James Pyles's Blog, page 204
May 18, 2017
T is for Train
“A train whistle.” Daniel’s only experience hearing a train whistle, at least as far as he could remember, was from the third Back to the Future movie. Doc and Marty were trapped in 1885, and they had to steal an old steam locomotive to push the DeLorean up to eighty-eight miles per hour. The ten […]
May 17, 2017
S is for Sheep
Daniel’s eyes widened with terror as the enormous bird of prey descended toward them with the speed of a hawk. “This is going to be close, Daniel.” He could feel the grip of her pinions tighten around him, securing the boy to her body, then she suddenly changed the angle of her descent, making an almost […]
Three Women and a Story
I watched the three women asking Mel questions. He’s always had a soft spot for ladies with a sob story, but I knew he wouldn’t sell me out. He doesn’t know much anyway, except that he fills my take out dinner order for two, not one. I feel a little sorry for them. Adolpho promised […]
May 16, 2017
R is for Rabbit
“The rabbits. But how?” Daniel was staring at what looked like hundreds of rabbits, all standing on their hind legs, all with glowing red eyes and if possible, with facial expressions twisted into cruel hate. “They have their ways in and out, Daniel. My guards use the doors only when visitors are present.” For an […]
The Long Dark Winter
“God it’s cold out there, Simon.” “You say that every time you go out for supplies. Of course it’s cold. How’d you do?” “The Rogues’ shipment from down south came in early. Paying those mercenaries cost a lot, but I managed some oranges and strawberries this time. How about you?” “Got enough fuel from Old […]
May 15, 2017
Q is for Queen
Daniel was awoken abruptly as Olivia touched down inside the tower. “Wha? I was asleep?” It was then he noticed that many of the great owl’s feathers had gripped him and held him in place on her back while they were in flight. They had also kept him warm since soaring through the snowy mountain […]
P is for Pig
Dingos don’t consider themselves afraid of anything, but when dawn’s early light revealed an army of razorback pigs, each with a warrior mouse upon its back, charging at them, they yelped and ran. At the lead was William the Kangaroo. “Pumba, send a detachment after them. Slay them to the last. The rest, stand guard.” The […]
May 14, 2017
The Long Memory
“This is the man I saw when I was in Piazza Navona, Officer. The one who vandalized the Fontana del Moro.” “Thank you, Mr. Russo. We have your statement and the court will contact you about his trial.” Giovanni Russo left the police station and two police officers escorted the vandal to an interrogation room. […]
O is for Owl
The flutter of massive wings from behind Daniel terrified him as he continued to stare at the three large eggs in the nest with him, each one as large as he was. Finally the creature behind him was still, and a prim, perfect woman’s voice said, “I hear you’ve been looking for me.” The ten […]
May 13, 2017
N is for Net
“Oh Bernard, I have a terrible feeling about Androcles. He should have gotten here days ago.” “Now, now, Miss Bianca, I’m sure he’s fine. He probably just got tied up with something.” At the edge of the monsoonal eucalyptus woodlands, Daniel watched the two mice, who seemed all too human, talking about their missing companion, […]
