last chapter for now, i have to get up and go to work in the morning, so i hope you like this one, i mught not update until mid-july, i have to tweak the next couple, but i am happy with this one, but it will be subject to changes.
now Marianna (i know the name is really close to Mary, but it was the first thing to come to mind, and i am not changing it now) is introduced, she's the one that Henric was bad mouthing before he offed Frondo. she's a good character, i like the way she fits into the story, and her lover is Aldebaran, the guy who taught Garron magic, and basically raised him, true he's in his late 30's early-mid 40's, but i picture Aldebaran as a George Clooney.(if you've ever seenoceans 11, (i know it's not a fairy tale) that is the attitude i picturedAldebaran with)
my sister forgot that simon was 12, and asked why he was being so rude to the adults(you'll see) ALL 12 year olds have some attitude, i was a total ... cow... when i was 12 (i was a trouble maker)
------------CLAIMER------------------
THIS IS AN ORIGINAL STORY, I WILL BE USING THIS LATER TO (hopefully) PUBLISH.
sorry to keep you from the story, i hope you like this one!
Chapter 19
Marianna
Simon dragged the stubborn Sampson along as fast as he could manage, Red crawling along sheepishly behind. Simon struggled with the reins and the long willowy branches hanging in the way. He pushed them to the side as they whipped his face and arms, cursing under his breath at Anyé and her ability to attract danger.
"Why can't she stay out of trouble? Now I know how Saul feels… she's just prone to accidents and danger isn't she."
He rushed Sampson on, and chirped to Red consolingly, the poor dog, he thought, look what he has to go through.
Finally he emerged from the overgrown path, onto a much newer dirt road, on the other side of which was a lonely looking building, ivy and vines spreading precariously up its off-white façade. Simon breathed a sigh of relief and pulled the horse across. Stopping near the side, he dropped the reins and walked slowly up to the front of the dilapidated door, unsure on knocking; the door looked as though it might crumble beneath his fist.
While he was deciding, the door burst open, and a portly man with gray hair was thrown bodily out, by a Middle aged man with dark curls. The banished man grumbled some choice words under his breath and walked angrily away, giving the building glares. The curly haired man shouted after him cheerfully, "and if I ever see you back in here, after what Marianna told you, you will be better off dead!"
He looked surprised at the shocked look on Simon's pale face, and laughed. "It's just for show kid, come on in." he turned swiftly and marched inside.
Simon stared after for a moment, and then remembered why he had struggled all the way through the forest, and rushed in. His eyes took a few moments to adjust to the dark; the gloom was not oppressive, just dim, as though he was under water. He walked inside and searched for someone in charge. The man from the door had walked behind the bar, and was serving drinks and talking merrily with the customers.
Pushing his way up to the bar, Simon cleared his throat and tried to tell the bartender why he had come. "Sir, sir, I need your help!" the man could not hear him. Simon tried louder. "Sir, please, I need help. I was sent by—" a large man pushed Simon roughly away from the bar. "Gerroutta here!" Simon was sent sprawling across the room. Frustrated, Simon couldn't take any more. He snapped. "I SAID I NEED HELP!"
Everyone went silent, and stared at the desperate young boy. "Thank you." breathed Simon. "My friends need help, and I was told to come here and say that Garron sent me, and that he needs help to rescue our friend Anyé." The words tumbled from his lips like water. He stared around, his eyes coming to rest on the curly-haired bartender. "Will you help?"
A voice from the stairs, at the far end of the room answered Simon's question.
"Of course we will. Wes, Cree, go and help Garron, you know how uncoordinated he is."
Simon turned as the two burly men walked out the door. The voice that had spoken was still in shadows, it was deep and husky, and he could not determine whether it was a man or a woman.
He squinted into the darkness as it spoke again, this time directly to him. "Come, you must be tired, we'll have someone take care of your friends, and you can rest." A tall willowy woman stepped from the shadows, her long, straight dark hair flowing as she descended the staircase. Simon was staggered; he had never seen a woman wield such power and command over all the men in the hall. The occupants averted their eyes as she passed; they knew what the sorceress was capable of.
"Hello, Simon." smiled the woman charmingly. "Welcome to the Tollonian rebel base. I am Marianna, The Lady of the Dark Lake. Your friends will be coming shortly; I'll show you to your room."
Marianna led Simon down the aisle of the hall, the eyes of the insurgents watching him carefully as he passed. Coming up to a door on the left, Marianna stopped and turned as gracefully as a feather in the breeze. "I hope you find this comfortable until the others arrive." Her brow knitted together with concern, "Garron is way ahead of schedule, and I hope he has a good explanation." She walked sinuously back to the bar, and before he went into his room, Simon saw her lean her petite frame across the bar to converse with the bartender, who showed the same look of concern.
nice little cliff hanger, keep you busy thinking it over while i spend my free time completely re working the next one, (it needs it)
should have the next up in july, i'll try to put up at least 2. i know how much i hate to wait for just one chapter.
thanks!
D.L Shores
