Who Are You Now?

Who are you now?

Nervous thoughts picking behind green eyes.

Sleep a distant friend, long lost but not forgotten.

Lying on your side, his arms wrapped around you.

His skin feels cold almost alien now.

What have you done?

Decisions made in haste and anger.

Bile sits in the back of your throat, hot and burning.

Blinking into the darkness you can see your soul.

Here with him yet still alone in your sadness.

Pulling the bed sheets close, biting your lower lip.

The iron taste brings little relief and you retreat.

What have you become?

Dew kissing bare feet

Pale skin glowing in the waning moon light.

Crisp air filling your lungs, tickling skin.

Thoughts stirring emotion, drawing out tears for no one to see.

Arms crossed, head low, gliding through the dying night.

Who will you be?

When virgin sunshine brushes your hair.

When the day’s chores roll on.

The light casts away fears and doubts.

Everything else is forgotten.

Once the sun retreats, and the moon rules.

Who are you now?

The Forgotten

There he stood silently in the corner. His thin frame cast in shadows, wrinkled clothes hanging loosely from his hips and shoulders. His hand squeezed tightly on the silver top of his cane. He felt strong today and didn’t think he really needed it for balance, but just having it kept his children quiet. While physically he was there, his mind, his soul felt miles away. Perhaps it was denial.

Quietly he stood and watched, powerless as family and their friends moved like ants around his home. The home that seemed so large and empty just moments ago felt crowded.   The air was teeming with clouds of dust and memories long forgotten. Swirling specks touched by sunlight followed each person as if trying to pull them and their items back. No rest would be found here. Not now. Not as the long sitting furniture was heaved from its spot and placed in the oversized box truck in the driveway.

Some items would be kept if deemed necessary. One child had taken the lead. She became judge and executioner for children’s shoes, games, books, and pictures. Lost in the act of the move were all the sentiments and emotion once stored in cigar boxes and closets. Gone would be the periodic adventure, the search for nothing in particular through an abandoned bedroom. The treasure of a thousand memories, babies crying, siblings laughing, lifted away in bags and cleansed with Lysol. The first time he saw his wife standing over a crib, wiped with the overwhelming smell of pine.

Still he stood silently in the shadowed corner of his home, his home from once upon a time.   Standing in a corner once graced with a Christmas tree and modest presents. The image of eager young faces coming down the steps. Replaced with boisterous adults carrying packages of his past. It was only now he felt the warm trickle on his cheek. Forgetting himself he though she had kissed him, then reality punched him in the heart again. She had passed and this is the now. With an open hand he wiped away the dampness from his cheeks and eyes.

Watching the stairs he remembered his daughter coming down those stairs on her third birthday. Hair in curls lazily bouncing on her shoulders; oversized red sunglasses wearing her Dorothy dress, smiling. With a blink, she was eighteen and coming down in a fantastic blue prom dress. Same blond curls bouncing with a hint of red dyed on the tip. No sunglasses, but the smile was just as radiant. The world was full of color then. Everything seemed to matter.

A gentle pat on his shoulder broke his revelry. The slight smile that kissed his lips faded. The room was grays and browns, shadows and sun streaks. He was alone with his daughter and the house was suddenly big again. Trails of dust slowly falling in defeat floating without hope toward the open door.

“Time to go Dad.” She said in a whisper. “You’ll be happy there. Some of your old friends live there already I think. More people your age to hang with.” Her hand trailed down his arm and clasped his. He remembered taking so many morning walks, holding that little hand. Each day a grand adventure. Running at the park or climbing some rocks, walking along the edge of a stonewall. Discovering spider webs and fireflies. And she began to lead him to the door. How the roles have changed.

There was a time before all this. A time when running high school track was important. A time spent over seas defending his country, his life. In the past he was looked too for guidance, giving instruction to co-workers. He had run a business and demanded respect. Now he was just another used up man with a cane. History discarded and placed away to ‘live’ in comfort.

Lifting his head he walked on his own following her out of the house he built. Pulling the door closed behind him he memorized once again the steady creek of those old hinges. The strong and defiant click of the lock. Without making eye contact he handed her the keys and shuffled away to the waiting car.

There he stood silently in the corner. Fluorescent lights casting a cold pale light on the remnants left of his past. All he had done, all he would ever do, reduced to a few simple paragraphs, words forgotten as they were read. Still he stood, pressing warm palms to damp cheeks.

Unknown (wip)

He sat high above the ground, feet dangling loosely. Looking over the small park back to ward his neighborhood. This was the first time in three years he had been back here. He tried to visit this place but couldn’t find the courage. Now here he was again sitting in what used to be his favorite spot, or rather their favorite spot. While sitting he felt so alone and small, memories of the past brought the touch of a smile to him. Feelings and memories wrestled with the now. How should he be, happy, complacent, depressed?

The trip through murky memories and confused feeling started three years ago. Today, today he felt like he was thrown into the deep end in the dark and everything else, all the past belonged to someone else. This was a new day and things were different.

He remembered last night, the dream or rather dreams that wouldn’t release him. He was with her again. They were still friends. Together, like thousands of times before, they walked to the park. As a team they solved puzzles and played games. She sat with him and they talked, and laughed, and shared. The dreams were all too real and at the same time he knew, he knew that things had changed. He didn’t want to wake up. Then it happened. In the midst of sitting in the tree, their tree, she looked at him and said “I’m just here you know. Things are still the same.” He was speechless.

Waking he snatched his phone from the nightstand. Ready to call and talk to her again, he wanted to share his dream. Then reality’s cold fingers gave his heart a little squeeze. The nights smile washed away and he knew he couldn’t call her. The dreams stayed vivid and strong, almost too strong to accept they weren’t real. Before the sun kissed the horizon, he pulled on his jeans, forced his bare feet into the closest pair of shoes, grabbed a sweatshirt and headed out the door. He left his phone on bed behind him and began to run. He ran for the tree, their tree.

I am

The unexpected wisp of cold sends a shiver between your shoulder blades.

I am the creek you hear when you are all alone.

I am the slightest breeze that moves the shade at night.

I am the unfound knock in the wall that moves without pattern.

I am the whisper you hear just before waking.

Hot breath on the back of your neck.

Toothbrush misplaced.

Lost keys, under the chair.

I am the pins of light shining in during the smallest hours.

The feeling of being watched when you think you are alone.

The unexpected ringing phone, with no one there

I am always there.

Tell me again how you are not afraid of me…..

Afloat

Sound echoes in time long lost

Whispers coming from corners shrouded in darkness, taunting

 

Errant wisp of hair forgotten, floating

Sticking to clothes, fingers and toes, unwanted yet cherished just the same

 

How long must we dance alone

Entwined in memories

Bittersweet with laughter and smiles

 

In the end I am but alone in this green field of sorrow

Hands teasing tips of grain folding beneath each touch

Eyes open defying the breaking dawn seeing nothing

 

Vast fields surround me, empty of direction and worth

Swift cold wind blankets my every thought

Leaving me feeling alone and lost

 

Tomorrow is a dream

Today a goose step march

Yesterday a forgotten hiccup

 

And maybe, just maybe, tomorrow the sun will shine renewed

I will be set free to see the sea on the horizon

And you will be there

Afloat waving to me

Braagh

            She missed doing this.  Laying on her back in the grass.  The sensations brought back such strong memories for her.  The slight breeze mingled around her bare feet, tickling her toes ever so slightly.  The cold blades of grass pushing against the bare skin of her legs, arms, shoulders and neck sent tingling waves to her core.  She belonged here with the earth.  Breathing deeply she took it all in and let the memories flow like tears long withheld.  She remembered running, barefoot playing tag, the joy and laughter of the chase.  She thought back to days of slaying imaginary dragons and hunting make believe monsters.  Raising one hand she wiped away tears.  She was glad she was here alone where no one could see her.  The world had moved on making the monsters of today all too real.  ‘Which face will I wear today?’ she asked herself.  A robin fluttered down, landing a few feet from her face.

            She turned her head slowly to look at the wild bird.  Grass tickled her cheek as she pressed to look.  The robin stood there staring at her, blinking.  Her breath caught when she made eye contact.  The small bird looking at her gave off no sense of fear but instead a feeling of knowing.  This bird had deep blue eyes.  With a final blink the bird was gone, lifting into the air and to the trees.

            “Aliese.  Aliese where are you?  We need to get started.” Her mother’s voice called from the back porch.  Slowly she sat up, brushed herself off and began to walk toward the house.  Time to prepare for whatever father brought home.  He had been gone longer this time.  Away hunting for five days gave cause for alarm.  Mother knew he was returning because of the crow.  Aliese’s father had a pet crow that followed him everywhere.  This morning the mangy black bird sat on the windowsill casting his long shadow with this mornings light.  Mother was happy, excited and extremely relieved.

#

            Father burst in the house, slamming the door behind him.  Panic oozed from his pores, eyes shifting.  “We must go.  Pack your things we are going to the city, now.  Move you two we have no time.”  Aliese and her mother stood side-by-side staring in wonder.

            “Where is the meat? Anish what are you saying?”

            Anish sprang from the door and grabbed his wife by the upper arms.  Eyes wide he began shouting. “It is coming!  Baagh wants it’s kill and is coming for me! We must go now!”

            Medha’s eye locked on her husband’s.  Her eyes becoming soft seemed to touch his very soul.  “Calm, please slow down and tell us what has happened.  Baagh has not been seen here is thirty years.  Tell me, tell me your tale.”

            Anish sat heavily at the table, wide eyes staring at nothing and he began to speak.  “I was hunting from my favorite tree just five miles east in the borderlands of the jungle.  A snake had taken residence in my hunting nest, which made for a fine meal.  I waited and as expected a good-sized deer wandered in line for a good shot.  I drew back my bow and set an arrow on its way.  The deer ran a few yards before dropping, all as usual.  Then as I began to dress the beast to bring it back I heard some snapping in the brush behind me.  I drew another arrow and turned slowly and there it was.  Braagh.  At first I only saw the blue eyes moving slowly toward me through the leaves and bushes.  His striped face hidden so well.  He licked his lips and nose as he broke into the clearing.  It was like he just ‘appeared’ there and bared his teeth, hissed a warning and stepped toward my kill.  I just walked quietly away and gave it over to him. But then, then,…”

            “It’s Ok dad, you’re home now.” Aliese said.  Her father looked up at her now as if seeing her for the first time.  His head began shaking side to side.

            “No. You don’t understand.  Braagh followed me to the hut.  Then he went back to the kill and dragged it so he could watch me as he ate. Eventually the cat left and then I climbed down, but he didn’t really leave he was following me so I went deeper into the jungle.  Once I was in deep I climbed as high as I could.  I then tried to get out by moving in the trees.  After two days I thought I lost him but then when I reached the edge of the jungle there.  I saw some fur on the tree there.  Orange and black fur, he is here, he knows where I am and wants his kill.  We must go now.”

            Mother and daughter looked at each other.  Aliese opened the door and called for Callie the family dog.  No dog came.  A sparrow landed just feet away from her.  The tiny bird looked up, blinked twice and flew away.  Fear found a home in Aliese as she slowly closed the door.  “Get packing.” Her mother shouted from the next room.  ‘It’s too late’ Aliese thought as she opened a small closet and removed her own bow and quiver.   Three yards out the front door and she saw the tracks, the distinctive tracks of a large cat.  Her own foot fit easily inside one.  She knew the tracks were not there earlier. 

            The tracks circled the house.  Near the back Aliese found a faint trail of blood.  ‘Callie’ she thought ‘hope you put some bites in.’ Holding back tears and burying her fear she followed the blood and drag marks toward the old woodpile.  Slowly she drew back her bow and stepped around the heap of rotting wood.  There laid the half eaten corpse of her dog.  A single arrow set fly and took out two vultures, four others jumped to the top of the woodpile, wings flapping in protest.  Aliese looked around as she crept toward her lost friend.

            Against her parent’s instructions, Aliese buried Callie in the front yard.  Her parents were eager to go, knowing the stories of Braagh.  He was the king of all big cats some said.  Legends were told that once Braagh got your scent, there was no hiding. Stories of farmers went missing, hunters disappearing, all credit given to Braagh.  Aliese wanted her revenge.  She convinced her parents that one night would not make a difference.  They agreed to stay thinking it would be better to travel during daylight.

            Lying still in the earliest hours of the morning, sometime between three and four am, Aliese heard the gentle thump thump on the back roof.  She traced each step through the ceiling with her eyes.  Braagh was on the roof and looking for some way in.  Maybe he had done this before and scared his prey out for an easy kill?  Aliese looked at her parents, they were both sound asleep.  Quietly she stood, bow in hand, arrow ready to notch.  Staring at the shuttered window she waited, then a shadow broke the moonlight as Braagh leapt to the ground.  Aliese remembered how easily her own foot fit in the print left by the big cat earlier today.  Then her thoughts shifted to Callie, the blood, the buzzards and her fear turned to red-hot rage in her stomach.  Hand on the door she slowly opened it, letting in moonlight and fresh air.  ‘Nothing better than a full moon to hunt by’ she thought as she stepped out pulling the door closed behind her.

            She found the deep prints left where the cat came down from the roof.  Instinct told her he would go to Callie’s grave. Crouching low Aliese moved in that direction.  She stopped suddenly, ears piqued.  She heard breathing.  Turning she saw blue eyes staring down at her from the roof of her home.  The cat was lying there watching her. Frozen she just stared back, unsure of what to do next.  The moon was behind the cat making a shot difficult.  The two sat there staring, waiting for the inevitable.

            The first red light broke the still.  Braagh stood eyes fixed on Aliese.  Aliese took in a deep breath and held it raising the bow and drawing back at the same time.  Braagh’s ears went flat, tail tucked, legs drew under like springs.  A final show of teeth and all his energy was released forward.  Aliese and Braagh locked eyes her arrow let loose.   A thousand birds took flight into the morning sun.

Just a thought

To start I want to give a heart felt thank you to all that follow this blog.

Let me apologize in advance as I do not dedicate as much time as I should to any blogging.   I have far too many short stories and poems that have stalled.  They sit in limbo and are revisited weekly.  I want to give good stuff that goes somewhere and therefore fail to publish much.  I know that doesn’t matter to some, er most, it matters to me.  Quality before quantity I think.  Probably wrong on that but what the hell.

So I don’t always comment or like but I do make the effort to run through my follow list and check out what you are posting.  I am usually in awe.

Talent can be subjective. IMO I am surrounded by some of the most talented and unrecognized writers and photographers around.  I am humbled and greatly appreciative that you follow me.  I will try to post more and be more interactive in the very near future.   Stay creative and stay true to you!!!!

There He Stood

There he stood, silently in the corner.

Late afternoon sunlight cutting streams in the dust.

Silently he stood there watching as family, friends moved likes ants attending a picnic.

They moved moving furniture, clothes and dishes to the box truck parked in the driveway.

Chatting among themselves, joking and laughing.

Discarding old shoes and children’s games as they went.

There he stood silently in the corner of the house he built.

His home, once upon a time anyway.

He could still smell the pine of Christmas trees long since gone.

He could hear the cries of a newborn baby echoing in the hall.

He could still see children playing in the living room, sometimes fighting in the yard.

He remembered the time his daughter walked down on her own on her third birthday.

There she was again coming down for her prom.

“Time to go dad.” Came with a pat on the shoulder.

“You’ll be happy there, really.  More people your own age to relate to.”

Head held high he followed, like the shadow he now was.

A final click of the lock, handing over the keys.

There he stood in the corner.

Fluorescent lights cast a crisp cold glow on the remnants of his past.

WIP (no title yet) Chp 9

9. Confusion

 

            Magmus looked at Celustrus and Abdial, tears forming in the corners of his eyes, “Take care of that beast. “ He nodded toward the struggling McGaha and returned his attention to his dying mentor. Resting Sarafiel across his lap Magmus rummaged in his pockets coming out with a small bag of dried herbs. With shaking hands he removed several small leaves and ground them in his fist. Quickly he sprinkled the ground herbs on the wound and pressed them in with his palm. Mumbling to himself some ancient healing spell. Nothing changed. Sarafiel was struggling to breath and looked into Magmus’ eyes. Grinding more herbs he repeated the process, now finding it hard to remember the words, the correct tongue or even to say them clearly. None of this was in the plan.

 

            Sarafiel looked deeply into Magmus’ eyes . Magmus’ breath caught in his throat. For the first time he felt no fear of Sarafiel. ‘His eyes’ Magmus thought, ‘they changed.’ Never before had Sarafiel ever let down his guard. His eyes now reflected a quiet love, a softness and understanding never before witnessed by Magmus. Sarafiel reached up and cupped Magmus’ cheek. Through dry lips he began to speak softly so as no one else could hear.

 

            “My son of learning. You alone have surpassed your master years ago. Don’t speak now just listen for these will be the last of my words for many years. Your magic is strong, your knowledge and reasoning even stronger. This makes you dangerous to all, gnome, leprechaun, elf, and goddess alike. I must caution you, trust your instinct. Trust your heart. One day the two will battle and you, only you can decide the outcome. I must rest now. Finish your task, perhaps the next time we meet it will be under better terms.” Sarafiel forced a smile and released a final soft warm breath. The air escaping him seemed to glow a gentle muted gold for just a moment. His eyes became black and slowly closed. Magmus gently laid his mentor on the earth and crossed his arms across his chest covering the wound. With watery eyes Celustrus and Abdial watched. Magmus stood and rubbed his dusty sleeve across his eyes. Holding his shillelagh in his right hand he now turned his attention toward the still struggling fat man.

 

            “I wasn’t sure.” Celustrus started but Magmus paid her no mind as he headed toward the struggling human. Before she could grab his shoulder Magmus was moving fast and stiff. His eyes now dry and burning glared at McGaha. Jaw clenched he twirled the shillelagh. The crude looking branch was suddenly a gold toned double-edged short sword. The blade seemed to catch light unseen and ring as it sliced the air. McGaha’s eyes grew wide as Magmus stopped, pointing the weapon centimeters from the center of the human’s eyes. Through clenched teeth Magmus snarled, “I should run you through the middle and leave you for the beasts of the wood. They would surely enjoy some fresh warm meat. I want to hear you scream as they begin their feast.” Coming slowly from behind him, Celustrus gently lowered her hand onto Magmus’ shoulder. The simple electricity of her touch seemed to subdue his anger. At this moment he regretted that she was here. She whispered, warm breath tickling his ear, “Not like this, not here. If what I have heard were true, Sarafiel would not want it like this. Not by your hand.” The gnome had struck a nerve, she most always did. The fire receded from his eyes and Magmus slowly lowered his blade. Looking down he spotted the handgun sitting in the dried grass. Using the tip of his sword he traced a circle around it. Tapping the ground the gun was sucked in and replaced with an opaque stone. He spun and looked at Celustrus, trying desperately to keep his anger alive, “If not me then who? If not now then when? “ Celustrus eyes softened even more. Tears standing in the corners, “I don’t know. I only know it’s not you not now. “ A single tear escaped and landed on the newfound stone.

 

            Magmus looked at the human and said, “Run coward. When next we meet you will die. No gnome shall save you. Now RUN!” The roots released McGaha. He fell backward struggled to his feet and headed as fast as his thick legs could carry his girth toward the wood. Magmus turned to where he had left Sarafiel.

The space that Sarafiel had laid upon, was now occupied by an Oak tree. The tree stood in full bloom as if it had been there for centuries. Sitting in the branches were a pair of robins and a pair of ravens. Oddly, each pair sat facing its partner, head lowered almost touching. Magmus stepped past the now quiet Abdial and Celustrus and placed his hands on the tree. “Rest well my friend and mentor.” Lowering his chin, Magmus allowed himself to cry. His silvery tears finding their way, winding along the roots to kiss the earth. Thunder sounded from the cloudless sky. Celustrus stepped forward and gently laid her hand in the center of his back. His breathing calmed as he raised his head and slowly looked at his companions. Clearing his throat he announced, “There is still work to be done.”

WIP (no title yet) Chp 8

I havent posted all the chapters leading to this.  I think there is enough info in the first two to put most readers on track.  I am also re editing the work so far.  I noticed some choppy, adjective infected writing.  so here goes… Please comment if you would.

8 Going Home

 

 

 

            Abdial ran with all her strength toward Magmus. The human was gaining, enraged at her escape. Magmus muttered “digitilvsdi ukadv”. The ravens and robins flew toward McGaha’s face cawing and scratching. McGaha began swinging the bag he was carrying trying to ward off this new distraction. All of this activity drew little attention from those still walking the street.

 

            Magmus reached out and grabbed Abdial’s hand and threw her onto Celustrus’ back. Together they continued nonstop toward a fountain just a few yards away. Magmus withdrew the crystals from his vest pocket and began to chant softly with now laboring breath. In the near part of the fountain the water began to take on a golden glow. “NO NO NO NO NO!” shouts rained toward them from the human coming up behind them. A booming crack of thunder, the skies opened and it began to rain.

 

            Together Magmus, Celustrus, and Abdial tucked their chins and dove head first into the now golden glowing liquid. Enveloped momentarily in the damp warmth, devoid of oxygen, time seemed to freeze. The three came shooting headfirst out of what appeared to be no more than a muted yellow puddle on the edge of a field. They were back. The chant and crystals had worked. The three continued to run to find the cover of some nearby trees. They could hear the emergence of the human from behind them Gasping for air. Magmus smiled as he heard the human begin to retch. Not easy to jump worlds he thought. Then the sounds of hooves made the three freeze in their tracks. A small group of elves on horseback emerged from the woods in front of them. Several had bows at the ready and were pointing at Magmus.

 

 

            From his hands and knees McGaha lost his dinner. He was not prepared for the jump. The lack of oxygen in addition to being winded from the run had taken its toll on him. He was here he thought. The air was different. Taking in a deep breath he felt alive like never before. Looking around the colors seemed brighter, even in the growing twilight. His first impulse was to explore this strange new land. As he began to rise he heard the sounds of horses approaching. McGaha’s eyes grew wide in amazement as he saw what appeared to be a small group of man sized creatures riding horses. At first glance they looked human, but then the differences became apparent. Their ears were higher on their head and pointed, eyes much more narrow, as was their mouth. There was hardly a nose visible on their faces and their hair was thin and seemed to almost float in the gentle breeze. McGaha dropped his bag and ripped at the zipper reaching inside.

 

            The group of elves broke into the clearing forming a short line parallel to the gnomes and leprechaun. No one seemed to even notice the intruder in their midst. One of the elves drew a bow and arrow and pointed it at Abdial. She involuntarily began squeezing Celustrus’ hand. Cleustrus gently moved Abdial behind her defensively. What appeared to be the lead elf began to speak looking directly at Magmus.

 

            “Leprechaun, we can not allow you to pass these woods.” The squeaky yet penetrating voice of the would be leader stated. “You must not try to force the prophecy. All things in due time.”

 

            Magmus eyes became slits as his gaze shifted from elf to elf. Only five he thought, easy numbers but there will be more soon. Magmus spoke evenly, hiding his anger “I force nothing elf. What is happening is happening and let no creature of this world or other interfere.” The horses stirred uneasily at these words. Magmus heard a voice behind him. It was Sarafiel the Wise.

 

            Of all the elders why him? Magmus respected all the elders but he feared Sarafiel. Each encounter the two had shared in the past, Sarafiel’s gaze seemed to burn into Magmus’ very soul. He always knew what the plan was before Magmus. No matter the outcome, he always felt his efforts would be lacking in the eyes of Sarafiel. As a mentor Magmus could not have had a better one. Now like the whisper of wind he was standing behind Magmus.

 

            Sarafiel stepped out and held up a single hand. He looked at the ground as he spoke. “Elvin brothers we ask safe passage to protect the future of this world. We leave you this to do with as you please.” Sarafiel turned sideways and shifted his hand to point at McGaha still half kneeling staring wide eyed at the scene before him, one hand buried in his small backpack. The lead elf seemed to scowl “ What use would a simple pig man have for us? The leprechaun brought him through, you dispose of him. These woods will not see you pass. Find another way.” Sarafiel let out a sigh and took a step so he was now standing beside Magmus. Abdial and Celustrus were shielded behind the two leprechauns. Now Sarafiel made eye contact with the lead elf and stated matter of factly, “My good fellow, this was not so much a request.” His eyes became slits as the once gentle breeze began to change to a steady wind.

The elf with the raised bow shifted and let his arrow fly. In a blur Magmus snagged the arrow just before it pierced the robe of Sarafiel. He slowly turned breathing deeply to contain his anger, narrow red eyes surveyed the elves. The horses were now all visibly agitated as the very air in the clearing felt warm and electric. Sarafiel whispered, “Calm your heart noble leprechaun. Tis not yet the time.” Magmus dropped the arrow and withdrew his shillelagh from one of the magical pockets of his vest. He stood straight eyes still in slits and grumbled, “That is the only gift you will take this day elf. Now step away or be moved. Your choice.” The horses were becoming nearly impossible to still.

 

 

            McGaha could barely contemplate the significance of the scene before him. He wanted to rule this world and now would be his time. He withdrew a nickel-plated revolver from his bag and stood up. Watching the arrow take flight and witnessing the leprechaun stop it only made he more inspired. He would not be denied his place here. McGaha pointed the revolver at the lead elf and pulled the trigger. A thunderous bang, cloud of smoke; flash of light and the hot spinning lead was on its way. Sarafiel turned and leaped straight up the bullet finding a mark in his chest. The elves scattered unsure and frightened by this unknown magic. Celustrus and Abdial froze, eyes wide scanning for some clue as to where to go or what to do. Magmus spun and screamed “Sarafiel!” catching him as he fell. He pointed his shillelagh at the human. Tree roots sprung from the ground pinning McGaha in place and removing the gun from his hand.