The Shapeshifters

There weren’t always dragons in the Valley. Years ago, it used to be farmland as far as the eye could see, dotted with cows and sheep that peacefully existed alongside the locals. Life was simple, with the days consumed by the chores of farm life and occasional pleasantries.

Mr. Raubenheimer occupied most of the land in the town. He had many wives but no offspring of his own. His lavish lifestyle and self-indulgence left very little desire for raising a family, so he ensured that no encounter would produce any children. As a result, every wife eventually left him as the promises and thrill of the extravagant life faded.

During one of his elaborate parties, Mr. Raubenheimer felt particularly generous and announced that his fortune would go to his nephew one day. Bitter regret consumed the millionaire the following morning, but his pride and too many witnesses kept him accountable, and Mr. Rabenheimer amended his will. His wife at the time, packed her bags as he left his mansion, money, and various businesses to his deceased sister’s only son, Daniel Baltimore.

But one day late in January, the peaceful town was about to change forever. Like the low dipping winter sun ushering in the cold frosty night, a dark presence escorted a newcomer to the small village. No one expected the landscape to change so quickly, but with the arrival of a seemingly good man, more sinister things were to follow.

His name was Mr. Bandaro. He came out of nowhere and brought only a tiny suitcase and enough cigars to last a lifetime. The deep frown between his brows made him look angry, while a crooked smile framed every word. There was something uneasy about him, and his dark suit and smooth hair were a stark contrast to the slightly dusty and scruffy locals.

He had tales to tell of all his travels, and this captivated the town’s women, who enjoyed new topics of conversation to see them through the week. Mr. Bandaro was often mentioned around the dinner table to see if the men had any more details they could share.

“You know, I went to the bank today and saw Mr. Bandaro was talking to another gentleman. It seemed like their conversation got quite heated. Did you hear anything, dear?” Mrs. Baltimore asked her husband as she served him dinner.

“I haven’t heard anything, but he mentioned earlier this week that he was looking to get his own place and that the Inn will not be ideal for his prospects.”

“What prospects could that be? Do you think he is planning to stay on for good?”

Then, with a mouthful of food, Mr. Baltimore only lifted his shoulders and shook his head as he didn’t have any more details to settle his wife’s curiosity.

No one knew why he came to town and what his plans involved, but he was a businessman and chose this town to conduct his business. But his speech was full of riddles and only gave enough information to keep the people stirring.

The sudden death of Mr. Raubenheimer shocked the town when a local farmer found his body in a paddock two miles from his house. There was no blood, no bruises, and no reason for him to have been there. The Police only scratched their heads as the riddle of his mysterious death delivered no more evidence or suspects. So the case was closed, leaving the newly wedded Mr. Baltimore an instantly wealthy man and the most coveted family of the town.

Unlike his uncle, Mr. Baltimore wanted a family and a simple life. His wife, Maria, gave birth to their first and only child a few months after their wedding day. They gazed into the tiny girl’s eyes and named her a lover and friend of strength, Filomena Baltimore.

One season gave way to another, and Filomena grew up a timid and curious child. Like her surroundings, you could see she was a young woman of wealth. Her posture and poise were one of nobility, and yet in her heart, she stored up a desire for adventure and a secret that kept her awake at night.

* * *

Filomena was terrified, blinded by a light as heat and smoke surrounded her. Unable to see, she fought and swung her sword viciously in the hope of striking her attacker. But instead, a creature brought her to her knees. She lifted her arms over her head to shield herself from another blow. Intense pain shuddered through her arm as she was hit and brought face down on the ground. The smoke and dust were choking her as she lay motionless. There was someone else there. The faint voice kept calling her name and telling her to get up. The roaring flames drowned out the command coming from afar.

“Get up; you have to get up!”

She had no strength left and felt dizzy. A giant figure stood over her, fanning the flames that spread its heat through her clothing and burning her skin. Laughing came from the direction of the fire, and footsteps slowly approached, until suddenly she was lifted off the ground and met her assailant face to face. She caught a glimpse of him just before her cheek absorbed a punch.

Then, everything went black.

“Mena, are you okay, honey?” Filomena woke up as the terror in her dreams tried to follow her into reality. Her mother’s gentle voice drew her out of the nightmare and back to safety.

“I heard you coughing. Are you feeling alright?”

Her heart was racing from the battle she had just endured. The strands of her long hair were wet and sticking to her slender body. Pain shot through her face as she tried to answer.

“I’m fine, mama. Can I have some water, please?”

She heard her mother’s footsteps going down the stairs to the kitchen. Filomena lied to her mother, as she wasn’t okay and didn’t need water, but she just needed a moment to piece together what had just happened. Was it a dream or the answer to the mysterious events in their town? She knew that what she saw meant no good for her village and the family she loved.

Her mind kept going back to her dream. Or was it a dream? Her hand was cupping her tender cheek, and she hoped that it would be the only visible bruise. Haunting images and words filled her head, and putting them down on paper would help her piece together the events. Limping over to her desk, she wrote down her dream, beginning with the face she would never forget.