tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65911016445645611212024-03-08T05:11:47.531-08:00Where Lies Adventure!A place for stories. A new tale every two weeks.JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-84002124592330896712019-08-01T19:33:00.005-07:002019-08-01T19:33:52.719-07:00Vagrant - Part VIII
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “I did want to know more about your sword,” Van said as his laughter died down.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What would you like to know?”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“First, I’d like to know if I can hold it,” Van said eagerly. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You’re my brother now, but a sword is a personal thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nevertheless,” Finnian smiled as he drew the blade and handed it hilt-first to Van.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Even up close, the sword was a work of art to behold.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van delicately wrapped one hand around a hilt made of what appeared to be ivory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The cross guard was a silver metal that gleamed like a star in the light of the moon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blade itself was perfectly balanced in Van’s hand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even though Van was not gripping it with two hands, as the weapon required, it still felt incredibly light.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the moonlight, the blade was silhouetted with a dull glow. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Incredible,” Van said with the awe of a priest who had just met his god.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“What is it made of?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Starlight,” Finnian replied quickly.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What?” Van took his eyes from the blade and looked at Finnian questioningly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Come now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No more cleverness.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I am not being clever,” Finnian replied, looking straight on down the road with an intense gaze.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Truthfully, I do not know what it is made of.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But my father brought it home on the day he returned from a long tour of duty in Crixia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His small company had traveled all over that land battling the Crixian raiders, burning their ships so as to keep them from launching a naval assault on our kingdom.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For some time, my father said he and his fellow soldiers found themselves in a strange land where the sun never rose and the forest was so thick with trees that the sky itself was invisible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He never had the proof to confirm it, but he and his fellows were sure they had stumbled into Golganon.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“The night lands?” Van asked in disbelief.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“The realm of death?”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Yes,” Finnian agreed as his gaze narrowed on the road ahead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“But Golganon is a myth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A fairy tale,” Van said with an easy laugh.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“We heard about it as boys, the land of eternal night that finds you when it has need of you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I know,” Finnian’s tone did not waiver.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It remained heavy with sincerity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Whatever Van may have thought, whatever anyone may have thought, Finnian believed what he was saying.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“That’s what my father believed when he was a boy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yet there he was, in the endless dark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Only the light of their torches to lead them through the forest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After some time, my father did not know how long, some of his comrades went mad.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They could not endure the immortal black that surrounded them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They took their own lives.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Your father saw this?” Van asked, invested in Finnian’s tale.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Yes,” Finnian replied.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“By whatever means necessary.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One young man even asked my father to stab him in the heart because he was too afraid of the idea of killing himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The gods don’t look favorably on men who take their own lives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father refused.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was, perhaps, another day that passed before that man found the courage to do the deed himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gods be damned.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>There was a moment of silence then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van did not know what to say, and Finnian was lost in thought. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It was not long after that young man’s death that everyone began to despair,” Finnian went on.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“And not a momentary despair that could be shaken off with a rallying speech or a call to the senses.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a heavy despair…that fell on them as a curtain falls on the stage to signal the end of a play.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van instantly thought back to all the plays he had seen and resolved to not visit the theater for a long time.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Somehow, my father kept going,” Finnian said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“He did not know himself how he found the strength.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He told me he heard a voice in his head that demanded he keep going.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was the hardest thing he had ever endured, moving further and further in the endless dark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He tried to rally his fellows, but one by one they all gave up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Finally, on the verge of giving up himself, my father saw something he did not expect to find in that dark place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Light.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Light?” Van asked dumbfounded.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But you said he had a torch.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not firelight,” Finnian clarified.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“It was a beautiful, pristine, white light that he saw.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He followed it, and as he did so the light grew brighter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He came to a small grove, and in the center of that clearing he said he saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a young woman, lying wounded on the grass.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She was glowing.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Who was she?” Van was completely immersed.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“My father asked her that very question when he approached,” Finnian answered.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“She told him she was a star, fallen from the heavens because her time had come.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She was dying.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father asked if there was anything he could do for her, and she said it was too late.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But for coming on a fallen star, and simply sitting with her so that she would not have to die alone, she would grant him a boon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anything he wished.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father told her his greatest wish was to escape that evil place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She told him that if he stayed with her, after she died he would be granted the ability to find his way out of that accursed maze of darkness.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father pitied this young woman, and he had seen so many of his comrades die already.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So he took her hand in his, and stayed with her until the end.”<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Then what happened?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“She died,” Finnian said flatly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But then, my father said, he saw the most incredible thing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As she died, her light only grew brighter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After she breathed her last breath, the light from her became so unbearable that my father had to close his eyes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When the bright light died down, and my father opened his eyes, he saw this sword lying in place of where the woman had lain.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blade glowed with a dull light.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father picked it up and held it aloft.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then, as though his night was not miraculous enough, he discovered something extraordinary.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As he moved throughout the grove, he discovered the blade of the sword would glow brighter facing one certain direction and then fade when it was pointed away from that path.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My father quickly surmised that this was the star lady’s gift.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, taking her word on faith, he pointed the sword where it shone brightest, and followed it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Eventually, he came to the edge of the wood of night and escaped the land of death.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-83721115854482735352019-08-01T19:32:00.004-07:002019-08-01T19:32:36.679-07:00Vagrant - Part VII
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> It was a brisk night.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The moon shone full and bright in the sky, drawing Van’s eyes upward as he walked next to Finnian down the cobble stone street.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Van?” Finnian’s voice drifted into his ears, as though riding the gentle breeze that was in the air.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Hm?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You haven’t said anything since we left the coliseum.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How are you feeling?” Finnian asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Fine,” Van said simply.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I just…it’s hard to believe that a year has gone by so quickly and that tomorrow, I’ll officially be a soldier.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Do you have any regrets?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not at all,” Van turned to his friend.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Thank you Finnian, for choosing me as your brother.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For encouraging me.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Ha, it was my pleasure my friend.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just don’t cry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t know how to handle people who cry,” Finnian replied.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Have no fear,” Van said as he let out a small laugh.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He let his head fall as he rubbed the back of his neck.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was tense from the day’s fighting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His eyes fell on the sword at Finnian’s belt.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You wear your sword out in public?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When you’re not on duty?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I do, “ Finnian said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Ever since I first became a soldier all those years ago, it has opened up my eyes to the dangers that surround us all every day.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It does not happen to everyone, but it is a sad side effect of making a living off of combat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And with a wife and child…I take nothing for granted.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I see.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lucky for me I have no family to worry about, eh?” Van joked.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You have me now,” Finnian said with no hint of mirth in his voice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“And my family is your family.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I was only joking,” Van said bashfully.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Relax, I know,” Finnian said, smiling wide now.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Ha, your amusement with yourself is incredibly pompous.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Has anyone ever told you that?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Better I find myself amusing then lecture people about how easy it is for me to learn new sword techniques.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>‘Some men are just born for this sort of thing,’ isn’t that what you’re so fond of saying?” Finnian replied.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“They are!” Van defended. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Fine!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then some men are born to be amusing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Charming.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Delightful.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I can’t help it if that’s who I am,” Finnian said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>They both laughed then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a night to celebrate and everything was worth celebrating…even Finnian’s sense of humor.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-83522673530615479972019-07-03T21:31:00.005-07:002019-07-03T21:31:46.310-07:00Vagrant - Part VI
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<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The pair passed by another dyad, Patrick and Tom, going into the arena for their final sparring session. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van and Finnian found seats on the first level of the coliseum with a clear view of the combatants. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The pair in the arena were walking in opposite directions, taking their place for combat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This was the battalion’s final stage of their training before becoming an official unit of the king’s army.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After today, they would be placed on duty to serve their city.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>No one in the battalion knew much about Patrick and Tom.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But what everyone knew for certain, was that the intense training over the last year had clearly taken its toll on them both.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>That was not how things began.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Each dyad began the training process with zeal and vigor; excited at the prospects of the dyad system and the potential unity it could bring to the battalion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The original members of Thrace’s older unit; men who had served with him from the beginning and volunteered to serve under him as he was given titles of command; were able to choose who their partner in the dyads would be.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Naturally, men chose their closest friends or their brothers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For some of them, fighting together and training hard over a year was the best thing that could have happened.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If they were not brothers before, they were surely brothers now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But for others, the year did not go as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They fell to bickering, arguing - slowly the reality of being committed to the battalion and to another person they grew to dislike wore on them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patrick and Tom seemed to firmly fall in that category.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Begin!” Thrace commanded.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The combatants slowly approached each other in the arena.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patrick, the larger of the two, gave an overhead swing with his two-handed axe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tom raised his shield to block, but the brute force of Patrick’s attack knocked Tom to his knees.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patrick quickly raised and swung again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tom tried to block again, this time with the blade of his one-handed longsword laid over his shield in his attempt to use both of his arms.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was only driven deeper into the dirt. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>CLANG</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Another blow fell.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patrick’s grunts rose to a pitch loud enough for the first row onlookers to hear.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tom’s position did not waver.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was on the defensive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Ha,” Patrick’s grunt became a short cry.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>CLANG</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Tom kept his position as scarlet droplets fell from his arms.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Ah,” Patrick’s cry became a scream.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>CLANG</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Tom’s arms fell completely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was exhausted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All he could do was look up at the onslaught of the man who once used to be his best friend.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“AHHH!” Patrick’s scream was filled with rage, as though he were possessed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>SQUILCH</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Patrick stopped with his axe held above his head.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It fell from his hands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Patrick followed after, falling dead on his back with Tom’s sword stuck in his gut.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Tom hurriedly got to his feet and ripped off his helm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He looked down the body of Patrick as it bled out onto the earth.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was eerily silent in the arena.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The spectators said nothing, holding their breath in anticipation of what Tom would do next. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>CLANG</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Tom dropped his helm onto Patrick’s breastplate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then he turned, and walked slowly out of the arena.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He said nothing and acknowledged no one.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew what this meant - they all did.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The training, had broken him. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Thrace stood up then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On his dais, he could be seen by all the men of the battalion who sat in the round.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Gentlemen, your training is over,” Thrace said without a hint of emotion.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Beginning tomorrow, you will be in the king’s army.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>There was no cheering.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was no noise of any kind.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most of the men sat there in silence, looking up at Thrace.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some looked down into the arena, at the corpse of Patrick that was still bleeding out.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Being a soldier is not easy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In many ways, it is a thankless role.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The people we fight for only appreciate us in times of war.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In peace they either avoid us or openly condemn us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In many cases, you will be the first line of defense while lieutenants and generals command comfortably from behind you and at a safe distance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There will be many times when you will feel that you are giving more than anyone, even a king, has a right to ask of you,” Thrace paused.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The men were hanging on his every word.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It is for these reasons, and more that the dyad initiative was begun.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because men do not fight for justice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They do not fight for peace.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sadly, these grand ideals are dreams we have as children that become mere words as a man.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For when a Crixian raider has a dagger hilt-deep in your thigh, justice and peace are not what you are thinking of. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But one thing we always fight for is family. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>These men are your brothers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You do not have to like them all, but you have to respect them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You must uphold them.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van looked around and saw several men nodding along in agreement with Thrace.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The captain’s inspiring effect was palpable throughout the coliseum and even Van found himself swept up in it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For the first time in his life, Van was forced to look at Thrace differently.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could no longer see his boyhood friend from years ago; instead, Thrace was now every bit the captain. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Take tonight to consider if this is the battalion, or even the direction, you want to move forward in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After tonight, there is no turning back. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We will fight to defend our kingdom as best we can.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I do not ask you to fight for the kingdom.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I do not ask you to fight for the king, the royal family or the townspeople.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I do not even ask you to fight for me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I demand that you fight for each other. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because when we’re face to face with Crixian raiders or the barbarian horde, we will only have each other to rely upon.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>There was applause.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some men stood up, they were so inspired.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thrace turned and left the dais.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The men still clapped.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For a few moments, the applause kept ringing through the arena and Van was stunned all over again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Here was the power of a man who knew what he wanted of his life and went after it without hesitation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The power to unify a group of men who were not as sure.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The power to give them direction and purpose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van had never felt so connected to anything in his life as he did in that moment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was Thrace’s man and Finnian’s brother.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was a defender of the realm and a protector of his newfound family.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For the first time, in a life of seeking a grand purpose to pursue, this felt like enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even if it wasn’t Van’s dream, in that moment he felt he belonged.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The hand of fortune had led him through a life of uncertainty to this very place…and he was glad. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-90341601758044817812019-07-03T21:30:00.004-07:002019-07-03T21:30:50.035-07:00Vagrant - Part V
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The rain was falling hard in the coliseum; a small circular arena with no ceiling located down the road from the main barracks.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is where Thrace’s battalion had spent most of the last year training.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was just large enough to sit one hundred men.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the arena, two soldiers were facing one another, the fog of their breath visible in the cold, grey drizzle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On the dais, overlooking them all, sat the captain.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thrace was watching.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thrace was judging.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van held his sword as still as he could, but his arms were on fire.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Over the last year, he had made several strides toward a more controlled method of swordsmanship.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had grown tremendously, impressing others and himself along the way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But now he was finally facing off against his brother in arms, Finnian Pell, in mortal combat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The training was over.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van had to prove he could hold his own against the recklessness and cruelty of real war, and that meant sparring without holding back. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Finnian charged, but Van held firm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Too often, Van had been the one on the offensive.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Charging blindly and swinging rashly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was still prone to those amateurish mistakes, especially when anger or the thrill of victory seemed immanent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But nothing is what it seems in battle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That was the first lesson Van learned in his training, and it was at the forefront of his mind now as he saw his best friend rushing in and arcing a blade for an overhead swing.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van sidestepped fluidly, letting Finnian’s sword hit the ground.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then he raised his sword for a counterattack.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Finnian parried and quickly sidestepped to put some distance between himself and Van.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van kept his eyes on Finnian’s hands, wrapped around the hilt of the beautiful Pell sword that his friend fought with so well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It looked to Van that Finnian would attack from the right.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van readied himself just as Finnian took that first step in his assault.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van was right.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Finnian came in from the right but went low instead of his usual preference of attacking high.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>All the better for Van.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van blocked Finnian’s blade with his own, then took his elbow to Finnian’s helm. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Finnian spun one full revolution before finally falling to his knees.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The fight was over.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Bravo,” an exhausted Finnian said as he removed his helm.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van took off his own helm and bent down to help his friend up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He took Finnian by the arm and lifted him.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It was a good fight,” Van said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Believe me, I am aware!” Finnian smiled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You were right about natural talent.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I can train the rest of my life, but I will never be as good a swordsman as you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“That road leads both ways,” Van said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I could study all my life and never know tactics as well as you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Nor history, law, the old lays of our people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Anything, really,” Finnian said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“As always, you fancy yourself as someone who is so very funny,” Van said through his large, easy smile.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-10459613159956730032019-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:002019-06-07T20:22:07.616-07:00Vagrant - Part IV
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Yes,” Van replied simply, still with a smile on his face.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Undoubtedly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Finnian Pell is still my brother.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You were my brother too, once.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I still am,” Thrace barked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Perhaps an older brother, admittedly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I think the two of you are fools and I do not believe this is a good idea.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van, you have natural talent but it takes discipline to be a soldier.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Thrace please,” Van grew earnest and let the smile fall from his face.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Let me prove to you that I am not a cynical man.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I simply have not found what I was put on this earth to do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I want to do something I believe in, with people I believe in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Let me fight for you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Thrace looked hard at Van, studying the resolve of this would-be recruit.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You’re drunk,” Thrace said simply.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“A bit, yes,” Van admitted, the smile returned so easily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But I’m honest when I’m drunk.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Please Thrace,” Finnian pushed.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You understand you’ll have to change your entire way of living if you join my battalion?” Thrace put to Van.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Of course,” Van answered.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Will you?” Thrace pressed.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I will,” Van put a hand to his heart.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Then let us drink to our newest recruit…” Thrace raised his glass.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van and Finnian looked at each other with stunned smiles.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Quickly, they raised their mugs and touched them together with Thrace’s so that all three vessels were linked above their heads.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“…and to the dyad of Finnian Pell and Van Orel.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Here here,” Van and Finnian said as one.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The three of them brought down their mugs and drank deep.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, they talked - for hours; about the past, about the present, and all the possibilities that this new, exciting future held for them.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-49851162199885676522019-06-07T20:15:00.000-07:002019-06-07T20:15:10.680-07:00Vagrant - Part III
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“So what is this dyad initiative?” Van asked before the silence became noticeable to the others.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “It’s actually quite a brilliant idea,” Finnian enthused.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “By the king’s grace, I will be given command of a battalion of one hundred men in defense of his city,” Thrace began. “The dyad initiative is an experiment. The battalion will be trained as a group, just like any other. But in addition to training as a single unit, all the men will be divided into pairs. These pairs, or dyads, will be training together, fighting together, responsible for each other. This ensures that each man in my battalion has someone watching their back, and that they’re watching someone else’s. Like brothers, they will be. Each man is accountable.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “The brilliant thing, though, is that this extends beyond training,” Finnian said excitedly. “Soldiers, by their very nature, must live by discipline. By rules. We sleep when we’re told, eat when we’re told. We serve as we’re told. Life can feel very solitary that way, constantly following orders. But being paired up means the dyads do everything together while serving in defense of the king. They train together, yes, but they eat together, patrol together, fight together. Suddenly, you have a comrade in arms to share the struggles with.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “What happens if a pair of soldiers Thrace pairs up don’t like each other?” Van asked, secretly baffled that the pair of them hadn’t thought of this quite obvious possibility before.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “That’s the other brilliant piece of this,” Finnian said with a wide smile. “Thrace is letting his soldiers choose their partners.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “There is no guarantee that, even with soldiers choosing their fellows, there will not be complications,” Thrace said. “However, fearing failure is no reason not to try something.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Barring simple failure, there is another complication I foresee that could ruin you Thrace,” Van said with the easy smile of assumption.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Which is?” Thrace asked genuinely. There was no hint of condemnation in his voice.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Well…” Van was surprised by the earnest way in which both Thrace and Finnian were scrutinizing him. How could they not have seen what he was about to say? “These men will be doing everything together…in life threatening situations. What happens if some of them,” Van was struggling to find the words. “…carry their relationship beyond brotherhood?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Finnian let out a loud laugh that startled the few patrons that had come into the bar since Thrace arrived. Thrace showed no hint of emotion. The big man simply took another swig of his ale.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Van, people are who they are, and they do what they choose,” Finnian said trying to stifle his laughter and wipe the tears from his eyes. “You think pairing them up is like a magic spell that suddenly changes their very nature? Come now, we’re grown men.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Rightly put Finnian,” Thrace said, finishing the rest of his ale. “It is a small way of thinking. But I would expect no more from a cynical man who’s never left this small town.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Cynical?” Van asked; red in the face from embarrassment and humiliation.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Aye,” Thrace said, sitting up to look Van square in the eye. “Finnian has not been back here since he left for the king’s city, but I have. Many times over the years. I’ve seen how bitter you have become. How many jobs you took and gave up when they got too difficult. It’s a shame. When we were boys, you were always the most hopeful of us. How many times did we play at knights and how many times did you swear to us that knighthood would be our lives some day? But time marched on and with age you saw how hard the world can be. So you gave up.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “That’s not true,” Van said quietly.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “No?” Thrace goaded.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “I have tried my hand at many things over the years, but I came to learn I did not like any of them,” Van said heatedly. He breathed and composed himself. He took another swig of ale, sat back and let an easy half smile come across his face. “Why work hard at something you do not enjoy doing?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Now it was Thrace’s turn to smile. “You betray yourself.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “You always loved swordplay!” Finnian threw out, tripping over his words in his haste to speak. “There is no question you were once the best swordsman of the three of us.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Once?” Van prodded, a rivalry in his tone that was betrayed by the fact that he could not suppress a small laugh.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Well, Thrace and I have been training with all manner of weapons for ten years,” Finnian jabbed back. “Surely you do not think you can defeat either of us when you have been out of the game so long.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “I have found it often ends badly when trained warriors underestimate natural talent,” Van smiled wide.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Then you have not stopped using a sword?” Finnian surmised.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Of course not,” Van said. “That would be like living my life with a perfectly good tongue but choosing never to speak.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What say you Thrace?” Finnian asked as he turned to look at his captain as though he were a child asking an elder for something.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“There are better choices Finnian,” Thrace said gruffly.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not for me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He’s been one of our closest friends since we were boys,” Finnian said flatly.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Pardon me,” Van butted in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Something tells me the enigmatic topic of this conversation is myself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And while I’m flattered, especially by Thrace’s confidence, might I ask what it is you two are talking about?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Van, will you join Thrace’s battalion as my brother in arms?” Finnian asked, looking Van dead in the eye.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What?” Van was stunned.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“More than a brother in arms,” Thrace interrupted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Finnian, you must care for each other as family, or the dyad will not work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You have not seen Van in ten years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Can you honestly say you still see him as a brother?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“For me it has proven true, time and again, that the closest friendships are so because they are almost effortless,” Finnian replied.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You can be apart from your closest friends for years, so that when you’re faced with each other again you feel truly changed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Adult.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Mature.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But here is this friend who knew you before the veils of manhood could cover your silly obsessions with insects or your fear of the back of your mother’s hand for breaking her vase and you’re reminded of who you were.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then the truth; a truth that you keep forgetting so long as you’re not around the people who know you best; comes out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You are different, but not <i>so</i> different.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have no siblings Thrace.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nor parents anymore.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But being here, today…I am reminded that I still have family.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“And you believe he sees you the same way?” Thrace asked Finnian.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I am sitting right here Thrace,” Van had had enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Why not ask me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Very well,” Thrace said as he turned and looked hard at Van.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Do you?”</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-33878355654865286792019-05-14T16:25:00.001-07:002019-05-14T16:25:18.686-07:00Kiki's Cat Cafe<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">INT. KIKI’S KITTY CAT CAFÉ</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Along the walls are a
bunch of loose cushions and bean bag chairs – lots of soft stuff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kids are running all over
chasing and playing with all kinds of cats.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">High-top tables line the
center of the room where trendy adults stand, sipping organic teas and ignoring
their kids. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Behind the coffee bar in
the back is a 40-ish white woman with the build of a shot-putter – like from
the Olympics. This is KIKI, and she watches on with a relaxed smile.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A THIN WOMAN and TREVOR,
her ten-year old, approach Kiki. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>We’re done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>TREVOR</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>But mom, just a little longer? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Trevor,
I said no. It’s time to go to your dad’s.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Kiki)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">How
much?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Let’s
see, two hours…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Trevor)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Wow,
two hours. See? How good a mom am I?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And
six boysenberry teas, that comes to thirty-two dollars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">She pays.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Great.
And can I tell you – I love your place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI<br />
Thanks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Cause
moms need time for themselves too, ya know? And me, I only get that on the
weekends when he’s with his dad. So a place like this is such a great
distraction.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Sure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Do
you have kids?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Someday.
I hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>THIN WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Don’t!
They’re the worst.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(She grabs Trevor’s hand)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Ok,
see you on Monday. Byeee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">They leave.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">From the back room, a
lanky, rail-thin young black man awkwardly pushes through the double doors.
He’s having trouble getting his apron tied on. This is CHUCK (24).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>SorryIknowI’mlate…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>It’s fine. Take a breath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>S’this goddamn SF traffic, ya know? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Yep.
Sucks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
got the email.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Yeah?
You read it yet?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Nah.
Too scared to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Read
it now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He pulls out his phone
with a trembling hand – like, an uncontrollable tremor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He reaches for the phone
with his other hand, but that one’s shaking too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A SHLUBBY MAN and ADAM,
his pre-teen bpu approach. The boy can’t take his eyes off Chuck’s shaking
hands. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck notices -- quickly
pulls his hands behind his back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>SHLUBBY MAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(soft-spoken)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Can I get a Tuber Tea to go please?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Sure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki goes off to get the
tea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ADAM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Hey. You gettin sober man?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>What?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>SHLUBBY MAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Adam, come on, you don’t ask people that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>ADAM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Why
not? I think it’s great he’s cleanin up. Wanna encourage him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Keep
it up buddy. Specially if you have kids. Ya got kids?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">No.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">ADAM</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Well
keep it up anyway. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(Deliberately looks at his father)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Otherwise,
you’re nothin but a loser.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Adam walks out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki returns with the tea
– Shlubby Man throws down money. With shivering hands, he pulls out a tiny
bottle of vodka and empties it into the tea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>SHLUBBY MAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Don’t ever have kids man…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He takes a long sip and
lets out the most ecstatic sigh you’ve ever heard – like you hear in a Sprite
commercial.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>SHLUBBY MAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Kids are the worst.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He leaves. Through the
window, Kiki and Chuck can see the guy looking around for the son he’s clearly
lost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>What the fuck is up today?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kid
thought I was an alcoholic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Ha!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’m
gonna wipe the highboys down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>K.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck grabs a rag -- walks
out from behind the coffee bar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck stops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Nice
try. Get back here. Read.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>VOICE (O.S.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Excuse
me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">An OVERLY TANNED WOMAN
with a perfectly coordinated outfit approaches the counter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Hi.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>One sec.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Don’t read it without me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck goes off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kiki returns to her customer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">So,
that’s my daughter there playing with that striped Tawney. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">She points out KATH -- a seven-year
American Girl doll come to life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And
she’s just fallen in love with it. So, I’d like to buy it from you. How much?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Sorry.
I don’t sell any o’my cats.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Oh
sure, I get it. I bet you get asked all the time. But it can’t be easy running
this place with no staff –</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
have staff. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Bless
you. Kath and I come in a lot and, honestly, I feel like you help your “staff”
more than he helps you. Honestly, this is the first time I’ve seen your boy do
anything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">My
boy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Anyway,
my point was, I’m happy to pay you more than the cat’s worth. A lot more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A loud CRASH echoes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KATH (O.S.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">OH
NO!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The Overly Tanned Woman
and Kiki turn to see Kath and the Tawney leaning over Chuck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He’s on the ground -- his
body convulsing. He’s fallen and taken a couple highboys with him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Mister?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kath reaches a hand out to
Chuck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Kath! Get away from him!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The Overly Tanned Woman
runs to Kath – holds her back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki vaults over the
coffee counter like a goddamn superhero – she’s kneeling by Chuck in the blink
of an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">She holds him closer to
her – and it takes effort. Finally, Chuck’s convulsion settles. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And Kiki just cradles him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He
was wiping the table, and then he fell over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You
ok?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’m
sorry Kiki.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You
read it didn’t you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Didn’t
mean to. But it was open, and I couldn’t help peekin. Just got through the
first couple lines.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You
didn’t get in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck shakes his head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Didn’t get in to what?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">It’s
none of our business Kath. Besides, it’s probably something illegal we’re
better off not knowing about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki turns her head --
glares at the Overly Tanned Woman, but Chuck’s whimpering pulls her focus back
to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">What
am I doin wrong? My last audition was good. I mean really good. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i> know! And I only shook a little – at
the very end. Maybe it’s just not for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A tiny porcelain hand
appears on Chuck’s arm. Kath is leaning in with the widest eyes in the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>I’m sorry sir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>KATH! LET GO!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The Overly Tanned Woman
rips Kath away from Chuck. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki sets Chuck down
gently. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He’s
a dirty…junkie, sweetheart. And we don’t touch dirty things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">She gets up and turns to
the Overly Tanned Woman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Get the fuck outta my café.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Excuse me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You
heard me. You people aren’t welcome here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Courier;">You people</span></i><span style="font-family: Courier;">? I’m just like you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">No.
You’re not. For two big reasons.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Enlighten
me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Number
one, you don’t give a shit about kids. But I do. Every kid in this place has me
watchin out for’em while they’re here. And that goes double for “my boy”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Your boy?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">It’s
not a race thing. Well, it was when she said it. But I’m takin it back. Just
wait, you’ll see. I’m bein ironic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i>sweet
at the same time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And
number two?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’m
queer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>OVERLY TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You’re…you’re
a…le…a les(z)- a les(z)- a les(z)…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Also,
you’re not racist?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Yes!
That’s right, thank you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">That’s
what I thought anyway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’m
not! It’s a zing. I’m zingin her. Come on, real life rarely plays out this perfectly.
Lemme have this one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to the Overly Tanned Woman)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">So
THREE big reasons. And as far as I’m concerned, the third one’s the MOST
important.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You’re
oversellin it now. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(to Chuck)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Ugh,
I can’t win with you. Just tell me we’re cool!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">O’course
we’re cool. I love ya, you beefy queer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
love you too. Now shut up, I gotta finish this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kiki turns back to the
Overly Tanned Woman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>TANNED
WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Let’s go Kath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>What about the cat?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>TANNED WOMAN</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’ll
get you another one. From…someplace else.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Kath gently puts the cat
on the ground. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And then a muscly pair of
hands picks it up and hands it back to the little girl.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Actually Kath, I’d like you to keep her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>It’s a she?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Sure is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>And I can just – have her?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">So
long as you always remember where she came from. And what happened here. Cause
you did good today, little girl. Real good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Thank you Ms. Kiki.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The Overly Tanned Woman
pulls hard at Kath, who is holding on tightly to the cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re moving fast for the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KATH</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Mom, what’s a queer?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">They’re out the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">All the adults left,
who’ve been watching this scene play out, slowly make their way back to their
kids.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The kids, by the way, have
just been playing with the cats the whole time – oblivious to this adult
nonsense.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Chuck gets to his feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">So when do we start working on the new <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>routine for your next audition?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I dunno. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">None
of that. I’m not letting you give up. Even if I do think it’s weird.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Clown
college isn’t weird.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">It
is weird. But it’s what you want. Which means it’s what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I</i> want -- for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>CHUCK</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Thanks
Kiki.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>KIKI</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You’re
welcome. Now pick up these tables and clean this all up. You’re still on the
payroll.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Courier;">END SCENE</span></u></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-69176846805869819812019-04-27T18:01:00.003-07:002019-04-27T18:01:36.764-07:00Vagrant - Part II
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<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “Or is that three?” the shorter man joked.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Damned right it’s three!” Van shouted as he hugged this small man.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The small man hugged back with equal force.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van was impressed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Finnian Pell had gotten much stronger since the last time Van saw him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They released each other and Van was suddenly struck by something.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Are you drinking two ales at once?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Why order three?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It’s a day of celebration my friend.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thrace has been made captain of his own militia.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He should be joining us at any moment to share in the festivities,” Pell said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Thrace is a captain now?” Van asked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I’m not surprised.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was always the most ambitious of us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The most disciplined.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It’s true.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But to be a captain at only twenty eight years old is no easy task, even for one who works so hard,” Finnian replied.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You gentlemen can sit,” Cecily said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I’ll bring your ales to the table.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Thank you Cecily,” Pell said with his warm smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You’re welcome Finnian.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van and Finnian took a table in the corner of the place.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They sat facing each other, unable to stop themselves from grinning at the recollection of the old boyhood adventures they had shared.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They hadn’t sat for more than a few moments when Cecily came by and expertly dropped their ales.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They toasted one another and took a deep sip of the amber gold in their tankards.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Finnian how are you?” Van probed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I have not seen you since you joined the king’s guard.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“That was ten years ago at least,” Finnian said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Has it truly been that long?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It has.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I remember the very night you left.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Both you and Thrace,” Van said as he looked up at nothing in particular and let his mind replace his sight with memory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Two young men on fire for the kingdom of Bethel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Two young men who wanted the king to know their names.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Well, we’re still on fire for Bethel,” Finnian said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But I’m afraid we’ve failed at getting the king to learn our names.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Though Thrace has a letter with the king’s signature, so at least he’s a step closer.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“But what of you, Finnian?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Have you spent all this time simply serving the king under Thrace’s leadership?” Van asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not entirely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve served under many different captains and generals in the king’s army.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Trained with the best.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But my greatest achievement these last ten years has been my daughter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Annabelle,” Finnian said with a proud smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You have a little girl?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“And a wife,” Finnian added.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I knew you’d be the first of us,” Van said, giving his own proud smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Perhaps the only one if you’re not betrothed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For I fear Thrace has no interest in marriage and you’re getting older everyday,” Pell mirthfully chided.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“And I must be honest Van, you look your age.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“We are not young men anymore, my friend,” Van said weightily. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Young enough to do great things still,” Pell encouraged.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Tell me what you’ve been up to all these years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You were always bold and adventurous.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I could never imagine a job in this town could satisfy you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Your imagination is very truthful then,” Van said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I have tried all manner of things since you and Thrace left for the king’s city.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have been a fisherman, a guard, a farmer, a merchant, a mapmaker if you can believe it, and five days ago I gave up on being a hunter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perhaps it was six, all the ale has clouded my memory.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You still haven’t found your road,” Finnian said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“We’re not boys anymore Finnian.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Some men don’t have a road.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I learn that lesson more and more everyday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the shocking thing is that I’m beginning to believe I don’t need one,” Van said as he took another swig of ale.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Everyone needs something to keep them going,” a strong voice said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van and Finnian turned to see a tall man, stout of body with an ornate broad sword hanging at his side.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was dressed formally, in a dark leather jerkin and fine cloth pants.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On his wrists were gleaming, silver armlets with raised eagles etched in gold.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The sign of the king.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Thrace!” Finnian said as he stood up quickly and embraced the bear of a man.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Hello my friend,” Thrace said with a small smile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I am sorry that I could not ride back here with you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The general needed to speak with me before I left.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“No apologies necessary,” Finnian said with a pat on Thrace’s shoulder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I take it you presented the general with your dyad initiative for your battalion?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I did,” Thrace said flatly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“And he has agreed to let me try it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“That’s fantastic news my friend!” Finnian shouted as he clapped Thrace on the shoulder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Come and drink with us to celebrate!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Hello Thrace,” Van smiled as he stood from his seat. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It is good to see you Van.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It has been too long,” Thrace replied.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The three friends gathered round their small table and sat. It seemed to Van that a sudden sense of formality had descended on their gathering. He found himself sitting up a little straighter and keeping his arms off the table. He looked around at his two old friends, feeling as though he was no longer in his own body and watching this scene from afar. Thrace looked down at his ale, studying it. Finally, the new commander picked it up and took a swig. Finnian used the opportunity to finish his own ale and signal for another round.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-20388250310214486402019-04-16T19:00:00.002-07:002019-04-16T19:00:24.819-07:00Vagrant
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<br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">CHAPTER 1</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i> The Vagrant</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> The tavern was mostly empty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not unusual for the early afternoon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Most men were working the fields, dreaming of a few short hours from now, when they would be able to end their day with a mug of the finest ale in all the town of Rookwood.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But Van was making his dream come true.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sitting at the bar, he finished off his third mug.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was no work for him today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Truth be told, there had been no work for him for quite a few days. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Another?” he heard Cecily ask. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van looked up from his mug then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had been daydreaming; but no dream could be lovelier than Cecily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had known the young barmaid all his life, and she had never ceased to impress him with her beauty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her red hair always unkempt and loose, while her green eyes probed into him searching; always searching. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Indeed, my lady,” Van replied with a smile.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Will you be able to pay for this one?” Cecily teased.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Have I not paid for the last three?” Van asked genuinely.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You have.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I’ve seen you in here everyday for a week now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I assume the well of gold must run dry at some point,” Cecily said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Yes,” Van said wryly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Being a hunter is much harder than it seems.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In case you ever think of changing jobs, it is not something you can pick up in a few days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perhaps I should have learned a trade, eh?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You mean something other than fancy swordplay and drinking yourself into oblivion?” Cecily asked sardonically.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You must admit,” Van smiled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I am very good at both.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You are,” Cecily smiled coyly.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Tell me Cecily,” Van leaned in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Why is it we never got married?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Cecily stopped smiling then.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She picked herself up off the bar, backing away from Van.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You’re drunk.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not yet,” Van reassured.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“However, I am getting there.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Which is perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m honest when I’m drunk.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Meaning you are not honest at any other time?” Cecily asked genuinely.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Now it was Van’s turn to sober.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He backed away from the bar and absently picked up his mug, bringing it to his lips. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was empty.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cecily had not brought him another ale.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What was so hard about being a hunter?” Cecily asked.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Shooting, mostly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tracking actually wasn’t so bad, although stalking a beast was remarkably difficult.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Especially if you’re not light on your feet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But it was the shooting I found the hardest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’m not made for a bow and arrows,” Van said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I remember the day you were told they had accepted you into the hunter’s fold.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You were very excited.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Came in here to celebrate, as I recall,” Cecily said.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Yes, well that’s when I thought the job would be easy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Hunt deer, kill them, bring them back and sell the meat to the butchers,” Van said as he absently took another swig from his mug, only to be disappointed a second time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But not only is the actual hunting difficult, but the butchers are a tight knit group.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They buy from who they buy from and can’t be bothered doing business with a new hunter looking to make his mark.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You have to prove yourself,” Cecily said flatly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Like in any job.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Who’s got time for that?” Van asked, unable to look her in the face.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A hand slammed hard onto the surface of the bar, echoing loudly in the empty tavern.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Van and Cecily were shaken out of reverie and looked up.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Two ales please,” said a bright, smiling face.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Van smiled right back at the pale young man who was looking down on him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not to be outshone, Van stood up himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was taller than the young pale man, which gave him no end of satisfaction.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Now the tables had turned.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The young, pale man was looking up at the boyish, sun kissed features of Van Orel.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-16386029698730202092019-04-01T16:55:00.002-07:002019-04-01T16:55:27.285-07:00Pushing Past
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The
knight quickly scanned his immediate surrounding area for the strongest vine he
could find.<span> </span>He found a beautifully thick
one a few feet to the right of where he was standing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>He turned his head back to the giant
just in time to see his massive arms coming down in another tremendous
attack.<span> </span>With sword in hand, he jumped
out of the way just in time.<span> </span>The
reverberation from the blow caused him to lose his footing, but the warrior
jumped up as quick as he could and sprinted toward the vine.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>He grabbed it, and without missing a
step, turned toward Alteus and began running toward the son of earth.<span> </span>Alteus was readying his tentacles again, but
just before they shot out the earth shook.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The knight was surprised.<span> </span>He hadn’t expected this tactic, but almost
instinctively he leapt into the air to avoid losing his balance.<span> </span>When he landed, he took the thick vine and
ran with the free end of it around Alteus, so that it circled loosely around
the giant’s midsection.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>A few paces before him, the warrior saw
a heavy rock.<span> </span>He silently thanked the
gods, because he hadn’t thought of what he would do when he got to this
point.<span> </span>Instead, he ran to the rock and
lifted it as quickly as he could, placing the free end of the vine underneath
it.<span> </span>Then he let the rock come down and
pulled at the plant to make sure it would hold. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Alteus had turned to face the knight
again; it’s back to the big tree.<span> </span>It was
quicker this time.<span> </span>The giant was
extremely frustrated, and the warrior could feel its anger rumbling underneath
the surface of the misty earth.<span> </span>It
wasn’t going to be holding back.<span> </span>That
was just fine, because the warrior had no intention of holding back either. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The young hero held up his sword and
slowly broke into a charge.<span> </span>Alteus set
loose the vines.<span> </span>They were coming at the
young knight with a blinding speed.<span> </span>It
took all his focus to deflect one, slice another, but there were too many.<span> </span>Swinging wildly kept the tentacles from his
upper body, but his waist and legs were already entangled, and he was slowly
being dragged toward Alteus. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The knight was directly in front of the
giant when he was brought to halt.<span>
</span>Alteus’s empty eye sockets ignited with the flame from his midsection,
and he raised his massive arms in preparation to crush his opponent.<span> </span>If the knight’s plan was to work, now was the
time to act.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>With a mighty swing, the knight sliced
through one of the Alteus’s legs.<span> </span>The
vines immediately set him loose, and it was obvious that Alteus was in
incredible pain.<span> </span>The knight didn’t
hesitate, he readied his blade and the arc of his swing came around again,
severing the other leg.<span> </span>With nothing
steadying it, the giant began toppling forward to the ground.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>As quick as a flash, the knight pulled
the vine free from under the rock and began sprinting towards the massive tree,
where the other end was secure high up in the branches.<span> </span>The momentum of the knight’s running and
pulling flung the torso of Alteus up against the wide trunk of the expansive
tree.<span> </span>The knight ran around that great
trunk in circle after circle, securing Alteus’s body to it.<span> </span>Once he’d finished, he tied the loose end of
the vine he held to one of the lower branches of the tree.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Alteus was wriggling under the
vine.<span> </span>Already the giant’s body was
attaching itself to the tree, trying to draw strength from it the knight
suspected.<span> </span>It wouldn’t get the chance to
finish.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The stalwart warrior drew his sword,
and with a battle cry he thrust the sword into the chest of Alteus the earth
giant, driving it in to the hilt.<span> </span>The
flame that burned inside the chest of Alteus died out, and its body went limp.<span> </span>It had been defeated.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The knight went to his knees, the exhaustion
of everything he’d done catching up with him.<span>
</span>He breathed in deep.<span> </span>The wind
blew past him, and he could hear the princess’s voice faintly calling out for
help.<span> </span>At that moment, he wanted
desperately to rest.<span> </span>But he came to this
island to find her, and saving her was all that mattered.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Wearily, he stood up.<span> </span>It took great effort, but he pulled his sword
free of the tree.<span> </span>The corpse of Alteus
was held firm by the vine.<span> </span>The knight
looked down at himself.<span> </span>What once used
to be a white under-tunic had become stained dark green and brown with the
effort of his toil against the earth giant.<span>
</span>A breeze blew past him, carrying upon it faint cries for help from the
Princess Cecily.<span> </span>Slowly, the young hero
walked in the direction the wind led him, the sun setting slowly in the
distance.</span></span></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-57784389109570365512019-03-16T16:32:00.001-07:002019-03-16T16:32:26.914-07:00Questions, Combat and A Conundrum
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
not a moment too soon.<span> </span>The giant’s arm
had fully re-grown, and it was on the offensive once more.<span> </span>It approached the young warrior slowly - a
drawback of its incredible girth and earthen attachment.<span> </span>The young man kept his eyes on it, even as he
addressed the dwarf.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Can you at least tell me what this
thing is,” he asked of the deity.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“An earf giant.<span> </span>I thought that would’a been obvious.<span> </span>Name’s Alteus, son of the very earth itself. <span> </span>He’s got brothers all over the world.<span> </span>It’s been a while since I’ve named’em all,
but I can try…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Why are his legs growing out of the
ground?” the warrior said hurriedly, cutting the dwarf off from an hours-long genealogy.<span> </span>That was the way to the dwarf’s heart, he
suspected: lecturing.<span> </span>The knight rolled
past Alteus making his way closer to the tree behind the giant, where the god
sat answering his questions.<span> </span>He knew
that turning wasn’t something the giant did easily, and it could buy him some
more time to ask questions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“He loves his mother,” the old man said
in an injured tone.<span> </span>He seemed to take
the hint that the knight fighting a battle for his life underneath him didn’t
have time to hear about the history of earth giants.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The beast had turned fully around now,
facing the young warrior and the dwarf.<span>
</span>Suddenly, vines shot out from its body, writhing toward the hero at
incredible speed.<span> </span>Like a jungle snake,
the vines wrapped themselves around the body of the warrior, who was so stunned
with the speed at which they reached him that he didn’t have time to act.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Having the warrior secure in his grasp,
the giant pulled the young man back toward it.<span>
</span>He dropped his sword by the massive tree where the dwarf sat.<span> </span>He hit the body of the giant with a force
that knocked the wind out of him.<span>
</span>Immediately, he felt the heat from the giant’s middle pulsating
outward.<span> </span>It didn’t burn him, but he had
a feeling that if it wanted to, this creature could easily incinerate the young
man by exposing him to the flames.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>No, instead the vines served to strap
his top half tightly against the body of the giant.<span> </span>It was as if the thing was trying to make the
man a part of itself by growing into him.<span>
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The young knight was kicking
desperately at Alteus’s body, trying to do anything he could to loosen the grip
it had on him.<span> </span>The vines were getting
tighter by the second, and as it was, the warrior could only move his
hands.<span> </span>His foot caught a branch jutting
out of Alteus’s leg.<span> </span>He put weight on
it, in an effort to wiggle his body out of the vice grip, but it snapped as he
stepped down upon it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The vines suddenly loosened a bit as
the leg immediately reacted to the branch being broken off.<span> </span>The young knight remembered slicing off the
giant’s arm, and how it had become frustrated.<span>
</span>Could this collection of twigs and earth feel pain?<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The knight began feeling around with
his hand.<span> </span>On the torso of the beast he
found he could reach at least three or four branches like the one he’d
broken.<span> </span>He pulled at them one by one,
snapping them off the body of Alteus.<span>
</span>The vines became slacker with each broken branch, and after the fourth
one the warrior was dropped to the ground as the vines receded back into
Alteus’s body completely.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The warrior ran back to the tree where
the dwarf sat.<span> </span>He grabbed his sword from
the ground, always watching the giant.<span>
</span>Alteus again threw back his head and the earth shook with his
frustration at losing his prey.<span> </span>The pain
he seemed to have felt was only momentary, however, and he began advancing
slowly on the knight.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“How do I beat it?!” that was all there
was time to think about now.<span> </span>Under
different circumstances the warrior would have never asked the dwarf for help
so directly.<span> </span>He would have plied him
with questions, playing to the god’s vanity to get the answers he needed.<span> </span>But elegant strategy was out of the question
at this point.<span> </span>The knight needed to kill
this thing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>An enigmatic smile spread across the
dwarf’s face.<span> </span>“A mother’s love, burns
hotter than flame.<span> </span>Sever the ties, and
the son will be tamed.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The earth shook again, more violently
than it had before.<span> </span>The young knight
couldn’t help falling to the ground.<span> </span>He just
barely avoided the point of his sword in the clumsy topple.<span> </span>He quickly got up and regained himself,
pointing his sword out toward the giant who was close, but still slowly
approaching.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>The warrior quickly glanced over to the
branch where the Dwarf was sitting.<span>
</span>Unsurprisingly, the god had vanished.<span>
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Very well then,” the young man thought
to himself, “if it’s got to be through riddles then so be it.”<span> </span>He couldn’t suppress a small smirk, even
given all that he’d suffered at the hands of this beast.<span> </span>He loved riddles.</span></span></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-22383719861000104242019-03-09T12:34:00.000-08:002019-03-09T12:34:13.784-08:00Aid<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The stalwart knight quickly rolled out of the
way as two gargantuan masses of vines, branches and bare earth came crashing
down upon him.<span> </span>The creature they
belonged to was comprised of little else, and it used these appendages as arms. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>In frustration, the monster grew to
its full height and threw back its head, as if to roar.<span> </span>Instead of noise, however, the earth
underneath it shook.<span> </span>The young knight
had been dodging the giant’s attacks for some time now, but this new
development caught him off guard.<span> </span>He
fell on his face, still clutching his sword, and as he looked up at the beast
before him he was finally able to see it in all of its horror. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span>It stood ten feet tall; a giant
borne of the earth with a torso as wide as a tree trunk and legs that did not
end in feet, but instead were grown out from the ground.<span> </span>The tangle of vines and foliage that made it
up did not fully cover its innards, and deep within the chest and eye sockets
there glowed a fiery ember. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>The creature threw an arm out at the
young warrior in attack.<span> </span>It was a sloppy
move, clearly borne of frustration.<span> </span>The
young man thanked the gods that this monster was capable of making such a
mistake.<span> </span>He easily dodged to the left,
bringing down Taranis upon the appendage slicing clean through it and
severing it from the body of the beast.<span>
</span>It was no matter though.<span> </span>The
swordsman had hacked and slashed furiously at the creature since the battle
began, but every time he severed something the giant would grow another.<span> </span>The effort was starting to tire him, and he
realized he had to find a way to defeat this thing soon or the monster would
easily outlast his stamina. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>“Havin a hard time, are ya,” the
voice came from somewhere above the battle.<span>
</span>The young warrior looked up to see the dwarf, sitting in the branches of
a massive tree directly behind the creature.<span>
</span>Thick vines hung from all over it and in varying lengths. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>The beast paused for another earth-shaking
roar.<span> </span>The young knight was prepared for
the effect this time and grabbed onto a nearby tree for support.<span> </span>The arm he’d cut off was beginning to grow
back.<span> </span>It wouldn’t be long before the
monster was on the offensive again.<span> </span>
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span>“Do you intend to help me?” the
warrior asked hurriedly of the dwarf in the tree.<span> </span>He suspected the answer, but he was taught to
never take anything for granted. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>“I only ‘elp those who ‘elp
themselves, boy.<span> </span>It’s the way of my
people,” the dwarf said the words lightly, but quickly.<span> </span>It seemed he understood that there wasn’t any
time for delay, even if he gave a roundabout answer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span>But it wasn’t an answer that took
the young knight by surprise.<span> </span>He knew
what the dwarf meant.<span> </span>The gods never
gave anything without effort on the part of humans.<span> </span>Whether it was through sacrifices or a
lifetime of toil, the gods bartered their favor to the highest bidder depending
on what they valued.<span> </span>Some valued
physical strength, others valued prowess in battle, and others prized the
mind.<span> </span>In the past few years, the knight
had encountered the dwarf many times, and even spent some significant time with
him.<span> </span>Even with all their past
experiences, however, the knight could never really say that he knew the
dwarf.<span> </span>The god was a shapeshifter, and
generally his mood was known to change along with his shape.<span> </span>One thing that seemed to stay consistent,
however, was the god’s love of information; specifically giving it.<span> </span>The knight thought he may have figured out a
way to get some help out of the god.</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-51444624958390322222019-02-17T23:59:00.003-08:002019-02-17T23:59:57.167-08:00Instinct
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The cries for help were coming from all
directions now, but the voice belonged to one person: Princess Cecily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berk’s eyes were open wide with a look of
frantic excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He scanned his
surroundings as thoroughly as he could, choosing to rely on his eyes and trying
to ignore the deceptive pleas that would lead him astray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He could see nothing, even with the
rising sun providing him with the light he needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The manic excitement that had gripped him
just an instant ago began turning to a fearful doubt that he could feel in the
pit of his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if he couldn’t
find the princess?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if he couldn’t
save her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he knew from experience
that he couldn’t give way to such thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He tried blocking it out and while he was mostly successful there were
nagging wisps of doubt that had become rooted in his heart.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The shadow of his past failure had
fallen heavy on Thaddeus Berk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he
would make up for it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would atone
for past mistakes by saving the princess, as any true knight should and could.</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He bent low to the ground, closed
his eyes and put his hands under the foggy mist to touch the bare earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lightly felt around, seemingly
haphazardly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To anyone watching, Berk’s
actions would have seemed like that of a raving animal, and they would have
been partially right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Berk had used
techniques like this before, relying on his senses and instinct to lead him as
opposed to any fathomable reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
only a few moments, he stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where
everything he’d felt up to this point was dry, he came to a moist indentation
in the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He traced the outside of
the print as best he could with his fingers and made out what he strongly felt
to be a footprint. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Berk opened his eyes and looked in
the direction the footprint indicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The jungle was still green and thick, only two aged oak trees - directly
in front of him - stood out from the monotony of the rest of the greenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were covered in fetid moss with patches
of black bark exposed where the moss had not choked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Towards the top of the trees, their gnarled
branches formed an arch, connecting them as if they were two old men who needed
to lean on each other for support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beyond the arch, between the trees, was an open path into a darkness
that even the rising sun could not illumine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Suddenly, the calls for help that
had been surrounding him began to blend together in a cacophony of discordant
cries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they reached a crescendo, they
suddenly cut out, leaving a singular plea from a weak sounding voice floating
on the little breeze that the intense vegetation of the jungle allowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was coming from the dark path that Berk
was facing, and there was no doubt as to whose voice it was.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Renewed and released from his
self-doubt, the mania of excitement returned to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without any hesitation, Berk pulled the
massive round red shield off his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He drew Fero, the heavy short sword at his hip – a beautiful weapon
crafted from the ivory of the bones he’d won when he defeated the great desert
leopard all those years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So armed,
he entered the dark path without any hesitation.</span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-27270678739106614362019-02-05T16:24:00.002-08:002019-02-05T16:24:25.161-08:00THE THRILL OF THE HUNT
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Night
was quickly falling on the jungle.<span> </span>The
young hero kept walking, as he had done that entire day.<span> </span>An unearthly mist still clung to the forest
floor, shielding the young man’s eyes from what lay beneath.<span> </span>The certainty of finding the captured
princess, which had been inflamed by his arrival through torrential storms and
a violent ocean, was quickly dying down.<span>
</span>He had no way of tracking Berk if he couldn’t see any tracks.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>He sat down, putting his back to a tree
as he thought about his next move.<span> </span>He’d
tried everything he knew of.<span> </span>As much as
he had tried shutting them out, he reverted back to Berk’s lectures in his mind.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span><i>“The
best way to track an animal or a man is their footprints.<span> </span>It’s simple and effective.<span> </span>You can often tell how close what you’re
chasin is by how fresh the tracks be.<span>
</span>The freshest tracks are warm, the soil underneath them moist with
freshness.”</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>“What
if you can’t see the tracks,” the swordsman remembered saying?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>“Or
what if there aren’t any tracks?<span> </span>What if
we’re chasing something, hunting something, that’s beyond this world,” the
swordsman remembered his friend Drake fondly.<span>
</span>Drake always went to the darkest possible outcome when teachers would
present them with these types of situations.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>“All
right Drake, no need to let your imagination run away with you.<span> </span>In the case of not finding any tracks, or
finding old tracks, the best thing to do is examine your surroundings.<span> </span>Look for anything left behin that could
indicate which direction your quarry has gone in.<span> </span>Avoid anything that could’ve easily been
thrown off in another direction to throw you off the scent.<span> </span>Keep your eyes sharp for pieces of cloth or
drops of blood, things like that.<span> </span>Think
about the situation logically.<span> </span>Common
sense is often your best friend on a hunt.”</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span></i>The
man was a great practical teacher and everyone he taught had realized how lucky
they were to be schooled by him.<span> </span>He
chose who he would teach based on their performance in basic training.<span> </span>He only taught when the king didn’t need him
on an important assignment, which was rare, as he was certainly the most
respected knight at court.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He’d
won great renown for putting in what was considered a lifetime of service in
only twenty years.<span> </span>He was only eighteen
when he took off into the desert to fight the great desert leopard that had
been terrorizing his village.<span> </span>He left
with a water satchel and returned with the head and claws of the great beast.<span> </span>From that day onward he’d accomplished what
became legendary stories told in every tavern across the land.<span> </span>He would have been hailed the greatest hero
of the age, and then he kidnapped the king’s fourteen year old daughter and
taken her away to this cursed island.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span> </span>Why?<span>
</span>It didn’t make any sense.<span> </span>Berk
was the man who had taught the young knight the definition of knighthood.<span> </span>Why would he fly in the face of everything
he’d seemed to care so much about for half a lifetime?
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span>The young warrior snapped out of his
reverie.<span> </span>He didn’t have time to think
about Berk’s motivations.<span> </span>He just had to
find his teacher as soon as possible.<span>
</span>That was another lesson he took from the man.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span><i>“Always
keep focused on the problem at hand.<span>
</span>When you get discouraged, and you will, it’s easy to let your mind
wander.<span> </span>You can’t let it happen.<span> </span>Remember why you’re on the mission in the
first place.<span> </span>Someone is depending on you
to succeed.<span> </span>Come home victorious or
don’t come home at all.”</i></span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><i><span> </span></i>The
young swordsman stood up and began examining his surroundings.<span> </span>Luckily, the moon shone bright in the sky and
gave him a good amount of light with which to do so.<span> </span>He searched and searched but he could find no
traces of any torn cloth or human debris.<span>
</span>He hadn’t really expected Berk to fall into the same traps that he’d
taught them about, but still the young man searched meticulously casting a
careful eye in every direction.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span> </span>His gaze stopped at a wall of
branches and vines.<span> </span>There seemed to be
something about it that stood out to him.<span>
</span>He took a step back and tried to look at the foliage as a whole.<span> </span>He noticed that some of the branches were
bent back and vines that were tangled in unnatural ways.<span> </span>All the irregularities seemed to form the
outline of what looked to be a very large man.<span>
</span>The warrior’s eyes were drawn skyward, and in the distance he saw a
single spire high above the jungle.<span> </span>The
structure seemed simple enough, nothing too decadent.<span> </span>Suddenly it hit him, Berk would need a place
to take the princess.<span> </span>He’d been the
first one to conquer this island’s trials and would have had plenty of time to
claim that tower for his own.<span> </span>Plus, from
what the young swordsman knew of Berk, this tower fit his personality
perfectly.<span> </span>Berk was a man who prized
simplicity.<span> </span>He didn’t need much to be
happy.<span> </span>The tower was a single spire,
perfect for a bird’s eye view of the jungle, and easily defended from any
number of enemies.<span> </span>Common sense.<span> </span>It wasn’t very much to go on, but it was all
the young hero had.<span> </span>He approached the
wall of greenery, looked one more time up at the tower, and then pushed through
the foliage.<span> </span>He smiled to himself.<span> </span>The thrill of the hunt had returned.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-52768614272989021972019-01-22T17:28:00.001-08:002019-01-22T17:28:40.884-08:00INTO THE WILD
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was a beautiful day on the beach. The sun shone brilliantly, and the wind blew
just enough to keep the climate comfortable.
The waves of the ocean lapped up against the shore like gentle kittens
begging for attention, and the clouds in the sky looked as if they were
hand-painted there for additional ambiance.
It was perfect.
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The old man lay on the sand – which
was the perfect temperature – with his bare chest up towards the sun. His grey lustrous beard came down to his
stubby little legs, only just covering up his brown leather leggings. His eyes were closed, and a contented smile was
on his face. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Only a few feet from the shoreline,
the old man reached his hand into a bucket that was next to him. He pulled out a plump orange and began to
peel away, all the while his eyes were still closed and the smile was still
content. Then he began talking to
himself.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “3…2…1,” suddenly, there was an
upshot of water from the beach. What had
been a perfectly calm ocean view, with not a ripple disturbing the surface,
became a jarring vision of a young man with shoulder length black hair, and a piercing
gaze, erupt from the water and slowly make his way toward the shore. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The old man hadn’t sat up to watch,
hadn’t moved an inch. He lay on the
beach and ate his newly peeled orange.
For a moment, after the young man had made his way out of the ocean, the
lounging elder heard nothing. Then,
suddenly, he heard what sounded like a body collapsing thud to the ground at
his feet.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Beau’iful entrance my lad, truly
beau’iful,” the old man said as he finally picked up his head off the sand and
saw the youth at his feet. The swordsman
was on his knees in exhaustion. His
breathing was heavy, and he was using his sword to prop himself up. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “What…are you doing here?” the dark
haired young man managed to get out between belabored breaths.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “I’ve me own part n’dis li’le
adventure,” the old one stated nonchalantly as he stuffed another piece of
orange into his mouth. Then he got to
his feet and held out his hand in offering.
He stood only a few feet off the ground, and at his full height the
elder was face to face with the young adventurer, who was on his knees.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Why are you talking like that? And why do you look like a dwarf? I don’t usually have trouble picking you out
when you decide to change,” the young man asked, genuinely curious.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “I didn decide to change dis
time. Somefin ta do wi’dis island, I
suspec. Gods cursed it, ya know. Ages ago.
No, gettin here wasn’easy, eh lad?” he gave the young man a knowing
smile, and a penetrating gaze.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “No…it wasn’t,” the young man was
finding his breathing easier now. He
looked down at himself, putting his hands on his stomach, his forearms, and
finally his face. “I seem to be the
same, though.”</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “You’ll have to be won’ya?” the
dwarf’s expression went dark, as he continued, “Dis is a sadistic place, an it
wants to break ya. The more challenge
you can give it the more fun it has.”</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Is that why you came after me? Well, you needn’t worry yourself Master
Dwarf. If you know why I’m here then you
know my cause is just,” suddenly, the young knight’s voice fell to an
impassioned whisper. “I will save the
Princess Cecily from Betrayer.”</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The young swordsman looked sternly
into the crystal clear azure eyes of the old Dwarf man, who looked back at him
just as sternly while chewing on the last bits of his fruit, orange specks
flecked throughout his long grey beard.
The swordsman immediately broke out into quiet laughter. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Quick to laugh. Dat’s good,” the ageless eyes betrayed a hint
of relief as the dwarf quickly looked toward the dense and ominous jungle that
lay a short distance from where they stood.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “My teachers didn’t think so,” the
young knight finally stood to his full height.
Stretching the ache of his swim away, his body became taut in the
sunlight. As he strapped his sword to
his back he said, “The best knights are the ones who can master themselves in
every respect,” and with that, his face took on a stern expression as they
walked. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “Well, dat’s certainly true. Although I think ya’re takin em a bit more
literally den dey intended. Being in
control o’yourself don’t mean you won’t feel nothin,” the old man spoke, up to
the knight who was twice his height.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The pair had gone beyond the sands
of the beach now, and were making their way across patches of grass and moss
that grew on the ground. A light mist
had slowly begun to cover the earth. It
grew heavier as they got closer and closer to the edges of the jungle, and as
they reached the very mouth of the great forest they could no longer see their
feet, much less the ground.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The dwarf stopped just shy of
entering the labyrinth of flora and fauna that stood before him. The young knight kept walking for an instant
until he realized his small friend was no longer beside him. He looked back for the dwarf but there was
nothing there. A wind blew across his
face, blowing his long, dark hair out of his eyes. He turned back to face the jungle entrance,
and armed with a sword on his back and a smirk on his face he plunged in.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-3640526228045958232019-01-06T17:01:00.002-08:002019-01-06T17:01:37.611-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ARRIVAL</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> The boat pitched from side to side violently in
the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tempest was all around and
it brought with it the full force of its fury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rain fell in huge droplets and was whipped in all directions by powerful
gusts, slapping into the face of the open sea like a glove that signified the
start of a duel.</span>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sea, as if in answer to the
storm’s challenge, rose up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves
were tremendous in their height, and fell with such incredible force that the
earth shook in response to the ocean’s anger at not being able to reach the
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little boat managed to stay
on top of the waves as they rose and crashed, but it wouldn’t last long in this
primal battle between to of nature’s most powerful forces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Steering the boat was a single
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore only a suit of linen
underclothes that clung to his body from all the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While his hands were working, rigorously, to
keep his vessel on course, his burning blue eyes never left the small, shadow
of land in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lightning ripped through the sky,
striking the small boat’s mast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Immediately, a blaze roared up, quickly travelling down the mast to the
rest of the vessel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young man looked
up at the sky, then out to the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
watched the tempest’s rains buffet the flames with drops as thick as stones; he
saw the turbulent sea water spill into the boat, completely submerging some of
the flame; but all of this was to no avail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fire would not be satisfied until it had claimed the boat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So, this island really is
accursed,” the young man thought to himself as he looked down upon his suit of
armor, shield and his broad sword in its scabbard; all lain side by side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had no time to linger, and so he quickly
picked up the broad sword and strapped it to his back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he made his way to the prow of the small
cruiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Nevertheless, there is work to be
done,” he thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with that, he
dove into the tempestuous sea, the smallest hint of a smile on his face.</span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><style>
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JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-21497627392629464522018-12-22T16:46:00.003-08:002018-12-22T16:46:45.195-08:00Of Gods and Men - Volume II<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>CHAPTER 7</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Laid Bare</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“The Messengers of Rama, as commanded my lord,” a female villager at the front of the throng declared.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had escorted, rather forcefully, the Messengers to the center of Tessir.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd surveyed the group, settling with a searching eye on the priestess and Janus at their head.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He signaled them to step forward, and they obeyed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were in his thrall now, and would do whatever he commanded them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Is Rama among you?” Shepherd’s voice rang out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not as far as we know, lord,” the priestess answered promptly.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd looked at the pair of them square in the eye.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They looked back at him with that same blank expression of the possessed; as did the villagers who had escorted them and the rest of the Messengers - save one.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>He was tucked away in the rear of the line, with his head bowed in a seeming subservience.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd smiled as he laid eyes on him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rama had been hiding in plain sight.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Well…bravo,” a soothing voice sounded in Shepherd’s ears.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The man who’s head was bowed, slowly raised it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was plain of face; so plain that, even looking at him straight on, Shepherd could not distinguish any of his features afterwards - save for his eyes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were an inky black that conveyed a pure emptiness as he smiled at the GodKing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He moved forward, through the throng of Messengers, to their forefront.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was instantly struck by the divinity of this being; like a flash of the sun it was, appearing for an instant in a break of passing rain clouds.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As his power shone through, the heads of everyone in the throng briefly turned to him, their wills unsure which divinity they should be subject to. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>But just as quickly as it had appeared, Rama’s power was hidden again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The GodKing was awed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Whenever he had tried to suppress his power, he could only manage it for a short burst and with a strain that would have been unimaginable to him when he was a mortal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yet Rama seemed to effortlessly keep his power hidden, showing it only briefly; a challenge to the GodKing of Malthanon.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You have much to answer for,” Shepherd began warily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Beginning with this mortal’s eyes,” at which point he held out a hand, and the blind Carys took it and stepped next to him prominently: an image of the horror Rama’s devotees could inflict.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Really,” the eyeless Rama lilted, his lips spreading into condescension, “such small, mortal offenses that you level against me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ironic, given that what you are playing at is much more…devious.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What do you mean?” Shepherd was surprised.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>What crime could Rama possibly level against him?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I mean your little plot to end divinity itself,” Rama’s grin widened, and the void in his eyes began to swirl as if they were the black clouds preceding a great storm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“To give this world over to mortal hands by destroying the gods.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I do not wish to destroy the gods,” Shepherd insisted.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Oh Malthus…”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I am not Malthus!”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Forgive me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I had forgotten,” Rama said with a laugh.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You are younger than you were.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Given yourself another name.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nevertheless,” Rama drew a hidden dagger from behind his back.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Its blade glinted in the afternoon sun, blinding Shepherd momentarily.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When the GodKing had regained his sight, Rama’s face was a mere few steps away from his own.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If he had wanted to, the eyeless god could have plunged the dagger deep into Shepherd’s chest before the GodKing had regained his sight.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Instead, the flat of the small blade was held against Shepherd’s throat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You will fail.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There is no hope of success.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You are one against many, and should you conquer <i>them,</i> there is still <i>him</i>.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd knew, without having to ask, who Rama meant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The dark robed one whom Adulatio called master, and served faithfully until Shepherd incapacitated him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The one who mortally wounded Malthus with his own sword, forcing him to suffer for a thousand years: always on the verge of death, but kept alive by his power.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The one who stabbed Cecily in the back, intending for her to suffer the same fate. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was well aware that he only escaped the dark robed one because he had been allowed to.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Though the mysterious stranger took the shape of a man, there was no doubt in Shepherd’s mind that he was greater than all the gods.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Who is he?” Shepherd felt compelled to ask.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Such a small question,” Rama answered with that superior lilt.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“So mortal-minded.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As if the simple idea of <i>who </i>could contain him.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd drew his sword, Brand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He’d had enough debate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He wanted answers, and he meant to get them now.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Foolish young god,” Rama goaded, pressing the blade of his dagger into Shepherd’s throat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd felt a cut, and then the trickle of what he assumed was blood fall from the wound.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“If I had wanted to, I could have slain you five times over already.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And make no mistake, I am willing to slay you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But it is not the will of my master that you should be slain…yet.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What is his will?” Shepherd asked defiantly.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Tut, tut,” Rama chided.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Why should he have only one plan for you?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fixed?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So that you can learn it, and futilely though it would be, try to avert it?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That was <i>your</i> mistake.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>You</i> have one desire, and no clear way to achieve it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That is why you will fail.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because you see, there is only one way to achieve your goal - and you have already decided against it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But when you do come around to what needs to be done, he has a thousand ways to stop you.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“He can’t stop me if I stop him first,” Shepherd tried to sound confident, but in the middle of his boast he faltered.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew it was an empty threat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Rama only grinned in reply.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew it was an empty threat too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And then he vanished.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was left there, surrounded by enthralled villagers, yet all alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could feel Cecily and Finnian within him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They wanted to talk: to appear in their ghostly forms and offer some form of comfort.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd did not heed that desire.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He wished to remain alone, and to think for himself. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>An instant later, Shepherd appeared on the top of his tower in Malthanon alone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The air was brisk and chilly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The season was changing, and Malthanon was bracing for winter below.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It would be a long, hard winter; Shepherd could feel it in the tendrils of his power.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The power of life and his own divine energies derived from the same place, after all. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>None of the people of his city knew it, though.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They had to face each winter hoping for the best, and expecting the worst.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But at least they had him to give them comfort - their god was supposed to look out for them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yet there was no one, and no thing, to look out for him. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd’s plan; his hope for the salvation of mortal-kind; had been laid bare to an enemy he had never known existed as a mortal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He hadn’t even begun to try and see it through. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>What was to be done now?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i></i></span>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-14458810405400145522018-12-08T19:21:00.001-08:002018-12-08T19:21:03.044-08:00Renounced
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Renounced</u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">It was the dead of night.<span> </span>The church parking lot was completely empty
as Evan wheeled past in his chair.<span> </span>It
wouldn’t be long before the pastor arrived to prepare for the Sunday service.<span> </span>That meant there wasn’t much time.<span> </span>That was good.<span> </span>Too much time meant he might get cold
feet.<span> </span>He had a plan; a design that was
entirely his.<span> </span>And so far, everything was
working out.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He rolled to the front door of the
church.<span> </span>It was locked.<span> </span>Of course it was.<span> </span>But Evan had prepared for this.<span> </span>He pulled out a hammer, tucked away in a
blanket he was using to cover his now useless, unfeeling legs.<span> </span>He found no one ever questioned the
blanket.<span> </span>It infuriated him.<span> </span>It made no sense to cover legs that felt
nothing with a blanket.<span> </span>But it didn’t
matter.<span> </span>To everyone else, it was a
clichéd token of comfort for a cripple.<span>
</span>That’s how they all saw him now.<span>
</span>How quickly perceptions could change.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan gave one swing of the hammer and
the door latch was broken.<span> </span>He snorted.<span> </span>It was so easy.<span> </span>Nothing was stopping him.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He wheeled himself into the
antechamber, just outside the sanctuary.<span>
</span>It looked strange to him in the blackness of night.<span> </span>He’d never been to the church when everything
was turned off.<span> </span>It felt cold and
sad.<span> </span>Fitting, it seemed to him.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He did not want to dwell in this
place.<span> </span>He began remembering all the
people he once called friends who he’d greeted here after Sunday services;
people he no longer spoke to.<span> </span>He rolled
past the ghosts of his memories; of an entirely different life, lived not that
long ago; and headed into the sanctuary.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">It was haunting.<span> </span>He slowly passed empty pew after empty pew
and stopped at the foot of the stage at the head of the room.<span> </span>Up two small steps there was a pulpit, and
behind that was a massive crucifix sculpture – complete with the dying Christ.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan stared up at this faux messiah,
as though he was looking Jesus in the eye.<span>
</span>He folded his hands together in the all-too familiar prayer pose.<span> </span>“Our heavenly Father,” he began.<span> </span>“Have you forgotten me?”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He let that question hang for a moment;
waiting, as though the statue of Christ might come to life and respond.<span> </span>Nothing happened.<span> </span>There was only silence and darkness…and Evan.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“Maybe you don’t recognize me?”<span> </span>Evan continued.<span> </span>“I can’t blame you.<span> </span>I don’t even recognize myself.<span> </span>The car accident destroyed my body.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Tears began to well up in Evan’s
eyes.<span> </span>He wiped them away and returned to
his supplication.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“Did you know that the day after…only
weeks ago,” he had to stop.<span> </span>He breathed
in, composed himself.<span> </span>“I was supposed to
have the biggest race of my life?<span>
</span>College scouts were coming.<span> </span>I was
guaranteed to get a scholarship.<span>
</span>Everyone said so: my parents, the coach, my…friends.<span> </span>‘You were born to run,’ they all said to
me.<span> </span>‘God has truly blessed you,’ they said.<span> </span>But not anymore I guess.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He was shaking.<span> </span>He smoothed the blanket on his legs to calm
himself so he could go on.<span> </span>So he could
give God a piece of his mind.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“It’s amazing how quickly your whole
life can change.<span> </span>It didn’t take long
after the accident for all those friends, all those concerned church-going
people, to stop talking to me.<span> </span>I thought
it might happen…after a few months.<span> </span>That
it would have been more gradual, and maybe I would’ve gotten used to it.<span> </span>Nope.<span>
</span>It was one week.<span> </span>All of a sudden,
it felt like calling the cable company for a service repair – all ringing, and
no answer.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan breathed.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“My parents resent me,” he told the
crucifix.<span> </span>“They haven’t said it, but I
can see it.<span> </span>Every day.<span> </span>Especially when I have to poop.<span> </span>Hah, I’ve never said that word in here.<span> </span>It just seemed disrespectful.<span> </span>But do you know what disrespectful is?<span> </span>It’s when your father has to hold you up
while your mother pulls down your pants and underwear and shoves a suppository
up your ass…” he paused, “…to get the poop out.<span>
</span>If that doesn’t work, she has to put her own fingers in there to clear a
path.<span> </span>And all you can do is be there;
not feeling anything, but knowing what’s happening.<span> </span>Knowing your mother is quiet because she’s
imagining how she’ll have to do this for the rest of her life.<span> </span>Then, you know she’s wiping you down because
she finally starts talking again, opening with a joke.<span> </span>Trying to make this whole thing bearable.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan waited, expecting something. <span> </span>He wasn’t sure what; maybe to be struck down
or the End of Days to begin.<span> </span>But nothing
happened.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“But all of that isn’t even the worst
part,” he said, more calmly than he expected of himself.<span> </span>“The worst part came yesterday, when the
doctor told my mom that I have pancreatic cancer.<span> </span>Apparently, they wouldn’t have found it if
not for the accident.<span> </span>That’s how my mom
started to tell me the news, which made me think, ‘Maybe the accident was a
blessing in disguise.’<span> </span>Until she got to
the next part – the cancer has spread.<span>
</span>Then, I went online and found out that ninety-five percent of the people
who have this die.<span> </span>So I just sat there,
staring at my computer screen repeating three things over and over in my head: ‘I’m
paralyzed, I’m dying and I’m completely alone.’”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan cried.<span> </span>He didn’t even wipe the tears away; he just
sat there glaring at the crucifix with rancor while keeping his hands folded.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“You hear that, FATHER?!” he screamed
with rage.<span> </span>“I thought you were supposed
to protect me!<span> </span>To shield me!<span> </span>Why even give me the gifts you did, if you
were only going to take them away before I could really use them?!”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan was sobbing.<span> </span>But the words came like a flood, spewing from
him on a river of anger and bitterness.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“My whole life I’ve been a faithful,
born-again Christian.<span> </span>For me! <span> </span>Not for anyone else.<span> </span>I gave you everything and you took everything
from me.<span> </span>How is that just?!<span> </span>How is that fair?!”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Light began peaking in.<span> </span>Evan looked out the window to see the sun
emerging.<span> </span>He wanted to say more; to keep
raging at his creator for the injustice of it all.<span> </span>But there was nothing left to say.<span> </span>He had come here with a goal, and if he was
going to achieve it he had to act.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">He turned back to the crucifix.<span> </span>The light of morning illuminated the face of
the wooden Christ with a faint glow; but the eyes remained dark.<span> </span>It felt to Evan like it was looking at him
mournfully.<span> </span>His heart skipped a beat,
and tears fell afresh.<span> </span>He grimaced.<span> </span>He would not be deterred.<span> </span>He was resolved in what he was about to do.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“I…hate…you,” he said, so
venomously.<span> </span>“A father is supposed to
love his son.<span> </span>A creator is supposed to
shelter his creation.<span> </span>But you didn’t do
any of that.<span> </span>So I’m here to take my life
in my own hands.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">From under the blanket, Evan pulled
out a lighter.<span> </span>He quickly brushed his
thumb against the flint wheel igniting the wick.<span> </span>A small flame danced in the empty church as
he held the wheel down.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“I racked my brain thinking of how I
could make you feel the same unfairness that I’ve been feeling,” Evan
continued.<span> </span>“My parents stood there
yesterday, looking down at me as they told me about the cancer.<span> </span>They were crying, but you know what they did
after they finished?<span> </span>Nothing.<span> </span>They just left me alone, to sit and
think.<span> </span>Think about all the things I’d
never do.<span> </span>All the people I’d never
meet.<span> </span>Then I started thinking of you and
of how you didn’t do anything either.<span>
</span>You have all the power to, but you didn’t.<span> </span>You ignored me, abandoned me.<span> </span>And that’s when I knew what I had to do.<span> </span>So I made my plan, and carried it out step by
step.<span> </span>I thought you might stop me,
somehow.<span> </span>But you didn’t.”<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan held the lighter up.<span> </span>He looked at the flame for just a moment
before closing his eyes.<span> </span>He lowered it
to the blanket on his lap and almost instantly he heard the blanket catch.<span> </span>He felt the warmth of the flame on his
chest.<span> </span>He smelled the smoke coming up
from the growing fire. <span> </span>He released the
flint wheel and let his hand drop.<span> </span>Then
he opened his eyes.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">“This morning, there won’t be any
songs or sermons.<span> </span>You’re done here. <span> </span>Just like me.<span>
</span>Goodbye Father.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Evan let the lighter fall to the
ground and with his other hand he pulled a small pistol out from under the
blanket.<span> </span>He did not hesitate.<span> </span>He raised the gun to this temple and pulled
the trigger.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Everything went black.</span></span></span></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-48963869109643174052018-11-25T08:19:00.004-08:002018-11-25T08:19:42.861-08:00Guardian Angel - Pilot
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Courier;">PROLOGUE</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">EXT. A DESERT GARDEN –
NIGHT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A rail-thin man kneels at
a boulder half the size of himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
head is bowed, his clasped hands raised.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Far away from him, the
black head of a serpent rises into view – a shadow given shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hisses and slithers slowly toward the
kneeling man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The man shivers and sobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is JESUS – not the perfect, white-washed
messiah, but a terrified, middle-aged, Middle-Eastern laborer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Father?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
hear me?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">From everywhere at once, a
hiss echoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus looks up to the sky –
where he thinks heaven is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>If it is possible, please…take this cup from me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Loud snores fill the
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus turns.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A stone’s throw away from
him lies a group of men: laborers all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are the APOSTLES, and they are all fast asleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You have to fuc – effin kidding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>The spirit is willing, but the flehs is weak.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Not as far away as before,
the shadow serpent picks up speed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus turns back to “heaven”
and raises his hands high while his head falls onto the stone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Please father!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t want to die.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The moving snake’s body
gets darker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At its belly, two legs
burst out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now half-human, half-snake,
the shadow serpent starts running.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">It races past the
apostles, making straight for Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus keeps praying,
oblivious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The serpent’s right behind
him now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It opens its mouth, bearing its
shadow fangs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It LEAPS at its prey.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">But inches away from
tasting that sweet messiah meat, a beam of white light SHOOTS through its
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The snake is driven into the
earth, melting into the night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The beam of light fades
revealing the blade of a sword.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And its wielder is an
angel, right out of a William Blake painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His silver armor gleams, and outstretched behind him are a pair of wings
so white they glow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On his head is a
silver helm that covers his entire face, save for two openings for his
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is REMIEL.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He pulls up his sword and
sheathes it as he steps in front of Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus raises his head,
looking straight at the angel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Father?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
there?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">We take on Jesus’s POV,
and where we know the angel to be standing, there is nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus’s head falls against
the stone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">But Remiel is still
standing there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lifts his hands to
his helm, making to take it off…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">When he’s suddenly spun
around to meet another angel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">This one is taller and
broader than Remiel, with golden armor,helm and wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like Remiel, his face is covered save for the
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is GODRIC.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">And the pair speak to each
other in English.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Stay
yourself Remiel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are forbidden from
showing ourselves to mortals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I’ve
had enough, Godric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were made to
protect them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel points right at
Jesus, who cannot see either angel in front of him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>I was made to protect him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Even
so, the fiends have been beaten back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Banished from this mortal plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our work is finished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">ON REMIEL who can’t take
his eyes from the prophet begging for his life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Mine is not.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Do
not misremember our task, little brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were only meant to protect them from the spawns of Lucifer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against which they could not fight back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>So the Seraphim say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>So God the Father has commanded!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">But
not to us, Godric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve never spoken to
the Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve never even met him!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Very
few have, Remiel, and you know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
is your point?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">My
point is I don’t need to know the Father to know the purpose he gave me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It drives me, Godric, as I know it does
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are Guardians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only now, we’re being told we’re not
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I still feel like one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it was the Father’s will that I should not
be…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">You
travel down a dangerous path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Seraphim are the keepers of the law, and they have declared our purpose
achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the law of heaven, we are
to return home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Cries recall Remiel to
look down on the suffering Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
have walked with this man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watched
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heard him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believes, truly, that he carries a message
given to him by our Father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">That
is impossible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Which
is why his belief will fail him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
it is not enough to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He must
also have faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>(Talking about me without having to)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He
has faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Does
he?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough to be challenged?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beaten?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Killded?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even after all that,
when he learns the truth, do you think he has the faith to go on believing in a
Father he may never truly know?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">A SIGNAL CRY echoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is spooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gets up, goes to the edge of a cliff
nearby and looks down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Below he sees the glow of
many torches moving through the trees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">They
are coming for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His own kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think he will give himself over, for
them?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Godric holds out a hand
toward the sleeping apostles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">In
the end, they will choose themselves over their brothers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus rushes back to the stone
in a panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks on the sleeping
apostles, then at the road leading away from them, and danger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC (O.S.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Remiel…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel, who has been
watching Jesus, turns to Godric.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">I
do not know what happens now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we
have been called home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And commanded to
give up our guard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>JESUS (O.S.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Father!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Jesus commands focus –
like, through impassioned eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">So
be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be as you, not I, would
have it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">The rail-thin man goes
back to the cliff and looks down on his doom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>JESUS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>I am going to die.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel turns to Godric
with a similar, determined look in his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Remiel, he’s mad!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Forgive me brother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel strides to the rock
Jesus was praying against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sits.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>GODRIC</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">He
is a martyr!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not the first, and he will not be the
last!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Perhaps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel turns his head back
to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He exhales audibly, then
brings his hands to his helm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Remiel lifts his helm off
his head, and as he does the warm light around him grows brighter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">That light strikes Jesus’s
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prophet’s eyes drink it in –
he sees.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;">Underneath the full helm,
Remiel reveals a face that looks exactly like Jesus’s, only fuller, healther,
and smiling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>REMIEL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>(Subtitled)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Courier;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Hello.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Courier;">END OF PROLOGUE</span></b></div>
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</style>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-73112274981016969972018-11-09T18:51:00.001-08:002018-11-09T18:51:12.769-08:00Of Gods and Men - Volume II<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">CHAPTER 6</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Head Them Off!</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">“Take my hand,” Shepherd said, offering his own without
looking back at the young maiden behind him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His gaze was focused ahead now; to the thick forest growing all around
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The tallest
Yew trees he had ever seen surrounded them; their boles thick and their bark
cracked. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were old, Shepherd sensed,
and while there were several younger and more slender saplings springing up out
of the earth, the tall Yews yielded no ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The old was choking down the young.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He felt
Carys’s hand fall into his, and he was instantly recalled to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was work to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherd closed his eyes and focused
inwardly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never seen Rama before,
and knew very little of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
mortal, Shepherd’s great love of divine lore did not extend to Rama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mysterious deity appeared briefly and infrequently;
always as a herald, foretelling the doom of heroes, villains…even other gods. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is he the god of prophecy, then?” </i>Shepherd
thought.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I never read, nor heard it said that he was
a god of anything,” </i>the voice of Cecily added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Is it possible to be a god of nothing?” </i>Finnian
continued the thread of thought.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I suppose it is,” </i>Shepherd grasped; it
was as though he was pulling up tufts of grass looking for carrots and had
suddenly found one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The power has never defined the gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have always named their own dominions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some dominions were kingdoms, like Malthanon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others, ideas that a god took a particular
fancy to, the way Adulatio lorded over no realm but claimed to be the god of
light.”</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Rama is different than Adulatio,” </i>Cecily’s
voice emerged in the din of thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He has dedicated followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They call themselves his Messengers.”</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They’re the ones who took Carys’s
eyes,” </i>Finnian added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“They appear in the stories as well,” </i>Shepherd
went on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“They’re nomads, speaking mostly on behalf of their god. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though there are versions of the tales that say
Rama is always among them and whispers his prophecies to a chosen mouthpiece.”</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It seems our only course then,” </i>Finnian
concluded, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“is to follow the Messengers.”</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>“Carys!” Shepherd said in a
panic, just on the heels of remembering that she was there and he’d been
holding her hand the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let
go reflexively and raised his hands with his palms out to show he’d had no ill
intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The cold,
vacant holes where Carys’s eyes used to be were what he met when he raised his
bashful gaze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carys was not smiling, or
reddening, or even laughing: she was still and stoic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The severity of the situation suddenly struck
Shepherd, and his face felt even more flush than it had a moment ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This woman had been irreparably, unjustly
brutalized in the name of a faceless god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She deserved justice…now, with no delays, and no distractions.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shepherd
took her hand back and held it steady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Carys,
do you know where Rama’s messengers are headed now?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes lord,”
she answered with a small bow of the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“To Tessir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a village
through the forest to the north.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And can
you tell me what message Rama is delivering to Tessir?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“None lord,”
Carys answered flatly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“None?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Rama and
his followers visited Tessir a year ago and predicted the village’s doom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claimed that Rhaia, GodQueen of this
realm and mistress of Tessir, had grown displeased with the village’s lack of
worship and was planning to scorch Tessir, killing everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, when the land was clean, she would give
it to those more deserving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet Rama’s
messengers offered the villagers hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They said that Rama would intervene on their behalf, and so long as
Tessir redoubled its efforts of worship from that day on they would be spared,”
Carys recounted.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I don’t
understand,” Shepherd posited, “if Rama was not asking for Tessir to worship
him in place of Rhaia, then what was he after?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do not
pretend to know the mind of a god, my lord.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Good for
you,” Shepherd smirked, “they can be very…fractured.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do know
that the Messengers always return to the places where they made predictions of
doom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say it is to check on the
people they have helped,” Carys related.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do they?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“They do,”
she affirmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But they also seek
compensation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘For all the lives we’ve
saved,’ as they would put it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They claim
this is a command from Rama.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“To what
purpose?” Shepherd was mystified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What
good is mortal money to a god?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I do not
know lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only an initiate…and an
unwilling one by the end.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shepherd’s
brow furrowed as he tried to puzzle out this riddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gods valued many things in the mortal
world: a mortal’s faith, service, labor, art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But he had never read of gods who wanted their followers’ money; not
directly, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Collections were taken
and taxes levied upon a god’s chosen people, but mortals were the ones who found
ways of buying and selling faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We
have to go to Tessir,” he concluded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Head
off his Messengers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe find Rama
among them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shepherd turned
from Carys to the north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He summoned the
power from the pit of his stomach and, suddenly, his sight pushed past the
suffocating Yew trees before them to the smooth, dirt road that led out of the
wood to the village of Tessir.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He let his
gaze wander over the whole of the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was small, but the wealth of it was apparent everywhere Shepherd
looked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the clean dirt road that
led to Tessir transformed into smooth, cobblestone streets once inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The homes were sturdy wooden frames with
expertly woven roofs made of straw and animal hides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small, open storefronts dotted the whole of
the place and they sold everything from food and clothing to toys and books;
distractions that poorer villages couldn’t afford.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But it all
paled in comparison to the grand church at the center of Tessir. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the vein of the village itself, Rhaia’s
house of worship was not over large, but it was made of a shining stone that
gleamed like a pearl in the sunlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Colored glass filled the large windows and they featured intricate
tableaus of Rhaia and her shaping of the land around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of church, a grand statue of Rhaia
stood with her arms outspread downward, while her head was bowed to look down
on the village: Tessir was always under her watch.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In an
instant, Shepherd and Carys stood before the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherd looked up, into the stone face of
the goddess whose realm he was trespassing on, and fleetingly hoped that she
would allow him to pursue Rama here without interference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hail lord,”
Shepherd’s head fell to look at the door of the church that was now before
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young woman dressed in simple
purple robes was sitting on the front steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She rose calmly, and whatever she had been feeling at the sudden appearance
of two strangers was masked now by the influence of Shepherd’s power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In fact,
all the villagers immediately around the church suddenly stopped in what they
were doing and turned toward Shepherd and Carys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost as one, the throng fell to their knees
and bowed their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Command us lord,”
they said in unison.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“There is a
roaming band of Rama’s Messengers headed for this village,” Shepherd stated
regally, “bring them to me when they arrive.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes lord,”
the group acquiesced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Until
then, you may go about your business.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
kneeling villagers stood up at once and went back to what they had been doing
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who left Shepherd’s
immediate vicinity felt his influence fade, yet they knew better than to
disobey, or even question, the orders of a god.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whether enthralled by his power or not, they had committed to obey his
command, and they intended to do just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The woman
in the purple robes approached Shepherd and Carys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was young, no older than seventeen if
Shepherd had to guess, and her features were small and sharp: her nose, mouth,
even her ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But her eyes were
incongruously large: deep pools of hazel that took Shepherd in slowly and with
great care.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All in all,
she reminded the young god of a mouse thoughtfully surveying its
surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, young one?” he
asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would you
like to hear the good news of Rhaia, lord?” the young girl asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you a
priestess?” Shepherd asked incredulously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You look so young.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No lord,”
the girl confirmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I am an
acolyte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wish to become a
priestess one day.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you?”
Shepherd pressed, touched by her sincerity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Then please, tell me the good news of Rhaia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat on the cobblestone street and leaned
his back against the stone arch that hung over the walkway leading to the
church’s door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carys sat beside him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Tessir
sits on the eastern edge of Rhaia’s realm,” the girl began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has blessed us with a bountiful land
which yields the very best harvest of the kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also blessed with many expert
craftsmen and artisans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is they who
have built Tessir into the village that is spoken about as far as the great
East Sea.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“It’s
beautiful, your village,” Shepherd marveled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Especially this church. Rhaia must be very pleased with it.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Truth be
told, we do not know if she is pleased, lord,” the acolyte admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She has not spoken to us for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This church is newly built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our promise to Rhaia of our dedication to her
service since Rama warned us of her anger a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, Rama’s messengers return to tell us how
we fare in the eyes of our GodQueen.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And to
collect Rama’s fee,” Shepherd added.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Which is
what?” </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Half of
all the gold in the village,” the young acolyte said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“That is a
steep price for a prediction,” Shepherd brooded.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But more
than fair for the saving of our home,” the young girl countered.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Why hasn’t
Rhaia been here to see you herself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
has she been absent for so long?” Shepherd moved on.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“No one
knows lord,” she admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“She stopped
showing herself to us even before I was born.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“But you
have seen Rama?” Shepherd pressed eagerly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“He has been here?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came with his followers on that fateful
day a year ago, and we hope that he will return with them.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“So do I,”
Shepherd muttered as he considered the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A GodQueen who had not appeared to her people
in several years was very strange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
with a large realm, the gods had the power to visit all of their territories,
and did; not only for the worship of their flocks, but also to keep their
presence at the forefront of their peoples’ minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mortals needed constant reminders that their
gods were watching over them, or they would be more likely to lapse in worship
as Tessir had.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Beyond the
lack of her presence, Rhaia using another god to communicate her wishes to her
people was truly baffling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was clear
to Shepherd that these people now regarded Rama just as highly as Rhaia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was their savior, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the gods were a jealous breed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It almost couldn’t be helped; the power they possessed
and the total control it gave them would have naturally shaped them to be that
way over the centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They carved out
their own kingdoms precisely because they did not want to share followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why was Rhaia now willing to share her
worship with Rama?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lord!” a
strange voice called.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The young
GodKing turned around to find a group of villagers running toward him on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood up, with Carys and the acolyte
following after him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lord, we
have them,” a man at the head of the group of villagers said as he ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherd could see the free will drain from
him, from all of them, as they drew closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The Messengers of Rama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re
just behind me and being brought as you commanded,” the man finished in a
monotone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Shepherd
used his power to look beyond the group before him and down the cobblestone
street where he found them: the Messengers of Rama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They walked being flanked by villagers who wore
exposed weapons on their belts and backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Messengers walked along wearing confused expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had expected to return to Tessir as
heroes, yet now they were being escorted to the Church of Rhaia as
prisoners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They were
in sight now: mortal sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
villagers standing before Shepherd parted down the middle, responding to the
god’s unspoken desire to keep eyes on the Messengers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As they
drew closer, Shepherd could see the free will drain away from both the Messengers
and the villagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The villagers grew
stern in their resolve to obey him, and the Messengers’ confusion faded to acquiescence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, just before all sense of their right
minds left them, two of the Messengers in the front line looked up and laid
eyes on Shepherd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, collectively,
their gaze moved to Shepherd’s right, where Carys stood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>With the
last strand of free will left to them, Shepherd saw the shock that the
priestess and Janus felt at seeing the woman who’s eyes they had taken, and the
terror at realizing the doom that now lay before them.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And then
their faces went blank: expressionless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shepherds
power had enveloped them, and they were his now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And soon,
Rama would be his too.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><style>
<!--
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</style> </i></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></div>
JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-75958568151448523732018-10-28T17:10:00.000-07:002018-10-28T17:10:54.786-07:00"To Be Chosen"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"To Be Chosen"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>A Song from a Thing</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I don’t know why I’m
still surprised</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">To learn that I’m
all wrong</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In here, out there,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Its always been</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A conclusion
profoundly foregone</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Well universe, I’ve
heard you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Finally I understand</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Your chosen ones are
special</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In ways I’m not as a
normal man</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">To be chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Means you’re the
right one for the job</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Long ago foretold</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">By a man who’s old</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">That you’re a
friggin god</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Strong enough to
lift a horse</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">But wise enough to
not</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Cause you’re chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">So you ride the
horse instead</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Funny, I feared this
moment</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">If and when I knew
it true</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Would make me feel
as invisible</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As the dad I never
knew</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">But I’m still here,
still standing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Far away from my
hometown</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There’s no quest for
me to screw up</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And no mother to let
down</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">To be chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Means you’re
destined to succeed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">On your noble quest</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">You will do what’s
best</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Satisfaction
guaranteed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">You’re brave enough
to start a fight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Men and monsters
will be beat</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Cause your chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And fate says you
will win</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Maybe I’ve been
looking at this all wrong</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">On fated wings a
chosen one may soar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">But there’s no way
to steer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">It is fate that
takes the lead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">After all, there’s
just one way to do</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">What you were chosen
for</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">To be chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Means your choices
have been made</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">You can’t veer or
stray</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">From your destined
way</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">To the ladies’ great
dismay</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">You’re man enough to
love them</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">So devoted you steal
away</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">(pause)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In the night
probably</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Cause you’re chosen</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">And that’s all you
can beeee</span></div>
<br />
As for me<br />
I'll never be a chosen one<br />
But I can choose to be a champion <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span></span></div>
JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-41511391372542262212018-10-13T19:26:00.002-07:002018-10-13T19:26:40.201-07:00Of Gods and Men - Volume II<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CHAPTER 5</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A Way Forward</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<style type="text/css">
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span.Apple-tab-span {white-space:pre}
</style>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> “How?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How is this possible?” Shepherd asked aloud of himself.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You know very well,” the voice of Cecily lectured.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“The power is supposed to give me what I want.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I wanted to heal her,” Shepherd argued to his feminine aspect.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Maybe there are limits on what you can do after all,” the faint voice of Finian posited.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“For instance, I’ve never seen a god raise someone from the dead.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“The divine power is limited only by the one who wields it,” Cecily corrected.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“By their desire, more specifically.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you have not seen a god raise someone from the dead, that’s because the gods you’ve did not <i>want </i>to raise someone from the dead.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“But I wanted this,” Shepherd broke into his combating thoughts, “so badly that I felt it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I felt the power like never before.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I commanded it, and it listened to me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I saw myself guiding it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Saw the future that such control of it could bring.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Obviously you didn’t want it badly enough,” Finnian blurted out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Both Shepherd and Cecily turned to look at him, incredulous.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Maybe,” Finnian backpeddled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I meant to say maybe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Actually, I didn’t.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sorry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You are me, there’s no use in lying.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Strange that I would feel the need to spare your feelings.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Oh, it’s because they’re my feelings too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Ugh, I’m starting to hate this whole, three aspects as one pickle we’re in.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Well, seems the two of us are in agreement on something at least,” Shepherd offered, finding a slight solace in recognizing a piece of the real Finnian in the ghost that stood before him.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“All three of us are in agreement,” Cecily clarified emphatically, “all the time!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You know that!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Fine!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes, I know that,” Shepherd relented.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Are you happy now?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“No!” Cecily yelled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You know I’m not.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd opened his mouth to retort but ended up laughing instead.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I’ve missed this,” he said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And after a while, after his laughter had died down and the silence set in, “I miss you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He did not look up to see the ghosts of his friends looking back at him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He did not need to.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew they were smiling, because he was smiling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew that they felt hot, because he felt hot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But more importantly, while he couldn’t be fully sure, he believed that they felt the same way…no matter where they truly were at this moment.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Didn’t want it enough,” Cecily said aloud quietly; as though she would have said it to herself, had she been a self.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Huh,” Shepherd and Finnian uttered, the three of them coming to the same realization.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“The power grants its bearer what he or she truly wants,” Shepherd began, forming his thesis from the scattered thoughts of the three of them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“It stands to reason then, that if two gods come to conflict over the same thing…if they want the same thing, then the god that wants it more will win it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Rama wants her eyes more than you do,” Finnian added.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“More than we do,” Shepherd corrected.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“For the moment, at least.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He gave the ghost of Cecily a hopeful look.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“This can still work.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You think you can encourage all the world to follow a single god…you, and then, with all that adoration and worship, you will free them?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You know the answer to that,” Shepherd said snidely.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He enjoyed turning her own lecture-ous ways against her.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Very well,” she conceded with a wry smile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“But you know the other gods will not allow it.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“They won’t have a choice,” Shepherd concluded, “not if I want freedom for mankind more than they want the slavery of mankind.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“This is a dangerous game you play,” Cecily said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“In the entire history of mankind, never has selflessness been victorious over selfishness.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“It certainly has at times,” Shepherd argued.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“In moments.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Instances.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Matters of singular choice, maybe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But never in the long years of man,” Cecily clarified.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“This is more than a soldier sacrificing himself for his country.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or a martyr giving herself over to heathens for her god.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The type of sacrifice you are suggesting must last as long as the world itself lasts.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You forget,” Shepherd said with a smile, “I am a god.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not a mortal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>To a god, it may be that the lifespan of mankind is as a moment to man.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>An instant.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A matter of singular choice.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Cecily’s brow furrowed and her head fell.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She was thinking, Shepherd knew.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He traveled, as his feminine aspect, down a road of conjecture looking to find where the dead-end lay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Cecily-side of him was sure there she would find it, so sure in fact that Shepherd was taken aback at how much he apparently doubted himself. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Finally, the pale reflection of his friend looked up at him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her face was inscrutable.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She hadn’t found any dead ends, at least, he didn’t think she had.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just as he was beginning to doubt everything he had come to know about his connection with Cecily, she shrugged her shoulders.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I’m right?” Shepherd asked, unsure if he was relieved or not.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I don’t know.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because you don’t.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You could be right,” Finnian offered, materializing into view.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I think I’m right.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I’m not so sure,” Cecily posited.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Stop doing that.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You could be wrong,” Finnian added.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You too?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“That’s right,” Finnian added with a wry smile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What would you have of me lord?” the woman on the alter interrupted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Had Shepherd not known better, he would have sworn that there was a hint of annoyance this time.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>But he was too excited with his epiphany to dwell on a strange woman possibly judging him for a conversation that, to her, would appear to be a single person talking to himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He stepped toward her, releasing the ghosts of the past back into the ether of his own divinity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He would did not need to confer with Cecily and Finnian anymore.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He knew what to do nest.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I want you to stand.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>She sat up and quickly swung her legs over the side of the stone alter, vaulting herself onto her feet before him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blood from her wounds trickled down her face, falling now onto the simple white frock she wore, and leaving its mark. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd focused all the strength he had into suppressing his power.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The strain pulled him even tighter than it did when he faced the crowd at Malmot, but he was determined to talk to this woman before he acted; and to talk to her, he needed her to be freed from his subjugating influence.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>He felt his power recede from the world around him and enter back into himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It forced him down to the ground, like he was carrying a heavy boulder on his back up a steep hill.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But as he fell, the woman rose.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The power was leaving her, and with it so too the burden of it.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Ah.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>AHHH!” her cries of pain turned to shrieks as the severity of her injuries took back the forefront of her mind. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Lady…,” Shepherd struggled to say.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His body was quivering as it tried to contain his own infinite raw energy. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Who is that?” she called out, terror tinging every word.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“My na…” he couldn’t even finish the word.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He breathed in and out; short, sharp breaths as he readied to speak again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Shepherd!” he finally managed.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What do you want?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“To…help!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Help how?” she asked meekly as she brought her hands up to where her eyes used to be to try and stem the flow of blood.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Eyes!” Shepherd barked quickly, breathing fast again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He felt like he was pushing a door closed against a great wave on the sea, crashing against it on the other side.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Get them back!”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Get my eyes back?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who are you to promise such a thing?” the woman shrieked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, amidst fresh sobs, “you’re no god.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I can,” Shepherd’s voice was down to a whisper now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The rope of his control was down to a single strand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“If…you want.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Of course I want my eyes back.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And with them, I would leave here, and so help me if I ever laid eyes on another god.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>SNAP</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What would you have of me lord?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The strand had broken, and the power flowed out from Shepherd.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As it did, it filled him with a euphoric giddiness, the likes of which he had not felt since Malmot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For a moment, he remembered the might of Malthus in all its glory, and the image of all the gods in existence bowing low before him came to life in his waking sight.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The euphoria passed in a moment, and the sightless woman came back into view.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She stood hunched before him, but proud.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She did not wail with the pain of her injuries now, but the blood determinedly continued to gush; a scarlet reminder of what Shepherd failed to save in the first place, and the promise he intended to uphold now.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You will not stop,” Shepherd commanded, “until her eyes are restored.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You are too kind lord,” she said in the cold calm of the possessed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Now what would you have of me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was struck with a sudden realization.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I don’t know your name,” he said aloud.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Do you wish to?”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Yes.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You honor me lord,” she said dispassionately.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“My name is Carys.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Carys.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Will you walk with me?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Anywhere lord,” she asserted coolly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Everywhere.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Forever and ever.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Not forever,” Shepherd proclaimed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Only until we take back what was taken from you.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And to that end,” he pulled Brand from the scabbard at his side.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The blade came alive with a white glow that pulsed from within.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“We go to the one responsible for this.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“But Janus cannot restore my eyes lord,” she stated stoically.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Nor the priestess.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“They were not the ones responsible,” Shepherd said and instantly wished he hadn’t.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because right on the heels of him saying it…</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Actually, they were,” the ghost of Finnian suddenly appeared before him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Janus more so than the priestess, but still…they were responsible.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I was trying to make a point,” Shepherd argued.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Oh I know.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just like you knew I couldn’t resist correcting you.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“You’re not correcting me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Janus and the priestess are puppets.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I want the puppet master.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Oooh, that’s nice.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I do like that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Being puppets still doesn’t rob them of responsibility for this, but that is a good line.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was angry, though he couldn’t help but give the ghost of his friend a small smile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“You don’t take anything seriously, do you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Just not too seriously,” Finnian clarified.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“And I’ll never let you take anything too seriously either.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Hm, fair enough,” Shepherd grinned. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Flashing a smile of his own, the pale Finnian vanished.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>As Shepherd calmed, Brand’s glow faded, finally diminishing altogether until the sword was just a piece of bright steel in his hand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was grateful in this moment to have his friends still with him, even if they were only reflections of himself.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They held enough of what made up the real Cecily and Finnian to bring out in him what they brought out in him: wisdom through forethought, and temperance through humor.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They gave him confidence to pursue this path, in no small part because he came to it with their help.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Which is why now there was nothing else to do but go forth. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“To Rama.”</span></span></div>
<b></b>JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-88249898600155882162018-09-30T17:30:00.002-07:002018-09-30T17:30:35.986-07:00Of Gods and Men - Volume II
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<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">CHAPTER 4</span></b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Epiphany</span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> “What will you do?” Shepherd heard Cecily’s voice ask.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There was a bemused wonder in her tone that mocked him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She knew full well he didn’t know what he was going to do, because <i>she </i>was part of him. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>What an inane question.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A twinge of awareness arose in him; like a hair standing on the back of one’s neck in a tense situation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He turned to look full on into the face of the pale lady that was both part of and apart from him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I will not apologize.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It <i>was</i> an inane question.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd turned back to the suffering woman on the alter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her tidal wave screams were receding into long, low ripples of torment; her moans belied not just physical pain, but the existential suffering that came with realizing her life would never be the same again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She would never see…anything, ever again. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I have to help her,” Shepherd declared in a bold and brash tenor.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“But you meant to,” the voice of Finnian argued.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“Before the priest stabbed out her eyes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You could have stopped him with a thought.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I know that,” Shepherd snarled.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was another foolish reminder of what he already knew, and so help him if Finnian asked…</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Then why didn’t you?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd exhaled reflexively, his face collapsing from an upheld grimace to a careworn mien.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I don’t know,” he finally confessed; desperation escaping his words like drops of water leaking from a cracked clay pot.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Nearly two miles away, the woman sobbed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The ripples flowed forth; breaking, one after another, as if at Shepherd’s feet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They washed away the grains of excuses for his inaction, leaving exposed the truth that with all the power in the cosmos, he was still able to fail.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>He suddenly saw himself standing next to the alter, holding one of the suffering woman’s hands in his own.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So it was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd stood beside the stony bed, knowing that he should have been awed that he had appeared there in an instant, and yet feeling too tired for wonder.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was easy enough to explain, after all.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Just as he admitted his own fatigue to himself, the woman’s moans ceased, though her suffering had not.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But the power was on her now, and she was a slave to the will of Shepherd.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Lord?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“No,” Shepherd replied.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“I am not Rama.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>That did not matter, of course.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was the power that enthralled her, regardless of who wielded it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd tried to quell it then so that she could be herself in his presence: just as he had in the midst of Malmira’s people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But without even the strength to muster enthusiasm, there was little chance of him straining himself to suppress the fountain of power that erupted from inside him</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>He sighed; exhausted in spirt, though he was energized in body.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Shepherd gently placed Brand back in its scabbard and took a moment to stand…just stand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He let his eyes fall on the maligned face of the young woman, settling on her slowly sinking eye sockets.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fresh blood was still falling from them; cascading down the sides of her face and staining her pale skin with the red of the route it had traveled. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“What would you have of me lord?”</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I just want you to see again,” he said reflexively, feeling helpless and angry with himself all over again that he did not act when he could have: when he should have.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>In the pit of his stomach, he felt the power well up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A warmth raced through his body, and it sparked to life a realization.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The furnace of his spirit, home to a single, small flame an instant ago, burst and spread with the roaring fire of purpose. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“I would have you see again,” Shepherd demanded of the gift he carried inside himself. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Gently, he placed a hand over the woman’s useless eyes, even as he closed his own.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He felt the warmth running through him pulse to searing: he had summoned the power, and the power was answering.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He guided it, using his mind’s eye, from the pit of his stomach through his hand and into her waiting face.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A golden light shone from the underside of his palm, setting her cheeks aglow and for the first time since he had come here, he saw her smile. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd removed his hand and offered his own smile in return, for the woman’s eyes had been restored.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Beautiful green spheres, the color of emeralds, sparkled as they took him in with joyful gratitude. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>It was so obvious to him now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was a god.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had the power of divinity flowing through him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could shape lands as he saw fit: raise mountains, fill oceans.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could use that infinite power to usurp the dominions of the other gods by taking their place in the hearts of their worshippers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He would right the wrongs that mankind deemed they had committed, and in turn mankind would follow him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, with all of humanity in his thrall, he would command them to stop obeying him; stop obeying the gods altogether, and to be masters of their own lives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For that, he knew, is what he truly wanted.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Had he been a mortal contemplating this, he would have deemed it impossible: absurd even.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was, for a mortal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yet he was a god now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Was he not capable of achieving the impossible?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rather than fall into the trap of all the other gods and take up a dominion for himself, was it not inevitable that at some point, there would be a god who would forsake dominion?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So that freedom could finally reign?</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And she would be the start of it all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She would be his first test. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>It was a noble idea, and a selfless one too.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perhaps too selfless…for men.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But he was a god.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Shepherd was giddy with this new revelation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How did this not occur to him immediately?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He could only guess that gaining all the power of a god did not grant him any more wisdom than he already had: and judging by the fact that he could only guess at that idea, and did not know it for a certainty, was further proof that it was the truth.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“Tarsus,” the married voices of the two ghostly aspects living within him called out.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The use of that name shook him back to the present moment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had not heard it, either aloud or in his own mind, since he christened himself Shepherd.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>More than that, he had not felt like Tarsus Cole since that time either.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was more, and less somehow.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>He looked down at the maiden whose eyes he had meant to heal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her body was completely stiff: her arms and legs stretched as far as they would go, and a tension vibrated through her like electricity being conducted through a copper bar.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her mouth was wide open, and her voice soared out of her in jubilant cries of ecstasy.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Shepherd lifted his hand from her face, letting her body fall limp to the stony bed beneath her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As he took his hand away and saw her face underneath, a sharp breath escaped him.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For the lids over her eyes were still sunken in, just as they had been before.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had not healed her, and he had not made her worse.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He had poured his power into her, and it did nothing.</span></span></div>
<br />JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-59953133016020996692018-09-16T13:10:00.004-07:002018-09-16T13:10:45.396-07:00Of Gods and Men - Volume II<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>CHAPTER 3</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Spells</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>
</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Shepherd idled along the crest of the great hill that
overlooked Malthanon.<span> </span>Once upon a time,
he had journeyed to this very spot in the company of two friends.<span> </span>Cecily was on her quest to retrieve the sword
of the GodKing, and he had convinced Finnian, his dearest friend, that they
should join Cecily’s enterprise.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>On their
initial journey from his small, shepherd’s village, Shepherd weighed whether or
not he was doing the right thing.<span> </span>He had
been so invigorated by Cecily’s mission; by the chance to be great and fulfill
a sacred crusade in service to the gods that had fascinated him ever since he
was a child.<span> </span>But the moment he saw
Malthanon, perched atop this great height, he knew that he had made the right
choice.<span> </span>Though he’d question it all
through their adventure together, he always fell back on the feeling of seeing
the great city for the first time: a feeling of having found home.<span> </span>He’d never been to Malthanon before, but he
knew he belonged here.<span> </span>For if such a
beautifully intricate work of engineering, architecture, law, order, art,
philosophy, culture and community was made by mortals; if indeed so great an
achievement as Malthanon had been made to serve, and be served, by a god, then
he had found his clan.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>And since
then, he had found that greatness.<span> </span>He
was the god now who ruled over Malthanon: the new Malthus, born to serve, and
be served, by this great city.<span> </span>And
strangely, the place no longer felt like home.<span>
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Beside him
there shimmered into being two shapes: one, a redheaded warrior woman with a
sure stride, though one that never o’ertook his own.<span> </span>The other was a dark-haired man with a boyish
grin that never faded anymore.<span> </span>Cecily
and Finnian were with him always, now.<span>
</span>Though, he could not summon them at will.<span> </span>In this, as in all things, his power proved
mysterious.<span> </span>Sometimes he could harness
it and bend it to his will.<span> </span>Other times
it acted without his command.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“There is a
simple enough reason for that,” Cecily said, in answer to his thought.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“It gives
me what I want.<span> </span>What I truly want,
yes.<span> </span>You’ve said,” Shepherd replied
distantly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Why so
glum?” Finnian asked lightly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Because I
don’t know what that means,” Shepherd answered.<span>
</span>“I’d enjoy an apple right now, yet the power does not manifest one for
me.<span> </span>And you two appear, yet I did not
call for you.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“I’m afraid
you must learn what it all means for yourself,” Cecily droned.<span> </span>“If it means anything at all.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“How?”
Shepherd asked, a little annoyed that reflections from inside himself were
being so withholding.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Easy
friend,” Finnian chided playfully.<span> </span>“No
need to be so bothered.<span> </span>We don’t know
precisely because you don’t.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>This was
another element of his…connection to these phantoms that was growing more
irritating by the day: they knew, and at least could sense, everything he knew
and felt.<span> </span>There was not an urge, an
impulse, a fleeting thought that he could have that they would not know about.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“That’s not
our fault either,” Finnian pressed with that ever-present smile.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“It’s
infuriating, nonetheless,” Shepherd confessed, giving up trying to keep his
feelings to himself.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“I can only
imagine,” Finnian mused.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“The power
is no different than the lifespan of a mortal,” Cecily added as an exasperated
Shepherd turned to face her.<span> </span>“It’s a
mystery.<span> </span>Slowly unraveled in the folds
of time.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Why are
you here?” Shepherd asked more in reflex then in genuine curiosity.<span> </span>As Cecily opened her mouth to answer, he
quickly recovered with, “you don’t know, yes.<span>
</span>Only I would know why you’re here.<span>
</span>Well I don’t.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Then
perhaps the better question to ask is, why are <i>you </i>here?” Cecily offered.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Shepherd
turned back to look over the city of Malthanon.<span>
</span>The sun was setting behind it, giving the whole city a warm, golden
glow.<span> </span>The spire of the GodKing, his
spire now, rose in the center of the great metropolis, making the city look to
him, for the first time, as though it were a spinning top with its bottom
needle buried so that it sat flat, and its upper needle extending so far into
the sky that it had no end in sight.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“I don’t
know where we go from here,” Shepherd finally admitted, resolutely fixing his
focus to the city and not to either one of their faces.<span> </span>“Malmira arose a thought in me I had not
considered, though I should have.<span> </span>I want
to end the gods.<span> </span>That includes her.<span> </span>To act on that want…means killing them.<span> </span>Killing Malmira.”<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“And you
don’t want to kill Malmira,” Finnian concluded.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Yes!<span> </span>Yes!”<span>
</span>Shepherd had had enough.<span> </span>“Enough
telling me what I already know.<span> </span>How do
we move forward?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“We don’t
know,” Finnian shrugged.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Shepherd
turned to Cecily.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“He’s
right,” she agreed.<span> </span>“If you don’t know
how to move forward without killing the gods, then we don’t.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“The real
Cecily would have at least had a suggestion,” Shepherd reflected. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Maybe the
way forward,” the pale Cecily offered meekly, as though she didn’t believe in
the idea she was about to put forth, “is to leave the gods be.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“After all,”
Finnian hurriedly spoke, “you couldn’t kill Adulatio.<span> </span>And he was as bad as any god you’ve ever
heard of.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Shepherd
wanted to be angry, but he couldn’t muster it.<span>
</span>They were right, the pair of them.<span>
</span>The power was supposed to give him what he truly wanted.<span> </span>Malmira challenged him to be utterly sure in
his willingness to destroy the gods.<span> </span>And
he truly believed that mankind would be better off ruling themselves, instead
of the gods ruling over them.<span> </span>Yet in the
end, there was only one sure way he knew of to destroy the gods, and no matter
his resolve, he did not want to go down that road.<span> </span>He could not, as he had already proven with
Adulatio.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>So here he
was; at an impasse.<span> </span>He wanted to save
mankind from tyranny and slavery.<span> </span>He
wanted revenge for what the gods took from him.<span>
</span>But he did not want to do the one thing necessary to see his quest through.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span><i>“Please don’t…” </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>Shepherd
wasn’t sure if he heard the voice with his ears or with…something else.<span> </span>It sounded far away to him; like the
high-pitched passing of a cutting wind.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span><i>“…please…”</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span></i>He was there before the thought
had even entered his mind to go: standing behind the trunk of a wide yew tree
in a wood think with them.<span> </span>He looked out
onto a small forest clearing, where a group of men, women and children huddled
around a roughly shaped stone table.<span>
</span>Upon the table, a young woman was strapped at her hands and feet.<span> </span>Looming above her was a man who looked to be
her age.<span> </span>He wore a face of grim resolve,
and he held two small, pointed blades like a doctor’s tools over the girl’s
open, weeping eyes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“You agreed
to this,” the knife-wielding man said.<span> </span>“It’s
the only way to save your village.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“I know,”
the woman cried.<span> </span>“But please…there must
be some other way.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“There is
no other way.<span> </span>Rana demands this.<span> </span>Every year,” the young man implored, and not
for the first time, Shepherd judged by his heightened fervor.<span> </span>“She protects us and keeps us, and she asks
only for the eyes of a young, willing villager.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“But…I am
not willing now,” the girl pleaded through tears.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“You were,”
the man persisted.<span> </span>“That is all that
matters.<span> </span>Be brave, and think how blessed
you will be.<span> </span>Your eyes go to Rana.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Please…”
was all the woman could say, over and over again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>A sturdy
man with greying hair and his hat in his hands stepped forward.<span> </span>“Janus, maybe we should let her go.<span> </span>She’s not willing.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Do you
want to take her place?” a mother with two children clinging to her legs called
out.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“I can’t,”
the man with the greying hair said, clearly caught off his guard.<span> </span>“I’m too old.<span>
</span>But maybe one of your children…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Say one
more word and I’ll tear your eyes out myself,” the mother snapped.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span>“Enough,
good people,” another woman said, stepping out in front of the crowd and
positioning herself between the older man and the mother.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This woman wore the robes of a
priestess; all a deep red with the symbol of a large, white eye sewn in the
center.<span> </span>Her hair was covered entirely by
a white hood that was pulled tight to cover everything but her face.<span> </span>Yet it was her face that was the most
striking aspect of her.<span> </span>For where her
eyes should have been, the priestess had only empty, indented sockets.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I remember the day of my
sacrifice,” the priestess went on.<span> </span>“It’s
natural to be afraid.<span> </span>To doubt in Rana’s
grace.<span> </span>But this young woman is making a
brave sacrifice that will not only benefit all of you, but her as well.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Priestess!” the sacrificial lamb
called out from the table, “I’ve changed my mind.<span> </span>I’m not willing.<span> </span>Rana couldn’t possibly want me now.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Child,” the priestess said with
genuine sympathy.<span> </span>“Rana wants you
all.<span> </span>To be safe.<span> </span>To be well fed and nourished.<span> </span>To live and to love.<span> </span>And to give her her due.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“But…it isn’t fair,” the woman
implored.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It’s only fair,” the priestess
responded.<span> </span>“Janus, proceed.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shepherd put a hand to the hilt of
Brand at his side.<span> </span>He drew it
forth.<span> </span>There would be no mutilation on
his watch.<span> </span>He stepped out from behind
the yew tree.<span> </span>He was half a league away,
but with a thought he could be among them in an instant, and once his power
washed over them, they would all be prepared to do whatever he wanted them to
do.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Wait!<span> </span>Wait!” the young woman screamed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The desperation of a young woman
with no card left to play gave them all pause, even the priestess.<span> </span>There was nothing left to say; no arguments
left to try.<span> </span>There was only desperation
at its most base level; the level that all mankind knows and shares.<span> </span>It was a primal mirror, held up to the souls
of all the villagers; man, woman and child; showing each of them the dreaded
reflection of themselves in the young woman’s place.<span> </span>Each of them begging for their own lives.<span> </span>All of that begging falling on deaf ears.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janus’s hands tembled, even as his
sharp, thin blades hovered just over the young woman’s eyes.<span> </span>The same open, beautiful, pale blue eyes he
now gazed into.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“…please…” the young woman managed
to whisper, only to him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">STAB</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Her screams shook all of them out
of their momentary reverie.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shepherd, the god, came to along
with the villagers.<span> </span>He stood rooted,
still half a league away, watching as the villagers slowly began to turn their
backs on the wailing woman and disappear into the trees.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janus cut loose her bonds.<span> </span>The priestess stepped up to the stone altar,
kissed her hand, and placed it over the young woman’s bleeding eyes.<span> </span>The young woman slapped the old priestess’s
hand away.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You’ve made Rana proud today,
child,” the priestess said.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The young woman did not
answer.<span> </span>Perhaps she could not.<span> </span>She only wailed all the louder, trying to stem
the tide of blood from her now useless eyes with her own hands.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Janus and the priestess did not
linger long.<span> </span>They soon followed the
other villagers into the wood.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The young woman thrashed from side
to side on the stone altar, yet she did not roll off.<span> </span>And all the while, Shepherd only stood there,
half a league away, watching her suffer, and wondering how he had fallen so
deep under her spell that he did nothing to save her.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><style>
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JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591101644564561121.post-66536083784232732262018-09-02T18:51:00.003-07:002018-09-02T18:51:35.012-07:00Translations<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> “I’m afraid, Mr. Reyes, that the tumor in your mother’s
lung has more than doubled in size over these last four months,” the doctor
said.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“What
does that mean?”<span> </span>David asked.<span> </span>He put his arms around his mother and held
her tightly.<span> </span>He could feel her looking
up at him; this sixty-eight year old frail Spanish woman who could only catch
every other word of what the doctor was telling her.<span> </span>After the doctor told him all the details,
she’d immediately ask David to recount them in their native tongue.<span> </span>He’d never hated doing that before, with
normal things like buying a washing machine or ordering at a restaurant.<span> </span>But ever since his grandmother was brought to
the hospital it had gotten harder to have the same conversation twice in such
rapid succession.<span> </span>He felt like he had no
time to take anything in.<span> </span>No time to
wade into the pool and get used to the temperature of the water.<span> </span>He heard bad news and had to dive into
telling his mother, which meant that in the space of seconds he was being
forced to live with some very hard truths.</span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“It
means she’s over ninety and at this rate…” the doctor stopped himself.<span> </span>He became thoughtful for a moment, clearly
thinking about how to proceed.<span> </span>But the
silence was enough to give David the answer to his question.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>The
doctor finished his spiel.<span> </span>He said he
was sorry, that they were doing all they could, that David’s grandmother was
comfortable.<span> </span>Then he tentatively placed
a hand on David’s shoulder, squeezed in consolation, and walked away.</span>
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“What did he say?”<span> </span></i>David’s mother immediately asked.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>David
exhaled.<span> </span><i>“Do I really have to tell you?”<span> </span></i>It
came out angrier than David meant it to.<span>
</span>He immediately looked down at his mother to apologize, and he saw that
she was crying.<span> </span><i>“I’m sorry mama.” </i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“It’s ok.<span>
</span>This is hard,” </i>was all she could get out for a while as she
sobbed.<span> </span>Unbelievably to David, he
noticed how quiet she was in her tears.<span>
</span>She kept looking around, making sure she wasn’t bothering anyone.<span> </span>It was overwhelming to David.<span> </span>He’d never seen his mother look so
alone.<span> </span>He reached out and hugged her
tightly.<span> </span>Then the tears came to him too.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Should we tell her?”<span> </span></i>he asked.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“No,” </i>his mother said flatly.<span> </span><i>”You
know how she is.<span> </span>She’ll worry.<span> </span>She’ll panic.<span>
</span>Did the doctor tell you how long she has?”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Not long,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">David
answered.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Then we definitely don’t tell her.<span> </span>We have to be strong.<span> </span>Both of us.<span>
</span>Can you promise me…” </i>she couldn’t finish.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“I promise mama.<span> </span>I promise, I promise.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Susan
sat up in her bed as her daughter and grandson walked into the room.<span> </span><i>“Finally!”<span> </span></i>she thought to herself.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“What did the doctor say?<span> </span>Can I go home now?”<span> </span></i>Susan asked impatiently.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Not yet mama,” </i>her daughter told
her.<span> </span><i>“You
have to stay in the hospital just a little while longer so they can make sure
you are fine.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“She sounds tired,” </i>Susan thought to
herself.<span> </span>But only for an instant, before
her mind jumped back to the topic of home.<span>
</span><i>“But I want to go home.<span> </span>I feel fine and I’ve been here too long.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“I know mama,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">her
daughter replied.<span> </span><i>“Just a little longer.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Why are you so quiet over
there?”<span> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Susan
asked David who had been standing at the foot of her bed staring off into
nothing.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Hm?<span>
</span>I’m just thinking teta,” </i>David replied.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Thinking about what?<span> </span>What did the doctor say?”<span> </span></i>Susan pressed.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“He said things are looking good, but they
can’t let you leave yet.<span> </span>Just like mama
told you,” </i>David said.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Don’t get mouthy.<span> </span>I helped raise you.<span> </span>Cooked your meals, washed your clothes, wiped
your butt,” </i>Susan declared.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Teta!”<span>
</span></i>David said, as his eyes went wide and he tried to suppress a laugh.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Teta what?<span>
</span>I did!<span> </span>You pooped a lot.<span> </span>I had to change you at least four times a
day,” </i>Susan yelled as David started to laugh. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“You…you did poop…a lot,” </i>David’s mother
managed to get out through hysterical laughter.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“So how long do I have to be here?<span> </span>And be specific!”<span> </span></i>Susan ordered.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“We don’t know.<span> </span>The doctor doesn’t know, but he said not much
longer,” </i>her daughter said.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Susan
sat there, silent for a few minutes as she scrutinized her daughter and
grandson.<span> </span>They sat down and began
talking about their days and asking her about how she was feeling, and if she
was eating alright.<span> </span><i>“They’re trying to act normal,” </i>Susan thought.<span> </span><i>“But
something is wrong.<span> </span>Did the doctor give
them bad news?<span> </span>But if he did, why
wouldn’t they tell me about it?<span> </span>Oh God…”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“David, remind me we have to get
Teta’s favorite blanket from her house and bring it tomorrow,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">her
daughter said.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Susan’s
grandson nodded his head and opened his mouth to reply when she cut him off.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Am I dying?”<span> </span></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“No.”<span>
</span></i>Susan’s daughter said flatly.<span>
</span>There was no blink, no hesitation.<span>
</span>It was a calm and quick response.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Thank you God,” </i>Susan let out in an
audible whisper as she sat back in her bed, relieved.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Her
daughter and grandson stayed for a bit longer after that, but before too much
time had passed they got up to leave.<span>
</span>They promised they’d be back the next day and kissed her goodbye.<span> </span>Then they were gone, and Susan laid back in
her bed and turned the TV on.<span> </span>For the
first time in a long time, she looked for something light and fun to watch.<span> </span>And she laughed.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Susan
had a few more days of calm after that.<span>
</span>Her daughter and grandson came every day.<span> </span>She kept insisting that she could go home,
but they kept telling her the doctor needed to keep her there.<span> </span>After four days without any update, Susan
began feeling a little nervous again.<span>
</span>Then her younger brother came to see her.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Hello Susan!” </i><span> </span>he said, being helped into the room by
Glauria, David and a walker.<span> </span><i>“How are you?”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Did he fly here from Phoenix?<span> </span>He hasn’t flown in years!”<span> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">was Susan’s most
immediate thought.<span> </span>She sat there blankly
staring at her younger brother struggling to make his way to her bedside
without saying a word.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Mama?”<span>
</span></i>her daughter asked, after gently placing her younger brother in a
chair next to her.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Glauria, am I dying?”<span> </span></i>Susan asked forcefully.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“No mama,” </i>her daughter replied again
reassuringly.<span> </span><i>“Uncle Roberto was just very worried.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“It’s true,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Roberto
said.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>No
one said anything for a few minutes.<span> </span>As
though they were all sitting at a game of poker trying to read what each other
had.<span> </span>Waiting to see who would make a
mistake first.<span> </span>Finally, after what
seemed like several minutes, Susan smiled and exhaled in relief.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>The
next few days were very much the same.<span>
</span>So many relatives came to see Susan in the hospital as she waited for
the doctor to discharge her.<span> </span>Some lived
near, some lived far, but they showed up anyway to spend time with the sick
matriarch of the family; always accompanied by Glauria and David.<span> </span>They all asked after her and prayed with her.<span> </span>They serenaded her with stories of the past
and how much they admired her.<span> </span>She felt
loved.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>The
night before she died, Susan couldn’t sleep.<span>
</span>She was sitting up in her bed with a sharp pain in her chest, coughing
up blood consistently into one tissue after another.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Oh God…” </i>she pleaded in her mind as she
kept coughing.<span> </span><i>“Light.<span> </span>I need some light,” </i>she
thought as she reached for the nearest thing she could; the remote
control.<span> </span>She turned the TV on and the
sounds of a late night talk show filled the room.<span> </span>But all Susan could hear was her own
coughing.<span> </span>All she could see was the
blood on the tissues.<span> </span>All she could feel
was a stabbing pain in her chest.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“I’m scared,” </i>she thought as she kept
coughing, helpless to stop it while tears streamed down her face.<span> </span><i>“I
don’t know how to face this.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“No living soul ever does,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">she
heard her own voice say.<span> </span>Susan looked up
and coughed hard.<span> </span>On the TV there was no
talk show.<span> </span>The screen was blank.<span> </span>White.<span>
</span><i>“Light.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Suddenly,
she stopped coughing.<span> </span>Her breathing
became easy again.<span> </span>Steady.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Am I dead?” </i></span>she asked the TV.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“No.<span>
</span>You’re breathing.<span> </span>Dead people
don’t breathe,” </i>the TV replied, again with her voice.<span> </span>But it wasn’t quite her voice.<span> </span>It was distant and calm.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“It sounds like me,” </i>she thought.<span> </span><i>“But from
years ago.<span> </span>When I was young.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Am I dying?”<span> </span></i>Susan asked fearfully.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“You know the answer to that question,” </i>the
voice replied calmly.<span> </span><i>“You’ve known ever since they brought you
here.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Why did they lie to me?”<span> </span></i>Susan pleaded as fresh tears welled in
her eyes.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“You know the answer to that too,” </i>the
voice returned.<span> </span><i>“Haven’t you enjoyed these last weeks?”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>Susan
was quiet as she reflected on all the relatives and friends she had seen.<span> </span>Thinking back on all the conversations and
the laughter and the stories; it struck her now, in this moment, that they were
goodbyes.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Very much,” </i>she said quietly.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“You are so loved, Susan.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">A sudden pain
struck Susan in the chest.<span> </span>She clutched
at her heart, not knowing about the tumor in her lung or that she even had
cancer.<span> </span>All she knew was the moment of
death was on her.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“I’m not ready,” </i>she said to the
TV.<span> </span><i>“My
daughter is at home.<span> </span>Shouldn’t she be
here?<span> </span>I’m supposed to tell her thing.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Susan coughed
again.<span> </span>The pain in her chest was getting
worse and now both her hands were resting above her heart.<span> </span>A little blood dribbled from Susan’s mouth
onto her chin.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>”What
would you tell her if she were here?”<span> </span></i>the
TV asked.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“I
don’t know,” </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Susan said and broke out into fresh
tears as she tried to</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">think.<span> </span><i>“Don’t I have more to teach her?<span> </span>And my grandson?<span> </span>I’m old.<span>
</span>I thought I was supposed to have more wisdom to pass on.<span> </span>But I can’t think of anything.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Then you’ve given them everything,”
</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">the
TV said warmly.<span> </span>As though whoever was
talking on the other end was smiling.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“I’m scared,” </i>Susan said as she lay back
in her bed.<span> </span>The pain in her chest was
getting worse. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“So is everyone at this moment,” </i>the TV
replied.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“It hurts,” </i>Susan said softly.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Not for much longer,” </i>the TV comforted.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“Will you stay with me?”<span> </span></i>Susan begged.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span><i>“I will,” </i>the TV promised.<span> </span><i>“Now,
and beyond.”</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Susan closed
her eyes.<span> </span>She saw black.<span> </span>The pain in her chest intensified
instantly.<span> </span>But just as she opened her
mouth to scream out, it suddenly faded.<span>
</span>As though it were being drained from her body like bath water draining
from a tub, the pain left her.<span> </span>She saw
grey.<span> </span>Her hands released the gown around
her chest, that she had been clutching when the pain was bad.<span> </span>Her head felt heavy, so she let it roll to
the side.<span> </span>She felt a breath leave her body.<span> </span>She saw white.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Hello?<span> </span>Mr. Reyes?”<span>
</span>the doctor’s voice asked.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Yes,
this is he,” David answered as got up from the breakfast table and walked into
the living room.<span> </span>He heard the sound
another chair being pushed over the linoleum floor of their kitchen.<span> </span>He didn’t need to look back, his mother was
right behind him.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Mr.
Reyes, I’m so sorry but your grandmother passed this morning,” the doctor said
sympathetically.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“How…”
David tried to hold back his tears, but it was too much too soon.<span> </span>Behind him, he could hear his mother starting
to cry.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“You
should know that she didn’t suffer,” the doctor answered David’s question
before it could be asked.<span> </span>“A nurse found
her this morning in her bed.<span> </span>There were
no signs of struggle around her bed, like kicked out sheets or hands on the
side rails.<span> </span>She had her hands on her
chest and she looked incredibly peaceful.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“That’s
good,” was all David could get out as he turned to his mother and tried to
smile at her.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“I’m
sorry about this, but we’ll need you and your mother to come in today.<span> </span>At some point,” the doctor said.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Of
course,” David said.<span> </span>He was grateful he
didn’t need to say more in response.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Mr.
Reyes, I want to offer you my deepest condolences.<span> </span>Losing a loved one is never easy.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Thank
you.<span> </span>We’ll be in later today.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Alright.<span> </span>We’ll see you later then,” the doctor
said.<span> </span>“Oh, and Mr. Reyes?”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Yes?”<span> </span>David asked, hurriedly bringing the phone
back to his ear.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span>“Sorry,
just one more thing,” the doctor said.<span>
</span>“You should know that when the nurse found her this morning, she had a
smile on her face.”</span></span></span></div>
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JRouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849741492186237878noreply@blogger.com0