Chapter 3
Iago
Iago was a bit paranoid and a bit of a psychotic. To say in the least. Upon being passed down for a promotion from his friend, the Moor Othello, Iago seethed with revenge and plotted to destroy him.
He succeeded. To say in the least. Convincing Othello that his wife Desdemona was being unfaithful to him, the Moor murdered his wife in a fit of rage. Upon finding out he had been set up, Othello impaled himself upon his sword.
Iago didn't feel any remorse for his actions. At least, not that he would admit to himself. But there would be several dreams where he'd be chased by some shambling monster down a twisting corridor. Panting and out of breath, Iago stumbled by a mirror and saw his reflection.
It was a horrid sight; green, warty and a mouth full of jagged yellow teeth. It eyes were a sick yellow. The monster was he.
"Oh beware, my Lord, of jealousy, it is the green eyed monster that doth mock the flesh it feeds upon."
Was that Iago? Was he the green-eyed monster consumed by jealousy?
Iago didn't know.
He broke himself from his thoughts and continued riding his bicycle. Everyone in Spauldingopolis had to ride them after Beowulf had murdered Creon and usurped his throne. For some reason, Beowulf had said that God was against any other form of transportation. Iago was sure Beowulf made that up.
As Iago rode on he got deeper and deeper into the woods. The trees swallowed him. It was daytime, yet over here it was always dark.
It was rumored that the fearsome monster known as Grendel lived around these parts. Most people didn't dare to go this far, for fear that Grendel would tear them in half and gobble them up.
Iago wasn't most people.
When the cave came into view, Iago stopped his bicycle and got off. The mouth of the cave was dark and looming.
Iago shook off whatever fear he may have had. If someone were to bring Beowulf's oppressive regime down, Grendel would be the one to do it.
He brought out a small lamp and held it in front of him to guide the way. He saw a shadow dart across the front of the cave.
"Hello?" Iago called. "Who goes there?"
Something large and furry slammed into Iago and pinned him against the wall. He felt himself being lifted up five feet above the ground. The lamp shattered on the floor.
Iago found himself staring into the yellow eyes of a beast. It had the physicality of a man (more or less) but it was covered in shaggy fur. Iago couldn't see much in the darkness, but the sharp canines protruding from its mouth was more than enough.
"Who are you, human and why do you come here?" Grendel growled.