Star Eater

Chapter 6:

Jacob's Point of View

Unknown Location

The town was filled with cheery people who were much too happy for their own good. Children ran around and played, while several adults were working, and others were shopping. It truly reminded me of a fantasy town, stone roads in some places, and dirt in others. Fountains decorated the area that made it look extremely rustic but in a fantastically beautiful way.

Unfortunately, people obviously knew I didn't belong. Worried glances my way and whispers were enough to tell me that I made people nervous. Not many in the town were armed. In fact, from what I could tell, almost no one was. Yet, here I was with a massive sword on my back and fully equipped in shiny armor. That probably didn't help.

There were several buildings, but I was looking for something I could use to get information. An inn, tavern, or library. Wasn't convinced about the library because I didn't know if I could read the language here. So, a tavern or inn was preferable, hopefully, one with a map of sorts. Last thing I want is to get stuck in this town forever.

"Excuse me, Mister!" Someone called out, and naturally, I assumed it was for someone else. "Mister!" They called out again.

It wasn't until a small boy stopped in front of me in dirty clothes that I came to a halt. He looked up at me with his hands risen in a stopping gesture. Quirking a brow at this, he crossed his arms as he looked at me in irritation.

Moving my hands to my hips, I spoke. "Can I help you?"

"Didn't ya hear me callin ya?" He spoke in a southern drawl, which surprised me.

The child was human and had red hair with freckles. I'd think he was full ginger if it wasn't for his tanned skin from the sun.

"I did. Just didn't realize it was me you were calling out to." I responded. "Can I help you with something?"

"Yeah! People are sayin you're dangerous! That true?" He inquired in his dirty overalls.

A smirk came to my lips. "I might be..." Was my response. "Was that all you wanted to know?"

Needless to say, the little boy wasn't convinced. "Ah don't know. What's your name?"

Crouching down in front of him, now thoroughly amused, I replied. "It's proper to introduce yourself before asking for someone else's name."

His nose scrunched up at that. "Ya think so?"

"I know so."

"Well, fine. Ah don't need ta know your name, but Ah could use your help if you're willing ta give it."

My amusement faded, and I became more skeptical. "I'm sure you could." Was my muted response. "Trying to get out of something or you hatching some sort of mischief?"

He shook his head. "Nothin like that. Ah was on ma way ta the town's guard, but then Ah heard people talkin about ya! How ya have a dangerous look about ya!"

Looking around, several looked away, while others watched us out of fear for the child, real skittish place. Probably has a reason to be. Then again, I am armed and unknown to them. They're probably just trying to be safe.

"Why would you need someone dangerous?"

"A manticore showed up on our farm! Outta the blue! Ma grandpa is locked in the house, and ma sister is up the mountain visiting the Priestess! The town's guard is towards the base of the mountain, but ya look like a fighter! Ah could really use your help if ya think ya can defeat a manticore!" The boy explained quickly.

My frown deepened. This might've been my fault after all. As much as I wanted to ask if the manticore had a collar, that would just make the townspeople more suspicious of me if I was right, and that was the last thing I needed. Earning some good faith though... That was a solid plan. Especially since I knew I could handle a manticore with no problems.

Standing up in front of the young boy, he seemed nervous about what I would say. Understandable. His family was in danger, and he needed help. As skeptical as I was of children, I would've regardless if there was a serious problem.

Looking him in the eye, I asked a question of my own. "Are you telling me the truth?"

He looked offended at that. "Ah ain't no liar!" His declaration was firm, and he held my gaze.

"Alright. I'll help. Lead the way." I said, and a relieved smile shone towards me.

"Thanks, Mister!" His little legs turned and started running through the town.

I followed promptly behind the boy and studied him. He appeared to be no more than twelve years old. From what I could tell, he was definitely human, but that didn't mean I was right. Maybe none of them were humans or called themselves something else entirely. My thoughts began to focus the more we ran through town. A fight was coming.

"It's just over there! Right outside the farmhouse!" The boy shouted as we ran.

We left the town quickly. Soon, I found myself running along a dirt road that wasn't too far from the main streets. Surprised so many people were walking out and about with a manticore in the area. Then again, they did live right next to this forest. Hopefully, they were aware of their choices in where they settled down.

A rustic homestead came into view, with several crops growing in the fields outside the towns. So many that I wasn't sure what they all were, but I focused solely on the large mythical creature that was lying down in one of the fields. The boy was telling the truth and came to a stop when he saw it. My eyes glanced over the home to make sure it was still intact, and sure enough, the door was still up.

"Looks like your grandpa is still inside."

The boy looked relieved. "Yeah." He replied and then looked at me nervously. "Ya gonna be able ta take care of it?"

Smirking, I placed my left hand on his head and ruffled his hair. "Don't worry. I'm going to take care of it. I said I would, didn't I?" Moving in front of him, I drew my sword. "Now, you stay put while I take care of this. Okay?" He nodded, and I left him to go take care of business.

"Go get em, Mister!"

With a small wave of acknowledgment, I moved towards the large creature.

"Here, kitty, kitty, kitty." Clicking my tongue is what got its attention though, and it stood as it saw me approaching. "Hey there, big guy."

Instantly, I began looking for signs of a leash and collar. As I suspected, this was one of the manticores that were with the group of ghouls. It began to growl at me, and I looked around to see if the others were hiding somewhere. I didn't see them, but this one was backing away slightly as if it was in a standoff against me. I continued my approach, wondering if I was going to need my right eye.

Its hair stood as I got closer and closer. Hopping over the small fence in front of me, the manticore was now entirely on edge as it took a crouching position. Once I was towards the middle of the crops, the beast pounced towards me. Jumping in the air, it propelled itself forward with its wings. Stepping to the left of it, much like before, I brought my sword up suddenly.

Blood sprayed everywhere this time. The cut wasn't as clean. Instead of going through its neck and decapitating its head, my sword ended up lopping off both its frontal paws and legs. Even a good chunk of its frontal torso at its chest was cut through. The large gaping gash in its body was what killed it instantly. Probably hit the heart.

"Oh, god! It's in my mouth!" My frustration at the screw up just made it worse when I got covered in blood. "Definitely going to need a shower this time." I mumbled.

The manticore laid there draining of blood, and I heard small footsteps from behind me. "Ah can't believe ya killed it with one blow!" Turning, I saw the small boy there. "Yuck!" He said once he got closer and could smell me. "Ya need a shower, Mister?"

Amused by the brilliant observation, I replied. "Maybe a small one."

"Suppose Ah could let ya use ours! Ah got ta check on my grandpa real quick, but if ya wait, Ah'll help get ya set up!" The boy stated and took off before I could reply.

Following behind at a more lenient pace, I stopped by the front of the house to remove my armor. Planting my sword in the ground, I started with the gauntlets I was wearing, and then moved to everything else. My chest plate was off by the time the boy returned, but he wasn't alone.

"Heard ya took care of that there manticore that was in our crops..." An old voice spoke.

Turning, I saw an old man with grey hair and brown overalls, much like the boy. "Your grandson was running through town and got my attention. Said he needed some help and that you were in danger." I replied as I worked on my lower half.

"Mighty kind of ya." The old man stated and moved down from the front porch to my side before tapping me with his cane. "You really are filthy." His drawl was more distinguished when he spoke compared to the child's. "Ah reckon we can get you a shower and some grub. Ya hungry?"

"I could eat. Been a bit since I last ate."

Noticing how dirty my armor was, the old man turned to his grandson. "Take this man's armor and wash it beneath the hose. Get it all cleaned up while he showers." The boy gave a playful salute and took off running, which made the grandpa chuckle. "Always in a hurry that one. We don't have no clothes for you ta wear, but we'll get your clothes cleaned up lickity split."

I nodded in thanks. "I appreciate it."

"We appreciate you takin care of that there critter. Darn thing was tryin ta get into the house. Woke me up from my nap." He said grumpily, and I gave the man an odd look. "Ah'm old. Ah like my sleep."

"Fair enough."

Using his cane to point inside the house, he directed me towards the bathroom shower. "Careful not to get blood on anything. It aint much, but it's home." Peeling off the rest of my clothing seemed to surprise the old man as I stood there naked. "Ya didn't need ta take those off. Ah wasn't tryin to embarrass you..." He said simply.

"I'm not. Don't worry. Besides, we're all men here." Waving his concerns away, I stepped inside the home.

The interior was filled with all manner of knick knacks and throw rugs over wooden floorboards. Parts of the home seemed to be falling apart with holes in the walls, broken doors, and peeling wallpaper. Surprised, the front door held firm under the manticore's attempts to get inside.

Finding the bathroom was simple. It was upstairs and down the hall. A small tub was available with a smaller showerhead. Rust and grime could be seen, but I ignored it. I was surprised this world had running water, and to my pleasant surprise, toilets as well. Shitting in the woods was nothing new or extreme for me but being able to use a toilet was a huge relief.

Once I was all cleaned up, I wrapped one of the towels hanging in the room around my waist and headed downstairs, after drying off, of course. The old man was waiting there for me and gestured to follow him as he went through a doorway.

Moving to follow him, I found myself in the kitchen. "Feel free to sit down. Let me cook up some grub as thanks for savin me." He said as he moved throughout the room. "The name's Augustus Reed. No one calls me that though. Everyone calls me Grandpa Reed. Ah'd appreciate it if you'd do the same."

"Of course. It's nice to meet your acquaintance, Grandpa Reed." That made him smirk.

Sitting down at the small wooden table, the chairs were old and small enough to match. The entire kitchen was spacious enough to move around, but it was filled with a vast amount of pots and pans along with other cooking utensils. All hanging from the ceiling or hooks from the walls. A small sink, stove, and cabinets took up the rest of the free space. My attention shifted back to the old man as he gestured out the window. The boy was hanging my black top and bottoms over a clothing line to dry out.

"That's my grandson, Austin."

"Augustus... Austin..." Both of their names were familiar. "Is he named after you?"

Grandpa Reed gave me a curious look. "Why would he be? Our names are completely different."

"Coincidence?" I mumbled.

"Now then. What about you?" The door opened, and in came Austin while his grandpa was talking. "What's your name?"

Considering how I didn't like my name, I was reluctant to answer. "What's wrong? Don't ya got a name?" Austin asked innocently.

Frowning, I didn't answer. "Something wrong?" Grandpa Reed inquired as he turned from the stove to look at me.

"No." I said as Austin sat down next to me at the small wooden table.

"Ya sure? Ah'm not one ta judge out loud, but ya look like ya ate something sour..." The boy pointed out.

"There's a breeze," I said and gestured to my towel. "I'm just a little chilly."

"It is getting close ta Fall. Days are getting colder. Same with the wind." Augustus informed me. "A hot meal will warm ya up."

"Thank you." A poking sensation grabbed my attention, and I turned to see Austin touching me. "What?"

He smiled innocently. "You still haven't told us your name!" His reminder was genuine.

New world, new body, new powers, and a mountain of unknowns. Who said that I need to keep my old name? It was nothing more than a cursed relic I was forced to keep. So, a new name was required. One that was powerful and represented my new life in this world. Something that was known by all on Earth. A name I could build from the ground up.

The perfect name came to mind, and a smile decorated my lips. "My name is Arthur Pendragon." I introduced myself. "But please... Call me Arthur."