The Coming Storm

Chiron refused to tell her anything more on the subject until he knew that she was fit. Marna was her almost constant companion through the following days and the girl was a very competent healer. She had explained that it came from living in a village of hunters and warriors. Sooner or later everyone came home with some kind of injury so she had learned the healing arts from Chiron.

In the days that followed her awakening, she met both Janus and Raven, as well as several other Centaur and humans that lived in the village. She learned that this small villages, resting peacefully in the forest she had been traveling through, was a safe haven for both monsters and humans to live together. There were several couples like Chiron and Marna, and other monsters as well, but most of the villagers were Centaur.

The most surprising thing about the village was Raven. The man was a Shade, a humaniod being a darkness that should have been living in isolation in the far north. Almost all knowledge of his kind was nothing more than rumor and speculation, but the powerful race had once spread across the world. Now they were a rare breed that fought fiercely for whatever scrap of land they could hold onto. She learned that Raven was a travelor and had learned of what was coming and had warned his old friend Chiron. Apparently the Shade was even older than elderly Centaur, but he looked like a man in his midtwenties.

Janus, the man that everyone seemed to see as her true rescuer, tried to stay away from her, but she didn't understand why. The few times she saw him, she could see his uncle's powerful features and rugged looks coming through in his own youthful appearance.

After three days of waiting, Chiron finally allowed her to leave the hut and join the rest of the village for a bonfire. She was still wearing the long shirt, but had borrowed some of Marna's panties, since her own pair and her bag containing her spare cloths were lost. She still had her armor, and the cloths that the Satyrs had taken off her had been recovered, but she didn't feel like dressing for war just for a dinner.

Of course after she went outside, she had a change of heart. Unfortunately by then, Marna was already leading her to her place near the fire. Young men and women of the village were all gathered around several small fires, with one large bonfire in the center of the village. Each able bodied person was checking weapons and armor, or taking stock of food and other supplies. Chiron was near the largest fire and was speaking with a small group of older warriors, including Raven. A little ways off, she could see Janus sharpening a sword, but his bow and arrows were close at hand as well.

Marna led her to a spot near Chiron and the two girls sat together, watching the preparations. It seemed like ages before Chiron finally broke from his conversation and stepped forward to make an announcement.

"Everyone, hear me now. Our scouts have confirmed the Shade's warnings. War is coming to the monster world. The first Werewolf, the true werewolf, is attacking his own kind and forcing them to join him. He has been gathering an army and changing humans to boost his ranks. Even normal wolves have come to his side. The other side of this war is Valdin. The old Vampire has been reclusive these last fifty years, hiding away in his tower. Now his gates have opened and an army of vampires, zombies, and succubi have begun spilling out into the land around his castle. Rumors say that he has also captured several young women for some kind of sacrifice or something."

Angry whispers spread through the listeners and Venus strained to hear them, but too many voices blended together into the night. Chiron stamped one of his powerful hooves to regain attention.

"That is not all. Other monsters and minor demons have begun taking sides. Many have formed their own armies of mixed races and plan to try to tip the war in their own favor. One such **** is close enough to be an immediate threat."

"The Kelpie!" cried out one young man near Venus.

"Aye Bogan. That blasted Kelpie, Zixar. He's gathered a strong **** near here. Satyrs, Kappa, Gouls, and who knows what other monsters at his disposal. He is too close for us to remain as we are. I have discussed the matter with the other elders and we have come to a conclusion. We shall contact our breathren in their nearby villages, and move against the Kelpie. It will be a hard fought battle, but we can still save our home!"

Shouts of agreement filled the night. Cheers and mugs of ale were raised and the young warriors broke into boasts about battles they would win for their home. Chiron shook his head sadly, being one of the few to know what true horrors war really held.

Soon the young ones had a feast going around the fires, with food and drink being passed around to all. Chiron had again retired to speak with the elders, leaving the rest of the village one last night of true happiness before their struggles began.

The question was, what was Venus going to do? A war between monsters would effect humans as well. Could she really stand by and do nothing? Would she be able to go back to her normal life? Then there was the information she had just gleaned about Lycoan. Joining the Centaurs might give her an edge against her hated enemy.

She looked around at all the young men and women drinking and feasting and tried to decide what she should do. Maybe talking to someone would help? Chiron was still there, along with Raven, Janus, and Marna. Plush several hundred cheering Centaurs and humans. What was a girl to do?