Author's note: I'm going to give this story a try. Hopefully I can get some
feedback as
I am a newbie. The story is supposed to be a prequel to an upcoming story I wish to
create. This introduction is kind of a taster that I hope that you may review and
enjoy. Please feel free to give me any constructive criticism you can offer. Disclaimer: The plot is my own but feeds off of the great story of Marlfox that belongs to
Brian Jacques.
Peacefully lay the steep riverbanks of the eastern edge of Mossflower Woods. The river at this point on its long winding path south was swift and deep. Anybeast who might wish to cross it would require a sturdy, reliable boat to navigate through. The current was not only swift, but still bitterly cold only just recently having escaped the firm grip of winter. Snow that had once smothered the earth was now melting steadily in scant clumps under the trees and on the rocky ledges of the river. Already, the surrounding trees on either side were bringing forth gentle new buds that would be nursed into maturity by the soft breath of spring. The air was still and the night sky was crisp and clear. Always in winter is the night sky the brightest and tonight was no exception. It would have been brighter had there been a full moon but on this evening it hung waning under the stars.
This was no setback for one creature who stood on the edge of a houseraft as it was pulled confidently down the river south. For this character, the darkness and shadows were well- favored. The unacknowledged raft was better protected under the expansive hood of night. Completely still the figure was, with the exception of the brown and green woven cloak that rippled in the slight, but sharp early spring breeze. In fact, so still was the beast that without obvious movement on its part, one would find it impossible to know that it was even standing there. Poking out from under the weather- worn cloak was a deadly looking single-headed axe. The side of the blade was scored consistently, due to the many obvious conflicts it had participated in. Still, it would be a fatal mistake for anybeast to consider the weapon without real harm. The grip of the creature on it was loose, but steady. It was a practiced and knowledgeable hold upon the handle. Not even the tip of the blade twitched under the slight rocking of the raft against the water.
Lights twinkled pleasantly from inside the little house and shone on the creature's back, silhouetting it as it stood looking south. The only distinctive features that one might discern were the strange pale eyes that shone out from its shaded face. Eyes with pupils like a cat's. Eyes with cunning and intelligence. Eyes with a purpose.
The creature lifted its snout and sniffed the air appreciatively scanning the upcoming course of the river. The movement of the head was done with soft and wraith-like talent. It was like no other creature that the mysterious beast moved. All was taken in by its pale eyes. Everything was observed and stored in its fertile brain. Soon, the houseraft passed a large rocky island in the middle of the big river that time had oddly worn into the shape of a fish. This did not escape the notice of the cloaked figure. Indeed, recognition dawned quietly in its eyes. If it could be seen in the darkness, a slight smile curled its lips as the large raft continued its journey south.
Almost home
The clear air of early spring was silently interrupted as a strange fog as thick as a curtain suddenly rolled over the river and its banks. It quickly seeped into the forest's edge creating a surrealistic maze as it weaved through the trunks and the riverside bushes and plants. All that could be seen along the river were the waning lights of the houseraft making its way purposefully down the stream and out of sight. Peacefully lay the riverbanks.
I am a newbie. The story is supposed to be a prequel to an upcoming story I wish to
create. This introduction is kind of a taster that I hope that you may review and
enjoy. Please feel free to give me any constructive criticism you can offer. Disclaimer: The plot is my own but feeds off of the great story of Marlfox that belongs to
Brian Jacques.
Peacefully lay the steep riverbanks of the eastern edge of Mossflower Woods. The river at this point on its long winding path south was swift and deep. Anybeast who might wish to cross it would require a sturdy, reliable boat to navigate through. The current was not only swift, but still bitterly cold only just recently having escaped the firm grip of winter. Snow that had once smothered the earth was now melting steadily in scant clumps under the trees and on the rocky ledges of the river. Already, the surrounding trees on either side were bringing forth gentle new buds that would be nursed into maturity by the soft breath of spring. The air was still and the night sky was crisp and clear. Always in winter is the night sky the brightest and tonight was no exception. It would have been brighter had there been a full moon but on this evening it hung waning under the stars.
This was no setback for one creature who stood on the edge of a houseraft as it was pulled confidently down the river south. For this character, the darkness and shadows were well- favored. The unacknowledged raft was better protected under the expansive hood of night. Completely still the figure was, with the exception of the brown and green woven cloak that rippled in the slight, but sharp early spring breeze. In fact, so still was the beast that without obvious movement on its part, one would find it impossible to know that it was even standing there. Poking out from under the weather- worn cloak was a deadly looking single-headed axe. The side of the blade was scored consistently, due to the many obvious conflicts it had participated in. Still, it would be a fatal mistake for anybeast to consider the weapon without real harm. The grip of the creature on it was loose, but steady. It was a practiced and knowledgeable hold upon the handle. Not even the tip of the blade twitched under the slight rocking of the raft against the water.
Lights twinkled pleasantly from inside the little house and shone on the creature's back, silhouetting it as it stood looking south. The only distinctive features that one might discern were the strange pale eyes that shone out from its shaded face. Eyes with pupils like a cat's. Eyes with cunning and intelligence. Eyes with a purpose.
The creature lifted its snout and sniffed the air appreciatively scanning the upcoming course of the river. The movement of the head was done with soft and wraith-like talent. It was like no other creature that the mysterious beast moved. All was taken in by its pale eyes. Everything was observed and stored in its fertile brain. Soon, the houseraft passed a large rocky island in the middle of the big river that time had oddly worn into the shape of a fish. This did not escape the notice of the cloaked figure. Indeed, recognition dawned quietly in its eyes. If it could be seen in the darkness, a slight smile curled its lips as the large raft continued its journey south.
Almost home
The clear air of early spring was silently interrupted as a strange fog as thick as a curtain suddenly rolled over the river and its banks. It quickly seeped into the forest's edge creating a surrealistic maze as it weaved through the trunks and the riverside bushes and plants. All that could be seen along the river were the waning lights of the houseraft making its way purposefully down the stream and out of sight. Peacefully lay the riverbanks.