Mari Miniatt's Blog, page 2
August 16, 2012
Sometimes Writer's Block is a Good Thing
To tell the truth, the fourth book of the Coiree series has hit a road block. I was steaming along and suddenly couldn't write anymore.
Well, I couldn't write that story anymore. I worked on my fantasy novel posts (coming soon). I got inspired to write the beginnings of a zombie story. But for Ogden's story, nothing. I would open the page and nothing would inspire me. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but I couldn’t get the characters to move.
What happen?
It struck me a few days ago the reason I lost interest. I was bored with Ogden. In the last few books I have hinted at what he can do. And then I give him a tale that he could sleep walk through.
That's not to say there are not twists and turns, or surprises, but nothing to make the main character sweat.
That’s the important bit, keep your protagonist hoping. They should be in the dark as much as your readers will be about what is going on. That’s important to remember: YOUR ANTAGONIST IS THERE TO CHALLENGE YOUR MAIN CHARACTER. The antagonist is not there to be like Wild E Coyote, throwing obstacles in the way, that your protagonist can easily get around (unless you are making the antagonist a comic character). He or she should be like Moriarty, staying one step a head of your main character, until your main character figures out how to beat them.
You need a good antagonist or no matter how unique your main character is when you came up with them, they will seem flat without the protagonist.
Now having writers block has allowed me to rethink the antagonist. He or she wasn't a challenge. I have brained stormed a few ideas. A few I can work in with minor rewrites, a couple of ideas will require me to redo entire sections. But at the end I hope I can put Ogden up a tree and set fire to it.
Will it be worth it?
I think so. Because if I am not excited about the character, why should I expect my readers to be?
by Mari Miniatt
Well, I couldn't write that story anymore. I worked on my fantasy novel posts (coming soon). I got inspired to write the beginnings of a zombie story. But for Ogden's story, nothing. I would open the page and nothing would inspire me. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but I couldn’t get the characters to move.
What happen?
It struck me a few days ago the reason I lost interest. I was bored with Ogden. In the last few books I have hinted at what he can do. And then I give him a tale that he could sleep walk through.
That's not to say there are not twists and turns, or surprises, but nothing to make the main character sweat.
That’s the important bit, keep your protagonist hoping. They should be in the dark as much as your readers will be about what is going on. That’s important to remember: YOUR ANTAGONIST IS THERE TO CHALLENGE YOUR MAIN CHARACTER. The antagonist is not there to be like Wild E Coyote, throwing obstacles in the way, that your protagonist can easily get around (unless you are making the antagonist a comic character). He or she should be like Moriarty, staying one step a head of your main character, until your main character figures out how to beat them.
You need a good antagonist or no matter how unique your main character is when you came up with them, they will seem flat without the protagonist.
Now having writers block has allowed me to rethink the antagonist. He or she wasn't a challenge. I have brained stormed a few ideas. A few I can work in with minor rewrites, a couple of ideas will require me to redo entire sections. But at the end I hope I can put Ogden up a tree and set fire to it.
Will it be worth it?
I think so. Because if I am not excited about the character, why should I expect my readers to be?
by Mari Miniatt
July 29, 2012
A teaser
Other than working ten day stretches (ugh), the reason I have not been posting much is while the Coiree Guardians series is being wrapped up (4th book is in beginning editing stage), I am getting ready to launch another book. This one is a fantasy road trip. Not your typical "heroes" either. All of them are musicians with interesting pasts.
This is a short story I wrote as a background on one of the characters. This is only a tease, the first 1,100 words. If enough people are interested, I will make the completed story available for free on smashwords. And maybe put some other short stories set in this world out as well... while you wait for the novel.
Dunach RuinsBy Mari L Miniatt
It was a nice day to take a break from the march. The minstrels had gathered together after getting their tents set up, and started a dice game. But nature called and Grail had to take a break. He heard someone sob, Grail buttoned his pants. He leaned so he could see around the tree. Sitting by the stream on a fallen log, the newest mage had her head down. Her body shook. The warm day would not have caused a chill.He knew about her. A new recruit. Schooled somewhere in one of the southern countries. He had been close enough to the mage corp to have notice her before. She hadn't complained once, she kept her mouth shut. They had been on the march for seven days, not once did she act like any of the other mages. She kept her distance from them too.That's why I noticed her, Grail thought.“Recruit,” Grail said.She wiped her eyes, using her robe. “Sir.”“Novice... Sorry what was your name?” Grail asked.“Morvana Van Rijn.”“Van Rijn? Royalty?”She shook her head. “Our family lost our lands generations ago. Royal only in name.”“May I?” Grail asked. He motioned to the log.Morvana moved over. He sat down, moving his bagpipe so it didn't hit her.“Are you alright?” he asked.“Fine, sir.” Her lower lip trembled.Grail took off his hat, wiping his black hair away from his face. “I know you are not assigned to me, but that doesn't bother me. If you need to see a superior officer about anything. I'm more approachable than the stuck up ones.”She gave him a small smile. “Thank you, but this is something I have to take care of myself.” She stood. “Thank you for asking.”Morvana pulled her hood over her head and headed back to the camp. Grail watched her leave. He heard someone walking in the brush toward him.“How long are you going to be?” The voice belonged to his friend Reggie.Grail opened his sweet root pipe bag. “A few more minutes.”Reggie leaned against a nearby tree. “You’re holding up the game.”Grail lit his pipe. He blew the smoke away from Reggie. “What do you know of that new mage, Morvana?”“She's cute.”Grail chuckled. “Other than that.”“She came with a recommendation from Captain Coyle.”“Did she now?” Grail smiled. “That is impressive. He rarely hands those out.”“That is why Van Philip put her with us and not with the new recruits.” Reggie gave him a knowing look. “You have your eye on her, don't you?”“She was distraught, but wouldn't tell me why.”“Talk to Mattias, he's in the mage corps.”“I think I will.”“How many of the women in this squad have you bedded already?”Grail shook his head. “One, none of your business. And two, my interest in her has nothing to do with that.”“Prove it.”“You are an ass, Reggie.” Grail stood up. “The only reason I got those women, is because they were crying over how you treated them.”“Bullkop.”Grail laughed.Reggie shook his head. “Let's go finish that game.”Grail walked back with him to the camp, finishing his pipe. The musicians had gathered in the behind the cook’s tent to play dice. The smell of dinner cooking drifted through the trees. In the circle of minstrels, Leon threw the dice on the ground. “Damn.” he pointed to Grail. “Good you're back. I have to win my pay back.”“Like you could.” Grail sat down on the ground. He grabbed the dice and tossed them. They landed. “Not today.”“Pult.” Leon spit.Grail and Reggie laughed.Leon threw the dice. He grunted when they landed. Then he stood and walked away. Another musician took his place. Someone shouted. Grail picked up the dice and shook them. A noise like meat sizzling on a fire, but much louder, made Grail turn to look. A young mage hung upside down in mid-air. Morvana held her staff out in front of her. She moved the staff and the mage bounced in the air. Reggie chuckled.“What the fenn?” Leon asked.Grail walked over to the mage camp. Other soldiers came closer, forming a ring around the tents. Mages rarely fought amongst themselves, this was unusual. Mattias, the commander of the mages, ran over to the camp.He shouted. Morvana lowered her staff. The suspended mage grunted as he hit the soft dirt. Mattias pointed to his tent and ordered Morvana to meet him there.“What do you think all that is about?” Reggie asked.Grail shrugged. “Lets find out.”They walked over to the mage camp. The one that had landed on the ground, glared at them as they approached.“Learning to fly?” Reggie asked.“Go beat your drum somewhere else,” the mage said.Grail sighed. Another arrogant one, he thought. Why do so many of these mages have sticks up their asses.“I will beat my drum,” Reggie grinned. “On your head.”“Now, now, Reg,” Grail said, smiling. “I think he needs a refresher in spotting a superior officer.” Grail pointed to the rank insignia on his shoulder. “Recognize this? Color Sergeant. Out ranks you.”The mage brushed the dirt off his robe. “Doesn't matter, when I get out of here, I will go home to my estate and employ someone like you to clean my horse barn.”Reggie grabbed Grail's arm. Grail snorted. “Really? First you have to get out of here, puck. Do you think we are marching because we like the view?”“The civil war is over, we are at peace,” the mage said. “Nothing is going to happen.”“Your name.” Reggie commanded.The mage scoffed.“Your name, you worthless pile of kop!”For a brief moment, the arrogance had been replaced by fear in the mage's eyes. “James D'Abor.”Grail and Reggie shared a glance.“D'Abor?” Grail asked. “No wonder you didn't want to give your name. How do you like working for the people your family lost to?”James eyes narrowed. “It’s in the past.”“Leave it there.” Grail crossed his arms. “So why did that other mage hang you upside down?”“A misunderstanding.”“What sort of misunderstanding?”“Grail. Reggie. What are you doing here?” Mattias asked. He placed himself between them and James. Morvana stood to the side, glaring at James.“We saw there was some trouble-” Reggie said.“It's been dealt with.” Mattias motioned Morvana to stay. “But I am glad you are here. I want to send a small squad ahead.”“Reason?” Grail asked.“A little look around, that’s all. I was hoping you would go. The musicians rarely go on these trips. Besides I think Morvana could do with a bit of time away from the army's main body.”Grail tried not to smile when he saw Morvana’s surprised look on her face. “I'll do it,” he said.Reggie chuckled. Grail stomped on his foot.“Good,” Mattias said. “Come to my tent for a briefing. You will be leaving after supper.”He turned. Morvana glanced at James, then followed Mattias.
by Mari Miniatt
This is a short story I wrote as a background on one of the characters. This is only a tease, the first 1,100 words. If enough people are interested, I will make the completed story available for free on smashwords. And maybe put some other short stories set in this world out as well... while you wait for the novel.
Dunach RuinsBy Mari L Miniatt
It was a nice day to take a break from the march. The minstrels had gathered together after getting their tents set up, and started a dice game. But nature called and Grail had to take a break. He heard someone sob, Grail buttoned his pants. He leaned so he could see around the tree. Sitting by the stream on a fallen log, the newest mage had her head down. Her body shook. The warm day would not have caused a chill.He knew about her. A new recruit. Schooled somewhere in one of the southern countries. He had been close enough to the mage corp to have notice her before. She hadn't complained once, she kept her mouth shut. They had been on the march for seven days, not once did she act like any of the other mages. She kept her distance from them too.That's why I noticed her, Grail thought.“Recruit,” Grail said.She wiped her eyes, using her robe. “Sir.”“Novice... Sorry what was your name?” Grail asked.“Morvana Van Rijn.”“Van Rijn? Royalty?”She shook her head. “Our family lost our lands generations ago. Royal only in name.”“May I?” Grail asked. He motioned to the log.Morvana moved over. He sat down, moving his bagpipe so it didn't hit her.“Are you alright?” he asked.“Fine, sir.” Her lower lip trembled.Grail took off his hat, wiping his black hair away from his face. “I know you are not assigned to me, but that doesn't bother me. If you need to see a superior officer about anything. I'm more approachable than the stuck up ones.”She gave him a small smile. “Thank you, but this is something I have to take care of myself.” She stood. “Thank you for asking.”Morvana pulled her hood over her head and headed back to the camp. Grail watched her leave. He heard someone walking in the brush toward him.“How long are you going to be?” The voice belonged to his friend Reggie.Grail opened his sweet root pipe bag. “A few more minutes.”Reggie leaned against a nearby tree. “You’re holding up the game.”Grail lit his pipe. He blew the smoke away from Reggie. “What do you know of that new mage, Morvana?”“She's cute.”Grail chuckled. “Other than that.”“She came with a recommendation from Captain Coyle.”“Did she now?” Grail smiled. “That is impressive. He rarely hands those out.”“That is why Van Philip put her with us and not with the new recruits.” Reggie gave him a knowing look. “You have your eye on her, don't you?”“She was distraught, but wouldn't tell me why.”“Talk to Mattias, he's in the mage corps.”“I think I will.”“How many of the women in this squad have you bedded already?”Grail shook his head. “One, none of your business. And two, my interest in her has nothing to do with that.”“Prove it.”“You are an ass, Reggie.” Grail stood up. “The only reason I got those women, is because they were crying over how you treated them.”“Bullkop.”Grail laughed.Reggie shook his head. “Let's go finish that game.”Grail walked back with him to the camp, finishing his pipe. The musicians had gathered in the behind the cook’s tent to play dice. The smell of dinner cooking drifted through the trees. In the circle of minstrels, Leon threw the dice on the ground. “Damn.” he pointed to Grail. “Good you're back. I have to win my pay back.”“Like you could.” Grail sat down on the ground. He grabbed the dice and tossed them. They landed. “Not today.”“Pult.” Leon spit.Grail and Reggie laughed.Leon threw the dice. He grunted when they landed. Then he stood and walked away. Another musician took his place. Someone shouted. Grail picked up the dice and shook them. A noise like meat sizzling on a fire, but much louder, made Grail turn to look. A young mage hung upside down in mid-air. Morvana held her staff out in front of her. She moved the staff and the mage bounced in the air. Reggie chuckled.“What the fenn?” Leon asked.Grail walked over to the mage camp. Other soldiers came closer, forming a ring around the tents. Mages rarely fought amongst themselves, this was unusual. Mattias, the commander of the mages, ran over to the camp.He shouted. Morvana lowered her staff. The suspended mage grunted as he hit the soft dirt. Mattias pointed to his tent and ordered Morvana to meet him there.“What do you think all that is about?” Reggie asked.Grail shrugged. “Lets find out.”They walked over to the mage camp. The one that had landed on the ground, glared at them as they approached.“Learning to fly?” Reggie asked.“Go beat your drum somewhere else,” the mage said.Grail sighed. Another arrogant one, he thought. Why do so many of these mages have sticks up their asses.“I will beat my drum,” Reggie grinned. “On your head.”“Now, now, Reg,” Grail said, smiling. “I think he needs a refresher in spotting a superior officer.” Grail pointed to the rank insignia on his shoulder. “Recognize this? Color Sergeant. Out ranks you.”The mage brushed the dirt off his robe. “Doesn't matter, when I get out of here, I will go home to my estate and employ someone like you to clean my horse barn.”Reggie grabbed Grail's arm. Grail snorted. “Really? First you have to get out of here, puck. Do you think we are marching because we like the view?”“The civil war is over, we are at peace,” the mage said. “Nothing is going to happen.”“Your name.” Reggie commanded.The mage scoffed.“Your name, you worthless pile of kop!”For a brief moment, the arrogance had been replaced by fear in the mage's eyes. “James D'Abor.”Grail and Reggie shared a glance.“D'Abor?” Grail asked. “No wonder you didn't want to give your name. How do you like working for the people your family lost to?”James eyes narrowed. “It’s in the past.”“Leave it there.” Grail crossed his arms. “So why did that other mage hang you upside down?”“A misunderstanding.”“What sort of misunderstanding?”“Grail. Reggie. What are you doing here?” Mattias asked. He placed himself between them and James. Morvana stood to the side, glaring at James.“We saw there was some trouble-” Reggie said.“It's been dealt with.” Mattias motioned Morvana to stay. “But I am glad you are here. I want to send a small squad ahead.”“Reason?” Grail asked.“A little look around, that’s all. I was hoping you would go. The musicians rarely go on these trips. Besides I think Morvana could do with a bit of time away from the army's main body.”Grail tried not to smile when he saw Morvana’s surprised look on her face. “I'll do it,” he said.Reggie chuckled. Grail stomped on his foot.“Good,” Mattias said. “Come to my tent for a briefing. You will be leaving after supper.”He turned. Morvana glanced at James, then followed Mattias.
by Mari Miniatt
July 24, 2012
Don't know much about history
I am a history buff. A title I wear proudly. I love learning about history, especially the bits that don’t normally make it into the dry educational books.
Thankfully with the internet, if you are looking to expand your historical knowledge, or trying to get a child interested in the past, there are many great ways to do so. Most of these you can find samples of on youtube and some on netflix.
Horrible Histories:
The best sketch comedy show on TV. Wait, its an educational children’s show, really?
What is it? Horrible Histories started as a series of children’s books written by Terry Deary.
From Wikipedia: Deary commented in interview, "if I had it my way, I wouldn't have schools at all. They don't educate, they just keep kids off the streets. But my books educate, because they prepare kids for life...It's outrageous, why don't we start telling children the truth about history? I hope my books do just that."
The books present history in an entertaining, yet factual fashion. They became two television series, the first one did not fare too well, but the latest one..
Backed by great writers, musicians, and actors (many of them fill one or more shoes) the show is a great example of how entertaining a children’s show can be, without talking down to the kids. Americans around my age will remember School House Rock, same concept, but an half an hour long.
The shows show many different historical periods, feature one song, and move very quickly. It is hard to choose just one example. If you go on youtube, you can find hundreds of clips of the show. But I will shut up now and give you two examples.
Thanks to this skit, I finally got it.
Viking metal? :D
The Historyteachers
Speaking of music. From Hawaii comes The Historyteachers.
Actually two teachers, one teaches history; Amy Burvall. She was looking for a way to get her students interested in the subjects that she was teaching. She uses pop music parodies. The songs and videos are amazing.
I think this is better than the orginal
Crash Course
Prefer your history taught more like a lecture? But one that is fun? Then watch Crash Course. Actually, Crash Course teaches two subjects; history and biology. The hosts presents the subjects in a fun matter, with a bit of animation and a wry sense of humor.
Not impressed. They managed to sum up most of Russia’s history in just over ten minutes:
Terry Jones
Yes that Terry Jones, from Monty Python, not the other one that likes to burn things.
If you are not a Monty Python fan you might not know that Terry Jones is a historian, mainly medieval history. He has done many documentaries on different periods of history, including the history of the number one. No, seriously. But here is his take on the role of the knight, full episode.
The Supersizers
Want to get to the meat of history (pun intended)? This series produced in 2007 and 2008 presents history via the food we used to eat. Think of it as if the History Channel and the Food Channel had a baby.
Food is an important part of history. The French Revolution would not have happened without the lack of grain. Potatoes, found in America, became one of the staples of food worldwide. The presenter live the lives of people of the time period, eat the food, and explain what was going on around the time.
This clip is from the beginning of an episode. All of them start with a visit to a doctor. Because some of historical diets were worse than ours.
There you go, jump in and get interested in our past.
Leaving you with one more Horrible Histories, just because.
by Mari Miniatt
Thankfully with the internet, if you are looking to expand your historical knowledge, or trying to get a child interested in the past, there are many great ways to do so. Most of these you can find samples of on youtube and some on netflix.
Horrible Histories:
The best sketch comedy show on TV. Wait, its an educational children’s show, really?
What is it? Horrible Histories started as a series of children’s books written by Terry Deary.
From Wikipedia: Deary commented in interview, "if I had it my way, I wouldn't have schools at all. They don't educate, they just keep kids off the streets. But my books educate, because they prepare kids for life...It's outrageous, why don't we start telling children the truth about history? I hope my books do just that."
The books present history in an entertaining, yet factual fashion. They became two television series, the first one did not fare too well, but the latest one..
Backed by great writers, musicians, and actors (many of them fill one or more shoes) the show is a great example of how entertaining a children’s show can be, without talking down to the kids. Americans around my age will remember School House Rock, same concept, but an half an hour long.
The shows show many different historical periods, feature one song, and move very quickly. It is hard to choose just one example. If you go on youtube, you can find hundreds of clips of the show. But I will shut up now and give you two examples.
Thanks to this skit, I finally got it.
Viking metal? :D
The Historyteachers
Speaking of music. From Hawaii comes The Historyteachers.
Actually two teachers, one teaches history; Amy Burvall. She was looking for a way to get her students interested in the subjects that she was teaching. She uses pop music parodies. The songs and videos are amazing.
I think this is better than the orginal
Crash Course
Prefer your history taught more like a lecture? But one that is fun? Then watch Crash Course. Actually, Crash Course teaches two subjects; history and biology. The hosts presents the subjects in a fun matter, with a bit of animation and a wry sense of humor.
Not impressed. They managed to sum up most of Russia’s history in just over ten minutes:
Terry Jones
Yes that Terry Jones, from Monty Python, not the other one that likes to burn things.
If you are not a Monty Python fan you might not know that Terry Jones is a historian, mainly medieval history. He has done many documentaries on different periods of history, including the history of the number one. No, seriously. But here is his take on the role of the knight, full episode.
The Supersizers
Want to get to the meat of history (pun intended)? This series produced in 2007 and 2008 presents history via the food we used to eat. Think of it as if the History Channel and the Food Channel had a baby.
Food is an important part of history. The French Revolution would not have happened without the lack of grain. Potatoes, found in America, became one of the staples of food worldwide. The presenter live the lives of people of the time period, eat the food, and explain what was going on around the time.
This clip is from the beginning of an episode. All of them start with a visit to a doctor. Because some of historical diets were worse than ours.
There you go, jump in and get interested in our past.
Leaving you with one more Horrible Histories, just because.
by Mari Miniatt
July 11, 2012
New Update
So I haven't updated my blog in a while, but that is okay. I have been prepping a new series of posts. I am going all out, photos, videos and all that fun stuff.
More after my ad.
Did you know that you can get some of my book for free? Right now! Head to Smashwords. Until July 31, 2012 you can get:For Free Fledgling Killer
Half off Patriarch
end of ad
So what am I working on? It might surprise you, not vampires or werewolves. While I was putting my vampire series together, I also came up with another series idea.
What to expect: minstrels, thieves, dragons, magic, and bagpipes.
by Mari Miniatt
More after my ad.
Did you know that you can get some of my book for free? Right now! Head to Smashwords. Until July 31, 2012 you can get:For Free Fledgling Killer
Half off Patriarch
end of ad
So what am I working on? It might surprise you, not vampires or werewolves. While I was putting my vampire series together, I also came up with another series idea.
What to expect: minstrels, thieves, dragons, magic, and bagpipes.
by Mari Miniatt
May 16, 2012
What the Heck Have I Been Up to?
Busy, Busy, Busy.
First:
Patriarch is finally ready!!
Amazon (softcover right now)
Smashwords (ebook)
What is it about?
Blood and secrets
Vampires survive on both.
Steopa Rodovitch has been a vampire for long enough to know that in order to survive you must keep secrets.
One secret, some of his descendants become a vampire after suffering a violent death, he has kept for almost as long as he has been undead. Someone has found out and has targeted him for elimination. He must share his past to protect his future. Even with a prophecy, old friends, and vampire hunters appearing, he will find a way.
For those of you familiar with the series: This book focuses on Steopa. More of his past comes to light, his future is prophesied. Which of course, Steopa won't believe. Blood, love, and a wildman can sum up the story.
Second:
Two book signings coming up. Both in Syracuse, NY.
First one is at The Enchanted Bazaar, May 31, 2012 from 3pm to 9pm.
Second one TBA.
Third:
Expanded my creative forces and have started to make games. You have to thank my youngest for this. He came up with a solo RPG card game idea and asked me how to publish it. After some great help on Google Plus, we have everything in place to publish his game.
I started to come up with my own. Right now a card game and a board game. We are currently play testing them. I will have them up for sale in a few months, if they pass the play testing.
Well that is up with me.
If you are looking for me online. I have dropped my Twitter and Facebook (my hubby is still sort of running my main author page on Facebook), you find me mainly on G+
by Mari Miniatt
First:
Patriarch is finally ready!!
Amazon (softcover right now)
Smashwords (ebook)
What is it about?
Blood and secrets
Vampires survive on both.
Steopa Rodovitch has been a vampire for long enough to know that in order to survive you must keep secrets.
One secret, some of his descendants become a vampire after suffering a violent death, he has kept for almost as long as he has been undead. Someone has found out and has targeted him for elimination. He must share his past to protect his future. Even with a prophecy, old friends, and vampire hunters appearing, he will find a way.
For those of you familiar with the series: This book focuses on Steopa. More of his past comes to light, his future is prophesied. Which of course, Steopa won't believe. Blood, love, and a wildman can sum up the story.
Second:
Two book signings coming up. Both in Syracuse, NY.
First one is at The Enchanted Bazaar, May 31, 2012 from 3pm to 9pm.
Second one TBA.
Third:
Expanded my creative forces and have started to make games. You have to thank my youngest for this. He came up with a solo RPG card game idea and asked me how to publish it. After some great help on Google Plus, we have everything in place to publish his game.
I started to come up with my own. Right now a card game and a board game. We are currently play testing them. I will have them up for sale in a few months, if they pass the play testing.
Well that is up with me.
If you are looking for me online. I have dropped my Twitter and Facebook (my hubby is still sort of running my main author page on Facebook), you find me mainly on G+
by Mari Miniatt
May 9, 2012
#WerewolfWeds The Hag - Chapter 27
Please check my #WerewolfWeds page for an overview of this. Thanks.
A few weeks later Teodor went back to Steopa's lair. He found Steopa in a large empty room, practicing his swordsmanship.
“You still practice?” Teodor asked from the door.
“It is something to do,” Steopa said swing the sword down, then he laid it on a table. “Are you still hiding from the police?”
“No, I went down and talked to them. They could not pin the murders on me,” Teodor said. “Besides Amanda, Gunner and Trucker all backed me up.
“I see.”
Teodor walked into the room. “I have something to ask you.”
“What?”
“Where did you find all that loot?”
Steopa chuckled. “It was here. I think they used the vault to store personal items.”
“So is that where you have been getting that money?”
Steopa shook his head. “I have not touched anything in that vault.”
“Ah.” Teodor ran his fingers through his hair. “Did you see the house for sale outside the old loading docks?”
“What about it?” Steopa asked.
“Amanda wants to start a family. We just can't seem to save any money, you know.”
Steopa leaned against the table. “I see.”
“Why didn't you tell me about the money before?”
“Because you wanted to try to fit into human society,” Steopa said. “Do you think that having access to that amount of money would have been good?”
“It would have helped.”
Steopa shook his head. “Humans define too much of who you are by what you do. If you did not need to work, you would have drawn more attention than working.”
“I could have said I was an artist,” Teodor said.
Steopa raised his eyebrow.
“Except I can't draw.” Teodor sighed. “What about now?”
“You only have to ask, it does not belong to me.”
“Just enough to get the house, that's all. Amanda and I can work at the Pit for any other cash.”
“What about that child?”
“Trucker? He wants to live with Amanda and I.”
Steopa shook his head. “Bad idea.”
“What do you mean? He's a great kid.”
“I have heard stories of humans raised by wolves, and perhaps being raised by werewolves would not be any worse than what he has known.” Steopa faced Teodor. “But, if you start your own family, what would his feelings be?”
Teodor thought. “Werewolf children can be vicious without meaning to be.”
“I am sure there is a better solution.”
“I don't want to see him in a foster home, he ran away from the last one,” Teodor said.
“Think about it. Do what you feel is correct.”
Teodor scoffed. “Thanks.”
Steopa straightened up. “Follow me,” he said.
Teodor shrugged. He followed Steopa out of the larger room. Steopa led him back to the small vault with all the valuables.
“I did sort through all of the items,” Steopa said. “I found Amanda's packet. And I found this.”
He handed Teodor a large envelope. On the its outside were written the words “Specimen 1759”. The weight and the shape that bulged through the envelope was familiar. Teodor opened it.
The black cross had pearls and rubies inlaid. No silver, but gold and copper wire worked its way around the small crucifix. At the base of the cross were two wolves, under them was his family's name: Navarro.
“I thought I had lost this on the Bering Straight,” Teodor said.
“I never understood why you kept it,” Steopa said.
“To remind me why my family was the way they were. Father's whole life revolved around this.” Teodor rubbed his thumb over the golden wolf's head. “He still believe in this, even after the church turned against us.”
“You know my feelings.”
Navarro nodded. “Yeah.”
“But an antique, that is an impressive piece.”
Teodor scoffed. “I just can't turn away like you did.”
Steopa shrugged. “There is something else.”
He pulled out a box. This one had Amanda's name written on it. Steopa opened it. Teodor looked down.
“Would she want any of these items back?” Steopa asked.
A couple of uniforms, both her nurse and dress ones, a box of jewelry, and other personal items. Teodor placed the cross on top of the items, then closed the box.
“I'll take it back to her,” he said. He stood up with the box under his arm. “Did you find the cells?”
Steopa shook his head. “I think they should stay buried.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Steopa held out his hand. “Good luck, Teodor. I think you will make a far better father than you father did.”
Teodor shook Steopa's hand. “You will be the godfather, you know that.”
“You expect me to go to a church?”
“Will you burn up?”
“No, but I would find it hard not to laugh.”
Teodor chuckled. “Have any of your victims tried to shove a cross in you face?”
“A few.”
“What did you do?”
“Crushed them in my hands.” Steopa smiled. The points of his fangs glistened. “But more grab their guns. The old beliefs and superstitions are disappearing.”
“Maybe that's good.”
“If we had forgotten, how would have we fought the Hag?” Steopa asked. “There are reasons those stories are handed down.”
Teodor shrugged. “As long as people don't see me as a werewolf, it will make my life easier.”
“Yes, for you it would be.”
Teodor gave Steopa a hug with one arm. “Don't be a stranger,” he said. “That house is not far from here.”
“I will come over as much as I can,” Steopa said.
Teodor left the room. He walked back to one of the hidden entrances. As he left the old base, the rays from the full moon hit his face. Teodor looked around. The street was empty. He threw back his head and howled.
A few weeks later Teodor went back to Steopa's lair. He found Steopa in a large empty room, practicing his swordsmanship.
“You still practice?” Teodor asked from the door.
“It is something to do,” Steopa said swing the sword down, then he laid it on a table. “Are you still hiding from the police?”
“No, I went down and talked to them. They could not pin the murders on me,” Teodor said. “Besides Amanda, Gunner and Trucker all backed me up.
“I see.”
Teodor walked into the room. “I have something to ask you.”
“What?”
“Where did you find all that loot?”
Steopa chuckled. “It was here. I think they used the vault to store personal items.”
“So is that where you have been getting that money?”
Steopa shook his head. “I have not touched anything in that vault.”
“Ah.” Teodor ran his fingers through his hair. “Did you see the house for sale outside the old loading docks?”
“What about it?” Steopa asked.
“Amanda wants to start a family. We just can't seem to save any money, you know.”
Steopa leaned against the table. “I see.”
“Why didn't you tell me about the money before?”
“Because you wanted to try to fit into human society,” Steopa said. “Do you think that having access to that amount of money would have been good?”
“It would have helped.”
Steopa shook his head. “Humans define too much of who you are by what you do. If you did not need to work, you would have drawn more attention than working.”
“I could have said I was an artist,” Teodor said.
Steopa raised his eyebrow.
“Except I can't draw.” Teodor sighed. “What about now?”
“You only have to ask, it does not belong to me.”
“Just enough to get the house, that's all. Amanda and I can work at the Pit for any other cash.”
“What about that child?”
“Trucker? He wants to live with Amanda and I.”
Steopa shook his head. “Bad idea.”
“What do you mean? He's a great kid.”
“I have heard stories of humans raised by wolves, and perhaps being raised by werewolves would not be any worse than what he has known.” Steopa faced Teodor. “But, if you start your own family, what would his feelings be?”
Teodor thought. “Werewolf children can be vicious without meaning to be.”
“I am sure there is a better solution.”
“I don't want to see him in a foster home, he ran away from the last one,” Teodor said.
“Think about it. Do what you feel is correct.”
Teodor scoffed. “Thanks.”
Steopa straightened up. “Follow me,” he said.
Teodor shrugged. He followed Steopa out of the larger room. Steopa led him back to the small vault with all the valuables.
“I did sort through all of the items,” Steopa said. “I found Amanda's packet. And I found this.”
He handed Teodor a large envelope. On the its outside were written the words “Specimen 1759”. The weight and the shape that bulged through the envelope was familiar. Teodor opened it.
The black cross had pearls and rubies inlaid. No silver, but gold and copper wire worked its way around the small crucifix. At the base of the cross were two wolves, under them was his family's name: Navarro.
“I thought I had lost this on the Bering Straight,” Teodor said.
“I never understood why you kept it,” Steopa said.
“To remind me why my family was the way they were. Father's whole life revolved around this.” Teodor rubbed his thumb over the golden wolf's head. “He still believe in this, even after the church turned against us.”
“You know my feelings.”
Navarro nodded. “Yeah.”
“But an antique, that is an impressive piece.”
Teodor scoffed. “I just can't turn away like you did.”
Steopa shrugged. “There is something else.”
He pulled out a box. This one had Amanda's name written on it. Steopa opened it. Teodor looked down.
“Would she want any of these items back?” Steopa asked.
A couple of uniforms, both her nurse and dress ones, a box of jewelry, and other personal items. Teodor placed the cross on top of the items, then closed the box.
“I'll take it back to her,” he said. He stood up with the box under his arm. “Did you find the cells?”
Steopa shook his head. “I think they should stay buried.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Steopa held out his hand. “Good luck, Teodor. I think you will make a far better father than you father did.”
Teodor shook Steopa's hand. “You will be the godfather, you know that.”
“You expect me to go to a church?”
“Will you burn up?”
“No, but I would find it hard not to laugh.”
Teodor chuckled. “Have any of your victims tried to shove a cross in you face?”
“A few.”
“What did you do?”
“Crushed them in my hands.” Steopa smiled. The points of his fangs glistened. “But more grab their guns. The old beliefs and superstitions are disappearing.”
“Maybe that's good.”
“If we had forgotten, how would have we fought the Hag?” Steopa asked. “There are reasons those stories are handed down.”
Teodor shrugged. “As long as people don't see me as a werewolf, it will make my life easier.”
“Yes, for you it would be.”
Teodor gave Steopa a hug with one arm. “Don't be a stranger,” he said. “That house is not far from here.”
“I will come over as much as I can,” Steopa said.
Teodor left the room. He walked back to one of the hidden entrances. As he left the old base, the rays from the full moon hit his face. Teodor looked around. The street was empty. He threw back his head and howled.
May 2, 2012
#WerewolfWeds The Hag - Chapter 26
Please check my #WerewolfWeds page for an overview of this. Thanks.
Amanda did not let go of Teodor for a long time. She held him so close that he had to breath through her hair.
“I need to breath,” Teodor said after a few moments.
Amanda loosened her hold on him, but still held him close. “I was so worried.”
“It's okay she's gone,” he kissed Amanda's lips.
Trucker ran out of his room and wrapped himself around Teodor's waist. “You're back!”
“So am I,” Gunner said. He walked by messing with Trucker's hair.
“Is she gone?” Trucker asked.
“This time, yes,” Teodor said.
Amanda pulled away. “I will make you some breakfast. Pancakes? Gunner?”
Gunner nodded.
“I got some beef.”
Teodor's mouth watered. “Sounds perfect.”
Amanda busied herself in the kitchen. Teodor sat down on the couch. Trucker sat down next to him. He nudged Teodor in the ribs.
“What?”
“Can I stay with you?” Trucker asked.
“Well I will have to ask Amanda,” Teodor said.
“Why don't you?”
“Are you sure you want to stay with us?” Teodor asked. “You are supposed to be scared of werewolves.”
“Like the ones on the movies? They don't scare me.”
“I have a friend that is a vampire.”
“Really?” Trucker's eyes went wide. “You're kidding me.”
“Yeah, he's really big too.”
Trucker sat back on the couch. “He won't scare me.”
Gunner passed through the living room to the bath room.
“Do you know any mummies?” Trucker asked.
“No.”
“Zombies?”
“What?”
“You know zombies, they eat people.”
“I stay away from anyone that eats people.”
“Cool.”
“Teodor!” Amanda called from the kitchen.
Teodor went over to her. Amanda pulled back the curtain in the kitchen. In the street in front of the Pit were four police cars.
“Are they still looking for you?” Amanda asked.
“They would-”
A loud knock on the door made Amanda jump. Teodor turned to open it.
“Don't.” Amanda whispered.
“Steopa says if we really want to fit in like humans we have to behave like them all the time, including now,” Teodor said.
He walked over to the door and opened it. Three police officers stood on the other side. Teodor studied their stances. The tall one in the back, he was the muscle. But not a dumb one. He stood back a foot from the two in the front. He had not taken a threatening pose, but could in an instant.
The dark hair one in the front, looked Teodor up and down. It wasn't hard to figure out what he was thinking. He already made the assumption that Teodor was not strong, but was fast. The dark hair officer moved to block any chance of Teodor bolting down the hall.
The last one had sandy hair. He wasn't looking at Teodor. He looked behind him. Where Amanda and Trucker stood. Teodor heard the bathroom door opened. The sandy haired one glanced over into the direction of the bathroom, then to Teodor.
“Teodor Navarro?” the dark haired one asked.
“Yes,” Teodor said.
“We have to take you down for questioning.”
“Good, I was about to go down myself,” Teodor said. He heard Amanda breath sharply. “You will not have to hand cuff me?”
“Not if you don't give us any problems,” the tall one said.
Teodor did not turn his head. “Amanda, can you get my coat?”
She came over to the door way, and held out Teodor's jacket. “Thanks Babe.”
The tall one moved aside. “Lets go,” he said.
He walked ahead of Teodor. The other two followed. They hadn't thrown cuffs on him, but it felt like he was arrested. As they walked downstairs a police dog barked.
The German shepard stood by his handlers side. He wagged his tail when he saw Teodor, but stopped when his handler looked down. They led Teodor out to one of the cruisers waiting in the street. A small crowd had gathered.
The tall and dark-haired police officers drove Teodor to the station. They didn't try to talk to him and he stayed quiet in the back.
Inside the station. Teodor was lead to a small room. They locked the door behind him, leaving him alone. So far not too bad, he thought.
The minutes ticked by. Teodor sat at the table, studying the wood grain pattern. He sighed, but resisted the urge to tap his fingers. He also did not yawn. He wanted to. His body had been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. He needed his rest.
He glanced at the mirror in the room. He could smell the people on the other side. They were watching him. The door opened. Two officers in business suits walked in. One looked at a clipboard while he sat down. The balding one stood at the side of the table.
“Thank you for coming today,” the clipboard holder said. “I am officer Lutz and that is officer Parker. We just have a few questions.”
Teodor nodded.
“Have you ever been around the workhouse site?”
“Yes, Trucker showed it too me,” Teodor said.
“Trucker?”
“He's a street kid that latched on to me and my girlfriend.”
“Why did he show you the workhouse?”
“Because that's where he was living, with some other children.”
“A couple of nights ago, about six of those children were brutally murdered. Did you hear about that?”
“I saw.”
“You saw?”
“I made the phone call.”
“What were you doing there?”
“Trucker wanted some of his things back,” Teodor said. He never took his gaze off the officer.
The officer returned the look. “Why didn't you stay and help the children?”
“I saw a large dog approaching. I thought who ever had kill those kids was still around.”
They continued to question him for a long time. Teodor could tell they were trying to get him to change his story. They would switch the questions around and try to trick him. But Teodor had spent years having his father do the same thing, he knew all the tricks.
Then he was left alone again. He felt his exhaustion building. Either arrest me or send me home, he thought. The door opened. A young uniformed police woman held the door open for him.
“I just have some paperwork for you to sign, then you can go home,” she said.
“Thank you,” Teodor said.
He signed the paperwork and left. They didn't have evidence. Teodor knew it. His stomach growled. Teodor rubbed his stubby beard. Time to go home and spend time with Amanda, Trucker and Gunner, He thought. Then he laughed. Almost a real family.
Amanda did not let go of Teodor for a long time. She held him so close that he had to breath through her hair.
“I need to breath,” Teodor said after a few moments.
Amanda loosened her hold on him, but still held him close. “I was so worried.”
“It's okay she's gone,” he kissed Amanda's lips.
Trucker ran out of his room and wrapped himself around Teodor's waist. “You're back!”
“So am I,” Gunner said. He walked by messing with Trucker's hair.
“Is she gone?” Trucker asked.
“This time, yes,” Teodor said.
Amanda pulled away. “I will make you some breakfast. Pancakes? Gunner?”
Gunner nodded.
“I got some beef.”
Teodor's mouth watered. “Sounds perfect.”
Amanda busied herself in the kitchen. Teodor sat down on the couch. Trucker sat down next to him. He nudged Teodor in the ribs.
“What?”
“Can I stay with you?” Trucker asked.
“Well I will have to ask Amanda,” Teodor said.
“Why don't you?”
“Are you sure you want to stay with us?” Teodor asked. “You are supposed to be scared of werewolves.”
“Like the ones on the movies? They don't scare me.”
“I have a friend that is a vampire.”
“Really?” Trucker's eyes went wide. “You're kidding me.”
“Yeah, he's really big too.”
Trucker sat back on the couch. “He won't scare me.”
Gunner passed through the living room to the bath room.
“Do you know any mummies?” Trucker asked.
“No.”
“Zombies?”
“What?”
“You know zombies, they eat people.”
“I stay away from anyone that eats people.”
“Cool.”
“Teodor!” Amanda called from the kitchen.
Teodor went over to her. Amanda pulled back the curtain in the kitchen. In the street in front of the Pit were four police cars.
“Are they still looking for you?” Amanda asked.
“They would-”
A loud knock on the door made Amanda jump. Teodor turned to open it.
“Don't.” Amanda whispered.
“Steopa says if we really want to fit in like humans we have to behave like them all the time, including now,” Teodor said.
He walked over to the door and opened it. Three police officers stood on the other side. Teodor studied their stances. The tall one in the back, he was the muscle. But not a dumb one. He stood back a foot from the two in the front. He had not taken a threatening pose, but could in an instant.
The dark hair one in the front, looked Teodor up and down. It wasn't hard to figure out what he was thinking. He already made the assumption that Teodor was not strong, but was fast. The dark hair officer moved to block any chance of Teodor bolting down the hall.
The last one had sandy hair. He wasn't looking at Teodor. He looked behind him. Where Amanda and Trucker stood. Teodor heard the bathroom door opened. The sandy haired one glanced over into the direction of the bathroom, then to Teodor.
“Teodor Navarro?” the dark haired one asked.
“Yes,” Teodor said.
“We have to take you down for questioning.”
“Good, I was about to go down myself,” Teodor said. He heard Amanda breath sharply. “You will not have to hand cuff me?”
“Not if you don't give us any problems,” the tall one said.
Teodor did not turn his head. “Amanda, can you get my coat?”
She came over to the door way, and held out Teodor's jacket. “Thanks Babe.”
The tall one moved aside. “Lets go,” he said.
He walked ahead of Teodor. The other two followed. They hadn't thrown cuffs on him, but it felt like he was arrested. As they walked downstairs a police dog barked.
The German shepard stood by his handlers side. He wagged his tail when he saw Teodor, but stopped when his handler looked down. They led Teodor out to one of the cruisers waiting in the street. A small crowd had gathered.
The tall and dark-haired police officers drove Teodor to the station. They didn't try to talk to him and he stayed quiet in the back.
Inside the station. Teodor was lead to a small room. They locked the door behind him, leaving him alone. So far not too bad, he thought.
The minutes ticked by. Teodor sat at the table, studying the wood grain pattern. He sighed, but resisted the urge to tap his fingers. He also did not yawn. He wanted to. His body had been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. He needed his rest.
He glanced at the mirror in the room. He could smell the people on the other side. They were watching him. The door opened. Two officers in business suits walked in. One looked at a clipboard while he sat down. The balding one stood at the side of the table.
“Thank you for coming today,” the clipboard holder said. “I am officer Lutz and that is officer Parker. We just have a few questions.”
Teodor nodded.
“Have you ever been around the workhouse site?”
“Yes, Trucker showed it too me,” Teodor said.
“Trucker?”
“He's a street kid that latched on to me and my girlfriend.”
“Why did he show you the workhouse?”
“Because that's where he was living, with some other children.”
“A couple of nights ago, about six of those children were brutally murdered. Did you hear about that?”
“I saw.”
“You saw?”
“I made the phone call.”
“What were you doing there?”
“Trucker wanted some of his things back,” Teodor said. He never took his gaze off the officer.
The officer returned the look. “Why didn't you stay and help the children?”
“I saw a large dog approaching. I thought who ever had kill those kids was still around.”
They continued to question him for a long time. Teodor could tell they were trying to get him to change his story. They would switch the questions around and try to trick him. But Teodor had spent years having his father do the same thing, he knew all the tricks.
Then he was left alone again. He felt his exhaustion building. Either arrest me or send me home, he thought. The door opened. A young uniformed police woman held the door open for him.
“I just have some paperwork for you to sign, then you can go home,” she said.
“Thank you,” Teodor said.
He signed the paperwork and left. They didn't have evidence. Teodor knew it. His stomach growled. Teodor rubbed his stubby beard. Time to go home and spend time with Amanda, Trucker and Gunner, He thought. Then he laughed. Almost a real family.
April 25, 2012
#WerewolfWeds The Hag - Chapter 25 Part 4
Please check my #WerewolfWeds page for an overview of this. Thanks.
“You have no right!” she screamed.
“It is not your choice.”
She screamed.
“You can leave willingly, or we can destroy you.”
Teodor snarled. The Hag focused her hollow eyes on him. “Creature, you cannot harm me.”
“You killed those children. You had your child killed in front of you and you still killed other children,” Teodor said.
Gunner shined the light on her. While the light passed across her face, Teodor could see her eyes.
“Elizabeth Swift, we know the truth. We know that you did not kill your infant,” Albrecht said. He picked up the skin.
She tried to attack them. But she could not pass over the circle. She pounded her fist against the unseen barrier. “My baby!”
“You want your baby?”
“Give me my child!”
“Then leave. Promise us that you will finally rest.” Albrecht held up the skin.
“I don't believe you,” she said.
Albrecht knelt down and opened the box with the baptismal gown. “We found your baby's gown too.”
The hag back away from the circle. “Where do I go?”
“You have to cross over,” Albrecht said.
“But-”
“Elizabeth, you have to take your baby and leave. That is all.” He picked up the box with the gown. “Do you agree?”
The blackness that surrounded and filled the hag, became lighter. Her eyes returned to the empty sockets. “I agree.”
Albrecht placed the skin inside the box on the gown. Teodor caught a look that Albrecht gave Bilge. Bilge tightened his grip on the rock salt. Teodor stepped aside as Albrecht approached the edge of the circle.
He held out the box. “Here is your baby.”
She reached out and took the box. The monster appearance melted away from Elizabeth. Instead she became a black haired, young woman wearing a long blue gown. She ran her fingers over the skin.
“My sweet baby,” she said. Her voice had changed. She spoke in a soft whisper.
“Will you leave?” Albrecht asked.
Elizabeth wrapped the skin in the gown. She nodded.
“Then leave,” Albrecht said.
Her feet, then her legs disappeared. The shadows swallowed her. Traveling up her body. Her face was the last to disappear. She smiled.
The darkness replaced by bright moonlight, it streamed into the room. Without the shadows, the living room looked comforable with faded wallpaper.
Bilge sighed. “That went well.”
“Is she gone?” Gunner asked.
“Yeah.”
“I thought we would do more fighting...”
Bilge scoffed.
Teodor turned around. “You wanted to fight her, after you saw what she could do to me.”
“Good point.”
Albrecht rubbed his forehead. “Bilge could you close off the rest of the house. We should leave this place in peace.”
Bilge nodded. He stepped outside of the circle. For a moment Teodor thought something would jump out at them. But nothing did.
Albrecht grabbed Teodor's arm. “Sorry, I think I need some help.”
Teodor let Albrecht lean on him. “No problem.”
Gunner turned off the flashlight. Teodor and Albrecht walked outside. The eastern sky had turned red, but the sun had not broked over the horizon.
“Nice day,” Teodor said.
Gunner sighed. “Finally.”
“You have no right!” she screamed.
“It is not your choice.”
She screamed.
“You can leave willingly, or we can destroy you.”
Teodor snarled. The Hag focused her hollow eyes on him. “Creature, you cannot harm me.”
“You killed those children. You had your child killed in front of you and you still killed other children,” Teodor said.
Gunner shined the light on her. While the light passed across her face, Teodor could see her eyes.
“Elizabeth Swift, we know the truth. We know that you did not kill your infant,” Albrecht said. He picked up the skin.
She tried to attack them. But she could not pass over the circle. She pounded her fist against the unseen barrier. “My baby!”
“You want your baby?”
“Give me my child!”
“Then leave. Promise us that you will finally rest.” Albrecht held up the skin.
“I don't believe you,” she said.
Albrecht knelt down and opened the box with the baptismal gown. “We found your baby's gown too.”
The hag back away from the circle. “Where do I go?”
“You have to cross over,” Albrecht said.
“But-”
“Elizabeth, you have to take your baby and leave. That is all.” He picked up the box with the gown. “Do you agree?”
The blackness that surrounded and filled the hag, became lighter. Her eyes returned to the empty sockets. “I agree.”
Albrecht placed the skin inside the box on the gown. Teodor caught a look that Albrecht gave Bilge. Bilge tightened his grip on the rock salt. Teodor stepped aside as Albrecht approached the edge of the circle.
He held out the box. “Here is your baby.”
She reached out and took the box. The monster appearance melted away from Elizabeth. Instead she became a black haired, young woman wearing a long blue gown. She ran her fingers over the skin.
“My sweet baby,” she said. Her voice had changed. She spoke in a soft whisper.
“Will you leave?” Albrecht asked.
Elizabeth wrapped the skin in the gown. She nodded.
“Then leave,” Albrecht said.
Her feet, then her legs disappeared. The shadows swallowed her. Traveling up her body. Her face was the last to disappear. She smiled.
The darkness replaced by bright moonlight, it streamed into the room. Without the shadows, the living room looked comforable with faded wallpaper.
Bilge sighed. “That went well.”
“Is she gone?” Gunner asked.
“Yeah.”
“I thought we would do more fighting...”
Bilge scoffed.
Teodor turned around. “You wanted to fight her, after you saw what she could do to me.”
“Good point.”
Albrecht rubbed his forehead. “Bilge could you close off the rest of the house. We should leave this place in peace.”
Bilge nodded. He stepped outside of the circle. For a moment Teodor thought something would jump out at them. But nothing did.
Albrecht grabbed Teodor's arm. “Sorry, I think I need some help.”
Teodor let Albrecht lean on him. “No problem.”
Gunner turned off the flashlight. Teodor and Albrecht walked outside. The eastern sky had turned red, but the sun had not broked over the horizon.
“Nice day,” Teodor said.
Gunner sighed. “Finally.”
April 18, 2012
#WerewolfWeds The Hag - Chapter 25 Part 3
Please check my #WerewolfWeds page for an overview of this. Thanks.
She had had a girl, he thought. Then he remembered. At that time, all infants would have worn the same type of gown, regardless of sex. He placed the cover on the box. He tucked the box under his arm and left the room. He saw Albrecht leave one room then enter another. Bilge and Gunner came up the stairs.
“What do you have there?” Bilge asked.
“A baptismal gown.” Teodor went into the next room.
The bed had been built into the room. The four tall columns rose from floor to the ceiling, the bed frame had fallen apart and laid between the post. A set of double doors caught Teodor's eye. He opened them.
“Bilge, Albrecht!” Teodor yelled.
He held the doors open until the rest of them came into the room. What should have been the closet had been made into a small prayer altar. The crucifix had been attached to the wall. Inches of wax covered the table along the edges. A raise platform sat in the middle.
“This better be it,” Teodor said.
“Any sign of the remains?” Gunner asked.
Teodor got on his knees to look below the table. The bare floor had been covered with wooden tiles. It was doubtful there was a loose floor board. He ran his hands along the bottom of the table, looking for a false bottom, there was nothing.
Bilge, holding another bunch of herbs in his mouth like a cigar, tapped the top of the closet. “Nothing up there either.”
Teodor stood up. “What would it have been?”
He stepped back. Albrecht stared at the table, rubbing his chin. “There is something missing here,” he said.
The unseen baby cried. Gunner moved the flashlight around the room. “She's coming back, isn't she?”
Bilge waved the herb bundle. “She can't come in here.”
The broken bed frame shook.
“I could be wrong,” he said.
One of the metal pieces of the frame rose up and shot across the room. Teodor pushed Gunner out of the way. The piece of frame stopped at the wall, burying itself into the wall, next to the altar.
Gunner stood up, he shined the flashlight into the bed frame. “Knock it off!” He yelled.
Another piece of the bed frame flew through the air toward them. Bilge dropped to the floor, at the same time he dropped his knapsack on the floor. The metal piece embedded itself a few inches away from the first piece.
Bilge unzipped the knapsack. He pulled out a small bag of salt. Biting the end off like a grenade. He threw it into the middle of the bed frame. The salt hit and fanned out over the floor.
The baby cries stopped.
Teodor stood up. He swatted one of the pieces in the wall. It fell out, leaving a a large hole. He shook his head. “At least she hasn't tried to kill us out right.”
Gunner nodded. “That's true.”
Teodor pulled the other piece of metal out of the wall. The wall crumbled around the two holes. A corner of a large book could be seen.
He used his claws to rip the hole in the wall larger. The plaster crumbled too easily. The area over the large book, had been patched with a different type of plaster than what was covering the rest of the wall.
He pulled the book out. It was a large, leather-bound, family bible. His nose caught the scent. He dropped it.
“What is it?” Albrecht asked.
“I can smell human on it,” Teodor said.
“I am sure a human scent is on it.”
“No, human skin.” He pointed to the leather on the cover. “I think we found the child.”
No one moved or said anything for a few moments. Gunner shined his light on the bible.
“You mean that bible was bound with the baby's skin?”
With the light on the bible, Teodor could make out where there had been repairs to the leather cover had been done. Albrecht knelt down. He ran his finger along one of the new seems.
“Nylon thread. The skin was recently added,” he said.
“One of them sewed the skin onto the bible.” Bilge shook his head. “They could have left it in full view and she would not have been able to touch it.”
“Now what?” Teodor asked.
Albrecht picked up the bible. “Time to make her play by our rules.”
In the living room, the sweet smelling smoke had almost cleared out. Teodor placed the box in the middle of the floor. Albrecht took out a pocket knife and cut the new stitching off the cover of the bible. When he pulled the skin off, Teodor's stomach turned.
“You can see why Bilge and I no longer wanted to work with Robert and Peter,” Albrecht said, laying the skin on top of the box.
The room darkened.
Bilge lit four candles. He instructed Gunner to place one in each direction. Then Bilge took out a piece of chalk and drew a circle around the box.
“Stay inside the chalk,” he said. “No matter what happens.”
Albrecht laid the bible on top of the fireplace. He returned to the circle. Gunner and Teodor stood by each other. Bilge finished drawing the circle.
“Turn the flashlight off,” Bilge said.
Gunner clicked it off.
Albrecht raised his hands. He chanted in Latin. Bilge opened another small bag of rock salt. He nudged Gunner and pointed to the fireplace.
All of Teodor's hair stood on end. He tried to stop the growl that rose up in his throat. But he raised the sides of his mouth. Around the fireplace the shadows darkened. Teodor leaned forward and growled. Albrecht moved his hands as if he was pulling a string toward him. The shadows darkened as he moved his hands. The shape of the Hag formed in front of Teodor.
Her eyes were the hollow holes in her head. She screamed and scratched. But her claws could not enter the area where the circle had been drawn. Albrecht stopped his chanting.
“Elizabeth Swift,” Albrecht said. “We are here to send you back to the grave. To give you the rest you deserve.”
She had had a girl, he thought. Then he remembered. At that time, all infants would have worn the same type of gown, regardless of sex. He placed the cover on the box. He tucked the box under his arm and left the room. He saw Albrecht leave one room then enter another. Bilge and Gunner came up the stairs.
“What do you have there?” Bilge asked.
“A baptismal gown.” Teodor went into the next room.
The bed had been built into the room. The four tall columns rose from floor to the ceiling, the bed frame had fallen apart and laid between the post. A set of double doors caught Teodor's eye. He opened them.
“Bilge, Albrecht!” Teodor yelled.
He held the doors open until the rest of them came into the room. What should have been the closet had been made into a small prayer altar. The crucifix had been attached to the wall. Inches of wax covered the table along the edges. A raise platform sat in the middle.
“This better be it,” Teodor said.
“Any sign of the remains?” Gunner asked.
Teodor got on his knees to look below the table. The bare floor had been covered with wooden tiles. It was doubtful there was a loose floor board. He ran his hands along the bottom of the table, looking for a false bottom, there was nothing.
Bilge, holding another bunch of herbs in his mouth like a cigar, tapped the top of the closet. “Nothing up there either.”
Teodor stood up. “What would it have been?”
He stepped back. Albrecht stared at the table, rubbing his chin. “There is something missing here,” he said.
The unseen baby cried. Gunner moved the flashlight around the room. “She's coming back, isn't she?”
Bilge waved the herb bundle. “She can't come in here.”
The broken bed frame shook.
“I could be wrong,” he said.
One of the metal pieces of the frame rose up and shot across the room. Teodor pushed Gunner out of the way. The piece of frame stopped at the wall, burying itself into the wall, next to the altar.
Gunner stood up, he shined the flashlight into the bed frame. “Knock it off!” He yelled.
Another piece of the bed frame flew through the air toward them. Bilge dropped to the floor, at the same time he dropped his knapsack on the floor. The metal piece embedded itself a few inches away from the first piece.
Bilge unzipped the knapsack. He pulled out a small bag of salt. Biting the end off like a grenade. He threw it into the middle of the bed frame. The salt hit and fanned out over the floor.
The baby cries stopped.
Teodor stood up. He swatted one of the pieces in the wall. It fell out, leaving a a large hole. He shook his head. “At least she hasn't tried to kill us out right.”
Gunner nodded. “That's true.”
Teodor pulled the other piece of metal out of the wall. The wall crumbled around the two holes. A corner of a large book could be seen.
He used his claws to rip the hole in the wall larger. The plaster crumbled too easily. The area over the large book, had been patched with a different type of plaster than what was covering the rest of the wall.
He pulled the book out. It was a large, leather-bound, family bible. His nose caught the scent. He dropped it.
“What is it?” Albrecht asked.
“I can smell human on it,” Teodor said.
“I am sure a human scent is on it.”
“No, human skin.” He pointed to the leather on the cover. “I think we found the child.”
No one moved or said anything for a few moments. Gunner shined his light on the bible.
“You mean that bible was bound with the baby's skin?”
With the light on the bible, Teodor could make out where there had been repairs to the leather cover had been done. Albrecht knelt down. He ran his finger along one of the new seems.
“Nylon thread. The skin was recently added,” he said.
“One of them sewed the skin onto the bible.” Bilge shook his head. “They could have left it in full view and she would not have been able to touch it.”
“Now what?” Teodor asked.
Albrecht picked up the bible. “Time to make her play by our rules.”
In the living room, the sweet smelling smoke had almost cleared out. Teodor placed the box in the middle of the floor. Albrecht took out a pocket knife and cut the new stitching off the cover of the bible. When he pulled the skin off, Teodor's stomach turned.
“You can see why Bilge and I no longer wanted to work with Robert and Peter,” Albrecht said, laying the skin on top of the box.
The room darkened.
Bilge lit four candles. He instructed Gunner to place one in each direction. Then Bilge took out a piece of chalk and drew a circle around the box.
“Stay inside the chalk,” he said. “No matter what happens.”
Albrecht laid the bible on top of the fireplace. He returned to the circle. Gunner and Teodor stood by each other. Bilge finished drawing the circle.
“Turn the flashlight off,” Bilge said.
Gunner clicked it off.
Albrecht raised his hands. He chanted in Latin. Bilge opened another small bag of rock salt. He nudged Gunner and pointed to the fireplace.
All of Teodor's hair stood on end. He tried to stop the growl that rose up in his throat. But he raised the sides of his mouth. Around the fireplace the shadows darkened. Teodor leaned forward and growled. Albrecht moved his hands as if he was pulling a string toward him. The shadows darkened as he moved his hands. The shape of the Hag formed in front of Teodor.
Her eyes were the hollow holes in her head. She screamed and scratched. But her claws could not enter the area where the circle had been drawn. Albrecht stopped his chanting.
“Elizabeth Swift,” Albrecht said. “We are here to send you back to the grave. To give you the rest you deserve.”
April 11, 2012
#WerewolfWeds The Hag - Chapter 25 Part 2
Please check my #WerewolfWeds page for an overview of this. Thanks.
The pages flipped until almost to the end. Teodor read the page. The handwriting with the first entry was elegant and neat, but the last entry the writing had changed. The letters had been written with an angry hand. Ink spotted most of the page. T's had been cross so hard that the paper was ripped.
There were no more sounds from inside the house.
"It says here," Teodor said. "That she had been expecting Thorson to come that night. They had been talking about leaving for Europe. Oh."
"What is it?" Bilge asked.
"She was raped. By her father's assistant, Ian."
"The man that her father forced her to marry?" Albrecht asked. "No wonder she went insane."
Teodor flipped the pages until it mentioned the birth of the baby. "The rumors were wrong about the child too. She says here, Thorson was the father and was making arrangements to take the child away. Ian found out and-"
Teodor paused. "Hit me in such a rage that it cause me to enter into labor early."
"Did she kill the child?" Gunner asked.
Teodor read on. "Ian found out that Thorson had made plans to take his son. Ian refused. He beat me, until I could no longer stand. Then he took the child and bashed it's head on the fireplace."
The wind shook the house. Bilge sighed. "It seems generations of people owe her an apology."
"But if she did not kill her child? Why did she become the Hag?" Teodor asked.
"Guilt. She may have killed herself," Albrecht said. "Suicides are good candidates for becoming a ghost. The rumors started, the ghost changed to fit the rumors."
"But that still doesn't answer why she tried to attack us, just now," Gunner said.
Teodor put down the book on a windowsill next to the fireplace. He felt the mantel. He never thanked his parents for much, but at least they let him live as an infant.
"So Peter and Robert find her child remains and tease her with them. But why couldn't she have found the remains herself."
"Concentrated ground," Albrecht said. "If she had been a suicide, they would have not buried her in a church cemetery."
"So she could not have entered one either." Teodor nodded.
The sounds of the crying baby began again. Bilge turned a flashlight on and shined it into the next room. The Hag appeared. Then she was gone. But Teodor saw her eyes. Every other time that he had seen her, her eyes had been gone.
Bilge handed the flashlight to Gunner. "I have to get something."
Gunner held the light with a shaking hand. "She didn't attack."
Albrecht walked a little further ahead, but he did not leave the room. "I think when she is here, she is closer to Elizabeth than the Hag."
At first Teodor thought Bilge had a thick cigar in his hand. Then he saw it was a bunch of herbs and grass bound together. Bilge lit them, and blew on them until a sweet smelling smoke filled the room. The smell made Teodor's eyes water.
"What is that for?" Teodor asked.
"Cleans the room," Bilge said. "At least for a little while, she won't be able to come in here."
Albrecht went into the next room. Gunner followed. Teodor waited until Bilge left the burning bundle in the fire place, then he followed Bilge into the next room.
This might have been a dining room. A large hook for a light, possibly a chandelier hung from the ceiling. There was a cupboard off to the side. The doors on it had mouse holes chewed through them.
Albrecht stood still in the middle of the room. He raised his head and stared at the ceiling. His eyes had turned white, again. "I feel the child is close."
"I can see Peter or Robert getting a kick out of hiding her child closest to where she haunts," Bilge said.
"But it would have to be somewhere she couldn't go," Teodor said. He looked around the room. He could make out the faded shape of a crucifix on the wall. He pointed to the shape. "My family had their own altar."
"Do you think the Swift's would have?" Gunner asked.
"If not an altar something else concentrated," Bilge said. "We are looking for something big enough to hide a child's remains in."
Teodor opened the cupboard. Nothing was inside.
Gunner shined the flashlight around the room. No other pieces of furniture. But there were two more exits, one look like it went into the kitchen. The other lead to a set of stairs.
Albrecht walked to the staircase. He turned his head to look up.
The Hag screamed.
Albrecht dove back into the room. Her iron nails sliced furrows in the wood where he had been.
"Shine the light on her!" Bilge yelled.
Gunner swung the light around. It landed on the Hag's features. She screamed and dispersed in a black cloud.
"Why does she keep attacking us?" Gunner asked. "We are only trying to help."
"If you could reason with her, your friends would be alive," Bilge said. He lit another bundle of herbs.
Albrecht motioned to Teodor. "Follow me."
Teodor followed Albrecht upstairs.
"We will have to separate," Albrecht said.
"Is that a good idea?" Teodor asked.
"She can only attack one of us at a time. We can take her on our own. Gunner should stay with Bilge."
At the top of the stairs. Albrecht motioned Teodor to head down one direction in the hallway. He went the other way. Teodor went into the first room he found.
The pipes in the walls, hinted that this had been the bathroom. The tiles on the floors were cracked and broken. As Teodor walked on them, the cracking noise his feet made sounded as if he was walking on bones. A floor to ceiling mirror hung off the wall, it had one large crack running from the top to the bottom. A marble knob was stuck to one side of the mirror. He pulled on it. The mirror pulled away from the wall. It covered a tall thin door. A small dark crawlspace was behind the door.
Teodor could not smell anything, but decay. On one side of the crawlspace were shelves built into the wall. Teodor could not see anything on the shelves, because of the darkness. He would see well in the dark, but this darkness was not normal.
He ran his hands along each of the shelves. As he stood on his tip toes and touched the top shelf, his fingers brushed a box. Teodor stretched. He pulled the box off the top shelf.
Teodor took the box out into the bathroom. He opened it up. Inside, in almost perfect condition and smelling of mothballs, laid a baptismal gown. Teodor touched the layers of lace. It did not feel as if it had been stored for decades.
The pages flipped until almost to the end. Teodor read the page. The handwriting with the first entry was elegant and neat, but the last entry the writing had changed. The letters had been written with an angry hand. Ink spotted most of the page. T's had been cross so hard that the paper was ripped.
There were no more sounds from inside the house.
"It says here," Teodor said. "That she had been expecting Thorson to come that night. They had been talking about leaving for Europe. Oh."
"What is it?" Bilge asked.
"She was raped. By her father's assistant, Ian."
"The man that her father forced her to marry?" Albrecht asked. "No wonder she went insane."
Teodor flipped the pages until it mentioned the birth of the baby. "The rumors were wrong about the child too. She says here, Thorson was the father and was making arrangements to take the child away. Ian found out and-"
Teodor paused. "Hit me in such a rage that it cause me to enter into labor early."
"Did she kill the child?" Gunner asked.
Teodor read on. "Ian found out that Thorson had made plans to take his son. Ian refused. He beat me, until I could no longer stand. Then he took the child and bashed it's head on the fireplace."
The wind shook the house. Bilge sighed. "It seems generations of people owe her an apology."
"But if she did not kill her child? Why did she become the Hag?" Teodor asked.
"Guilt. She may have killed herself," Albrecht said. "Suicides are good candidates for becoming a ghost. The rumors started, the ghost changed to fit the rumors."
"But that still doesn't answer why she tried to attack us, just now," Gunner said.
Teodor put down the book on a windowsill next to the fireplace. He felt the mantel. He never thanked his parents for much, but at least they let him live as an infant.
"So Peter and Robert find her child remains and tease her with them. But why couldn't she have found the remains herself."
"Concentrated ground," Albrecht said. "If she had been a suicide, they would have not buried her in a church cemetery."
"So she could not have entered one either." Teodor nodded.
The sounds of the crying baby began again. Bilge turned a flashlight on and shined it into the next room. The Hag appeared. Then she was gone. But Teodor saw her eyes. Every other time that he had seen her, her eyes had been gone.
Bilge handed the flashlight to Gunner. "I have to get something."
Gunner held the light with a shaking hand. "She didn't attack."
Albrecht walked a little further ahead, but he did not leave the room. "I think when she is here, she is closer to Elizabeth than the Hag."
At first Teodor thought Bilge had a thick cigar in his hand. Then he saw it was a bunch of herbs and grass bound together. Bilge lit them, and blew on them until a sweet smelling smoke filled the room. The smell made Teodor's eyes water.
"What is that for?" Teodor asked.
"Cleans the room," Bilge said. "At least for a little while, she won't be able to come in here."
Albrecht went into the next room. Gunner followed. Teodor waited until Bilge left the burning bundle in the fire place, then he followed Bilge into the next room.
This might have been a dining room. A large hook for a light, possibly a chandelier hung from the ceiling. There was a cupboard off to the side. The doors on it had mouse holes chewed through them.
Albrecht stood still in the middle of the room. He raised his head and stared at the ceiling. His eyes had turned white, again. "I feel the child is close."
"I can see Peter or Robert getting a kick out of hiding her child closest to where she haunts," Bilge said.
"But it would have to be somewhere she couldn't go," Teodor said. He looked around the room. He could make out the faded shape of a crucifix on the wall. He pointed to the shape. "My family had their own altar."
"Do you think the Swift's would have?" Gunner asked.
"If not an altar something else concentrated," Bilge said. "We are looking for something big enough to hide a child's remains in."
Teodor opened the cupboard. Nothing was inside.
Gunner shined the flashlight around the room. No other pieces of furniture. But there were two more exits, one look like it went into the kitchen. The other lead to a set of stairs.
Albrecht walked to the staircase. He turned his head to look up.
The Hag screamed.
Albrecht dove back into the room. Her iron nails sliced furrows in the wood where he had been.
"Shine the light on her!" Bilge yelled.
Gunner swung the light around. It landed on the Hag's features. She screamed and dispersed in a black cloud.
"Why does she keep attacking us?" Gunner asked. "We are only trying to help."
"If you could reason with her, your friends would be alive," Bilge said. He lit another bundle of herbs.
Albrecht motioned to Teodor. "Follow me."
Teodor followed Albrecht upstairs.
"We will have to separate," Albrecht said.
"Is that a good idea?" Teodor asked.
"She can only attack one of us at a time. We can take her on our own. Gunner should stay with Bilge."
At the top of the stairs. Albrecht motioned Teodor to head down one direction in the hallway. He went the other way. Teodor went into the first room he found.
The pipes in the walls, hinted that this had been the bathroom. The tiles on the floors were cracked and broken. As Teodor walked on them, the cracking noise his feet made sounded as if he was walking on bones. A floor to ceiling mirror hung off the wall, it had one large crack running from the top to the bottom. A marble knob was stuck to one side of the mirror. He pulled on it. The mirror pulled away from the wall. It covered a tall thin door. A small dark crawlspace was behind the door.
Teodor could not smell anything, but decay. On one side of the crawlspace were shelves built into the wall. Teodor could not see anything on the shelves, because of the darkness. He would see well in the dark, but this darkness was not normal.
He ran his hands along each of the shelves. As he stood on his tip toes and touched the top shelf, his fingers brushed a box. Teodor stretched. He pulled the box off the top shelf.
Teodor took the box out into the bathroom. He opened it up. Inside, in almost perfect condition and smelling of mothballs, laid a baptismal gown. Teodor touched the layers of lace. It did not feel as if it had been stored for decades.
