The Beast of Overcasture
With long limbs it blended in with the trees of the wood. Its dark fur and scaly hide offered it protection and camoflage. Dare not enter the wood for a fool. Its gaping maw easily swallows live deer whole and screaming. Listen carefully for the quiet. It is near then. No creature dare make a sound when it's near. They fear it. None have lived to see its face. But I tell you this; there is a tale of a blind man that has spoken with The Beast. You find him, he can tell you more than me.
... *** ... *** ...
Come, sit, I've been expecting you. Tea? Cakes? My wife makes them for me. She is my eyes. So, you wish to know about The Beast of Overcasture? Why is it called that? Well, because its shadow can make the weather sour and overcast; though it really is not. Hmm? How did I come to know it? I was out in the wood and it drew my attention. That's all. How? I heard it. What? You can't? It speaks so softly that if not for the other life staying still I wouldn't have heard it at all. What does it look like? I'm blind. Did you forget that? What was I doing in the wood? ... I went there to die. Instead I made a deal with The Beast. What kind of deal?
... *** ... *** ...
His face seemed off. The air smelled of static. I look around the small cabin room. There is no sign of any womanly presence. No flowers, no knittings, no sewings. There's no photographs either. The room has suddenly turned darker. When? When did that happen. 'Overcast.' The Beast. I hurriedly get up from my chair and make my way to the door. It doesn't budge. I hear a sipping sound behind me. The blind man is drinking his tea. He shows no worry on his face. His face... I stare in horror as he slowly takes the bandage wrappings from his eyes. Black holes. They're black holes. He smiles. His teeth... Those are not human teeth. I'm trapped.
He opens his mouth and speaks in a wrong voice, "hush now little one, I won't hurt you. Come sit back down, we aren't done talking yet boy."
I gulp. Reluctantly, I sit. The room seems to slow its buzzing. When did that start? I wonder...
"What is it you seek?"
"I....I want to know," I gulp again, "I want to know...." I can't say it. I look down. The man chuckles at me.
"What's the matter boy?" His voice vibrated the table.
I look back up at him. Steeling myself I finally respond. "I want to know what I am."
Silence ensues between us, holding us still. I can hear a soft growling sound. Nay, I feel it.
"Give me your hand." He holds his out to me.
Slowly I put my right hand on top of his. He grabs it with force, causing me to wince. Claws... Since when did he have those? My blood pours out of our hands and onto the table. It's dark. Darker than a human's. He smiles.
"You have the blood of an old one. Blood like mine. You made a deal with Niggath a long time ago. You've forgotten, but blood never forgets. You were once called The Beast of Delleth. You've faded though. You will die within a fortnight. Once that occurs, the you that you are now will be gone, and The Beast in you will return."
"I don't understand. How do you know this?"
"I am Shigon. One who sees all. Past, present, future."
"So that's why a blind man made a deal with you."
"Yes."
"And the wife?"
"An immortal woman that loves us Beasts. Not even I know why or understand her existence. She is not human, and never was. She is no Beast either. We've asked her before, but she speaks not of it."
"What will become of Niggath when it returns?"
He looks away from me. I develop a cold sweat. Suddenly my head feels like it's in a vice. I pull my hand from his and grab my head. I have to throw up. My whole body aches. I see in my mind a looming creature. It looked like an elk, but all wrong. Its legs were too dark and ended in paws. They look scaly and thin. Its head was long, but too wide at the neck. Sharp teeth that glistened white poked out of the sides. Its eyes were too large for its head, and they were a solid red. The antlers came up and out and formed sharp points likened to a briar patch. The fur of its body is dark like the night sky. Do I see stars in it's fur?
With a lurching sensation the vision is gone. And I feel frozen in fear and awe. I can feel my heart pounding, I can hear the rush of blood in my ears. It's too quiet. Quickly I look back up.
The blind man is sitting there, bandages as if undisturbed. He sips his tea and sunlight streams in.
"Are you alright?" He asks.
"What... What just happened?" I pant out.
"You should have some tea, it'll help." He takes a bite of the cake.
I take another look around the room as I grab the cup. There's flowers around the room. When did those get there? Or, were they always there? I take a sip of the tea. Mint. I already feel better. "What happened?"
"You asked me about the deal I made with The Beast. Then I heard you gasping in pain. Then you asked me what happened just now."
"That can't be..."
"Why, do you remember something else?"
I stare at him. "No, sorry, I must have been mistaken. If you'll excuse me, I should return home." I get up and reach the door.
In that horrid voice I hear behind me. "Don't forget, you die in a fortnight."
I snap my head around. The blind man is still sitting there, eating his cake. Slowly I open the door, not taking my eyes from him, and quietly leave.