Just a quick note.
Next post(s) will be made on July 2, 2006--it (or they) will wrap up the storyline to date and set the stage for the new storyline to begin in September.
Reminder: After this finale next Sunday, there will be weekly posts that will preview the upcoming book, which I will be completing by the end of August--if all goes as planned.
Thanks yet again for all of the readership and support. I am looking forward to finishing up this first book of the Rusty Bones series. I am also looking forward to many, many more and to continuing to use this blog as Rusty's place to blog about his (un)life.
--Doug
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Wrapping Up...Part 3
The Frau leaned forward, patted Ravyn on the shoulder and spoke up. “Ravyn, my dear, we all know how you feel aabout such things. Don’t you worry none, Jim will return your sample to you. Meanwhile, some of the rest of us are more curious.
“But, beyond that, we’ve got some other things to discuss at the moment.” She looked around at everyone, gaining their attnetion as she did so. “I was there when this Dracaar fellow took over Drake’s body and transformed it in no time flat into the spitting image of a powerful, dynamic man who could easily gain influence over any number of people through his looks and magnetism. This Dracaar was a pwerful warrior and leader in his native time, someone who Drake considered dangerous enough to risk own life to stop from being released. We can’t dismiss the threat this being may pose. He also took the still sealed urn of his consort away with him.”
Cerrydwen stepped forward from the shadows and spoke up as well. “Yes, this Dracaar could be an even tougher foe than Drake, if he, or we, choose to become foes. But first, I think we need to learn more about him and what his intentions are before we declare him a foe. We also have to be careful, we don’t know if this man has acquired any of Drake’s memories, or will have access to any of Drake’s secret network of servants, allies and resources.”
Herne sat forward and pitched in his offer of assistance. “I think I can do a little grunt work here and see about locating this guy. Moira and I don’t mind the opportunity to do a little travelling, now that we won’t be babysitting, and I think I’ve got an idea of how to track this guy. It sounds like he’s not the most subtle of operators, he’ll leave some bright, glowing magickal fingerprints wherever he goes, at least until he realizes that others can track him by those markers. We’ll make regular reports back to Jim here once we find something.”
“That sounds good.” I offerred. “I can also use the resources of the Bureau, put out some feelers within the government to be on watch for this guy. If I get any leads, I’ll let you guys know.”
Naomi, looking a little frustrated and desperate almost whispered. “This is all well and good, everyone. But what about me and Alexa here? I got no one in New Orleans now with Mama gone.”
Ravyn stopped her pacing and knelt down next to Naomi, gave her a gentle hug. “I’ve got a place you can come to, darling. It’ll be perfect for you for as long as you want to stay. There’s plenty of room, lots of help is available for raising Alexa, and you’ll be able to learn to harness your own natural abilities. I can see the potential in you to be great even now!”
Naomi’s spirit seemed to be lifted with the immediate offer of a place to stay. “Thank you.”
“Speaking of that,” I said. “I don’t want Daniel Bernstein to be around Naomi or the baby. Ravyn, he’s still with the students there, isn’t he?”
Ravyn nodded.
“I’ve got some unfinished business with him anyway. I’ll be taking him away and dealing with him.”
Jim looked thoughtful. “What are you going to do with him, Rusty?”
Cerrydwen emerged from her comfortable shadows again. “Rusty and I will be seeing what we can do about having him face the karmic consequences of his own actions in all of this. He has much to account for.”
Jim asked, “Can he be truly be held accountable for actions he has no memory of committing?”
Cerrydwen’s face grew dark. “Oh, I think he’ll have enough memories of the incidents before we finish with him.”
“But, beyond that, we’ve got some other things to discuss at the moment.” She looked around at everyone, gaining their attnetion as she did so. “I was there when this Dracaar fellow took over Drake’s body and transformed it in no time flat into the spitting image of a powerful, dynamic man who could easily gain influence over any number of people through his looks and magnetism. This Dracaar was a pwerful warrior and leader in his native time, someone who Drake considered dangerous enough to risk own life to stop from being released. We can’t dismiss the threat this being may pose. He also took the still sealed urn of his consort away with him.”
Cerrydwen stepped forward from the shadows and spoke up as well. “Yes, this Dracaar could be an even tougher foe than Drake, if he, or we, choose to become foes. But first, I think we need to learn more about him and what his intentions are before we declare him a foe. We also have to be careful, we don’t know if this man has acquired any of Drake’s memories, or will have access to any of Drake’s secret network of servants, allies and resources.”
Herne sat forward and pitched in his offer of assistance. “I think I can do a little grunt work here and see about locating this guy. Moira and I don’t mind the opportunity to do a little travelling, now that we won’t be babysitting, and I think I’ve got an idea of how to track this guy. It sounds like he’s not the most subtle of operators, he’ll leave some bright, glowing magickal fingerprints wherever he goes, at least until he realizes that others can track him by those markers. We’ll make regular reports back to Jim here once we find something.”
“That sounds good.” I offerred. “I can also use the resources of the Bureau, put out some feelers within the government to be on watch for this guy. If I get any leads, I’ll let you guys know.”
Naomi, looking a little frustrated and desperate almost whispered. “This is all well and good, everyone. But what about me and Alexa here? I got no one in New Orleans now with Mama gone.”
Ravyn stopped her pacing and knelt down next to Naomi, gave her a gentle hug. “I’ve got a place you can come to, darling. It’ll be perfect for you for as long as you want to stay. There’s plenty of room, lots of help is available for raising Alexa, and you’ll be able to learn to harness your own natural abilities. I can see the potential in you to be great even now!”
Naomi’s spirit seemed to be lifted with the immediate offer of a place to stay. “Thank you.”
“Speaking of that,” I said. “I don’t want Daniel Bernstein to be around Naomi or the baby. Ravyn, he’s still with the students there, isn’t he?”
Ravyn nodded.
“I’ve got some unfinished business with him anyway. I’ll be taking him away and dealing with him.”
Jim looked thoughtful. “What are you going to do with him, Rusty?”
Cerrydwen emerged from her comfortable shadows again. “Rusty and I will be seeing what we can do about having him face the karmic consequences of his own actions in all of this. He has much to account for.”
Jim asked, “Can he be truly be held accountable for actions he has no memory of committing?”
Cerrydwen’s face grew dark. “Oh, I think he’ll have enough memories of the incidents before we finish with him.”
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Wrapping Up...Part 2
I told the story of Drake’s fall and the ring that he virtually dropped into my hand with little emotion. That style became impossible, however, when I came to describing the Lady and her domain as I saw and all of the events that arose from my meeting with her.
Looking up from the floor as I finished describing the choice that was given to me, I noticed that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I quickly moved on to the release of Diego and the discovery of the strange new sword on the table. I finished by pulling the wrapped blade from my shoulder and drawing it out for everyone to see and touch as i passed it around for them to feel for themselves.
After everyone had marvelled at how plain Excalibur seemed at first glance, but how right it felt to the touch, I wrapped the blade back up and slung it over my back again. As long as that blade was out in the open though, no one could focus on anything else. Once it was put away, it was a like a spell had been broken, allowing us to move on.
Jim cleared his throat, sat forward and began speaking. “Well, I can cofirm some things from Daniel Bernstein’s lab. He did have boatloads of genetic data, including what appears to be a full work up on Drake’s DNA, and it does appear that Drake had engaged in some form of ‘seeding’ program, something that began several centuries back, but appears to have ended maybe 30-40 years ago. Dr. Bernstein appears to have collected some genetic samples of many in this room, apparently when we were held captive in Las Vegas for that brief period of time, but that he never had the opportunity to analyze that information.
“So it’s possible,” he continued, “that some of us here are descendants of Drake to some degree or another, but the data hasn’t been analyzed. Now that Drake is no longer with us, in the flesh anyway, I’m not sure whether it is very important to anyone here to know if he is in fact a relative of yours. I have been able to figure out how to run the machinery, so I can complete those tests if you would like, but I can also destroy the genetic samples of anyone who wants me to. I think this information belongs to each of you, so I will honor each of your requests. I will be spending another several days in his lab before I finish my work there and strip all of the data cards and hard drives from the computers there. By the time I am finished, that lab will be useless to anyone who follows, but we’ll have a library of genetic data to analyze for the ORC’s-although we’ll need to make sure to safeguard that information well.”
With that, Jim sat back, took a swig from his ever-present two liter of Diet Pepsi and waited for the answers from everyone present.
Ravyn was the first to reply. “I for one, don’t need to know if I am related to that...creature. I know my lineage quite well, thank you very much. I want my genetic samples back ASAP.”
Jim nodded in assent to her request.
Moira spoke up next. “I’m with Ravyn, although I’ll trust you to destroy my sample, Jim.”
The Frau cleared her throat and tapped the floor with her cane. “I’m pretty curious. I’d like you to run my sample if you would, Jim dear.”
Cerrydwen added, “Me too.”
Jim noted their requests with a nod, took another swig.
Everyone’s eyes drifted back to me. I shifted, feeling a little uncomfortable. “Hey, I’ve got nothing to hide, run my stuff too.”
Naomi, looking up from the smiling face of her daughter added in her surprsing comment. “Hey, don’t forget about me. If you’ve got a sample from me, run that too. If you need a sample, let me know, I’ll give you one. I’ve heard some stories from my mama about some shady ancestors. I want to know too.”
“Very well then, this will give me some work to do when i get back there. Ravyn, when you take me back, I’ll give you your sample right then and there.”
“You better believe it, bub! If you didn’t, I’d burn that place to the ground!”
(To be continued with another post tonight...and more tomorrow.)
Looking up from the floor as I finished describing the choice that was given to me, I noticed that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I quickly moved on to the release of Diego and the discovery of the strange new sword on the table. I finished by pulling the wrapped blade from my shoulder and drawing it out for everyone to see and touch as i passed it around for them to feel for themselves.
After everyone had marvelled at how plain Excalibur seemed at first glance, but how right it felt to the touch, I wrapped the blade back up and slung it over my back again. As long as that blade was out in the open though, no one could focus on anything else. Once it was put away, it was a like a spell had been broken, allowing us to move on.
Jim cleared his throat, sat forward and began speaking. “Well, I can cofirm some things from Daniel Bernstein’s lab. He did have boatloads of genetic data, including what appears to be a full work up on Drake’s DNA, and it does appear that Drake had engaged in some form of ‘seeding’ program, something that began several centuries back, but appears to have ended maybe 30-40 years ago. Dr. Bernstein appears to have collected some genetic samples of many in this room, apparently when we were held captive in Las Vegas for that brief period of time, but that he never had the opportunity to analyze that information.
“So it’s possible,” he continued, “that some of us here are descendants of Drake to some degree or another, but the data hasn’t been analyzed. Now that Drake is no longer with us, in the flesh anyway, I’m not sure whether it is very important to anyone here to know if he is in fact a relative of yours. I have been able to figure out how to run the machinery, so I can complete those tests if you would like, but I can also destroy the genetic samples of anyone who wants me to. I think this information belongs to each of you, so I will honor each of your requests. I will be spending another several days in his lab before I finish my work there and strip all of the data cards and hard drives from the computers there. By the time I am finished, that lab will be useless to anyone who follows, but we’ll have a library of genetic data to analyze for the ORC’s-although we’ll need to make sure to safeguard that information well.”
With that, Jim sat back, took a swig from his ever-present two liter of Diet Pepsi and waited for the answers from everyone present.
Ravyn was the first to reply. “I for one, don’t need to know if I am related to that...creature. I know my lineage quite well, thank you very much. I want my genetic samples back ASAP.”
Jim nodded in assent to her request.
Moira spoke up next. “I’m with Ravyn, although I’ll trust you to destroy my sample, Jim.”
The Frau cleared her throat and tapped the floor with her cane. “I’m pretty curious. I’d like you to run my sample if you would, Jim dear.”
Cerrydwen added, “Me too.”
Jim noted their requests with a nod, took another swig.
Everyone’s eyes drifted back to me. I shifted, feeling a little uncomfortable. “Hey, I’ve got nothing to hide, run my stuff too.”
Naomi, looking up from the smiling face of her daughter added in her surprsing comment. “Hey, don’t forget about me. If you’ve got a sample from me, run that too. If you need a sample, let me know, I’ll give you one. I’ve heard some stories from my mama about some shady ancestors. I want to know too.”
“Very well then, this will give me some work to do when i get back there. Ravyn, when you take me back, I’ll give you your sample right then and there.”
“You better believe it, bub! If you didn’t, I’d burn that place to the ground!”
(To be continued with another post tonight...and more tomorrow.)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Wrapping Up...Part 1
The arrival back at the Professor’s home was a joyous celebration like few I’ve ever seen before. Cerrydwen had made some calls on her cell phone shortly after we had gotten back to the car, so everyone had had plenty of time to gather back there to join in the party.
Even Jim had managed to find a way back to greet us, although his truck wasn’t parked in its normal spot, indicating that Ravyn had probably helped expedite his journey back.
The reunion of Naomi with her...our...daughter Alexa was most heartwarming to witness. I would have been balling like a baby myself, had I been capable of it. Instead, I merely stood by watching as she hugged the child close. She was choking with sobs and shedding abundant tears of joy.
After carefully disengaging with Naomi, Ravyn ran to the Frau and then to Cerrydwen crushing each of them in a bear hug or her own.
Jim hung back, watching the reunions from his normally discrete but comfortable distance.
Moira and Herne came up to me, Herne asking for details about how everything happened, while Moira’s first questions were about the blade that was now wrapped and slung over over my back.
In no time at all, the gathering swept into the house and dissolved into half a dozen smaller conversations until everyone was settled back into the living room where Cerrydwen had laid out her bold plan. On some unseen and unheard cue, everyone grew quiet and still, all eyes eventually settling on a rather startled Cerrydwen.
“I see.” She said. “So I get the honor of starting things off, eh?”
When we all nodded silently, she began speaking in a low, hushed voice. She told the tale of our journey north in short, efficient sentences that provided the necessary details but left out everything that wasn’t absolutely essential. She explained how she felt that Drake had some way of tracking me and how she fully expected him to show up when we reached our destination.
She then grew even quieter as she described the Island and the events that took place there, all of the way up until Drake was defeated. She fell silent and looked to me at that point, with all of the others turning to me as well. It was my turn to describe what happened...
(Continued tomorrow...)
Even Jim had managed to find a way back to greet us, although his truck wasn’t parked in its normal spot, indicating that Ravyn had probably helped expedite his journey back.
The reunion of Naomi with her...our...daughter Alexa was most heartwarming to witness. I would have been balling like a baby myself, had I been capable of it. Instead, I merely stood by watching as she hugged the child close. She was choking with sobs and shedding abundant tears of joy.
After carefully disengaging with Naomi, Ravyn ran to the Frau and then to Cerrydwen crushing each of them in a bear hug or her own.
Jim hung back, watching the reunions from his normally discrete but comfortable distance.
Moira and Herne came up to me, Herne asking for details about how everything happened, while Moira’s first questions were about the blade that was now wrapped and slung over over my back.
In no time at all, the gathering swept into the house and dissolved into half a dozen smaller conversations until everyone was settled back into the living room where Cerrydwen had laid out her bold plan. On some unseen and unheard cue, everyone grew quiet and still, all eyes eventually settling on a rather startled Cerrydwen.
“I see.” She said. “So I get the honor of starting things off, eh?”
When we all nodded silently, she began speaking in a low, hushed voice. She told the tale of our journey north in short, efficient sentences that provided the necessary details but left out everything that wasn’t absolutely essential. She explained how she felt that Drake had some way of tracking me and how she fully expected him to show up when we reached our destination.
She then grew even quieter as she described the Island and the events that took place there, all of the way up until Drake was defeated. She fell silent and looked to me at that point, with all of the others turning to me as well. It was my turn to describe what happened...
(Continued tomorrow...)
Monday, June 19, 2006
Heading Home
The journey back to the Professor’s home was the polar opposite of the journey northward. The sun was bright, the mood was joyful, and everyone was talkative. I heard more laughter and saw more smiles in that trip back than in my entire (un)life to date.
Something about the transition from the island to the shore really drove home the reality of the changes that had just taken place, the sheer miracle of having a young woman’s life restored against all logic.
It was a pure joy to watch Naomi take in every sight, sound and smell with a vigor and an enthusiasm that echoed my own deepest desires. The momentary pangs of wistful regrets that I felt quickly dissipated as I watched a young woman in the full flower of her youthful life, knowing that she would now have an opportunity to be a mom to her only child.
I drove again, which gave me a chance to be lost in my own thoughts and to listen in on the conversations that Cerrydwen and the Frau engaged Naomi in.
Before we’d even hit the Mackinac Bridge, they’d already drawn more information out of her about her own childhood in New Orleans and the story of her getting caught up in Drake’s breeding program.
By the time we had crossed that massive bridge, Naomi was laughing and telling stories about all of the weird things that happened throughout her life, stories that revealed that she had some sort of raw, untapped skills that might make her a powerful Caster in her own right, if she only learned how to harness them.
Cerrydwen looked back from the front passenger seat to the Frau, gave her a knowing wink, and then turned back to Naomi. “Child, what you have been describing are the hallmark signs of a true Caster maturing. We have someone who will make a fine teacher, someone who will be able to teach you to find and master all of your previously hidden talents. She also happens to be babysitting your daughter Alexa at the moment.”
The Frau piped in, “Ravyn would make an excellent instructor, and I think she’ll love the idea of a young baby around as well. She was sold on Alexa the moment she saw her.”
It was my turn to pitch in. “I agree. But I am going to have to do something with Daniel. I don’t want to leave him hanging around Naomi and the baby.”
Cerrydwen looked over at me sternly. “And just what are you planning to do with him?”
I shook my head. “I’m not sure yet. But there is one more great injustice that must be addressed before I can really look to the future.”
Cerrydwen’s eyes narrowed. “The Iraqi woman?”
I nodded.
“Where is she now?”
“She is with the Merlin. I took her there to give her a chance to heal and get her bearings back, and to keep her safe from Drake.”
She nodded. “Yes, the crimes she suffered should be addressed and there is one man who must face them. I can help.”
I glanced at her briefly, before returning my eyes to the road. “How’s that?”
I felt more than I saw her dark grin. “You hold the memories of what he did to her. I am fairly certain that I can restore enough of them to him so that he will know who he was, and what crimes he committed. He doesn’t deserve to enjoy the blissful ignorance that he now enjoys.”
I shook my head. “You are one evil woman. I am glad you are on my side.”
“You should be.”
With that all too serious reminder, the conversation among the women began again as if I weren’t even there, something I rather enjoyed.
Something about the transition from the island to the shore really drove home the reality of the changes that had just taken place, the sheer miracle of having a young woman’s life restored against all logic.
It was a pure joy to watch Naomi take in every sight, sound and smell with a vigor and an enthusiasm that echoed my own deepest desires. The momentary pangs of wistful regrets that I felt quickly dissipated as I watched a young woman in the full flower of her youthful life, knowing that she would now have an opportunity to be a mom to her only child.
I drove again, which gave me a chance to be lost in my own thoughts and to listen in on the conversations that Cerrydwen and the Frau engaged Naomi in.
Before we’d even hit the Mackinac Bridge, they’d already drawn more information out of her about her own childhood in New Orleans and the story of her getting caught up in Drake’s breeding program.
By the time we had crossed that massive bridge, Naomi was laughing and telling stories about all of the weird things that happened throughout her life, stories that revealed that she had some sort of raw, untapped skills that might make her a powerful Caster in her own right, if she only learned how to harness them.
Cerrydwen looked back from the front passenger seat to the Frau, gave her a knowing wink, and then turned back to Naomi. “Child, what you have been describing are the hallmark signs of a true Caster maturing. We have someone who will make a fine teacher, someone who will be able to teach you to find and master all of your previously hidden talents. She also happens to be babysitting your daughter Alexa at the moment.”
The Frau piped in, “Ravyn would make an excellent instructor, and I think she’ll love the idea of a young baby around as well. She was sold on Alexa the moment she saw her.”
It was my turn to pitch in. “I agree. But I am going to have to do something with Daniel. I don’t want to leave him hanging around Naomi and the baby.”
Cerrydwen looked over at me sternly. “And just what are you planning to do with him?”
I shook my head. “I’m not sure yet. But there is one more great injustice that must be addressed before I can really look to the future.”
Cerrydwen’s eyes narrowed. “The Iraqi woman?”
I nodded.
“Where is she now?”
“She is with the Merlin. I took her there to give her a chance to heal and get her bearings back, and to keep her safe from Drake.”
She nodded. “Yes, the crimes she suffered should be addressed and there is one man who must face them. I can help.”
I glanced at her briefly, before returning my eyes to the road. “How’s that?”
I felt more than I saw her dark grin. “You hold the memories of what he did to her. I am fairly certain that I can restore enough of them to him so that he will know who he was, and what crimes he committed. He doesn’t deserve to enjoy the blissful ignorance that he now enjoys.”
I shook my head. “You are one evil woman. I am glad you are on my side.”
“You should be.”
With that all too serious reminder, the conversation among the women began again as if I weren’t even there, something I rather enjoyed.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A Legendary Blade
After we disengaged, I went back to the stone table to collect my batons and to examine the extra blade that lay there.
Once the batons were securely in place in their special drop down holsters strapped on the inside of each forearm, I turned my attention to this curious, long sword.
I placed one hand on the hilt and the other on the sheath near the base of the blade. Unsure of the origin of the blade, I opened my Spirit sight to see what I could glean from that. Nothing of interest.
Shifting back to normal sight, I picked it up, still sheathed and brought the hilt close for a quick visual inspection. The hilt was long enough for two hands, but the blade was easily light enough to be wielded with one hand. The crossguard and the pommel were of plain, unadorned silvered steel, while the hilt was wrapped in plain brown leather. Nothing spectacular, but plainly meant to be a very serviceable weapon.
I then drew the blade in one smooth motion, which made a very satisfying, almost singing sound as it emerged into the light. At first the blade seemed rather plain, absent of any ornamentation or etchings, but light seemed to gather around the blade, causing it to glow slightly. The whole blade seemed to hum in my hand, like it was very glad to be free from its own prison.
In my head, I heard the familiar voice of the elven woman, her voice piercing through my very being again as it had not so long ago.
*This blade is my final gift to you. It was given to me for safekeeping by your vanquished foe, in another place, a long time ago as you mortals deem it.*
“Drake had this blade and gave it to you?”
*Yes, he was afraid of this weapon but could not destroy it, so he brought it to a place where he knew it would be kept hidden.*
“It seems familiar. I feel like I should know its name.”
*It has many names, but one more is well known than the others.*
“Excalibur...?”
*Yes, that is one of its names. It is time for this blade to be of use again, but not in the same way it did in the past. You should beware, this blade knows no equal, but it will not allow itself to shed to the blood of innocents. Any attempts to do so will be at your own peril.*
“I would never...”
*You may not intend to shed the blood of an innocent, but it will make its own judgement of your foe. You will not be warned, for this blade does not communicate with its bearer like your last weapon. This sword answers only to a Higher Power. Use it wisely, or not at all. I must take my leave.*
“Wait, what else can you tell me of this weapon?”
Silence.
I looked from the glowing blade to see the three women staring at me with varying looks of awe, consternation and amusement on their faces.
The Frau, as usual, was the first to break the uncomfortable silence, chuckling as she spoke. “It would seem, Rusty my boy, that the Lady is fond of you.”
I looked from the Frau to Cerrydwen, confused. “Wait a minute, did you hear her also as she spoke to me?”
Cerrydwen nodded.
The Frau chuckled again. “I don’t know, but if the Lady feels that you need that weapon, then I have a feeling that things are going to get pretty rough again.”
I looked at the still glowing blade in my hand. “Wow, who would have thought that Excalibur was actually real?”
Cerrydwen shook her head and replied. “Who would’ve thought that it was Drake who had taken Excalibur back to the Lady of the Lake in the first place? There are so many questions that we don’t have answers to. Let’s hope we can find the answers to some of them before its too late.”
Feeling almost sorry to have to do it, I sheathed the blade. “We should get going soon. I don’t think your Lady wants us hanging around here much longer. Naomi, can you walk?”
Nodding her head, she began to stand up with the Frau lending some assistance. “Yeah, I think so.”
Once she was up, she was able to walk on her own after a few shaky steps.
The Frau gathered up her cane, grabbed the two sticks with the cooked hare on them, muttering under her breath as she toddled off toward the beach. “Waste not, want not.”
Once the batons were securely in place in their special drop down holsters strapped on the inside of each forearm, I turned my attention to this curious, long sword.
I placed one hand on the hilt and the other on the sheath near the base of the blade. Unsure of the origin of the blade, I opened my Spirit sight to see what I could glean from that. Nothing of interest.
Shifting back to normal sight, I picked it up, still sheathed and brought the hilt close for a quick visual inspection. The hilt was long enough for two hands, but the blade was easily light enough to be wielded with one hand. The crossguard and the pommel were of plain, unadorned silvered steel, while the hilt was wrapped in plain brown leather. Nothing spectacular, but plainly meant to be a very serviceable weapon.
I then drew the blade in one smooth motion, which made a very satisfying, almost singing sound as it emerged into the light. At first the blade seemed rather plain, absent of any ornamentation or etchings, but light seemed to gather around the blade, causing it to glow slightly. The whole blade seemed to hum in my hand, like it was very glad to be free from its own prison.
In my head, I heard the familiar voice of the elven woman, her voice piercing through my very being again as it had not so long ago.
*This blade is my final gift to you. It was given to me for safekeeping by your vanquished foe, in another place, a long time ago as you mortals deem it.*
“Drake had this blade and gave it to you?”
*Yes, he was afraid of this weapon but could not destroy it, so he brought it to a place where he knew it would be kept hidden.*
“It seems familiar. I feel like I should know its name.”
*It has many names, but one more is well known than the others.*
“Excalibur...?”
*Yes, that is one of its names. It is time for this blade to be of use again, but not in the same way it did in the past. You should beware, this blade knows no equal, but it will not allow itself to shed to the blood of innocents. Any attempts to do so will be at your own peril.*
“I would never...”
*You may not intend to shed the blood of an innocent, but it will make its own judgement of your foe. You will not be warned, for this blade does not communicate with its bearer like your last weapon. This sword answers only to a Higher Power. Use it wisely, or not at all. I must take my leave.*
“Wait, what else can you tell me of this weapon?”
Silence.
I looked from the glowing blade to see the three women staring at me with varying looks of awe, consternation and amusement on their faces.
The Frau, as usual, was the first to break the uncomfortable silence, chuckling as she spoke. “It would seem, Rusty my boy, that the Lady is fond of you.”
I looked from the Frau to Cerrydwen, confused. “Wait a minute, did you hear her also as she spoke to me?”
Cerrydwen nodded.
The Frau chuckled again. “I don’t know, but if the Lady feels that you need that weapon, then I have a feeling that things are going to get pretty rough again.”
I looked at the still glowing blade in my hand. “Wow, who would have thought that Excalibur was actually real?”
Cerrydwen shook her head and replied. “Who would’ve thought that it was Drake who had taken Excalibur back to the Lady of the Lake in the first place? There are so many questions that we don’t have answers to. Let’s hope we can find the answers to some of them before its too late.”
Feeling almost sorry to have to do it, I sheathed the blade. “We should get going soon. I don’t think your Lady wants us hanging around here much longer. Naomi, can you walk?”
Nodding her head, she began to stand up with the Frau lending some assistance. “Yeah, I think so.”
Once she was up, she was able to walk on her own after a few shaky steps.
The Frau gathered up her cane, grabbed the two sticks with the cooked hare on them, muttering under her breath as she toddled off toward the beach. “Waste not, want not.”
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Mission Accomplished
The Frau and Cerrdywen, now dressed and back to their normal selves in every observable way, came over to where Naomi lay next to me. In a few short, semi-coherent sentences I told the story of my meeting with the elven lady and the choice she offered me.
Cerrydwen nodded as I described her, clearly agreeing with my choice of words, but her demeanor had shifted back to her normal, dour self--few words and even fewer smiles.
The Frau sat down heavily in the soft grass and began fretting over Naomi as I spoke, only half listening to my words. She was far more interested in Naomi herself and how she seemed.
Naomi was still unconscious, but was clearly breathing. She appeared to be wholly healed of the grievous wounds that I had seen that creature inflict on her in New Orleans. Her face was small, smooth, and beautiful. She looked much as I had seen her when she had been waiting for me at the Tree.
As the Frau settled in close and began checking for less obvious injuries, Naomi began to stir. I had finished my short tale, so I got up and gave way for Cerrydwen to settle in my spot. I was pretty sure that she and the Frau would be a far gentler sight to wake-up to than I would be.
I moved away from the ladies and closer to where I had met the elven woman, over by the stone table. Everything seemed dark and still here now, especially compared with the vibrant colors and and singing faery circle of that other place. Unconsiously, one hand moved up to my inner jacket pocket, as if to assure myself that the ring containing Drake was still there. It was.
As I contemplated everything that had just happened, I noticed some things laid out on the top of the table that hadn’t been there before I had looked into the Spirit world. Our weapons, from Cerrydwen’s sheathed athame to the Frau’s cane were all laid out in a neat row on the table top. Diego was there in his sheath, as were my batons. Next to my weapons however, there was a long, narrow sheathed sword that was easily a foot longer than Diego was.
I strode over to the table and looked at the arrayed weapons. Despite my curiosity as to the new blade, my eyes kept falling on Diego. I could feel the sadness coming from him. I reached over and picked him, unsheathing the blade in one smooth motion. I let the black leather sheath fall to the ground.
I felt a surge of sadness, frustration and resignation through the hilt. He was disappointed that Drake had been killed and that he had no part in making that happen.
“Diego, I know how much you wanted to be a part of Drake’s demise, but I am not sorry that you had no part in spilling his blood. I think you have seen enough killing in your time in this world.”
In one swift move, before I had time to reconsider, I reached up with my left hand, wrapped my thick, mechanical fingers around the blade near the tip, and snapped the flat of the blade over my knee. With that blow, the last of the Witchbane Blades passed from this world.
I felt an immediate sense of relief and joy flash from the shattered blade as Diego’s spirit was finally freed to resume it’s journey through the Cosmos. I heard a soft tinkling of ghostly laughter and a softly whispered ‘Thank you, Senor Bones’ from Herlinda as she had returned to wait for her brother’s release.
An image of Diego running through the clearing, chasing after laughing faeries before landing in the arms of his sister. I could sense a feeling of strong approval from the unseen presence of the elven lady.
I felt Cerrydwen’s arm on my shoulder as she came up behind me. “You’ve done well, Rusty. The world is a safer, better place with the last of those blades now destroyed. You’ve seen a Being this night that no mortal man has ever seen before, you were the first to do. I hope you understand the significance of her choice to reveal herself to you without an intermediary.”
I nodded, looked at the broken pieces of a blade that had taken far too many innocent lives. The metal of the blade seemed to be deteriorating quickly as rust spots appeared and quickly spread. I let them fall to the ground and watched as they dissolved into two small piles of rusty dust and then blew away in the breeze in a matter of a few moments.
I looked into Cerrydwen’s eyes, noticed that there did seem to be an inner peace that may have been missing before. “I will never forget...Her. Maybe someday you can tell me more about her.”
She nodded. “Maybe.” She walked over to the table and recovered her athame without further comment, sticking the sheath back into the top of her heavy boot.
I looked over to see the Frau fussing over the now conscious and sitting Naomi, who was staring at me intently.
I walked over and knelt down in front of her. “Do you remember me?”
She kept her eyes locked onto my face, nodded, and managed to speak. “I do. She told me that you would look different than when i met you by the Tree.”
“Who told you that?”
“That Shining Lady, she had called me back from far away with her beautiful song.” Naomi shook her head, fnally glancing away before continuing. “She said that I would have an opportunity to be with my daughter again and that you had given up your life to make it happen. I didn’t understand what she had meant by that, but I think I am beginning to see what she meant.”
Somewhat self conscious of my rather frightful appearance, I looked away. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to scare you.”
She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and sobbed into my ear. “Oh no, Mr. Bones, you don’t scare me none at all. I have you to thank for saving Alexa during that storm, and now I have you to thank again for giving up something I had thought I had lost forever. I could never be afraid of you.”
A surge of emotion welled up within me, but I had no outlet for it, other than to hug her back and say, “Call me Rusty.”
Cerrydwen nodded as I described her, clearly agreeing with my choice of words, but her demeanor had shifted back to her normal, dour self--few words and even fewer smiles.
The Frau sat down heavily in the soft grass and began fretting over Naomi as I spoke, only half listening to my words. She was far more interested in Naomi herself and how she seemed.
Naomi was still unconscious, but was clearly breathing. She appeared to be wholly healed of the grievous wounds that I had seen that creature inflict on her in New Orleans. Her face was small, smooth, and beautiful. She looked much as I had seen her when she had been waiting for me at the Tree.
As the Frau settled in close and began checking for less obvious injuries, Naomi began to stir. I had finished my short tale, so I got up and gave way for Cerrydwen to settle in my spot. I was pretty sure that she and the Frau would be a far gentler sight to wake-up to than I would be.
I moved away from the ladies and closer to where I had met the elven woman, over by the stone table. Everything seemed dark and still here now, especially compared with the vibrant colors and and singing faery circle of that other place. Unconsiously, one hand moved up to my inner jacket pocket, as if to assure myself that the ring containing Drake was still there. It was.
As I contemplated everything that had just happened, I noticed some things laid out on the top of the table that hadn’t been there before I had looked into the Spirit world. Our weapons, from Cerrydwen’s sheathed athame to the Frau’s cane were all laid out in a neat row on the table top. Diego was there in his sheath, as were my batons. Next to my weapons however, there was a long, narrow sheathed sword that was easily a foot longer than Diego was.
I strode over to the table and looked at the arrayed weapons. Despite my curiosity as to the new blade, my eyes kept falling on Diego. I could feel the sadness coming from him. I reached over and picked him, unsheathing the blade in one smooth motion. I let the black leather sheath fall to the ground.
I felt a surge of sadness, frustration and resignation through the hilt. He was disappointed that Drake had been killed and that he had no part in making that happen.
“Diego, I know how much you wanted to be a part of Drake’s demise, but I am not sorry that you had no part in spilling his blood. I think you have seen enough killing in your time in this world.”
In one swift move, before I had time to reconsider, I reached up with my left hand, wrapped my thick, mechanical fingers around the blade near the tip, and snapped the flat of the blade over my knee. With that blow, the last of the Witchbane Blades passed from this world.
I felt an immediate sense of relief and joy flash from the shattered blade as Diego’s spirit was finally freed to resume it’s journey through the Cosmos. I heard a soft tinkling of ghostly laughter and a softly whispered ‘Thank you, Senor Bones’ from Herlinda as she had returned to wait for her brother’s release.
An image of Diego running through the clearing, chasing after laughing faeries before landing in the arms of his sister. I could sense a feeling of strong approval from the unseen presence of the elven lady.
I felt Cerrydwen’s arm on my shoulder as she came up behind me. “You’ve done well, Rusty. The world is a safer, better place with the last of those blades now destroyed. You’ve seen a Being this night that no mortal man has ever seen before, you were the first to do. I hope you understand the significance of her choice to reveal herself to you without an intermediary.”
I nodded, looked at the broken pieces of a blade that had taken far too many innocent lives. The metal of the blade seemed to be deteriorating quickly as rust spots appeared and quickly spread. I let them fall to the ground and watched as they dissolved into two small piles of rusty dust and then blew away in the breeze in a matter of a few moments.
I looked into Cerrydwen’s eyes, noticed that there did seem to be an inner peace that may have been missing before. “I will never forget...Her. Maybe someday you can tell me more about her.”
She nodded. “Maybe.” She walked over to the table and recovered her athame without further comment, sticking the sheath back into the top of her heavy boot.
I looked over to see the Frau fussing over the now conscious and sitting Naomi, who was staring at me intently.
I walked over and knelt down in front of her. “Do you remember me?”
She kept her eyes locked onto my face, nodded, and managed to speak. “I do. She told me that you would look different than when i met you by the Tree.”
“Who told you that?”
“That Shining Lady, she had called me back from far away with her beautiful song.” Naomi shook her head, fnally glancing away before continuing. “She said that I would have an opportunity to be with my daughter again and that you had given up your life to make it happen. I didn’t understand what she had meant by that, but I think I am beginning to see what she meant.”
Somewhat self conscious of my rather frightful appearance, I looked away. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to scare you.”
She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and sobbed into my ear. “Oh no, Mr. Bones, you don’t scare me none at all. I have you to thank for saving Alexa during that storm, and now I have you to thank again for giving up something I had thought I had lost forever. I could never be afraid of you.”
A surge of emotion welled up within me, but I had no outlet for it, other than to hug her back and say, “Call me Rusty.”
Thursday, June 01, 2006
The Gift
I watched as the Frau and Cerrydwen walked away together, each whispering to the other about what had just happened. That was just fine with me, as I sat there trying to take it all in myself.
I had so many questions and almost no answers.
Was Drake well and truly dead? What the Hell was Dracaar going to do now with Drake’s body? Was the cure perhaps worse than the disease?
Fingering the sealed pocket of my leather jacket, I knew the ring was in there. What the Hell happened with Drake and this ring? Was it dangerous to have? Was there some part of Drake’s essence that escaped by going into the ring?
Knowing that it would be some time before the ladies were anywhere close to ready to depart, I took the opportunity to ground myself as John Red Bear had taught me to and slipped from my body. In my Spirit form, this place, this island looked completely different. It was brimming with colors and vibrantly alive. Instead of the dull, almost lonely place that it was to my normal senses, in this view, the place was brimming with creatures of Spirit that were dancing and playing in an almost gleeful way.
The large stone table was the center of a large gathering of sprites, brownies and other faery like beings who were dancing and singing in high pitched voices. Standing in the center, near the table, was a tall woman with long, elegant limbs, flowing hair, and a thin, angular face that called to mind the word ‘elf’.
I noticed that even with all of the activity going on around her, she was standing quietly, watching me. I felt a nervous tingle as I felt compelled to move closer to her ethereal beauty.
I was so entranced by her face, particularly her eyes, that I almost didn’t notice that she was naked except for a single loin cloth, like Cerrydwen had worn at the ceremony.
As I approached the ring of dancing fey, they scattered before me with gleeful cries and chaotic laughter, going off in pairs and threes into the nearby woods. Those woods, by the way, were much more colorful and cheery looking here than they were to my normal vision.
I continued to move forward, until I found myself standing directly in front of the angelic looking elfin woman. Like an awkward, geeky boy asking the prom queen for a dance, I managed to stammer out a few halting words in greeting. “H-H-Hello, my Lady. A-A-Are you the Hostess of this place that my friend Cerrydwen spoke of?”
She nodded. She was taller than I was, causing me to look up in order to speak to her properly. Her oval shaped face was perfectly proportioned, from her high cheeks and large, tear shaped eyes to her full lips framed by a small, dainty chin and a shapely nose.
“I’m sorry that I tried to break the Peace of this place.” For some reason, I felt like I had to apologize for just about everything. Her presence was a powerful, intoxicating spell, one I could not seem to resist. I so desperately wanted to please her.
I didn’t so much ‘hear’ her response as I ‘felt’ it pass through my Spirit, each word a swirl of emotion, color, and vibrant, living energy.
*There is no need to apologize for what you are.*
I was absolutely transfixed by her words as they passed through me. I had so many questions I wanted to ask this being about what had just happened, but I was transfixed by her gaze, her energy, her presence. I had never before encountered anyone or anything as beautiful as she seemed at that moment.
*He who broke my Peace has been punished for that crime, at least.*
I finally managed to form a coherent question and utter it. “Is he, Drake, dead?”
Her head tilted back in the slightest of movements and a small, tinkling laughter escaped from her mouth, a sound that that sent shockwaves of chaotic, thrilling energy through my very being.
*In the sense that you mortals would deem it, the one you call Drake is indeed dead. His essence, his Spirit as you might say, has been imprisoned in a vessel of his own choosing, a fitting punishment for what he has done to so many others, mortal and immortal alike.*
“The ring? Is his Spirit trapped inside the ring that he gave to me?”
She nodded.
“Is there any way for him to escape? Is it dangerous to hold onto that thing?”
*His essence is bound to that ring until such time as he accepts his guilt and is truly remorseful for the crimes he has committed. Yes, there will always be danger in holding that ring, but there is perhaps even more danger in not keeping it. There is much for you to learn from this one you call Drake. You will need to learn the lessons he has to teach if you are to become that which you must become, if you are to fulfill the destiny of which you are capable.*
“What destiny is that?”
She merely smiled and laughed again, sending even more spasms of energy through me.
“If you can’t tell me that, then can you at least tell me about this Dracaar and what his intentions are?”
*You will learn more of Dracaar from within and by learning from that ring that is now yours than you will from me. I am not of that Order and have no authority to interfere in their affairs.*
“I don’t understand.”
*I cannot offer you understanding, it is not in my nature to do so. But I can offer you something else.*
“What is that?”
*Life. I can restore your body to the world of the Living, make you whole once more.*
“Y-y-you can actually do that? Make me alive again?”
*Yes.*
Everything screamed to a stop in that moment. The one thing that I had wished for more than anything else was being offered to me. To be alive again! To be able to breathe, eat, sleep, touch, smell, taste again! To be able to feel the warmth of my daughter Alexa’s breath on my cheek, to feel the touch of another human being again!
I thought long and hard about her offer. At first I couldn’t believe it could even be possible. Then I thought of everything that happened since I had died, all that I had gone through and become. Would that be lost? Would I be able to do the things that I could now? Would I be able to be there for Alexa and the others who needed me if I were mortal again?
We stood there for what seemed an eternity. She never waivered or became bored as I fought my way through the debate of whether or not I should accept this gift of Life that I had just been offered. Finally, I looked back into her eyes and asked a question.
“Can I ask for this gift to be given to someone else?”
*You can always ask. But once you ask, the request is final*
“Then I will ask if you will give life back to Naomi Jackson, Alexa’s mother. She died too soon.”
The elfin woman’s eyes filled with a sparkling energy that grew so bright as to make it impossible to look directly at her. Her words were like a tidal wave of emotional energy as they washed through and over me.
*So mote it be.*
The power of her words blasted my Spirit back into my body, hurtled my physical form onto its back. As my eyes began to adjust and I felt the connection of Spirit and body click into place, I heard, or rather felt, her voice once more, much more softly this time.
*You have taken another step forward on your journey, you have chosen well, Friend.*
I slowly sat up, tried to shake the cobwebs free and heard some surprised gasps coming from the direction in which the Frau and Cerrydwen had gone.
The Frau called out breathlessly, “Rusty, who is that next to you?”
I looked over to see the sleeping form of Naomi laying beside where I had fallen. Her face a mask of calm repose. If I could have fainted, I would have.
I had so many questions and almost no answers.
Was Drake well and truly dead? What the Hell was Dracaar going to do now with Drake’s body? Was the cure perhaps worse than the disease?
Fingering the sealed pocket of my leather jacket, I knew the ring was in there. What the Hell happened with Drake and this ring? Was it dangerous to have? Was there some part of Drake’s essence that escaped by going into the ring?
Knowing that it would be some time before the ladies were anywhere close to ready to depart, I took the opportunity to ground myself as John Red Bear had taught me to and slipped from my body. In my Spirit form, this place, this island looked completely different. It was brimming with colors and vibrantly alive. Instead of the dull, almost lonely place that it was to my normal senses, in this view, the place was brimming with creatures of Spirit that were dancing and playing in an almost gleeful way.
The large stone table was the center of a large gathering of sprites, brownies and other faery like beings who were dancing and singing in high pitched voices. Standing in the center, near the table, was a tall woman with long, elegant limbs, flowing hair, and a thin, angular face that called to mind the word ‘elf’.
I noticed that even with all of the activity going on around her, she was standing quietly, watching me. I felt a nervous tingle as I felt compelled to move closer to her ethereal beauty.
I was so entranced by her face, particularly her eyes, that I almost didn’t notice that she was naked except for a single loin cloth, like Cerrydwen had worn at the ceremony.
As I approached the ring of dancing fey, they scattered before me with gleeful cries and chaotic laughter, going off in pairs and threes into the nearby woods. Those woods, by the way, were much more colorful and cheery looking here than they were to my normal vision.
I continued to move forward, until I found myself standing directly in front of the angelic looking elfin woman. Like an awkward, geeky boy asking the prom queen for a dance, I managed to stammer out a few halting words in greeting. “H-H-Hello, my Lady. A-A-Are you the Hostess of this place that my friend Cerrydwen spoke of?”
She nodded. She was taller than I was, causing me to look up in order to speak to her properly. Her oval shaped face was perfectly proportioned, from her high cheeks and large, tear shaped eyes to her full lips framed by a small, dainty chin and a shapely nose.
“I’m sorry that I tried to break the Peace of this place.” For some reason, I felt like I had to apologize for just about everything. Her presence was a powerful, intoxicating spell, one I could not seem to resist. I so desperately wanted to please her.
I didn’t so much ‘hear’ her response as I ‘felt’ it pass through my Spirit, each word a swirl of emotion, color, and vibrant, living energy.
*There is no need to apologize for what you are.*
I was absolutely transfixed by her words as they passed through me. I had so many questions I wanted to ask this being about what had just happened, but I was transfixed by her gaze, her energy, her presence. I had never before encountered anyone or anything as beautiful as she seemed at that moment.
*He who broke my Peace has been punished for that crime, at least.*
I finally managed to form a coherent question and utter it. “Is he, Drake, dead?”
Her head tilted back in the slightest of movements and a small, tinkling laughter escaped from her mouth, a sound that that sent shockwaves of chaotic, thrilling energy through my very being.
*In the sense that you mortals would deem it, the one you call Drake is indeed dead. His essence, his Spirit as you might say, has been imprisoned in a vessel of his own choosing, a fitting punishment for what he has done to so many others, mortal and immortal alike.*
“The ring? Is his Spirit trapped inside the ring that he gave to me?”
She nodded.
“Is there any way for him to escape? Is it dangerous to hold onto that thing?”
*His essence is bound to that ring until such time as he accepts his guilt and is truly remorseful for the crimes he has committed. Yes, there will always be danger in holding that ring, but there is perhaps even more danger in not keeping it. There is much for you to learn from this one you call Drake. You will need to learn the lessons he has to teach if you are to become that which you must become, if you are to fulfill the destiny of which you are capable.*
“What destiny is that?”
She merely smiled and laughed again, sending even more spasms of energy through me.
“If you can’t tell me that, then can you at least tell me about this Dracaar and what his intentions are?”
*You will learn more of Dracaar from within and by learning from that ring that is now yours than you will from me. I am not of that Order and have no authority to interfere in their affairs.*
“I don’t understand.”
*I cannot offer you understanding, it is not in my nature to do so. But I can offer you something else.*
“What is that?”
*Life. I can restore your body to the world of the Living, make you whole once more.*
“Y-y-you can actually do that? Make me alive again?”
*Yes.*
Everything screamed to a stop in that moment. The one thing that I had wished for more than anything else was being offered to me. To be alive again! To be able to breathe, eat, sleep, touch, smell, taste again! To be able to feel the warmth of my daughter Alexa’s breath on my cheek, to feel the touch of another human being again!
I thought long and hard about her offer. At first I couldn’t believe it could even be possible. Then I thought of everything that happened since I had died, all that I had gone through and become. Would that be lost? Would I be able to do the things that I could now? Would I be able to be there for Alexa and the others who needed me if I were mortal again?
We stood there for what seemed an eternity. She never waivered or became bored as I fought my way through the debate of whether or not I should accept this gift of Life that I had just been offered. Finally, I looked back into her eyes and asked a question.
“Can I ask for this gift to be given to someone else?”
*You can always ask. But once you ask, the request is final*
“Then I will ask if you will give life back to Naomi Jackson, Alexa’s mother. She died too soon.”
The elfin woman’s eyes filled with a sparkling energy that grew so bright as to make it impossible to look directly at her. Her words were like a tidal wave of emotional energy as they washed through and over me.
*So mote it be.*
The power of her words blasted my Spirit back into my body, hurtled my physical form onto its back. As my eyes began to adjust and I felt the connection of Spirit and body click into place, I heard, or rather felt, her voice once more, much more softly this time.
*You have taken another step forward on your journey, you have chosen well, Friend.*
I slowly sat up, tried to shake the cobwebs free and heard some surprised gasps coming from the direction in which the Frau and Cerrydwen had gone.
The Frau called out breathlessly, “Rusty, who is that next to you?”
I looked over to see the sleeping form of Naomi laying beside where I had fallen. Her face a mask of calm repose. If I could have fainted, I would have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
