And Down He Came (Alex, Small)

Alex paced the room, her mind racing through possible scenarios. After all this time, all these years, she now had the ring leader in her grasp. It was too perfect, too good to be true and indeed her situation would prove just that. For though she was soon to be left alone with the man who had fired the first bullet into her father, she had no weapon, no escape route, and no hope of survival. But such odds would not deter her from her life long mission.

Glancing about the lavishly decorated room she searched for anything that might be used as a weapon, but most of the room was filled with silken pillows and intricately designed tapestries. Apparently this room was used for nothing more than nocturnal recreation in which the young girl would soon find herself a part of unless she could find the much needed object of death.

Alas, time had run out and King Small was heard calling out a few last demands before retiring for the evening, his bulging belly preceding him into the room. “Ah, there’s my little wench.” He chortled, face redden from too much wine at dinner. “You do clean up nicely.” He moved towards her with a bit of a drunken swagger, an arm outstretched to touch her cheek but she instinctively stepped away, much to his dislike.

“You’ll not be so feisty once I’m through with you, wench.” He gloated, leveling slightly blood shot eyes upon her before he began to disrobe.

That is when she spotted it, a jeweled dagger that hung at his side. This was all Alex needed to give her hope, to spur her into action. Biting her bottom lip in thought for a moment, she took a deep breath and slowly approached the grotesque man, glancing up at him through her lashes in a coy gesture of innocence.

King Small stopped to consider this unexpected gesture, wondering what had caused her sudden change of mine but too cocky and full of drink to put much thought into it, he stepped forward, quickly closing the small distance between them. Again he reached forth a hand but this time she did not move. Wrapping a hand about her waist he drew her near, the scent of sweat and wine nearly causing bile to come to the girl’s mouth but she forced herself to not back down, she needed that dagger.

“Not so shy now, are you?” He smirked, his heavily lidded eyes drinking in her youthful body, a hand sliding down to grope her buttocks.

It took every ounce of willpower not to deck the man right there but she was too close to her goal to indulge in such behavior just yet. Instead, she placed a hand upon his waist, mere inches above the sought after dagger. Almost there. She reminded herself. But her thoughts were scrambled as the king placed an unexpected kiss upon her full lips. She had not expected this, hadn’t been prepared, and without thinking she punched him in his soft belly while simultaneously seizing hold of the dagger.

Stunned, King Small doubled over, groaning in pain from the surprise attack. “I’ll have your head, wench!” He bellowed as he attempted right himself but no sooner was he standing vertical once again did he find himself crumpling to the floor, this time with his jeweled dagger through his throat.

Alex watched in calloused intrigue as the man flailed about on the floor, hands grasping frantically for the object that was causing so much pain. Garbled sounds came from his lips as blood bubbled forth from his lips.

“Justice has been served.” She gloated, kneeling down to peer into the man’s eyes, watching as they glossed over, his breathing becoming shallower. A satisfied smile graced her lips when at last Small ceased to struggle, his body a lifeless blob upon his fine white carpet that was now stained with blood.

Taking a moment longer to bask in the glory of her work, she began to plan her escape. Fortunately, given what was supposed to be happening in the room, Alex was provided with plenty of time to figure this out.

The Creation (Loralie)

“What the hell….” I sat up on the moist grass, rubbing the back of neck. My body ached all over and my head felt like I was recovering from an all night binge. I looked around and wondered how I had gotten to the park, which was followed by, “Why am I still in the park?” Standing up, I reached out a hand to brace myself against a tree as a wave of nausea overtook me. I doubled over retching but to no affect. Once the sensation subsided I took a moment to collect myself and try to put the pieces together.

I remembered going to the Sunset to meet a couple of friends. All was going well, a few drinks, lots of dancing, and even more flirting. What went wrong? I mentally took inventory of my beverages but nothing suspicious came to mind, I kept my drinks in hand at all times, and didn’t except any from strangers. In all my years of partying, I had never ended up like this. Deciding that the best thing to do right now would be to go home, I left my helpful tree and slowly put one foot in front of the other.

Thankfully I lived only a few blocks from the park and I arrived at my apartment in good time. Slipping my key into the door and unlocking it, I entered my humble abode, tossing the keys onto a little table to the right of the door that also held my phone. Without turning on the lights, I shut and locked the door, briefly wondering if I had left a light on some where for I could make out the objects in my living room perfectly. Shrugging it off, I kicked off my shoes and walked over to my cheaply upholstered couch to plop down.

Leaning my head back I closed my eyes, going over the evening once again but my thoughts were disturbed by muffled conversation, “Huh?” Grudgingly getting up, I crossed the small expanse of the room, approaching the window and peering out to the alley below. I could see that there were two young men talking and gesturing angrily with their hands. I made a little tsk sound and turned my back on the inevitable brawl.

I was only semi-conscious of the fact that my senses seemed to be heightened by my unusual state and also that I was freezing. “Maybe I’m just getting a sick,” I commented to myself for there was no one else to hold a conversation with.

Walking into the bathroom, I started the water running for a hot soak in the tub, dropping in a few bath salts to help me relax and lighting the candles that I kept on the shelf. Slipping out of my clothes, I turned to toss them into the hamper when a cold chill shot up my spine. Looking back at me from the mirror above the sink was – nothing. Shaking it off as a trick of my mind, I finished depositing my clothes and then turned back to the mirror. I watched the light from the candle dance across the smooth service, I could make out the shadow of the door and the tiled wall behind me, but I could not see my face. Goose pimples came up on my arm and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. Knowing that my imagination was getting the best of me, I flipped the light switch, blinking at the sudden brightness of the room. My mouth dropped at the empty space that should have held my reflection. “What the ….?” I asked aloud. Shaking my head I decided I had best get in the now steaming water, and rid myself of these strange effects. Without breaking my gaze from the mirror, I flipped the switch down. Pulling my gaze away from the square object, I stepped into the tub and sat down, stretching my legs out before me with a contented sight. Scooching down until my shoulders were covered I placed a washcloth strategically over my eyes and relaxed.


I don’t know how long I lay like that in the tub but it had been a while for the water was now cold. Standing up droplets of water slid down my body and glistened in the candle light. Stepping out I took a towel in hand and began to pat myself dry. Bending over, I placed the towel over my head, wrapping my hair up inside and fashioning a turban of sorts. Crossing to the medicine cabinet, I paid scant attention to the offensive glass as I opened the little door to display various toiletries. Picking up my deodorant, I quickly swiped it on and replaced it on the shelf, shutting the little cabinet. Removing the wet towel from my head, I picked up the comb off of the counter and looked into the mirror as I worked through the knots. My hand paused where it was at, as I saw nothing once again. “What is this?” Annoyingly I flipped the light switch up and studied the offensive object but could find nothing out of the ordinary. I flipped the light back off and came out of the bathroom, wanting to distance myself from the bizarre.

Stepping into my tiny bedroom that was barely big enough to hold my full size bed and a dresser, I went to the walk in closet where a small chest of drawers was nestled away. Opening the top drawer I removed a pair of gray panties and slipped them on, then reached into a lower drawer for an oversized t-shirt to wear. Once this basic task was done I flopped down onto my bed and stared up at the ceiling, my hands resting on top of my chest. That’s when I noticed it…my heartbeat….or the lack there of. A wave of nausea overtook me and ran into the bathroom, dry heaving into the porcelain throne. I felt as though I would cry from fear but no tears came to my eyes, it was if all basic bodily functions had ceased to exist. With trembling hands I closed the lid on the toilet and turn to sit on the cover, my head resting in my hands. “Oh, God, what have I done?”

Doing the only thing that made sense when I had a problem, I called my girlfriend, Bev. My leg bounced up and down as I sat with the phone receiver to my ear, waiting for her lazy southern drawl to break the monotony of the ringing. “Shit, where are you?” I asked the still ringing phone, willing her to pick up. Finally excepting the fact that she wasn’t there, I slammed the receiver down onto its cradle with a frustrated groan.

Being female I suddenly had the overwhelming need to eat chocolate. I can’t explain it, but I find it calms me when I am a bit stressed. Going into the kitchen I opened a bread box that contained not bread, but my stash of chocolate. Quickly unwrapping a dark morsel I took a bite, allowing the smooth dark chocolate to dissolve on my tongue but I found the task of swallowing to be difficult. I’m not quite sure how to explain this so that you will understand to the fullest extent. I was trying to swallow the food but the muscles in my throat were protesting to a point that it was actually painful. Thinking that this was some odd effect to the drug I had obviously received this night, I got a glass of water to help wash it down. With some effort, it worked but within seconds of this happening I felt my entire body rebelling against the substance and a dull pain begin growing from within my belly, coming in waves of nausea that intensified with each passing minute until I lie convulsing on the kitchen floor. Soon I found myself on all fours violently vomiting until there was nothing left in me.
Sitting on the floor in the corner of my kitchen I sat stunned and bemused, too weak to clean up my mess, and too shocked to move. “What’s happening to me?” I thought my face pasty but no perspiration or tears marred my skin, despite the fact that I was sobbing. Alone and confused I curled up into a fetal position and fell asleep.

King Small(Alex)

“Your Highness, we have a gift for you”

“A gift, for me? How kind of you, Fronwith.”

A filthy young lady was brought into the throne room by two men wearing black tunics. Roughly they pushed her to her knees before the king and forced her head down to pay respects.

“What is this?” stormed the king, disgust contorting his pudgy face. “A village wench, and a dirty one at that, I have enough of these. This is no gift, this is an insult and you will pay for defiling my throne room with such trash.”

“Please, your Excellency, allow me to explain.” The man’s face had grown deathly pale at the threat from the king. King Small was notorious for executing people in unusual ways; he took mercy on no one including his most loyal subjects.

The king leaned back into his over sized throne and rubbed his stubbled chin, “Very well, I will hear what you have to say then I will have you and this wench executed.”

The large man swallowed hard and shook visibly under the barbaric king’s gaze. “You are too kind, your Splendedness.”

“Enough with the buttering up, Fronwith, I grow bored looking at you.”

“Yes, your Highness.” Wiping his sweaty palms on the side of his tunic the man began recapturing the night’s hunt ending with their finding this girl covered in mud asleep in the rainforest. “Everybody knows your command about the rain forest, so I found her presence there most suspicious.”

The king eyed the muddy mess kneeling before him; her hair was matted and hung in front of her bowed head obscuring her face. “Bring her closer.” The guards that were holding the ragged creature lifted her to her feat and brought her to the step that led up to the throne. The king stood displaying a well fed belly. Stretching out one of his grotesquely swollen hands he brushed the hair aside and lifted the girl’s chin with his index finger. What he saw in her eyes frightened him and excited him all at the same time. If looks could kill he would have surely been a dead man. “Give her to one of the maids. Have them give her a bath and clean clothes and then send her to my bedroom.” With a wicked grin he added, “She can keep me company tonight.” The guards quickly moved to follow the King’s orders.

Returning to his throne, King Small now addressed the man standing before him. “You did well to bring her to me, Fronwith.” The still shaking man let out an audible sigh of relief. “Bransmet, take him down below.”

Fronwith started, his eyes bulging from his head. “But your Grace, you said that I did well. What of my reward?”

The king gave a wicked grin and leaned forward in his throne, “You’re right, you do deserve a reward.” Turning to Bransmet who stood to the left of the quaking man he said, “Make sure they use a sharp ax when they take his head.” Looking into Fronwith’s eyes he simply said, “Your reward.” and laughed as the stunned man was led from the hall sputtering a row of obscenities.

Night Out(Alex)

Alex had been walking for hours and her head was throbbing as testimony to her plight. Her damp hair hung in ringlets down her back and over her shoulders leaving wet spots on her tunic that the lady in the village had given her. Her breeches were dirty and torn from going through brush and stooping down to look at tracks. Her feet and arms ached from the many cuts and scratches that they had received from the long trek. Over all, the cowgirl was miserable. She knew that she would need to find shelter and soon but the terrain didn’t make for much to pick from. Spotting a tightly knit cluster of trees and vines she prepared for her camp out.

As darkness descended upon the island the rain forest became alive with nocturnal creatures. The birds had long since quieted down for their rest and now came the hum of thousands of blood sucking insects as they sought out any exposed flesh. To protect herself, Alex covered her face, arms, and feet with mud. “So much for feeling fresh.” She laughed to herself to ward off the rising feeling of panic. She had become familiar with the panic attacks at a very young age, the first time she saw an Indian raid. Her head would become swimmy as if she had just been spinning around in circles, her heart would race, and she felt as if the air in her lungs were being squeezed out. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on her breathing, forcing her heart rate to slow – a tactic her father taught her when she began her new school shortly after they had traveled out west.

“Just close your eyes and think about something that makes you happy. Now just breathe.” She could still see her father standing before her as alive as the trees protecting her. He always smelled of pipe tobacco and saw dust. When she was smaller she used to sit on his lap, close her eyes, and savor the smell of him.

Alex’s breathing regulated as she thought about her beloved father but unfortunately the insects had no intent on simmering down. The forest was alive with the thunderous chorus of a million crickets. She couldn’t see all the tiny creatures but she could hear them and feel them, so much for a peaceful night’s sleep. Curling up into a fetal position on the forest floor, Alex closed her eyes and listened to the forest, anxiously anticipating the morning.

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Something sharp kept poking her in the ribs as she slept, she squirmed around hoping to dislodge the pointy object. Again the prodding occurred and Alex roused herself from her sleep. Her mind suddenly updating itself on the situation and her environment. Sensing danger the girl stealthily grasped some dirt into her hand and opened her eyes feigning a groggy head. “Leave me alone, ma, just a few more minutes.”

“I ain’t your ma, now get up girl” more pokes from the pointed object accompanied the harsh words.

Alex sat up, still pretending to be half asleep. There were five men with spears and guns standing around her. They all wore black tunics with an emblem of a griffon embroidered in red upon their right chest. Their breeches were brown and they wore soft leather boots that came up to the middle of their calves. Alex was struck by the contrast of their dress in comparison to the villagers’ she had been staying with.

“Get up, I said or I’ll run ya through, girl!” Realizing that these men were out at night in the hopes of finding something, she thought it best to do as she was told. As soon as she was on her feet, two of the men grabbed her arms, leading her out of her protective cove.

They had only walked a few feet when they met up with another group of men clothed in the same attire. This seemed to be some kind of search party but what they were searching for Alex could only guess. After waiting for a few minutes the group was joined by five more men and together they all began to march through the rain forest, happy with their discovery.

Ship a'hoy(Evilin)

Evilin had lost track of the time but judging from the position of the sun it was fast approaching sunset. She knew that Luke’s hideout must be nearby for only a fool stayed out at night in the forest. The men talked amongst themselves in hushed voices, the only time they spoke directly to her was to see if she needed a bathroom break or a drink of water. Her legs and back ached from the unaccustomed riding, and she desperately wished that they could walk for a bit but she was afraid to ask such a request as she didn’t know how much further they were going.

Without warning the forest ended and a vast rocky beach opened before them. Evilin had never been to the other side of the island and judging by its appearance, she hadn’t missed much. Large rocks jutted up from the water to form a semi-circle with a small waterway that led into the ocean. The beach was littered with broken shells and pebbles that had tumbled their way onto the shore and seagulls loomed over head looking for a bite to eat. There were no signs of any other people and Evilin couldn’t help but ask why they were there.

“We’re going home, of course.” Laughed Solo with a wink to Chewie. It took the hairy man a few seconds before he understood the joke, then he too began to laugh.

Luke made a gesture with his head and the men set to work uncovering something in a nearby brush pile. To Evilin’s surprise they pulled forth a small row boat, complete with oars. Ben took the horses and walked them to the forest edge where he appeared to be talking to them. He sauntered back with a content smile upon his face. Evilin glanced around the man and saw that the horses had disappeared.

“You can help carry,” Solo nonchalantly put two ores in her arms intending for her to carry them to the water’s edge. The small girl stumbled and fell into the sand under the weight of the wooden poles.

“Think, man.” Chastised Ben as he removed the ores from atop the girl. “Just follow us and don’t try anything funny or your father can find his own way out of the slave pens.”

Evilin was too scared to try anything anyhow and wouldn’t know where to go if she could escape so she simply did as she was told. Once the boat was placed in the water the five of them loaded in and Solo and Chewie began the laborious task of rowing the vessel out to sea against the incoming tide. Evilin had never been on a boat before and clung to the side of the boat with all her strength as it pitched back and forth upon the frothy water. Noticing the girl’s white knuckle grip, Luke decided to try to make small talk with her in order to help her relax.

Once they came out of the cove the large four sail schooner that awaited them could be seen. Her colors of royal purple and gold whipped about in the ocean breeze and the ship rocked gently on the waves as if it were excited to see its captain return. Pulling the row boat along side the much larger vessel where some ropes awaited, they quickly tied off. Having done this they waited patiently as they were hoisted up by man power and pulleys. The crew that awaited them was a vast arrangement of noblemen, peasants, and free men who had come together under one cause – to rid the Island of Antipodes of the dictator James Small.

The Party(Alex)

Chewie stood next to Solo, his dripping wet clothes forming a mud puddle beneath his feet. “The least you could have done was remove your shirt and shoes, you big hairy rug.” Growled Solo irritably has he moved away from the large man in order to avoid sitting in mud.

“I thought my clothes could use a bath too” and the others laughed at the hairy man’s simple wit.

Luke swallowed the piece of jerky he was chewing on then looked apprehensively at the water. “There must be somebody else out there. Did you check by the falls?” Chewie nodded his head as he worked on a piece of bread. “Well, let’s finish our lunch and be on our way then, I see no need to linger.”

“What about the girl?” asked Ben.

“If she’s precious to the “King” then we will certainly need to take her with us.”

With that the men replaced the jerky and bread into a knapsack and prepared their horses for travel. Evilin sat quietly listening to the men’s conversation all the while she was wondering where the blind lady had gone off to. She had heard of Luke and his men, as had most of the island. It was rumored that he was heir to the throne before Jake Small arrived buying off the law and murdering those who would not have him crowned. If it hadn’t been for a quick thinking maid, Luke would no doubt have been lying in rest with the rest of his kin – six feet under ground. Once the would-be king was strong enough to hold a sword and form a plan, he gathered a few close friends to his side and began the long process of making King Small’s life miserable.

“Ben, put the girl on your horse, I don’t trust Solo with her.”

“Yes, Captain,” Ben reached out with very gentlemanly manners and helped Evilin to her feet. Then carefully he took hold of her by the waist and lifted her upon the brown horse that was awaiting its rider. Ben looked to be a little older than the others, there was a touch of gray over his ears and his face shown with wisdom and experience that can only come with age. He never seemed to be in a hurry but moved with purpose and grace.

As the party moved out Evilin took the opportunity to study the others starting with the one they called Chewie who was riding on a large black work horse. He was a big man easily standing a foot taller than any of the others. His face was covered in a bushy brown beard that merged into his hair making it hard to tell where the one ended and the other began. He had unusually hairy arms and she could tell by the opening on his shirt that he had a hairy chest as well. His voice was deep and gravely, and he seemed a little slow in the thinking process but was very loyal to his friends. There was no doubt that he would lay down his life if they were to ask it of him.

The other member of the party was Solo, a young cocky looking fellow with jet black hair. He had a crooked smile and could be considered handsome despite the deep scar that ran down the side of his left cheek . His greatest pleasure seemed to be in belittling others. Evilin was surprised that his horse could carry the man as well as his ego for it was truly a large one.

Luke had sandy blond hair and alert blue eyes, very little escaped him. He treated his friends as equals despite the fact that he had the final say on things. He rode his horse with a deceptive aloofness, his eyes searching the surroundings, and his right hand resting on the pummel of his sheathed sword. To be so young, there was no doubt that he had great intellect surpassing even his elders.

Although Evilin was frightened by her captors, she couldn’t help but be excited as well. She was riding with the legendary Prince Luke and with any luck she could convince him to help her father, thus ending the need for her to marry the king.


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Alex waited for bit to be sure the men were gone before returning to the lake. It seemed the safest and fastest way to get to the other shore where she hoped her clothes still awaited her. After a nice swim she emerged from the water and was relieved to find her things upon the rock, warmed by the sun. Quickly dressing she studied the ground to see which direction the riders took. Once discovering their trail she carefully made her way along the same path her mind racing for a plan.

Captured(Alex)

Solo returned after a bit carrying a young girl over his shoulder with her arms and legs flaying about wildly, in his other hand a carried a basket containing berries and nuts. The girl’s dark hair tumbled in an unruly mess down over her face, obscuring her features from the other members of the part. A stream of profanities and ill wishes issued forth from her with such vehemence that on occasion caused Solo to wince as if he had been slapped in the face.

“Here you go, Captain’” and he dumped the girl unceremoniously to the ground with a thud.

“Well, I never…” began the girl but she was quickly silenced by one of Solo’s large hands covering her mouth.

“I’ve heard about enough out of you, missy. Now why don’t you be a good girl and tell us where you’re from and what you’re doing out here all alone.”

The three men stared down at the girl (Chewie was still searching the water) with a patient but stern look upon their faces. Luke noticed that Solo had several scratches and bite marks on his hands and arms and even a few on his neck and face. “She give you a hard time, Solo.” He chided nodding towards one of the wounds that the big fellow was rubbing on.

“She may be little but she’s all hellcat.” He said in way of explanation even though his cheeks and neck turned a bright red.

“All right, miss, why don’t you answer our questions nice like, and we’ll have you on your way if we see you’re no threat to us.”

The girl stared up at the men, fire shown in her eyes and her jaw flexed in anger.

Luke smiled at the girl’s defiance; he could easily snap her scrawny neck if he chose to do so. “You are indeed a “hellcat” aren’t you? Let me put it this way, if you don’t answer our questions then I’ll be forced to take you with us or just kill you. Your choice.”

The girl thought for a moment then agreed to answer their questions.

“Alright, we’ll start with something easy” began Luke, “what is your name?”


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Alex finally made it to the shore and stealthily made her way to the protection of some nearby brush. Feeling confident that she was well hidden, she closed her eyes so that her other senses could better tell her what was going on around her. She could hear the splashing of water as the big hairy fella searched in vain for another person, she could smell rain that would be arriving before the sun went down, and feel the gentle breeze on her wet skin. By steadying her breathing she was able to pick up bits and pieces of conversation from the men by the lake. All though she could not see her she knew that they had found Evilin and that she was being her usual stubborn self. Alex felt the forest floor around her in search of some kind of weapon; she was quickly rewarded by a thick stick and a good size rock. Clutching these to her she waited to either be discovered or for the opportunity to rescue her friend.

Battle Ready (Dusty)

Feverishly the elven soldiers worked to secure the many hatches and shields that had recently been set up as protection against a troll firestorm attack. As the wooden fixtures were put back into place Dusty surveyed each ship with its captain to ascertain any damage that might have occurred. So far the inspections had turned up little, the wards spoken by the casters before the attack had indeed done their job.

Meanwhile the enemy forces Dusty had noticed earlier were fully massed in the small vale below them. The Troll leaders did indeed have Gnome casters with them, because now they were bending the rock into assault ladders so as to give several small squads a chance to attack the elven ships on the rocky cirque. Though it seemed as if the elves were not the major target, which would explain how so soon after touching down the elven warships had been located.

Checking over his charts, while at the same time keeping an eye on the progress of the gnomish benders Dusty realized that there was a medium sized human settlement about two hours march from his current location, which meant that the troll forces were massing to attack the settlement. The very circumstance the elves feared when they learned that a troll fortress had appeared in Gatshimntol Pass.

Dusty slowly strode out of the command hut. Walking toward the western edge of the cirque he contemplated the task forces next move. Considering the possibilities he noticed a small group making their way toward the mountain vale from the direction of the human settlement.

“Sir, the gnomes have nearly finished the steps.” one of the elven archers said rushing into earshot of Dusty.

“Very well then, take out every gnome that is visible. Be sure to hit them in both eyes so that they can’t be resurrected.”

“Sir!” he acknowledged. Turning and running back to his post the archer commander shouted out Dusty’s orders.

Weighing everything Dusty decided that his forces needed to help the small sortie from the human settlement dispatch the group in the vale, before continuing on with the attack on the fortress itself.

“All right gentlemen here are the plans…” Dusty started walking back into the command hut. “…we need to drop down and take care of the group down below us. Aktolan, the nearby human settlement has dispatched a small force to investigate or maybe even take on the troll forces next door. They won’t have a chance. We hafta help them out. I want to split our forces. Half will stay on the ships that I want to lift off and circle around the mountain coming in from the north with a hard landing. The other half will stay here and descend the mountain, using the gnome ladders, once the ships touch down. Most if not all of the gnome casters should be dead so the biggest concern will be the ability of the trolls to regenerate. If you take the head they can’t.”
“The Miarason, Shiatsun, Quebecoix, Rainbow, Mirrowbrook and Brighten will stay with me. You other six will be the air assault force, with Commander Waymarker in charge. You must hold out until we can descend the mountain, so you’ll be on your own for the first little bit. We they see themselves out flanked I’d imagine things will turn pretty quickly.”

“Aye sir, we will more then hold our own.” Waymaker replied.

“Good. Now Commanders Suntracker and Waverider I want you to summon the casters. Each of you take half of them and tell them to bend tunnels down through the rock to where the troll gnomes left off in trying to bend those damn assault ladders up the mountainside. Send word right before you break through for the ground units to rally and drop through immediately upon completion.”

“Aye sir.” The two replied in unison leaving the command shack to carry out their orders.

“Commanders Moontripper, Cloudwalker and Dirtmover will ensure that the ground troops are ready for their part of the assault. We should only have the usually Troll forces to contend with but outfit them with gear for repelling majic attacks too. Elemental shields, diamond armor and mithril blades I’d say should see us through.”

“Should we rig for dragonfire, Admiral?” Commander Cloudwalker asked rising to leave on his assignment.

“They need at least a full day to eat brimstone after a run. I certainly hope they don’t have access to more dragons then what we saw. We’ll just hafta take our chances. Let’s get to it lads.”

Eyes Wide Open(Alex)

After several days, Alex received a visit from the medicine man. He carefully unwrapped the bandage from around here eyes and tenderly wiped away the poultice that covered them. “Slowly open your eyes.” His deep voice sounded like a drum that cut through the silence. Everybody was holding their breath with expectation, including herself.

As instructed, she slowly opened her eyes. The little bit of light coming from a nearby lantern caused her eyes to burn but she fought the temptation to close her lids again. After what seemed like several minutes she finally looked at her surroundings for the first time but was disappointed to discover that everything was blurry. “What’s wrong? Why can’t I see clearly?” panic choked her voice and her heart felt as though it would jump out of her chest.

“Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.” The doctor’s voice gave her something to focus on and she relaxed a bit. “Now slowly look around and tell me what you do see. Describe it to the best of your ability so I know how you’re doing.”

Alex was surprised by the man’s use of words, his dialect was very different from those here in the village. She quickly pushed her questions aside and again focused her attention to the task at hand. Blinking her eyes several times in an attempt to clear her vision she began to describe what she could see. “The room is very dark but there’s a source of light coming from a table to the right of the room. There are three chairs at the table but I cannot make out the color or style just their shape. I can see a person standing by the wall close to the table but I can’t see who it is. It’s like I’m looking through fog. I can see shapes but not details.”

“That’s good. We didn’t know if you would be able to even see that much.” For the first time she noticed that there was somebody sitting to the left of her. He was rather tall even though he was sitting and his hair was a light color. “I want you to put this on your eyes twice a day.” He placed a smooth jar in her hand. “Leave it on for about an hour each time and hopefully when I come back in two weeks we’ll have some improvement in your sight.”

Alex muttered a “thank you” as the man stood to leave. He was accompanied by another person whom she figured to be her hostess. Turning to the right she found that the other person was still in the room with her. “Come closer, if you would, so I can see you a little better.”

There was a swishing sound that had become familiar to her over the past few weeks. “Are you Evilin?”

“Aye” came the mousey reply.

“Well, don’t go all shy on me now, not after all the time we’ve spent together.” Alex smiled warmly and reached out her hands towards the girl. Quickly Evilin scurried over, embracing her new friend in a hug.

“I’m so sorry that ya can’t see nothin’. What will you do now?” The girl had a flair for the dramatics as most girls this age do.

“I’ll do as the good doctor told me to do and hope for the best. What else can I do?” she ran a hand through her tangled hair absentmindedly and realized that she hadn’t bathed since arriving on this island. She wasn’t one to be picky but even she had her standards. “Evilin, is there a place where I can bathe?”

“There’s a little cove where the river runs into. It’s about an hours walk or so from the village. You can bathe there without fear of folk comin’ across ya.” Without being told the girl gathered up some items. Taking Alex by the hand she carefully led the way to the cove, chattering all-the-while about what life would be like in the castle.

They arrived at the pool of water just as the sun reached its peek. Even Alex with her blurry vision knew that this was a place of serene beauty. The moss and grass surrounding the body of water was a deep lush green and the ground was soft and springy. In the distance was the rumble from a waterfall that added continuous motion to the water. Birds sang from all directions and small animals scurried about in the underbrush that surrounded the clearing.

“I’ll leave your things on this here rock while you bathe.” Evilin placed a fresh set of clothing and a patched up towel on a large rock that was being bathed in sunlight. “I promised Mamma that I’d gather some nuts and berries for her. I’ll come back in an hour to get ya.”

Alex waited until she could no longer hear the girl before she undressed and entered the lukewarm water. It was very frustrating not being able to see clearly and she found that her head ached from the strain on her eyes. She decided to close her eyes to give them a rest heightening her other senses.

She wasn’t sure how long she had been floating about in the water when she heard the clatter of horses’ hooves approaching. Automatically her eyes flew open and she lowered herself into the water so that her nose was just inches from the surface. Anger welled up inside as she struggled to see the oncoming riders with no avail. Slowly she moved back towards the sound of the waterfall with the hopes of finding a hiding place. She didn’t make it before the riders came into the open, Alex could make out their fuzzy shapes but that was about it. Fearing that any movement would only draw attention to herself, she stood fast in her spot hoping to go unnoticed.

“We’ll water the horses here and break for lunch.” A deep voice sliced through the air scattering several birds that had been nearby. The riders dismounted.

“Luke, I think somebody’s here,” One of the riders had found Alex’s belongings on the rock and now carried them to the fellow addressed. “Either that or they ran away in their birthday suit.” A round of laughter broke forth from the four riders as they scanned the area.

“Have a peek around, Solo, we don’t want anybody stabbing us in the back while we try to eat.” Luke eyed the woods nervously. “Chewie, why don’t you take a swim, make sure there’s no creatures in the water that would want to ruin our party.”

“Why do I have to go in the water?” whined Chewie.

“Cause you stink!” came the answer which was followed by more laughter. “Now get going.” Taking the reins of two of the horses Luke addressed the other man, " Come on, Ben, help me take these guys to the water."

As the two men carried out their orders, Luke and his other companion proceeded to lead the horses to the water for a drink. Alex stayed fixed to her spot her heart pounding in her ears. Carefully sher turned around so that she could judge the distance to the waterfall or some other bit of coverage. Her stomach knotted as she realized she was still a good ways off. Scanning the water she looked for a rock or some vegetation or anything that she could hide behind but there was nothing. Quickly, she made up her mind to try swimming to the opposite bank from where the men gathered, maybe then she could slip into the woods unnoticed. Taking a deep breath she submerged herself under water and began to swim for the shore.

Remnant Adventure (Dusty)

Quietly the shadow slipped in behind the warrior as he walked through the threshold. A flip of a psychic switch and the powers of the ‘gene joke’ on piano would have no effect. His emotions would continue to be his to command. Sliding into a corner booth as smoothly as water flows over glass it settled in for the night, lowering the heavy woolen cowl sewn in as part of the wanderer’s cloak fastened across the slight shoulders of the newcomer. As the person shimmered into the visible wavelength, Giron noticed Phae momentarily hesitate his counter patrol, but continue on as before.

“See, know he will I said,” whispered the small figure sitting lithely on her steed’s shoulder. Absently rubbing her lower ankle the faere settled in and watched as Phae went about his normal barkeep routine.

Flipping the towel down from his shoulder Phae was wiping down the bar when a slight presence tip-toed across his consciousness. Hesitating momentarily he resumed the never ending job of keeping things going for the lost souls that frequented the Serendipity.


Sipping the flagon of ale Dusty slipped back to that fateful day that he had first encountered the young human male that would become the only human he ever felt worth his effort.

Gently the great battleship, Miarason, drifted in the wind. Dusty gazed out over the endless snowy barrens that populated the northern boundary of King Geishlahan's empire. Behind, eleven other wind ships identical to this one drifted, only the sound of timber creaking and ropes whipping in the winds could be heard. Sailing through the canyons of Marlahaim province this task force was running silent toward an encounter with a recently completed fortress of the Mountain Trolls. The elves had two major concerns with this development. The first was the proximity to the northern elfish settlements of a troll stronghold and the fact that the fortress only took two months to be built. That short a time frame meant that majic had to have been involved.

Dusty scanned the horizon for any sign that the elven plan had been uncovered. It was well known that the Mountain Trolls were not typically adept at wielding majics, which just added to the trepidation surrounding the new fortress at Gatshimtol Pass. So the chances that they had divined the nature of the elves mission was remote, but the Gnomes had been getting rather cozy with the trolls of late and the gnomes were much in tune with ley lines. The elves were also known to employ Gnome healers to supplement the elfish priests so as part of every ships contingent there is a supplemental healer. This added another level of concern as the true loyalties of the gnomes were unknown to their elven associates.

Flying true west the Battleship formation would reach the stronghold a little after dawn which would put a fresh sun directly behind them. In the distance Dusty noticed storm clouds boiling to the west, directly in the flotilla’s path. Curiously the wind was at Dusty’s back.

“Dragon Storm, Dragon Storm!” Dusty yelled running toward the signaler on the aft of the ship. “Batten down the hatches!!”

Suddenly every ship in the task force was swarmed over as the soldiers each ship carried began the task of preparing to ward off the oncoming Dragon attack. Slowly each ship slowed its progress and began to descend onto a small cirque that had been chosen to fortify. As each ship landed a formation of two concentric circles took shape as each ship completed its link in the ‘chain’ the soldiers scrambled to hook and fasten the boats together as well as fastening wooden shields and bulkhead sections so as to form shields for the men and ships themselves.

Slowly Dusty’s ship landed in the very center of the fortified formation finalizing the shielding. As soon as the soldiers completed battening each ship’s compliment of battle mages began to chant protective wards over the flammable aspects of the defenses, men included. The end result resembled a huge turtle tucked away in its shell with the outer lip of the cirque providing cover to prevent anything getting up underneath the shell. Just as the round of incantations was finished the first wave of dragons swept over the ships unleashing volley after volley of dragon flame attempting to ignite anything in view. The living flames found nothing to adhere to and so ended pooling at the outermost edges of the elven fortifications and dripping down over the rocky ledges onto the surrounding mountainside down below.

“Stand fast men. Their mounts are only good for three runs each and then they’ll hafta refuel. When that happens the soldiers will landed and go hand to hand. Look for their gnome companions and take them out as soon as you can. For any a ya that have not been trollin’ afore listen up. When a troll is cut by elven blades the flesh that is cut starts to mineralize so avoid their blows while you hack away at their legs. Eventually they will be held fast cause they can’t move their legs when they get like that move on and then we’ll go back and cherry pick’em. Archers aim for those pitch black pits they call eyes, if’n they can’t see us we’ll be harder to hit When your quivers dry up go after the frozen ones with yer sabre’s” Dusty bellowed to his troops aware that the same directions were being given by the other commanders to each boats compliment of foot soldiers and archers.

“We won’t have the benefit of our own ‘chanters’, they’ll need to rest also.” Dusty learned long ago that elven majic was tied into life force and so as the majics were used up the wielders need time to rest as one would from physical exertion, too much exertion leads to torpor until said individual was replenished. The wards over the boats did an excellent job driving off the dragon fire but at a huge cost to those casting, in fact three soldiers from each ship had to be assigned to guard the depleted mages.

Wave after wave of dragon storm swept over the impromptu fortress. Just when the smoke and stench increased to almost unbearable levels the muted world outside the elven fire protective wards silenced much like that beheld in the ‘eye’ of storms. Breaking a seam Dusty peered into the soot smoke and checked the horizon for any signs of movement. Seeing no immediate threat he ventured out and climber atop the protective hatches of the nearest ship.
“Alright boys they’re gone and them flamers won’t be back until tomorrow. Lets pack up and head on.”, Dusty barked as he started to survey the condition of the ships. Two thirds of the way around the cirque the mountainside opened up for the last third and gave an unobstructed view of a small plain several hundred feet below. Dusty watched as the plain filled with a small army of trolls and other sundry forces.

‘Damn’ Dusty thought to himself taking a moment to try to estimate the forces gathering against them. ‘Looks like takin’ off is gonna be a pleasure.’

Soul Searching (Will)

The cave was about a two hour walk from the main village of Nordel and was nestled in among lush trees and flowering brush. The cave was virtually invisible to the naked eye unless one knew what they were looking for. There were torches in gold sconces lining the curved walls and a large fireplace was positioned on the back wall allowing the cave to be warmed during colder weather. An ornately carved round table was the only furniture in the place and this is where Will found himself quietly sitting as the council discussed some problem with something called the Beholder. Most of the discussion was foreign to him, there were things mentioned that he had never heard tell of before – driders, dracolythes, orcs, trolls – but there was one word he understood quite well – war. Will desperately tried to wrap his brain around this strange new world he had stumbled into but logic kept hindering his ability to absorb the information that was being presented to him. He found the cave that they had retreated to disturbingly bright and airy, unlike the ones he was used to exploring back home, which only further distracted him.

“William will ride out with Lith in the morning to gather the others.” Lutrol’s voice broke through the commotion in Will’s brain and he jerked his head back as if he had been struck in the face.

“Excuse me, Father, but did I understand you correctly? You wish me to take part in the preparations of this war but…”

Before he could finish Lutrol gave a small chuckle and smiled patiently at his son, “You will be doing more than just helping with the preparations, Son, you will be fighting along side me.” As if that answered everything he turned his attention back to the conversation at hand leaving Will completely dumfounded.

After several more hours of discussion and planning the council finally adjourned. Will lagged behind hoping to have a word with his father in private but was disappointed to see that the centaur was still chatting with the elf. Sighing, he reluctantly found his way back into the village, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his concerns.

There was much activity on the ground as the evening meal was being laid out in an elaborate spread on the forest floor in recognition of their honored guest. Will desperately wanted to retreat to the sanctuary of his room but knew that that would be frowned upon. Finding his place at the head table he sank down into his chair resting his chin in his hands.

“My dear brother, what has you so deeply troubled?” Emarl asked as she gracefully slipped into her chair next to him.

Will was touched by her concern but felt it better to hide his true thoughts until he could speak with his father. He wrote off his brooding to hunger and fatigue which Emarl seemed to believe willingly. Thankfully, any further discussion of the matter was put to an end with the arrival of the food and serving of the wine.

Will was not lying when he said he was hungry and he ate enough to prove it. Unfortunately, he drowned his concerns in the wine and was soon overcome with its euphoric effect. At the end of the celebration, Will was so severely under the influence of the elven wine that his cousin, Lith, had to help him up the ladder to the tree house for fear that the boy would fall to his death in his current state.

After sleeping for a few hours, Will awoke to the sound of muffled voices in the adjacent room. Groggily he got to his feet taking a moment to get his bearings and allow the drumming in his head to subside a bit. With a stealth that only an elf could claim he crept to his bedroom door to listen.

“Father, are you sure this is the best thing for him?” It was the voice of Emarl that came first to Will’s ears. “He’s a delivery boy, what does he know of wars?”

“I’m aware of what he did in the human world but that does not matter here. In Nordel he is a prince and therefore he will do this. He must earn the respect of the people.” Lutrol’s voice was firm and a bit agitated as if they had been on this topic for a little while.

“He is rather good with the bow,” Lith’s voice rang in with a note of pride for it was he that had taught Will this skill. “I would trust him with my life, Emarl. He is ready for this.”

“And what does he say about all of this? Did either of you bother to find out?” Emarl asked her voice rising an octave in her frustration to get her father to see the logic in what she was saying.

“I told you already that I didn’t get a chance to converse with him as I was preoccupied with Tavalox and then when the opportunity did arrive Will was already senseless from the wine.”

“I’m not now.” Will stepped into the room startling the trio. Although his eyes were still bloodshot and the hammering in his head persisted, his mind was clear. He knew that what he said tonight would shape his future forever.

“How long have you been listening?” asked Lutrol from his seat next to the smoldering fire.

“Long enough,”

“And how do you feel about the task at hand?”

Will looked into each of their faces and when his eyes came to rest back on his father he knew what he wanted to say. “I’ll admit that at first I was stunned by your appointment but now I realize why you did it. Whether I want the position or not, I am your son, and with that goes certain responsibilities. If I walk away from this, I will be haunted for the rest of my life. We’re not only fighting these dark creatures for the elves, but for all that is good and innocent. How can I turn my back on that? How can I say no?”

The room was silent, only the chirping of the crickets below and the song of the tree frogs could be heard echoing throughout the forest. After what seemed like an eternity to Will, his father stood up and embraced him. “No matter what comes of this, know that I am proud of you.” With tears in her eyes, Emarl joined in on the hug and for the first time the three were united.

Later that night, Will lay on his bed lost in thought. He was as much surprised by his little speech as the others had been but he knew that he had spoken the truth. His thoughts drifted to Alex as they often did and he felt a pang of guilt at having to postpone his search for her. But how could he even think of starting a relationship with her when there was a monster loose that threatened to destroy the very peace and happiness he sought.

Finally, his mind quieted enough to allow the boy a few hours of sleep before he and Lith would have to set out in search of others who would rally with the Elves of Nordel to fight against the evil of the Forest of Hereanafter.

Dusty Trailwalker

The sweet sounds from the piano lazily drifted through the room. Casually the notes caressed the sundry patrons of the Serendipity, helping each into a place they individually wanted to be. Rosey played songs that seemed appropriate for the situations she observed from her elevated perch. Her being was such that not playing caused a build up of emotions that found release through the fondling of the black and white ivories found on a keyboard.

Casey just sat at this point waiting for either Mike or Gabe to reply in response to her story. She had just related to them the story of her banishment to earth as it related to the Great Rebellion.

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Dusky Trailwalker continued to walk the now muddy trail, as he had for the past twenty three days. Fortunately the rainstorm was only four days old. His elven cloak and dragon skin cap kept him relatively dry, but did nothing for the cold. He hated cold. It reminded him of his service as King Geishlahan's captain of the guard. Fifty seven years of dedicated service with only ice drake scars and several medals for winning a handful of skirmishes against the mountain trolls to show for it. The northern frontier was no place for an elf, let men guard those outposts. Elves are made for the forest and plains, with some even suited for the waterways of Urth. Regardless Dusky was now his own elf and could come and go throughout the lands as he wished, or so he thought.

The horses were upon him from around the bend before he really had a chance to react. Normally he would have heard them well before they saw him, but the rain and his preoccupation with the cold took all Dusky's concentration. Regardless th reason, the ditch from which he extracted himself was still full of cold water and a wet season's worth of gakage. Now from head to toe and from outside to bone Dusky was soaked. which only made the cold worse. King Geishlahan's was never like this.

Methodically he continued down the trail. Only now he was paying more attention to his surroundings. He did not recognize the garb worn by the horsemen, but men at arms were a dime a dozen in these troubled times. Whatever evil was afoot in the lands of Urth seemed to draw men from corners only talked about in stories, until now.

Slowly as Dusky topped a rise in the road an inn became visible through the rain and fog. He could also see a small village, half a day’s walk in a small vale beyond the inn.

" Friendly Waters", Dusky spoke as he read aloud the inn's placard. "We shall see."

Pushing the outer door open and then shut behind him Dusky was struck by two things first the smell of a delicious stew simmering over the fire and a fist that caught him square on the jaw .

" That's fer spookin' my horse ya damn sneak thief.", added the gentleman who'd stunned Dusky with a sound uppercut.

" Who the hell are you?", Dusky asked raising himself off the floor and rubbing his jaw.

"You damn near made my horse throw me back 'ere on da road."

"Well then let me apologize and introduce myself." Dusky said as he bowed slightly.

Suddenly Dusky pinned the man to the foyer wall with an arm across his throat while the other held a wicked looking dragon sabre below the man's nose.

"Name's Dusky Trailwalker, and I'll cut your heart out and feed it to you and your buddies if you ever touch me or another elf again." With that Dusky let the man down, sheathed his sword, and sauntered into the common room.

Ambling from behind the bar, Phae greeted the elf with a hug before he was half way across the floor.

“Good to see you again.”

“Good to finally have some down time Phae.”

“Have a seat. What can I get you?”

“Flagon of ale to start.”


“ We were sent to make sure you were ok, Casey. I think we have a report to give to Father.” Mike said as he pushed his seat back from the table and stood up.

“Don’t come back unless it’s my time guys. I’m here for the long haul and I won’t have you two poisoning anyone against me.”

Gracefully, hardly touching the floor the two ‘brothers’ left the warm confines of Serendipity.


“I’m glad I was able to find you.”

“I told ya I’d always be there Phae. What’s up?”

“I’m thinking to make some changes Duse and you can help with it.”

Nodding his head slightly in contemplation of his friend’s word Dusty Trailwalker swallowed the first slug of what will turn out to be an interesting round.

Tidings of Bad News(Will//Tavalox,Lutrol)

Over the next few weeks Will spent his time learning as much as he could about his cousins and the elven way. Despite his desire to see Alex again, he was really quite content to be in Nordel. He had been told that time passed differently here, that what seemed like a week here is like a month in the outer world. At first he scoffed at this absurd notion but now that he was a part of Nordel, he believed that this idea could very well be possible. The weather always seemed too pleasant – just the right temperature, just the right amount of rain. The vegetation was so lush and green that he found one could sit idly gazing at the forest around him for hours taking in its beauty and serenity. Each evening he spent with his father and sister sitting around the fire place listening to elven folklore. The longer he was there the further away his other home seemed to drift, until it became nothing more than a memory or a place he sometimes visited in his dreams. Unfortunately, peace is not to be had by those who have yet to fulfill their destiny, and so, one day, William Paris’ time of rest came to an end.

While shooting target with several of his cousins a visitor came to Nordel. Will eyed the creature with much curiosity having never seen such a thing before – it was half man and half horse. He held himself with an air of importance, his dull brown hair glistening with the perspiration of his journey. The beast was accompanied by five other younger looking man/horse things, each in varying colors but all roughly the same size. Lutrol greeted them with a deep bow and escorted them to a nearby spring where they could refresh themselves. Will would not see them again until later that evening at a feast that was to be held in their honor.

Of course, Will wasted no time in asking his cousins several questions about these strange visitors. He was surprised to learn that they were centaurs from the Forest of Hereanafter, the eldest one being none other than Tavalox, chief of the centaurs. Even the elves seemed surprised by his visit and all were curious to know the reason behind it.
Will found the history of these creatures rather interesting. He was also relieved by their presence for it proved that Alex had indeed spoken truthfully about her experience in the forest. A chill ran down his spine as he recalled the other parts of her story in the forest and in the mountain; he felt an overwhelming urge to wrap his arms around her and protect her from any more harm. As always when his thoughts strayed to the young ‘cowgirl,’ he felt a pang in his heart that tore at his very soul. Shaking his head to clear his musings he resumed his bow practice with his cousins, pushing aside the foreboding feeling that had settled like a rock in his stomach.


*******************************************************************



“I welcome you and your companions to Nordel, great Tavalox.” Lutrol gave a low bow to the regal guest. “If you wish I will personally escort you to the spring where you may refresh yourselves after your long journey.”

“Thank you, Lutrol” the aging centaur gave a slight nod of his head in respect of the elf’s royal position. “You may forego any further formalities; after all you are one of my oldest and dearest friends.” Lutrol gave a warm smile, but still took his guest personally to the stream leaving instructions with some nearby elves to bring food and drink suitable for the centaurs to the water’s edge.

After the centaurs had bathed and eaten Lutrol felt it appropriate to ask why the ancient centaur had came to Nordel.

“Serataom has died but before doing so she made one last reading of the stars.” Tavalox turned to his companions and instructed them to return to the main village and mingle with the elves. Once he was sure that they were out of hearing range he repeated what Serataom had last said.

“The half-breed has returned home at last and will soon learn his fate. The stranger has sailed to a new land where she will face her past once and for all . . . .

The warrior has challenged himself and has walked away the victor of that battle. However, the dog and cat still fight. Who shall win is shrouded in fog. . . .”

Lutrol sat quietly for a few moments, pondering the strange words. “Who is the ‘warrior’?

“We don’t know. I haven’t heard or seen any great warrior but I have my eye on a few possibilities – one of which is a young boy with blue tattoos on his head. He proved to be quite a fighter at a raid that took place several months ago in a little town. Of course warriors can fight in many different ways, not just physical.”

“Mmmm. And the half-breed?”

“We believe this to be your son.”

Lutrol looked into the faded blue eyes of the centaur, trying to see if he was serious. “Surely there are many other half-breeds out there. William can’t be the only one.”

“This is true. But he is the only one that returned home at the time of this reading.”

Lutrol rubbed his chin for a moment in contemplation. “You’ve never put much stock in the stars before, why now?”

The old centaur gave a soft chuckle, “I never have been able to slip anything past you, dear elf. The truth of my visit is I came to give you news of our leaving. Even as I sit here with you the herd is moving to a new forest.”

The elf stared at his friend in astonishment. “Leaving, but why? With you gone the creatures of the forest will have no boundaries.”

“They have already left their boundaries. The Borg was so outraged at the escape of two of his slaves, one of which I believe was an elf, that he has declared war on all creatures that refuse to do his bidding. I am too old and tired to go to war. My herd has thinned enough; I do not wish to shed their blood on a futile cause when I can find peace elsewhere.”

“But with you gone the humans will be at risk…”

“The humans don’t even know we exist. They do not follow the treaty that was put in place so long ago. Just this past year we have had five known violations. All were peaceful and innocent enough but it’s just a matter of time before they claim the forest as theirs as well. No I do not wish to do battle; the time of the centaur has passed. We will do as your kind did and retreat to a distant forest where in time we can pass into the mists and be forever more separated from the outside world.”

“We are separated yes, but we still fight for what is right. The Borg cannot be left unattended. It must be stopped before his forces leave the forest. It is an evil that cannot be left unchallenged.”

“And who will stop him? It will take more than the elves of Nordel to accomplish such a task.”

“We will have to ask the humans for help…”

“Ha! The humans don’t even know we exist. If they see you they will laugh and turn you into one of the freaks in their bizarre circuses.” The centaur got up from his comfortable spot under the tree and walked to the edge of the water. “If you are wise, you will stay in Nordel and allow the fate of the outer world to take place.”

Lutrol looked at the centaur with sympathy. He could now see the specks of gray streaking his back and hind quarters, see the wrinkles lining his face. He was indeed ancient and this would be a young person’s war to fight. “You do what you feel you must. I pray that the gods grant you the peace and sanctuary that you so desire. Let us put aside this burdensome talk for now, for my elves have prepared a fine feast in your honor. Come let us join them and enjoy some lighthearted fellowship tonight. Tomorrow we shall meet with my council to see what can be done about the Borg.”

Together the two aging leaders entered into the heart of Nordel where they found the tables already loaded with their delicious burden and the beautiful music of the elves enveloping the forest around them.

A Son's Wrath(Will)

Will wandered alone in the forest until exhaustion overtook him and he collapsed in a small glade. Alone with only nature, he allowed his thoughts to drift wherever they chose. Closing his eyes he surrendered his spirit to sleep bringing an end to the confusion.

He wasn’t sure how long he had slept when he heard soft footsteps coming towards him; without looking he knew that it was his father that approached. “Am I expected to stay here then, to be prince?” he spat the last word as if he had tasted something bitter.

“Of course not, you are free to go just as you always were.” Lutrol spoke with compassion despite his son’s sulky expression. “You are prince by blood and that is all. It must be your choice to lead the people.”

“And if I choose not to?”

Lutrol was secretly pleased at this question for it showed that William was indeed bonding with the elves of Nordel just as he had hoped. “Your sister can rule in your place. You will find that we are not a complicated people, we accept things as they are.”

Lutrol took a seat on a soft patch of moss so that he could be level with his son. He did not like to make others feel inferior which was a hard task given his height. “I know that you wish to leave soon in search of Alexandra but you must not go just yet.”

“But you said I was free to leave…”Will’s face contorted in anger.

Raising a hand to silence the young man, Lutrol continued “There is something that she must do first, without you, and that time has not arrived yet. Just as you must learn about your past, so must she. Alexandra has her own tests to pass but I assure you that she is safe at the moment.”

“How do you know this? Have you seen her?” Will looked past his father into the woods expecting to see the girl standing in the shadow of a tree. Although he knew he would not find her, he still felt the sting of disappointment.

“We elves have a way of keeping abreast of things in the world. No, I have not seen her and the one that has is already gone. Ask me no further questions regarding her for I cannot answer you.”

“Can’t answer me, or wont?” Will sprang to his feet and began pacing, all of his anger and frustrations rising to the surface. “Who do you think you are, spying on us? You left, remember? When I wanted to be a part of your world, you were gone. And now you say I’m to one day be ruler of these people. I don’t owe them or you a thing!” He marched off through the woods with the intent of gathering his belongs to leave. His rage being further fueled by his father’s silence.

However, upon reaching the tree house his resolve wavered and he stood looking down at his simple bed wondering what to do next. Emarl looked with pity at the young man who was being torn in two. “We watch everybody, not just you and her.” Will spun around startled. “We have to watch what goes on in the outside because some things effect us. Nobody is asking you to become king, and nobody will blame you for not doing so. But why leave? You came here looking for answers and wanting to learn more about your elven heritage. Why abandon that quest so soon? Stay, learn, you may never have this opportunity again.”

Will looked down at his feet feeling embarrassed by his childish behavior. “What about Alex?”

Giving a sympathetic smile Emarl replied “Alexandra is where she needs to be right now.”

“You sound just like him.” They shared a chuckle at this comment thus diffusing the tension in the room.

Lutrol arrived home shortly after and only nodded his head in approval of his son’s decision to stay. He retired to his sleeping chamber without speaking a word to either of his children.

“Is he mad at me?”

Emarl heard the hurt in Will’s voice and knew without a doubt the he would be king one day. “No, just tired. Remember, we are elves; we do not waste time on such dark emotions. It is better to accept what is. How else could we live hundreds of years in peace and harmony?”

Will nodded his understanding but still felt sure he had angered Lutrol. Feeling too tired to debate this with his sister, he simply bid goodnight and disappeared behind the curtained door to his bedroom.

Alpha

Maxson and Shelby are out trying to enjoy some shopping. Recent missions had seen the two in the Middle East, Siberia and a secret military base on the dark side of the moon. Now they just wanted to relax and enjoy a little of what they bust their butts to protect.

“That one's hot", Mac said approvingly to Shelby as she modeled one of the season's new bathing suits.

“It might look good, but this floss is a pain in the ass.” she replied trying to adjust the bottom of the neon two piece suit.

“Fine, take it off."

“You wish.” she shot back ducking into the changing room.

“I like that one and the patriotic one. I'll be back in a sec. I want to check on somethin'.", Mac said as he stood up and left the communal waiting room that was ringed by different changing booths.

Mac was desperately in love with Shelby and always focused all his available attention on her. His Centre training taught him to access his subconscious in order to be aware of his surroundings. His subconscious is what prompted him to check out the main floor. Slowly parting the beads Slipstream entered the boutique proper. A mental switch and his mutant engine was slowly powering up.


Thousands of miles away Slipstreams' powering up is noticed by several human monitors aboard the Centre satellite.

“Colonel Bragmore, Slipstreams' powered up.", one of the monitors spoke into an intercom attached to his headset.

“Roger that, on my way", the Colonel replied as he placed a bookmark in his book and tossed it onto his bed.

As the presence of super powered beings in our world became more and more a reality the US "power's that be", settled on two things. The first was that in order to keep up it was necessary to catalogue all those beings within it's auspices that possessed metanatural abilities and select some to work for the good guys. The other was the need to establish an organization to control those catalogued. The Centre was that organization.


Looking around with both his eye's and his subconscious Slipstream couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Feeling around one more time he went back into the dressing room area, but not before he upped his stored energy a couple levels.

Slipstream knew that the subconscious didn't lie. Pressing a subdural throat mic Slipstream spoke to Timeslide. “Shelby, stay cool, somethin's goin' on."

"What is it?” she asked carefully adjusting her latest outfit.

"Not sure, but my head itches.” he replied referring to the trained subconscious all Alpha agents had.

"What do ya wanna do?"

"Nothin', it's probable just me. Now step out here and lemme see some ass."


"Sir, he's up to five.” the monitor informed the Colonel as he entered the "bubble", nerve center of the Agency satellite.

"Five! Dammit what's he doing?"

"He's with Timeslide, sir"

"Put Blink on hold."

"Blink sir?"

"Do it, soldier!"

"Done sir.” the corporal replied as he entered the code in an alpha-numeric keypad.


Unbeknownst to all but a few in the United States the "cold war" is still going full steam, within our own borders. The activation of agent Blink can only mean "they who must be obeyed" intend to use him. As such several individuals within our country are made aware of this intent. One of them is the current director of the Centre for which Alpha team is answerable to. Blink is a bio-engineered construct that can permanently shut down the mind of humans with met normal abilities. To Rion Brogan this meant that someone was about to get eyebrow deep in some serious shit.

"O'Donnell, gimme a roll call.” Brogan asked as he slid into the seat next to Janet van Deem, the communications officer on duty. “Wait a minute, where’s O'Donnell? Deem, I thought you were third shift?"

"It's van Deem. I transferred up.", she replied as the monitor board showed all agents accounted for except two.

"Where are Shelby and Maxson?"

"Seventy-two hour leave, sir.” she replied activating the tracer that all agents had implanted into their spines.

" Locate..."

" Got 'em sir."

"Send Cory to run cover."

"She's a Sigma sir."

"I know. She's due for a raise. Dispatch and feed her the info in route."

"Yes sir."


Shelby continued trying on various swimsuits as Maxson, with a critical eye, critiqued each and gave his opinion. The itch in his head ever present but no more insistent then his original impression.

Outside the dressing rooms business in the boutique was at its daily height. Casually Cory made her way around the shop, watching for the clerks, any apparent hostiles, Timeslide and Slipstream, and the ever present telepathic recorders. Not necessarily in that order. Cory thought it weird that the Centre seemed to always have their recorders in place for every mission. The recorder's job was to maintain a telepathic link between the agents and observers at the Centre. Thereby nullifying the need for any immediate communication between the two. Despite her efforts Cory didn't notice two newer arrivee's, both of whom will quickly change this boutique's "normal" business.

"Can we go?", asked Maxson seeing Shelby emerge from her overused changing booth.

"Yeah. I got a couple.", she replied indicating her preferences by throwing those chosen across the small waiting area into Maxson's face.

"Good, let's blow this popsicle stand."

Attempting to lead Shelby to the register Maxson didn't notice the slight waver behind the counter ahead of him, but the clean cut, athletic gentleman browsing near the front of the store did catch his attention.

"Here, you pay.", Maxson said handing Shelby his wallet.

The itching in his head had increase a bit when he noticed the gentleman in the "woman's" boutique, alone. As Shelby paid for her stuff Maxson continued to probe the immediate surroundings with his subconscious. It was then he felt a stirring behind the counter, too close for comfort.

Drawing on his power Maxson was about to adjust the "reality" of whatever was there when a rapid succession of things occurred. Just seconds before ,Cory had also noticed the athletic gentleman, out of place in the shop and approached him believing him to be someone she knew as well. Closing to the appropriate distance she reached out to touch him on the shoulder. When she did so it startled him slightly lessening his concentration. This in tern altered the region of Maxson's brain that Blink "turned off", causing Maxson to collapse rather then fall into a catatonic state. At that precise moment Maxson, using his hand to direct the release of the "order energy" that was his to command, attempted to resolve the itch in his head. Shelby vanished and Maxson hit the floor unconscious.

The instant Shelby disappeared the Centre's telepathic recorder, Algae, initiated the sterilization protocols that comprised the secondary parameters of its programming. Everyone in the boutique was mind wiped of the preceding two minutes and immediately desired only to go home and sleep. Algae also called in a Centre first line team, whose job it was to isolate and sterilize the area effectively hiding from the general public the fact that super beings did exist and operated among everyday people.


"What the hell happened?", Brogan asked occupying the terminal next to Van Deem.

"I'm not sure sir. Everyone is accounted for except one. That one is only on tape half the time."

"Half the time?"

"Here, see if you recognize the signature", Van Deem replied calling up the telepathic recording Algae made of the incident

As the tape advanced all the images were moving normally except one. The image from behind the counter seemed to skip frames, almost as if it were blinking in and out of the picture.

"That one's using some type of temporal cloaking device. Half the time they are now and the other half a couple seconds in the past or future. It makes the user invisible and able to instantaneously teleport elsewhere. The technology I recognize the user I don't.

Deep Water

Alex awoke to the crying of a baby somewhere in the distance. She wasn’t sure whether it was day or night but she knew that she couldn’t sleep any longer. Carefully she got to her feet, remembering to stoop down so as not to bump her head again. Running her fingers over her clothes she was able to take inventory of her belongings. She found that her holster was empty and that once again she was without boots. For all she knew her things could be lying in a corner of the room but she just couldn’t see them. With outstretched hands she made her way tentatively through the room with the hopes of finding her way outside.

She let out a scream of pain and surprise as her foot stepped on something hot, no doubt she had just wandered into a fire pit. She hopped backwards bumping her head on another beam. With one hand holding her burnt foot and the other cradling the lump already forming on the back of her head she was quite a spectacle to see. Just as two women rushed into the little hut, Alex tripped over a basket and fell with a thump onto the dirt floor causing another cry of pain to escape her.

“’Ere ya go dear, take me ‘and.” Alex felt a rough calloused hand encircle her own thin one and with a slight tug she was back on her feet. “Now let me ‘ave a look at ya. Ya shouldn’t ‘ave gotten out of bed withou’ proper ‘elp.” The rough hands were very gentle as they examined her foot and head. “Not burnt too bad, lucky for you, you didn’ fall in the fire. Ya’ve got a nasty lump on the ‘ead but you’ll live.”

“Look at the mess she made, ma” Alex could tell by the voice that it was a young girl who spoke maybe of 10 or 11. She still had the high pitched voice of a child but was old enough to be her mother’s helper.

“Shh! Mind yer manners, Evilin, the poor woman can’t see.” The girl went about straightening up the room grumbling under her breath.

Alex strained in frustration to see the people who were in the room. She reached up to rub her eyes but found that there was a cloth bandage over them. She was about to undue the wrap but her hands were gently stopped. “Ya best be leavin’ that be, miss. Let the salve do its job, ‘opefully ya’ll get some of your sight back.”

Alex dropped her hands pliantly into her lap. “Where am I? What happened?”

“She’s stupid and blind!” came the quick retort from Evilin. There was a loud smack and without even seeing it, Alex knew that the girl had been disciplined for her remark.

“Overlook the girl; she thinks she knows everything now that she’s to soon be married off to the king. She’ll be wife number four but at least she’ll ‘ave food.

As for where you are – you’re on Antipodes Island. From best we can tell, a storm came up and the ship was pushed onto the rocks a ways to the north of ‘ere. ‘Ow ya survived is a miracle but ya washed up on shore tied to a beam from the ship. ‘Aven’t seen any others from the vessel but that’s not to say that they’re all dead. Maybe just washed up on a different part of the island.”

“Capin’ there’s a storm a brewin’. Best start battin’ down the hatches.”

A shrill whistle resonated throughout the ship as the warning was passed to make ready for rough seas.

“Ya best get below decks, miss. Tie yourself to a beam incase we take a wave or two. Don’t want our only passenger getting washed overboard.”

“Capin’, it’s gonna be a spinner.”

On that word the boat came alive with crew members running to and fro, strapping down anything that moved. Those that were not needed on top moved with Alex below decks to tie themselves to anything that would float and not move.

“Here ya go, miss, I’ll give you a hand.” One of the galley workers who had been so kind to Alex on the voyage set about tying her to a beam. He had just finished when there was a loud crack as a wave hit the side of the ship causing it to rock viciously from side to side. The man would have gone flying through the air but Alex grabbed him. “Thank you, miss. Now that I’ve got you secured, I best see to myself.” That was the last time she ever saw any one from the boat again.

In a matter of seconds the ship was being tossed about by the vicious storm. There was an earsplitting crack as the vessel struck a large rock. Water filled the haul of the deck and panic welled up inside of Alex. She struggled with the knot that secured her to the beam; if she couldn’t get loose she would drown. Suddenly the upper deck broke away and her beam was loose. She was afloat in the icy water, rain pelting at her face. A wave flipped her over causing her head to strike a rock that was just below the surface. Darkness mercifully enveloped her so that she was unaware of the punishment her body endured from the great sea.

“I remember,” she whispered

“Wha’ was that, miss?” The woman paused a moment in her cleaning to look at the patient who had been forced upon her.

“I remember the ship wreck.” Looking in the direction from which the woman’s voice came she asked, “Other than my vision, is there anything else wrong with me?”

“Well, you ‘ave a nasty gash on your back, but from the looks of it, your back is used to pain. The rest are just scratches and bruises, nothin’ too serious. We’ve ‘ad a time of gettin’ your back to close, but I think it’ll do ya right now.”

“And my things? Did anything make it to shore?”

“You’re boots and the guns you were wearing are in safe keeping with the elders along with the key that was about your neck. Nothin’ else from your ship has washed up other than drift wood.” Alex was relieved to hear this bit of news although she would dearly miss her larger weapons; at least she had her pistols.

“Evilin, take the lady outside for some fresh air while I get us some food cookin’” The girl gave an audible “humph” but did as she was told. “Walk slow now; she can’t see where she’s gonin’”

Although the girl had a sharp tongue she had gentle hands and carefully guided Alex out of the hut. The air was damp and heavy with heat taking Alex’s breathe away. She could hear movement all around but nobody seemed to be in close proximity to them. Evilin carefully lead her to a log where they could sit down. “Where were you going, anyway?” The girl was much friendlier when her mother wasn’t about.

“Here actually.”

“Why would you want to come here?”

“I’m looking for an old friend.”

“Who is it? Maybe I can help you?” The girl was all too eager for an adventure of some kind.

Figuring it couldn’t hurt to ask, specially seen as how she couldn’t exactly look for the man herself, Alex answered, “Jake Small. At least that’s what name he used to go by when I knew him.”

“Why that’s the king!” Exclaimed the girl.

Alex hoped she masked her reaction to this bit of news. “This might be more difficult than I had thought.” She would bide her time here for now, at least she was on the right trail but she needed to gather more information and devise a plan. “If only I could see!”

Alpha

"Sir, I have the readings you requested on Matrix.” a young lady said as she entered a rather lavishly decorated office.

Slowly the sole chair in the room spun around revealing a young gentleman holding up his first finger in the universally accepted "hang on" gesture. The look on the young lady's face changed from enthusiasm to something else as she waited for him to finish his telephone call.

"Camille I enjoy your enthusiasm but your decorum could still use some work.” he said as he hung up the telephone with one hand and extended the other across his desk.

Quickly she handed him her PDA.

"These are very interesting. Well done.” he said more to himself dismissing her with a wave. As she opened the door to his office to leave he stopped her.

By the way, you’re Fired!!” he screamed as he caused her total incorporation with a slight mental twist.

"Jaime"' he directed at his intercom.

"Yes, sir?"

"I need a new assistant."


Several months ago Thermo had been assigned a hit and run mission. As the only survivor he returned beat up and under suspicion. This was the last "desk" assignment he had to finish before he was reassigned as active. Tonight he was to evaluate and recommend the aptitude of a Sigma agent, Mydnyte. Collecting a headset recorder and a handheld tracker, Thermo walked across the hall from where his desk was and entered the mission room.

"Where you off to? asked Janet van Deem, Thermo's current love interest and third shift communications officer for Alpha.

"I've got a baby sitting assignment.” he mumbled as he stepped into one of the transport tubes.

"Luv ya, good luck.” she replied hitting the pneumatic switch for Thermo's tube.

Suddenly Thermo shot through the tube to the upper part of the complex and out a concealed hatch below the ring of gargoyles that decorated the top most portion of the building.

Flipping the recorder's switch with a movement of his right ear Thermo began to record the evening's events.

"All rightee then. Nice calm evening. Weather report says it's relatively warm, hard for me to tell since my temperature stays constant, but it looks warm. Now let's see if I can find this bitch and get this shit over with.” with that Thermo kicked up the wind current propelling him through the air. Thermo was born with the ability to control the various phenomena we lump together as weather. He could alter to his advantage everything from winds and moisture to lighting, so far. His abilities had only manifested themselves five years ago so there was probably more he could do, but he was fast losing interest. The major aspect of his current training regime involved exploring creative uses for his talents, rather then honing what was already present. So far not much had been achieved.

"Files say she likes to hang out on the dockside of the waterfront, guess I'll try there first."

After several hours of patrolling Themo spotted his quarry perched atop a water tower. Just as he settled in to watch he spotted a white BMW slow down on the street below.

"I've found Mydnyte. She seems interested in a white BMW that's slowing down on the street, plate reads "Titus". Damn, that's the Renegade's top dog. Wonder what's up? Wait a minute, where'd she go? There she is. She's down on the street trying to help two girls that got pushed out of the car. Now we'll see what she's made of. There are eight Renegades; the two that were runnin' point just grabbed the two girls. Two other guys, one with a handgun and one carrying a sword just broke away from the pack and are approaching the girls. Mydnyte just melted into the shadows and is attacking the two guys holding the girls. Damn, she just...wait a minute...she just ripped out the dudes' spines. Okay, now she put herself between the girls and the rest of the Renegade pack. The girls just ran down the street. They'll be all right. The dude with the sword swung and broke it on Mydnyte's arm; she must have increased her density. Dude with the gun just shot his buddy tryin' to hit her. Damn, she impaled the sword guy with her arm. This bitch is bad to the bone fellas. Now she's lit into the rest of the pack. They're fallin' one by one, look's like it's about over. Wait a minute there's one dude left and he's big, must be Catafalque. Reports said to watch for him. Man, he just swatted her across the street and through the wall of that building. She's up, looks to be okay. He tried to get her again but she melted away and popped out on the firescape above him. She tried to impale him through the top of his head, guess she doesn't know he's an android. It didn't work so she melted into his shadow. She just severed his left leg with her hand. Now she's just standing there. Catafalque just jumped at her and missed. Wait he hit her with a laser, hit her in the hand. And he just activated his teleporter. Damn, she just looked right at me and mouthed she hoped she got a good grade, she knew I was here the whole time."

Thermo started his flight back to the Centre at a leisurely pace so he could have his report ready by the time he got back.

"I don't think she'd have any problems with a sanction mission, but the personality profile and several of the intangibles don't mark her as being ready yet. It won't be long though, it won't be long."

Darkness(Alex)

Never had she been so happy to see land before. After spending the last four months aboard an ever moving vessel, her legs seemed unwilling to walk properly on the rocky soil. Her traveling clothes hung loosely about her for she had lost a bit of weight due to the inability to keep any food down. If it weren’t for the galley cook’s fowl tasting concoction, she surely would have starved to death. As quickly as she could get her travel weary body to move she parted ways with the captain and crew of the merchant ship and headed in the direction of the only town on the island.

While following the well worn path that led to the centre of Antipodes Island, Alex took this time to observe her surroundings. There were large tropical trees surrounding the path with no hint of the foliage growing thinner. The girl was sure that if one strayed to far from the trail that they would get lost for sure. However, she was certain that the natives of this island could navigate within the dense forest quite well; as she had observed such confidence in the Indians who could navigate the vast wilderness of America. Several times she paused to allow strange animals the right of way across the path. Not being sure of which were poisonous, she thought it best to stay clear of all creatures. A heavy mist hung in the air with no sign of reprise blocking out the bright sun and leaving only a glow in the sky in place of its blinding light..

Without warning the trees vanished and in their place stood a town. Not just any town but a town that was all too familiar to Alex – it was her home from when she was a little girl. She stayed on the path, fearing to move onto the dusty road in front of her. “This has got to be some kind of dream and I’m still on that rickety boat.” She pinched her arm as her mother had taught her to do when having a bad dream but the vision before her eyes did not waver. Cautiously, she stepped out of the safety of the forest into the town’s street. Walking slowly as if there were led in her boots she made her way to the wooden slat sidewalk and as if on cue the town sprung to life.

Men on horse back rode up and down the street, tipping their hats at the ladies who bustled along the sidewalk to do their shopping and gossiping. There were carriages containing farm equipment and supplies. A few scraggly dogs barked and jumped around a group of children playing in a side alley. From one of the buildings a jovial tune was being played on a piano and without looking for it, Alex knew that a saloon was on the left side of the street smack dab in the middle of all the buildings. Further on down the walkway she found the little hotel with it’s name painted in big red letters across the front window “Alby’s.”

“Even the names are the same,” she whispered under her breath. She took a seat on a simple wooden bench that sat in front of the mercantile for she feared that her legs might give out from under her. As she watched the people going about their business she realized that the faces looked familiar. “There’s Mr. Frank… and Susie Bellars….” She followed the forms with her eyes, unsure of what was truly unfolding before her. When Mr. McCowin stepped out in front his shop to breathe a bit of fresh air, Alex reached out a tentative hand and touched his arm. Quickly she withdrew her trembling hand as if it had been burned for it was not thin air that greeted her touch but solid flesh and blood.

“Good day to ya, Miss Alexandra. And how are your folks doin’?” The red haired man gave her the same friendly smile that she had received a thousand times but instead of replying she could only stare with her mouth hanging open as if she were an idiot. “Are ya feelin’ alright there, lassy? Should I fetch Doc Backer?”

Alex shook her head “no” but the mercantile owner seemed none too convinced. “It’s this heat that’s got to ya. Let me get ya a cool glass of lemonade, the misses just made some not too long ago.” He disappeared within the store only to return with a glass filled with pale yellow water. “Here ya go, lassy, drink up.”

Her hands seemed to move of their own accord, taking the glass out of the puffy fingers. As if her soul had left her body, she could see the events taking place below her. She saw a young girl in pigtails drinking a glass of lemonade while the robust man looked on. Her breathing quickend as her brain fought the illusion before her. With a strength that seemed to come from someone else she forced herself to return to her body. Her spirit dove with such magnitude that it jolted the little girl causing her to drop her glass. Instead of the delicate thing splintering into a thousand pieces, it fell to its side with a thud and spun dizzily on the ground. The sound seemed to be as loud as thunder and shook the ground just as violently.

Alex startled jumbed from the bench, bumping her head on something but she couldn’t make out what for all around her was a deep blackness. She spun around, searching for the town in which she had just visited but the only thing she could see was darkness. She moved her hands carefully along the ground and was surprised to find that she was sitting on a straw mat of some kind. She willed herself to see but nothing would come to her. Panic seized her and she began to flail her arms about and scream as if she were a mad woman.

“There, there, child,” cooed a voice from within the darkness. “Lie back down. Your wounds aren’t yet fully mended.”

Alex looked in the direction from which the voice came and yet she could see nothing. “Why do you hide in the darkness? Show yourself.”

She could sense a presence standing next to her and felt gentle hands lying her back down upon the straw mat. “Do not fight the darkness child, it is here to stay. You must learn to embrace it – to move within it.”

Now she was more confused then ever. What did this gibberish mean? Where was she? But before she could ask her questions she felt the mist of the island still over her and she was once again in the strange town.