*This poem is a metaphor for those who get lost when they let material things rule their life. They forget family, friends, kids...all they can think about is power, beauty, money, looks. The "fairies" in the poem are a referance to this things. Hope you enjoy!!

(A/N - My interpretation of the stillness right before the clouds drop everything they're carrying.)

The calm before the storm:

quietly frightening,

innately peaceful;

unsung power emanating throught the air.

The buzz of life stops,

the hum of labor ceases,

all is still -

waiting.

REDSHAFT

REDSHAFT

CHAPTER TWO

"Be wary of the walltop guards," I whispered as we jogged across the grass. "Let's not head to the forest, though."

He turned to me, slowing his pace, "Why not?"

"The stretch of ground is too vast, we risk being seen and shot. Let us head to the marshes," I motioned to the yellowing ground that stretched away to the left of the woods, cloaked in blue mists. "We will reach it in under three minutes instead of the ten or so to the treeline, and our position will be veiling by the fog."

What are the foundations of a civilized society? Must it have a certain system of government? A predetermined level of technology? A written language? Advanced weapons?

I hold not sword nor saber,
nor knife or arrow or bow,
nor all the money in the world,
not bronze or silver or gold

But there upon my palm
rests more power than all of those,
its weightless form is worth
much more than a treasure trove

It will soar above the mountain,
and go wheeling to the sky,
it will fly across the ocean
and travel far and wide

The feathery touch,
the breifest glimpse,
the splash of color,
a living wish

Two shall rise
Above the rest.
In strength, power, and wisdom.

Two shall stand
for what is right,
and shall protect, all else from harm.

Two shall stand,
Two shall rise,
Two shall conquer.

Note: This is the beginning to
a story I'm writing, It's a Prophecy
about the main characters, Venus and Vakos.