Declan - pt. 6

"... where I spoke in the open air in what I conceived to be
the seat of Satan's Kingdom.
Lynchburg was a deadly place for the worship of God.”
Lorenzo Dow, 1804

*
During June 1777 the Continental Congress replaced the Grand Union flag with the Stars and Stripes. General Burgoyne and his 5700 men were sent with their tails between their legs back to England after defeat in the Battle of Saratoga, October 1777. The Articles of the Confederation were adopted by Congress as the new governing body of the United States of America in November 1777. The adorable “Crazy” Lorenzo Dow was now one month old and much cuter than the bizarre Reverend he would grow up to be. He was born into an age of exhilarating change.
*
Reverend Dow morphed into an inspirational messenger of spiritual enlightenment. A rogue character of the early 19th Century, he exuded nothing of the norm for a man of the cloth. He wielded greasy and stringy long brown hair and an equally unkempt beard. Hygiene was not one of his better attributes. His clothes were generally worn to shreds, unless a kind stranger provided newer clothing. The clothes would dwarf him as he was all skin and bones. He resembled more a harbinger of death, than of godliness. When traveling he carried no personal affects, other than a quantity of bibles to give to the masses. He spoke to groups of people numbering in the thousands. An itinerant evangelist, he would spread the gospel along the east coast of the United States, Canada, England and Ireland, and to the West Indies. His presence brought forth the spectrum of emotions, risking death at times. More than not, people were drawn to him, even loved him. Thousands of children would grow up with some form of his name, impacting many genealogical lineages. He was a fire and brimstone preacher with a modern day flare for marketing through is behavior and visual tactics of intrigue; often jumping from windows onto his horse after a sermon, riding off into the sunset.
*
Dow first referred to Danville, VA as Satan’s Kingdom; he had yet to arrive in Lynchburg where there were no churches to speak of and plenty of bars. He had been appalled by the Danville folk wanting him to pray for their children, yet not baptize them. But Lynchburg, was an evil all to it’s own. What kind of city could rise up with no devotion to God.
*
Legend has it that upon his death in Georgetown, several days after my birthday, on February 2, 1834 his rib-bones were disbursed to be buried in the very city’s in which he discerned the most evil. I should know, I started the rumor by taking one of his ribs and burying it in an unmarked grave. That’s why I needed a map. I could not remember how to get to the Old City Cemetery on Taylor Street near Monroe. Now that I have my bearings, I leave my digs at the Travelodge on Main Street and head over to the death camp to exhume me a bone. It’s desecration at it’s best but my buddy Lorenzo would understand.
*
As I step out the door of my room and head down the street, I pass by a man and his wife. Or, I assume it’s his wife, it does not much matter, because I know what they truly are. I can see it in my peripheral vision as I pass; and I get the chills. I don’t look back, I just keep walking.
*
The rain has begun. *Thank you Justine, you have perfect timing.* I’ll need some damp ground.

The Return

I have returned from my glorious trip to Lynchburg Virginia; and survived. Jadielady entertained me, as did her man - Sam. I also got to meet Idiotboy, fresh with his new haircut (hubba hubba). Jadie toured me around the 'burg. Part of me felt like I was in the land of Oz. It was so lushly green. Traffic was a breeze. Almost felt as though only the special people had cars. You could drive down and road and noone was coming or going; and it was a main thoroughfare.

*

Having returned, I'm a bit on schedule-shock. My routine was broken, and I've had to begin a steroid therapy for this cold that just won't let go. It's been a nasty little bugger, and I'm sick of it. It's early on Sunday morning and I have chores to do and I should do some "work" at work today. I'm not feeling it, but maybe I'll get motivated. or not. I have Declan to worry about...

Declan - pt 5

Feeling a little bit defeated and alone, Declan sat down on a pile of snow and crossed his legs. Calming himself he breathed in and out slow and deep. If there’s a vision to be had, he wanted it now. He waited and only found his impatience. …water. Not an image of water, a want of water. Not a thirst either, but he needed water. “Why would I need water if I’m not thirsty?” He continued to relax.
*
“Tickle? My neck is tickling.” The La Guz on his neck began to quiver, much like when your eyelid twitches for no reason at all. He earned this brand on the day of his birth. Mother was cleaning down by the icy river, her hands aching from the cold. And along comes Declan, clamoring to become part of the world. Mother fell into the river and in no time, I was born… into the icy waters of mid-Thorri; an Óðinsdagr. *sorry that would be the middle of January, of sorts, and on a Wednesday* I was struggling to survive, as was mother. The ice water was making her sleep and I had not yet had my first breath. It’s said that babies naturally know how to swim and I was no exception. On my back, frantic to live, I took my first breath. The cold was foreign to my body, but I welcomed it. I grew sleepy though my eyes were wide open. I saw several very large dimly-lighted figures. I would later learn they were a band of crusading Jötunheim.

*
I was handled by my feet and then cradled by my neck. That is when the La Guz was burned into the left side of my neck. It’s a winter marking akin to the Aquarius zodiac and also an elfin water-sign rune. The ice giants gathered my mother and me, and warmed us in their home. They would much later take us home where my father celebrated a new found relationship with the warriors of the north. My father and I had become indebted to them. My mother had become impregnated by them. You’ve already met Justine. It was their way of binding our two families for eternity.
*
“Of course, water, I’m so ignorant.” Water is universal. Water transcends all things and all time. Water finds it’s way in and out. I was close to the James River. I gathered my cycle and headed over to the main route 29. I should be able to get to the James that way. Hope had drifted in.

*
Once at the James River, I stripped down to my boxers. *Jesus it was cold, nipples standing at attention.* Stuffing my belongings into my watertight gear bag I threw it over my shoulders. Then found a tidy place for the bike. And throwing caution to the wind I jumped into the river and swam toward the barrier. Not far along, I was thwarted by hitting an invisible shield. But my resolve was unstoppable and I went under, deeper and deeper. The cold water had no impact on my stamina. The water well oxygenated for my needs. The current suddenly pulled me deeper down and under. The break I needed - the water had found a way under the barrier. As soon as I was able, I headed up and out of the water like a rocket. Gasping for air, I headed for shore, near where several others were wadding and having a summer party.

*
Odd, I’ll be celebrating my birthday for the first time in the middle of summer! …And a terrible storm by the looks of it. Dinner and a hotel, and a map, I need a map.

Declan - pt. 3

Declan now wished he’d stopped for breakfast. The fast food chicken sandwich and cola were not as tasty as he had hoped. Justine enjoyed the aroma that wisped all around her. She was missing being able to cook, though adored being light as the wind. The closer they came to Lynchburg; however, she began to feel heavy. She was always a worrier, but with good reason. Her visions were clearer than her brother’s. Her foreboding details were vivid and rarely inaccurate. Declan’s ability comes with foggy images and inconsistent echoes of sound. Now, as an apparitional wind, Justine only feels – and now she’s feeling trepidation.
-
They left Lewisburg at 1:30 pm and approached Lynchburg from the North, traveling south on US-29 BR. At 3:30 pm he pulled to the side of the road outside Madison Heights. He hid his ride in a ditch to the left of the road and looked forward. The self-confidence ahead of him demanded caution.
-
*I’ll return swiftly* Justine whispered to her brother. She rose into the sky unseen and headed over the city. She felt it, but could not see it. Passing through the pretense, she felt electrified though weakened. Declan noticed the sparkle of static but was unable to discern its nature. Justine tried to swoop back but was not permitted exit. She was trapped. A feeling she detested more than her own death. The tempest within her was building.
-
The cloak of energy was right before Declan, no more than 15 feet. He approached without the caution it insisted. Stopping directly in front he raised his right hand and wielded the xiphos blade and stabbed into the veil. The blade easily penetrated the barrier, but with the force Declan used, the xiphos fell away as his hand was blocked from entry.
-
*Magic has never denied me safe passage before.* Declan thought to himself. Then it occurred to him that something was skewed. The ground around him was snow. The land on the other side was lush green with weeds and wild-flowers.
-
A car was coming from behind. Declan knelt, not to be seen. As the car passed he watched it traverse the veil easily and vanish.

Story Time - Declan

One more stop before Lynchburg, Virginia. Declan needed the help of a former enemy of small stature, residing in Beckley for quite some time. Only one local family has been aware that a guest has been living nearby. The mayor and his family have sworn themselves to secrecy about the presence. That has proven to be difficult with the renovation of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine out on Ewart Avenue.
-
Declan took a less traveled dirt road and the wind picked up. Zephyranthes… “… Go back Declan…” the wind turned and swirled back into his chest. “… Go back Declan…” There was something familiar and nurturing about the gust. It was not cool as it should have been. It was warming and energizing. Declan proceeded toward the bare weeping willow and sat on the snow covered rock. Patience, a calm heart and a firm tug on the willow branch closest the rock chair would beckon the Dvergar. Patience was not a trait that Declan had learned to hone in all his years traveling the world. He pulled out his Birkan Flute he hides away in an outer pocket lining his right sleeve. More often than not he uses the hard bone as protection from harm in fight. This morning, its true purpose would call his friend and former enemy. Raising the flute to his mouth like a recorder, he plays a warbling dissonant sound. It resembled a high pitched sickly bird.
-
Mr. Mayor put down his fork from his left hand and dropped his toast from his right. His partner in life dropped a fresh plate of pancakes, all sticky with butter and Vermont Maple Syrup. They knew the sound and looked each other in the eye, “Declan’s back,” both frowning. The last time they experienced his kind, they had just been married, saying their “I do’s.” But they had reason to worry. Declan brings trouble, or rather, finds it. The mayor’s wife sat down and waited for the inevitable. Declan doesn’t waste time.
-
“…Declan flee…” The wind swirled. And he recognized the voice. *No, it can’t be.* he thought to himself.
-
The willow swayed and announced the arrival of his friend. “Declan, you promised not to return so soon. Why do you call me?”
-
“I need to borrow your Hoplite xiphos and some powdered Rindr.” Declan pleaded. He kneeled and held his arms outstretched, “…please Va…”
-
“YOU - may NOT speak my name!! …your grievance is not with Beckley? This bodes well for you.” She turns, “I will return in a moment.”
-
The swirling wind calms him and whispers “…you are indeed a lucky man…” *I know it’s her, it has to be* “Justine? ...Sister?” a moments pause, “Yes brother.” “This is father’s work?” The wind twirls tormented “No!”
-
Returning from behind Declan, he is startled at her appearance in armor and thinks *enemy* “I’m not here to fight you, old friend!” Declan cowered. “I am here with your requests and offer my assistance Declan.”
-
“No, Va…, …f-friend. I must see to this matter on my own.” Declan accepts the xiphos and Rindr. The powder is in a flat bladder pouch to preserve its potency and fits nicely into the side pockets of his cargo pants. The xiphos is not so easy to hide. “Declan, the xiphos responds to your needs” instantly the xiphos compacts itself to fit connected to the chain on his belt loop. “Thank you. I now owe you and will return the favor some day.” He kneels and turns away. Justine follows quietly without notice.
-
64 East is all wet with slush, but it’s the easiest way toward Lynchburg at the moment. Looking at his map, he figures he can stop for lunch in Lewisburg. Declan is oddly warm, but appreciative not to be cold. Justine is holding tight to her brother as they race into the wind.
-
“You are faithful to that man. Better than he deserves, but he is making up all. He still needs us. He’ll have trouble getting in. He requires more than he’s considered. Come, Hati! – we must hurry and take the short-cut into the city.”
-
The Mayor and his wife are left with no answers and a feeling of dread.