WE #26 BK

“My Lord.”

Hadrach turned from his gaze over the valleys that stretched far beyond his view. The sun would begin to set within hours. He turned to see his general, Cosam.

Hadrach sighed. He knew what this conversation would be about.

“Sire, the men are fat and bored and in need of training. The last of the winter snow has melted. I request permission to take them out on a training exercise.”

“You speak the truth. I suppose it is about time to thaw their blood. Very well, take your leave.”

Cosom bowed and left. Hadrach returned to his gaze over the valleys. It had been an unusually long winter. Hadrach would have taken his men out weeks ago had it not been for such the harsh winter they endured.

So much death had taken place in the six months. It was now rare to find a home that death had not stolen at least one from their beds. Some had lost over half their family. Hadrach’s heart shivered as the images of this winter blew through his mind. Death had stolen some most dear to him. Among those he lost were his mother, his brother, his wife’s sister and his own precious daughter. If winter was a fightable adversary he’d gladly go to war against it.

The sound of a baby’s coo brought him back to reality. He turned to see his wife approaching, holding their new son in her arms.

“Ah, my handsome son and such a beautiful wife!” He kissed his wife before he took their son into his arms. The infant weighed almost nothing.”

“I see you are finally sending the men out on a training exercise. It was a wise decision.”

“One I did not wish to make for another week. The men still mourn our losses.”

“As do we. But alas we must continue on with our lives. As hard as it is…”

“I know you speak with such a heavy weight. They are not easy to say.”

“Indeed not.”

He could still see the pain in her face. Losing a child...nothing could compare. He looked down into the wide eyes of this new life. Not four days old and already soaking in all that the world had to offer. Hadrach looked back at his wife. Such a strong woman she was.

“Why do you look at me so?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye.

“Remembering when I chose you to be mine.”

“Ah a good memory to think upon.” She nestled her head against his arm. “I do not think I will ever forget how my heart leapt in my chest when I saw you enter my father’s house. Oh how I paced as I waited for you to come back outside. Mother would not let me enter. Said it was man’s business inside.”

“I made sure to offer your father what he could not refuse. I knew I had to have you as mine.”

“Mhm to this day I think my father thought you insane. What daughter was worth the price you paid.”

“The heavens forbid you ever think yourself unworthy of any price. I’d gladly pay it a thousand times over if it means you are mine. I just didn’t realize you would pay me back tenfold the price I paid. You are a stronger woman than I ever realized. And I knew you to be stronger than most. You make a good chief’s wife.”

“It’s an honorable title. Enough of this splendid talk. I have much to do to prepare for our men’s return.” She took the infant from his arms as she spoke.

Hadrach kissed his wife and child. “You never cease to amaze me. The child is not yet a week old and you are already back to all your duties.”

“I must! Your men eat as much as a legion!” She smirked as she walked back down the hill to their home. Hadrach laughed.

~~~

Night had fallen yet sleep had hid from him. Hadrach had long since left the comfort of his bed and the warmth of his wife’s side. He sat by the fire, lost in thought. Images of his daughter dancing with the music filled his head. Even at such a young age, she was gifted. And oh how she adored him.

The beating of horses hooves approached his home at a wild pace. Hadrach jumped to his feet and threw open the door. Two men ran to his front door. He met them halfway. He was shocked to see an arrow protruding from Elam’s shoulder. Hazael bowed as they caught their breath. “My Lord! It was a trap! Cosam led us into a valley where we were surrounded by the Northern army. We were able to make our way to the outskirts of the battle and fled into the trees out of sight where we watched as our men were slaughtered like animals. We stood no chance and if it weren’t for such a grave situation we would have stayed and died with them but we dared not let the army come here without a warning be brought to you in haste. So we sped away, stealing horses on our way back. I doubt the army is not far behind us.”

Hadrach’s heart sank as his eyes grew wide. He looked back out over the valleys, waiting for a sign. With no army to protect themselves, this village would be plundered and burned to the ground. There was only one thing left to do. “Elam, Hazael, sound the alarm. Go to every home and wake them up. Tell them to gather only what they need. They have 2 minutes to gather before they must flee. Tell them to flee to our brothers in Hahrahm. Their number one item they must all have is a sword. They must not flee without a weapon. When you have finished, return to me. Now, GO!” The men nodded and ran off to the first home.

Hadrach turned and ran into his house, his wife groggy from being awakened from her sleep met him in the doorway. “What is it?”

“Our men are dead. They were led into a trap. Only Elam and Hazael survived in order to bring us warning. They are gathering our people now to flee to Hahrahm. Get dressed and grab the child. I will pack what you will need. There is no time to waste.” Adah did not argue and turned and did exactly as he said. He grabbed a bag and began filling it with food that she would need on the journey. He grabbed his sword and waited for her to finish.

A distant sound brought fear into his heart. He walked outside and there in the distant grove of trees at the end of the valley were the torches of a mighty army making it’s way here. Adah ran up beside him and gasped at the sight of the army approaching. He grabbed her arm and led her to the stable beside their home. He tied the bag to the saddle of his fastest horse.

The village was wide awake now, already people were pouring out of their homes and making haste to the west on horses and foot.

Hadrach turned to Adah, never before seeing such fear in her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and held her and the child close. “I never loved anyone as much and as deeply I have loved you.” He looked at her, tears streamed down her face. She knew what that meant.

“Our people will not stand a chance if an army chases them down. I must do what I can to slow our enemies down and give our people a head start to flee. You understand?”

Adah sobbed as she nodded.  Hadrach caressed the sleeping child as he kissed his forehead. He prayed a blessing over his son and wife, prayed for godspeed and long life. He took his son in his arms as his wife climbed the horse. With one last kiss, he handed his son up to his wife and strapped on his own sword to the saddle. “It should be his one day. Make sure he knows how to use it.”

Adah laughed through the tears. “He is your son. He was born to use it.”

Hadrach reached up and caressed her cheek. “Ride swiftly. Get to Hahrahm. Stay safe.”

He slapped the horses’ rear and sent it galloping off. Hadrach turned, his two men by his side, armed and ready to fight.

Hadrach led them to the edge of the cliff, overlooking the valley. Thunder rolled overhead and lightening struck the sky.

Rain began pouring from the sky as the oncoming army poured into the valley, drawing closer with each second.

Hadrach turned his sword around in his hand.

His blade would taste blood tonight.

WE #26 CK

      "We lost them, Igor. Better to head back now than to risk another attack."
     Igor stared into the misty sky churning with droplets of what would soon be rain. His buddy, Eckeldorf, continued to chatter, but Igor remained silent, listening but not truly hearing the gravelly words of his companion. In the Viking world, a man must fight for the privilege of being heard.
     They had been hunted by a pack of Húscarls for the past week. Food raids and a stolen longboat had been the worst of the attacks. But Igor was growing desperate. His companions also sensed the danger, characteristic of the elite guard of the King. It hadn't always been this way, but power had hardened the King's heart, igniting direct robbery of innocent civilians. The pervading evil had to be halted. To permit injustice any longer would result in termination. Tonight would be the end of their reign. "Come on, Eckeldorf. Let's go," Igor motioned, the rest of them responding with a solemn collection of their remaining supplies and weapons.
     They had been traveling in silence for two miles before Eckeldorf finally burst their train of thought.
     "Who has the map?"
     Bjorn, a distant relative of Igor, shuffled through his fur-lined pack before producing a wrinkled scroll.
     "Ahh, here we are! Twas right next to me fishy," he said, pointing a sausage-like finger towards the salted fish. "My last one," he sighed, rubbing his rotund belly. He presented the map to Eckeldorf, who unfolded it, placing the parchment on a rock for group assessment.
     "So we're meeting at Dragon's Point before launching the attack?"
     Igor studied the map before answering.
     "Right. We'll rendezvous there with any other men we can find who will join our fight. Then the real fun begins."
     "And what if we lose? Do we give our lives away to these...these...tyrants?" Eckeldorf quipped.
     "There will be no losing," Igor stated, firmly.
     "But what if there is?"
     "Then it's worth dying for."
     Eckeldorf paused before continuing on. "I'm not willing to lead complete strangers to their deaths."
     Before Igor could reply, Eckeldorf had started off for the forest.
                              ~
     That night, Igor and his remaining companions began the trek towards Dragon's Point. Darkness swallowed the land the deeper their journey led them. But after some time, Bjorn conjured their senses back to life when he shouted,                                 "Look! Methinks I see a light." Indeed, it was a light, penetrating the knotted trail before them. Without further ado, Bjorn started off in the direction of the light, the rest of them following close behind. A cavern emerged in the distance, the opening fashioned with tree bark door. The Vikings surveyed the area for any suspicious activity, then pried open the makeshift door before entering. All eyes pivoted towards them as they scuffed into the pub-like room. One shadowy figure strode towards them and spoke gruffly.
     "And just who do you think you tramps are anyway?" The man was tall and burly, beard dripping with ale.
     Igor spoke first. "Who we are is of no matter. What's important right now is that we are looking to reclaim what is rightfully ours. The Húscarls have oppressed us long enough. We have come to take back our land!"
     "Yeah!" The shadowy figures
     "Take back our freedom!"
     "Yeah!!" More cheering.
     "And drink beer like free men!"
     "YEAH!!" The men were roaring in excitement now.
     "So when do we start?" The leader of the group inquired.
     "Right now," Igor stated firmly.
     And with that, Igor stormed through the cavern door, the rest of the men not far behind.
                                ~
     They had just arrived at Dragon's Point when the heavens opened up, unleashing a slew of heavy rains. Jagged rocks jutted out haphazardly, creating both an idyllic hideout and a dangerous trap. Igor motioned for the pub Vikings to follow him behind a particularly large boulder.
     "There they are," he said, pointing towards a group of sophisticated-looking guards corralled below. "The Húscarls." The group stared in silence as lighting penetrated the sky. And then, out of nowhere, a dark figure emerged, sprinting towards them.
     "Everybody down!" Igor ordered and the clan crouched behind the rock. The figure carried an ax.
     "No! No, no, NO!!" Igor scolded himself. "It can't end like this." He bent down, covering his forehead with his hands. The figure was next to him now, breathing heavily.
     "Igor," the man huffed.
     Wait! That voice...it's so familiar.
     "Eckeldorf?" Igor peered towards him.
     "In the flesh."
     The two embraced.
     "What made you come back?"
     He sighed. "I couldn't leave a brother to fight alone."
     Igor smiled, then surveyed the huddled mass.
     "Men, gather your weapons. This fight begins now."
                 

   

WE #26!

Sorry I did not make last weeks' WE. This past week was crazy busy! I got behind on alot lol
Hope ya'lls Easter was great! Mine was! Here is the new WE!

WE #25 CK

     "Not all is as it appears. Nothing is real... yet everything is real. But the important thing is to sift the illusions from reality." Diego listened to the old man mumble, but mostly he was daydreaming. Father Irving had been labelled as the town lunatic, but Diego didn't mind. Some days, his eyes were brimming with stories. Other days, quiet delusions would escape his lips. And on rare occasions, Diego would pocket a cookie to carry home after one of his visits. Diego liked Father Irving. But there were days he would wonder what those delusions meant.
                                   ~
     It was a Sunday afternoon and the clouds were congregating together into a giant mound. The ocean waves smashed angrily into the sand, dismissing even the most adventurous of surfers from its grasp. Diego gazed from the shore, completely at home with the stormy weather. He remained motionless as the wind combed through his midnight-stained hair. Growing increasingly ominous, the cloud mass was suspended threateningly as Father Irving appeared on the scene.
     "Diego! What are you doing here? It's too dangerous for you to be out."
     "What are you talking about? It's just a storm. Nothing to be scared of, Father Irving." As soon as the words escaped the boy's lips, however, a massive crash was heard nearby. Father Irving pulled the boy aside.
     "It's not just a storm, Diego. You need to get out of here. Quickly!" Diego wondered if this was another one of Father Irving's delusions, but he stayed quiet nonetheless.
     "Come with me," Father Irving urged, guiding the boy towards the ocean surf.
     "Wait! I thought you wanted me away from the ocean." Diego spoke, inquisitively.
     "It's time you learned of what I have spoken." And with that, he yanked at a foamy crest, revealing a perfectly dry world beneath. Diego couldn't believe what he was seeing.

     "Go on. And hurry!" Diego started for the world beneath the watery curtain, but caught a glimpse of an army of malevolent creatures headed for Father Irving.
     "Father Irving, what is going on? Who are you really?"
     "I am a wizard, Diego."And with that, the glossy waves crashed over the boy's head and Father Irving disappeared from his sight.
     Diego arrived on a serene island after journeying through various caverns beneath the sea. The earth seemed so peaceful, almost at ease. The cloudless sky was a stark contrast from the stormy beach he had surveyed only hours before. Yet, the boy felt concern for Father Irving. He may be a wizard, but even wizards need a little help now and again. Diego attempted to peel the foamy waves from the sand as Father Irving had done, but it was to no avail. All he could do now was wait.

WE #25

Here's 25! Commence creativity ;)

~Chelsea

WE #24 CK

   The darkness seeped into the alley as I headed to the train station. Fumbling through my pocket, I confirmed the whereabouts of my ticket before approaching the decelerating vehicle. The doors opened, revealing a cheerful faced man sporting a head of bristly, silver hair. He adjusted his bowtie before surveying the approaching crowd. I greeted the man cordially, flashed my ticket into his line of vision, then skirted down the aisle towards an empty seat. I watched as the moonlight seeped through the window onto my lap. Two hours later, the great metal creature groaned to a halt. I joined the sea of zombified individuals as they oozed towards the door. My meeting would begin in an hour, so I ventured towards the local cafe for a quick cup of coffee. The streets were so silent tonight. Everything was at ease. A half an hour passed and I emerged from the cafe onto the sidewalk, ambling towards my destination. I located the building about 15 minutes later, gliding up the charcoal-plated staircase. But something was wrong. I could sense a dark presence nearby. 
   

It morphed into the quiet shadows without a sound, blending into the noiseless atmosphere. I pivoted from my place on the stairs to confront the being behind me.
    The thing was massive and exceedingly dark. A midnight-hued dragon. Its long, pointy talons were fixed accusingly at me. But my eyes could not even visualize the depth of its darkness, for it was so great. I knew, however, that the dragon's features must be horrifying due to the frightening pitch of its screech. I commenced into a run, the creature bounding after me. Escaping into the building, I collided head on with the man I was initially supposed to meet. "Larry, we have a problem," I cautioned between breathy huffs. Just then, the dragon crashed into the building, setting off a domino of screams and scattered individuals. Larry and I exchanged mutually concerned glances before heading off towards the nearest exit.

Weekly Expressions # 24 Joe

It's simple. We are creations of a more complex being, one who's existence is one that has never been seen by mortal man. Instead, the creator hovers over us. Watching, waiting, even protecting us from unseen evils that lurk in the shadows. Those that are inside us, an internal monstrosity. They're the ones we must fear most, for they yearn for the possession of our souls. Guard your heart, young one. The weeping hearts who've fallen under their command, they beg you to heed these words of mine. Keep them handy. - The Wandering Prophet of Lyguria

My life has always been centered around this one quote. I'm unsure of how to tell you this, but I am an example. An example of why those words were so important, which when you hear it, your very being will understand my reason for staying strong to this principle. I was minding my own business. There. Now isn't that a perfect start to the story? Yeah, I know. Not much to go on, but just wait. So anyway, I was minding my own business, in fact I was running. I usually try to keep in shape, so I thought, "Hey. Can't be too bad out. This'll be a good day for a run", I thought blandly. I say blandly, 'cause I consider bland to be a generic way of thinking. Well, I got a sweat suit on, and went for a run. Little did I know, but this day was different than most.

Out there, I ran with expert ease. No stopping me now, my speed was at an exhilarating point. Not bad for three paragraphs in, huh? I'm practically breaking record strides, moving ever more forward, as the wind rushed past my face. Suddenly the earth shook. It was only for a second, so there wasn't any real danger....at least that's what I thought. I ran faster then, attempting to gain more momentum with every lunge. Then it came. I don't know from where, or how it was possible. All I know was that it was more of an it, and not an explanation available was there to describe the "thing", either. Up from the ground it emerged, a shadowy figure, as if to define itself without my help. Rearing it's head, if you want to say it had a "head", it looked at me. Empty. An empty-headed, cloaked, boot-wearing creature of evil.

"Oh my! I'm soooo scared! Somebody get me a doctor, I'm beginning to feel faint", I ended on a sarcastic note. The creature then let forth a loud shriek sound. The shriek was so piercing, blood ran out of my ears, and onto my sweat suit. I was cupping my ears in pain, running away. I looked all around me, checking for any spots to hide.

Wow, fourth paragraph already? Dang, these sections are long. Where was I even? You have to admit that first part was pretty cool. Quoting that dead guy, you know, THE dead guy. Oh yes, I was running around looking for a hiding spot, sorry! I was searching the perimeter of the grounds where I was running, when I came upon a sturdy-looking building. Thinking it was safe to sanctuary, I carried on, my waywaRD SOOONNN!!!!! Okay, but I was going up the steps. With each step, it got me closer to the door that would protect me from the evil approaching. I turned, and as luck would have it, the creature was gone. It was gone, gone, gone! She been gone so long! I wonder if I'm ever gonna see my girl! What is with me tonight?

Just then, the character trying to tell the story about a darkness coming, broke from his story. In fact, the guy had no idea where the story's plot was going, or why the author made up a fake quote at the start. In a perfect break of the fourth wall, he ripped himself out of the horrible clutches of the story, and grabbed the writer by the throat. "Listen here, screw head!", said the character. "I want you to end this story nicely, I mean it! Get on one more tangent with my character, and I'll bloody your ears! Now get to work, then go to bed, you primitive!" And with that, the tired writer brought his creation back into the story.

The disgusting shadow chased me still, until I found the door. And then I.....@T%$%Y$%^Y%YHEH%&I^!%@%#$&*%&($RDGH@#$%!^.................we interrupt this important story to say, "We don't know exactly where to go from here. We were originally going for dark and brooding, yet spiritually inclined toward the more home-schooled audiences reading. In conclusion, we would like to address this important factor. The character dies by falling of the building into a large vat of JELL-O, where he's greeted by the munchkins from The Wizard of OZ. In that moment, a giant comes crashing down on them all, which crushes the shadow creature, too. Thus making our story less silly, more dignified, than even the writer expected. But it doe..", a large pie flies into the face of the announcer.

WE #24 ~ BK

Gril squirmed in the shadows, his voice raspy and eager. “Now, Mmaster?”

“Patience fool! The touch of death is tricky. You don’t do it too soon and not too late. We wait for the opportune time.

A shiver spiraled down Gril’s spine causing a tremendous shake. Impatience was his strength.

“Where is he now?”

Gril twitched as he checked the scope. “About to go on a run.”

“Busy little bee.” His enormous shadow filled every cranny in the cave. “Now is the time to move. Follow him. When he gets to the steps of the First National Bank, that is when you strike.”

“Yesss, master…” Gril flew on the wind, traveling at lightning speed.

Greedy corporate money making warmonger would soon meet his maker.

_____

Hosea stretched his arm to the bottom of the garbage bin, reaching towards the half eaten banana. He exhaled, finally able to reach it. He pulled it out and held it up in the air in victory, ignoring the onlookers dirty glances. He’d grown used to the looks. He quickly unpeeled it and stuffed his mouth, enjoying the savor of the near fresh fruit. He threw the peel back in the garbage and placed his hands on his cart and began walking down the street. All his possessions on this frail earth fit neat and tidily in this old shopping cart he found in the dump. Life on the street wasn’t all that bad. Besides, it helped keep his focus on what really mattered.

The visions.

A shadow tore through the air and horrendous speed. Hosea’s heart dropped. It was the second one in a day. Hosea turned his cart around anxiously, causing quite a scene as he ran in the direction the shadow had flown. A map lay before him in his mind. He turned a corner, pushing the cart as fast as he could.

The First National Bank loomed overhead. What greed and power lay beneath it’s stone. Hosea searched the crowd until he found him. The man was just running up the flight of stairs. Hosea left his cart at the bottom as he ran to meet the business man. They collided within moments. Hosea grabbed his shoulders.

“Please! Turn away! Death beckons you! Turn from your wicked way says the Lord! Turn away!” Hosea pleaded.

The man’s face turned to disgust. “Get off me you bug! Don’t make me call the cops!”

Hosea let go with sadness. “You don’t see it. Your path leads only to death. Even now it comes for you!” He pointed at the man.

The man shuddered as he brushed himself off. His pride was unbecoming.

“Do the world a favor and jump off a bridge.” With one last look of disgust the man kept at his pace. Hosea stepped back and closed his eyes. He felt the rush of wind, like he had felt so many times before as the shadow touched it’s victim and the life was taken. Shrieks from onlookers pierced the air.

Hosea began to hum a tune, an old hymn he had heard long ago, as he walked back to his cart and went on his way. He was used to loss. He rarely ever saved anyone. Actually, come to think of it, he’d saved only one. And that was so long ago. Ah well, live and learn. Or learn, deny and die, as he had seen it played out so often.

~

Gril crouched down as he reported back to the master. “Hosea was there again.”

“The weasel doesn’t slow us down. Ignore him.”

“But what if one day he does get in our way?”

“Then that’s the day we kill him, isn’t it?
“The big man won’t like that.”

Flames burst in the room as the ground shook. A loud wail filled the air. The master’s fist flew into the wall, his breathing heavy with the truth hanging over head. One of these days they’d be free to do their bidding. One of these days...

Weekly Expression # 24 Joe

As you can see, this'll be the new pic. A little queer, I'll admit, but still found it to be interesting. XD Have fun with this one!

WE #23 CK

   

 "Don't listen to him," the creature hissed. "He's just flattering you. You are Nothing." The whispy, raspy voice of the silver-bodied demon echoed in Eliza's ears, the last word remaining long after the declaration had escaped its lips.  Deep inside of her, she knew what he was saying was not the truth, but the demon's degradations were beginning to wear on her. Her joyful spirit crushed and her lovely complexion fading, Eliza was beginning to lose hope. She longed to believe the caring words of the handsome man standing before her, but everything wonderful she had previously believed about herself had fallen to dust.
     "Please. Let me help you," the man pleaded. Hold it together, Eliza. Her thoughts surged through her mind like a river gnawing at a dam.
     "I don't need your help," her cynicism escaping her lips. "Just...Why don't you go back to where you came from?" She instantly regretted the words, but cruelty was the only defense she had against additional bruises. The man flinched slightly, acknowledging the verbal attack directed towards him, but he appeared more concerned for his attacker than protecting his pride. Brown eyes attentive, he gazed at her for a long moment before turning away in silence.
                                 ~
     "Why did she snarl at me when I tried to help, Lord?" His name was Anthony. Just a few days ago, he had spotted a young woman in questionable company and knew he couldn't let her slip away without doing something. The creature lurking over her was treacherous, so without vocalizing his intentions, Anthony assigned himself to the task of protecting Eliza. Her stabbing remark revealed her inward turmoil. It wasn't him she was attacking; it was whatever was causing her pain. He had to help. This woman would have her oppressor disposed of. But this would not be an easy battle to fight.
                                 ~
     She awoke from her slumber to a chilling presence within her bed chamber. Startled, Eliza noticed the demon observing her from the slight crack nestled between her wall and her door.
     "What are you doing here?" She questioned. This was getting out of hand. The malevolent creature was not going to let her go.
     "Waiting for you to get up, you weak, lazy human. Come on. We're losing daylight." Before she had time to protest, the demon had pried Eliza from her bed into the outside world.
     "Let go," she shrieked, attempting to wiggle her arm free. The demon said nothing, but his grip increased the closer they drew to the mountain cliff.
                               ~
     Eliza was positioned perfectly between the mountain edge and the creature when Anthony appeared.
     "Oh no he didn't!" Anthony waved his arms in frustration as he propelled his body in a full-blown sprint towards her. There was a struggle in play, little Miss Eliza fighting valiantly against the demon's efforts. Anthony noticed the demon's awareness of him as he approached.
     "Well, well, well! If it isn't Mr. Tony himself. I'd make some introductions, but soon there won't be any introductions to make." The creature sneered at him as he wrapped his scaly arm around Eliza's neck.
     "The only introduction we'll be fortunate enough to be spared of is the one where you meet the mountain face!" The demon hissed as he attempted to pry Eliza's heel from his foot.
     Anthony gazed deeply into Eliza's eyes as he whispered, "You don't have to do this. He doesn't have to win this fight. But death and life are in your hands now. It's your choice."
                                   ~
     Eliza felt the anger coarse through her body. "It's in my hands," she thought. "Why isn't he helping me for gosh sakes?!" But then, Eliza realized that she wouldn't always have a knight in shining armor to rescue her. She needed to learn to fight her own battles. And this was her battle.
     They were nearing the edge of the cliff now, Eliza and the demon, all the while Anthony's expression remained constant and intense, fixed on her. It was time to move. The silver-faced demon was feeding her lies now.
    "You're so weak. No one wants you. Why are you even alive?"
     Eliza had had enough. Glaring into the eyes of her accuser, she stated with newfound courage, "Your discouragement won't work on me." Then she whisked out a knife from her pocket and stabbed the demon in the throat. It wasn't long before the creature, clawing at the wounded area, began to stumble towards the mountain edge. After he toppled over the cliff, plunging towards his date with destiny, Eliza turned to thank Anthony. But when she turned around, the only thing she noticed was a bright flash of wings. Then all was quiet.

Weekly Expressions #23 Joe

Hi, I'm death, and welcome to the afterlife. Sorry for not bringing any beverages. I heard about your arrival too late to fix anything special, so....yeah. Not at my best, forgive me for that one. *sigh* Oh, hey! I wrote a little poem to introduce myself with. You're in for a treat! *takes out paper* Ahem.

I am but the voice inside of you, little girl.
Allow me to induct you into my world,
A world where your imagination's boundaries are nonexistent.
There lies a frightening sensation sublime.

Entranced by this new fascination,
I bid thee welcome into my mind.
What dangers or fortune await you there,
Is only shown through curious rhyme.

In short, I am the darkness,
The type that dare not live in light.
But my beautiful surroundings,
On which I build my kingdom,
Would send you into desperate flight.

Where are my manners?
Excuse me, please.
I hope I didn't confuse you
With uncertain unease.

*crumples up paper* I am death, as I've said before. This isn't my first choice of appearance, I must say, but apparently you envisioned my visage to look this way. Being your first time down here, I didn't want to disappoint your expectations. Though I must inform you that this grey does nothing for me. I'm more a suit and tie type of fellow. Crisp! Clean! Sleek! Well, since you've come, why don't I show you around. Ah! Here we are.

Forgive the mess. I mean, it's not necessarily criminal to have a nearly, dead world. Then again, this is the afterlife, so you must realize it will appear still. No movement from any of the clients. There's not a peep out of them, for sure. Honestly, though. I always wanted things to die down, but I never expected them to take it literally in the other world. Oy vey. Eesh, it's depressingly nice to have more bodies. Oops! I spaced out there, forgive me. Moving on.

If you step right over here with me, you'll view a bridge in sight. See it? Yes. That one right over there, by the tall decaying pieces of ladder, or side posts for the bridge. The path before you, my dear, is where your end of the line resides. I promise you, there will be no pain....weeeell, maybe a tingly feeling'll pass through you. but that will only happen for a few seconds. It's not like it'll be a great unnerving pain, or anything of that sort. Just "poof", and your qualifications to be officially dead will be sealed. Lock, stock, and barrel.

Unsure? What, you didn't have enough time to think it over beforehand? Too bad, deary! Good lord, why do people have to be so indecisive. Here I am, thinking this day couldn't get any worse. You know how hard it is to hang out with dead people? It's awkward, truly. I never get anybody to talk to except..*sound of a phone ringing*.....Hello? The boss? What does his cloudiness want now? Oh. Really? Let me get this straight, she's "not" going to die, 'cause it's not HER time? And there was a prayer involved, huh? Catholic? Presbyterian? Muslim? Hindu? Mormon? Freaking Canadians, it was one of them, wasn't it?!! Always the Canadians! Not a day goe...hold on. Just a simple prayer...okay. I'll give her the message. Yeah, tell him to say hi to the wife and kids for me, alright bub? Aye. Thank you, then. *hangs up phone*

Turns out somebody up there likes you....down here maybe...or midway in the verse somewhere, well that's what I got from it. In other words, you're free to leave. I'm serious, you can live it up now. Live it up? Pfft hehehe. That's funny. You know, this was all a bit too short for my liking. We didn't even get have a decent palaver. *thundering sound rumbles the dead land* Okay! Okay! *looks up at sky shaking fist* I hope I didn't startle you in any way. But hey, did you have some fun at least? Like I said, it was short, I mean, I haven't even showed you the restaurants that I own here that are also in your world. Fast food's a killer. It's been a sincere pleasure. Yup, it definitely has. *snaps fingers* See ya!

WE #23 ~ BK

He sensed distress coming from the squealing wriggling thing on the pavement. He inched forward and reached out, touching the soft skin. He wrapped his fingers around the tiny wrist, instantly calming the small child. He pulled it into his arms and rocked the sniffling thing. He petted it’s head feeling the pig tails. He guessed her only to be three. A soft cry escaped her throat. He placed his forehead on hers, his senses searched the inner depths with hidden eyes. She had suffered major damage to her eardrum. What was left of his heart sank.

She may never hear again. A connection was instantly made as images of his past tore through his memory. The last image he saw was the fire that stole his eyes. The last sound she heard was the crash that took her hearing. Tryveck cradled her in his long arms. He’d keep her. He’d protect her. Humans would shun her and taunt her. They would never accept her as their own. He knew that all too well when his race, his fellow Golgin’s turned their backs on him after the fire. Races were cruel to their own.

Tryveck straightened, standing to his full 8 ½ feet. His hardened grey skin, unaffected from the cold of the night, shielded the tiny girl. She needed a name he realized.

As he felt the warmth she gave off in her sleep, he couldn’t help but sense a hope and a purpose for his life. The name Althea rolled off his lips as he smiled down at her. She’d be his eyes and he would be her ears. He would never leave her. He would always protect her.

~~

Althea let a word roll off her tongue as she waited for Tryveck to catch up. 18 years and she still didn’t practice around him. She didn’t have to hear herself to know how stupid she sounded.

Tryveck placed his hand on her shoulder as he leaned closer.His presence soothed her anxiety.

She scanned the vast empty rocks. They were clear from trouble. “It’s safe.” Her slurred speech felt awkward. Tryveck rubbed her back to encourage her.

“The rocks are never safe.” He warned.

Her hearing began to return five years ago. She still remembered the first sound she heard. Tryveck explained over time that it had been the tweeting of a bird. It had taken them years to develop a way to communicate. And now that she finally could use words it had only gotten better.

“This is the best way to go. The river is flooded and the hills are even more dangerous. At least here we have cover.”

Tryveck followed cautiously behind her as she made her way through the rocks. He was always cautious of their travels. Always roaming from one place to another. Never safe he said. No one could be trusted. Who he referred to she had no idea. Humans were few and far between. She had only ever seen a handful of them in her life.

Tryveck’s hand slipped off her shoulder bringing her back to reality. Her hearing zoned out with her thoughts. She turned to see Tryveck laying on the ground, bleeding. She grimaced realizing she had led him astray. He sat up and straightened his leg.

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s nothing.”

She sighed as she watched his leg work to take care of itself. A scale slowly worked its way over the scrape. She’d grown accustomed to this. His body protected itself and healed itself. When an injury occurred a scale grew over the wound to strengthen the skin. Unfortunately the fire had touched his face and the scales grew over his eyes blocking the world from his view.

This process would take awhile. “I will go look ahead. Catch up when you are able.”

“Don’t go too far!”

Althea ignored him as she climbed over the rocks, adding to their distance. It was nice to roam free once in awhile. She reached the top surprised to find trees. She stood and looked out over the valley. A spell of dizziness swept over her. She lost her footing and slipped down the grassy slope. She bumped her way down the hill, tumbling  farther away. Suddenly she collided into something. It wasn’t a tree or rock. She opened her eyes and gasped. Her heart raced as fear surged inside her. A man stood to his feet as he brushed the dirt off his pants. He looked down at her.

She rolled onto her stomach and fiercely began to crawl away, gasping for breath but wanting only to be away from him. He lunged forward and grabbed her arms. She fought him, pushing him to the ground with her. He crawled over to her before she could get away. She let out a scream. Her heart beat so wildly in her chest she thought it would explode. Her hearing cut in and out from the fear and adrenaline. The man’s hands were on her wrists, pinning her to the ground. She shut her eyes from fear. They didn’t move. Everything was still. Her heart slowed down.

“Shhh…” She finally heard.

She opened one eye as he let go of one of her wrists. He put his finger to his mouth and continued, “Shh.. I won’t hurt you.”

Her emotions stabilized.

He looked concerned as he gazed into her eyes. “I’m not going to hurt you.” He sounded confused, as to why would she act in such a manner. She wanted to smack him. Why not?

“Humans are not to be trusted.” She grunted as she struggled to free herself from his grasp.

He let her other wrist go and backed up, his arms in the air. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to scare you. Are you hurt?”

She didn’t answer. How could she? Tryveck had convinced her that humans were evil and wanted to harm her. Yet here one was now asking if she was hurt?

“Is this a trick?”

“A trick?” He laughed. “Why would I trick you? I don’t know you.”

“Exactly.”

Understanding washed over his face. “Ahh. Well, I promise I don’t want to harm you. You fell into me, remember?”

“No excuse.”

“I’m sorry.”

She still sat on the ground, unsure of what to do or say.

“My name is Caspian. What is yours?”

“Althea.”

“That’s a beautiful name.”

Suddenly the bushes rustled behind him. Three more humans jumped out, two men and a woman. The woman and Althea locked eyes.

The four jumped and stepped back. Althea felt Tryveck lift her into his arms. All the while she could not take her eyes off the wide eyed woman.

~~~

Marion fell to her knees, her head light and her breath short. She didn’t even know what to think. Caspian knelt beside her, worry written all over his face. “What is it?”

A tear trickled down her cheek as the forgotten memory played over in her mind. “All these years I thought I was crazy, that I made it all up. But I know now that what I saw was true.” She looked up into Caspian’s eyes. “My daughter is alive!”

Marion’s eyes fell on the broken flask at Caspian’s side. “Caspian!” She gasped as she pointed to the flask.

Caspian looked down and jumped to his feet as he grabbed his dagger and cut the flask from his belt. He stepped away as it fell to the ground, the remaining poison dripping to the ground. Caspian searched the ground then looked up at her with fear in his eyes. “There is no more Admantha oil on the ground. It must have broken when she….”

“No…” Marion didn’t like where this was going. It couldn’t be…

“It must have shattered when she fell into me... She may not have long to live.”

“We must hurry. How long does it take?”

“Six hours. Even if we found her now, the horses are so far away. We’d never make it back to the castle in time.”

“We have to try. Foster! Daniel!” The two huntsman ran to her side. “Run as fast as you can to the horses. Come back here and track our movements. There is no time to waste!” The two ran off instantly. She turned to Caspian. “We have to find my daughter now!”

~~~

Althea opened her eyes. Her stinging arm was bandaged up. That was why the man asked if she was alright. She hadn’t even noticed after the fall that she had been hurt. She tried to sit up but lost all energy to do so.

Tryveck returned and stoked the smoldering fire. “This is why you don’t leave my side.”

She didn’t answer.

“Did you hear me, Althea? You could have been killed!”

“How?” She spat back. “They didn’t seem evil.”

“They are liars. They will do whatever they have to do to make you believe them. Then when they have your trust they will stab you in the back. I do what I do to protect you and when you run off I can’t protect you. You are lucky I made it in time.”

Althea silently scoffed.

“What, you don’t believe me?” Tryveck sounded offended.

“Why did those three men look different?”

Tryveck sighed. “They all look different.”

“So only the men are different?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The woman looked just like me.”

Tryveck didn’t answer her.
“Tryveck, how is that so?”

“I don’t know.”

“I think you do know.”

“After all this time, you think I would lie to you?”

“I don’t know what I think. I am too confused!” Althea ignored the pain and stood up. She wanted to cry from everything. She took off running through the woods, weaving through the trees, trying to get farther away. Suddenly her head throbbed and she stopped. A seething pain tore through her arm. Her vision blurred. Her knees gave out as she heard her name.

~~~

Caspian surged forward and fell to her side. She had fallen just as he had seen her through the trees and called out to her. He cradled her head in his lap as he felt for her pulse. Thank the maker she was alive. But not for long. He had noticed earlier but now, this close to her face, he noticed her true beauty. Quite stunning actually.

He felt his sword slide out of his scabbard but before he could react he felt the steel tip against his neck.

“Get away from her now.” The deep voice bellowed from far above him.

Caspian gulped as he shifted his eyes up. The creature from earlier loomed over him. Caspian’s sword in it’s hand.

“Listen, you don’t understand. She’s badly hurt.”

“I am taking care of her, now leave!”

“No, listen, she has been poisoned.”

“Then that was your doing.”

“It was an accident…” The cold tip dug into his neck. He felt a trickle of blood down his throat. “You have to listen to me. She will die unless we get her back to our home.”

That seemed to get his attention long enough to stall him. In one swift motion, Caspian slid out from underneath Althea. He knocked the sword out of the creature’s hand.

The creature, now in a rage, wrapped it’s one hand around Caspian’s neck. Caspian grabbed it’s arm as it lifted him in the air. His feet left the earth as the air was slowly cut off.

“Stop!” Marion screamed. “Don’t kill him! He is her only chance!”

It’s fingers squeezed harder.

“I remember you. I saw you holding her, all those years ago.” The panic left her voice, replaced by tenderness. “I watched you cuddle her. Then I watched you walk away. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t yell for you to stop. Then all I saw was blackness. When I awoke, I was back in my home. My husband weeping by my side at the loss of our precious daughter. Everyone thought I was crazy. I thought I was crazy. Until I saw you today and remembered. Please, she is my daughter. I love her and without help she is going to die.”

Blackness had started to creep in on his vision when he was released. He fell to the ground and coughed as the air returned to his lungs. He gasped several times as he got to his knees.

“She is different than you. You will just end up hurting her.”

Caspian realized the creature was speaking to him. “I promise I will do my best not to. And if I do, I won’t mean it. I’ll take care of her, I promise. She needs to be with us.”

“She needs to be with me. I am the only one who can protect her.”

“But she is going to die if we don’t take her now.” Caspian argued.

Marion had dropped to her daughter’s side, caressing her face. A tear slipped down her face. “I don’t think she will make it to the castle.” Her voice quivered.

Caspian’s heart sank. It was hopeless.

A moment passed in silence.

“If I can save her, will you take care of her?”

“Yes. I will do everything in my power to protect her.”

The creature knelt on the other side of Althea. “It will be a good thing for her to be with you? You will love her?”

“Oh yes.” Marion was near sobbing.

The creature unwrapped the bandage on Althea’s arm, revealing the open wound, black from infection.

Marion was right, Althea didn’t have long.

The creature took Caspian’s sword and slit his palm. He placed his bleeding palm over Althea’s arm.

Marion and Caspian watched in silence as the blackness dissipated from Althea’s arm. Caspian gasped as he watched black veins slither up the creatures arm and up his shoulder to his neck. As soon as he let go, he fell backwards, his breathing ragged. Caspian stepped forward. Althea’s arm was smooth and clean. No sign of any injury. They were beyond confused.

Althea stirred, her eyes opened. She bolted up when she saw the creature laying on the ground.

“Tryveck!” She yelled as tears began forming in her eyes. “What did you do?” She hit his chest as a sob escaped her throat.

“I have always protected you...always done the best for..you. But now it is your mother’s turn. You have so much to learn. Remember what I taught you but be open to their words. They will care for you.”

“No, I want you.” She cried.

“There is nothing more I can do for you. It’s time you moved on. You’ll be alright.”

Althea bent over and kissed his forehead as he gasped.

Silence engulfed them.

Althea turned to her mother, unsure but needing comfort. She fell into her mother’s open embrace, wracked with sobs.

Caspian didn’t understand what had just happened but he knew things would not be the same when they returned. Fear stirred in his heart at the prospect of the missing heir returning. He tucked his feelings for the girl away. It was business from here on out. He still had a job to do...