Rise of the Retics by T J Lantz

with teeth that could impale a horse.
    His logic was sound. He had indeed saved her from the men who had killed her teacher. He could easily have harmed her in the hours while she slept. Instead, he had protected her, hidden her from danger, and even brought her food.
    “Why did those men—what did you call them?—Why did they want to take me away from Lipkos?” She wanted to ask Reginald why these men would kill an innocent monk just to get to her, but she wasn’t quite ready to say that out loud.
    “They are called the Coalition of the Burning Heart. They work for the church and several allied governments, though only the most powerful officials know of their existence. And simply put, they wanted you because of who you are, ” Reginald replied matter-of-factly.
    His answer was so simple and easy that Tyranna felt stupid for not understanding what he meant the first time.  She waited for him to continue, suddenly eager to hear more When no more information came from the creature, she got a bit bolder.
    “I don’t understand. I am nothing but an ordinary orphan girl. What value could I possibly have to anyone?”
    Reginald paused for a moment before he spoke. “You are an orphan, yes that is certainly true. However, you are anything but ordinary, my lady. You are a very unique being. There are very few of your kind left in this world.”
    “My kind? What does that mean? What kind of person am I?”
    Reginald’s words piqued her interest and washed away any last droplets of insecurity. For as long as she had been alive, Tyranna had wanted nothing more than to be more than just an orphan girl. She sat up straight, her muscles relaxing for the first time since she woke.
    “Well Tyranna, that is a very complicated question, but I suppose we’re not going anywhere until you have received some type of answer, so I will appease you the best I can. Let me begin by asking you this Tyranna, have you ever heard of the Viking people?”
    “Of course, I know who they are,” Tyranna responded with confidence. “Brother Tychus says they are fierce savages—warriors from across the sea. They would raid coastal cities and towns like Gluesk for hundreds of years. But that was a long time ago.” Tyranna beamed with pride at her answer, the same way she always did when she knew something important. Knowledge made her feel as indestructible as a knight in plate armor.
    “Your Brother Tychus sounds like he was a very wise man, but I must slightly disagree with his assertion. They are no more savage than most humans. They were, however, the great warriors of their day. That much is certainly undeniable. I am also willing to wager that you have not been taught that Viking raiding parties were led by fierce soldiers known as berserkers .”
    Tyranna tilted her head sideways to indicate that this was new knowledge to her.
    “These men, and sometimes even women, entered the battle field wearing only a cloak made of a strong animal, usually a wolf or a bear, identical to what you are wearing now.” He pointed to the muddy cloak draped around her. “A very valuable and very magical cloak.”
    She wrapped it tighter around herself. It was her only real worldly possession and the soft fur made her feel safe.
    “It was said,” Sir Reginald continued, “that in the heat of battle, with the help of their cloaks, these warriors could change forms and become powerful animals. Once transformed, their might and ferocity would inspire the rest of the Viking warriors to greater prowess in combat. These tales have been handed down for many years my lady, and most humans believe them to be little more than legend now, but we know the truth. There are still a few berserkers left in this world, and I am certain you are one of them.”
    “You believe that I am some kind of Viking animal warrior? Now I know you’re lying. That’s just absurd. First of all, no human in the world has that kind of power. Secondly, everyone knows that females