Last week, Jonah had managed to make a stew out of some of his dried buffalo. The books still lay untouched, the message on the note ignored. He has an unlikely visitor who has shown up. Let’s go see what he can find out about this strange boy.
Jonah gripped the boy’s arm so tight he cried out.
“Ouch. You’re hurting me,” he complained.
“If I let go, you better not run. I promise I can hurt you more than you can imagine.” He loosened his grip but maintained contact.
They reached the hut and Jonah pushed the boy inside. He landed on his backside and Jonah followed.
Inside the tiny shelter, Jonah suddenly felt suffocated. What was it with this kid? He wasn’t normal.
“Okay, boy. I need some answers.” He sucked in a breath between his teeth. “Where did you come from?”
“The caves,” replied the boy.
“What caves?”
“I can show you, but you have to promise not to hurt me.”
“What is wrong with your eyes and hands?” Jonah prodded
The boy shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Who are you?”
The visitor lifted his chin. “I am Tidus, son of Drake and Jade.”
Jonah sat on his haunches. “That tells me nothing. Are you from the mainland?”
Tidus pointed toward the outline of the giant city over the horizon. “You mean there?”
Jonah nodded.
“No. I tell you, I came through the caves. I was tired of being alone. Tired of the deafening silence, so I went exploring and found you.”
Puzzled, Jonah drew circles in the dirt floor. “Are you an Enchanter?”
“Don’t guess I know what that is.” He shifted and spread his webbed hands in front of him. “Let me show you the caves. It is beautiful on the other side.”
“Fair enough, but don’t try anything funny or it will be the last thing you do. Show me the other side” He brandished the dagger.
They exited the hut and Jonah followed close behind the boy as he moved effortlessly through the brambles and stinging nettles. It almost appeared as if they moved out the boy’s way, but then quickly closed back and Jonah’s skin stung everywhere they touched.
After a mile, the boy stopped short. “This is far as I can take you. They won’t let you go any farther.”
Jonah exploded. “They who?”
The boy disappeared into a slim crevice in the earth.
Jonah hurried to follow only to find a legion of green slimy snakes blocking the way. He turned to flee and found more curled up and ready to strike in every direction. He screamed. “Tidus! Where are you?”
He was answered by hisses and slithering.
He swung his dagger, turning in a circle, faster and faster. Oblivious to the poisonous thorns and brambles, he vaulted over the snakes and ran as fast as his legs could carry him back to safety.
Breath came in ragged gasps and he didn’t stop running until he was chest deep in the gray muddy water that surrounded his prison. He pounded the water with angry fists and let out a string of curses.
Oh my Jan- well now you’ve gone and really left me wondering. Hum!🤔🤔
Very interesting. You have such a vivid way of making me feel what Jonah felt. Wow… I’d have freaked out. Snakes all around me. Yikes!! Can’t wait to see what happens next. You have a great day. I hope your grandchildren are recovering and getting better. That flu is some nasty stuff and hard to knock.
Love you: ❤️🌹📚🌹❤️
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Thank you, Tonya. I am thrilled you are enjoying the story as much as I am enjoying making it up. 🙂 My Grandboys are recovering, but it’s a slow process. On the bright side, so far, neither mom nor dad has come down with it. Thank goodness!! I appreciate your comment and big virtual hugs to you!
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You tell a great story, Milady! Bring’em on! ♥
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Okay, Billy Ray, I will. 🙂 Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!
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Wow. That was unusual. I’m now thinking this place is a whole lot more dangerous than I thought. Well done, Jan
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There are hidden dangers that Jonah cannot see yet. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting, John.
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🙂
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Wow, deceitful fish boy, stinging nettles, and poisonous snakes. Tough weekend. This guy better learn to swim or build a raft.
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Or else, do as the note says and start reading the books and doing some soul-searching. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Craig!
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Might be too soon for that yet. Depends on the length you’re shooting for, of course.
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You’re right, Craig. Jonah is of the stubborn sort and it will take more than snakes and fanged creatures to send him to the books. 🙂
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Oops! I think Jonah is in a bad spot. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with Tidus. I have a feeling he’s going to be back. Maybe he’ll bring food next time. You really have a knack for writing fantasy. Good job, sister!
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Thank you for your comment, Linda. Yes, Jonah is not having a very good day. Tidus will be back for sure. Jonah has so much to learn. Love you, sister and appreciate you stopping by!
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And when the epiphany comes, it is going to be glorious!
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It always is, Annette!! Hugs, and thanks for stopping by to visit.
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Hmm…sounds like maybe there’s an entire population Jonah knows nothing about. Very intriguing, Jan!
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Could be, Mae. Only the author knows. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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What an intriguing story. And, as it’s author, I suspect you are having as much fun as we. This is an adventure I eagerly look forward to, thank you, Jan! 🙂
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I am having fun with this. It’s a genre so out of my comfort zone and I’m trying to let go and stretch my imagination and writing muscles. Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment. Hugs!
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At least we know the boys name now:) I guess we will be finding out why the snakes won’t let him in the cave and if its connected to the books. I can’t wait for the next installment! Great pics to go with story…I have to say the snake is cute.
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Lol, D.L. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 🙂 Yes, we will find out more next week for sure. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs.
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Oh My! You are “On a Roll” I can see Ms Sikes! This is Great!
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Oh, thank you, Elaina!! Coming from you that’s a special compliment! So glad you stopped by!
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Jan, I had been waiting in anticipation for another chapter… I don’t know why I didn’t find it. But here I am, and what a treat! Interesting turns, even though I hate snakes! LOL. What will happen to Jonah next? I can’t guess. Hugs.
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We shall find out tomorrow, Teagan. Glad you found Jonah!
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Terrific story Jan.. looking forward to the next part.. xxx
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