Under light of a full moon
a child was born.
One who would
reclaim the great
Sapphire throne.
She is one
returned
from our ancestors
in the stars.
She will hold
heaven’s sword.
And she grows
from infant to child.
From girl to woman
as strong as any man
who calls her foe.
Wearing a cloak
of darkened furs,
sitting atop
her mount bred for war.
For she goes
to meet the false king.
So this song is behind it all: Crystal Viper – Goddess of Death http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBVXaC9UwN0
Please leave feedback, share if you like it, and follow if you want to read more. =D
___
A group of mourners lay around the deathbed of a woman in her fifties. Blonde hair spread like a limp fan around her head. After fighting a wasting disease for years, she’d finally succumbed. As usual, everyone spoke of how kind she was though it was far from the truth. And no one could know of the dark secret she’d taken to her grave. While they suffered inside, the night was calm. With only the occasional cloud drifting lazily in front of the moon. A tall, grotesque figure glided from shadow to shadow. Passing unseen by people who’d been taught to ignore its presence. So many years, and now he would finally pay.
**
Kai stepped out of her circle into the human world. Black, or brown depending on the light, braids floated around her head. A light blue gown made of silk swirled around her ankles, she wore thick ice that created a crystal-like chest piece. A look of annoyance passed over her face as she searched for the wayward soul. Making her way over buildings she was able to see everything. And soon enough she found it, anger crashed over the city. Letting the wind carry her, Kai found herself above a skyscraper. A dark shape climbing its wall. Summoning her staff, she waited. Only the occasional flash of light revealing her. There was quiet, then furious scratching as it realized she was there to stop it.
It launched itself onto the roof, a once human form elongated and twisted. The result of resentment, bitterness, and guilt. Even the face no longer resembled anything mortal. It hurled itself at Kai and she effortlessly knocked it aside. Beginning the spell to trap it. Before she could finish it jumped, embedding its claws in her back. Its jaws were stopped only by the ice that served as her shield. She forced her staff sideways into its mouth, crying out as the heat seared her also. The creature jerked away. It tried to run but she slammed her staff onto the back of its neck. Furious, it grabbed her and vaulted over the side.
“I will kill you too!” It hissed in a vaguely female voice.
Kai called out to the wind, hoping it would buffer the fall. When it didn’t she called out to the other souls of the city. The creature screamed as their energy pummeled it. While Kai lightly dropped to her feet, the creature stopped only when it met the roof of someone’s car. At first it didn’t move and she began the spell again. Cursing when it jumped, landing on the building. Twirling her staff, Kai threw it. The crack as it hit the creature’s ribs was audible, it fell with a loud thud.
“He must pay!” it cried in pain.
“And he will. For every scream he will pay, but that judgment is mine to make!”
When the creature wouldn’t give up, Kai had no choice but to force it back to her circle.
The fight dragged on well past midnight. With sunrise imminent she knew the creature would be harder to find. If it killed, the soul would be beyond her help. It would have to be destroyed. When she finally cornered it, the creature had grown from its own hate. But she was also at full strength. Ducking under its claws she struck its ribs, breaking them. It tried scurrying away but she swung her staff, catching it under the jaws. While it reeled in pain and surprise Kai opened her circle.
“Come to me, guardians of the underworld!”
Smokey jaguars almost larger than she was, burst through the gate. There was a brief struggle before they dragged the creature in. One jaguar looked back, expecting her to follow.
“Soon enough my dear”.
**
A short, athletic man strolled into his luxurious office as he always did.
“Mr. Garrett, it’s nice to see you.”
He jumped but quickly recovered when he saw the woman sitting on his leather couch. He looked her over before putting on professional airs.
“I’m sorry, my secretary didn’t inform me there was anyone in here.”
The woman smiled at him and he sat down next to her.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” he asked, placing his hand over hers.
“Yes, there is something. Tell me, does this look familiar?”
Suddenly smoke filled the office, flames roared to life. Mr. Garrett jumped up and ran for the door. Halfway there chains wrapped around his ankles. As he was struggling with them, he noticed someone standing over him. Kai had let the illusion fall and her brown skin glowed eerily in the firelight. He tried screaming, but no sound came out.
“For every innocent life you took, a punishment waits for you. Not today, Mr. Garrett. But I’m always over your shoulder.”
She bent down and grabbed a handful of hair.
“You will not pass my cats unmarked.”
Then, she was gone and his office looked the same as it always did.
Firstly, thanks to everyone who’s been following this blog. Extra hugs if you’ve shared my stories with people you know. =D
Now I’m asking for help on my blog. Is it easy to navigate? Are the words readable? If not let me know and I’ll search out another format.
Are my stories entertaining? Are there things you like/ dislike? I’ll take all suggestions on how to fix it. Also, is there a storyline you want to see me try?
I want this to be a blog you like coming back to and I appreciate any help I can get.
For anyone who read and enjoyed Wulf, I’m almost done with the second part. If you want to read it before hand I’ll be happy to send it to you once I’m done with revisions. My email is on the About page, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss anything.
P.S. Mainly my new short story on Friday.
I’ve been out of this week, not being able to sit up for more than a few moments til now, so I’ll have to make it up next week. It’s nothing too serious I hope but I’ll find out tomorrow when I head to the dentist.
I am trying to get some writing and/or editing in today, that way we won’t have this problem next week. Have to get back in the mood after not doing anything for almost four days. That may not sound like a lot, but you don’t know the levels of procrastination I can reach without an excuse.
Thanks to all the people who liked and shared Wulf!!! I really feel motivated to start working on part two and I’m taking suggestions on a title. =D
It’s now a race to see if Wulf pt. 2 or False God pt. 2 will be finished first….Either way keep reading. I will have some poems and short stories to keep you busy. I try to post three times a week, so check back often.
Also…..Working on my first full length novel in quite a few years, so there’s that. If I can ever complete an outline I’m satisfied with or get around to finishing my character outlines. I don’t even have a title yet (are you seeing a pattern here?) or a solid genre. Could be another dystopian novel or it may be sci-fi. Its kinda still writing itself. I’ll have another update when I finally start the first draft.
Again, thanks so much for reading! Have a good weekend. =D
At last, winter released its grip and the sun’s warmth radiated around them. Snow melted and created tiny rivers in the street. Water dripped down windows from ice sickles that still hung on. Already flowers were blooming and children stared in wonderment, seeing something new that had been only been sung of. Parents and grandparents sniffed the sweet fragrances while remembering years past. Tentatively content for the first time in almost five years of what spring would bring. No one had brought in what survived of their harvest yet, not worried for once they wouldn’t find enough to feed their families. Stenwulf walked among them alone, assured that none would try to hurt him. Part of him didn’t, and couldn’t, except that any of this was because of him. The land gave and took away, that was a part of life. He could imagine his father’s reaction if he told him half of what happened. Laughter followed by disgust at his son who could never be enough of a warrior. He growled and his pace quickened. He just wanted to be out of sight. As he headed towards his room, not yet allowed to share a one with Bonfire, Alani confronted him.
“There is no room for doubt. Don’t be fooled by the new growth. Yes, it’s here. If you don’t accept your responsibility it will be little more than a show.” She spoke quietly.
He was unnerved by her knowledge, and hidden hostility. He met her gaze and said, with as much confidence as he could muster,” I don’t doubt I have a responsibility, even my people believe in fate. And magic. What no one has explained is why I owe so much to a land I’ve never been to?”
Alani wore a closed expression as she said, “You loved a place that gave you no value, so you searched for a land where no one knew your name. Am I correct?”
His shocked silence answered both spoken and implied questions.
“Now you’ve found what you searched for. Why do you reject it?” her expression and tone gave nothing away.
“I didn’t want this. Value, maybe so, but not this!” He blurted. “I am a warrior so I will fight… I won’t run. That isn’t my nature.”
“Is that your reason?” She spoke, her eyebrow raised.
Stenwulf sighed. He considered lying but decided against it. “If I didn’t, I couldn’t sleep. I don’t have a hard enough heart.” A hint of self-hate crept into his voice.
She studied his face for a long while before speaking. “And what of Queen Bonfire?” she asked in an uncaring tone.
He opened his mouth to speak, and then stopped. He felt a spark of anger and fought to keep his face as neutral as hers. “I’ll make myself worthy of her,” he said softly.
Alani’s façade cracked and she snorted. “Either you are or you aren’t,” she replied in the same uncaring voice before stepping around him.
As he struggled to control his anger he could’ve sworn colors flashed through the dark walls. Frustrated he marched to his room and managed to close the door without slamming it.
**
Bonfire sat listening to Councilman Oadel ramble on about different political issues. Their main concern how they would reenter a world that had surely forgotten them. Fifteen years had passed since her mother had first fallen ill and the lands beyond became unimportant. Only survival mattered then and now. She knew she should pay attention since their future was still uncertain, but she didn’t feel safe. She felt there was something waiting they hadn’t prepared for. Unlike her mother and grandmother she did not have visions but a cold feeling slowly ate away at her, a numbness that even the bitterest winter couldn’t produce. But for all her misgivings she made the mistake of not believing the source of her fear could lay so close. Then, suddenly, a wave of heat shot through her and she couldn’t stop a sharp cry.
Instantly Oadel was beside her, a firm grip on her arm. “What is it?” he asked, concern barely stifled.
“Nothing, I’ll return when I can,” she managed to say even though she shook badly. When she could, she stood and hurried from the small room. Glad that she wore a simple gown instead of full skirts.
Before she got close to the door, she felt like Stenwulf’s anger was a wall. It filled every inch of her mind. What could have inspired this? She gasped for air, but managed to keep going. Placing her hand softly on the door she prepared herself for a long wait. So, surprised when the door opened on its own, she only looked around. They’d found a bed large enough for him and placed it against the far wall. There were no chairs, only a stool and low table by request. She had insisted on a carpet, dark brown resembling fur, because she hadn’t expected spring to be warm. On any other day the room was homey but today the atmosphere was oppressive. Stenwulf stood stiffly by the window. He’d replaced his new pants with his old linen trousers.
“Has someone hurt you?” she asked gently, closing the door.
“No one has done or said anything I haven’t heard before.” He took up most of the space, making the room shrink. When he turned around his expression was like stone. “New clothes aren’t going to make a difference. I don’t even know if I’m making a difference,” he growled. “Give me the chaos of a battlefield any day.” He threw up his hands.
“Spring has not come in so long children are born without knowing it. A few warm days are all we expect, and when we begin to hope that is taken away.” Her expression was a mix of despair and anger. “Only when you accept yourself as king can you become one. There is no time left to find another solution.”
“And why not? Why didn’t you choose a king before me?” his tone was low and accusatory.
Momentarily caught off guard, she couldn’t answer right away and he started to turn away. Then, she shot back, “You think I chose you? If I could rule alone I wouldn’t hesitate to do so. And you could go back wherever you were running from.”
“So you’ve told me” he laughed, “But let’s be clear. I’m not running from anything. If I ran from my problems why would I help with yours?”
She glared at him and he couldn’t help a small smirk. With some of the tension broken he sat on the stool and crossed his arms. “Who chose me? There doesn’t appear to be anyone here terribly excited about having me as king,” he said with forced casualness.
“No one knows anything about you; did you expect an open – armed welcome? And my mother chose you,” she answered sheepishly.
He mulled that over for a while. “And where is she?”
“She’s dead. She died six years ago when I was sixteen” her voice was tight and she didn’t quite meet his gaze.
Neither spoke for a long time. He fidgeted and she stood patiently for his reaction with her hands folded against her lap.
After an indefinite amount of time he waved her over and pulled her onto his lap. “I’m honored you ancestors chose me. You have my word I will doubt no more and be your king,” he said in a reverent tone.
“Why so sudden a change?”
“In my village our ancestors speak and show our destiny. I’ve never heard anything, even after defending my people.”
She could say nothing, just stayed silent until it was clear he would say nothing more. In an effort to comfort him, she offered to get them drinks. She could’ve ordered a servant to do it, but she didn’t know if the silence would be bearable.
When she came back he was in a slightly better mood. She made sure a passing servant knew to keep plenty of mead on the table, and then closed the door. He graciously accepted the drinks and they both sat through uncomfortably forced conversation. After a few drinks, he was bragging about his hunts and happy memories of his homeland. She noticed he only spoke of the land, not the people, but didn’t say anything. She enjoyed seeing him smile. It was something he hadn’t done since arriving. Caught up in good feelings, she began telling him of running into the forest for days on end. And though she hadn’t hunted to kill, her parents were always dismayed to find the newest creature hidden in her room. Her first attempts at magic were healing the broken wings of fallen chicks, turning her room into a stable and an infirmary. He laughed and hit his hand on the table. She was amused by his reaction, her childish exploits, and the knowledge that her guardians would be horrified.
“Dieni was the one they let me keep,” she said with a wistful smile.
He smiled too as he remembered the cat. He gulped down the last of his ale and whispered menacingly, “Well, that’s nice my little bride but I’ve got a better tale.”
Stenwulf told of young boys who went into the forest to hunt. He spoke with a mischievous grin as he told of sneaking in the night, heartbeat pounding in the youngest’ ears making it hard to hear, while his imagination ran wild. Cold sweat of fear threatened to freeze his clothes to his skin but he didn’t dare stop, or be left behind. Ahead his brother was outlined against the sky, but he knew even a faint cry would bring harsh retaliation. It would give them away, on top of being a final sign of weakness, and they were hunting one of the last great bears. But no one was prepared for bitter winds and countless biting insects. The older boys threw vicious looks at the younger as if it was a curse he had put on them. Further proof he should’ve been left behind as is the logic of children. And just as their patience snapped and physical violence broke out, he came crashing through the trees. Furious such whelps had insulted him. And they were all little boys again with knives shaking in their hands. With no hope they attacked, cutting but making no stop to the bear’s advance. Beaten back but too afraid to run and silently crying for this to end.
The world shook in this vicious confusion and tears blurred the young boy’s eyes. There was a thud as the bear’s claw smacked into someone, a wet tearing noise, and then a crack as he hit an oak tree. Wailing and cries for vengeance, but it did not last for long. The young boy was helpless as he watched his eldest brother engulfed in its massive jaws. And then it turned on him, dark eyes glinting. With the courage of one who expects to die, he charges crying his brother’s name. At the very last-minute he slips as the bear slams into him. Only shock helped keep a grip on his knife, driving it through the bear’s ribs. Landing on his legs, the bear shuddered then lay still. Briefly, the young boy wondered if he’d walk again. Turning his head to see his brother’s broken body, he didn’t care. Just closed his eyes and prayed he’d die soon. The village men found them the next morning, his father among them. He grieved for his oldest and cursed his youngest. No one stopped him, all agreeing it must’ve been the young boy’s stupidity that got their boys killed.
Here his voice caught and she had the sickening realization that he was speaking of himself. She fought back tears and, returning to sit in his lap, leaned her head against his forehead.
“I am here, my liege.”
His grip on her waist tightened for a fraction of a second. Once he had his emotions controlled she felt him smile against her cheek.
“While you’re here-” he whispered.
“Yes, yes, I know. More beer.” Her laughter bought a wider grin to his face.
**
Later, she sat before her mother’s grave, once again in a trance. Autumn placed her hand gently on top of her daughter’s.
“You know I must leave now. There is nothing more for me to do here.” She smiled when Bonfire nodded stiffly. Her colorful full-length gown flapped silently as she began to move away.
“What if I need your help again? Will you be there?”
Her mother paused, staring off into the distance. “I will give you what answers I can but I cannot linger here,” she said indicating their surroundings. “I have to pass on.” She placed her hands on Bonfire’s face. “You are not alone, dear one. Your friends will always outnumber your enemies as long as you remain who you are.”
They embraced one final time. Her mother’s eyes filled with prideful tears as she faded. Reluctantly, she returned to her body and wrapped her arms around herself. She shuddered though the air was warm, tears running down her face. The last of her mother’s magic lingered and she tried to grasp at it, to keep it burning. But finally, even that was gone. Lost in her misery she almost didn’t hear the footsteps until they were almost on her. She jumped to her feet and spun around to see Stenwulf skidding to a halt, ready to fight. He was confused until he noticed where they were and took his hand off his sword hilt. She turned her back to him but he stood near her anyway. He put his arm around her in a loose hug and stood silently until she was ready to return.
**
When the time came for his coronation days had grown considerably warmer, and though there was still a bite in the wind there was no fear. The castle’s cooks were able to prepare a feast large enough for everyone. As if that weren’t enough to lift spirits the day was filled with sporting events, circus acts, and plenty of laughter. For the first time in years there was not a deathly pall over anyone. Both Stenwulf and Bonfire were able to breathe easier, and as they grew more comfortable around each other so did others. Allowing him to embrace his role at last before the crown was officially on his head. Councilman Oadel wore a relieved smile and gave him an enthusiastic welcome to his new citizens. The cheers made him want to hide in the nearest dark corner, but Bonfire took her place next to him. Placing a calming hand on his arm, it was her first public display of affection.
“Will this be over soon?” he whispered, trying not to move his lips.
She just smiled in response as she led him to his seat at the head table. As they sat, she caught a glimpse of Councilman Drahem’s expression and her stomach clenched. Stenwulf noticed her sudden tension and placed an arm around her as she sat. To anyone else it would seem like a token of his affection, but they knew it was a promise that he would protect her. Drahem narrowed his eyes and refused to look at them afterwards. The night passed without any serious incidents and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Stenwulf was just happy he hadn’t made a fool of himself.
“Tonight is over; we have tomorrow’s problems to discuss.”
They both sat in her garden now. Wondering how they were going to put up with each other long enough to deal with a kingdom and its enemies.
Stenwulf stood with his hands tied behind his back. He was held by two men almost as big as he was. Discreetly, he surveyed the unusual foyer. Black walls seemed to be lit from within by a faint light but the rest of the hall was devoid of any warmth, or furnishing except a small statue he guessed was the house’s patron goddess. It was a stone statue of a woman embracing what seemed like a large ball, but it was incomplete. And the urge to go to it was making him fidget. His movements stilled when the group of men around him tensed. A door out of his vision opened and he heard light footsteps, muffled slightly by the footsteps of someone heavier.
“Your highness, we found this man wandering your forests.”
“And what is your name? I would like to address you properly,” said a familiar voice.
He bit back a smart remark and turned his head to see the girl he’d met earlier. She was more composed and was waiting patiently for his answer.
“She asked for your name. Do they not teach manners where you come from?” asked a much older man.
“Not to leathery old shells like you” he muttered.
A brief look of irritation crossed Bonfire’s face before she gave him a warning look and stopped the older man from responding. “You’ve received signs too?” she asked.
At first he thought she was speaking to him, but then the man who’d held a sword to his throat stepped forward.
He bowed slightly before speaking. “My name is Owyn. We were looking for food when we found him.”
There was a slight moment of hesitation, confusion and anticipation clashed in the small space. He thought he saw a look of triumph on Bonfire’s face, but she covered it quickly. Owyn cleared his throat before speaking again.
“There was an otherworld messenger with him.” There was a hint of wonderment in his voice.
Activity stopped, even the servants that paid no attention previously were now looking at him.
She came to stand before him, studying his face. “You never answered my question” she said quietly
He smirked, an attempt to hide his nervousness, and told her his name.
She gave him a shaky smile, touching the ropes and laughing at his shock when they fell away. “Follow me,” she said in the same quiet voice.
As they moved towards the wooden steps, he noticed the elderly man glaring at him. Guessing correctly that he’d just upset a power struggle.
She led him to a room she kept for guests. There was a long bench against the wall, where Stenwulf sat at her invitation, and a low table that just reached his knees. Before he could say otherwise she’d poured him a mug of ale.
“Why so nice?” he asked, taking a cautious sip.
“You are a guest first, Stenwulf. And if you accept, our king.”
He stopped with the mug halfway to his mouth, eying her for any sign of a joke. When her serious expression didn’t change, he cursed profusely. She flinched but didn’t move from where she was standing.
“And what happens if I refuse?” he almost growled.
Meeting his gaze Bonfire took a shuddering breath and said, “If you refuse there is no one else. This land will die and we will have to leave or die with it.”
He leaned back against the wall. “So I have no choice,” he said in a flat voice.
“If I could rule alone, I would. But a king and queen are needed. It has always been that way,” her voice shook with barely controlled anger.
He didn’t know if the emotion was completely aimed at him, but there was a definite attraction to this side of Bonfire. “Well, you couldn’t expect anyone to allow a child to rule alone,” he couldn’t resist saying. The anger he saw flare in her eyes made him feel like a giddy child. His chuckle angered her more, though her anger was misplaced.
He put up one hand in a placating gesture. “I’m only joking; I don’t doubt your ability to rule anymore. But-” he started.
“Anymore?” she asked in a deceivingly calm voice.
He did his best to look ashamed. “This place doesn’t exist on any map. If anyone’s heard of it, I never heard a word,” he said. “I didn’t believe you, I apologize.”
She looked away, an effort to calm herself, and asked, “What is your answer?”
He sighed and gulped down the rest of his ale. “I couldn’t live with myself knowing so many people would die but somewhere, somebody made a huge mistake,” he grumbled.
“Is that your way of saying yes?” she asked with her left eyebrow arched.
He wiped his mouth on his glove and nodded.
Finally sitting beside him, she asked, “Don’t they have a simpler way to say it where you come from?”
He only shrugged, deep in thought.
**
Councilman Drahem assembled the others that supported him in secret. Once explaining Stenwulf’s sudden appearance, he let the news sink in. Glad when they began muttering angrily and gave support to his goals.
“Why choose this outsider?”
“How do we know that he will act in our favor instead of weakening us? We’d make an easy target for his people, whoever they are,” another said in a harsh whisper.
He held up his hand, his face impassive, to quiet them. “We will get the queen to make our choice, one way or the other. This ‘king’ will have a chance to rule, and when he can make no changes we will remove him.”
“Her father will not allow a chosen king to be removed,” said the first councilman.
“We will remove him,” he said more firmly. “I will convince Councilman Oadel that it is a necessary loss.”
The other councilmen seemed unsure, but they agreed and moved away before they were seen.
**
Stenwulf was fitted for new clothes despite all his complaining. He was to be given a tour of the city before his coronation, which wasn’t until The Festival of Light at the end of the month. After his less than enthusiastic welcome from the council Alani decided the citizens needed time to get used to the idea of an outsider king. Bonfire seemed ready enough to accept the idea, and him, but the whole ordeal made him uncomfortable. He’d gotten some attention as a warrior but was perfectly happy as figure in the shadows any other time. This was a new kind of pain. Pushing aside his misgiving, he played the part. Not able to squash the hope he was seeing in the oldest person’s eyes. He didn’t see Bonfire watching him, a small smile on her face, as he walked stiffly from the tailor’s cottage.
Dia Tucker Writes 