Declan - pt. 10

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

Anne Frank

The moment Declan emerged from the river, Justine was aware of his presence. The fear in her was immense and she slowly began to cry; her tears, an emerging sprinkling of rain. The natural gift of premonition in her was spinning out of control. She could see the past, present, and future; as angry energy. She watched her brother enter the Travelodge. The more she watched over her brother, the sadder she became. She frowned in sorrow, darkening the sky. Letting loose a torrent of tears that flooded the streets. She watched Valniria and Hati dig in the cemetery. She witnessed Jenii protecting her brother at the cemetery entrance and showing him the package he was seeking. She cried even harder when the apparitional boy and his truck retreated into the cemetery to be terrorized by the others. Justine knew the boy needing saving too, and she cried even more.
*
New to being an elemental, Justine has not yet harnessed her power. The turbulence in her would not allow her control. Only her love for brother was keeping her from unleashing her wrath to try to free herself. *Danger – Danger – Danger* recanted in her being.
*
The spirit guide that wisped her away to the Carpathian Mountains appeared within the center of Justine’s tempest. She is known by name Oya to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Oya released her own tempest calling upon the winds of the southern hemisphere to turn counter to Justine. Not to be stopped from feeling her pain, Justine grew darker and more defiant. Master and pupil began to rage upon each other. Lightening began to scatter in all directions. Acting as a mother goddess only could, Oya spanked her child with blasting winds. Her attempts to diffuse the fury were wearing Justine down. Exiting the inner turmoil, Oya wrapped herself around her daughter to comfort Justine. To help her gain composure and focus for the task at hand.
*
Though, still a part of our world, Oya would no longer interfere directly with the evolution of the world. She does maintain a desire for lending a helping hand to those that still carry influence.
*
Whispering in the winds ear, Oya says to Justine “Calm your heart child, your time will come when you can truly lash out at the enemy.”
*
At that moment Justine wails and let’s out a shattering bolt of electricity that lights up the sky in all directions. Justine releases one last bolt of lightening and it races down to earth. It stabs straight into the right shoulder of HIM. “I feel better mother, I have weakened him!” and she falls into Oya’s arms to rest.
*
“Yes, and now HE is certain that there is a war on!” Oya whispers.
*
“Oya, you may leave me now. I understand now that the peace within me gives me strength and knowledge. Otherwise, I would not have known that HE stood amidst the poplars.” … and the rain subsides. But she cannot feel her brother anywhere near.

Declan - Tempest spins

I was hoping to get out this weeks posting of Declan. I have been mulling over what I want of Justine, but it's not quite there and I can't move the story along without this next entry. Well, I suppose I could, but I dun wanna. Just be patient.

Declan - pt. 9

I overslept, if you could call that sleeping. But I had meant to be at the old Court House before people began their work day. Still, I’m not too far and leave for the Court House, conveniently located on Court Street. It’s a museum now. I’m not there to partake in history. I’m searching for something far older, more ancient. I hate hills and running down one isn’t so bad, but now I’m running up and getting out of breath, and I’m soaking wet from rain. I slow up as I’m passing Kid Zany’s Children’s Store and think “This is no place for children,” and keep walking. I overshot my mark and have to circle back down Court Street. So much has been built up and abandoned since I’ve been here.
*
Approaching the Court House, it’s a bit different than when I last saw it. It has a more modern revitalized look about it. The building is not what concerns me. What’s under the building is. I hope it still resides there. Far underneath, even further underneath than most current townspeople can recall. The manhole cover nearby is my goal, and I loath to go there. There’s still little traffic this early, but the sun has already risen on this winter/summer morning. The manhole releases quite easily. Either humans have been accessing the tunnels recently or this entrance has been used by them very recently or quite often. I slip into the hole in the ground and pull the cover over. Thankfully it’s not a sewage pipeline or the smell would be worse. It’s a pipe that leads to a maintenance shaft for several different pipelines. This one eventually leads to the river, though I’m not heading in that direction. I’m heading north on the pipeline to where Court Street and Main Street converge to become Rivermont Avenue. At that nexus I will find the entrance marker that only a few have a key. But first I need to find the angled pipeline that takes me to the nexus. And that means I need to drop down into the mucky water, get filthy and feel my way along the slimy walls, praying that I don’t run into any of god’s creatures along the way. *I’m getting very tired of being wet.*
*
My fingers slide over the algae covered walls until I find the opening. Pulling myself inside, I raise up out of the water for my first breath of non-fresh air in about 5 minutes. The first of the symbols is at eye level. It’s the same as the one on my hand. It resembles an hourglass turned on its side. Sort of ironic, because I’m off to find those that most of time has forgotten. Able to travel faster, I soon reach the nexus and begin searching for the rune symbol. It is not in plane sight so that humans would not persist on its importance. As I recall, I must look under to find what resides underneath. With my hand palm-up underneath the water level, trying to find a place to insert my hand. I find an opening about the size of a shoebox and put my hand inside. Yes, the familiar jelly that surrounds my hand and begins to feel warm. The device reads my rune of transformation, then releases. As I’m preparing for the next…
*
I drop.

Declan - pt. 8

My birthday. It’s 11:30pm and I’m celebrating the final minutes with a hot shower. You would think I would not need a shower with all the rain I just walked through. But it was a cold twisted rain, mixed with my sister’s fear. I needed to wash that off. I walk into the bedroom of my Travelodge room. There’s no power in the room. I’m enjoying the quiet of nothing modern. I’m naked and enjoying the freedom of my body hair drying naturally. It’s dark, but I can see fine with my unnatural eyes. They are green with a twinge of yellow. Mother used to say I had eyes like a lion. Mother, I miss her.
*
Today is my mother’s day. I was her miracle birth. She died that day, but was brought back by the giants of our land. I was a different story. I was saved by the giants, but I was blessed by The Seelie Court and lived. I was branded with the La Guz a rune of water and life. My lifespan is unknown, but I have seen many empires live and die. I have not visually aged in many centuries. Mother named me Declan, after my father’s brother. The Seelie Court named me Shaol, meaning “life.” The Jötunheim, the giants named me Amharach, meaning “lucky.” Our family name is never shared, in an effort to avoid public scrutiny and drawing attention to our heritage.
*
I’m hungry. All I have is some jerky, so I pull some out to nosh on. But I flick my lighter and make a wish and blow out the fire. The jerky will tide me over till morning. I need to sleep and I’m not far off.
*
Within seconds I feel the pull of the full moon and the drag of the sleep. While my body rests, the moon tugs at my spirit. I am unaware, but The Seelie Court has slipped into my room to protect my body from harm. My spirit ascends higher and higher into the atmosphere, only to be blocked by the unearthly veil surrounding this horrid city. I feel a great hand wrap my astral form and I’m comforted. The firm grip tears me from the barrier. I am cold again, it is winter – my true birthday. The day my visions are at their peak, where my mind meets my ancestors for guidance. In this form, I understand completely what I am told. When I return, it will be a different story. They know this of course, but they do their best to implant in my spiritual memory the important imprints that will show me what I need to know. Women are much better conduits for dream interpretation. Maybe one day I will obtain the brand of dream analysis, if there is such a thing. But for now, I absorb all that I can.
*
The last thing I hear, is my paternal grandmother’s plea to “Feel the pain Shaol. Feel it within you and stomp it out with your foot! Feel the pain Declan, Stomp it out with your foot!”
*
The hand grips me and I descend with great speed through the cold icy air and punch through the barrier. I quickly return to my body and wake with a gasping breath. The Seelie Court, I see them depart, all cheering over a successful watch. As I sit up, I notice one straggler. D’Sidhe, a very ancient member of the Court.
*
*Shaol, I beg of you. Save my Jad’hia. She has been turned by the Leanansidhe. My sister cousins, they bring only death and have captured and made my precious daughter one of them. The Seelie Court can alter her vampiric ways, but you must find her first. My strength is waning and I have not the energy to fight the evil here.*
*
“D’Sidhe, I will do as you command.”
*
With that, the old nymph departs. It’s 6:00am, the day after my birthday, and I don’t feel rested at all. What do I remember… nothing.
*
*Feel the pain*

Declan - pt. 7

By the time I reached Taylor Street, I had been hiking uphill all the way. Lynchburg never was an easy place for me to visit. I much rather ride downhill on my bike with the wind in my hair. Not uphill with Justine spewing her torment in my face. Taylor Street was yet another steep hill and the rain was growing harder, pelting me in the face like tiny wet rocks. Umbrellas are cumbersome and just get in the way; but now I could use one. Looking up the hill, I begin to dread what I am about to do. Even for just a rib. Lorenzo was my friend, and I had hoped I had buried his crazy ass for good.
*
It occurred to me about half way up, that soft dirt or not, I didn’t have a shovel to make the job easier. It was night and everyone was home, lights ablaze. It wouldn’t be so easy to break into someone’s shed and steal one. The rain was getting harder. I think there’s more water flowing now than oxygen in the air. No matter. Step after labored step, I dig my boots into the pavement and head further up. Memorial Avenue, I have one more block; the cemetery exit is at 4th street. I buried the rib close to the exit so that I could get out of there as quickly as I could.
*
Cemeteries are sacred ground and I was about to exercise bad judgment. Folks giggle at the thought of graveyards being haunted. Until they meet up with the evils that lay in wait. At this point all I could hear was my heartbeat and breathing and the rushing water passing down toward the bottom of the hill. I was close to the narrow opening of the cemetery that allowed one car to pass through. I stood in the middle of 4th Street. I stood there for probably 30 seconds, but that was time enough for my mind to travel back to the day I buried Lorenzo’s rib into a shallow grave. *at least I had enough foresight to bury it close to the exit and not far underground.* I also knew that any ghoul inside, was relegated to that terrain, never to step beyond the sacred walls. So… In… and Out… it will be.
*
5 more steps. 4 --- 3 ------- 2 ------ …ugh 1.
*
*Declaaaaaannnnn, come on in. The coast is clear for now. I know what you're up to and I can help you.*
*
Shivers are going all down my spine. Not what I need right now. Fireflies in a graveyard are not a good sign. They only draw attention with all that glowing and fluttering sexual tension they convey. But that eerie little voice is familiar. And once I shake off the chill crawling down my back, I gather my thoughts and whisper *Jenii* under my breath. And as I did that, my breath exhaled cold air. Now that just freaks me out more. That had better be Jenii.

*Yes Declaaaaannn, I’ve been sent by Valniria to assist you.*

“Jenii, thank Eritocritos it’s you. And why must you always make an entrance floating on an elm leaf? You can fly with your own wings. You’ve got to be the laziest wood nymph on earth. …I graciously accept your offering of assistance. But how can you, so tiny, help me in this rain?”
*
*You need not dig for what you seek, Declaaaaaannn. The wolf Hati and the warrior Valniria have already provided. The object you seek is resting atop the brick column you passed as you entered.*
*
“Jenii, how may I thank you?”
*
*Upon completion of your task, but a kiss will do… if you survive. And I fear not*
*
“Jenii – your kind named me. You know what I am capable of…”
*
*We do, we know. And that is why you must succeed. You are already needed in the north – to where I must now flee. I leave you with your next task, to save the sparkling waters of the Algonquin*
*
*Jenii, let me do this task first. Then I will help you soon.*
*
Walking toward the brick column exit of the cemetery, I laugh aloud. I am all alone, yet I have many to watch over me. With that, I trip over an old truck that I could not see in the darkness ahead of me. As I pick it up, I see that it is red but fading and has a handle on it that a child would use to pull it along. Who would leave that there? I grab the rib, wrapped in cloth and proceed out from the cemetery onto 4th street. “Thank goodness that was uneventful!” *It’s time to get some rest, Happy Birthday Declan. For your birthday you received one rib of a dead friend. What could be better?*
*
As Declan walked away from the graveyard, he did not notice the apparition of a small male child with tears in his eyes waving to him, pulling his red truck along behind him.

Declan: Pre-empted

Writer's Block

I don't really have writer's block. I'm just not quite organized enough from being out of town and require more time to regroup.

Declan will return next week.

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.

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. 4

Inside the barrier, Justine began to feel claustrophobic. Now made of the wind, she could easily travel throughout the world without a care. Now her care was collapsing in around her. Being held captive inside the bubble that she could not define, Justine frantically looked for a way out. The only thing in her mind now were words to a song that felt all too familiar,

*
“…I saw a woman on the sidewalk
she was beaten by a stranger
Danger – Danger – Danger!!!”

*
Justine was aware of the dimensions of her power. The understanding was second nature to her after her violent death to a strange man in Mississippi. He had told her that he was there to help her transcend her understanding of the universe. A deeply spiritual woman, Justine had sought out this man for his wisdom… only to find her doom. Her demise was at the bloody hands of a self-defined Shaman. But as she lay dying, a peaceful apparition conveyed strength and new life to her spirit. Rising from her battered body Justine was invigorated. She took hold of the spirit guide to the Carpathian Mountains in the Orşova region of Romania. While she had lived a long life, researching the beliefs and customs of many nations, she would soon be overwhelmed by the simplicity of the meaning of life. Her children, she worried about them especially the baby. The baby she had birthed a week earlier and was in the care of her father. The terms of her death as relayed by her father were a lie of pacification. But none of that mattered now.
*
Justine knew she had to save Declan. Her capture tormented her, not allowing her mind to concentrate on the events at hand. She was growing agitated, trying to find a way out. The skies were darkening and the storm to follow would not be pleasant if Justine could not center her mind.
*
Declan on the other hand could only concentrate on getting the blade back, but could not breach the barrier. That weapon can not fall into the hands of a child, let alone an adult human. Beyond the barrier appeared a form he was familiar with. Hati approached cautiously, perceiving the dangerous veil. With her jaws she picked up the xiphos blade and pensively approached. She passed the blade through the veil to Declan. She sat, as if waiting instructions.
*
“Thank you Ms. Hati. What would I do without you?” Declan said with relief. Hati raised her right paw and howled. Quickly she retreated into the sparse forest, which revealed another figure, familiar but too distant to fully recognize. But Declan knew that she found a way in, but for some reason was unwilling to share that information.
*
As he looked up into the barrier he noticed the storm brewing. It brought a vague Baton Rouge, Louisiana reference to mind, “…I am an only child, born of the wild. Riddled to spend my time, defending my land…” A song, a warning, an individual to be wary of… No.

*

Not just one individual person. Rather a family lineage to be frightened of.

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.

Story Time: Declan

Not able to find his helmet Declan bites into a Percocet and heads down routes 79 and 19. He’s off to a little town with nothing there to speak of other than Esagila Babilu. Esa lives in Mount Nebo. Declan knows how to find him. Mount Nebo is a slight detour off route 19 to the south east, but he knows it will be worth the time spent.
-
A crow greets him at the entrance of a seemingly dense Kudzu forest. He drives on through it as he remembers that it's just leaves and nothing else. He comes upon the small quartz structure Esa calls home. No words are spoken outside. Their history goes back much further than the erection of Esa’s temple. Once inside Declan says, “Yes” to Esa’s unspoken offer of Pu-erh tea. He needs to heal. He places his leg up on a stool. Sipping the tea, Esa takes the boot from the left foot and pulls off the thermal sock.
-
“That’s new,” Esa says, rubbing the brand shaped like an ‘n.’
-
“It was a hard fight to earn that one. I received it quite by accident too in Moosonee, Canada,” Declan said, feeling the pain of Esa’s ankle massage.
-
Esa grabbed Declan’s calf and pinched the arch of his foot. Declan screeched out in agony. “There, that should do the trick. Nothin’ better than lightnin’ up the leg to loosen a sprained ankle.”
-
Both men just sat looking at each other. Esa handed Declan a turkey biscuit and broke the ice first.
-
“That brand will help ya, where you off to. I’ll tell before she does, listen to the wind boy. I know you won’t… but you need to listen to the wind. Your kind can’t help but face your enemies.” Esa said with a grin on his face. “I saw your daddy not but 2 years ago and he told me to tell your sis passed in child-birth. You’re an uncle again and your sis, well – sorry.” “Your pop says they really celebrated at her passing. What with the burning and all. He said she sparkled blue and popped yella!” Esa raised his hand to the ceiling and exhaled.
-
“Git on - if your gonna be in hell tomorrah!” he said with that funny grin on his face. This time, flashing that one tooth on his bottom gum.
-
Declan stood up and stomped on his left leg. “Good as new, thanks.” “Care to join me on this jaunt Esa? It could be fun for you to get out a bit.”
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“Nah, just come see me in another 15.” Esa handed him a brand new helmet on his way out the door. “Heard you needed one.”
-
Declan put the helmet on over his curly blond hair and road off, back to 19 south.

Random Thunks

1. A training class has disrupted my mornings all week. I have been unable to find my groove in the second half of the day.


2. A Robin flew into my house through my back patio sliding glass doors that I left open. It said hello and left. What is it with birds this year?


3. My Firecracker bulbs are coming up already. One plant as a bud on it. I thought these were summer bulbs. Has Al Gore been in my back yard? It's an inconvenient truth that these are growing so early.


4. The arrest I witnessed yesterday was unfortunate. I have no emotion over the issue. To me it was not sad.


5. On Monday I yelled at my neighbor's son for kicking his dog. Last night I did the same. Tonight I saw his mother and told her. Oops! It was the neighbor boy across the street. I apologized to her son. Karma sucks. But the dog is safe.


6. Someone is littering on my lawn. Stop it!! *Kelly, keep your neighbor to yourself!*


7. Daddy sent me the addresses for all my family. I had lost them all by keeping them on ONE disc that went and got itself damaged somehow. Nice, I can send my Christmas Cards! *woot*


8. Raspberry slathered white chocolate cheesecake... YUM. *I'm not diabetic today it's okay*


9. The guy in front of me at McDonald's today order a double cheeseburger with no ketchup. *again, I'm not diabetic today, so it's alright, back off* And why? Ketchup is killer on the double cheeseburger, shameful.


10. Jadie's feeling under the weather. Please wish her well. She rocks, and saved a messed up contract for me today!!


11. Declan is going to need an artistic rendering. Note to self: find an artist.


12. Nobody will believe in you unless you believe in yourself. (Liberace, 1919-1987)

Story Time

I went out to dinner with a few friends the other day. JJ has her own blog and I suggested that she should start a "story" blog thinking she could do something cute for her daughter. And, well I got to thinking that I could do the same thing, but do it in my own weird mystical nerd style.

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As you read, make suggestions to give the story twists and turns and I'll consider incorporating your ideas into the story line. My story is about a man named Declan Shaol Amharach. An unusual full-blooded Irish lad born in the USA. He's not your average everyday man. He plays by his own rules, trying to do the right thing, often straying. Let the collaborative story begin:

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It’s not unusual to wake up at 5:35am on a cold January morning. Fresh snow had fallen, but it wasn’t the kind that you could pack real tight into a firm snowball. It was fluffy soft and just the right amount for falling into and taking a little nap. The full moon was on the 22nd and is now nearing the ½ moon phase providing plenty of light glistening off the snow. Waking up on a cold winter morning is one thing. It’s an entirely different experience to wake up with your face being licked by a gray wolf.

Declan rose to his feet so fast he got a bit dizzy. The wolf hopped back with its rump in the air and front paws angled down. “Oh, so you want to play?” he said. He took to the ground and called the wolf over. Hesitantly the wolf came over and eventually licked at the branding on the left side of his neck in the shape of an upward hook to the right. Declan fished out a package from his jacket and gave a piece of jerky to the wolf. “Well, I figure three times a charm, so I’ll call you Hati for now on.”

He stood up again and winced, realizing he had been thrown from his bike, a 2006 Yamaha Star Roadliner. Its retro-design is what caught his eye first. History, or rather a respect for it, is a fascination of his that has haunted his mind since he was born. Hati nudged his leg to say good-bye and ran off into the forest. It was then he realized that Hati was not alone.

-
His bike had slid down the road about 40 feet where it rested, all scratched up on the left side, but ready to carry its precious cargo onward south in West Virginia on route 79 to 19 south over to 64 East. His destination is Lynchburg VA. He’d been given a vague warning never to go there. But he knew he had to be there for his birthday, January 29th because that’s when his visions are clearest. But first he needed to tend to his sprained ankle, and he needed a doctor for that.