Bob's Short Stories

Note: This is a much longer story than than anything else on this site. In fact it's close to two thousand words.    So if you feel like skipping it, feel free. It is also just one chapter in a larger story. The story is a Fantasy Short Story that I wrote last summer. Recently, I decided it was desperately in need of some editing to actually work. Rereading the story, I found this chapter one of the best. The basic backstory is that there is a plague ravishing a world and a group of strangers are tapped to find a cure from an ancient mystical women. The women gives them a cure, and a greater mission. This "circle" of travelors must find a portal to another world and stop and ancient evil force who is trying to destroy the triad of worlds under the guardianship of the mystic, known as the Lady of Galamica. Here the circle has just met with an old man named Craggal who tells them that he knows the way, but they must help him defeat an group of creatures that just crossed over trying to take control of the portal.

The morning sun rose upon the circle as they followed Craggal through a maze of rocks leading into the far mountains of the east. Although unsteady and in need of a stick to guide his steps Craggal set a brisk pace through the harsh terrain.  With each step away from the road the path became more arbitrary and with that the tensions of the circle rose. Thaddeus slowed his pace a bit and signified to Rohan that he wanted to speak to him outside of the ears of Craggal.
   "I don't like being lead down a path in which I am unsure of the way back, Rohan." Thaddeus said in a hushed tone.
   "I hear you," Rohan replied. "Yet at this point, all roads are unknown to us. If The Way is the portal the Lady spoke of, we need it, so we must take the risk."
   Thaddeus nodded his understanding, but continued."This battle the sentinel speaks of, is this the test that the Lady forewarned you of."
   "Of that I am unsure," answered Rohan. "But I do feel the test is upon us. We must be true. True to our quest, and true to our selves. If we do that we should pass any test."

   As morning dies and noontime took hold, the mountains now surrounded the travelers like a hand gripping its prey. Their sight was limited to maybe a half a league in any direction.  Craggal showed no signs of tiring, but succumbed to request for a periodof rest and food. Marabella passed about the remaining sausages from last nights dinner, placing some in a small bowl for Taylore.  The mutt ate tentatively, seemingly unsure of the food.
   "What is wrong boy?" Rohan asked, running his hands along the mutts golden back.
   "Taylore senses ill today," Marabella answered. "He is nervous as if he expects the spilling of blood." Glancing over at their guide, she lowered her voice almost to a whisper. "And he doesn't care much for this Craggal."
   From his seat across the clearing Craggal spoke up in his rasping voice. "Of course he doesn't, fair Marabella. He probably smells the blood of the slain creatures which stains my skin. I tell you, these creatures are more canine the mankind."
   "That may be true, Craggal." Marabella replied, but the look in her eyes spoke of a different answer.
   "Well, my friends," Craggal said. "Let's us move on, we are not too far from our destination and I would like to reach it before the setting of the sun."

   They traveled in silence for a long while, upwards through the ever increasing steepness of the mountains. The path now closing up even tighter, causing them to have to walk in single file with Craggal in the lead. Without warning, Craggal came to a halt, causing Marabella to topple in to him.
   "My comrade," he yelled. He ran forward to a obstruction  in the road. As Rohan neared the obstruction, he saw it was a body, lying lifeless.  The body was dressed similar to Craggal, although it seemed somewhat younger.  Blood dripped out of gash in his throat and his arms laid in impossible angles.
   "Another dead," cried Craggal. "I will personally destroy the beast who slay you, young warrior. I will rip out his heart and desecrate him so his soul cannot escape."
   Turning to the circle he shouts, "Hurry now friends, I smell blood in the air. The battle has begun."
   
   Running full speed forward, the travelers and their guide could hear the increasing sounds of struggle in the distance. As they made their way closer they passed another broken body, one more of Craggal's fallen comrades. Craggal didn't even pause, but leaped the body, barely losing a step. Ahead of them a clearing came into view. A man was engaged in a hand to hand battle with a beast. The beast stood half a head taller than the man, and was indeed covered in a fur from head to toe. That fur was as white as a snow covered field, except for spots of blood surrounding his mouth and dripped onto his torso. He held in his hand a gray club, which he used to defend himself from the swings of his opponents broad sword. In the wake of their man to beast battle lay the remains of two slain white savages.
   Rohan could see a look of nervous excitement in Craggal's face as he turned towards the circle. "Friends, come, the battle's end in near. We are the turning of the tide. Victory in ensured." But his shout betrayed him. His cry of victory momentarily distracted his comrade giving the creature the edge. The savage let loose a kick into the belly of his opponent bending him over.  Then with a speed seemingly fantastic to Rohan, brought his club down of the back of the neck of man. The man crumbled to his knees and let out a final groan. 
   Craggal charged the creature, pulling his broad sword out. Within seconds he was upon the white beast with a flurry of attacks. The beast was driven back desperately blocking the increasingly feverish attacks of the sentinel. The circle paused watching the incredible battle. Rohan armed himself with his own sword and Marabella with her daggers. Thaddeus placed an arrow in his bow and pulled back his bow, but did not let loose, for lack of a clear shot.
   The battle between the Craggal and the beast intensified. As Craggal pushed forward, he nearly stumbled over the fallen sword of his comrade, giving the advantage back to creature. The creature's attacks were swift and strong, but Craggal defended them expertly. With some effort the creature backed Craggal up to were he could go no further. A wall of rock stood between the Sentinel and escape. The creature went in for the kill.
   All this time the circle held back, not for cowardice but confusion. Something didn't feel right to Rohan, and by the looks and actions of his companions he could see they were wary also. Thaddeus tracked the battle with his bow, but did not shoot.
   With a swift downward strike, the creature attempted to bludgeon Craggal, ending his contributions to the battle. Swiftly Craggal ducked the blow. With both his hands Craggal grasped onto the furry side of his enemy and thrust him aside. The white beast stumbled sideways, lost his footing and tumbled to the ground. Craggal straightened himself and approached his fallen prey.
   Suddenly Marabella screamed, "Taylore, no." But the mutt didn't heed her shout. He darted forward to the battle field.  With a quickness often not utilized, Taylore jumped over the fallen creature and placed himself between the victor and his spoil. Craggal stopped and looked down at the mutt. Taylore bared his teeth defiantly.
   "Out of my way, stupid breast, " Craggal yelled. "The battle is mine." But Taylore wouldn't back down. He crouched his body low to the ground and growled loudly.
   Craggal looked down at the mutt bemusedly. "Have it your way, dog."
   Craggal raised his sword over his head and stepped towards the mutt.
   "Thaddeus, now." yelled Rohan, but before the words even formed on his lips the arrow had taken flight.  A scream filled the mouth of Craggal, as the arrow pierced the wrist of his sword hand.  Like lightning, Rohan was upon him. With one swing, Rohan knocked away the sword in Craggal's injured arm. Craggal tried to surge forward, but Rohan placed his sword at the old man's neck which ended his advances.
   "Betrayers, villains," cried Craggal. "Slay the beast while you still can."
   Slowly Taylore approached the fallen creature, but the wag of his tail seemed to show a lack of fear.  The creature turned his face to the approaching animal, and a sound escaped from his throat. It was a laugh.
   With a deep and throaty voice the beast called to Taylore. "Come here friend."
   Taylore bounded to him, and the creature accepted his licks upon his face with giggles. "To long has it been since I've received the kisses of a fine mutt."
   With a hiss Craggal screamed, "Don't believe him, he is evil. Just look at him. He is not a man, he is a savage."
   "Shut up, old man," Rohan yelled. "Thaddeus bind him."
   With a strong rope, Thaddeus tied together Craggal's hands and feet.  Rohan waited until the task was done then removed his sword from the man's neck. Slowly, he turned and approached creature. Bending down he reached for the beast, grasping his arms and helping him to his feet.
   "What is your name creature?" Rohan asked.
   "I am Fareward, last of the sentinels of the portal.  And you, Rohan, I know. You are the ambassador of the Lady. Of you we have been foretold," the white beast answered. "You and your circle are welcome to this place."
   "And who are these men you battle?" Rohan asked.
   "Ah, the gatebreakers," Fareward answered. "The legions of the dark knight who has taken hold of the second world. They came through the portal and took us by surprise. They have slaughtered my kind and have attempted to destroy the portal."
   "And this Craggal," asked Rohan.
   Fareward looked over at the man with contempt. "He is a blank. A surrogate possessed by an evil bane of the dark knight. The body is precious but the spirit sours it. The body must be freed of this evil and be made available for good."
   Destina, thought Rohan. "Fareward, how to we free this body."
   "I know how," the answer came, but not from Fareward. Marabella looked at the body who was Craggal. "I can cast out this demon."
   "Don't come near me witch," screamed Craggal, but the voice was not the same. It still remained deep, but picked up feminine qualities. "The master will destroy you all. You may gain access to his world, but it will be the death to you and all you love. Don't touch me, you witch."
   But she did touch him. Placing one hand over his mouth and another over her head. Marabella closed her eyes and began to sing.
       
       "the light in times of peril
       shine from the eyes of the Creator
       as the hope of all the unhomed
       is restore by love and nature"

   The song continued, often switching from the common tongue, to a dialect that was unfamiliar to Rohan. Suddenly, lightning shot out of the head of Craggal, and slowly the features of his face and body began to leak out of him. With the final words of her song, the body became blank, vaguely human, but almost as white as Fareward and featureless.
   With her task done, Marabella fell to the ground.
   ""Bella," yelled Thaddeus as he ran to her.
   "Don't be afraid, young warrior," Fareward says. "She is just tired from her work. Let us find shelter. We must give rest to your lady and make ready for the coming of the spirit of Destina to inhabit this body."

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      I hate moths.

      OK, so hates a strong word.  My momma used to tell me that I shouldn't say I hated anyone.  Hate was such a strong word it should be reserved for the Devil.  She said I should say I strongly dislike a person.

      The thing is, I don't strongly dislike moths, though, I hate them.  The Devil and his minions ain't got nothing on these nasty villains. 

      I don't know how me and them moths got on such bad footing.  I think there must be something in my sweat that attracts them.  My teacher told us about these things called "fair moans."  Some species put off this sorta scent that gets others of their species sexually excited.  For some reason, moths just love to land on me.  I hope it's not the "fair moans."  The idea that some evil moth is getting all bothered by my scent just turns my stomach.

      I made a huge mistake the other day.  I told my sister about the moths, how I hate them and all.  Now every day she's chasing me with dead moths, putting them in my school books, and dropping them in my hair.  The other day she even put one in my Cheerios.  I'm a bit conflicted though, 'cause she is killing all those little varmints.

      I hear that people hate all sorts of weird things.  Some people hate spider, heights, riding in elevators or purple elephants.  For me, what I hate most of all is moths.

      And my sister.

Note: I always liked how kids write, jumping awkwardly from simple to complex concepts without much regard for grammar. I tried to model this piece to how I would have writen it as a kid. It may not be my greatest stroy, but it puts a smile on my face evrytime I read it. You see, I do hate moths.

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Part 2 (The Prequel)

 He stormed into the room and threw a small metal object on the table.
     "What the hell is this?"
   She just stared ahead expressionless.
   "It's a bug, from my phone dear."
   "I know," she said.
   "You know," he screamed. "You've been bugging me, your husband.  Why?"
   "I just had to know," she answered.
   "Know what."
   "Whether you've been cheating on me."
   He shook his head. "Well, what did you find?"
   She reached into her purse and handed him a picture.  The picture showed him in an embrace with a women.
   "Oh my God," he moaned. "This is Elizabeth.  She contacted me about a month ago claiming to be my long lost sister.  I think she's just a crackpot out for some sort of payoff."
   "Then why do you keep meeting with her?"
   "Well, there is a slim chance she's the real deal.  My mom had a child as a teenager, a girl she gave up for adoption.  I have my investigator checking her out but so far he can't prove or disprove her story."

   He slid his key card into the hotel room door.  She was sitting on the edge of the bed. She rose up and glided over to him and kissed him in a not very sisterly way.
   "She asked me about you."
   "What did you say?"
   He smiled at her. "I told her the truth, sis."
   "OK, bro," She giggled,  "Listen, we need to take care of her."
   "Don't worry dear, I got a guy."

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Part 3

   For the past hour she sat in the small room watching a spider looming over a bug caught in its web.  Suddenly the door crashed open and the police detective entered the room.
   "OK, Elizabeth, your alibi checks out.  Your lucky the bartender remembers a pretty face."  Detective John Luzinski leaned over her much like the spider eyeing its prey. "Before you leave let's go over your story one more time. How did you meet the victim?"
   "For the past four years I've been searching for my birth family.  The detective I hired found some records that indicated that Mr. Cragon, umm Ryan, was possibly my brother.  I made contact with him.  Eventually the detective determined we weren't related."
   "And then?"
   "Ryan offered to help me continue the search.  We met a few times for lunch and, well, eventually we, umm..."
   "You two started sleeping together."
   "Yes."
   "And the night of the murder."
   "I was supposed to meet him at O'Malley's Pub.  He never showed."
   "OK, lady, you can go.  Just stay in the city."

   The Investigators office was located downtown near the Police Headquarters. She knocked on the door.
   "Come in Ms. Carrey."
   "You said you had some new information for me."
   "Yeah, I finally got in contact with that Ms. Carmicheal from the agency.  It seems there was some mixup with the files..."
   She could feel the vomit rising in her throat.  "What are you telling me?"
   "Well, it seems that Mr. Cragon really was your brother."

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Part 4

   I stood waiting as she packed her bags.
   "You did everything I told you to do?"
   "Yeah, bugman."
   "The accounts have all been transferred?"
   "I open the off shore account today."
   "And  the police."
   "Right now I'm just the grieving widow.  They think that his whore did it."
   "Once you leave you can never come back.  I hope your prepared for that."
   "As long as your with me."    
   Suddenly there was a pounding on the door.  I run over to grab it, but it swings open with a crash.
   It was the blonde from the photo.  She was holding a small pistol. "I know you killed him."
   I quickly jumped in-between the two women. "Listen, missy, I don't know what your deal is.  We thought you killed him."
   "Yeah, and he was my husband."
   "Well, he was my brother."
   "What?" I hear from behind me.
   "And I'm carrying his baby."
   I just stood there lost for words.  Suddenly a white hot pain rushed through the back of my skull and my knees buckled from under me.

One Year Later

   I sat in my office throwing darts at a scurrying roach running up my wall. I lightly rub the scar on the back of my head .  I pick up the envelope sitting on my desk.
   Inside is a picture of two smiling women sitting on the beach, one drinking some exotic drink, the other holding an infant in her arms.
   Written on the picture, "Thanks for the help, Bugman.

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