FanStory.com
"Legend Chasers"


Chapter 1
Sagerton

By davisr (Rhonda)

The hot July wind whipped about a dusty intersection, forcing the buildings and structures to groan in protest. There were few humans or animals that dared venture into the sweltering heat, and yet everything was not still and quiet.

A large gray bus pulled up creaking and groaning like an old man. After swaying to a stop, it deposited a young woman onto the sidewalk. She was tall, graceful and self-assured. Dressed in a flower print summer skirt and white cotton blouse, she cut an elegant figure in the bleak surroundings.

The woman placed two large suitcases on the ground. Looking around, her eyes fixed on an unusual scene.

She heard, "Let me go!"

A grizzled old man jerked his hand from the grasp of a local police officer. They stood beside a black and white squad car, Sagerton Police, emblazoned on its side.

"Mr. Byrne," the officer said. His voice was patient as though speaking to a child. "You're creating a public nuisance--again."

"I'm trying to save lives, youngster. I've finally spotted the Piasa bird, and it's up to no good."

"Now, Mr. Byrne, you know there ain't no such a thing as a pie-a-saw bird. What you seen was a hawk or something. Please go home."

Nara Baker turned her attention from the disruption and swept her gaze around the dusty town. She made no move to alter the melee caused by the arguing men, nor to step away from the curb.

Where was the woman that was supposed to pick her up and take her to Rugged Saddles Boarding School? The text said Barbara Eddins would be in a black pickup truck. Nara looked again. She was literally surrounded by pickups. Did everyone in Texas drive the wretched things?

"Ma'am?" a deep voice said.

Startled, Nara whipped her head to the left.

There beside her, was a tall, thin man dressed in dusty attire. In a quick glance, Nara took in his appearance. On probably size 13 feet, stretched a pair of old cowboy boots. They were crusted with something like dried cow manure, but might have been mud.

The young man's jeans were faded and worn. He had a thumb hooked in one pocket in a stance he must have thought seductive. The effect was lost on Nara. Also lost, was the charm of his clean pearl snap shirt somewhat dressing up a cowpoke appearance. The dingy white cowboy hat displayed on his head completed the package.

"Please tell me your name isn't Bubba."

"It's Hank, Pretty Lady, and if your name is Nara, I'm here to pick you up."

Nara motioned to her bags sitting on the ground. She tilted her auburn head to the side and squinted sparkling blues eyes in a habitual manner.

"What happened to Mrs. Eddins?"

"She's back at the ranch feeding the troops."

"It was my understanding she'd be here to pick me up."

"She's..."

"I know, feeding the troops. The statement was rhetorical."

"Come on," Hank said, lifting the deposited suitcases with ease. "Mrs. Eddins asked me to fetch you. Are these your school books?"

"Most of my teaching material is online, or already at the school," Nara replied. "These are my clothes. Please be careful with those bags, they're Rimowa's."

"Don't know who she is, but unless she comes to load them, I'm in charge."

Hank slung the two expensive pieces of luggage into the bed of his black truck like bags of range cubes. A cloud of dust spewed out in their wake.

Nara shook her head as though doing so would send the message to her escort that she wasn't happy with the treatment of her belongings. He simply smiled and opened the passenger door for her to climb inside.

"After you," he said. A dramatic gesture accompanied his remark.

Nara clambered up a muddied side rail, grasped the cracked dash and crawled inside with as much grace as she could muster. She didn't bother to look at the condition of the interior of the truck. She could smell it.

"Don't forget your seat-belt." Hank said. He pointed at a stained strap.

Nara fastened it around her, hoping the trip to the ranch would be short. She already felt she needed a bath.

Once inside, Hank nodded his approval, then started the truck and headed off. They didn't get far, though, before he jerked to a sudden stop.

"What's wrong?" Nara reached for her purse that had thudded to the floorboard. She wiped particles of food off it's surface.

Hank didn't answer, but rolled his window down and called out to the old man Nara had seen earlier.

"Riley, get in the back. Mrs. Eddins told me to bring you with me."

"You can't take him with us." Nara protested. "He's a drunk."

"Naw, Riley ain't no drunk, Sweetie, he's just a little confused."

"Does he live on the ranch?"

"Most of the time. He's our handyman."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Nope, old man may be a bit nutty, but he's good with a wrench."

"This is going to be an interesting job," Nara muttered.

Why had she left her position as a Nanny in New York City? She was well-paid and treated with respect.

Oh yeah, Nara thought, she was supposed to be healing a broken heart and shattered life in the warm sun of west Texas. She didn't feel she was off to a very good start.

Hank drove off again, old man in tow and young lady clawing at a broken hand-rest.

Author Notes A new year, a new book. Wish me luck!

Photo from google images.


Chapter 2
Back at the Farm.

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of language.

End of Chapter 1:

Hank didn't answer, but rolled his window down and called out to the old man Nara had seen earlier.

"Riley, get in the back. Mrs. Eddins told me to bring you with me."

"You can't take him with us." Nara protested. "He's a drunk."

"Naw, Riley ain't no drunk, Sweetie, he's just a little confused."

"Does he live on the ranch?"

"Most of the time. He's our handyman."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Nope, old man may be a bit nutty, but he's good with a wrench."

"This is going to be an interesting job," Nara muttered.

Why had she left her position as a Nanny in New York City? She was well-paid and treated with respect.

Oh yeah, Nara thought, she was supposed to be healing a broken heart and shattered life in the warm sun of west Texas. She didn't feel she was off to a very good start.

Hank drove off again, old man in tow and young lady clawing at a broken hand-rest.


Chapter 2

"This is your room," Hank said. He placed Nara's dusty luggage inside a surprisingly charming room.

Nara looked around and saw a cozy bed, complete with a fluffy pink comforter, and stacks of pillows she could imagine sinking into. The floor was covered in soft pastel carpet, and on the walls were several landscapes so detailed they could have been photos.

"Who painted these?" Nara asked. She walked close to one and let her fingers brush the surface in silent admiration.

"A local artist," Hank replied. "Do you like them?"

"I do, they're exquisite. Are they portrayals of scenes from this area."

"Yes'm. The one with the longhorn bull pawing the ground is our own, Mr. B."

"Mr. B? What's the B short for, Bull?"

"No, Ma'am, Bastard. If you wander into the cattle pasture, you might want to watch out for him."

"That shouldn't be a problem, Hank, but thanks for the warning."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Well, I appreciate your helping me in, and for the brilliant tour of the facility. I now know where to eat, do my laundry, and borrow a car to go to town. You've been most accommodating."

"I try to be. Don't forget there's a barbeque tonight in the outdoor commons. You can meet the rest of the faculty and students there. Grubs pretty good, too."

"What time does it start?"

"Oh, about an hour before dark. You'll know when you hear the guitars and fiddle crank up."

"Really?" Nara's word was simple, but the sarcasm was deep. Could this place get any more yokel?

"Yes'm."

"Please stop calling me Mam. I'm clearly no older than you."

"Just trying to be polite..."

"Like your mama taught you?"

"You don't like me much, do you?"

Nara paused from viewing the room and looked Hank directly in the eyes. For the first time, she noticed they were a deep, sort of sapphire blue that drew her in like the painting on the wall had done.

"I don't know you well enough to decide whether or not to like you."

"Well, folks around here like a person first, then let their opinions develop as they get to know them."

For the first time, Hank's passive face betrayed emotion and his voice took on a cool crispness.

"I stand corrected."

"You're fine," he said, lowering his eyes. "See you at the barbeque, then."

"I'll be there. Will the old man from town be there as well?"

"Yes, uh, Nara. He'll be the one on the fiddle."

Suppressing a shudder at the old man's expense, Nara opened her suitcases and began putting her things in the dresser. She listened as Hank closed the door and walked away.

What was it about this sleepy old town that irritated her? She had come here for rest and reflection. Was it the town's fault she felt uneasy, or was it her own restless spirit? And, yet the whole place didn't add up. The exterior seemed dusty and dirty, while the room was almost pristine. The contrast didn't seem right.
In an odd sort of way, she couldn't help from hoping there was something more to this town than met the eye.

Author Notes A special thanks for the artwork, "Cowboy Cleans Up Well" by Lilibug6. Much thanks, Lilibug!


Girl: Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Boarding School Director: Mrs. Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - claims to be descended from leprechauns in Ireland, Handyman at the ranch

Young man: Hank - Job not yet stated

Rugged Saddles Boarding School - school in west Texas (mythical of course)

Sagerton: West Texas town Nara has come to live and teach in.


Chapter 3
The Piasa Bird

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of chapter 2:

What was it about this sleepy old town that irritated her? She had come here for rest and reflection. Was it the town's fault she felt uneasy, or was it her own restless spirit? And, yet the whole place didn't add up. The exterior seemed dusty and dirty, while the room was almost pristine. The contrast didn't seem right.
In an odd sort of way, she couldn't help from hoping there was something more to this town than met the eye.



Chapter 3:


Nara and the others settled in after a delicious meal, complete with barbeque of all types, and serenaded by resplendent Bluegrass music. All was quiet as they waited for the celebrated storyteller, Riley, to begin his tale. Hank had already warned Nara that the old man always referred to himself as a young boy, or young man in the narratives. To say she couldn't wait for the tale to begin, might have overstated her anticipation, but she was relaxed and ready.

**********
A young boy knelt in the dirt beside his farmhouse playing marbles with his older brother, Conner. It was Sunday after church and he was still in his dress overalls.

The scent of broiled roast beef drifted over the boys like a welcome breeze. An involuntary grumble escaped the young boy's stomach causing him to miss a shot with his favorite marble.

"Don't you dare take my marble," the youngster warned. "I'll tell Mama."

"Tell her," Conner said, thumping his own shooter at the contested blue green orb, "and I'll tell Daddy you're being a big fat baby. He won't let you ride on the new tractor tomorrow."

"I'll, I'll..."

"You'll what?" Conner teased. He placed the younger boy's prized marble in his pouch. "You'll do nothing, Twerp."

Just as the young boy started to protest, the marble game circle, etched roughly in the dry earth by a mesquite stick, was covered by a shadow as dark and silent as midnight. A putrid odor bathed them like an old horse blanket that had sat too long in a damp puddle, and chased off the scent of baking roast.

The boy's eyes rose from the marbles until they met Conner's across the circle. He raised his eyebrows in mute question. Conner shrugged and shook his tawny head back and forth. He didn't know what was happening either.

A shrill shriek pierced the darkened air. The boys fell to the ground covering their heads with trembling arms.

The odor grew stronger and the darkness more intense. The young boy heard a loud beating sound, and felt the fetid air whoosh in and out. It seemed, almost, as though he was being drawn into the middle of a storm. A combination of terror and curiosity gripped him.

A distinctly human scream brought the boy back to reality. He turned his head to see an enormous winged creature hovering over Conner.

It had a huge, lion-like head, and the body of a four-legged fowl. Long, sharp teeth gnashed in fury. Huge eyes glared out of an oblong hairy face. The monster's body was elongated and covered in golden scales. Red wings batted the foul air.

Is this a dragon like in my storybooks? Is it a demon sent from God to punish us for fighting? Is it Death itself?

"Help me," Conner cried out. He reached for his younger brother.

The young boy was paralyzed by fear as two enormous clawed feet snatched his brother by the back of his overalls and began lifting him from the ground. Finally reacting, he grabbed his brother's leg and hung on with Herculean strength.

"Mommy, Daddy!" the young boy screamed. 

The front door of the farmhouse banged open. On the stoop stood the boys' father with a shotgun. Without a word, the older man opened fire on the dragon-like creature.

The bird glared back, his massive wings batting away bullets like flies. He rose slowly, two prize morsels within his evil grasp.

"Drop them, you beast," Mama demanded. She flew out of the front door, wielding a frying pan like a tomahawk.

The bird hesitated, looking back and forth between angry father and enraged mother.

Bat, bat, bat... swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...

The bird dropped its prey in the middle of the marble circle and flew away with an unholy screech.

**********************

Riley Byrne placed his fiddle on a small table perched beside his rocking chair. The notes and melody he had stroked out on the weathered instrument had added flavor and substance to his tale.

Gray eyes, vivid during the story, retreated into an old man's glance. Riley stretched and leaned back, the old rocker groaning with the effort of keeping him seated. He looked out at the collective eyes watching him in rapt attention.

"Was it really a dragon?" James, from the fourth grade, asked.

"Well, son, that there is one very good question," Riley said. "They're called Piasa birds, but no one knows for sure what they are. They're deadly fierce, and have been known to attack livestock... some as large as calves."

"What about humans?" a little girl asked. "Do they attack humans, like in your story?"

"Oh, yeah," Riley said. "Just like in my story."

"We don't have any such creatures in North America," a teen-aged girl named Bess said. She was an honors student who prided herself in knowledge of all sorts.

"Don't be too sure what exists in the shadows," Riley replied slowly. "This very bird was etched by Native Americans on a cliff in Illinois hundreds of years ago."

"With all due respect, Mr. Byrne, we live in Texas. Even if the Piasa did exist, how would it have gotten here?"

"Duh, it can fly," fourth-grade James said.

"Merely legend," she said.

"Yes, yes, legend," Riley said. "There are many such creatures of lore. But, my dear child, legends are based on fact, and I've seen many in flesh throughout my years."

"Was the young man in the story you, then?" James asked.

"Of course it was," Riley said. "That very experience is what started me and my brother, Conner, on a lifelong journey to discover such creatures."

"Tell us the story about Bigfoot," a little girl urged. "I love Bigfoot."

"Not tonight," Miss Eddins, Rugged Saddles Children's Home Director, spoke up. She stood and motioned for the children to join her. "It's getting late and we need to clean our messes. But first, we would to like extend our thanks to the musicians for playing, our cooks for preparing this feast, and Mr. Byrne for another of his excellent tales."

"More than welcome, Ma'am," Riley said. He rose and began helping with the chores.

Nara walked over to the old man, and rested her hand on his arm. "That was a charming tale."

"Thank you, darlin'. I'm glad you liked it."

"I have to admit I was wrong about you earlier. I've heard the South is rich with storytellers. It is a gift that should be treasured."

"As are the experiences that go with them," he said. "It's easier to describe what you've seen with your own eyes, than to make up what you ain't."

"Surely, you don't expect me to believe you actually saw a Piasa bird? I'm not a child."

"Are you sure?" Riley asked. "We all have a child inside, my dear. It helps us adjust to new situations and believe in the impossible. Isn't that what you teach your students?"

"I teach them to imagine new things, but I encourage them to seek truth."

"As do I."

Nara's response was cut off by the ambling appearance of Hank.

"Hey, you two. I'm glad to see you've met. Nara here is a history teacher, and I'm sure she'd love to hear of your many conquests."

"Oh, I don't know if they were all conquests," Riley said, "but I did have some interesting adventures. I'm not sure if this little filly is a believer, though."

"She'll get out of it. Just like I did."

Nara shook her head in disbelief. Was everyone on this ranch crazy?

"Anyway," Hank continued. "You're welcome to come by my classroom and see some of the artwork students have created about his creatures."

"Art class? You're a teacher?"

"Sure, what'd you think I was? A cowhand?"

"Pretty much."

"Ha ha, well, I'm that too."

"So, the lovely paintings in my room...  they're your students' work?"

"Heck no, they're mine, and I'm glad you like them, Sweetheart."

Hank flashed a grin and turned away. Nara thought she heard an annoying chuckle in his wake. She thought about shooting a scathing remark at his back, but just couldn't think of one. How do you counter finding out the local redneck is actually your colleague, and a very talented one at that?

Author Notes Artwork from Google Images of the Piasa Bird etched into the limestone.

"The Piasa or Piasa Bird is a Native American dragon depicted in one of two murals painted by Native Americans on bluffs (cliffsides) above the Mississippi River. Its original location was at the end of a chain of limestone bluffs in Madison County, Illinois at present-day Alton, Illinois." ~Wikipedia


Chapter 4
Art Class

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Chapter 3: The Piasa Bird

Nara shook her head in disbelief. Was everyone on this ranch crazy?

"Anyway," Hank continued. "You're welcome to come by my classroom and see
some of the artwork students have created about his creatures."
"Art class? You're a teacher?"

"Sure, what'd you think I was? A cowhand?"

"Pretty much."

"Ha ha, well, I'm that too."

"So, the lovely paintings in my room... they're your students' work?"

"Heck no, they're mine, and I'm glad you like them, Sweetheart."

Hank flashed a grin and turned away. Nara thought she heard an annoying chuckle in his wake. She thought about shooting a scathing remark at his back, but just couldn't think of one. How do you counter finding out the local redneck is actually your colleague, and a very talented one at that?


Chapter 4 - Art Class

Nara strolled around the art class, taking in each richly constructed art piece. Some were paintings, so realistic they seemed alive, while others were sculptures, sleek and magnificent. Her eyes caressed one after another as each legendary creature burst forth in striking rendition.

Some of the portrayals, she was familiar with. There were Bigfoots, Loch Ness Monsters, Vampire bats, werewolves, fanciful imps, and even colorful fairies.

Some of the paintings included two brothers at various stages of growing up, and others contained just the creatures themselves. All were breathtaking.

"These are amazing," Nara said. "Are they all your students' work?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Hank replied, "though I'll admit they're their best pieces. We're collecting them for a Sci-Fi Convention in town next weekend."

"In Saggerton?"

"No, the Haskell County Convention Center in Haskell. It's about 14 miles from here... as the Piasa bird flies."

"Funny."

"Yep, I'm a laugh a minute."

"While these really are beyond exceptional, Hank, why are they are all about mythical creatures? I mean, shouldn't the kids find all sorts of subjects to create?"

"Oh, they make lots of different art pieces. There's the usual stuff, like flowers, barnyards, animals of the normal type, and much more, but this collection is for profit for the kids. The proceeds will go to scholarships for college. Science fiction sells, my Dear, and especially at the Sci-Fi Fair, which is an annual tradition for us."

"It's good to have something to rally around, but I can't help thinking this might be all about Riley. He's a good storyteller, but spending so much time and talent indulging his fantasies is..."

"Irresponsible?" Hank hooked a finger through his belt loop and looked Nara in the eyes. The other hand he placed on the wall behind Nara's head. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. His whisper delivered as a caress.

"Irresponsible," he said, "is letting your heart die and your soul hide behind it."

Nara gulped at the closeness of the tall stranger whose masculine scent made her head reel. For a moment, she allowed herself to be human, and her heart thumped in her chest.

"Who's hurt you, Little Darlin'?"

"Life." The word, unbidden, escaped her lips as with a sigh.

Hank leaned over and tapped the end of her nose. "Come on, I want you to meet some folks."

Nara cleared her throat and straightened her skirt in a gesture that seemed to garner the self-control she needed. She took a second to let her breathing return to normal.

"What folks?" Nara asked, her voice a bit husky.

"Some other teachers."

"I thought I met all of them at the barbeque last night."

"There were two out of town," Hank said. He opened the door from his room and led her down a long hall.

Nara looked from side to side, surprised to find the walls covered in breathtaking murals. From the art class northwards, the pair took a virtual journey through the hall that started with an infant nestled in his mother's tender arms, progressed through a series of magical adventures, then ended at a room with the words, Reading Class, in flowing characters.

The wooden door bore the striking portrayal of a large creature with a lion-like head and the body of a four-legged fowl. Long, sharp teeth appeared to gnash in fury. Huge eyes glared from an oblong, hairy face.

"Of course, the coup-d'etat," Nara said. She stopped and gazed at the looming figure, its red wings spread beyond the border of the door to the walls on either side and to the header space above. "A Piasa bird. Hank, I really believe this is too much. Now you have your reading teacher involved in coddling this old man."

Hank placed a hand on his hip and tipped his head to the side. The piercing blue eyes seemed apologetic.

"Oh no..." Nara said. Her mouth dropped open in shock. "Don't tell me that crazy old man is the reading teacher. I thought he was the handyman."

"We all have multiple jobs. It's a working farm as well as a children's school."

"But you let him teach the students?"

"I'll have you know Riley's a very well educated fellow. He has a Master's degree in English and was a renowned journalist in his day."

"Really, what paper did he work for?"

"The Houston Post. He worked there from 1955 until the paper was bought out by the Chronicle in 1995."

"Really?" Surprise mixed with scorn in her voice.

"Yeah, he and his brother, Connor, were Backpack Journalists."

"Meaning they searched out the stories they wrote?"

"Yep."

Nara dropped her hands by her side in exasperation. "Go ahead. Tell me what the stories were about."

"I don't think I will, Little Lady. If you haven't figured it out already, it'll do me no good to explain it."

"He's a celebrity to all of you, isn't he?"

"It's a small town, Honey."

"Yes, it is."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Do I?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Come on, I want you to meet the two instructors I told you about. They teach math and engineering together in the class next door."

Nara allowed herself to be drawn to the next room. She was pleased to see there were no more fantasy paintings past Riley's reading class. This door was a simple maple, covered in sketches of machines and mathematical equations. Here was actually an anchor in all the mystical madness.

The door creaked open.

"Well, hello," came two synchronized voices. "Come in."

Nara halted in mid-stride. There before her were two identical men. They were tall, tawny headed, and sported piercing blue eyes. Slowly, as though caught in a time warp, Nara turned and looked at Hank. A lopsided grin lit his face.

"Miss Nara, I would like you to meet my brothers, Henry and Harry."

"Oh dear, please tell me there aren't three of you."

Author Notes A very special thanks for the lovely artwork, "Art" by BRUCEIORIO on FanArtReview

The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Connor: Riley's older brother


Chapter 5
Trail Ride Preparations

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Chapter 4:

Nara allowed herself to be drawn to the next room. She was pleased to see there were no more fantasy paintings past Riley's reading class. This door was a simple maple, covered in sketches of machines and mathematical equations. Here was actually an anchor in all the mystical madness.

The door creaked open.

"Well, hello," came two synchronized voices. "Come in."

Nara halted in mid-stride. There before her were two identical men. They were tall, tawny headed, and sported piercing blue eyes. Slowly, as though caught in a time warp, Nara turned and looked at Hank. A lopsided grin lit his face.

"Miss Nara, I would like you to meet my brothers, Henry and Harry."

"Oh dear, please tell me there aren't three of you."



Chapter 5:

Nara looked across one of several pastures found at the ranch. Like the others, it was dotted with small bushes barely holding onto the windswept soil. Crooked mesquite trees groaned in the wispy wind as though in protest to life itself.

If not for a pedantic row of round bales of hay lining a fenced area, Nara would have wondered how the cattle survived at all.

Tied on a rail close to the barn, stood three horses, saddled, bridled and ready to ride. The one closest was a paint, his glistening body erect and lively despite the draining heat. He nodded a noble head at Nara, as though inviting her to join in a timeless ride across the prairie.

A brown mare stood in the center. Her broad hips and powerful shoulders seemed meant more for work than recreation, and her strong face looked wise and caring. Her gentle head bobbed up and down in time with the eternal song of the savanna.

The third steed was rather bland in comparison to his companions. Smaller than the other two, he had a dingy black coat and dirty white socks. His head drooped, and Nara was certain she saw him throw her a contemptuous frown.

"Well," she said, "you must be my ride."

"He is," a quite human voice said.

Nara visibly jumped at the sound.

"Oh my," she said. "I thought I was alone."

"That doesn't happen around here often," a young man said. He stepped from behind the brown horse where he had been bent over checking her hooves.

"Harry," Nara said, holding out a hand to shake. "You're the science teacher."

"Yes, and yes. How did you know which one I am? There are people who've been here for years that can't tell us apart."

"I pay attention to details."

"Like?"

"Like you lean your head to the left when you talk, and Henry leans to the right. Were you two conjoined?"

"No, but we have a habit of standing close to each other."

"You to the left, and he to the right?"

"I guess so."

"Hank doesn't lean at all. He stands upright, almost as though on constant alert."

"He can be a bit jumpy, at times."

"I'm guessing there's a story behind that," Nara said.

"Many. Anyway, I'm surprised at how observant you are. I'd expect that from, well, me. I'm a scientist. You're a history buff."

"My degree is in communications," Nara explained. "We learn all sorts of strange things, like how to observe microexpressions to pick up on subtle communication. I was planning on becoming a news reporter."

"Oh, you and Riley have lots in common, then."

"No, my stories were real. Besides, I changed my mind after a year of it and went into teaching history. It was my second love."

"Love is a peculiar thing," Harry said. "It tends to get in the way of logical thinking."

"You don't sound like your brother."

"Hank? Yeah, he's a hopeless romantic. If he bothers you, pop him in the head and threaten to tell me."

"He's scared of you?"

"I don't think he's scared of anyone, but he'll do what I say."

"Are you the oldest?"

"Nope, the baby."

"But you're the one in charge?"

"I guess. You ready to go riding?"

"Sure," Nara said. "Who's going with us?"

"Henry. He'll be here as soon as he's finished packing our lunch. Hank would go, too, but he's getting his students ready for the art show in Haskell."

"Yeah, he told me about that. Hey, I have a question for you."

Harry stopped and looked at her. His clear blue eyes shown with inner curiosity. Even though more reserved than his roguish older triplet, there was still a twinkle of mischief in those baby blues.

"Yes?"

"Why do you and your brothers have the same name? I mean, even I know Harry, Henry and Hank are all variations of the name Henry. Did your parents have no imagination?"

Harry burst out laughing. It was a happy sound that seemed to resonate from deep inside where a wealth of fiery joy resided. It made Nara smile, too.

"Those are just nicknames," he explained, trying to compose his face. "Riley couldn't tell us apart at first, so he just started calling all of us Henry. Eventually, he switched to variations of the name. They sort of stuck."

"So, what are your real names?"

"Hades, Poseidon and Zeus," came a voice Nara couldn't miss. Walking out of the barn was Hank, leading a large sable stallion.

The horse was magnificent. Long blue, black hair flowed like ebony lava across his face and down his sweeping, arched neck. His tail, equally as dark, flicked back and forth as though trying to contain an inner energy begging to bubble out.

"Let me guess which one's Hades," Nara said. Her eyes had turned toward Hank, their expression mixed between disgust and pleasure.

"Hank, what're you doing?" Harry asked. "I thought you and the kids were working on art projects."

"We were, but decided we needed a diversion more than we needed more time working." Hank looked at Nara. "Hi, Darlin'."

He reached over as he walked past and and pinched her arm playfully.

A cutting remark halted on her lips as she saw a band of students march out of the barn door, their horses following close behind. At the end of the procession, were Henry and Riley, carrying picnic baskets.

"You don't mind a little company, do you?" Harry asked.

"Do I have a choice?"

"My dear, you always do."

"I disagree. I didn't have a choice when my mother left me in a basket in a public laundry room. I didn't have a choice when I was shifted from foster home to foster home as a child, and I didn't have a choice when my boyfriend traded me for my best friend."

Nara's hands flew to her mouth as her face blanched.

"I am so sorry," she said. "I don't know where that came from."

Hank, still close enough to touch her, rested a hand on her arm.

"I think your soul is peeking out from behind your frozen heart, my Dear."

Nara's eyes shifted to the unfortunately charismatic Hank, and caught a quick, sympathetic wink.

"I think it's time to go riding before I die of embarrassment," she said, the wink causing her heart to race in spite of her personal reservations.

"I'll take over from here," Harry said. He smiled as he took Nara by the hand and led her to the dingy horse that would serve as her mount for the trail ride.

Author Notes A special thanks for the artwork, "Saguaro #4" by Paul G. on FanArtReview.com


The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school. Middle child in a set of triplets.
Harry: Hank's triplet brother. Teachers science. Youngest of the three
Henry: The third, and oldest of the triplets. He teaches technology.

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Conner: Riley's older brother


Chapter 6
The Wampus Cat - Part 1

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of chapter 5:

"You don't mind a little company, do you?" Harry asked.

"Do I have a choice?"

"My dear, you always do."

"I disagree. I didn't have a choice when my mother left me in a basket in a public laundry room. I didn't have a choice when I was shifted from foster home to foster home as a child, and I didn't have a choice when my boyfriend traded me for my best friend."

Nara's hands flew to her mouth as her face blanched.

"I am so sorry," she said. "I don't know where that came from."

Hank, still close enough to touch her, rested a hand on her arm.

"I think your soul is peeking out from behind your frozen heart, my Dear."

Nara's eyes shifted to the unfortunately charismatic Hank, and caught a quick, sympathetic wink.

"I think it's time to go riding before I die of embarrassment," she said, the wink causing her heart to race in spite of her personal reservations.

"I'll take over from here," Harry said. He smiled as he took Nara by the hand and led her to the dingy horse that would serve as her mount for the trail ride.


Chapter 6 Begins:

Nara's heart raced as she rode with her new companions down a marked trail in the pasture. In spite of the encroaching heat, she looked forward to a relaxing ride. Making adjustments was never easy for her, and this ride promised to be the emotional therapy she so desperately needed.

Leading the company was Harry on the perky paint Nara had seen earlier, and Riley on a pleasant looking brown mare.  Next in line was Nara on the bland black gelding and Henry on a splendid chestnut stallion.

Grouped behind them were the five art students, moving in and out of the pack like a ball of snakes.

Hank took up the rear, mounted on the emaculate black stallion that seemed as aware of his net value and esteemed good looks as did his owner.

Two of a kind, Nara thought, starting to turn away. Hank, however, noticed her glance, grinned and tipped his cowboy hat. Nara smiled back and gave a little wave. She wasn't going to give Hank the advantage of thinking he had caught her watching him. She turned pointedly to the triplet closest to her.

"Where are we going?" Nara asked Henry. "I mean besides on a trail ride."

"To a very special part of the ranch," he replied. Henry was riding the serious brown mare who looked from right to left in constant vigilance. "We're heading to an area in the Northwest corner we call the Oasis."

"Oh, I love the name. I'm guessing there's water surrounded by brilliantly colored flowers and magnificent towering trees."

"Yeah, that sounds like a pretty good description," Henry said. He turned his head and looked at Nara with the same blue eyes his brothers sported, but with a depth that took her off-guard.

While Hank's eyes teased and thrilled, and Harry's were serious and comforting, Henry's took her into a realm she'd never visited. They were as stirring as an ocean wave.

"Your name must be Poseidon," she said, more a statement than question.

"Just one of many nicknames," Henry explained, "but you're right on which one is mine."

"Who gave it to you?"

"Not sure, but they've been with us a while. You know how you mentioned having a rough childhood?"

"I really didn't mean to."

"I know, but it's okay. My brothers and I had a pretty tough upbringing ourselves. Our parents were so busy in their careers, they didn't have time for us, and when they were around, they fought like two cocks in a barnyard. We ended up taking care of ourselves most of the time."

"We insulated ourselves in a world of our own creation," Harry said, dropping back and adding to the conversation.

"And in it, you were Zeus, Hank was Hades, and Henry, here, was Poseidon," Nara said. She was beginning to understand her enigmatic friends.

"In some scenarios," Harry agreed. He flashed a quick smile and urged his horse onward.

"And we're excited to introduce you to one of those worlds," Henry said. "To describe it as beautiful, would be to do it a terrible disservice."

"It's that amazing?" Nara asked.

"Yes, and quite dangerous," one of the art students said.

"How so?" Nara asked.

"I have it on good report," Riley said, joining the conversation, "there's a real Wampus Cat in the wooded area around the lake."

Nara opened her mouth to ask what a Wampus Cat was, then closed it quickly. She felt it irresponsible to encourage the old man in his fantasies.

One of the caretakers she had as a child had been in early stages of dementia, and often hallucinated. Her foster father told her not to disagree with the old woman, but not to feed her delusions either.

And so, Nara just smiled and nodded like everyone knew that a Wampus cat, whatever that was, existed. She hoped he would drop the subject... He did not.

Old Riley settled back into his saddle and adopted his usual air of seasoned storyteller about to launch into a well-worn tale. The students fell quiet as the singsong voice of their mentor rose above the clip-clop of the horse's hooves.

"There are many legends about the Wampus cat," he began, "and all most intriguing. This one creature probably fascinated my brother, Conner, the most. It was on his prompting we decided to search out the truth about her early in our career."

"The Wampus cat was a female?" a girl asked.

"In most legends, yes," Riley replied. "The Cherokee believed her to be a woman who protected her people from evil. She had started out a bereaved wife, whose husband had been the victim of a demon. She dressed as a cougar to scare the demon away. It worked, and she was granted immortality. She became a protective beast with the body of a cougar and the face of a woman. She could stand upright, or walk on all fours, depending on her needs."

"But the Wampus cat wasn't a protector in the stories you've told us," Hank said.

"No," Riley said, "she was not. In fact she wasn't just one single beast, but a species of creatures so evil and predatory they could wipe out a wolf pack, or bring down a great buffalo bull in minutes. They're terrible monsters, I assure you."

"If what you say is true," Nara said, trying to keep sarcasm out of her voice, "do you think we should be taking children out to a site where there might be dangerous animals?"

"I don't know for certain they're Wampus cats there," Riley said. "I mean, I saw large cat tracks close to the lake shore, but it could be from say, a big bobcat, or a cougar."

"Again, we are bringing kids into an unsafe area."

"You can't coddle kids, Sweetheart," Riley said. "The world is way too dangerous a place. To ignore evil doesn't make it go away, and to not prepare children for it is irresponsible."

"Maybe, but we don't have to lead them directly into it, either."

Nara shook her head and stared at the trail ahead.

For a moment, the only sounds Nara heard was the footfalls of the horses and the excited chatter of students.

After a bit, Henry spoke. "Try not to worry about things you can't control."

Nara was surprised at his perception.

"Why not?" she asked. "Like Riley said, it's best to be prepared."

"It's best to know your enemy, but worry gets in the way of sound judgement and quick action."

"Sort of a fine balance, huh?"

"Yeah."

"I'll yield the discussion, even if I don't agree with most if it."

"I'll let you, but there's something else bothering you. I can see it in your face. What is it?"

Again, Nara was taken aback by her companion's uncanny perceptiveness. She wasn't going to explain what was really on her mind. To do so would leave her vulnerable. It was enough she had blabbed about her childhood, but to let on that she felt insecure in a world where people loved and trusted each other, simply wouldn't do. She went for a subject change.

"You know, Henry, I don't like to complain, but why did I get this old beat-up horse to ride? If danger does arise on our outing, I'll be the first one eaten."

Henry let out a deep resounding laugh that seemed to come from within his very soul. His eyes sparkled with merriment.

"Don't let old Buck fool you. He may not be much to look at, but he's the most dependable mount out here."

"Shouldn't one of the kids be riding him, then? I've ridden before. One of the foster homes I lived at had a riding school."

"Good, then you can handle him when he gets fired up."

Nara looked at the old horse, her eyebrow raised in doubt. Seeming to sense her thoughts, in the manner most horses do, Buck shook his head and gave a half-hearted snort.

"Fired up?" she said. "I'll be lucky if he makes it back to the barn without having a heart attack."

Author Notes Thanks to Google Images for the Wampus Cat image.

The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school. Middle child in a set of triplets. Nick name: Hades
Harry: Hank's triplet brother. Teachers science. Youngest of the three: Nick name: Zeus
Henry: The third, and oldest of the triplets. He teaches technology. : Nick name: Poseidon

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Conner: Riley's older brother



Chapter 7
The Wampus Cat - Part 2

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Chapter 6:

"You know, Henry, I don't like to complain, but why did I get this old beat-up horse to ride? If danger does arise on our outing, I'll be the first one eaten."

Henry let out a deep resounding laugh that seemed to come from within his very soul. His eyes sparkled with merriment.

"Don't let old Buck fool you. He may not be much to look at, but he's the most dependable mount out here."

"Shouldn't one of the kids be riding him, then? I've ridden before. One of the foster homes I lived in had a riding school."

"Good, then you can handle him when he gets fired up."

Nara looked at the old horse, her eyebrow raised in doubt. Seeming to sense her thoughts, in the manner most horses do, Buck shook his head and gave a half-hearted snort.

"Fired up?" she said. "I'll be lucky if he makes it back to the barn without having a heart attack."


Chapter 7 Begins:

Henry smiled, and urged his horse forward. Nara responded in kind. The reluctant old gelding trotted a few steps, apparently more to keep up with the other horse than in deference to Nara's appeal.

"Is Buck really his name?" Nara asked, pointing to the old boy.

"It is now. Harry named him Lightning when he was a foal, but he's sort of outgrown the name."

"Outgrown?"

"Maybe outlived."

"Yeah," Nara said. She smiled and patted the aging equine on the neck. "He seems sweet enough. I think he's growing on me."

"Good. We really wanted you to enjoy yourself today."

Nara nodded and Henry smiled, and then they fell silent as they traveled on.

Prairie grass, with its tangled brush, slowly gave way to twisted Mesquite trees and brushy undergrowth. Nara batted away several thorny branches as her horse picked his way through a path that was becoming less defined by the moment.

"Is this the Oasis?" Nara asked Henry. One particularly large branch had just left a bloody trail across her arm, and she was fighting another.

Henry chuckled and rode up beside her. He reached a long muscular arm across her and snapped the offending branch.

"Not oasis-like to you?" he asked.

"To be honest, I've never been to one before, but this wouldn't be my vision of it. I'm sure your brother, Hank, could have his students paint lovely landscapes out here, or Riley could add it into one of his tall tales, but it's about to eat me alive."

"Careful of your words, Darling," Henry said. He graced her with a quick wink, "but to answer your question, no, this isn't the Oasis. It's sort of the lounge area outside it. Mesquite trees don't need much moisture to grow. They live off overflow when the lake breaches its bank."

"How often does that happen?" Nara raised an eyebrow.

"About two or three times a year. We do get rain here sometimes, in spite of how it might seem."

"And it's an event to behold," triplet brother, Harry, added. He was still close enough to the pair to add comments when the opportunity presented itself. "It's simply soul-stirring. You can watch the storm brewing across the prairie like life's great theater. Huge, dark clouds billow up in majestic anger, and lightning streaks across the sky with unimaginable power."

"Says the brother they call Zeus," Nara said. "I'm guessing storms are your thing."

"Meterology," Harry corrected. "It's part of my science class. I devote a whole unit to teaching kids to forecast weather. They love it, especially when a storm they predict materializes."

"I can see why they would like that."

"You know," Harry continued. "Out here, the locals call the sort of lightning that streaks, stake-rope lightning. I've never heard it called that anywhere else."

"Stake-rope?" Nara asked. "What's that?"

"You know, like the rope you stake horses out on to let them graze," Harry explained.

"I see," Nara said, though she wasn't sure she really did.

"I'll show you back at the ranch," Henry said, interrupting and regaining Nara's attention. "Look, we're getting closer to the Oasis. Notice how the trees are switching to pecan and oak? Soon we'll get to the Willows. They need constant moisture from the creek and lake to survive."

"Is that where we'll find the beautiful flowers and green foliage?'

"Parts of the year," Henry said. "Right now there's just a lot of lily pads. It's definitely green, though."

"Definitely green," Harry echoed.

"I look forward to seeing it."

Harry and Henry nodded in synchrony. Together, as well, they turned to face the patchy path ahead. And together, their heads jerked at the sound of twigs cracking ahead of them on the trail.

"Is that Riley?" Nara asked.

Riley reined his horse back to join them, a look on his face that answered her question. He had heard the sound as well.

Another crackle to the left had the horses snorting. Two more on the right... the horses stomped.

Nara turned as the third triplet, Hank, pushed forward with his students. His large black stallion pranced and pawed the ground.

"What do you think, Riley?" Hank asked. His blue eyes had turned dark, and his face clouded with concern.

"It could be anything," the old man replied.

"You said there might be large cats on the prowl," Nara reminded him. "Is that what's out there?"

"I don't know. I mean, it could be."

"You said there were cat prints by the lake," Nara said.

"I always say that," Riley said. "It adds to the excitement."

"But it's definitely something big," Hank said, "and it's not alone."

Another snap of twigs in the front, a growl to the right.

"Turn the horses around and run," Riley said. "Get the kids out of here."

"Run?" Nara said. "We can barely walk through this mess."

Henry took off his hat and swatted Nara's horse on its bottom.

"Get her out of here, Lightning."

The old horse threw his head up, his nostrils flaring out in anger. Ten years fell off his countenance, as he became alert and aware. Old flabby muscles tightened and bunched. He jerked his head forward, and sprang to the left off the path. An unnerving cat cry followed in their wake.

"What about the kids?" Nara cried. "Buck, Lightning, whatever your name is, take me back."

The old horse shook his shaggy head and ran. Nara grabbed onto the horse's mane as he tore through the trees and underbrush with the ease of a John Deere tractor and the speed of a thoroughbred. She clung on for dear life as he took her farther and farther away from the others.

Author Notes The Wampus Cat image came from google images.

The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school. Middle child in a set of triplets. Nickname: Hades
Harry: Hank's triplet brother. Teaches science. Youngest of the three: Nickname: Zeus
Henry: The third, and oldest of the triplets. He teaches technology. : Nickname: Poseidon

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Conner: Riley's older brother


Chapter 8
Lightning's Flight

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of Chapter 7:

"Run?" Nara said. "We can barely walk through this mess."

Henry took off his hat and swatted Nara's horse on its bottom.

"Get her out of here, Lightning."

The old horse threw his head up, his nostrils flaring out in anger. Ten years fell off his countenance, as he became alert and aware. Old flabby muscles tightened and bunched. He jerked his head forward, and sprang to the left off the path. An unnerving cat cry followed in their wake.

"What about the kids?" Nara cried. "Buck, Lightning, whatever your name is, take me back."

The old horse shook his shaggy head and ran. Nara grabbed onto the horse's mane as he tore through the trees and underbrush with the ease of a John Deere tractor and the speed of a thoroughbred. She clung on for dear life as he took her farther and farther away from the others.



Chapter 8 Begins:

The tireless steed cleared the woods and broke into open ground. Behind him, Nara heard the pursuing echo of several sets of footfalls. Thump, thump ... large cat paws; clop, clop... a horse.

Great! At least one of the brothers had followed. The others, she hoped, were guiding children to safety.

Hazarding a glance backward, Nara saw something that both surprised and alarmed her. Rather than the black stallion of Hank, the paint of Harry, or the serious brown mare of Henry, galloped a fiery red horse with a rider cloaked in crimson robes.

At the horse's heels were two cougar-like cats. The beasts didn't sport the face of a woman, as in legend, but neither did they look like any cat Nara had seen on Discovery Channel.

Their faces were elongated, almost dog-like in appearance, and bore sharp teeth they gnashed and snapped. Each had three pairs of powerful legs employed in effortless competition with the red stallion.

"Wampus cats, I presume," Nara said aloud.

She turned forward to look at the pasture before her. It was dotted with dried bushes and jutting rocks. She feared the small gelding would trip, spilling her on the ground and putting them in the way of their pursuers. She patted him on the neck and whispered encouragement. He whinnied back.

"Who's the dude in the red cloak?" she asked. "Old man Riley didn't tell us about him."

Lightning snorted as though he had understood the question, or at least its intent. He didn't seem too happy with the strange appartition's appearance, either.

Nara glanced behind again. She saw the man in red gaining on them quickly. Nara wasn't surprised, he had a larger and younger horse. She could almost feel his breath on her face, she could definitely hear it.

"Old Buck, Lightning, whatever your name is, I think we're losing the race."

Lightning snorted again and shook his body so hard, Nara was afraid he was having a seizure. Then, to her complete shock, pure white wings sprouted out of his shoulders. Dingy black hair turned a stunning white, and small size transformed to tall and muscular.

"Who are you?" Nara asked.

Lightning shook his snowy mane and burst off the ground in flight. Nara could feel the wind off his magnificent wings as they batted the hot air around them.

She saw the red stranger's horse leap as well, and felt a tug on Lightning's hoove. She looked down to see an armored hand holding fast to the winged horse. The man's enormous body served as an anchor to the winged steed trying to gain air.

From somewhere deep inside, where bravery often hides, Nara felt anger boil up.

"Not today, Loser," she screamed. She leaned over in the saddle and let her foot slip out of the stirrup. Holding onto the saddlehorn, Nara drove a booted foot down on the stranger's hand. She struck again, and again, pouring out frustrations built up over a lifetime of neglect and abuse.

The man let out a frustrated yelp, and fell back on his roan stallion. Nara righted herself in the saddle as the Pegasus horse lifted higher, carrying his charge with him.

"Yeah," Nara called out. "How's that for a race finish?"

The large man grunted, his armoured face hidden beneath a knight's helm. In one motion, he pulled a bow from over his shoulder and fitted an arrow in the string. He hesitated but a fraction of a second before loosing it.

"Go, go!" Nara said, leaning forward in the saddle.

Lightning lunged upward, but not fast enough. Nara felt him shiver as the arrow found a spot in his flawless white wing. He faltered, tipping his rider to one side and forcing her to slide from the saddle.

For just a moment, Nara felt as though she was floating in air in a sort of trance, but the sensation didn't last. She thudded at length into the wretched arms of her enemy.

Above her, Lightning did an aerial somersault, then flew haltingly toward the line of trees that marked the oasis. He was alive, of that, Nara felt assured. But her fate was not so certain.

Author Notes A special thanks for the artwork, " Skybattle" by LorrainePurviance on FanArt.

The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school. Middle child in a set of triplets. Nickname: Hades
Harry: Hank's triplet brother. Teaches science. Youngest of the three: Nickname: Zeus
Henry: The third, and oldest of the triplets. He teaches technology. : Nickname: Poseidon

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Conner: Riley's older brother


Chapter 9
Hostage

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of chapter 8:

Lightning lunged upward, but not fast enough. Nara felt him shiver as the arrow found a spot in his flawless white wing. He faltered, tipping his rider to one side and forcing her to slide from the saddle.

For just a moment, Nara felt as though she was floating in air in a sort of trance, but the sensation didn't last. She thudded at length into the wretched arms of her enemy.

Above her, Lightning did an aerial somersault, then flew haltingly toward the line of trees that marked the oasis. He was alive, of that, Nara felt assured. But her fate was not so certain.

Chapter 9 Begins:


For miles, Nara watched the prairie fly past. Browns and muted greens blended to form a nauseating camouflage blur. She was held firmly in the saddle by a strong grip and the fear of falling off the powerful red horse.

Terrified at first, Nara's emotions faded to numbness. Her captor hadn't spoken since abducting her, but he hadn't hurt her, either. Finally, she felt compelled to say something.

"Excuse me, Sir," she said. "I believe you went to a great deal of trouble to get hold of me, but I'm afraid, you've snatched the wrong person. I have no family to ransom me and just started working at the ranch a few days ago."

The man in the crimson robes shifted slightly as though considering her remark. Nara waited, the hot prairie air burning her cheeks as they streaked across the land.

It seemed, at first, as though she would get no response, but finally the man spoke. His voice was gentler than she would have guessed, almost apologetic.

"They'll come for you."

"They ... they who?" Nara was emboldened by the man's apparent lack of anger.

"The men."

"The triplets?"

"Yes."

"I hate to disappoint you, and I do hope you won't just dump me out here in the middle of nowhere, but those guys aren't coming for me. I don't really mean anything to them, not yet anyway. Yeah, I'm sure they'll call the police and all, and the Texas Rangers will probably get involved. I might even make the local news where they'll talk about how I'm a nice young lady and they don't know why I've been taken, but that's about it. I'm afraid your time has been wasted."

"I took you off a Pegasus horse," the man said. His voice was still sympathetic, but grew in intensity. "They wouldn't have put you on it if you weren't of great value."

"He was an old horse... there were other, much better ones there. I'm pretty sure that fancy black one Hank was riding can fly, too."

"They'll come," the man said, ignoring her remark, "and when they do, my brother and I will be ready."

"Whatever disagreement you have with the men at the ranch is between you and them, but if you think taking me will hurt them, then okay. Just tell me you've left the students alone."

"The kids are safe." The face, hidden by a helmet and visor, showed no emotion, but emerald eyes looked out in ernest confirmation.

"Last I saw, they were surrounded by Wampus cats," Nara said. "And I don't find that safe."

"There were only two cats and they're with us. And they're called Manticores, not, whatever you said."

"Wampus cats. That's what Riley, called them."

"Old Riley, I know him. He's quite the meddler, that one, but he was wrong about the cats."

"Still..."

"The kids are fine. I came for you, not them."

"And for Hank and his brothers?"

"Them, too."

Nara closed her eyes, hoping in doing so she could open them later and find all the unpleasantness had evaporated. Her attempt to escape to the country to heal, had just gone very, very wrong.

"Don't be afraid," the man said. Again, his soothing voice seemed incongruous with the situation. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"Where are you taking me, then?"

"To my home where you'll be treated as a guest."

Nara took a deep, dramatic breath. She searched for the right words. The man seemed gentle with her, but could the wrong words turn the tide?

"Guests are invited, not stolen," she said, loud enough to be heard, but gentle enough to seem docile.

The man nodded, but didn't respond. Nara let a little time and distance pass before speaking again.

"If you chose me on purpose, then why?"

"You're important to me and them."

Nara paused again, still searching for the right words.

"If I'm so important to you," she said, "then why don't you let me go?"

"You'll understand in time ... once you remember things. For now, be quiet and rest. We still have a long journey ahead."

"Doesn't your horse fly?"

"No, the Pegasus horses are loyal to Zeus."

"You mean to the mythical god or to my friend, Harry?"

The man didn't answer, and Nara couldn't think of anything else to say. She fell silent, and leaned back in exhaustion.

The man seemed to take her movement as a sign she was relaxing. "Good," he said. "Just take it easy. No one's going to hurt you."

Nara wanted to correct him and tell him she was far from taking it easy, but, soon drowsiness crept over her like a soft ocean wave, lapping at her conscious mind. She fell into a light sleep during which she was aware of the fleeing horse and the faint passage of time. Eventually, she awakened and looked around.

The ground about her had grown sandy, the plants sparser and more succulent. She knew they were in the desert, but where? A thousand questions churned in her mind, but she opted for a benign one.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Thanatos," he said.

"Thanatos," Nara repeated. Her heart skipped a beat as she struggled to breathe. "The god of death."

"You remember me."

"No, I've just met you, but I'm a history teacher and have studied Greek mythology. The character you're playing isn't a very nice one."

The man didn't reply, but stopped his horse in front of a boulder. He slipped Nara carefully to the ground and dropped down beside her.

"I don't play." Thanatos said. He took a staff out of a shaft on the horse's saddle and struck the earth beside the stone.

The ground shook as a crater in the dry ground creaked open. Nara gasped and stepped backward as though she could retreat from the shocking scene.

Slowly, a stone staircase became visible in the gaping hole.

"Come on," Thanatos said, taking Nara by the hand and guiding her down the stairs.

"Where are we?"

"My home."

Author Notes A special thanks for the artwork, "Shining Armor" by Agreenr on FanArtReview.

The following is a list of characters:

Nara Baker: House Mother, History Teacher

Hank: Art teacher at the school. Middle child in a set of triplets. Nickname: Hades
Harry: Hank's triplet brother. Teaches science. Youngest of the three: Nickname: Zeus
Henry: The third, and oldest of the triplets. He teaches technology. : Nickname: Poseidon

Boarding School Director: Miss Barbara Eddins

Old Man: Riley Byrne - Handyman, storyteller, and reading teacher

Conner: Riley's older brother

Thanatos: Red Rider/god of the death


One of thousands of stories, poems and books available online at FanStory.com

You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author!



© Copyright 2015 davisr (Rhonda) All rights reserved.
davisr (Rhonda) has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

© 2015 FanStory.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Statement