Call of the Black Panther

By Katarina Claire England Ross

On an island off the coast of North America, a mysterious branch of the human species is gathering for war.

Out of the shadows come birds, cats, and bears... but if you blink, Creatures identical in form to humans take their place. For centuries they've been content to live in hiding, until a man named Jack decides he wants to come into the light.

Irene Melina, daughter of the ambitious Jack, supports her father's campaign for freedom from Human oppression until she is kidnapped by a young man in a black panther's body.

Now Irene must navigate the chaos of a rapidly changing power structure and her own confusing emotions before fear and hate destroy all hope for a positive future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katarina Claire England Ross
• Release date: Jan 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370407491

Katarina Claire England Ross

Born in Ontario Canada, I have been writing for as long as I can remember. Both of my parents instilled a deep love of stories and the written word in me which I wove into narratives among the subtle chaos that is rural life. I pursued my love of reading and language into post-secondary where I obtained an Honors Specialization in English Language & Literature, followed by a Masters of Library & Information Science. Now that I have the time and monetary stability to support my craft, I am finishing, editing, and self-publishing my stories.

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CALL OF THE BLACK PANTHER

Katarina Claire England Ross

Copyright © 2015 Katarina Claire England Ross

All rights reserved.

All rights reserved to the author. This material may not be reproduced, modified, or distributed without the express prior permission of the copyright holder. For more information, email [e-mail]

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015913296

ISBN: 1511755261

ISBN-13: 978-1511755269

Distributed by Smashwords

Cover art by Elena Dudina | http://elenadudina.com/

Ebook formatting | www.ebooklaunch.com

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Species Detail

Life Span Of A Homo Vertis

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Girl From Two Worlds

Chapter 2: The Cat Tribe

Chapter 3: An Altered Perspective

Chapter 4: Dogs

Chapter 5: The Pounding Of An Ancient Heart

Chapter 6: Influence

Chapter 7: Cousins

Chapter 8: The Society Of Humans

Chapter 9: Double Vision

Chapter 10: Into Darkness

Chapter 11: Ebbing Tides

Links

DEDICATION

Numerous minds go into the construction of a book. In this one's infancy Tamara and Vanessa were its fans, without whom I may never have found the inspiration to continue.

During its transformation from draft to manuscript Keely, Piper, and Vanessa illuminated errors of story and structure. Their time and interest was invaluable to making this narrative presentable.

Finally, I want to thank all future readers for providing me with the chance to share this tale.

Our species, homo sapiens, began colonizing the Earth 70 million years ago, but were only the latest in a series of early human migrations out of Africa. While most other humans have become extinct or been incorporated into the dominant hominid, one species still exists on an island off the coast of North America.

Homo vertos, descendants of homo erectus, share many similarities with modern humans including the desire to form kinship ties, an aptitude for tool manipulation, and the ability to communicate through developed language. There is, however, one distinct difference between these two branches of the human family - homo vertos can take on the physical form of a wide variety of other animals.

Life Span of a Homo Vertis in Cumulative Years

(Human equivalent bracketed for comparison)

Infant 1 (1)

Toddler 1-2 (1-3)

Child 3-6 (3-12)

Teenager 7-9 (13-19)

Young Adult 10-14 (20-25)

Adult 15-27 years (26-50)

Older Adult 28-37 years (51-64)

Elder/Senior 38+ (65+)

Average Lifespan for Homo Vertis

Male: 35 years

Female: 38 years

PROLOGUE

Around her the night was deep, forbidden, and empty. It’s quiet, all-consuming. Sandra’s ears strained as she waited, her skin rising in chilled bumps, one hand nervously straightening her sweeping brown hair. I need to look my best for him. Her form-fitting ocean blue dress was no source of warmth against early winter’s chill. Internal queues told her to take cover somewhere warm where both she and her child would be safe but her heart fought those instincts. He was coming; he’d promised he would.

Pressing her daughter closer against her leg Sandra stared intently into the fathomless night, excited tension curling into a ball in her belly. Finally, his tall, broad-shouldered form broke from the darkness. His stride spoke of confidence and strength, two of the traits she loved. Short hair, as black as the surrounding sky, framed his shadowed features. The flickering street light above made deciphering his expression from a distance impossible.

Pulse racing she began to jog towards him, feet pounding the wet pavement, clutching the hand of the young girl by her side. He’s back! Oh thank the Lord! A joyful smile spread across her face, the woman’s skin tingling in anticipation of his solid, warm arms around her. As she saw his returning smile Sandra was reminded of how long she’d waited to reunite with this alien man that had stolen her heart. Heat enveloped her as she sprang into his embrace.

The comforting warmth encompassed her whole body, Sandra inhaled the earthy, masculine scent of her lover. The next breath was more difficult. Confused she struggled for a moment against the fierce pressure around her then felt mind-numbing calm penetrate her mind. A voice, she thought she heard his voice, whispering to her… and then she died.

• • •

Alan, it's Sandra. She hasn't returned to the Station. A young male smoothed his messy black hair as he spoke.

I know, the male named Alan replied, tossing his gray ponytail back and forth over his shoulder. He must have contacted her - and she must have gone to meet him. He took a breath. She’s been desperate these past few months raising her child and trying to cope with Jack’s identity.

Didn’t stop her from loving him though did it. Another male stepped forward, his blond hair glinting in the dim candlelight, eyes hard as emeralds.

Love makes us do strange things. The youth stated, walking to the only window in the room and gazing forlornly out at the wide meadow. At this time of night only subtle rays of moonlight brightened the field of short grasses, a winding stream adding sparkle to the dark landscape. In the distance the young male could see the impenetrable expanse of dense forest that encircled the Cat Tribe’s communal home. The occasional flash of movement was the only sign that other animals were still active.

There was silence as each of the males considered their next course of action. None was sure what Jack would do with the woman who’d born him a mixed-breed child. Keep Sandra and mate her again or kill her and set his sights on a female of his own kind? Worse yet, what would he do with his daughter?

Tom, the youth addressed the blond male, do you know what Jack’s planning?

I have a vague idea. Tom replied. His desires are basic yet his strength is great. Add in the fact that he is in the Raven Tribe, his father was a Human and his mother was of the Dolphin Tribe. He is very smart.

Plus he now has the Night Bird and Reptile Tribes on his side. Alan explained. With each triumph he gains more followers.

But we are Tribes of peace, says so in the Degree of Tribal Law. All the Tribes signed.

Most signed, Arminius, Alan sighed, the Amphibian, Small Mammals and Sea Life. The rest are undecided.

Well, surely…nobody wants a war! Arminius said defiantly. The last one solved nothing!

We recognize that, Arminius, but some Tribes are not happy we Cats are the leaders and Jack’s using that to his advantage. It makes no difference that our election was a joint decision by all. Some still resent the verdict and are scared that we are not capable of protecting them.

And what if the Humans get involved? Arminius demanded.

They’re already involved, Alan told him, they were involved the day Jack’s father joined with a female of the Dolphin Tribe, producing a son spurred by Human ambition.

Then what about Jack’s child? That girl is a half-breed as well, even less Creature and more Human. She is the same as Jack. Arminius bared his teeth angrily. We forbid our kin to breed with Humans… why did Jack disobey us?

Can’t you see, Arminius? Tom spoke to the boy as a father might to his son, Jack doesn’t care what our rules are, why should he when he’s trying to overthrow us? He’s making his own rules as he gathers allies. He will need a powerful army in both strength and intelligence. Humans, although they lead different lives, are extremely intelligent… when they put effort into it. What takes Tribe members years to learn can take Humans mere weeks. So I ask you, what faster way to increase your groups’ chance than to produce offspring with a Human? They may have evolved differently from us but we still share the same blood.

And Jack was wise enough to not choose just any woman either. Alan continued. He chose Sandra because she is a scientist who studies animal development, no doubt hoping she would pass on some of her learning ability to the young one.

But Humans grow slower than us and I doubt Sandra would be agreeable to becoming a permanent mother. She’s entranced by him but, from what we’ve learned, not eager to put aside her research for child rearing, Arminius pointed out.

So then he will kill her, Tom replied bitterly. What he has no use for he throws away.

There is then a chance he may be looking for another… Arminius, our security measures must be increased. Set up notices and spread the word to our informant that no Humans can come to this place. Make up some story that Humans will believe and ensure that it is spread widely. Post signs if you must, just make sure they cannot come here. You are one of few who can communicate with them. If you find Sandra protect her and her daughter as best you can. You must hurry. Go!

Arminius bowed deeply, then turned towards the door, his body becoming that of a large black panther before bounding from the room.

Several seconds after Arminius had disappeared Alan folded his hands on the desk in front of him and let out a tired sigh. When he spoke his voice was strained. He is young, barely seven years.

In Human years he would be twelve. Tom translated.

Even older, Alan took a deep breath, leaning back on his moss-cushioned seat. He’s a smart lad though, part Human himself on his mother’s side.

We’re losing the battle to keep our races separated that’s for sure.

Yes but if it is what our Great Mother desires it will happen. Some things are just out of our control Tom, in fact a lot of things. We can only stand up for what we believe is right.

Tom waited a moment before responding. If he’s determined to ensnare another Human female there’s really nothing we can do to stop him.

Another sigh escaped the elder. "You are right, but his focus should now be on amalgamating the Tribes. He’s learned a great deal from the Human he courted and will begin putting his plans into action. I have no doubt that’s what he’s been doing during his disappearance, setting the stage for his uprising. We can only hope that the Tribes’ respect for tradition is more powerful than his charisma.

Now, please fetch Nadine for me. I have to send some messages to the Tribes describing our counter actions. The sooner we find his daughter the better, who knows what Jack’s planning to do with her."

CHAPTER 1

THE GIRL FROM TWO WORLDS

Bring those meatballs out here girl! Her father shouted from the garden.

They’re almost done, father! The girl replied, spinning on her heel over to the stove and checking the food with a wooden fork. The pleasing aroma of roasting flesh wafted up from the small wood-burning implement and out through the open door, no doubt contributing to the patriarch’s impatience. Satisfied that the meat was thoroughly prepared she lifted the pan off the hot stove and tipped its contents into a polished serving bowl. Dropping the pan in the sink of murky dish water the girl ensured that it was completely submerged before resuming her salad making.

IRENE! Her father’s voice had reached a critical threshold, one she knew would be dangerous to ignore.

Coming father! Irene called back, pushing down her annoyance. He and her brothers had important tasks to accomplish and here she was keeping them waiting for breakfast. Burdened as she was with another small baby, Irene could not expect her mother to do all the chores. Given the choice between cooking and investigating the Communication Station, however, Irene would not have regretted leaving the monotonous duty to some other family member.

Picking up the bowls Irene marched out into the garden where her father, nursing mother and three brothers sat waiting for their meal. The oldest boy was about one year her senior while the other two were younger than her by three and the last four. None of her siblings were particularly glowing morning people so the three boys were drumming their fingers impatiently on the wooden slab the family used as a table while her mother cooed to her new little sister. Irene’s father was straight-backed and stately in his black robe and hide clothing, favoring her with an intense frown as she set the food on the table before him. Having fulfilled her routine task of preparing breakfast for the family, Irene took a place beside her mother. The attractive, meek-mouthed female was slowly spooning bean curds onto her eldest daughter’s plate much to Irene’s not well hidden displeasure. Declining a helping of salad Irene waited anxiously for the meatballs she’d worked so hard preparing to reach her, watching as the contents gradually vanished on its way down the line of seniority.

Irene girl eat some veggies, they’re good for you. Her mother tried once again to convince her of this fact but, as usual, it went unheeded. If she had been forced to choose Irene would have eaten nothing but meat at every meal.

Well Irene darling, you’re around nine and a half years by now aren’t you? Her father asked out of nowhere, barely glancing at her as he plowed into his helping.

Yes, father. The girl answered slowly, pouring the three remaining meatballs onto her platter. Rarely did her father engage her in conversation this early in the day.

Well it’s about time we got you set up with another of the Tribe.

Looking down at her small body Irene once again noted her long legs and arms, fairly slim waist and slightly pronounced stomach. Her tanned olive skin shone pleasingly in the sunlight but clashed with the dark brown of her hair. I don’t think I’m much fit for it. She told her father, for the hundredth time examining her peach-sized bust which was nowhere near full maturity. This, more than her unattractive aspects, was troubling to a girl her age.

Most Tribe members were full hipped and busted by now, ready to provide a home and offspring to their bequeathed mate. Little else was talked about by young girls for, until they attained a home and status of their own as a mate, they were stuck providing for their parents’ family, a duty that, however honorable, held no romance and bestowed little pride.

You’re plenty ready. The paralyzing anxiety and excitement Irene felt at such a pronouncement was short-lived as her father changed the subject. Have you translated that techylogical message yet?

Oh, yes sir, it’s some kind of weapon the Human government developed. It is described as hard, light, and shiny, shooting balls of killing energy with a loud bang like thunder. Very powerful. Looking across the table at the patriarch, Irene waited, closely observing his reaction. She’d been decoding and wading through files for months and her father seemed interested in very little of what she’d discovered thus far. Despite his emotional distance Irene had a great deal of respect for her father.

He was leading a rebellion against the oppressive Cat Tribe, infamous for demanding complete obedience while enjoying the luxuries other Tribes were forced to provide. Besides the pride Irene felt pleasing her father his approval of her meant that she would be paired with a higher status mate, one with more privileges and honors than the average Tribe male.

Good. A triumphant smile played across her father’s mouth, joy rising in Irene’s chest. The reaction was especially cheering given his short temper over the delayed breakfast See if you can’t figure its location.

Nodding excitedly, Irene quickly finished her food and sped into the house to gather her supplies. An English dictionary, a pencil, rolls of thin birch bark, and some scraps of Human paper made up the ensemble, all tucked into a small leather bag tied around her waist. As usual the growing girl regularly had to tug her pale cloth dress back down over her thighs to prevent unwanted exposure. Irene’s whole body felt grungy and dirt coated leading her to decide that a refreshing swim in the pond was a worthy stop on her way to the Communication Station. Stepping from the little wooden shanty that was her father’s home she saw her mother cleaning up the remnants of the meal, the baby strapped snugly to her back.

Walking the couple of feet to the edge of the trees Irene stopped to observe her father and brothers rapidly transforming into majestic and powerful-looking Ravens. Stunning inky plumage and strong wings lifted them up on the invisible air currents, feet tight against their bodies with eyes focused to the East on another of her father’s missions.

Yesterday she’d decoded a message revealing the location of a Cat Tribe communication route. Her father was planning to use the information to mount a raid, suspecting that goods exhorted from other Tribes were a portion of the contents. After the raid was completed they were going after the Bear Tribe. Irene knew her father was hoping to overthrow the Cat Tribe by outnumbering them and forcing surrender, a tactic she respected as the optimal way to prevent loss of life. Nine of the fifteen major Tribes were already on their side but the feline tyrants had not yet shown any sign of abdicating.

Ducking under the low tree branches, Irene pushed through the undergrowth, following a nearly invisible path deeper into the woods. She didn’t need her eyes to point her in the right direction; she could smell the Station. The Human stink of machinery and oil was unmistakable in such a wild place. As one neared the building the crackle of electricity from the sun-stealing grids they’d erected became audible. Although the area had been abandoned for many