Short Stories...

Here we go...

Now, I haven't spent oodles of time developing or editing so don't be too harsh. These are just 'quickies' that came to mind when I saw a picture. Just read and enjoy!

Sapphire's Wish

Artwork by Chris Goguen

The warm rays of the brilliant sun peeked curiously through the forest canopy. Lovingly it sprinkled golden specks of light down upon a young mermaid who was fast asleep on a bed of silver rocks.

Dreams waved across her lids as she slept, her head cradled on her arms. The wind tugged gently at her hair and nipped lovingly at her nose. It was time for her to awaken. It was time for her to remember.

With a fluttering of long lashes, her clear blue eyes opened. At first she could only stare in wonder at the beauty of the cascading waterfalls. The gentle rush of the cool water filled her ears as it flowed into the pool around her, creating a light mist that floated along the air and kissed her face.

Her thoughts returned to her dream. In it, she had travelled far on the river that fed these waters. That is until their boat had crashed. It must have been the currents that had brought her here after the accident. But there were others. Her sisters. Anxiety filled her as she looked around. Where were her sisters?

Still groggy from sleep but too anxious to lay about, the girl lifted her head slowly from the smooth rock and then pushed her torso up. It was then that she felt the difference. Her body swayed a little as she tried to adjust it to a sitting position. That’s when she realized, half of her was missing. Well…the half she was used to anyways.

“A tail?” the young girl whispered in disbelief. This was a dream, it had to be. Wasn’t it? Her fingers trembled as they cautiously poked several places on the long sapphire sleeve that once was flesh. The silky stretch of scales felt nothing like she had imagined or feared. At the end of this mysterious tail was a sparkling gossamer fin.

The caudal fin obediently reacted to her unspoken thought and rose to greet her hand. Its fine detail was only upstaged by its feathery softness.

“What has become of me?” she fretted as she lowered her fin. With a tail, she was confined to this pool and would not be able to search for her sisters.

The beauty around her called out to soothe her but she could not find comfort. Tears shimmered as they fell like sparkling diamonds from her eyes. She missed her sisters greatly.

The wind whispered around her. Promises that she did not understand. It kissed away her tears and smoothed her hair. Still, the mermaid wept. She was alone and there was no hope for her ever finding her sisters.

“You have returned to us…to your home,” a voice whispered from one direction. Then from another, “We have missed you greatly.”

“I don’t understand,” the mermaid asked, her voice cracking. “I do not remember anything. How can this be my home? Who are you? Where are you? Please I must find my sisters.”

“You were lost and near death when you were first brought you here. The waters took pity on you and your sisters. They transformed you so that you could continue to exist,” the voice spoke, coming from yet another direction. “You were allowed to leave for a brief time but now fate has returned you to us. This time, the currents cradled you until your body remembered what it once knew. The gift it was once given.”

“But my sisters…,” the mermaid began but her voice was so strained that she could not finish.

“As we speak, the current reminds them of what they once were,” the voice answered the unspoken question.

The head of a bright red-orange flower bobbed anxiously beside the silver rock. Its sweet fragrance called out to the mermaid. She reached down and carefully lifted the large flower out of the water and to her nose. Her nostrils sucked in the calming aroma before she placed it in her lap.

“You will be reunited with your sister’s soon dear child,” the spirit promised. “You need only to have patience and everything you desire shall be yours.”

Ages 9-12

Figowy's Stand

Artwork by Ray

Story by Christy Condoleo

"I will not allow you to pass," Figowy growled as she gripped the hilt of her blade tighter. Her eyes bore into the hooded man before her defiantly. The cowards! They could not face her so they sent they sent this fool to meet his death? "I protect these people now. Tell your brethren that they no longer hold claim to this land or me!"

Canus stood beside his mistress, uncertain of what he should do. As her familiar he was bound to guard her but now as she stood before him, it looked as if she were guarding him. Never before had she stood up to her masters. What was she thinking? One word...with just one word from their cruel lips she could be brought to her knees, quivering and gasping for air!

"I suppose you should be warned," she said when he did not respond. She thrust her free arm forward and lifted it. The damp sleeve of her shift slid down to reveal nine thin bracelets. With a twist of her wrist, the bangles slinked down, one by one before they bunched together on her forearm. Lightning illuminated the runic engraving on the silver bangles. "Don't bother to count them. There is only nine. The master seal has been broken so my impure soul is no longer bound."

The man took a step back and clenched his fists at his sides. Almost as if by command, the wind tugged his hood back. He was young, perhaps even her age. The trademark platinum blonde hair of his brethren was swept from his eyes. Cold brilliant blue eyes that looked determined. They observed the witch before him without any trace of fear.

No fear? Figowy might have been impressed but she knew the ways of his brethren. His false courage came from ignorance. What was the saying? She smirked. Ignorance would not be a bliss today!

"Don't look so smug," the man spoke finally. "I know of your tricks and I had suspected that the seal was missing."

Figowy's brows lifted. Well, now that was a surprise. Even had the master seal been intact, he hardly looked to be a match for her. The witch searched his eyes again. Was he a suicidal glory hound or just another mindless follower sent to his death?

"I find it intriguing that you possess the humanity to want to protect those wretches," the man mocked. His voice was strong and carried without even a quiver along the cool wind. "Don't waste your pathetic pity on me. I need no warning demon. I can hold my own against something as vile as you."

Vile? Now he was pushing his fortune! Still, from the conviction in his voice, Figowy knew why he had been chosen. The fool actually believed his own words! But then belief was always the most dangerous of attributes. It would be fun to see just how strong his belief was. It would have to be unwavering to beat her. Dare she hope? Maybe...just maybe, he could back up his ego! She licked her lower lip hungrily. How long had it been since she was free to fight? To fight her way?

Collection

I haven't advertised too much for this but since it is now listed on Amazon.com, I thought I would give it a home here on my 'Shorts' page. I dedicated the book to all who in some way of another (be it a smile, a kind word, or a gesture) touch our lives. At the end of the second edition, I have added another note in honour of my mother who passed this January. It is not a sad memory but a strong and loving one.

Here's a link for it at Lulu.com and one for Amazon.com. The book does not have an ISBN yet. I'm still uncertain whether or not it will but if you're looking for a good read, give this a try. There are three great short stories in it. It is 52 pages and even has a few chapter pics sketched by me.