet and fish for Isabella. Emmett returned a short while later and Isabella busied herself starting the fire, trying to ignore her misgivings. Whilst the food was cooking Isabella drew her sword and began to clean, sharpen and polish the blade. Jasper looked at the sword appraisingly.
The hilt was a work of art, with soft black leather and finely worked silver, but the blade, was not what he expected. In movies sword-blades were always bright and shiny like mirrors but Bella's was nicked and scratched, a testament to a weapon of some considerable usage.
"Nice sword," he said. Isabella smiled at him.
"It was my mothers," when she had finished with the sword, she left it unsheathed, the naked blade resting on her knees. She ate distractedly, not listening to the conversation around her.
Edward handed Jasper a roasted pheasant. As they were eating, Jasper was staring concerned at Isabella. Suddenly she gripped her head with both hands, crying out. Both Jasper and Edward were at her side immediately, each holding her hand.
"Isabella, what's wrong?" Jasper asked.
Edward ran his hand up and down her arm. "Aye, Bells, What be wrong?"
Isabella shook her head, her breath coming in short gasps. "They come," she said barely above a whisper.
"Who comes?" Mason asked.
"Manaidrea," she whispered. Edward paled.
"Thou are sure?" he asked, gripping her hand tighter. Bella nodded, her expression sick. She looked at Jasper and the sick expression turned to fear.
"Jasper, thou must hide!" She said, suddenly standing up.
He shook his head. "No, I'm not going to hide. What's a Manaidrea?" he asked. Isabella's eyes swept the darkened forest.
"Manaidrea. On Earth they are known as the Manticore. They are one of the most deadly predators known."
"Manticore's do not usually leave their rainforests. Why would they travel so far from their homes?" Emmett said.
"The Dark One compels them," Isabella said. Edward drew his sword and looked at Jasper, his gaze stony.
"Thou shall need to fight with all that thou have, boy," he said.
Isabella shook her head vehemently, the fear in her eyes evident. "Nay, he cannot!"
"He cannot hide Bella. The Manticore would find him and tear him apart. He must fight," Edward said. Isabella hung her head. She grabbed Jasper by the shirt and pulled him close to her.
"He be right, thou must fight. Listen closely. Stay close to me. I have sworn to protect thee with my life. If I fall, stay close to Edward. I am sorry, there is no other way," the bleak look in her eyes frightened him more than the upcoming monsters.
"Bells-" Jasper started to speak, but she shushed him, her fingers pressed gently on his lips, her eyes locked on his.
"Nay, there is not much time. Thou must listen to me and heed my words. Stay clear of the creature's tail at all costs. The barb on the tip is lethal and avoid their teeth and claws. Both excrete toxins that will kill if left untreated," she placed a hand on his cheek. "Be careful, dear one," she whispered. Jasper pulled her into a hug.
"Bells, it'll be okay. I will be okay," he promised.
Isabella stepped back and turned to Edward. "My dear friend, take care," she said, clasping his forearm. Edward clasped hers in return, then on impulse he hugged her.
"And thee," he said. Isabella smiled and repeated the gesture with Emmett, as looked at her with a mixture of adoration and respect. She quickly strung her bow and stabbed several arrows into the earth beside her feet. She doubted they would stop the creatures but she knew they would at least slow them down a pace or two.
"Ty, come," Isabella called, kneeling before the wolf. 'Thou cannot fight. Should we fall, thou must go to Eric. I love thee, dear one,' Isabella said. Ty whined and licked Isabella's hand.
'I . . protect . . pack sister,' She whined/thought.
Isabella smiled. 'Nay little one, thou cannot fight these creatures. They are poison,' she said. Ty whined again but agreed. Jasper watched this display curiously, Isabella and the wolf exchanging deep-throated growls. She came and stood beside him.
Mason stood near her feet, "I am ready to fight," Isabella shook her head again.
"No," she said firmly. "These creatures are poisonous. Stay with Ty and flee to Eric if we fall," he went to argue but fell silent knowing she was right. Jasper drew the sword Isabella had given him back at the village. It was incredibly heavy and he had no idea how he was to fight with it. He had seen movies where characters fought with swords, but he doubted he would be able to swing it the way they had.
Suddenly Isabella spun around, turning her attention to the darkened forest. Jasper fell silent and over the crackling of the fire, he could hear a quiet, soft padding moving closer to the clearing. He then heard a deep low growling noise that made his legs tremble. Jasper gripped the sword tighter and stood next to Isabella searching the woods for movement. Isabella backed up near the rocky outcrop, pulling Jasper with her.
"Keep thy back to the rocks," she whispered. Jasper nodded. There was a slight movement in front of him and when he snapped his head around he saw six of the strangest, most fearsome looking creatures he had ever seen. Their bodies were like those of a lion, with dark tawny fur covering their bodies. Only they were much larger than any lion he has ever seen. Their heads were also like a lion's, only their faces were those of a human. A human with strangely beautiful, blue human eyes, their innocence marred by rows of razor sharp teeth. The largest one paced in front of them, his barbed tail cracking like a whip behind him, his eyes narrowed as he stared down Isabella.
"Princess," he hissed, "Thy death awaits thee," Isabella raised her crossbow.
"Dark One's spawn, my steel awaits thee," with that she shot off an arrow and fight began. The largest Manticore howled in agony as the arrow drove itself through his left eye. Isabella smoothly grabbed another arrow, bringing it up to the bow aiming and firing in a single fluid movement. Another Manticore gave a strangled cry as the arrow buried itself deep in her throat. She fell to the ground, her claws tearing at her throat, her dark thick red life-blood pooling beneath her as she shuddered and died. The largest Manticore howled with rage and leapt at Isabella.
"Thou murdered my mate! I shall tear out thy throat and consume thy heart before this night be through," he roared, raking his claws at her. Isabella threw herself out of the way, leaping up and spinning away from the path of his paws, her sword in her hand. The other four made their way towards Jasper, Edward and Emmett. Edward swung his sword and Emmett began to wave his battle-axe, chanting in dwarvish.
Edward gave a mad cry and leapt onto the back of one the Manticores. The creature bucked and leapt wildly, trying to throw him off. As the axe blade began to glow, Emmett gave a yell and ran towards the other two, slashing and clubbing with his axe. Jasper saw the Manticore's tail flicking dangerously close to Edward's unprotected back and knew that he would die if he were hit. Dropping his sword, Jasper ran across the clearing, leaping and dodging the creatures. He grabbed a fallen branch from the forest floor and ran over to the fire. The dead, dry leaves of the branch caught alight quickly and Jasper took the branch and swung it at the creatures face, it gave a cry as its fur caught fire.
Edward leapt off and thrust his sword into the Manticore's belly. It screamed and fell to the ground, it's face smoking, it's belly torn and bleeding. It coughed and shook, then lay still, its eyes blank and staring. Jasper continued to swing the flaming branch at the other Manticores. They growled and hissed leaping out of striking distance of the flames.
Isabella gave a mad cry, leaping high over the creature and slashing with her sword as she did so. The lead Manticore roared as the blade opened up a deep gash in his back, he paced in front of her snarling, pinning her with his one good eye, the other was a mess of blood and gore. He gave a howl and ran at her, his claws slashing, Isabella leapt backwards. She landed awkwardly on the uneven ground, staggering slightly, the Manticore took the opening and slashed open her upper arm. The wound wasn't deep, but it bled profusely and in the split second she was distracted the creature leapt on her and the force of its huge paws sent her crashing into the rocky outcrop. It knocked the wind out of her, her sword dropped from her stunned fingers. As she stumbled forward the creature slammed her back into the stone, his huge paw crushing her throat.
Isabella gasped vainly for breath as the Manticore's fetid breath washed over her, burning her eyes. Her upper arm was on fire, the blood running freely down her lower arm, dripping from the numb fingers to pool on the earth. She stretched out, trying to take hold of her dagger.
"Thy throat, for my mate's," the creature whispered, pressing down harder on her windpipe. Isabella's eyes bulged, she was seeing stars, her lungs burning. As the creature lowered his head to tear at Isabella's flesh, he heard a voice in his head.
'She dies not yet,' the harsh, grating voice said.
The Manticore growled. "Nay, she dies this night. She murdered my mate," he snarled.
A fierce, burning pain exploded from his temples. 'I said, she lives,' the voice roared. The creature yelped in pain and leapt away from Isabella, shaking his head and growling. Isabella fell to the ground, hands to her throat, coughing and gasping as precious air filled her lungs. He turned his head back to where she lay, his one eye raging with hatred.
"I shall feast upon thy corpse, before thou grows much older," he hissed, turning and running back into the darkness. The remaining Manticore's snarled, one leaping towards Jasper threateningly, before they too, ran into the forest. As quickly as they had appeared they were gone. Emmett went to grab the tails of the fallen creatures to drag them away to bury them, but before their eyes the bodies dispersed. Jasper dropped the branch, which had gone out, and raced to Isabella's side. He grabbed her, but she pushed him back as she coughed and gasped, trying to regain her breath.
Edward knelt before her. "Isabella, oh Goddess, please be alright," he said, brushing the hair from her face and grasping her hands. She opened her eyes slowly.
"Poison," she whispered. "Need the herbs."
"I shall find them for thee now. Tell me what I need," Edward said, his desperation evident in his voice. She closed her eyes, her breathing rasping, but returning to normal.
"Rainforest creatures, rainforest herbs. My saddlebag," she whispered. "Bring me my satchel," Edward nodded, his face frantic and he raced over to the frightened horses. He grabbed Isabella's saddlebag and rummaged through it looking for Isabella's satchel of herbs. Her head fell back against the rock, her face dangerously white. Emmett went to the falls and filled a shallow dish with water also finding a soft clean cloth. Jasper handed Isabella a skin of water. Jasper wet the cloth and began to gently wash the blood from Isabella's arm.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his heart beating fast. "Did he scratch your throat?"
Isabella shrugged. "Nay, I do not think so," Jasper gently ran his fingers across her bruised throat.
"It's only bruised," he stated as he washed the blood from her arm, he saw that it was only a flesh wound no serious damage had been done. "It's just a flesh wound. Not even that deep," Jasper said. Isabella shook her head slowly.
"Nay, the Manticore's claws are sharp enough to have cleaved off my arm, he held back," she said
"But why?" Emmett asked.
"Jane hurt him when he tried to kill me. They did not want us dead. They want us afraid. It be working," she said. She barely contained a gasp suddenly, unable to prevent her body trembling.
"What is it?" Jasper asked.
"Nothing. I am alright," she said softly, her breathing laboured. Jasper smoothed her hair off her face. Emmett's face was serious.
"The poison spreads," Edward said, coming back with the satchel. Jasper looked concerned.
"It's alright Bella. Edward has your herbs, and the antidote will stop the poison," he said. Isabella nodded, refusing to show weakness. "The herbs will work won't they?" Jasper asked suddenly afraid.
"Aye, they will," Isabella replied. Emmett's serious face darkened. He knew Isabella was stubborn, but he also knew she was going to be ill for a few days yet. "The herbs will fight the poison. In doing so they take their toll on the body, causing grave illness. The antidote works that way."
Edward helped her to sit up, handing her the satchel. "Emmett, I shall be alright. The herbs shall kill the poison. Be there any mead?" she asked Edward, he nodded and picked up a small decanter.
"Pour it over the wound," Isabella instructed. He did so. She sucked in her breath, biting back a groan. Jasper softly stroked her arm.
"Shh, you'll be okay Bells," he whispered. She turned to them all suddenly, her snow-white face fearful.
"None of thee were injured was thee?" she asked. "Please let thee be unhurt," Jasper smiled at her concern.
"We're fine," he said. Isabella began to search through her satchel for the herbs she needed. As hard as she tried she could not prevent her body from shaking. Seeing the state she was in Edward decided to take over.
"Bells, try to relax. I shall make the antidote. I need thee both to move away." Edward said to Emmett and Jasper.
Jasper shook his head. "No way. I'm not leaving her until I know she's okay," Edward turned on him, his emotions plain on his face.
"If thou wants her to be okay, then move away, and let me help her. I need to concentrate; if the antidote is mixed wrong she'll die," he growled. Jasper nodded and stood up.
"Alright," he said, before moving over to calm the horses. Emmett ran a weathered hand down Isabella's good arm before turn to Edward.
"She shall be alright lad. Thou are a capable healer," he said before going to the fire. Isabella watched Edward as he carefully measured out the herbs before crushing them into a thin paste with a little water. She even managed a smile when he began to tend to her arm, he rubbed the paste gently into her arm. Then bandaged it up, she smiled gratefully at him. Edward then stood up, picking Isabella up in his arms and carrying her over to the fire. She was so exhausted she didn't even attempt to struggle.
"Jasper, her bedroll," Edward ordered. He didn't trust himself to speak, he was too afraid that all the fear and anger and panic he felt over Isabella's injury would spill out. Jasper unrolled Isabella's bedroll and Edward knelt and gently placed her on it, loosening her jerkin and removing her sword belt. Jasper took her cloak and rolled it up under her head.
"We should all try and sleep. This may not be the only attack against us," Isabella whispered. She went to continue but Edward silenced her.
"I know what thou are about to say and nay, thou cannot take a watch," Edward said.
Jasper agreed, equally as firm. "Don't even think about it Isabella," he said. "I'll take the first watch," Edward looked at him. Despite his dislike and envy, he felt a grudging admiration and respect for Jasper growing, he had saved his life.
Edward nodded. "As thou wish. When the moons reached that tree there, wake me. I shall take on Emmett. Did thee befriend his dagger?" he asked. Both Jasper and Emmett grinned.
"Almost. He told me about your hand," Jasper said.
Isabella laughed. "I remember that. I woke to Edward yelling and cursing like a wild thing," Edward blushed. He held out a hand to Jasper.
"I thank thee for saving my life," he said. Jasper clasped his forearm as he had seen others do.
"Anytime," he said. Isabella smiled. She was happy to finally see Edward coming around to Jasper, even the slightest bit. Both Edward and Emmett lay down, falling asleep quickly. Jasper sat up, his cloak around his shoulders, staring into the fire. He glanced over at Isabella. Her eyes were closed, her face as white as milk, dark bruises already spread along her throat. As if sensing his eyes on her, she opened her own eyes.
"How are you?" Jasper asked. Isabella just nodded.
"I shall be fine," she whispered. He stroked her hair, feeling how clammy her skin was.
"Sleep," he whispered.
"Wake me if you need me," she nodded, closing her eyes. Ty whined softly, crawling as close to her beloved mistress as she could. Jasper rubbed her ears affectionately.
"Don't worry girl, she'll be okay," he said quietly, she licked his hand. Jasper looked down at the soft woollen shirt Isabella had bought for him at the village. It was stained with dark slashes of blood. Isabella's blood. If frightened him to think that she would be involved in war, that he would see her bleed again. He felt the urge to protect her welling up inside him. Then he thought of home. That place, with T.V, basketball, all of it, seemed like a million years away, another life. It was strange how at home he felt, in the middle of forest, even fighting those creatures. And Isabella, Jasper didn't know how he would be able to leave her. When he looked up in the sky he saw the two slivers of moons had reached the tree Edward pointed out to him. He crawled over and shook Edward. He sat up immediately, well used to waking for his watch. He nodded at Jasper, who took to his own bedroll. Completely exhausted Jasper fell quickly asleep.
Would you look at that, two updates in only a few days, must admit i already had this chapter half written, it didnt take long to edit the finer points in.
BIG THANKS to my beta, who will remain nameless, but she got this chapter back to me within half an hour of me sending it to her.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, next one in approximatley two weeks, hopefully sooner, but as my faithful readers know it is well worth the wait ;)
xx Isobel
