Jody spent a couple of hours in the library. It is not her business to go to the library; she would instead read a book on the computer than the literal old thick books, but that place has no internet service and has its cell site. They couldn't call outside Rivendell, so she couldn't contact her friends. Jody strokes the books that pass past her fingertips. That library was spacious and clean, so she loved to hang out there. It was also cool because the exhaust fans rang the entire room.
"Damn, this place is dull," Jody whispered.
Jody was astonished when he tugged her from the far end of the bookshelf. It was a stranger. He leaned her against the wall as he pinned her hands on the wall close to her head.
"You're the city girl, right?" the man asked.
"What is it to you?" Jody asked.
The man stared down her nose, towards her lips. "You're beautiful ..." he said.
"Let go of me..." Jody said.
"I'll think about it," the man said.
The man moved his face closer to Jody as if he was going to kiss her, but Jody banged her head on the man's head before his lips met hers. It shocked the man, and he turned away from her. Jody was also hurt, and the man grabbed her wrist.
"That's what I want in a woman, brave," he said.
"Like you, I don't like men, jerk," said Jody.
The man chuckled. "Hey, Brian..."
Jody and the man both averted their gazes. Zev approaches them closer. "What are you doing?"
"Zev..." the man said, but he didn't let go of Jody. "What did you eat, and you're here at the library? Have you overcome your fear of books?"
Zev looked at Jody, who was merely looking at her. Zev's eyes glanced at Jody's hand, which Brian was holding.
"Get out of here, Zev," said the man.
"OK," Zev said, returning his gaze to Jody. He walked away, turning his back on Brian and Jody.
'Damn you, Zev...' Jody thought.
Brian looked back at Jody. "Where are we, sweetheart?"
"Sweetheart?" Jody asked. "In your dreams."
Brian chuckled. "OK, let's start over," Brian said. He let go of Jody's hand.
Jody brushed across her wrist. "Hello, my name is Brian. And you are?"
Jody cast a glance toward Brian. "I don't have a name."
Brian chuckled. "Awesome. Then I may address you as Princess."
Jody said nothing instead of turning her back on Brian. Brian glanced at Jody as she walked away.
"She's truly a princess," Brian whispered.
———
"Jody..." Liza smiled as she stepped out of the car. Glendir's driver picked her up, and she did not get into Zev's car.
"Hello, Liza," Jody said.
"How was your first day at school?" Liza asked.
"Not good," Jody said.
Glendir was in the garden, reading a book on a bench. "Uncle!" Jody says.
Glendir smiled as she approached him. "How are you today, Jody?"
Jody kissed the older man on the cheek before taking the vacant seat on the opposite side of the table.
"It's OK, uncle," Jody said.
"That's great to hear," Glendir said.
"Why hasn't she dressed yet?"
Glendir, Liza, and Jody look at newcomer Zev. He wore a martial arts outfit.
"Jody has just arrived; let her rest first," Glendir said.
"Wow, we only came from one spot," Zev said. "I'm exhausted as well."
Jody frowned and stood up. "Wait here; I'll just change my clothes," Jody said as she hastily turned her back on Glendir and Zev. Liza followed her.
Zev sat next to Glendir in the empty seat. "I believe you're being too tough with him," Glendir said.
"Of course not," Zev said. "How are you doing, dad?"
"Of course, I'm OK," Glendir said.
"Don't deceive me, dad. I know you forget to take your meds often," Zev said.
"Because I'm old," Glendir chuckled.
"After Jody's training, I will conduct surveillance in the area in case there is another spy," Zev explained.
"Do you believe they know what happened to Nigel already?" Glendir asked.
"I'm sure they already know," Zev said.
Zev put the juice into his glass while his father sat there watching. "Zev, do me a favor..."
"What favor?" Zev inquired before sipping the juice.
"Take care of Jody," Glendir said.
"Dad..." Zev said. "She is capable of looking after herself."
Zev remembered what Jody had done to him. He winced as he remembered Jody hitting his groin with her knee.
"Jody, she's unique. She's not like you or me," Glendir said. "She's above us and needs our guidance and protection."
"Then explain to me what she is; other than that, she's a weredragon like us," Zev said.
"You already know the answer to your question, Zev," Glendir said.
"Do you still believe that story, Dad?" Zev asked.
"Because that is true," Glendir said. "We are Erjon's descendants, and Jody is their descendant."
Zev became quiet. "Son, I wouldn't ask for your favor if I could, but I won't be here long..."
"Stop," said Zev. He gazed at Glendir. "Stay alive if what you say is true. Wait till Jody transforms into a weredragon... "
When Glendir spotted Jody approaching, he took a deep breath and remained silent. As Jody neared them, he stared at Zev.
"I'm here. Let us get started." Jody said.
------
Liza and Glendir watch Zev as he trains Jody. First, the basic movements are proper posture, exercise, and assault. They began a hand-to-hand battle one hour later. Zev wounded and tossed Jody many times, as predicted. Jody screamed as she lay on the mats, and Zev grabbed her two wrists and bound his legs to her. Jody tasted blood on her tongue. Zev punched her. He was also aware of the discomfort caused by the cut on his lip.
"You're still behind me," Zev pointed out.
"Why? Can you hurt me because you're angry? Do you intend to retaliate? Perhaps you have not become impotent because of what I did." Jody said.
"And who told you I was vengeful?" Zev asked.
Despite her attempts to elevate her legs, Jody tries to break free from Zev's clutches. He attempted to headbutt Zev, but he also dodged.
"Nice try," Zev smiled. "If you're waiting for my vengeance, keep an eye on your back. We are currently in training." Zev stood up and let her go. "We'll train again tomorrow. At the same time."
Liza approached Jody as Zev moved away from her. "Are you OK, Miss Jody?" Liza asked.
"I'm alright," Jody said. "He seems to be serious about training," Jody said as she touched her brow.
Zev came to a halt close to the table where Glendir and the table were. He drank after pouring water into a glass.
"Isn't it too soon for you to have a one-on-one? She's only getting started." Glendir said.
Liza and Jody were both aware of this. "Dad, if she wants to live a long life, she must learn. It's OK if she gets hurt now. She'll figure it out sooner."
Zev turned his head a little but didn't look at Jody. He walked out of the garden. Liza helped her in and then joined Glendir at the table.
"Are you OK?" Glendir asked.
"I'll lie and say I'm fine," Jody said.
"Zev has a point, Jody," Glendir said. "Be prepared for the unexpected. You don't know the people who dwell in Rivendell; therefore, you must learn early to protect yourself when no one else can."
"There are a lot of weredragons interested in Rivendell, Miss Jody. And it makes no difference if you're a lady, a human, or a weakling. They will kill or hurt you if you do not fight back. And if Sir Zev is the opposing weredragon, you will undoubtedly die now." Liza said.
"I understand, but I'm hoping to warm up and start the training tomorrow, maybe. I was stunned and..." Jody said.
"And what, Jody?" Glendir asked.
"I'm getting exhausted, uncle. I'll take a break first." Jody said hastily and then quickly turned her back on Liza and Glendir.