The cathedral erupted in cheers and applause. I shouted and clapped along with everyone else, but my heart wasn’t in it.
“It had to be done, Conrad.”
My father had never looked so regal before, standing on the steps to the altar, the purple robe and heavy crown resting on his shoulders and head as if he’d been born to them. Smiling, he lifted one hand as if in benediction, and the cheering doubled in volume. It only began to die down when the trumpeters began to play a triumphant fanfare.

Old soldier, My soldier
They’re saying you lost this battle

It’s time to pass the gun
Arm your sons now
You’ve always shown them how
To follow Me in battle

Old soldier, My soldier
Come for your medals
The world’s not worthy of you anymore

They’re saying you lost this battle,
But soldier, My soldier
You won!

The war was fought long ago
Before your sons
Before your birth
Before the stars
I won it
And every war that counted
I won that,
You won it too

Chapter One: Gathering~Joel

“Joel, where are you? Joel, I need you to set out the plates before everyone else arrives.”  The voice of my mother, Elizabeth, floated down the hall. “I’m expecting at least fifty people for the efrat, and you know how Eliana and Amad’s family eats.”

I slid my flute into a case hidden under my cloak before lazily shuffling to the kitchen. “I’m coming, I’m coming.”

Normal 0

One: Just out of reach.

For the affect I search, search wide search deep

So incomplete.

Perfect flaws, scars seep,

Just out of reach.

Black birds fly soar high,

Just out of reach.

For the feel I search, search wide search deep

So incomplete.

Anxiety stalls, stops quick,

Bravery just out of reach.

The life in need of saving

Just out of reach.

For the words I search, search wide search deep

So incomplete.

            The stiff, northern breeze pushed the strong scent of deer up into the nostrils of the crouching beast. His prey was so close; so unsuspecting; so perfect. The grass moved only slightly as the predator pushed his nose through. The wind was shifting; blowing from the northwest now. He lay frozen with anticipation as the head of his prey swung around and held, suspended in air, with wild eyes searching for the figure that lay hidden in the spring grass.

Mournful howls slice the night’s stillness. I huddle against my King’s robe, shivering in the spring air. My gaze darts back and forth, searching for gleaming green eyes.

“They won’t attack me,” he states. “As long as you stay with me, you’re perfectly safe.”

Hundred of phantom beetles crawl down my spine. My stomach churns like a stormy sea. Snap! A branch cracks.

I whirl towards the sound. Another twig snaps, then a third, till the night is filled with thunderous echoes.

Ideas and Thoughts

*A/N* Early Mornings, Disappearances, and Apparitions is actually a true story of the other morning when we went to feed the horses, only the names are altered ;) hope everyone enjoys!!!!

Normal 0 The Ghost Of The Partially Un-dead Zombie Squirrel

Chapter One: The unknowing squirrel

It had been nine thirty-seven P.M., Friday night, when my life would be changed forever…