He was faced with a bitter choice; fight, fly, or freeze. He couldn't fly, and he didn't freeze. And men of God condemned him for his choice.
Is he so low that he should allow himself to be battered? Is God's shepherd so high that he may declare such violence as God's will?
No one else makes such a declamation. They understand.
He cries:
Lord, why can't Your people understand? I want to be in your house. I want to feel Christian love. But every time I try, all I hear are that minister's damning words. And I wonder if any shepherd could ever see me as anything but an animal you must not corner. A beast, a demon, a bomb.
This man just wants to go his way. Maybe be loved, be held by a sweet someone who doesn't mind his pain, his scars. He doesn't wish for wealth or fame. He just wants to live, to love, and have someone who views him the same.
He's tired of viewing others suspiciously. He is tired of wondering if they will force him to choose to fight, fly, or freeze.
He just wants a place he can worship and a woman he can trust. He's buried his heart so deep, and no one wants to dig it up. And that truth is killing him.
Where are the Christians for him?
Not knocking on his door. Not inviting him to come to church with them. He won't come to any general invitation. Life has wounded him to the point he must be coaxed, like a wounded animal, gently, slowly. And like a wounded hawk loves and is loyal to his healer, so will he be. Who will reach him, Christian? Or will he be lost to the void?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Eldania Excerpt 2
This is yet another excerpt from my book, Eldania. This one happens to be a flashback/dream my main character has.
Delwa casually watched the men gather at the table. Each took his place at the large, round slab of black, carved marble. The stone was polished until its dark surface mirrored everything around it like the dark water of the deep, calm sea. The glossy surface was inlaid with silver tracery forming the flowing Eldanian characters that told the brief history of the small island. The people had prospered during those years, though the first few months were difficult. Their ancestors had been driven out from their homes in the middle lands, and fled across the ocean to this island. The island itself was vast, full of lush forests, searing desert, and tall mountains, more than enough land to sustain the small nation.
Nevertheless, some were not happy here. It had started as a small murmur, and now had become an issue significant enough to warrant the attention of the Eldanian counsel. People wanted to return to the middle lands and take back their ancient homes. The sentiment was understandable, human, but Ilu had made it clear that they were not to do so.
The men were all seated and Delwa took his own seat on one of the smooth, high-backed oak chairs. "My lords," he greeted them, "we all know why we are here. It has come to the attention of the counsel that a faction of the people wishes to return to the middle lands and take back their ancestors’ homes. We all know what the Law says about such action; therefore, our decision on the issue is non-negotiable. What we are here to discuss is the most effective means of quieting this issue before us. We do not need a rebellion on our hands."
The lords nodded in agreement, except for one. He stood slowly, an incredulous expression on his face. "And why do we have to do anything about the people at all?" The young, impetuous man said; his dark red tunic wrapped tightly around him. "The Law says we cannot leave the island, of course. However, do we not possess the power to write laws? It seems to me that the Law is the real problem here, not the people." He was met with some uneasy agreement, even by some of the older lords. Delwa abruptly stood before the dissent could grow and faced the young man. The whole assembly dropped into an uneasy quiet.
"Sitea, we cannot change the High Law given to us by Ilu. It is true that we have the power to write and rescind laws to govern ourselves. However, we do not have such authority over the High Law." He intently stared into the young lord’s eyes. "Are you proposing that we should rebel against Ilu?" He inquired in a cool, steady voice. "Would you have us cast from earth as our father was cast from paradise?"
The young man bowed, trying to sooth Delwa. "My humblest apologies, milord Delwa. I was unaware that you spoke of the High Law." He sat down, a smirk barely hidden on his face.
One of the other lords rose and faced Delwa. "My lord Delwa, might I speak?" Delwa inclined his head to the aged man, and the man thanked him. Turning to address his fellow lords, he began. "Lord Sitea raises an interesting question, I believe. While we do not possess the power to change the High Law, we might plead for such a change from Ilu himself, if that is the will of the counsel." He bowed slightly to Delwa and sat down.
"Kishne, perhaps you forget that the Law of Ilu does not change?" Said a keen-eyed, gray-haired gentleman clothed in a jet-black robe. He stood and turned to Delwa, his tone earnest, but composed. "My lord, it would do this counsel no good to offer such a plea, for Ilu Himself cannot change His Law anymore than we can. He is the Law, and He does not change." Sitea scowled as the old man finished his statement. The young lord was far from pleased.
Delwa sat up in his seat. "Thank you, lord Kenie." Kenie inclined his head. Delwa then addressed the assembly. "My lords, as I have said, and as Kenie has just now reminded us, the issue of the Law itself is non-negotiable. We must decide what to do to alleviate this potential uprising, not divide ourselves over something non-negotiable. The Eldania have always been a wise and powerful people, we must not destroy that heritage with vain disputes."
Sitea’s scowl grew more intense as Delwa spoke. He jumped to his feet, and began passionately, "They drove us out! We, the Eldania! And we let them! Will we cower in this self-imposed exile, or take back what is ours!" The other men murmured in mixed response. Delwa attempted to intervene, but Sitea continued. "If we are as powerful as we know ourselves to be, we cannot cower like frightened children when mere men threaten our homes. We must destroy them! They would do the same to us if they knew we were here. Our watchtowers are not for show."
Delwa had enough. He stood, extended his spread hand, and the young lord was firmly forced into his seat by an unseen power. The young lord stood again and reached for his sword, but Kenie had already drawn his blade and forced the impetuous youth to sit down by pressing the edge of his extended blade against the young lord’s throat. "Down, boy." The old man growled. Sitea glowered at him; the veins in his forehead were about to burst. "Enough of this madness!" shouted Delwa angrily. He stepped away from his chair and walked purposefully over to where Sitea sat. Anger burned in the young lord’s eyes, as he continued to glare at Kenie. "Sitea, you have disgraced yourself and this counsel." Delwa coolly began. "By law you are to be killed for you actions just now." Some of the lords murmured in approval, but Delwa held his hand for silence. "However, since it is only the common law that calls for your death, as High Lord of this counsel, I grant you life." Mixed grumbles from some of the lords filled the air as lord Delwa finished. "Sitea, you are forthwith removed from this counsel and stripped of lordship." Delwa stepped back and nodded at Kenie. "Release him." He commanded.
Kenie slowly removed his blade, and the former lord stood, still glowering. Delwa stepped up to him, deep pain etched in his blue-gray eyes. "Why, friend? Why?" He whispered. The young man said nothing, but turned scornfully and stormed from the chamber.
(c) 2006 Joshua Chaffin. All rights reserved.
Delwa casually watched the men gather at the table. Each took his place at the large, round slab of black, carved marble. The stone was polished until its dark surface mirrored everything around it like the dark water of the deep, calm sea. The glossy surface was inlaid with silver tracery forming the flowing Eldanian characters that told the brief history of the small island. The people had prospered during those years, though the first few months were difficult. Their ancestors had been driven out from their homes in the middle lands, and fled across the ocean to this island. The island itself was vast, full of lush forests, searing desert, and tall mountains, more than enough land to sustain the small nation.
Nevertheless, some were not happy here. It had started as a small murmur, and now had become an issue significant enough to warrant the attention of the Eldanian counsel. People wanted to return to the middle lands and take back their ancient homes. The sentiment was understandable, human, but Ilu had made it clear that they were not to do so.
The men were all seated and Delwa took his own seat on one of the smooth, high-backed oak chairs. "My lords," he greeted them, "we all know why we are here. It has come to the attention of the counsel that a faction of the people wishes to return to the middle lands and take back their ancestors’ homes. We all know what the Law says about such action; therefore, our decision on the issue is non-negotiable. What we are here to discuss is the most effective means of quieting this issue before us. We do not need a rebellion on our hands."
The lords nodded in agreement, except for one. He stood slowly, an incredulous expression on his face. "And why do we have to do anything about the people at all?" The young, impetuous man said; his dark red tunic wrapped tightly around him. "The Law says we cannot leave the island, of course. However, do we not possess the power to write laws? It seems to me that the Law is the real problem here, not the people." He was met with some uneasy agreement, even by some of the older lords. Delwa abruptly stood before the dissent could grow and faced the young man. The whole assembly dropped into an uneasy quiet.
"Sitea, we cannot change the High Law given to us by Ilu. It is true that we have the power to write and rescind laws to govern ourselves. However, we do not have such authority over the High Law." He intently stared into the young lord’s eyes. "Are you proposing that we should rebel against Ilu?" He inquired in a cool, steady voice. "Would you have us cast from earth as our father was cast from paradise?"
The young man bowed, trying to sooth Delwa. "My humblest apologies, milord Delwa. I was unaware that you spoke of the High Law." He sat down, a smirk barely hidden on his face.
One of the other lords rose and faced Delwa. "My lord Delwa, might I speak?" Delwa inclined his head to the aged man, and the man thanked him. Turning to address his fellow lords, he began. "Lord Sitea raises an interesting question, I believe. While we do not possess the power to change the High Law, we might plead for such a change from Ilu himself, if that is the will of the counsel." He bowed slightly to Delwa and sat down.
"Kishne, perhaps you forget that the Law of Ilu does not change?" Said a keen-eyed, gray-haired gentleman clothed in a jet-black robe. He stood and turned to Delwa, his tone earnest, but composed. "My lord, it would do this counsel no good to offer such a plea, for Ilu Himself cannot change His Law anymore than we can. He is the Law, and He does not change." Sitea scowled as the old man finished his statement. The young lord was far from pleased.
Delwa sat up in his seat. "Thank you, lord Kenie." Kenie inclined his head. Delwa then addressed the assembly. "My lords, as I have said, and as Kenie has just now reminded us, the issue of the Law itself is non-negotiable. We must decide what to do to alleviate this potential uprising, not divide ourselves over something non-negotiable. The Eldania have always been a wise and powerful people, we must not destroy that heritage with vain disputes."
Sitea’s scowl grew more intense as Delwa spoke. He jumped to his feet, and began passionately, "They drove us out! We, the Eldania! And we let them! Will we cower in this self-imposed exile, or take back what is ours!" The other men murmured in mixed response. Delwa attempted to intervene, but Sitea continued. "If we are as powerful as we know ourselves to be, we cannot cower like frightened children when mere men threaten our homes. We must destroy them! They would do the same to us if they knew we were here. Our watchtowers are not for show."
Delwa had enough. He stood, extended his spread hand, and the young lord was firmly forced into his seat by an unseen power. The young lord stood again and reached for his sword, but Kenie had already drawn his blade and forced the impetuous youth to sit down by pressing the edge of his extended blade against the young lord’s throat. "Down, boy." The old man growled. Sitea glowered at him; the veins in his forehead were about to burst. "Enough of this madness!" shouted Delwa angrily. He stepped away from his chair and walked purposefully over to where Sitea sat. Anger burned in the young lord’s eyes, as he continued to glare at Kenie. "Sitea, you have disgraced yourself and this counsel." Delwa coolly began. "By law you are to be killed for you actions just now." Some of the lords murmured in approval, but Delwa held his hand for silence. "However, since it is only the common law that calls for your death, as High Lord of this counsel, I grant you life." Mixed grumbles from some of the lords filled the air as lord Delwa finished. "Sitea, you are forthwith removed from this counsel and stripped of lordship." Delwa stepped back and nodded at Kenie. "Release him." He commanded.
Kenie slowly removed his blade, and the former lord stood, still glowering. Delwa stepped up to him, deep pain etched in his blue-gray eyes. "Why, friend? Why?" He whispered. The young man said nothing, but turned scornfully and stormed from the chamber.
(c) 2006 Joshua Chaffin. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Eldania excerpt 1
The following is an excerpt from a Fantasy/Sci-fi Novel I am writing called Eldania: Children of God's Shadow. It follows the life of Johnathan Shultz, a young man who is one of many gifted with supernatural powers called Eldania. The Eldanian people came from the sons and daughters of the "sons of God' and the daughters of men. Because of their supernatural abilities, the Eldania were shunned by the other races of mankind and because they were mostly a peaceful people, rather than destroying mankind, they fled persecution. They settled on a large island in the Atlantic. We now call this island, in our mythology, Atlantis. Today, Atlantis is gone. Now the Eldan and the Dasi are scattered and leaderless. They still exist today, but most have mixed their race with other humans and their powers are forgotten. But what will happen when they remember?
Johnathan casually walked down Main Street, enjoying the crisp spring day. He gradually made his way through the steadily growing crowd of people heading home after a long day’s work. Glancing at the restaurants along the street, he’d decided to stop at a Subway for dinner when a familiar flash of golden hair caught his eye. Johnathan did a double take and quickly changed direction, following Shawna down the street.
She seemed to be heading somewhere in a hurry. He quickened his pace, hoping to catch up with his fiancée. "Hmm. Where could she possibly be going in such a hurry?" He wondered to himself. He picked up speed as the sidewalk began to head downhill.
Suddenly, Shawna stopped. Johnathan slowed down, thinking she may have sensed his approach. If she had, she gave him no indication. Instead, she remained beside the alleyway, curiously staring down the narrow street as if looking for something. She cocked her head, apparently listening, then stepped into the ally. Johnathan quickened his pace, wondering what could have made her stop.
As he approached the alleyway, he heard a man’s voice. He stopped by the corner, catching his breath, and listened closely. At first, he couldn’t make out the words. Then a tingle of cold fear ran down his spine as he made out the man’s voice. "Don’t be scared, sweetheart." The strange voice said in a taunting manner. "We aren’t going to hurt you." The voice chuckled, and two other voices joined it. That was enough for Johnathan. Suddenly rested, he strode around the corner and walked purposefully up to Shawna. Three men clothed in black and metal with brightly colored, spiked hair stood around his fiancée. All three glared at him, obviously displeased at his sudden appearance.
"Hello, Shawna, how are you?" Johnathan pretended to ask as he shouldered past one of the punks and stepped in front of Shawna, shielding her body from the three men. He nodded curtly at the leader. "I don’t believe I’ve met you." He said with a hint of disdain. "You must be one of those vagarious acquaintances Shawna avoids mentioning." The big brute glared at Johnathan. Johnathan and Shawna slowly began backing out of the alleyway. "Well, I assure you she doesn’t need to impose on any more of your time, so you can run off and disconcert someone else." Johnathan assured them. The other two punks looked at their leader for a translation, but the big thug just glared at Johnathan.
"Johnathan, don’t" Shawna pleaded. He ignored her, and continued to stare down the bothersome goon in front of him, his face tense. These were not mere muggers, but trained Dasi. Johnathan had to stop backing up so he could continue shielding his fiancée from harm, and ward off repeated mental attacks from the lead Dasi.
Shawna sensed the attacks and placed a concerned hand on Johnathan’s shoulder, praying. It was obvious they weren’t getting out of this without a fight. The villain finally broke off his mental attack and looked past Johnathan to Shawna. "Our business is not with you, Eliim." He said to Johnathan. "It’s with the Eldan girl." He growled, lowering his gaze at Shawna and flexing his fists.
"Any business you have with her is business with me, Dasi." Johnathan said firmly, crossing his arms, carefully watching the three men. The brute ignored him and continued to stare at Shawna.
"Johnny, please, don’t." Shawna pleaded again. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan glanced at her, cool determination in his face. She knew him well enough not to argue further. She swallowed hard and looked up to face the Dasi, who was still staring at her.
"You’ll get nothing out of us today, you can leave." She said, inwardly praying that the three would leave. The three men only smirked. "We aren’t leaving that easily, lassie." The leader taunted, and the other two laughed wickedly. "If we can’t do this the easy way," he continued, reaching for his side, "then we’ll have to do it the fun way." There was a red flash, and the three aggressors raised their swords.
Johnathan pushed Shawna back and drew his blade. "Run, Shawna." He directed, eyeing the Dasi with steely determination. She took a few steps back, but remained in the alleyway. Johnathan was about to argue with her, but the three Dasi charged. Johnathan raised his free hand, and the two smaller Dasi were violently thrown back against a trash dumpster. They groaned and fell to the street, dazed.
The lead Dasi paused, staring at Johnathan, then glanced back at his associates. "Another Eldan, huh?" He mused, then shrugged. "No matter." He began to approach Johnathan; his blade now raised in defense. Johnathan brandished his sword, glowering at the Dasi. The man charged, swinging his sword violently. Johnathan met the lead Dasi’s wild attack, and their blades crossed. The sharp crash of metal against metal echoed up and down the dank ally. Both combatants strained under the force of the blow, their brows wrinkling as each tried to force the other to yield.
Johnathan swung his blade around, and again their swords clashed. By now, the other two attackers had recovered and were circling around Johnathan towards Shawna. Shawna saw them coming, and one of the Dasi screamed in agony as a ball of fire engulfed his body, consuming it. The other Dasi stared at his companion’s ashes, then back at Shawna. Shawna crouched on all fours, her dark eyes staring down her attacker like a cat eyeing its prey. She licked her upper lip seductively and hissed. The Dasi stared in stark fear and took a large step back, becoming much more cautious.
The lead Dasi grinned as he met Johnathan’s stroke. "Your little girl’s got spunk." He quipped, jerking his head in Shawna’s direction. "I shall enjoy watching her die." Johnathan raised his eyebrows, unmoved, and jumped over his attacker, landing on his feet behind the Dasi. The ruffian spun around just in time to meet Johnathan’s deadly stroke. The Dasi raised his eyebrows and Johnathan barely managed to counter an attack as an invisible force blew him off balance. He slowly retreated, drawing the Dasi away from Shawna. "Too much for you to handle?" The Dasi leered. Johnathan continued to stare coldly.
Meanwhile, Shawna was turning, facing her fearful attacker, who was circling her timidly. "Aww, you don’t want to play anymore?" She purred, grinning wickedly. The Dasi just kept turning, wide-eyed, defensively holding his sword at arm length.
Shawna stopped circling and demurely leaned her head against her shoulder, staring at him in wide-eyed innocence. She blinked, and stuck out her lower lip, pouting childishly. "Did I scare the nice boy away? Pity." A wayward smile played across her face as she stared at her trembling opponent. She tensed, and pretended to lunge forward. The Dasi quickly stepped back, his eyes widening in fear.
Shawna crouched again, still impishly leering at her opponent. She was enjoying her little game of cat-and-mouse. "I sense much fear in you." She taunted in a fell whisper. The Dasi cast a pleading look at his remaining partner. "Sarcas, help!"
The uneasy Dasi’s cry ended in a faint whimper when his gaze focused upon his fallen leader. Sarcas wasn’t going to be much help. Johnathan’s blade found its mark. Sarcas stared vacantly in silent horror as Johnathan slowly drew his blade out of the defeated foe’s chest. Sarcas’ body fell to the pavement with a disquieting thud. The remaining Dasi stared at his dead leader in dismay.
Shawna confidently rose to her feet and began to slowly stalk toward the Dasi, eyeing her prey from beneath her dark eyelashes. Johnathan looked up from his defeated opponent and glowered at the terrified, lone Dasi. Shawna dramatically raised her left hand, and a pale blue flame leapt up from her palm. "You should be running." She quietly threatened her enemy. The Dasi fearfully glanced at the two sinister attackers and fled back down the alleyway, dropping his sword as he ran.
Shawna closed her hand, snuffing out the flame. "Guess his mother taught him not to play with fire." She pouted, glancing at her fiancée. Johnathan chuckled, then sighed wearily as he sheathed his sword. He slowly rolled his head, stretching.
Shawna walked up beside him and put a gentle arm around him. "Johnny, you didn’t have to do that," she whispered softly. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan slowly turned to her, gently taking both of her small hands in his. "I don’t doubt it." He quietly whispered back, his eyes full of quiet admiration, "But you’re a lady, one of the few I’ve met in this life, and you shouldn’t have to." He embraced her, and she laid her head against his shoulder. "Nmiti Anlat’ithetay, Shawna. I’ll always be there for you." He promised. Shawna smiled, although Johnathan couldn’t see, and held him closer.
Johnathan straightened up and gave a satisfied sigh. "Now where were you headed in such a hurry?" Shawna let go of him and stepped back, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "I was heading toward the Post Office, before it closed, to mail these wedding invitations first class." She answered, nodding at her purse. "But it’s a little late for that now."
Johnathan nodded as they walked out of the ally and started down Main Street. "I thought I heard a child crying in that ally," Shawna explained. "When I went to check, those three stepped out from behind a dumpster." She paused, then gratefully glanced at Johnathan. "I’m really glad you showed up. I was scared."
Johnathan put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her back reassuringly. They stopped in front of a small family restaurant, and Johnathan looked up at the sign above them. "Say, have you eaten yet?" He asked. "All this saving the damsel in distress stuff has given me an appetite." He rubbed his stomach and looked at Shawna hopefully.
She laughed and grabbed his arm. "Alright, but only if I’m buying." She insisted, pulling him toward the door. "Lead on O queen eternal." He joked. Shawna rolled her eyes in mock disgust. "Boys, always thinking with their stomach." She quipped. "Well, that’s better than other things we could think with." Johnathan argued. "Not even going there, buddy." She said, cutting him off, an amused glimmer shining in her eye.
The small restaurant was quiet; the easy chatter from the few customers that were already there was barely noticeable. The patrons paid the couple little attention; they just sat enjoying their meals and talking. Johnathan and Shawna walked towards the counter and scanned the menu in silence.
Johnathan made up his mind quickly, but Shawna pretended to take her time. Johnny waited patiently, glancing playfully from her to the menu. After about a minute, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Penny for your thoughts, especially ones concerning dinner choices."
A well-placed elbow in his ribs made him straighten up quickly. "Ow," he complained, rubbing his side tenderly. Shawna just stared at the menu in mock innocence. "Well, that’s just made room for dessert." Johnathan muttered. He cast an accusing glance at Shawna. "That is, if we even get to dessert."
He decided to change tactics, and started to stare at his fiancée like a starving puppy. A smile crept across Shawna’s face and she strained to keep from laughing. Johnathan stepped in front of her and stared pleadingly into her eyes. She looked right past him up at the menu, an amused twinkle in her eyes, still trying to stifle a laugh. Johnathan whined pitifully, and Shawna lost it. "All right, you ridiculous oaf" she said laughing. "Let’s order."
They stepped up to the counter, and Johnathan looked down at a short, but very amused young girl manning the cashier. "The lady orders first, so she don’t forget." Johnathan said, chucking his thumb over his shoulder at Shawna. Shawna stepped forward and directed a threatening glance at Johnathan.
"What do you have?" Shawna asked, turning to the cashier, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. The girl caught on quickly. "Well, let’s see." The young girl said slowly, turning to read the menu. "Tonight’s special is…." Johnathan painfully moaned and the cashier paused. Shawna decided to be merciful. "I’ll have the special," she told the cashier, "And whatever he wants."
Johnathan placed his order, and they picked out a table and waited for their food. "A lot of thanks I get." Johnathan mumbled. "I save your life and you try to starve me to death." Shawna stared at him in mock astonishment. "I’m sorry, were you hungry? Oh, I’m so sorry." Johnathan rolled his eyes at her from across the table.
She smiled, and playfully kicked his shins under the table. "Hey, no footsie." Johnathan complained. She giggled mischievously and hooked his left ankle with her foot. He responded by catching her other foot with his free one. They kept at it for several minutes, both laughing quietly at each other while they waited for their orders.
"Ahem." They both straightened up like two wayward children and guiltily stared at the waitress, who was waiting there with their food. "One special and one number three with a side of okra?" She asked, trying to hide a smile. "Mine’s the special," Shawna responded, attempting to conceal the crimson blush that had crept across her face. The waitress set Shawna’s plate in front of her, then placed Johnathan’s down in front of him. "My name’s Samantha, I’ll be your waitress this evening. Please let me know if there’s anything you need."
"How about a straight jacket for the goof here?" Shawna asked the waitress. "I’m sorry, we’re fresh out." The girl replied. "But I’ll see what I can find." She walked off and Johnathan smiled deviously at Shawna. "I’m a goof, huh?" He asked her, and then appeared to reconsider. "Well, I guess anyone that would ask you to marry him would have to be well off his rocker." Shawna’s dark eyes flashed, and she kicked him again, hard. Johnathan groaned painfully. "You’d better shut up and pray, boy." Shawna ordered. "You’re going to need it." "Medic." Johnathan moaned.
(C) 2005 Joshua Chaffin, all rights reserved.
Johnathan casually walked down Main Street, enjoying the crisp spring day. He gradually made his way through the steadily growing crowd of people heading home after a long day’s work. Glancing at the restaurants along the street, he’d decided to stop at a Subway for dinner when a familiar flash of golden hair caught his eye. Johnathan did a double take and quickly changed direction, following Shawna down the street.
She seemed to be heading somewhere in a hurry. He quickened his pace, hoping to catch up with his fiancée. "Hmm. Where could she possibly be going in such a hurry?" He wondered to himself. He picked up speed as the sidewalk began to head downhill.
Suddenly, Shawna stopped. Johnathan slowed down, thinking she may have sensed his approach. If she had, she gave him no indication. Instead, she remained beside the alleyway, curiously staring down the narrow street as if looking for something. She cocked her head, apparently listening, then stepped into the ally. Johnathan quickened his pace, wondering what could have made her stop.
As he approached the alleyway, he heard a man’s voice. He stopped by the corner, catching his breath, and listened closely. At first, he couldn’t make out the words. Then a tingle of cold fear ran down his spine as he made out the man’s voice. "Don’t be scared, sweetheart." The strange voice said in a taunting manner. "We aren’t going to hurt you." The voice chuckled, and two other voices joined it. That was enough for Johnathan. Suddenly rested, he strode around the corner and walked purposefully up to Shawna. Three men clothed in black and metal with brightly colored, spiked hair stood around his fiancée. All three glared at him, obviously displeased at his sudden appearance.
"Hello, Shawna, how are you?" Johnathan pretended to ask as he shouldered past one of the punks and stepped in front of Shawna, shielding her body from the three men. He nodded curtly at the leader. "I don’t believe I’ve met you." He said with a hint of disdain. "You must be one of those vagarious acquaintances Shawna avoids mentioning." The big brute glared at Johnathan. Johnathan and Shawna slowly began backing out of the alleyway. "Well, I assure you she doesn’t need to impose on any more of your time, so you can run off and disconcert someone else." Johnathan assured them. The other two punks looked at their leader for a translation, but the big thug just glared at Johnathan.
"Johnathan, don’t" Shawna pleaded. He ignored her, and continued to stare down the bothersome goon in front of him, his face tense. These were not mere muggers, but trained Dasi. Johnathan had to stop backing up so he could continue shielding his fiancée from harm, and ward off repeated mental attacks from the lead Dasi.
Shawna sensed the attacks and placed a concerned hand on Johnathan’s shoulder, praying. It was obvious they weren’t getting out of this without a fight. The villain finally broke off his mental attack and looked past Johnathan to Shawna. "Our business is not with you, Eliim." He said to Johnathan. "It’s with the Eldan girl." He growled, lowering his gaze at Shawna and flexing his fists.
"Any business you have with her is business with me, Dasi." Johnathan said firmly, crossing his arms, carefully watching the three men. The brute ignored him and continued to stare at Shawna.
"Johnny, please, don’t." Shawna pleaded again. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan glanced at her, cool determination in his face. She knew him well enough not to argue further. She swallowed hard and looked up to face the Dasi, who was still staring at her.
"You’ll get nothing out of us today, you can leave." She said, inwardly praying that the three would leave. The three men only smirked. "We aren’t leaving that easily, lassie." The leader taunted, and the other two laughed wickedly. "If we can’t do this the easy way," he continued, reaching for his side, "then we’ll have to do it the fun way." There was a red flash, and the three aggressors raised their swords.
Johnathan pushed Shawna back and drew his blade. "Run, Shawna." He directed, eyeing the Dasi with steely determination. She took a few steps back, but remained in the alleyway. Johnathan was about to argue with her, but the three Dasi charged. Johnathan raised his free hand, and the two smaller Dasi were violently thrown back against a trash dumpster. They groaned and fell to the street, dazed.
The lead Dasi paused, staring at Johnathan, then glanced back at his associates. "Another Eldan, huh?" He mused, then shrugged. "No matter." He began to approach Johnathan; his blade now raised in defense. Johnathan brandished his sword, glowering at the Dasi. The man charged, swinging his sword violently. Johnathan met the lead Dasi’s wild attack, and their blades crossed. The sharp crash of metal against metal echoed up and down the dank ally. Both combatants strained under the force of the blow, their brows wrinkling as each tried to force the other to yield.
Johnathan swung his blade around, and again their swords clashed. By now, the other two attackers had recovered and were circling around Johnathan towards Shawna. Shawna saw them coming, and one of the Dasi screamed in agony as a ball of fire engulfed his body, consuming it. The other Dasi stared at his companion’s ashes, then back at Shawna. Shawna crouched on all fours, her dark eyes staring down her attacker like a cat eyeing its prey. She licked her upper lip seductively and hissed. The Dasi stared in stark fear and took a large step back, becoming much more cautious.
The lead Dasi grinned as he met Johnathan’s stroke. "Your little girl’s got spunk." He quipped, jerking his head in Shawna’s direction. "I shall enjoy watching her die." Johnathan raised his eyebrows, unmoved, and jumped over his attacker, landing on his feet behind the Dasi. The ruffian spun around just in time to meet Johnathan’s deadly stroke. The Dasi raised his eyebrows and Johnathan barely managed to counter an attack as an invisible force blew him off balance. He slowly retreated, drawing the Dasi away from Shawna. "Too much for you to handle?" The Dasi leered. Johnathan continued to stare coldly.
Meanwhile, Shawna was turning, facing her fearful attacker, who was circling her timidly. "Aww, you don’t want to play anymore?" She purred, grinning wickedly. The Dasi just kept turning, wide-eyed, defensively holding his sword at arm length.
Shawna stopped circling and demurely leaned her head against her shoulder, staring at him in wide-eyed innocence. She blinked, and stuck out her lower lip, pouting childishly. "Did I scare the nice boy away? Pity." A wayward smile played across her face as she stared at her trembling opponent. She tensed, and pretended to lunge forward. The Dasi quickly stepped back, his eyes widening in fear.
Shawna crouched again, still impishly leering at her opponent. She was enjoying her little game of cat-and-mouse. "I sense much fear in you." She taunted in a fell whisper. The Dasi cast a pleading look at his remaining partner. "Sarcas, help!"
The uneasy Dasi’s cry ended in a faint whimper when his gaze focused upon his fallen leader. Sarcas wasn’t going to be much help. Johnathan’s blade found its mark. Sarcas stared vacantly in silent horror as Johnathan slowly drew his blade out of the defeated foe’s chest. Sarcas’ body fell to the pavement with a disquieting thud. The remaining Dasi stared at his dead leader in dismay.
Shawna confidently rose to her feet and began to slowly stalk toward the Dasi, eyeing her prey from beneath her dark eyelashes. Johnathan looked up from his defeated opponent and glowered at the terrified, lone Dasi. Shawna dramatically raised her left hand, and a pale blue flame leapt up from her palm. "You should be running." She quietly threatened her enemy. The Dasi fearfully glanced at the two sinister attackers and fled back down the alleyway, dropping his sword as he ran.
Shawna closed her hand, snuffing out the flame. "Guess his mother taught him not to play with fire." She pouted, glancing at her fiancée. Johnathan chuckled, then sighed wearily as he sheathed his sword. He slowly rolled his head, stretching.
Shawna walked up beside him and put a gentle arm around him. "Johnny, you didn’t have to do that," she whispered softly. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan slowly turned to her, gently taking both of her small hands in his. "I don’t doubt it." He quietly whispered back, his eyes full of quiet admiration, "But you’re a lady, one of the few I’ve met in this life, and you shouldn’t have to." He embraced her, and she laid her head against his shoulder. "Nmiti Anlat’ithetay, Shawna. I’ll always be there for you." He promised. Shawna smiled, although Johnathan couldn’t see, and held him closer.
Johnathan straightened up and gave a satisfied sigh. "Now where were you headed in such a hurry?" Shawna let go of him and stepped back, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "I was heading toward the Post Office, before it closed, to mail these wedding invitations first class." She answered, nodding at her purse. "But it’s a little late for that now."
Johnathan nodded as they walked out of the ally and started down Main Street. "I thought I heard a child crying in that ally," Shawna explained. "When I went to check, those three stepped out from behind a dumpster." She paused, then gratefully glanced at Johnathan. "I’m really glad you showed up. I was scared."
Johnathan put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her back reassuringly. They stopped in front of a small family restaurant, and Johnathan looked up at the sign above them. "Say, have you eaten yet?" He asked. "All this saving the damsel in distress stuff has given me an appetite." He rubbed his stomach and looked at Shawna hopefully.
She laughed and grabbed his arm. "Alright, but only if I’m buying." She insisted, pulling him toward the door. "Lead on O queen eternal." He joked. Shawna rolled her eyes in mock disgust. "Boys, always thinking with their stomach." She quipped. "Well, that’s better than other things we could think with." Johnathan argued. "Not even going there, buddy." She said, cutting him off, an amused glimmer shining in her eye.
The small restaurant was quiet; the easy chatter from the few customers that were already there was barely noticeable. The patrons paid the couple little attention; they just sat enjoying their meals and talking. Johnathan and Shawna walked towards the counter and scanned the menu in silence.
Johnathan made up his mind quickly, but Shawna pretended to take her time. Johnny waited patiently, glancing playfully from her to the menu. After about a minute, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Penny for your thoughts, especially ones concerning dinner choices."
A well-placed elbow in his ribs made him straighten up quickly. "Ow," he complained, rubbing his side tenderly. Shawna just stared at the menu in mock innocence. "Well, that’s just made room for dessert." Johnathan muttered. He cast an accusing glance at Shawna. "That is, if we even get to dessert."
He decided to change tactics, and started to stare at his fiancée like a starving puppy. A smile crept across Shawna’s face and she strained to keep from laughing. Johnathan stepped in front of her and stared pleadingly into her eyes. She looked right past him up at the menu, an amused twinkle in her eyes, still trying to stifle a laugh. Johnathan whined pitifully, and Shawna lost it. "All right, you ridiculous oaf" she said laughing. "Let’s order."
They stepped up to the counter, and Johnathan looked down at a short, but very amused young girl manning the cashier. "The lady orders first, so she don’t forget." Johnathan said, chucking his thumb over his shoulder at Shawna. Shawna stepped forward and directed a threatening glance at Johnathan.
"What do you have?" Shawna asked, turning to the cashier, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. The girl caught on quickly. "Well, let’s see." The young girl said slowly, turning to read the menu. "Tonight’s special is…." Johnathan painfully moaned and the cashier paused. Shawna decided to be merciful. "I’ll have the special," she told the cashier, "And whatever he wants."
Johnathan placed his order, and they picked out a table and waited for their food. "A lot of thanks I get." Johnathan mumbled. "I save your life and you try to starve me to death." Shawna stared at him in mock astonishment. "I’m sorry, were you hungry? Oh, I’m so sorry." Johnathan rolled his eyes at her from across the table.
She smiled, and playfully kicked his shins under the table. "Hey, no footsie." Johnathan complained. She giggled mischievously and hooked his left ankle with her foot. He responded by catching her other foot with his free one. They kept at it for several minutes, both laughing quietly at each other while they waited for their orders.
"Ahem." They both straightened up like two wayward children and guiltily stared at the waitress, who was waiting there with their food. "One special and one number three with a side of okra?" She asked, trying to hide a smile. "Mine’s the special," Shawna responded, attempting to conceal the crimson blush that had crept across her face. The waitress set Shawna’s plate in front of her, then placed Johnathan’s down in front of him. "My name’s Samantha, I’ll be your waitress this evening. Please let me know if there’s anything you need."
"How about a straight jacket for the goof here?" Shawna asked the waitress. "I’m sorry, we’re fresh out." The girl replied. "But I’ll see what I can find." She walked off and Johnathan smiled deviously at Shawna. "I’m a goof, huh?" He asked her, and then appeared to reconsider. "Well, I guess anyone that would ask you to marry him would have to be well off his rocker." Shawna’s dark eyes flashed, and she kicked him again, hard. Johnathan groaned painfully. "You’d better shut up and pray, boy." Shawna ordered. "You’re going to need it." "Medic." Johnathan moaned.
(C) 2005 Joshua Chaffin, all rights reserved.
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