Another dawn, another day of delightful backbreaking labour. I awake in the same bed as the Queen of Ash, slowly getting up to stretch my body to its limits. Eyes shut tight and mouth extended in a yawn, my morning ritual is complete when I gaze tiredly around the cosy room. I plop off the bed and trot towards the door. The lady of the house’s soft breathing isn’t even disturbed.

I exit the bedroom through the slight crack in the wooden door and move down the hallway. The falling moon exposes the hovering dust through windows caked in grim. The state of disrepair around the house is not something I take tremendous pride in, however the lady just adores ambience. If I had my way, every speck of dirt would be banished, every rotting piece of wood and mouldy earth cleansed. Maybe that’s why she’s the master and I’m the servant. Like it matters anyway! Time to get on with an honest day’s work!

First thing in the morning I deliver the work orders to the local animals. It’s difficult to say whether they obey out of loyalty or fear, or maybe both, but they get the job done. The birds are the trickiest though. Perching up there on crooked tree branches, tilting their heads sideways as if they’re listening to a complete idiot. I can feel this old blood of mine boiling as I shuffle backwards slightly and get as low to the ground as possible. I have to resist the urge to pounce, resist it really hard, when I remember how above it all I am now. The previous carefree life of sleeping, playing and hunting is now far behind me, and I couldn’t be happier. Well, if the mistress complimented my work today, or gave me a little scritch behind the ears, my heart may very well pound so hard it explodes!

Once the first task is done, and all those miserable birds are off collecting insects and twigs or whatever other busy work I’ve given them, it’s nearly sunrise. My lady will be asleep all day, until just an hour before the sun goes down so I’ve got plenty of time to finish the rest of today’s preparations. Next on the list is to monitor the surrounding villages. A simple task, one that takes up too much time for my liking. Still, I separate myself into eight slightly smaller versions and hop right on into those shadows.

The eight closest villages vary greatly in distance, the furthest ones being hardly of any real importance beyond their proximity to highways and busy travelling roads. Each of my bodies sighs as I travel through the lengths of the shadows, bounding out every now and again to enter a new one. It’s the quickest method, faster than flying really, especially once I hit the shadows cast by the distant mountains.

Once I’m out and on the outskirts, I decide to visit the families I’ve spent years cultivating relationships with. They’ve left their little dishes out, filled them with milk. Really rolling out that red carpet for their favourite little visitor. I give them a little greeting to let them know I’ve arrived, then make sure they’re watching as I clumsily drink their offering. Can’t say I enjoy the taste, but it’s best I keep up appearances so I have at least a few people vouch for me should I ever need it.

Most of my day is spent out and about, wandering the streets while playing the obnoxious little pet. Few bother even spare a glance, probably believing me to be just another stray. While the thought makes me scowl, it suits my agenda just fine. I go visit the usual sites, the churches, the town squares, any formal place the leaders of these people are bound to be. I lie and wait for them to begin their daily activities, watching who comes to visit, listening to their conversations. Just the usual mundane meetings today, except one.

It would appear some people have come to these parts looking to make a name for themselves. They’ve approached the town hall of a village north-east of my dilapidated home. Any formal hunter would’ve gone straight to the church, so we can rule them out as the culprits this time. It won’t be long before they make another attempt, especially after we left the last witch hunter’s scattered remains at their doorstep. Unfortunately, today it seems as though we’ll be hosting the real dregs in this line of business, mercenaries.

I was rolling my eyes through their entire conversation. They’re in it for the money and fame, boasting skills and experience they surely don’t have. We get far too many out here solely because they’re the cheapest recourse most of these villages have. Can’t say I’m not impressed with the mayor though. He’s either losing it with age or he’s got some unfounded confidence this will work. I mean, does he not remember how he got the job, or does he just not care? Whatever the answer, looks like my lady is going to be getting those eyeballs a little fresher than anticipated.

From the look of their basic equipment and gear, it’s really not going to take much to stop these guys from getting to our doorstep. And I thought today was going to be easy! Well, there’s nothing quite like a challenge to break the lazy comforts of a regular routine. Best I get back and begin preparing the welcoming ceremony.

I climbed to the top of the building and took a quick look around. Nobody’s watching. My body trembled slightly as it collapsed and folded in on itself, certain proportions elongating and transforming. The transmutation was complete in seconds, the only problem being I’d taken the form of one of those miserable birds.

The flight back home took some time as the sun was high in the sky, meaning travelling through the shadows was not much of an option. At least the mercenaries would’ve been able to mobilise and move out. At the same time, it unfortunately means the preparations have to proceed quicker than I’d like. They weren’t the brightest bunch from what I could tell. They’re going to do something to damage the land and get themselves killed, ruining the fun for everyone else. On top of that, any harm they cause the flora and fauna is almost like harming the great Queen of Ash herself! And that simply cannot be allowed.

First item on the amended agenda, convey the message to the trees that anyone entering is to be allowed through. As could be expected, they begrudgingly accepted the new direction. Can’t really blame them for their distaste of the situation. It’s been some time since those roots have feasted on anything other than the minimal nutrients in the earth and rain, which even then is barely enough to stave off their hunger.

With that sorted, I sent the message to all the animals along their projected path. There was a slight hiccup this time, that being the viper nests. The young need to feed and we get so few visitors in these parts. Eventually I was able to negotiate some relatively beneficial terms and we were back on track. All it's going to take is a clever little reallocation of resources and there should be little hindrance to any future projects.

Before long, it was time to receive our guests. I hurried through the bushes and overgrown grass, marking the trail I intended to be tread. The trees complied with my desire, shifting slowly away, careful not to make it seem too obvious. The animals of the forest ran alongside me as they whispered their directions and guidance on where I could find the ignorant four. I came to a stop when I could hear the mercenaries carrying on without a care in the world. Sitting up straight with my tail curling around my feet, I lifted my nose slightly and stared down with my eyes. I suppose sitting atop one of the branches above would be the best way to look down upon the approaching scum, but it would make it harder for them to chase me. After all I’ve done, it’d be a shame to lose them to the forest now.

One by one the lumbering fools came into view, all stopping when they laid their eyes on my stoic self.

“What’s this? A kitty?” the first one through started, most likely their leader.

I nearly snapped a tooth I ground my teeth so hard. His is the blood I need.

“Adorable.” the last through muttered. This one was clearly far more interested in the axe he held than any of his surroundings. Look at the way he stares at it! Like some lost love!

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s get moving then.” Leader replied, moving the ground on again.

Show time!

I started with a low wine, gradually growing louder and louder until it was a piercing scream. Each of the mercenaries dropped their weapons to slap their hands to their ears, staggering on the spot. I waited until they recovered, until all eyes were on me, then gave them a flash of my truth. A mere half a second of who I really am and they were terrified. Ah, there’s nothing more intoxicating than fear. The woman with the sword and shield vomited through her helm, while the man with the bow toppled backwards limply. Axeman was the most horrified of all, his mouth agape and eyes wide, and Leader just stood stock still, tears rolling down his face. I gave them an angry hiss before elegantly turning and walking off down the created path.

I may have gone a little too far there. At least they knew they were in the right place though, right? It’s not like it matters much, but if they end up going through the webbed section of the forest, they’re not going to make it more than two steps before ending up as lunch.

“Wake him up! Get it together!” I could hear leader crying, desperately trying to bring his tempestuous emotions back under control. “C’mon! We’ve gotta go after it!”

Good, they’ve given chase. I looked back and waited for them to appear, hissing once more before taking off. Only Axeman and Leader were there, the other two probably having a slightly more difficult time adjusting to their situation. They quickened their pace, just as I’d intended. What I did not expect, however, was for Axeman to wildly swing his weapon at branches that weren’t even in his way!

I could hear the trees crying out for blood! Screaming along the wind for retribution! Axeman wouldn’t relent, causing me to sigh. I nodded at the trees. They were free to take their pound of flesh. Wood creaked and groaned under the strain of their movements, the slight sound drowned out immediately as Axeman shrieked out to his heart’s content. They had him ensnared and were dragging him away, off into the dark surroundings until he could be heard no more. They’ll take him beneath the earth, feed off him, grow things off him. Essentially, they’ve got their roots on some human compost now, and he deserves every bit of the torment that awaits.

Leader, realising the terrible situation he now found himself in, immediately went back for the others. Their discussions on whether to leave or not quickly turned my mood afoul. They decided to run while they still had their lives. Not willing to let that happen, I tasked the trees with circling them back around. They would become disoriented with the slight changes, unable to tell which direction held true. However, after an hour of their pathetic attempts at escape, I’d grown weary of the entertainment. Only a couple more hours before the mistress awakens, and I can’t very well have her trek all the way out here! It’s time to step things up a little.

I changed my form once more, something frightening and unnatural. I only needed to get them moving again. I emerged from the trees, lumbering upon uneven legs, elongated arms reaching out for my victims. It took only a second for them to turn and run in the desired direction, but not before I snagged Leader’s ankle. I gripped tight, claws piercing his boot and flesh. Blood ran down my nails and digits, and I was satisfied. I picked him up and dangled him in the air for a moment, shaking his body just for show. I tossed his screaming self beyond the trees, to his friends, then made great, exaggerated movements after them. Slowly, slowly, and then they were out of sight once more.

Back to my original form, I darted through the trees back to the rundown shack, careful not to lose all the blood along the way. I entered through a crack in the ceiling and made my way to the alchemy room, where the mistress kept all her compounds and equipment. I wrung the blood off my claw and into an empty vial, barely filling a tenth of it. It was enough though, so I set off outside once more, ready to embrace the terror the remaining three were ready to give.

I returned to the viper nest, only to find they’d already taken a victim. I was displeased, to say the least. We had plenty of bodies in stock under the shack, and all they had to do was wait until I brought it out to them. I suppose they do prefer live bodies, though who’s to say how long Bow is going to survive with his stomach flayed like that? Well, at least the eggs will stay warm, still doesn’t excuse the blatant insubordination.

Leader and Swordred desperately tried to go back and help their fallen friend, but their attempts were quickly abandoned when the matron viper descended from above. The one tonne snake slammed into the ground with earth-quaking force, staggering the humans as they attempted to flee. The matron immediately gave chase, saw me scowling, then hung her head and slunk back over to her brood. She knows what she did, and she knows there’ll be consequences.

I continued after the pair knowing they had less than an hour to make it to the front door. Trying to increase their pace, I requested the assistance of the forest animals to make some noise and follow along. Hopefully by increasing their fear and adrenaline they’d move a little quicker. I was not disappointed by the performance by forest. All along the path in the bushes the animals lined up, chittering, howling, staring! Fortunately the birds found ways not to disappoint by perching on branches, squawking and flapping their wings! Even the trees decided they’d join in, looming over the path and forming terrified faces in the creases of their bark!

Everything was proceeding right on schedule. Only a little more to go and they’ll be standing before my humble little abode. The grin on my face only widened as we drew nearer, and then, we were finally there! The pair burst out of the shrubbery to the small clearing, the small wooden shack clear for all to see. We watched from the edges of the forest as they attempted to flee in several directions, only to be prevented by the forest dwellers and myself. Watching them finally break down, terrified and alone, brought a singular joy to my heart, especially so when they realised they had no place left to go but inside. I alone followed them in, as none were permitted by the lady’s order.

They were shivering in fright, gasping at every shadow. There were few rooms to enter and explore, not that they had a great desire to do so. I slipped into the shadows and got ahead of them to the bedroom door and waited until they began their approach. Slowly, I emerged from the ground a small pet, and gave them the most innocent little greeting I could.

“Who dares enter the home of the Queen of Ash uninvited?”

The door behind me opened and quickly closed in on her, rapture taking hold as brushed up against her ankles. The two couldn’t respond.

“Are these your gifts, my darling?” she croaked, to which I purred in confirmation. “Well done, dear. Well done. You may take one as your prize, but which will do?”

I knew the answer, so I quickly slipped back into the shadows and entered the alchemy room. Grabbing the vial of Leader’s blood, I returned by the same method to present the vial to my beloved mistress.

“It’s not surprise you thought this far ahead.” she hummed. “Now, let’s find out whose blood this belongs to.”

The vial swirled a couple of times in her fingers as she whispered the words of a forgotten language. I kept wide eyes on Leader, the anticipation just killing me, watching as his terrified face suddenly went slack and vacant.

“Don’t worry my dear, I’ll be sure not to kill her outright.”

And with my mistress’ promise, Leader slashed away at Swordred. She was taken by surprise, her shield just a fraction too slow. The blade cut deep enough into her arm it could do nothing but hang limply and wait to fall off. She shrieked and tumbled backwards, swiping her sword desperately in front of her. Leader, controlled by the mistress, took his time, targeting her legs so she couldn’t get up and escape. Weak from the pain and blood loss, it wasn’t long before Swordred could do nothing more than whimper and cry.

“There we go dear, you may take her as your prize.”

I immediately pounced, quadrupling my size so I could latch my mouth around her wounded arm and drag her back outside. She screamed and kicked, doing more damage to herself than what I’d done.

“As for you,” my lady continued, turning towards Leader, “follow me in here.”

The disappeared into the workshop just as I brought Swordred outside. The animals had all gathered around the house, eagerly listening in to what had transpired. After seeing what I’d brought with me, they circled around and just stared. Several turned from her to me, waiting for the chance to taste flesh again.

I shrunk back down to my normal size and went to go do my checks. They all waited so patiently, staring and snarling. This woman would be their prize, the ones that accomplished their tasks the best today, as it’s always been. I was quite shocked to find the stupid birds had won the day by a considerable margin, only to realise I’d sent them on busy work! I cursed myself for giving them the easiest, most unimportant duties I could think of, but fair’s fair. They were delighted with the news, digging their many talons into her screaming self to swiftly carry her off to a different section of the forest. I’ve got no idea what they’re going to do with her, but the brainless dolts will probably end up just killing her in accident.

As the disappointed forest creatures turned to move away back home, the screams of Leader caught everyone’s attention. The mistress of the forest had apparently given him his faculties back, just in time for her to do what she really loves. I sat on the windowsill and just listened to pleasantness, using it all to lull me to sleep.

I awoke from my nap some time later to find everything was silent again. Taking a moment to stretch myself out, I hopped off to the ground and went back inside. Night had fallen, so the mistress was most likely in the library reading a book by moonlight. I found her quickly enough and approached her feet where I sat and looked up at her. She didn’t look up from her page, but tapped her lap all the same. I immediately jumped up and curled in, taking great pleasure at the soft scritches behind my ear. Purring softly, I could feel myself falling back to sleep as a cosy wave of calmness enveloped me.

Another fulfilling day’s work rewarded with the ultimate gift, my mistress’ affection. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.