The Beast Within

Titans in the Distance: Chapter Three

A moment of silence hung in the air after Jedd finished his tale. 

While listening, I couldn't help but compare the god in the sky to another being I hoped was up there, though I didn't mention Ambrosia's name to my host. 

"It's a beautiful story," the wolf said, though it knew the man would not understand.

"You're thinking what I told you is impossible to believe, but it's true," Jedd said. "My watch is important. Allowing any harm to come to Lightning's sheep is the greatest sin. Remember that, wolf, should your mouth ever water at the sight of the flock."

When the day was ending Jedd counted the sheep before instructing the wolf to help move the animals from the field. It was a short trek to his home, a modest dwelling with a pen and a short barn attached to the side. We led the sheep into their enclosure and Jedd closed the barn door before latching the gate to the pen.

I wondered what sort of family lived with Jedd inside the home, but when I was invited inside I found no one. The single room was the size of our parent's bedroom, sparsely decorated with a thin mattress stuffed with straw and wool, a few buckets of vegetables, a pot over a stone firepit, and two chests. Inside the first chest were tools like shears and bowls, and the second contained a pile of wool and two robes identical to the one Jedd wore. The home reeked of lanolin, as did its owner, which I attributed to the lengthy hours spent with the flock. 

At the herder's request, I became human, and when I did not move to dress myself, only shielded my dignity with my hands, Jedd raised an eyebrow and pointed to the sack made from the cloak of stars.

"Don't you got clothes in there?" he asked.

"No, sir. Only a tapestry."

Jedd sighed and retrieved a spare robe from the second chest.

"Don't have more than the three."

"I'll be careful with it," I promised. 

He didn't ask about the tapestry or the beautiful bag that held it, giving me the impression he was not a man prone to curiosity. Instead, he set his focus to work and lit a fire under the pot in the firepit. As there were no chairs, I took my seat across from him on the ground and watched as he stoked the embers to life and prepared our meal. The floor was littered with straw, and I absent-mindedly collected a few straws to bend and weave together. 

"Wife was taken by a titan," Jedd offered without prompt, "and we had no children. Don't mind the solitude anymore. The holy work keeps me busy."

He filled two bowls with broth and vegetables, but when I reached to pick up my spoon he lightly slapped my hand.

"We pray before eating."

He bowed his head and I followed.

Jedd went on at length about the greatness of Lightning and the nobility of sheep. He talked about bountiful crops and mild seasons. His sermon was so long that the steam left our food. My stomach was screaming but I remained silent.

When Jedd finished he nodded to signal we could eat, and I dove into my bowl with giddy fervor.

The most delicious flavors I'd ever tasted hit my tongue.

Jedd had not been boasting when he spoke of the food before, and when a spoonful of green and orange and purple entered my mouth my tastebuds sang. In a blink, my bowl was empty and my mouth was watering for more. Jedd served a second helping with a wink.

"Didn't I tell you, boy? This is the food of a god. You'll never find anything better."

I believed him.