In a world unknown, full of mysteries and legends. An eagle soared high above the lofty clouds, and its keen amber eyes seemed to see all.
It looked down at the large looming mountain surrounded by forests, shifting to a large cave that led into the mountain. It found strangers–of a race known to the land but of a people foreign.
They marched back and forth in segmented plate armor, garbed in red, patrolling like the annoying ants that plagued its nest, that annoyed its young...
Thinking about its young, it blinked and flapped its expansive wings, gliding toward another direction. However, it suddenly felt a unique presence, a being—different from the rest, walking amongst the humans.
Its eyes glanced at a young woman in a green cloak afar off, and they lingered for a while until the eagle plunged into a storm cloud.
–––
*Krrrr—*
Thunder rolled in the distance, masked by the creaking of wagons and shouts to clear the way.
*Clakakaka–*
Wagons filled with varying merchandise, like fruits, small animals, and beasts in cages, where horse-drawn into the mountain cave. While legionaries patrolled up and down the small plateau around the cave opening.
Before the massive cave leading into a dark gloomy cave system stood a clump of legionaries, guards armed to the teeth, checking and recording each and every item that went through.
A young legionary glanced up at the gathering clouds with worry before gazing down the crest of the plateau.
At that moment, a woman arose with the bright, hazy landscape and sky to her back; walking up onto the plateau like a renegade ranger on a journey.
Her dark green cloak fluttered under the mountain breeze and her hood shrouded her visage. Her stride was wide and rhythmic, and her leather boots seemed to tame the very ground she walked.
Awed by the powerful presence exuded by this stranger, the young legionary involuntarily gulped.
He had heard of a Germanic mercenary pair who arrived with the third legion almost a year ago, certain daughters of the Legate of Legio Flavia Felix.
He, on the other hand, had arrived only months ago and had only heard the rumors... He remembered that he had a good laugh with his tentmates, dishing mocking remarks and snide comments at the thought that Legate Maximus actually sent his daughters to aid Legate Marcus.
However, a while passed and they received reports of their exceptional support. Proving themselves central to the reduction in the legion's casualties; a feat they had learned the egoistic Legate Marcus praised exceedingly.
He recently learned that the mercenaries had returned from their support mission, and with them came the vast information on claiming this insidious forest.
Personally, he had wanted to see what sort of women could be so accomplished; however, he was posted to guard the entrance of the cave today... Imagine his surprise when his officers, who had met the mercenaries many months ago, said to expect them, that he would recognize the mercenaries when he laid eyes upon them.
At the time, he wasn't sure why they would say this; there weren't many women around, so spotting the mercenaries should be easy.
'They were only women after all...'
He had thought. But—now he knew.
For some reason...as he stared into the dark hood, he couldn't quite shake the feeling that something inhuman dwelled within, something akin to the monsters growling as they prowled locked away in the wagon cages being transported in a straight path into the cave.
*Bang!* *Clank!*
A cage rattled suddenly, drawing his attention away. A ferocious green, feline beast with black patterns had shockingly slammed itself against the door, causing the lock to fall off.
Unfortunately, it had not been placed properly and this made his expression turn ugly, even as he paled.
It was a grave blunder that couldn't be afforded, especially when it came to blood thirsty creatures.
The legionaries escorting the wagons raised an alarm and those nearby stumbled back in terror.
"Oh Jupiter!"
The gate swung open and the cat, the size of a full-grown lioness, poked its head out, growling with lethal intent in its eyes as its tail, long with a flat, broad green extension, waved about like a large leaf.
"Surround it! Don't let it out!!"
An officer yelled desperately.
"Wait! Do not hurt it! It's a gift to a senator!!" Another yelled out.
There was a temporary miscommunication, and for one brief moment, the legionaries hesitated, confused at how to approach the problem.
Unfortunately, it was enough time for the deadly beast to leap down and find its footing.
"Catch it!!!"
*Growwll!*
The beast viciously snapped at a legionary who tried to approach it, sending him tripping back on the ground with a terrified expression.
The beast seemed to grin and made to pounce on him. However, just as it was about to move, it felt a presence beside him. One it had faintly noticed stride toward it, but was too occupied with his captors with spears.
It didn't pay the unarmed figure much mind before, but now that the prey dared come this close to it, there was only one recourse: a ruthless attack.
It glanced up into the dark hood and immediately locked gaze with a sole, blue eye, fiercely staring down, almost in challenge.
Instantly, it lashed out and leaped toward the woman, sending a ruthless swipe at her hood. The woman matched its terrifying speed and ducked beneath the swipe, deadly enough to rip out her throat.
Time seemed to slow down with the cat in the air and the woman below, cloak fluttering.
In a brief moment, she sucked in a deep breath and shifted her footing slightly.
"Ha—"
Glaring up at the cat, she breathed out forcefully and moved.
Like snakes, her hands lashed out and grabbed the cat by the neck and balls.
*Gruuu!*
The cat whined, but the woman was only just beginning.
"HAaaaaaaa!"
With a great cry, she redirected the cat's momentum back, and her boots dug into the soil as she tossed it back into the cage.
*Whu–* *Bang!*
The cat soured back and slammed against the wall, falling momentarily stunned.
The legionaries all around didn't know when their mouths had collectively fallen open.
What just happened?!
Did that woman just throw a monster into the cage?!?
When they had first caught the beast, it had taken three men to lift its unconscious body into that cage!!!
How was this woman so strong!? How did she dodge that!!?
These questions rushed through the minds of all those around, but they wouldn't think about this for long though. The gate was still open and their eyes collectively turned to the beast.
Although, the feline beast was briefly stunned by the event that just occurred, it was simply that: stunned.
It quickly got on its feet with the shake of its head and pounced back with a fury for the gate, ready to show the woman why it was the prince of a large swath of territory before it was captured.
It was sure to rend the foul woman to pieces this time.