Dave Skinner's Blog, page 7
February 7, 2015
Selkie Revenge - Part 1
Tales of the TawsheSelkie Revenge
The small boat he had been tracking for two tides sat on the stretch of sand that made the beach; its sail wrapped mast lying lengthwise from stem to stern. A dying fire burned a short distance from the boat, and beyond the fire he could see the place the humans slept.Their sleeping forms only visible because their blankets glowed with magic. Not a magic dangerous to him or his intention. Far Darrig or Leprechaun magic he thought at first. Far Darrig he concluded from their red aura. The Far Darrig loved their reds.A wave lifted him as he floated a short distance from shore. His Selkie magic allowed for a quick change to human form when on the land, but he always preferred the water world. His seal body — the form his kind used in water — was stronger, warmer, better overall in every way. With a flick of his tail he could dive below the surface, pick up a meal of clams, return to float on the waves — as he did now — while he devoured them. The thought of food made him realize he was hungry.The moon rose to mid-sky while he watched his intended targets. It was time to move, but first a small meal to appease his hunger and ready his body for the energy the transformation required. He shot below the waves and scooped clams from the rocky bottom. Back on the surface he broke them open, one after the other, savouring their delicious content. As his name suggested, he loved them.His snack finished, and his snout wiped clean, Clamcraver, made his way towards the shore, while retaining one of the sharp shells as a weapon. He wished the humans no harm. He purposely waited until he was positive they slept, so as not to confront them, but if they awoke then his task was what mattered most. Retrieving his sister’s skin was more important than two human lives.With a final flick of his tail he shot up onto the smooth sand of the beach and began to take on his human form.***Adel sensed the magic as the Selkie transform. At first she wanted to ignore the sensation and return to sleep, but as it grew in intensity her discomfort increased until she was awake. Then the feeling stopped, disappearing in an instant. With her eyes closed she reached out trying to detect the magic again, but was unsuccessful. The source had disappeared.She was settling back into sleep when she heard the sound of something moving on the sand by her head. A jolt of anxiety exploded in her body as she twisted upright to her knees.Beside their sleeping spot a shape loomed in the dying light of the campfire. A man crouched by Bray’s side. He was staring wide eyed at her, startled by her sudden movement. One hand was outstretched ready to close on the bundle of weapons which Bray kept close, while the other held a piece of clamshell, raised as if to strike. Bray’s shoulder blocked Adel’s view of the intruder as he rolled away from her. One of his legs shot out towards the man’s head. The man appeared to flow backwards, somehow dodging the kick. Both men were on their feet in a heartbeat.The man’s movements to evade the blow played through Adel’s mind again and then again. Each time with a slight difference as she struggled to understand what she had witnessed. Bray’s kick missed, but how? Had she experienced another tingle of magic when the man evaded Bray’s foot? Her mind was now telling her that the man’s head had dissolved allowing the foot to pass through it.“He is magical, Bray,” she warned.“I do not wish to harm you, human,” the man announced.“And I cannot allow you to take my weapons,” Bray answered.“The bag’s contents are of no interest. I want the skin.”Adel saw some of the tension fall away from Bray’s body. He straightened and raised his hands with the palms out. “Are you Selkie?” he asked.“Yes, human, I am and you have my sister’s skin. I will take it back and set her free from bondage.”“If you will allow us to remove the weapons you may take it. I was unaware the skin belonged to a Selkie.”“Let the female empty the container,” the Selkie said while maintaining a grip on his clam shell weapon.Adel scooted around on her knees to the weapon bag. She unhooked the leather strip that secured the seal-head end flap and dumped the contents, allowing them to spill out in a controlled manner. Cautiously she stood up. Holding the sack lengthwise across both of her outstretched hands she presented it to the Selkie.He took the skin with reverence in his free hand. He appeared to forget the humans as he raised it to his lips and kissed the downy softness.Bray stepped back away from his weapons. “I am sorry for whatever pain I caused your sister, and I hope I have not damaged her skin by making the bag. I was not aware it was other than a seal skin.”“My sister’s magic will repair it when she puts it on,” the Selkie said as he inspected the skin. You have bound the seams strongly. I must open them before I can swim with it, and I suppose I will have to do that in my human form.”“We can help you with that,” Adel offered. “Bray knows what he did to make the bag. He will be happy to unmake it for you. Won’t you, Bray?”“It is the least I could do to atone for the trouble I have caused you.”The Selkie remained silent for a few heartbeats before he responded. “You would do that for me?”“Yes, of course,” Bray answered. “If I had known it was a Selkie skin I never would have accepted it as a gift.”The hope that had grown on the Selkie’s face dropped away. “It was a gift?” he exclaimed in a pained whisper,” as he dropped to his knees in the sand.Adel and Bray looked at each other, but neither understood what had happened.“Is that a problem?” Adel asked.The Selkie looked up with tears in his eyes. “If a skin is sold by the one who stole it, it can be retrieved from anyone. A gifted skin must be returned from the hands of the gifted to the hands of the giver.”“So we cannot return it to you as a gift?”“No. It must be returned to the person who gave it.”“So, I have to give it back to the fisherman I got it from, the man who sold me a leaky boat in return for three days of chopping wood. Then what happens? Is he the one who is holding your sister captive?”“I believe so. My sister told me she watched him hand the skin to a young man who traded for a boat.”
“Then we shall return and pay this fisherman a visit.”
The small boat he had been tracking for two tides sat on the stretch of sand that made the beach; its sail wrapped mast lying lengthwise from stem to stern. A dying fire burned a short distance from the boat, and beyond the fire he could see the place the humans slept.Their sleeping forms only visible because their blankets glowed with magic. Not a magic dangerous to him or his intention. Far Darrig or Leprechaun magic he thought at first. Far Darrig he concluded from their red aura. The Far Darrig loved their reds.A wave lifted him as he floated a short distance from shore. His Selkie magic allowed for a quick change to human form when on the land, but he always preferred the water world. His seal body — the form his kind used in water — was stronger, warmer, better overall in every way. With a flick of his tail he could dive below the surface, pick up a meal of clams, return to float on the waves — as he did now — while he devoured them. The thought of food made him realize he was hungry.The moon rose to mid-sky while he watched his intended targets. It was time to move, but first a small meal to appease his hunger and ready his body for the energy the transformation required. He shot below the waves and scooped clams from the rocky bottom. Back on the surface he broke them open, one after the other, savouring their delicious content. As his name suggested, he loved them.His snack finished, and his snout wiped clean, Clamcraver, made his way towards the shore, while retaining one of the sharp shells as a weapon. He wished the humans no harm. He purposely waited until he was positive they slept, so as not to confront them, but if they awoke then his task was what mattered most. Retrieving his sister’s skin was more important than two human lives.With a final flick of his tail he shot up onto the smooth sand of the beach and began to take on his human form.***Adel sensed the magic as the Selkie transform. At first she wanted to ignore the sensation and return to sleep, but as it grew in intensity her discomfort increased until she was awake. Then the feeling stopped, disappearing in an instant. With her eyes closed she reached out trying to detect the magic again, but was unsuccessful. The source had disappeared.She was settling back into sleep when she heard the sound of something moving on the sand by her head. A jolt of anxiety exploded in her body as she twisted upright to her knees.Beside their sleeping spot a shape loomed in the dying light of the campfire. A man crouched by Bray’s side. He was staring wide eyed at her, startled by her sudden movement. One hand was outstretched ready to close on the bundle of weapons which Bray kept close, while the other held a piece of clamshell, raised as if to strike. Bray’s shoulder blocked Adel’s view of the intruder as he rolled away from her. One of his legs shot out towards the man’s head. The man appeared to flow backwards, somehow dodging the kick. Both men were on their feet in a heartbeat.The man’s movements to evade the blow played through Adel’s mind again and then again. Each time with a slight difference as she struggled to understand what she had witnessed. Bray’s kick missed, but how? Had she experienced another tingle of magic when the man evaded Bray’s foot? Her mind was now telling her that the man’s head had dissolved allowing the foot to pass through it.“He is magical, Bray,” she warned.“I do not wish to harm you, human,” the man announced.“And I cannot allow you to take my weapons,” Bray answered.“The bag’s contents are of no interest. I want the skin.”Adel saw some of the tension fall away from Bray’s body. He straightened and raised his hands with the palms out. “Are you Selkie?” he asked.“Yes, human, I am and you have my sister’s skin. I will take it back and set her free from bondage.”“If you will allow us to remove the weapons you may take it. I was unaware the skin belonged to a Selkie.”“Let the female empty the container,” the Selkie said while maintaining a grip on his clam shell weapon.Adel scooted around on her knees to the weapon bag. She unhooked the leather strip that secured the seal-head end flap and dumped the contents, allowing them to spill out in a controlled manner. Cautiously she stood up. Holding the sack lengthwise across both of her outstretched hands she presented it to the Selkie.He took the skin with reverence in his free hand. He appeared to forget the humans as he raised it to his lips and kissed the downy softness.Bray stepped back away from his weapons. “I am sorry for whatever pain I caused your sister, and I hope I have not damaged her skin by making the bag. I was not aware it was other than a seal skin.”“My sister’s magic will repair it when she puts it on,” the Selkie said as he inspected the skin. You have bound the seams strongly. I must open them before I can swim with it, and I suppose I will have to do that in my human form.”“We can help you with that,” Adel offered. “Bray knows what he did to make the bag. He will be happy to unmake it for you. Won’t you, Bray?”“It is the least I could do to atone for the trouble I have caused you.”The Selkie remained silent for a few heartbeats before he responded. “You would do that for me?”“Yes, of course,” Bray answered. “If I had known it was a Selkie skin I never would have accepted it as a gift.”The hope that had grown on the Selkie’s face dropped away. “It was a gift?” he exclaimed in a pained whisper,” as he dropped to his knees in the sand.Adel and Bray looked at each other, but neither understood what had happened.“Is that a problem?” Adel asked.The Selkie looked up with tears in his eyes. “If a skin is sold by the one who stole it, it can be retrieved from anyone. A gifted skin must be returned from the hands of the gifted to the hands of the giver.”“So we cannot return it to you as a gift?”“No. It must be returned to the person who gave it.”“So, I have to give it back to the fisherman I got it from, the man who sold me a leaky boat in return for three days of chopping wood. Then what happens? Is he the one who is holding your sister captive?”“I believe so. My sister told me she watched him hand the skin to a young man who traded for a boat.”
“Then we shall return and pay this fisherman a visit.”
Selkie Revenge, an overview
Selkie Revenge is a short story (4,763 words). It is another Bray and Adel adventure from Tales of the Tawshe. I will be posting in in four installments on my blog. The full version is available on my web site www.daveskinner.ca and on Wattpad for those who would rather read it all at once.
I hope you enjoy it.
I hope you enjoy it.
January 31, 2015
The Adels - Part 15
The final installment (Part 15) of, The Adels, has been posted. If you have enjoyed, The Adels, watch for, A Selkie Tale, another adventure featuring Bray and Adel to start posting soon.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 15Burton was heading towards the mouth of the cave when he saw three people exit it. He recognized Grandmother Adel first. She was being carried by the young man they had sent after her.“You can put me down now, Bray. Leave an old woman a little bit of dignity, please. Adel, run and get my cane while I say hello to our head-man. How are things, Burton?”He would have answered her immediately, but all his attention was on the beautiful, red-coated, young woman who had just smiled at him as she sprinted past. She certainly was not the Adel he remembered.“Burton, stop gawking at the young girl and answer me, or I’ll tell your wife.”He shook himself and turned to her, “Grandmother, it is so wonderful to have you back. You look good. I’m glad you didn’t suffer during your . . . time away from us.”“Didn’t suffer! Of course I suffered. I almost died. If it wasn’t for the ministrations of Adel and a potion from the Far Darrig, I probably would have. Where is that girl anyway? She’s not as fast as I remember. Ah, there she is.”Adel ran up with Grandmother’s cane. The older Adel received it like a queen receiving a sceptre. Other people were gathering, and offering her warm wishes on her return. She hobbled off with all the villagers in tow. Bray let them depart. Young Adel stayed at his side.“I suppose you will be leaving soon,” she said to Bray.“I don’t know. It depends on the state of my boat. Shall we go and take a look?”“Adel smiled, “Yes, I would like that.”***There was a celebraton that evening to welcome Grandmother Adel home, and to thank Bray and Young Adel for their help in her rescue. Grandmother revelled in the attention, Bray, not so much although he found the ale to his liking. Young Adel slipped away after the meal. Tad the wood smith told Bray his boat had been repaired and itemized the repairs Bray and Adel had witnessed for themselves earlier. As the celebration was breaking up, Burton showed Bray to the small guest house he was assigned for the night. It was one room, with a two person wooden framed bed, a thin grass stuffed mattress, and a wash basin with a full pitcher of fresh water. Some animal hides covered most of the rock floor. Bray pulled his gift from Amadella out of his pack, spread the blankets on the bed, stripped off his jerkin, and had just finished washing when there was a soft tap at the door. Adel slipped in. She was wrapped only in her long red coat which she removed as soon as the door was closed, revealing a nakedness that took his breath away. She didn’t say anything as she came into his arms. He couldn’t stop himself. She was too alluring. He was sure that potion had contained Siren magic.Later, as they lay together she lifted her head from where it rested on his chest. “I wish to go with you tomorrow. I want to see something of the world before I take up my responsibilities here.”“What will Burton say about that?” Bray asked.“I have already told him. He said it would be okay if you agreed. The Far Darrig potion has given Grandmother new stamina. He thinks she will be healthy for some while. Who knows, there may even be another Adel ready to replace her by the time she is willing to step down. It has happened before.”“I’m a wanderer, Adel, a cottage, a wife, a family, are not in my immediate future. Are you good with that?”“I don’t want those things either. Traveling, seeing the world, those are the activities I desire right now.”Bray stroked her face. He could feel his body responding to her again, already. “Then the world is something else we can share,” he said as he nuzzled her neck.Adel moaned, and then whispered back, “Before you make me forget again I want you to answer a question. Why did Amadella give these wonderful blankets to you?”
The End
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 15Burton was heading towards the mouth of the cave when he saw three people exit it. He recognized Grandmother Adel first. She was being carried by the young man they had sent after her.“You can put me down now, Bray. Leave an old woman a little bit of dignity, please. Adel, run and get my cane while I say hello to our head-man. How are things, Burton?”He would have answered her immediately, but all his attention was on the beautiful, red-coated, young woman who had just smiled at him as she sprinted past. She certainly was not the Adel he remembered.“Burton, stop gawking at the young girl and answer me, or I’ll tell your wife.”He shook himself and turned to her, “Grandmother, it is so wonderful to have you back. You look good. I’m glad you didn’t suffer during your . . . time away from us.”“Didn’t suffer! Of course I suffered. I almost died. If it wasn’t for the ministrations of Adel and a potion from the Far Darrig, I probably would have. Where is that girl anyway? She’s not as fast as I remember. Ah, there she is.”Adel ran up with Grandmother’s cane. The older Adel received it like a queen receiving a sceptre. Other people were gathering, and offering her warm wishes on her return. She hobbled off with all the villagers in tow. Bray let them depart. Young Adel stayed at his side.“I suppose you will be leaving soon,” she said to Bray.“I don’t know. It depends on the state of my boat. Shall we go and take a look?”“Adel smiled, “Yes, I would like that.”***There was a celebraton that evening to welcome Grandmother Adel home, and to thank Bray and Young Adel for their help in her rescue. Grandmother revelled in the attention, Bray, not so much although he found the ale to his liking. Young Adel slipped away after the meal. Tad the wood smith told Bray his boat had been repaired and itemized the repairs Bray and Adel had witnessed for themselves earlier. As the celebration was breaking up, Burton showed Bray to the small guest house he was assigned for the night. It was one room, with a two person wooden framed bed, a thin grass stuffed mattress, and a wash basin with a full pitcher of fresh water. Some animal hides covered most of the rock floor. Bray pulled his gift from Amadella out of his pack, spread the blankets on the bed, stripped off his jerkin, and had just finished washing when there was a soft tap at the door. Adel slipped in. She was wrapped only in her long red coat which she removed as soon as the door was closed, revealing a nakedness that took his breath away. She didn’t say anything as she came into his arms. He couldn’t stop himself. She was too alluring. He was sure that potion had contained Siren magic.Later, as they lay together she lifted her head from where it rested on his chest. “I wish to go with you tomorrow. I want to see something of the world before I take up my responsibilities here.”“What will Burton say about that?” Bray asked.“I have already told him. He said it would be okay if you agreed. The Far Darrig potion has given Grandmother new stamina. He thinks she will be healthy for some while. Who knows, there may even be another Adel ready to replace her by the time she is willing to step down. It has happened before.”“I’m a wanderer, Adel, a cottage, a wife, a family, are not in my immediate future. Are you good with that?”“I don’t want those things either. Traveling, seeing the world, those are the activities I desire right now.”Bray stroked her face. He could feel his body responding to her again, already. “Then the world is something else we can share,” he said as he nuzzled her neck.Adel moaned, and then whispered back, “Before you make me forget again I want you to answer a question. Why did Amadella give these wonderful blankets to you?”
The End
January 30, 2015
Are people fed-up?
I attended a writer’s group meeting the other day. We were doing seven minute writing exercises on the Hero in Trouble idea. Get your hero into trouble based on things like time and suddenly discovered reality. The third exercise incorporated trouble based on attitude, assumption, adaptation, or opportunity. I received applause for the following piece.
“It’ll be easy,” Tyler said. “He’s old and he needs that cane to walk. We’ll just surround him, push him a few times, and demand his money. It couldn’t be easier.”He was the largest and toughest of the four and the other boys usually went along with whatever he suggested, but today they didn’t look convinced. Tyler knew if he could persuade Edie — the smallest of them — the others would be ashamed to refuse. “Come on Edie. You said you’re hungry. See his overcoat. It’s expensive. He’ll have lots of money, lots of hamburgers for all of us, unless you’re chicken?”“Okay,” Edie finally agreed. The other two nodded their acceptance.“Follow me then.” He led them across the grass to where the old man was standing looking at the war memorial. They surrounded him. Tyler looked for an indication of fear on the old man’s face, but was disappointed. He just looked angry.“Give us your wallet, old man,” Tyler demanded as he reached out his arm to push him. His hand didn’t reach the man before the cane slammed into Tyler’s elbow. A blow to his jaw followed. Tyler fell. The others ran. The old man shook his head and walked away.
The applause was not for the writing. It was for the story line. The reaction surprised me and suggested that people, at least the ones in our group, are fed-up. Fed-up with intimidation, fed-up with crime, fed-up with terrorism, fed-up with ineffective laws, fed-up with politicking, fed-up with legislation based on the profits for large corporations instead of the needs of the people they are supposed to represent, fed-up with decisions harmful to the environment, fed-up with politicians lying and stealing, fed-up with business caring more for profits than people.
I thought it was only me.
“It’ll be easy,” Tyler said. “He’s old and he needs that cane to walk. We’ll just surround him, push him a few times, and demand his money. It couldn’t be easier.”He was the largest and toughest of the four and the other boys usually went along with whatever he suggested, but today they didn’t look convinced. Tyler knew if he could persuade Edie — the smallest of them — the others would be ashamed to refuse. “Come on Edie. You said you’re hungry. See his overcoat. It’s expensive. He’ll have lots of money, lots of hamburgers for all of us, unless you’re chicken?”“Okay,” Edie finally agreed. The other two nodded their acceptance.“Follow me then.” He led them across the grass to where the old man was standing looking at the war memorial. They surrounded him. Tyler looked for an indication of fear on the old man’s face, but was disappointed. He just looked angry.“Give us your wallet, old man,” Tyler demanded as he reached out his arm to push him. His hand didn’t reach the man before the cane slammed into Tyler’s elbow. A blow to his jaw followed. Tyler fell. The others ran. The old man shook his head and walked away.
The applause was not for the writing. It was for the story line. The reaction surprised me and suggested that people, at least the ones in our group, are fed-up. Fed-up with intimidation, fed-up with crime, fed-up with terrorism, fed-up with ineffective laws, fed-up with politicking, fed-up with legislation based on the profits for large corporations instead of the needs of the people they are supposed to represent, fed-up with decisions harmful to the environment, fed-up with politicians lying and stealing, fed-up with business caring more for profits than people.
I thought it was only me.
January 26, 2015
The Adels - Part 14
The Adels part 14 has been posted. Does Blackheart escape?
Tale of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 14Wolf Blackheart saw a man walk out of the trees. He strolled casually through the Far Darrig, carefully stepped over the mushrooms, and entered the ring. Wolf watched him approach. Clearly he was a fighting man. His weapons and his movements spoke of that, but he was young, maybe twenty cycles, if that. Wolf outweighed him, and he estimated his reach was longer. The man stopped about three strides away, and dropped Wolf’s pack to the ground. It had been in the supply cart, but the donkey had run off during the fighting, dragging the cart behind it and taking all the food supplies with it. “Have you been sent to kill me, son? If so, you should just skulk back to your friends. I can beat you with one hand while carrying this old witch around with the other. You’re no match for Wolf Blackheart, boy.”“That is probably true, so I’ve come to offer you a way out, not to fight you. The Far Darrig will let you leave if you free the old woman. They would prefer not to see her die.”“Sure, and as soon as I release her I’m susceptible to their magic. I’ll find myself cutting my own throat before I get out of this bloody circle. No way, kid,”“I can offer you another way of holding off the magic,” Bray informed him as he pulled one of his knives from where it was thrust into his belt. “This is a Nadian blade. It isn’t as powerful against their magic as the old woman’s ability, but with some effort it works.”“Why should I trust you?” Blackheart countered.“Because the alternative is suffering without food and water until the old woman dies leaving you unprotected and weakened. They are willing to wait for that, but would prefer to keep the old woman alive.”“How do I know the knife will work?”“I will hand you the blade. You can let go of the woman to see what happens. The Far Darrig told me that if they see you release her they will drop the barrier around the ring, and all but one of them will leave.”“And then I just walk away?”“We walk. I want my knife back when you are safely away. That is the deal.”Wolf considered the offer. His options were limited. If this worked, and he really was free he could kill the kid and take the Nadian knife. It was worth a small fortune. At least he would come out of this fiasco with something.“How do I know you’ll keep your word, and not double cross me?”“I will honour my promises as long as you honour yours.”“So tell me again what happens.”“I give you the knife. You release the woman. The Far Darrig will drop the barrier and leave. I give you your pack. We leave. My companion, a young woman from the fishing village will remain to nurse the woman after we leave. When you agree we are safely away, you return my knife, you go your way, and I go mine.”Wolf didn’t take any longer to consider the offer. Minutes ago he had been staring death in the face now he had a way out. It was a good plan. It could work especially when he added his own little twists into it. He would kill the kid, and walk away with his knife and whatever else he had.“Deal! Now give me the knife.”Bray handed it over. The rest of the plan went off without a hitch. The two men walked out of the circle, through the trees, and off down the cliff top trail. At first Blackheart was wary. He kept a watch out for anything suspicious, but after a while he started to feel safe. After more time had passed he started studying the Nadian knife he was carrying.“I knew someone who possessed two Nadian swords once. His name was Yucan Vee. He was the leader of a pirate horde until he got stupid and tried to take over a city.”Bray had tensed at the mention of Vee. “Isn’t he the pirate who led the attack on the city of Waysley? I heard that was quite the battle, were you there?”“As a matter of fact, I had a ship in Vee’s armada until the merchants attacked the harbour and destroyed it. That was when I decided that things weren’t going according to plan and left. It was a crap plan anyway. Vee was a fierce fighter, but he couldn’t come up with a good plan if his life depended on it, which it turned out it did.” Wolf finished with a laugh.“I heard that a number of his men ran off and deserted him. It doesn’t say much for your loyalty oaths.”“Deserting a sinking ship isn’t breaking an oath. It’s just smart. We all do what we must to get ahead.”The tone of Blackheart’s voice caused Bray to stop walking and turn to face him. Wolf had his hand resting on the handle of his sword. “Are you breaking our deal?” Bray asked.“Afraid so kid, no hard feelings, but this venture cost me plenty, and I have to start recouping my losses. This blade of yours will be a good start.”Wolf had expected the kid to look troubled, or argue, or plead, but all he did was smile.“I would have lived by our deal, but after hearing you were part of Yucan Vee’s hoard I am glad you broke it.”“Lose someone to Vee, did you?”“Lost some things to him, but I got them back.”Blackheart laughed. “And what exactly did you get back from Vee. He didn’t like to return anything.”“Those Nadian swords he wore,” Bray answered as he drew his sword and his second knife.Blackheart suddenly knew who the kid was, and what he had done. He had been so confident. Now he was unsure. “Wait . . . wait a minute, kid. Let’s just forget I said those things about breaking our deal. I don’t want to keep your knife.”“Too late, and you never were going to keep it.”
Wolf was a good swordsman. You didn’t get command of a pirate ship in Vee’s armada by being anything else. Maybe not as good as Vee with his Nadian swords, and maybe not as good as that monster, Cracker, but he had stood against some of the best around and won. Unfortunately, he understood after the first few seconds that he wasn’t good enough, but he tried. He attacked with as much fury as he could muster, administering fast, efficient, strokes that had seen him through a thousand fights, utilizing tricks, feints, and combinations that had killed many men, but the kids blades were always there to block his moves. His attack faltered. The kid became the aggressor. His blades flashed. Their speed increased. They became a blur. Wolf retreated more and more. The kid pressed him. Wolf’s blades seemed useless. He felt as if he was standing unarmed in front of a whirlwind. He could feel cuts happening all over his body, but he couldn’t even see the strokes that were causing them. He also didn’t see the stroke that killed him. He felt it only, as it pierced his black heart.
Tale of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 14Wolf Blackheart saw a man walk out of the trees. He strolled casually through the Far Darrig, carefully stepped over the mushrooms, and entered the ring. Wolf watched him approach. Clearly he was a fighting man. His weapons and his movements spoke of that, but he was young, maybe twenty cycles, if that. Wolf outweighed him, and he estimated his reach was longer. The man stopped about three strides away, and dropped Wolf’s pack to the ground. It had been in the supply cart, but the donkey had run off during the fighting, dragging the cart behind it and taking all the food supplies with it. “Have you been sent to kill me, son? If so, you should just skulk back to your friends. I can beat you with one hand while carrying this old witch around with the other. You’re no match for Wolf Blackheart, boy.”“That is probably true, so I’ve come to offer you a way out, not to fight you. The Far Darrig will let you leave if you free the old woman. They would prefer not to see her die.”“Sure, and as soon as I release her I’m susceptible to their magic. I’ll find myself cutting my own throat before I get out of this bloody circle. No way, kid,”“I can offer you another way of holding off the magic,” Bray informed him as he pulled one of his knives from where it was thrust into his belt. “This is a Nadian blade. It isn’t as powerful against their magic as the old woman’s ability, but with some effort it works.”“Why should I trust you?” Blackheart countered.“Because the alternative is suffering without food and water until the old woman dies leaving you unprotected and weakened. They are willing to wait for that, but would prefer to keep the old woman alive.”“How do I know the knife will work?”“I will hand you the blade. You can let go of the woman to see what happens. The Far Darrig told me that if they see you release her they will drop the barrier around the ring, and all but one of them will leave.”“And then I just walk away?”“We walk. I want my knife back when you are safely away. That is the deal.”Wolf considered the offer. His options were limited. If this worked, and he really was free he could kill the kid and take the Nadian knife. It was worth a small fortune. At least he would come out of this fiasco with something.“How do I know you’ll keep your word, and not double cross me?”“I will honour my promises as long as you honour yours.”“So tell me again what happens.”“I give you the knife. You release the woman. The Far Darrig will drop the barrier and leave. I give you your pack. We leave. My companion, a young woman from the fishing village will remain to nurse the woman after we leave. When you agree we are safely away, you return my knife, you go your way, and I go mine.”Wolf didn’t take any longer to consider the offer. Minutes ago he had been staring death in the face now he had a way out. It was a good plan. It could work especially when he added his own little twists into it. He would kill the kid, and walk away with his knife and whatever else he had.“Deal! Now give me the knife.”Bray handed it over. The rest of the plan went off without a hitch. The two men walked out of the circle, through the trees, and off down the cliff top trail. At first Blackheart was wary. He kept a watch out for anything suspicious, but after a while he started to feel safe. After more time had passed he started studying the Nadian knife he was carrying.“I knew someone who possessed two Nadian swords once. His name was Yucan Vee. He was the leader of a pirate horde until he got stupid and tried to take over a city.”Bray had tensed at the mention of Vee. “Isn’t he the pirate who led the attack on the city of Waysley? I heard that was quite the battle, were you there?”“As a matter of fact, I had a ship in Vee’s armada until the merchants attacked the harbour and destroyed it. That was when I decided that things weren’t going according to plan and left. It was a crap plan anyway. Vee was a fierce fighter, but he couldn’t come up with a good plan if his life depended on it, which it turned out it did.” Wolf finished with a laugh.“I heard that a number of his men ran off and deserted him. It doesn’t say much for your loyalty oaths.”“Deserting a sinking ship isn’t breaking an oath. It’s just smart. We all do what we must to get ahead.”The tone of Blackheart’s voice caused Bray to stop walking and turn to face him. Wolf had his hand resting on the handle of his sword. “Are you breaking our deal?” Bray asked.“Afraid so kid, no hard feelings, but this venture cost me plenty, and I have to start recouping my losses. This blade of yours will be a good start.”Wolf had expected the kid to look troubled, or argue, or plead, but all he did was smile.“I would have lived by our deal, but after hearing you were part of Yucan Vee’s hoard I am glad you broke it.”“Lose someone to Vee, did you?”“Lost some things to him, but I got them back.”Blackheart laughed. “And what exactly did you get back from Vee. He didn’t like to return anything.”“Those Nadian swords he wore,” Bray answered as he drew his sword and his second knife.Blackheart suddenly knew who the kid was, and what he had done. He had been so confident. Now he was unsure. “Wait . . . wait a minute, kid. Let’s just forget I said those things about breaking our deal. I don’t want to keep your knife.”“Too late, and you never were going to keep it.”
Wolf was a good swordsman. You didn’t get command of a pirate ship in Vee’s armada by being anything else. Maybe not as good as Vee with his Nadian swords, and maybe not as good as that monster, Cracker, but he had stood against some of the best around and won. Unfortunately, he understood after the first few seconds that he wasn’t good enough, but he tried. He attacked with as much fury as he could muster, administering fast, efficient, strokes that had seen him through a thousand fights, utilizing tricks, feints, and combinations that had killed many men, but the kids blades were always there to block his moves. His attack faltered. The kid became the aggressor. His blades flashed. Their speed increased. They became a blur. Wolf retreated more and more. The kid pressed him. Wolf’s blades seemed useless. He felt as if he was standing unarmed in front of a whirlwind. He could feel cuts happening all over his body, but he couldn’t even see the strokes that were causing them. He also didn’t see the stroke that killed him. He felt it only, as it pierced his black heart.
January 22, 2015
The Adels - Part 13
The Adels part 13 has been posted.Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 13At first Wolf couldn’t understand what he was seeing. He saw gold, then it was something else, then it was gold again, then it settled as something else, but that something didn’t make sense to him right away either. Like a mist clearing from his eyes, he started to recognise features of what was inside the chest. He had seen them before, but never like this. His mind struggled to comprehend, and then suddenly he recognized a nose, a cheek, an eye. Now he knew what he was seeing — the severed heads of the four men he had left at last night’s campsite. Kent’s dead eyes were staring up at him. With a curse he stepped away, turning back to his men, ready to scream at them to fight; only he found all of them already fighting each other. He saw Far Darrigs dodging around as his men struck wildly around themselves, but they weren’t trying to kill the little people. It seemed as if they didn’t even see them. Instead they were killing each other. One man broke from the fight and ran towards the edge of the circle. His sword was raised. He meant to fight his way through the Far Darrig, but when his foot touched the ring of mushrooms he suddenly stopped moving and turned to ash. Soon the rest of his men were sprawled dead on the ground, blood seeping from their wounds. With a cry of anger, Wolf turned back to the chest.The red bitch was no longer standing there. She might have been one of the many that stood in a silent circle around the campsite, but he couldn’t identify her. Wolf retreated towards the centre of the circle. He was cursing himself for a fool, as he went. He had realized his mistake too late. He was protected from the Far Darrig magic because he held the old woman, but his men hadn’t been. They had killed each other thinking they were fighting an enemy, and the same thing would happen to him if anything happened to the old woman. His threat to kill her was useless. The little people stood silently watching and waiting.***“It looks like you have a standoff,” Bray observed as Amadella walked up to him. “How will you proceed?”“We cannot kill a human directly, only through misdirection, and while he holds to Grandmother Adel he is immune to our manipulations, so you are correct, it is a standoff for now. Eventually, the lack of food and water will weaken her. She will die. He will lose his protection, and he will kill himself – slowly and with great pain.”Beside him Adel gasped. “You can’t just wait for Grandmother to die. That is horrible. How can you even think that? Who will negotiate for the village if Grandmother is gone?”“You will of course,” Amadella answered.Adel looked stunned. She looked around desperately. “Bray, we have to do something. We can’t let —”
“I know, Adel. The question is what.”
“I know, Adel. The question is what.”
January 14, 2015
The Adels - Part 12
The Adels part 12 has been posted after almost two weeks of internet problems.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 12Wolf Blackheart took a drink from his wineskin. His throat was dry and raspy, the result of bellowing instructions first to his men and then to the little people who surrounded them. It had taken hours of threats to the old woman’s life before they even showed themselves, and now they simply stood waiting. He had forced the old woman to tell them to show themselves. Everyone knew that when Leprechauns appeared all you had to do was keep eyes on them. They were helpless then, and had to comply with your demands. No one had mentioned it took them so long to gather the gold, but now there was movement from beyond the circle of mushrooms that defined the ring. A diminutive, old man was making his way into the circle. He was dressed like the others in red coat and cap. Beside him, dressed in similar style was a woman. Even from this distance, Wolf felt attracted to her. Maybe he could make her part of the treasure. Behind those two came four more of the little people struggling to carry a large chest, the gold at last.“Look sharp,” Wolf growled to his men. He wished Kent had made it back on time. The killing was about to begin.The Leprechauns carrying the chest shuffled a distance into the circle, about three of his strides he figured. The old Leprechaun indicated a spot on the ground. The chest was placed there, and all the men shuffled back out of the circle leaving the female and the chest. Wolf tightened his grip on his sword and his hold on the old woman’s arm, dragging her along behind, as he strode forward to his treasure. The female stood on the far side of the chest. He stopped on his side and looked her over.“What’s with the red clothes? I heard all Leprechauns wore green.”“They do,” Amadella answered.“Then what are you,” Wolf asked.“We are the Far Darrig, cousins of the green men.”Wolf considered this new piece of information. “It doesn’t matter what you call yourselves, you must be bound by the same rules. You came to save the old woman, and you brought my gold.”“We are bound by custom not by myth,” Amadella replied with a sweet smile. Wolf didn’t understand what she meant . . . custom . . . myth . . . who cared? The gold was there to be claimed. “Show it to me,” he demanded raising his sword as a threat.***Bray, standing in the trees out of sight, watched the scene, and wondering when the little people were going to do something other than stand around the circle. They stood slightly outside of the perimeter, arrayed in their sartorial splendor. Although they all wore red coats and caps there was an abundance of variety in the designs of both and there didn’t seem to be any colour limitation on their other clothes and boots. It looked like a rainbow had descended and encircled the ring.
The ring itself was delineated by a row of mushrooms. He had noticed that the Far Darrig that carried the chest had been careful to step over them. Amadella had informed him that the Far Darrig would take care of the men. He was waiting for something to happen. From what he could see, the men were standing together close to the centre of the circle, while the little people formed a lose perimeter around them. Beside him, young Adel placed her hand on his arm. The scene before him shimmered and changed. The men within the circle were no longer alone. Most had Far Darrigs standing beside or behind them, all except for a few, but he could now see the little people creeping towards those men, closer, and closer until all the men except for the leader were partnered.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 12Wolf Blackheart took a drink from his wineskin. His throat was dry and raspy, the result of bellowing instructions first to his men and then to the little people who surrounded them. It had taken hours of threats to the old woman’s life before they even showed themselves, and now they simply stood waiting. He had forced the old woman to tell them to show themselves. Everyone knew that when Leprechauns appeared all you had to do was keep eyes on them. They were helpless then, and had to comply with your demands. No one had mentioned it took them so long to gather the gold, but now there was movement from beyond the circle of mushrooms that defined the ring. A diminutive, old man was making his way into the circle. He was dressed like the others in red coat and cap. Beside him, dressed in similar style was a woman. Even from this distance, Wolf felt attracted to her. Maybe he could make her part of the treasure. Behind those two came four more of the little people struggling to carry a large chest, the gold at last.“Look sharp,” Wolf growled to his men. He wished Kent had made it back on time. The killing was about to begin.The Leprechauns carrying the chest shuffled a distance into the circle, about three of his strides he figured. The old Leprechaun indicated a spot on the ground. The chest was placed there, and all the men shuffled back out of the circle leaving the female and the chest. Wolf tightened his grip on his sword and his hold on the old woman’s arm, dragging her along behind, as he strode forward to his treasure. The female stood on the far side of the chest. He stopped on his side and looked her over.“What’s with the red clothes? I heard all Leprechauns wore green.”“They do,” Amadella answered.“Then what are you,” Wolf asked.“We are the Far Darrig, cousins of the green men.”Wolf considered this new piece of information. “It doesn’t matter what you call yourselves, you must be bound by the same rules. You came to save the old woman, and you brought my gold.”“We are bound by custom not by myth,” Amadella replied with a sweet smile. Wolf didn’t understand what she meant . . . custom . . . myth . . . who cared? The gold was there to be claimed. “Show it to me,” he demanded raising his sword as a threat.***Bray, standing in the trees out of sight, watched the scene, and wondering when the little people were going to do something other than stand around the circle. They stood slightly outside of the perimeter, arrayed in their sartorial splendor. Although they all wore red coats and caps there was an abundance of variety in the designs of both and there didn’t seem to be any colour limitation on their other clothes and boots. It looked like a rainbow had descended and encircled the ring.
The ring itself was delineated by a row of mushrooms. He had noticed that the Far Darrig that carried the chest had been careful to step over them. Amadella had informed him that the Far Darrig would take care of the men. He was waiting for something to happen. From what he could see, the men were standing together close to the centre of the circle, while the little people formed a lose perimeter around them. Beside him, young Adel placed her hand on his arm. The scene before him shimmered and changed. The men within the circle were no longer alone. Most had Far Darrigs standing beside or behind them, all except for a few, but he could now see the little people creeping towards those men, closer, and closer until all the men except for the leader were partnered.
December 28, 2014
The Adels - Part 11
The Adels part 11 has been posted. 611 words.Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 11Kent eased his cramped position. He did it silently. He was much better at silent then the bowman who shared his hiding spot, and across the clearing his other two men could be heard every so often. They were all getting sore, cramped, muscles from remaining still for so long. After all the sun had risen at least half way up the sky. It wouldn’t be much longer.He had kept two bowmen and another who he understood was good with a sword, one bowman and one swordsman in each position, hidden in the bushes, waiting. He hoped the followers, if there were any, came soon because he didn’t want to miss the fun with the Leprechauns. The buzz of an arrow crossed the clearing. He didn’t know where it originated, but the scream from where his other men hid told him where it landed. Immediately, his bowman rose slightly on one knee, arrow ready, eyes sweeping, searching for a target, only to die with an arrow in his throat. For a second there was no sound or movement, and then the bushes across the clearing parted as a young man stepped out into the open. Kent judged he would be shorter than Blackheart, and carried much less meat on his bones. Not a big man, but still well-muscled, but obviously stupid.Kent grabbed the bow from his dead partner, and stepped out to the clearing. The bushes rustled off to his right. He saw his other swordsman step out carrying a bow also. Kent fitted an arrow to his bow, pulled back, aimed, and stood amazed as both the bow and his arrow turned to smoke. A quick glance told him the same thing had happened to the other man’s bow.The villager, as Kent believed him to be, pulled his sword and started walking towards them. Kent did the same, motioning to his remaining man to take position. They would come at the villager from opposite sides. The outcome was assured. The villagers left arm slipped behind his back and reappeared with a long knife.Kent watched carefully as they all approached each other. The villager was young, but he held his weapons steadily and in good positions. His own man was more animated. He held his sword in his left hand, and spun it around in a circle as he advanced. Suddenly, the young man charged Kent’s man just as he was starting another circle with his sword. Taken somewhat by surprise, the man’s right hand came up to secure his hold on his sword. He swung it with both hands, a mighty two handed swing that should have removed the villager’s head, if it had connected. Instead, the villager simply swayed back slightly. The sword swept by. The strength of the swing carried the man around exposing his side. The young man was already turning his attention away as he slipped his knife in under the man’s exposed armpit.
Kent was disappointed to witness his man go down, but he didn’t dwell upon it. He had been a city guard before joining Blackhearts crew. He had seen many men die, and had fought in many skirmishes. He planned his customary opening, judging distance, watching for movement from his opponent, but the youth simply stood waiting, sword point down, knife hanging loosely in his other hand. With the skill and ease that comes from years of experience and practice, Kent brought his sword up to an on-guard position, thrust forward, and died from a stroke he didn’t even see.
Kent was disappointed to witness his man go down, but he didn’t dwell upon it. He had been a city guard before joining Blackhearts crew. He had seen many men die, and had fought in many skirmishes. He planned his customary opening, judging distance, watching for movement from his opponent, but the youth simply stood waiting, sword point down, knife hanging loosely in his other hand. With the skill and ease that comes from years of experience and practice, Kent brought his sword up to an on-guard position, thrust forward, and died from a stroke he didn’t even see.
December 22, 2014
The Adels-Part 10
The Adels part 10 has been posted. 697 words.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 10Adel awoke peacefully. She had slept without dreams; in fact she could remember almost nothing after drinking the potion. She must have been more exhausted than she had thought. Hopefully, the potion would help her with that problem tonight. She had been looking forward to snuggling into bed with Bray. She admitted to herself that she was infatuated with him. He was so handsome, kind, and strong but, she admonished herself, why would he be interested in an underdeveloped girl like me. That thought brought the realization that she was alone, and wrapped up in Bray’s blanket. She opened her eyes, and realized she wasn’t in the bed he had prepared either. She sat up quickly.Over by the fire Bray was toasting bread and tending a bark pot. Amadella was seated off by herself. A small songbird was perched on her outstretched hand. It was singing a song Adel had never heard before. She unwrapped herself from the blanket, folded it, and walked to Bray. He looked up, smiled, and then the look on his face changed to one of amazement, and incredibly, admiration.Adel stopped walking. No one had ever looked at her with admiration before. She looked down at her body, and realized she could only see as far as her chest which now sported two protruding breasts. Amazed she dropped the blanket and cupped them, her breasts, in both hands. They were marvelous, fantastic, magnificent. With her thumbs she stroked the nipples, they responded immediately. “Sensitive too,” she thought, then realizing what she was doing she turned away, the heat of embarrassment burning across her neck and face. Suddenly, Amadella was standing before her. “I see that my potion has had the desired effect. You should be stronger now, but I thought some additional clothing would be required to keep you warm, so I prepared this.”She held out a coat of Far Darrig red, cut similarly to the one she wore, but big enough to fit Adel’s larger size. Adel graciously accepted the gift, admired it as one of the best garments she had ever and probably would ever possess. It slipped easily over her arms and settled gently on her shoulders.“Thank you,” she said. “It is absolutely beautiful, but I’m afraid to wear it. I will get it to dirty.”“Nonsense,” Amadella assured her. “It is a Far Darrig coat. It will never get dirty, and it will protect you from all types of weather. Now, let us breakfast. We must get moving.”Amadella moved to the fire, settled cross legged to the ground, and accepted a piece of toasted bread from Bray. Adel followed her lead, but sat on Bray’s blanket instead of directly on the ground.***Bray was still a little dumb struck by the change in Adel. She was no longer skinny, in fact, she was now gracefully proportioned. Her thin, worn, skirt and blouse had not hid that fact when she walked over after awakening. She was curved and muscled in all the right places; through her blouse he had seen full, perky, breasts, and she radiated sex appeal. “Siren magic,” Bray thought.“Amadella found us some honey,” he informed her for something to say.Their meal consisted of toasted bread with honey, dried fish from Bray’s supplies, some apples also supplied by Amadella, and a herbal tea Adel could not identify.“What kind of bird was that sitting on your hand earlier?” Bray asked. “I have never seen one with that colouration.”“It is not a real bird, rather, it is magic. I sent it to warn my people, and it returned with information. The group we follow camped for the night a short distance ahead. They have left a number of men behind to ambush anyone who follows. They are half a day from their destination, so we will have to hurry to catch up.”“How many wait in ambush?” Bray asked.“I cannot tell you that. Amounts are not something the magic can handle. We should just slip by them.”
“It is not a good idea to leave an enemy at your back,” Bray commented.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 10Adel awoke peacefully. She had slept without dreams; in fact she could remember almost nothing after drinking the potion. She must have been more exhausted than she had thought. Hopefully, the potion would help her with that problem tonight. She had been looking forward to snuggling into bed with Bray. She admitted to herself that she was infatuated with him. He was so handsome, kind, and strong but, she admonished herself, why would he be interested in an underdeveloped girl like me. That thought brought the realization that she was alone, and wrapped up in Bray’s blanket. She opened her eyes, and realized she wasn’t in the bed he had prepared either. She sat up quickly.Over by the fire Bray was toasting bread and tending a bark pot. Amadella was seated off by herself. A small songbird was perched on her outstretched hand. It was singing a song Adel had never heard before. She unwrapped herself from the blanket, folded it, and walked to Bray. He looked up, smiled, and then the look on his face changed to one of amazement, and incredibly, admiration.Adel stopped walking. No one had ever looked at her with admiration before. She looked down at her body, and realized she could only see as far as her chest which now sported two protruding breasts. Amazed she dropped the blanket and cupped them, her breasts, in both hands. They were marvelous, fantastic, magnificent. With her thumbs she stroked the nipples, they responded immediately. “Sensitive too,” she thought, then realizing what she was doing she turned away, the heat of embarrassment burning across her neck and face. Suddenly, Amadella was standing before her. “I see that my potion has had the desired effect. You should be stronger now, but I thought some additional clothing would be required to keep you warm, so I prepared this.”She held out a coat of Far Darrig red, cut similarly to the one she wore, but big enough to fit Adel’s larger size. Adel graciously accepted the gift, admired it as one of the best garments she had ever and probably would ever possess. It slipped easily over her arms and settled gently on her shoulders.“Thank you,” she said. “It is absolutely beautiful, but I’m afraid to wear it. I will get it to dirty.”“Nonsense,” Amadella assured her. “It is a Far Darrig coat. It will never get dirty, and it will protect you from all types of weather. Now, let us breakfast. We must get moving.”Amadella moved to the fire, settled cross legged to the ground, and accepted a piece of toasted bread from Bray. Adel followed her lead, but sat on Bray’s blanket instead of directly on the ground.***Bray was still a little dumb struck by the change in Adel. She was no longer skinny, in fact, she was now gracefully proportioned. Her thin, worn, skirt and blouse had not hid that fact when she walked over after awakening. She was curved and muscled in all the right places; through her blouse he had seen full, perky, breasts, and she radiated sex appeal. “Siren magic,” Bray thought.“Amadella found us some honey,” he informed her for something to say.Their meal consisted of toasted bread with honey, dried fish from Bray’s supplies, some apples also supplied by Amadella, and a herbal tea Adel could not identify.“What kind of bird was that sitting on your hand earlier?” Bray asked. “I have never seen one with that colouration.”“It is not a real bird, rather, it is magic. I sent it to warn my people, and it returned with information. The group we follow camped for the night a short distance ahead. They have left a number of men behind to ambush anyone who follows. They are half a day from their destination, so we will have to hurry to catch up.”“How many wait in ambush?” Bray asked.“I cannot tell you that. Amounts are not something the magic can handle. We should just slip by them.”
“It is not a good idea to leave an enemy at your back,” Bray commented.
December 15, 2014
The Adels - Part 9
The Adels Part 9 has been posted. 533 words.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 9Amadella kept the party moving until it was too dark for Bray and Adel to see, although the darkness did not seem to bother the Far Darrig. Eventually she led them to a small clearing beside a stream. She told Adel and Bray to gather firewood. When they returned, she had fashioned three bowls from bark, and filled them with water and herbs. She was cutting vegetables. Bray built a fire, and when it had burned down to coals Amadella added the bowls to it. While the dinner cooked, Amadella fashioned another bowl, for Adel’s potion, she informed them.Bray cut branches from a pine tree and laid them out for his bed. Adel came to him and asked if he had an extra blanket. The night was already getting cool from a breeze off the water, and she was shivering.“I only have one blanket, but I will share it with you if you like. Until then why don’t you keep it around you for warmth?” she blushed but agreed readily.Bray cut more pine branches, and then he wondered where Amadella would sleep. When he asked her she smiled sweetly. “Your bed looks comfortable, Bray. I will share it.”He cut more pine branches.The vegetable stew was tasty. Bray had some hard bread in his pack. Adel had some soft bread in her small bundle. They ate hers. It was fairly fresh, probably part of the loaf she had shared with him that morning. His hard bread would last longer.Adel made a face when she drank the potion prepared for her, but then admitted it hadn’t tasted as awful as she had let on. She was asleep within minutes.“The mixture also causes sleep,” Amadella admitted. “When a potion is involved, it is better if the person sleeps apart. I noticed a nice, soft, bed of moss over behind that boulder. Why don’t you place her on it, and leave her your blanket. I have another we can share. She will not wake until the morning.”As Bray carried Adel over to the moss bed his heart was racing. Over the last few minutes Amadella’s siren appeal had been blazing. Bray held onto a vague thought that he should resist her. He would keep a hand on his knives. They would beat her siren magic, he hoped.
He returned to their bed to find Amadella pulling two small folded bundles from a coat pocket. With a snap of her wrists the bundles became large blankets that settled delicately on the bed. ‘My blankets will keep us warm,” she said as she started to remove her clothes. Bray followed her example. He laid his knife scabbard close to his side of the bed; disrobed trying to hide the effect Amadella’s magic was having on his body, and slipped between the sheets. Amadella was already there waiting for him. She ran a hand across his chest and down across his abdomen. Bray forgot his knives. When he thought about what had happened the next morning, he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t tell if it had been illusion, delusion or collusion, but it had been enjoyable.
Tales of the TawsheThe Adels-Part 9Amadella kept the party moving until it was too dark for Bray and Adel to see, although the darkness did not seem to bother the Far Darrig. Eventually she led them to a small clearing beside a stream. She told Adel and Bray to gather firewood. When they returned, she had fashioned three bowls from bark, and filled them with water and herbs. She was cutting vegetables. Bray built a fire, and when it had burned down to coals Amadella added the bowls to it. While the dinner cooked, Amadella fashioned another bowl, for Adel’s potion, she informed them.Bray cut branches from a pine tree and laid them out for his bed. Adel came to him and asked if he had an extra blanket. The night was already getting cool from a breeze off the water, and she was shivering.“I only have one blanket, but I will share it with you if you like. Until then why don’t you keep it around you for warmth?” she blushed but agreed readily.Bray cut more pine branches, and then he wondered where Amadella would sleep. When he asked her she smiled sweetly. “Your bed looks comfortable, Bray. I will share it.”He cut more pine branches.The vegetable stew was tasty. Bray had some hard bread in his pack. Adel had some soft bread in her small bundle. They ate hers. It was fairly fresh, probably part of the loaf she had shared with him that morning. His hard bread would last longer.Adel made a face when she drank the potion prepared for her, but then admitted it hadn’t tasted as awful as she had let on. She was asleep within minutes.“The mixture also causes sleep,” Amadella admitted. “When a potion is involved, it is better if the person sleeps apart. I noticed a nice, soft, bed of moss over behind that boulder. Why don’t you place her on it, and leave her your blanket. I have another we can share. She will not wake until the morning.”As Bray carried Adel over to the moss bed his heart was racing. Over the last few minutes Amadella’s siren appeal had been blazing. Bray held onto a vague thought that he should resist her. He would keep a hand on his knives. They would beat her siren magic, he hoped.
He returned to their bed to find Amadella pulling two small folded bundles from a coat pocket. With a snap of her wrists the bundles became large blankets that settled delicately on the bed. ‘My blankets will keep us warm,” she said as she started to remove her clothes. Bray followed her example. He laid his knife scabbard close to his side of the bed; disrobed trying to hide the effect Amadella’s magic was having on his body, and slipped between the sheets. Amadella was already there waiting for him. She ran a hand across his chest and down across his abdomen. Bray forgot his knives. When he thought about what had happened the next morning, he wasn’t sure. He couldn’t tell if it had been illusion, delusion or collusion, but it had been enjoyable.
