Book of Venoms - 8. Force of Nature

“Even among the most learned scholars, the biology of shifters is still not fully understood. The connection between their human and animal form varies from one species to another, making it nearly impossible to formulate rules and patterns.

Still, if there is one thing that can be said with absolute certainty, it is that even in human form, all known venomous and poisonous shifters are immune to the toxins produced in their animal form.

It was none other than I who first proved this theory by conducting experiments on myself. After months of painstaking research, I dared to inject myself with the venom of my animal form - the Cult Spider. As you can surmise by reading these lines, I lived! Though fatal to man and animal alike, the venom had absolutely no effect on me.”

--

“Castor!”

Getting up from the ground, Sawyer tried to steady his breathing. His heart was racing as fear and anxiousness started to take over. He picked up his wand and looked in the direction where his boyfriend disappeared, carried away on a horse.

“Ok, Sawyer, calm down. You can do this,” he murmured to himself, closing his eyes and focusing. “Ferio us’appare,” he spoke, waving his wand in front of him, but nothing was happening.

It was useless. How could he focus when all he could think of was Cas being kidnapped? He couldn’t calm down no matter how hard he tried. What did he expect anyway? He could barely summon a fly or a tiny lizard, let alone a horse.

“Damn it!” he yelled in frustration, tempted to throw his wand to the ground and break it in rage. Somehow, he managed to restrain himself from doing so, knowing that Castor depended on him.

“Ferio us’appare,” he shouted once more, gripping the wand as hard as he could.

At that moment, he felt something he’d never felt before. A surge of magical power seemed to come from within him, bursting through the wand and materializing in front of him in the form of a beautiful, dark horse.

“Oh, my Gods! It worked!” Sawyer exclaimed. “Ha-ha, it actually worked,” he laughed, ecstatic that he managed to do something right for once. He summoned an actual horse - a large, strong one at that, with a saddle on its back.

“Alright, boy, easy there,” the sorcerer said, caressing the horse’s head and neck. The animal was calm, allowing Sawyer to mount it easily.

Having spent so much time with Castor at his farm, Sawyer knew his way around horses and enjoyed riding them. The two of them would often go on long, slow rides through the nearby fields, sometimes even racing back to the farm. Of course, Castor would win most of the time, being more experienced, but Sawyer didn’t mind. He just enjoyed being with him.

Following the dirt path that led to the mountains in the east, the young sorcerer looked around, trying to discern where the bastard who kidnapped Castor could have gone. Suddenly, a horrible thought came to him - what if it was Macarius who took him? He needed to hurry up!

Grabbing his wand, the boy pointed it at the path ahead.

“Alright, this I can do. Remember how Esthor taught you,” he tried to encourage himself. “Octuro rep’arto!”

This time, the spell worked on the first try and the hoof prints of the kidnapper’s horse appeared on the ground, clearly showing the path they took.

“Wow, I am on fire today!” Sawyer was equally surprised and proud of himself.

Maybe I did get a blessing from Goddess Nammis! I knew praying at her shrine would be a good thing, he thought. And once I rescue Castor, I’m sure he’s going to start to appreciate it as well!

For the next several minutes, Sawyer rode on, following the tracks left by the kidnapper’s horse. Veering off the dirt path, the tracks led through the grass to a large rock formation, until they stopped.

“They must be somewhere around here,” the young sorcerer realized, stopping his horse and dismounting it. Sneaking around as quietly as possible, he suddenly stopped when he saw a horse tied to a nearby tree, calmly feeding on grass.

Just as he expected, several feet away was a large opening in the rock, revealing what seemed to be an entrance to a cave. Holding his breath, Sawyer snuck in, lighting the way with his wand. The passage was narrow, but tall, leading to a large chamber illuminated by several torches.

“What’s the matter, snake boy? Can’t shift now, can you?” a rough voice came from the inside, but there was no reply, only mumbling.

They’re here, Sawyer realized, rushing to get to his boyfriend before it was too late. If that bastard hurt him, I’ll…

Reaching the entrance to the lair, Sawyer let out an inaudible gasp. There was Castor, tied and lying helpless on the ground, squirming as the man stood above him and laughed. Sawyer immediately recognized him - it was that drunkard they ran into in front of the Dire Wolf Inn.

“Now we’re going to have some fun,” the man sneered and started to take off his pants.

“Get away from him, you fucking creep!” Sawyer yelled, raising his wand and pointing it at the man.

Relieved to hear his boyfriend’s voice, Castor turned his head to see Sawyer standing there, looking ready to fight.

The kidnapper turned around, scoffing at the boy who dared to interrupt him.

“Drop that stick, boy, you’re going to hurt yourself,” the man smirked, pulling out a dagger and heading toward Sawyer with arrogance. “Now I get two boys to play with!”

“I said, get the fuck away from him!” Sawyer shouted, waving his wand vigorously. As anger coursed through his body, he felt another rush of power. Green rays burst from his wand and hit the ground beneath the kidnapper’s feet, as thorny vines sprang forth and wrapped themselves around the man’s arms and legs.

“Ahhhhh! You bloody wizard! You’ll pay for this!” the man yelled in pain as the vines coiled around him and the sharp thorns penetrated his clothes and skin, drawing blood. The more he tried to wriggle himself free, the more he was cutting himself.

While the man was immobilized, Sawyer released his boyfriend and helped him get up from the ground.

“I’m so glad to see you!” the shifter exclaimed as he fell into his boyfriend’s arms, feeling safe once again. “I thought he was going to-”

“Shh, it’s alright now, I got you,” the sorcerer comforted Castor, holding him tight. “Come on, let’s get out of here,” he then took his boyfriend’s hand and led him toward the exit.

“Let me go!” the man yelled after them and the boys stopped, turning to look at him.

“You!” Sawyer looked at him with fire in his eyes. “You tried to hurt my boyfriend. I should just finish you off right now,” he threatened, pointing the wand at the kidnapper.

At once, the vines started growing and wrapped themselves around the man’s neck, choking him. Struggling to free himself, he began gasping for air, but the vines were not relenting. Castor turned around, afraid to look, but Sawyer stood unflinching until the man finally drew his last breath and dropped to the ground.

With a gasp, Castor turned to his boyfriend, noticing a wild look in his eyes, the likes of which he had never seen before. It was as if he was in a trance. What had gotten into him?

“Sawyer, let’s go!” Castor shouted, grabbing the wand from his boyfriend’s trembling hand.

Coming to his senses, Sawyer blinked and opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

“You’re right, we-we should leave,” he stammered. “I-I’m sorry, I was just trying to save you.”

“You did save me, baby” Castor squeezed his hand, managing a grateful smile. “Now let’s go. I don’t want to stay here any longer, this place makes me nervous.”

The two boys turned around and headed out of the cave, holding each other close, thankful for being together once again. When they finally came out into the open, Sawyer stopped and turned to look his boyfriend in the eyes. Their faces were inches away. Slowly, they closed their eyes and leaned in, pressing their lips together. It seemed like ages since the last time they kissed.

Enjoying the brief kiss, Castor realized his love for Sawyer never changed or diminished despite everything that had happened between them.

When they finally pulled apart, Sawyer pulled Castor into a tight hug and began gently stroking his black locks. “Cas, I’m so glad you’re safe! I was so worried I lost you.”

“I’m lucky to have you,” the shifter smiled, caressing the other boy’s back and shoulders. He finally felt safe again - safe and loved. “When that man ambushed me and took me away, I was so afraid I’d never see you again… or my parents and Cyr.”

Even though he tried to be strong, he couldn’t fight the tears that started trickling down his cheeks. Lovingly and with care, Sawyer wiped them away.

“You know, I’m glad you came with me. And I’m sorry about what I said before, at Sephare’s house-”

“Hey, it’s ok,” Sawyer smiled, his teal eyes looking directly at Castor’s garnet ones. “I’m just happy you’re here with me. Now let’s go and find Cyr!”

As the boys kept on walking, Sawyer noticed his own horse had joined the kidnapper’s and the two were lazily grazing together next to a tree. He approached them and cut the rope with which the animal was tied to the trunk.

“I think it’s only fair we take his horse, right?” Sawyer asked.

“And this one?” Castor pointed at the other animal in confusion.

“It’s mine! I summoned it!” the sorcerer beamed, proud of his accomplishment.

“Really? How did you-”

“How do you think? With my awesome new powers!” Sawyer grinned as they mounted the horses and rode off in the direction the sorceress instructed them.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I think it’s because I prayed to Nammis. She gave me stronger powers. Pretty neat, huh?” the boy chirped. “I mean, how else do you explain all this?”

“Yeah, I guess. That’s amazing, baby,” Castor tried to sound encouraging while looking at his boyfriend with concern. Summoning a horse was one thing, but killing another person so easily - even that scum - was much more serious. Especially for someone as kind and cheery as Sawyer.

For a moment, he thought about expressing his concerns, but then changed his mind. Sawyer wouldn’t take it seriously, Castor realized. He’d think I was complaining only because I don’t trust the Goddess. And he’d be right, I don’t trust her at all.

In the end, he decided to keep his doubts to himself and let his boyfriend enjoy his newfound confidence. Perhaps it will all work out well in the end. At least they’re back together, and now they continue their quest to find Cyr.

~~

The room was pitch black, with no windows through which sunlight could enter. Save from a small sliver of light coming under the door, Jarin could see nothing.

“Dymia, are you here?” he whispered, but no reply came. Just as he thought, the cursed servant girl tricked him! She would pay for this! If he ever manages to get out, he will sting her and watch her die in pain. No one can survive a sting from the Fireborn Scorpion.

Extending his arms in front of him, the boy reached one of the walls and with small, careful steps walked through the room until he found a bed. It seemed safe enough, so he sat on it and let out a deep sigh.

How did I get in so much trouble?, he asked himself, wondering if he would ever be free again. Before Macarius got him, he was practically a slave to his own father. It was always expected of him to be a warrior, to kill and rob people. And even though he was the younger son, he was expected to one day replace his father. That is what being a shifter brought him - more responsibilities and expectations. And now, he is a prisoner for the very same reason.

As he sat on the bed, the boy started to feel a cold gust of wind in front of him, taking him by surprise. How is this possible?, he wondered, knowing the room was completely sealed.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed him by the arm and he felt himself snatched out of the room. The next thing he knew - he opened his eyes and found himself in a laboratory of some sort, with the tall, dark sorcerer standing in front of him. His ebony-colored face looked serious, as if hiding wisdom far beyond Jarin’s comprehension.

“What am I to do with you?” Macarius asked, his voice rich and deep. “I thought meeting my gargoyles would calm you down, but here you are, trying to escape again.”

“You-” Jarin looked up into the man’s eyes in surprise, receiving a soft chuckle in response. He had hoped Macarius wouldn’t find out about his failed escape attempt through the roof.

“Of course they let me know what’s happening outside of my Citadel. Very useful, those creatures - not just for keeping people out, but also for keeping them in.”

“Why are you doing this?” the shifter asked, thinking that Macarius will never let him out.

“I need your venom and your blood. The wasp girl has already kindly given me a donation,” the sorcerer explained in an amused tone, taking a small glass vial and presenting it to Jarin. “Now it’s your turn. Cooperate, and you won’t end up like her.”

“Where is she?” the boy asked, eyeing the vial with suspicion.

“You’ll see her again, I’m sure. Now, shift and deposit your venom here. And don’t try anything like your friend did. She learned that lesson the hard way, and I would hate to waste my energy on you too.”

Obediently, Jarin shifted into his scorpion form, finding himself down on the cold stone floor. Barely a moment later, he felt himself levitating, as Macarius raised him slowly to the table. Grabbing the scorpion’s tail with pincers, the sorcerer waited until the animal released a tiny drop of venom from the tip of its tail, which went straight into the glass vial the man held in his other hand. He repeated the process several times, until he was satisfied with the amount of venom collected.

Observing the precious golden-yellow substance, Macarius carefully released the scorpion’s tail.

“Shift back now,” he ordered.

Jarin didn’t need to be told twice. Wanting to get things over with as soon as possible, he returned to his human form. After the sorcerer collected a sample of his blood, the boy looked him in the eyes, still determined not to appear weak or afraid.

“Now what?”

“Now, you go back to your room,” the sorcerer replied.

“Just like that?” Jarin furrowed his brow, not quite believing he was getting off the hook so easily.

“Just like that,” Macarius repeated. “See, as long as you cooperate, you have no reason to fear me. I keep my word.”

The sorcerer then approached him and took him by the arm, ready to teleport them back to the terrarium.

“Now, let’s see if your snake friend will be as obedient.”

~~

“Who are you?” Cyr whispered, looking at the strange boy who seemed to be in deep slumber. He looked so fragile and peaceful. “And what on earth are you doing here?”

Enclosed in a glass casket, the dark-skinned boy was dressed in an indigo blue robe, while his long, black hair was braided in dreadlocks that were tied together. Around his neck, he wore a thin necklace with white beads, while the centre of his forehead was decorated by a small diamond-shaped symbol the same color as the robe.

Looking carefully, Cyr could notice the boy’s chest was not moving - he didn’t seem to be breathing! He had to wonder if the strange boy was dead? If so, then what was he doing here?

Reaching for the glass case, Cyr’s fingers almost touched the cover, but he nervously pulled back at the last moment. He was too scared. What if the boy wakes up? The odd blue glow that emanated from the case was another reason for concern. Maybe that serves as protection, Cyr concluded, so that no one could open it.

After he finally took his eyes away from the boy, Cyr looked around the room, trying to find anything useful - some clue that would tell him about the boy, or even better, something that would help him escape.

Drawing the transparent, silk curtains, he went for the window handles in the hopes of getting out, but it was in vain. They would not budge.

“Damn it!” Cyr muttered before suddenly stopping, aware of the noise he was making. He turned around but the boy was still in his casket, unmoving.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Cyr opened each and every drawer and closet in the room, rummaging through the items and finding nothing but clothes, shoes and painting supplies. Almost losing all hope, he finally moved to the small bookshelf in the corner, scanning the titles. Finally, he picked out several tomes and opened them. All of them looked worn out. Their owner - whoever it is - must be an avid reader.

Upon opening the third book, titled “Principles of Magic”, Cyr gasped in realization as he saw the inscription. He turned to look at the boy once again.

“Ohh… Could it be?” he whispered, observing the sleeping boy. “Of course, it all makes sense now!”

Tucking the book under his tunic, Cyr snuck out of the room, closing the door behind him. Quietly, he crossed the hallway and reached the staircase, hoping to go to the upper floor undetected. Maybe he could locate the exit there, or at least find Jarin and Dymia.

However, his hopes were quickly dashed as he turned the corner and practically ran into Cassandra, almost knocking her over.

“There you are!” the servant girl snapped, pointing a blade at him. “Master was worried you’ve run away,” she added with a smirk, knowing well that was impossible. After Jarin and he tried to escape, she would take no more chances. If Macarius’ mission failed, the price would be too high and she wasn’t willing to risk it.

“Move it!” she ordered, poking him with her blade.

“Easy with that sword, not like you can use it anyway,” Cyr scoffed. “Your ‘master’ needs me.”

“Maybe I can’t kill you, but I could mess up that pretty face of yours,” the girl stated charmingly. “I was prepared to be good to the three of you and make your stay here less painful, but after what you and the other boy pulled, you get no sympathy from me anymore. And the girl is not much better either.”

In no time, they were back at the entrance to the terrarium room. That’s fine by me, Cyr thought. At least I can try escaping through the roof again.

“Get in there,” Cassandra commanded him and he obeyed, entering the large room. “Now you get to join the friend that you tried to betray,” she added venomously.

As Cyr stepped into the room, he noticed Dymia sitting on a log in the corner. Cassandra locked the door behind him, leaving the two prisoners alone.

“Where’s Jarin?” Dymia asked, getting up and making eye contact with Cyr. “And what did she mean by that - you tried to betray me?”

“I don’t know what game she is playing. But she is Macarius’ servant, after all, so it’s to be expected,” Cyr replied, looking away in hopes of masking his true thoughts and feelings.

Dymia merely raised her eyebrows, not believing a word of what he said.

“Men are terrible liars,” she shook her head, pursing her lips. “I’ll just ask Jarin when they bring him back.”

Cyr stopped and turned around to look at her, a resolved look on his face.

“Alright then, I might as well tell you,” he shrugged. Who was she to him anyway? Just a girl that happened to be kidnapped at the same time as he was. They had no obligations to each other. “Jarin and I tried to escape today. We forced the servant girl to lead us to the exit, but Jarin wouldn’t go without you. I… I suggested we save ourselves and leave you behind. He refused and left with her, while I went on my own to try and find a way out,” the boy said, looking at Dymia with a mixture of defiance and remorse in his eyes.

“I see,” the girl spoke. “And where is he now?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since we separated.” He assumed Macarius had him. As much as they had been fighting, he didn’t wish for either Jarin or Dymia to die or get hurt.

“I don’t blame you,” the girl said after a brief pause.

“You don’t? I was sure I was going to get a slap from you.”

“Nah, I’ll save that for when you really get on my nerves,” Dymia rolled her eyes. “I think we may be more alike that you thought.”

Cyr frowned in confusion, so she continued.

“When Macarius took me to his laboratory, I tried to escape as well. I wasn’t thinking of you or Jarin at all, I just wanted to save myself. Boy, was that a dumb idea,” she laughed at herself humorlessly.

“What happened?”

“I shifted and stung him, thinking I’ll be able to open the window and fly out while he was distracted with the pain. Didn’t go exactly as planned,” she shook her head. “He punished me and… let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson,” she finished as she ran her fingers through her hair, shuddering with the memory.

“What-uh, what did he do to you? Are you alright?” Cyr asked, scanning her from head to toe. There were no signs of injury, save from some cuts on her dress.

As the girl recounted what happened, Cyr observed her quietly, not knowing quite what to say. He might suffer the same fate when Macarius realizes he has the wrong person. Finally, Dymia sat back down, crossing her legs and fixing her dress.

“And you? Did you manage to find a way out? I assume not, since you’re still here,” she looked at him inquisitively.

“No, but… I did find something,” Cyr whispered, approaching her. “A boy. I’m not sure if he’s dead or not, but he was lying in a glass case, levitating in the middle of the room. He didn’t move or open his eyes,” he spoke with wonder in his voice, still unsure of what he saw.

“Could it be another shifter taken by Macarius? What if we all end up like that?” Dymia asked nervously. Since her conflict with the wicked sorcerer, she feared him even more and didn’t even dare to think how they would all end up. “He’ll use us for whatever purpose, and then leave us to die.”

“I don’t think so,” Cyr shook his head, revealing the book he stole from the boy’s room. “I think that boy is his son.”

Thank you all for reading, I hope the wait wasn't too long!
See ya soon back in the desert!