Tyler Gohde

Rokkoh and the Final Year, Chapter 1

One year to go. One more year of history lessons. One more year of bland dinners and leftover lunches. One more year of the Baroness and her barbarism. If I behave, be the good boy who follows her commands to the letter, it could be a year free of isolation rooms and visits with Cy the guard. A year without The Frozen Chamber in the winter or Baltevmt’s Maw in the summer. A year without rapped knuckles or a lashed back.

Just one more damn year.

The countdown will start tomorrow. For today, there are still crimes to pay for. The three new scars pulse with a cold rhythm; though Cy is a bastard with his whip, at least his concoction takes away the pain afterward. The scars, though, tough little raised lines of varying lengths, are forever. But like most of the others, they are worth the pain. Those pricks deserved their ass whooping. It’s as if they forgot what it was like to be little and new and terrified. Hopefully they’ll think twice the next time new orphans arrive at the Tower.

The door of the Recovery Room, heavy and metal, swings open hard. Cy, a bear of a man, hovers in the doorway. Only the light of the moon cascading from the barred window fills the room, but it’s not enough to illuminate his face. A figure much smaller shuffles inside, a soft whimper accompanying the footsteps. The door shuts a moment later. The moonlight shows her face as she draws near: tight black curls that hang down to her cheeks, dark tearful eyes, a button nose, downturned lips on a brown face. Wordless, Kym hugs herself tight and sits next to me.

An acidic smell fills the echoing air, the lingering presence of Cy’s healing concoction. It still stings on my back; it dissipates slow. Kym’s must be more fresh; the scent that fries my nose is stronger around her. A shame, I think. She normally smells so pretty. It will be mostly gone by the time Cy returns to escort us back to our rooms, though.

“How many did you get?” I ask after a long silence, my inquiry bouncing off the stone walls.

“Three,” she answers, stifling her tears with little success. “You?”

“Same. Did he go hard on you?”

“More than usual,” she admits after a second. “Had to use more of his juice on the wounds this time because of it.”

We both lean forward, away from the wall. Years of experience warn against resting back; the fresh scars are too sensitive for the hard and uneven rock surface. We sit close, our shoulders touch. It has been forever since we’ve been this close. Maybe that night on the edge of Valier Forest, the night of the Smith and that creature. Otherwise, back here at the Tower of Lost Children, there are what the Baroness calls “morality rules” that keep boys and girls apart. If only that crone knew what went on behind certain closed doors.

Augustin used to tell us stories of rebels in love and how they would have to hide their feelings in public, but in the solace of a locked door they could be free. Max often squirmed or tried to distract himself during them, but Kym always seemed to like those stories. So did I. Augustin made the stories sound so real, as if he was one of them. Sometimes I would even let myself pretend that Kym and I were such tortured souls. In the dark of night, after everyone is asleep, we would find each other at one of the secret rooms and let ourselves feel the things we feel without judgment or restraint. An enticing thought, but just that. Reality is far more complicated and unfair. I wouldn’t even know how to find one of those rooms. Augustin had been the only person who mentioned them around us, and he left the Tower nearly a year ago.

“How about you?” Kym asks.

“Yeah,” I answer. “I think he took the day into account and considered it a fucked up present.”

“Sounds like Cy,” she chuckles, soft and dark. Even in the low light, her smile shines.

She relaxes her arms, and her hands rest on her knees. I peek at it out of the corner of my eye, and something inside begs me to take it. Call it instinct, call it desire, it doesn’t matter. It screams at me to reach out. It would be such a simple gesture, to hold her hand. It would be so easy. Just fucking do it, coward.

My hand covers hers in that moment, loose digits taking a gentle hold. For a long second, the term “sweet embrace” starts to make sense. It’s so nice just to hold her hand. So peaceful. My heart kicks up dust and sprints up and down my chest. The warmth in that hand fills me with brimming joy and lightness. The corners of my lips curl up into an easy smile.

With a jolt, Kym pulls her hand away. She stares at me, her gaze sharp yet confused. Her dark eyebrows scrunch together in a scowl. Just as quickly as the happiness set on, I deflate and return to a cold solitude. She stares at my hand as it hovers over her knee, finally knocking it back toward me.

“What are you doing?” she asks with ice.

“I dunno.” It takes too long for the answer to come out, and when it does it comes with a foundation of shame and regret. “I just thought it’d be nice to comfort you or something.”

“I don’t need your comfort,” she says, low and hushed like a prayer. She turns away with the words, folding her hands in her lap and avoiding my gaze. They fidget there, as if she’s trying to subtly wipe away my germs from her skin. If not for the chill that overtakes my heart, it’s almost funny.

The door slams open, giving us both a start. The frame fills with Cy’s solid figure.

“Come, boy.” Stern and simple comes the command. I know better than to disobey.

“Sorry,” I say to Kym before following Cy out of the Recovery Room. Her dark eyes catch mine for a moment, a cascade of thoughts swimming in her brimming tears.

“It’s fine,” she responds, softer now but still hot with offense. “Happy Birthday, Rokkoh,” she adds after a moment, a flicker of a smirk lighting up her face.

Cy’s large left hand takes hold of me then and pulls me back, the other shutting the metal door before I can give her thanks.

Continue to Chapter Two

Poetry 005 – Untitled II

I’m not always the best at coming up for titles for things, least of all poetry. Hence another untitled piece this week.

Two worlds once one

Separated by opportunity

Yet a heart remains

Icarus yearns ever for his precious Sunshine

as he crashes into the deep

Praying

Loving

Drowning

The dichotomy of human nature

The brain versus the heart

Accept the two worlds

Or crave that old shared one

Summer confessions come and gone

Autumn regrets linger in the waning light

Winter isolation aching in the dark

Spring death and life simultaneous

To worlds once won

Shine upon me as you did before

Flash Fiction 005 – Sendoff

Sometimes when I come across a writing prompt, what I end up with feels more like an excerpt of a larger story than a brief standalone. Today’s story is one such piece. Like some of my other flash fiction stories, this one is based on an image. I may come back to revisit this segment someday, we’ll see. In the meantime, enjoy!

“Meet me on the coast,” he pleaded.

Her eyes, chestnut and misty, gazed up to him. His blue eyes, full of soul and sorrow. His crooked yet perfect nose. His lips… oh, those lips that knew her so well. His square no-nonsense jaw. The still-healing scar on his right side courtesy of James “Shorty” McMahon. His left pinky, bent after a bad childhood bicycle accident. His legs, long as a relaxing Sunday. She needed to memorize every inch of him, head to toe. Once his train would leave the station, there would be no telling how long until she saw her Malcolm again.

“I’ll send for you, okay?” he promised, a glint of hope shining through his sadness. He offered her a smile, caressing her cheek. She smirked on the back of his gentle hand and nodded. He embraced her with his free hand, the other clutching his suitcase. He smelled of lemon and cedar; the bottle of cologne she had bought him for Christmas sat amongst the clothes and documents in that suitcase. They clung to each other for a long moment, the bustle of other travelers having no effect on them.

A voice rang out amongst the wild buzz of the cacophony, calling for the passengers of the 12:37 to Sacramento. He pulled away from her then, their eyes locking with shared grief. He gave her another smile. She could not return it.

“Meet me on the coast,” Malcolm repeated before placing a soft kiss on her forehead and running off to catch his train.

Rosemary stood there for the longest minute of her life. Her love was gone, and she was left without knowing if he would be safe. She breathed in deep, swearing she could still catch his cologne in the air, and made her way through the crowd toward the exit.

The driver waited in his black Imperial, windows down and the radio playing a jazzy tune. A cigarette smoked between his lips, the end glowing orange as his lungs pulled on it. So unlike her Malcolm, she thought, as he flicked it out of his window and drove down the boulevard. Edward loved his nicotine and alcohol. Malcolm only drank the occasional wine at dinner parties. Edward drove recklessly. Malcolm never received even a parking ticket. Edward slept around. Malcolm only had eyes for Rosemary.

“So, did he get to his train on time?” Edward asked. He took a sharp left turn that almost tossed her into his lap.

“Yes,” she said, straightening herself as she returned to her side of the seat. “You’re sure he’ll be safe? Shorty won’t be coming after him?”

“Yeah, Shorty ain’t even gonna know Malcolm left town,” he answered.

His words formed a darkness in the pit of her stomach. Edward, though a crass man, had never been lit as dangerous in her mind. Now she wasn’t so sure.

They drove through a tunnel, barreling fast toward the light. Rosemary prayed to come out of the tunnel and the deal safe. She prayed for Malcolm too.

007 Resolutions

The new year has begun, and we are waist-deep in January. Every year, we all set our personal goals for the months to come. Some sink, some swim, some grow wings and fly. I’m happy enough to just float down the river. So here are my resolutions for 2022!

· Write more: Last year, I wrote about the Don’t Break the Chain challenge. For those who are unfamiliar, you can click HERE to read up about it. So far, I’ve managed to continue the chain since it began. I would very much like to keep this going throughout the year, and potentially for years to come. After all, can’t enjoy the omelet if you don’t crack the eggs, right?

· Read more: Despite my ever-growing mini library, I feel like I don’t read as often as I should. So my goal for this year is to read at least one book a month, maybe two months depending on the length of the book.

· Drum more: Whether it’s learning a new song or brushing up on the fundamentals, my lady Ruby Mae has not made much music lately. I should change that.

· Clean more: They say that geniuses tend to be messier. I don’t know how much I believe that, and I am in no way calling myself a genius. But they also say cleanliness is next to godliness. Does that mean geniuses are ungodly? Food for thought…

· Moderate intake: Whether it be media, time spent on phone apps, or simply food, it’s important to be mindful of what goes into one’s body. I feel like I have been a bit too lax here, so it’s time to pay more attention.

Those are my resolutions! What are yours? Whether you have some of your own or you opt out of the whole thing, I hope you have an amazing 2022!

Poetry 004 – Happy Birthday

Wow, last week’s post was a bit long, wasn’t it? How about we change it up a little for this week? Another piece of poetry! Sometimes it’s the best way to express our thoughts, opinions, or how we feel about someone. I hope you enjoy this little piece!

Happy Birthday to you, monster in the basement,

the overgrown clown, the shrew tamer

How grotesque you sing your own praises,

suck your own cock and label yourself talented

Cryptic never looked good on you,

another cry for attention after a sabbatical

Ought to give you a pacifier,

better than you leeching off the desperate

Tell me, how fare the gators, the elder son?

Was he spared where the daughter was not?

Your name, the mere thought of you, breeds bile

Your shape haunts forevermore

News of your death is not on my wishlist

but you will not be mourned

Happy Birthday to you, villainous numeric inmate

May you disappear into deserved irrelevance

The Works of S Lightfoot: The Final Year of Eastfall

As the year comes to a close, it is time to reflect on the last twelve months that have come and gone. This year, I set out to establish my own corner of the internet where I can share my writing before it goes to wider audiences found on the likes of Booksie and Wattpad. Using this website, I have been able to post both newer and older content, as well as blog pieces periodically. It has also helped me stay productive all year; the Don’t Break the Chain experiment has also had a big hand in keeping the stories/poems/content flowing. So here’s to year 2 at tylergohde.com! To celebrate this great year, here is S Lightfoot’s script for his opera about the ill-fated country of Eastfall. Enjoy!

The Final Year of Eastfall: An Opera in One Act by S Lightfoot

Cast:

The Mourner: Male or female, black veil

King Gallo Strand of Eastfall: Male, tall, black hair & beard

Queen Marina Strand of Eastfall: Female, long golden hair

King Raghnall Thorne of Elkenrast: Male, short black hair

Priest of Dalogbe: Male or female

General Severin Bloodwood: Male, red hair

Scene 1

SETTING: Temple of Dalogbe

In Eastfall capital of Ennio’s Stand, the Temple is decorated for a wedding

THE MOURNER stands DOWN CENTER, slowly looking up from the floor and out at the audience.

THE MOURNER

Come with me, friends, to a time not far. In the land of Eastfall, where kings once played on the shore. Before betrayal befell the line of Strand. Before Elkenrast grew hungry and demanded more. Be wary, friends, be not faint of heart. Though love and loyalty are indeed present hence, the truth of Eastfall’s demise has been discovered in this telling, the unaltered history of a kingdom’s death.

THE MOURNER exits OFFSTAGE to STAGE RIGHT.

KING GALLO STRAND enters ONSTAGE from STAGE LEFT. Dressed in traditional wedding robes in his country’s colors (black and red) and the Obsidian Crown (black volcanic glass with rubies), KING GALLO looks anxious and paces.

KING RAGHNALL THORNE and PRINCESS MARINA THORNE enter ONSTAGE, STAGE RIGHT. KING RAGHNALL is dressed in formal attire in Elkenrast’s colors (green and grey) and his crown (gold with diamonds). PRINCESS MARINA is in a traditional white wedding dress and holds a bouquet. Both appear excited. PRINCESS MARINA smiles at KING GALLO, and awestruck he smiles back.

KING GALLO

What a fool I was to think my beloved could not be more beautiful. Yet here I am, eating my words as I gaze upon you. On this day I am blessed by the Novhina, for they have shown me perfection amplified. If only I could relive this day for eternity with you, such would be immeasurable bliss.

KING GALLO and MARINA move further ONSTAGE toward each other, slowly.

PRINCESS MARINA

And I would ask for the same, my King, my love. No other day could surpass this one, for today we shall be bound together forever in the eyes of the Novhina and your people.

KING GALLO and MARINA come together and hold each other. KING RAGHNALL eats some grapes from a nearby table, smiling.

KING GALLO/PRINCESS MARINA

May today be the first of countless in our journey henceforth. May today be the spark of a wonderful union between our houses. May today’s joy never end. Long have I awaited this day, for you and I are to become we forevermore, to our dying breath.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE enters ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT. He/she wears the traditional orange robes of Dalogbe. KING RAGHNALL jumps in surprise. KING GALLO and PRINCESS MARINA part as PRIEST gets close.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

Ah, tidings, King and Princess! What a wonder it is to see such love thriving! The Novhina of Love, our precious Dalogbe, smiles upon you and us all.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE waves his hands and a crowd gathers ONSTAGE, STAGE RIGHT AND LEFT to witness the wedding.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

Welcome, friends! Let us begin!

PRIEST OF DALOGBE/WEDDING ATTENDEES/KING RAGHNALL

Glory to Dalogbe on this blessed wedding day! We gather on this day to bear witness to and approve of this holy matrimony. Congratulations to King Gallo Strand of Eastfall and Princess Marina Thorne of Elkenrast!

PRIEST OF DALOGBE waves his hands again to silence everyone. KING GALLO and PRINCESS MARINA come together once more and take each other’s hands. PRIEST OF DALOGBE looks for someone in the crowd.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

Who amongst you would give away this bride?

KING RAGHNALL raises his hand.

KING RAGHNALL

I would, the Princess’s brother.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE looks to the couple.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

Sweet children, do you both come here today of your own free will to pledge yourselves to one another under the watching and loving eye of Dalogbe, as well as the rest of the divine host of Novhina?

KING GALLO/PRINCESS MARINA

Yes, I do, with my whole heart.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

And do you promise, to each other and the Novhina, to remain as one through all hardship?

KING GALLO/PRINCESS MARINA

Yes, I do, with my whole heart.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

And do you promise, before this gathering, that you will remain true to your spouse until the end of your days?

KING GALLO/PRINCESS MARINA

Yes, I do, with my whole heart.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE looks to KING RAGHNALL and waves him over.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

King Raghnall Thorne of Elkenrast, do you possess the rings of the betrothed?

KING RAGHNALL

Yes, holy Priest of Dalogbe, I have the rings.

KING RAGHNALL approaches them and digs into his pockets. He holds out two rings in the palm of his hands to KING GALLO and PRINCESS MARINA. They both take one and in awe inspect the rings. KING RAGHNALL returns to his spot and gives a flirtatious smirk to a woman along the way, who returns the look.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE places his/her hands on KING GALLO’s and PRINCESS MARINA’S shoulders. They take turns putting the ring on each other’s finger.

KING GALLO/PRINCESS MARINA

My dear, my sweet, my love, I give unto thee this ring as a symbol of our unending commitment. Take this now, and in return I give you all of me for eternity.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE raises his/her hands to the sky. KING GALLO and PRINCESS MARINA turn to face the crowd, overjoyed.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE

And so it is, and so it shall be! King Gallo Strand of Eastfall and Princess Marina Thorne of Elkenrast are hereby married! Dalogbe smiles upon this union! Rejoice, friends! Rejoice!

KING RAGHNALL moves to the wedding guest and gently pulls her with him OFFSTAGE to STAGE RIGHT. All of the other attendees raise their arms high. KING GALLO and QUEEN MARINA hold hands and smile at the crowd.

PRIEST OF DALOGBE/WEDDING ATTENDEES

Rejoice! Long live the King and Queen! Rejoice!

End Scene 1

Scene 2

SETTING: King Gallo’s office

Along UPSTAGE are portraits of Eastfall’s previous rules and maps of Eastfall, Eastfall and its neighbors, and the continent. At STAGE LEFT is KING GALLO’s desk, littered with scrolls and papers. KING GALLO sits here looking through papers, dressed in plain clothes yet still wearing his crown. Three knocks interrupt his studies.

KING GALLO

Enter.

QUEEN MARINA enters ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT. Wearing a lacey pink and white dress and her crown (also black with rubies like KING GALLO’s), she skips into the office.

QUEEN MARINA

Ah, what a lovely day, dear husband! The birds sing, the sun shines, and I hear there are traveling performers coming to our fair city!

QUEEN MARINA moves STAGE LEFT until she gets to the desk. She leans over the desk to peer at the piece of parchment KING GALLO holds. He looks up at her, the serious look in his face melting into a smile.

KING GALLO

Can I be of assistance, m’lady?

QUEEN MARINA

Oh, don’t mind me. Just being a rubbernecker. Is that alright?

KING GALLO

I don’t know. Most people who attempt to look at the King’s confidential paperwork do not continue to be a free citizen for long.

QUEEN MARINA

Perks of being the Queen, then, huh?

KING GALLO

Perks of being the Queen.

QUEEN MARINA

Are you in the mood for some good news?

KING GALLO

Always. What news do you bring, pray tell?

QUEEN MARINA

Oh, now where is the fun if I just tell you? No, we are going to play a guessing game! You have three chances, so make them count.

KING GALLO

Let me see… the Guard have captured the orc that keeps getting into bar fights?

QUEEN MARINA

No, sir. Guess again.

KING GALLO

There is a surplus of crops this year, meaning our citizens will be able to live more comfortably?

QUEEN MARINA

That would be lovely, but not quite the news I have for you. One last guess, love. Think hard.

KING GALLO

Would this good news make me, personally, very happy?

QUEEN MARINA

Did I say you could ask questions?

KING GALLO

You didn’t say I couldn’t ask questions.

QUEEN MARINA

That is the only one you’ll get. And yes, I do believe that this good news will make you ecstatic.

KING GALLO

Oh! Are the kitchens serving dragon steaks tonight? I do love a good cut of blue dragon. I like the tingle.

QUEEN MARINA

Silly man. No, that’s not either. But I’ll send word to Chef Balbus about those dragon steaks, though.

KING GALLO

Then I give up. What is it?

QUEEN MARINA takes a step away from the desk and calls KING GALLO closer with a curling finger. He gets up and approaches her.

QUEEN MARINA

Come here. Give me your hand.

KING GALLO gives her his hand. QUEEN MARINA presses it to her stomach and holds it there. At first, he seems confused, but then his eyes go wide and he understands. He looks from her stomach to her eyes with a huge smile. He pulls her into a hug, lifts her off her feet, and they spin a couple times. He sets her back on her feet but keeps her in a warm embrace.

KING GALLO

A child! Such amazing news! Is it a boy or a girl? Is it only the one or are we having twins? We need to start brainstorming possible names. Oh, we could also get a headstart on planning a celebration once they are born!

QUEEN MARINA

I must admit, I underestimated your reaction, my dear. We don’t know yet. The doctor said it’s too early to determine if we are having a boy or girl, or how many. We’ll get started on considering names and planning parties soon, but for now let’s just have our own private little celebration. How does that sound?

KING GALLO

I sure do like the sound of that.

KING GALLO pulls QUEEN MARINA into a kiss, but is interrupted by two knocks at the door.

KING GALLO

Come in!

GENERAL SEVERIN BLOODWOOD enters ONSTAGE, STAGE RIGHT. He wears full traditional black chain armor, his helmet tucked under his arm. On his breastplate is Eastfall’s sigil: an angry horned dragon head. He appears concerned and is scowling. KING GALLO and QUEEN MARINA look worried and confused by his demeanor.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

My King, my Queen, I apologize for this intrusion, but I have received word from my scouts at the Elkenrast border. They have reported unusual activity regarding some suspicious persons there. The scouts have told me they have seen a couple camps being set up along the edge of the Timberwood. Upon further investigation, they have discovered that these are soldiers of Elkenrast.

After a moment, KING GALLO and QUEEN MARINA break into gentle laughter. This makes GENERAL BLOODWOOD visibly confused.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

Please, your Majesties, this is no jest.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD walks UPSTAGE to the regional map. He points at the thicket of trees on the Eastfall-Elkenrast border.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

Right around here. My scouts counted no less than a dozen Elkenrast soldiers altogether at two separate camps. Though they did not engage with these soldiers, they seemed worried about how many of them arrived in such a short time. Do you want me to send someone incognito to uncover more information? I can have one of my scouts pretend to be a farmer or a hunter passing through if you so desire.

KING GALLO gives QUEEN MARINA a kiss on the forehead and lets her go. He moves UPSTAGE toward GENERAL BLOODWOOD and sets a gentle hand on his shoulder.

KING GALLO

General Bloodwood, I sincerely appreciate what you and the soldiers do for our country. You have a keen eye, a strong sense of morality, a loyal and fierce heart. You train the men and women under you to have the same qualities. You have my utmost respect, please know this. That being said, what purpose does King Raghnall have to raise arms against us? He is family now. Maybe those camps are just that: camps. Perhaps they have heard the tales about the Timberwood and are looking to see if those old scary stories are true. Have your scouts keep an eye on them if you would like. Continue to have them refrain from engagement unless there is an incident. But I promise you, everything is alright. There’s nothing to worry about, okay?

GENERAL BLOODWOOD sighs but nods.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

Aye, my Lord. I will send word to those who patrol near Timberwood of your decision. I apologize if this has been any inconvenience.

KING GALLO

Worry not, friend. You did the right thing coming to me about this matter. Better to consult the King before raiding an ally’s camp needlessly, right?

Two more knocks come at the door. KING GALLO looks to the door with an amused grin.

KING GALLO

Everyone wants to see me today. You may enter!

KING GALLO moves STAGE RIGHT to the door. When he opens it, KING RAGHNALL appears. He wears plain clothes in Elkenrast colors. Both he and KING GALLO let out an excited note and hug each other.

QUEEN MARINA

Hello, brother! What a pleasant surprise!

GENERAL BLOODWOOD gives KING RAGHNALL an untrustworthy look before focusing on the maps. KING RAGHNALL crosses STAGE LEFT and gives QUEEN MARINA a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

KING RAGHNALL

It felt like it had been too long since I had seen my little sister. I hope you don’t mind.

KING GALLO

Not at all. It’s good to see you! We can always make time for family.

KING GALLO looks at GENERAL BLOODWOOD, who gives him a wide-eyed look of caution and warning. KING GALLO waves his hand and dismisses GENERAL BLOODWOOD, who obeys and makes his way OFFSTAGE to STAGE RIGHT to the door. GENERAL BLOODWOOD pauses there for a moment and gives KING GALLO one last pleading look. He bows slightly to his liege before exiting. KING GALLO watches the doorway for a moment, worry creeping onto his face. Soon, though, he turns back to QUEEN MARINA and KING RAGHNALL.

QUEEN MARINA

Beloved husband…

QUEEN MARINA steps away from KING RAGHNALL and moves UPSTAGE STAGE RIGHT toward KING GALLO, who moves DOWNSTAGE STAGE LEFT to meet her halfway.

KING GALLO

Yes, my love?

QUEEN MARINA

Do you think we should tell him?

KING RAGHNALL

Tell me what?

KING GALLO

(smirking) I’m not sure. I don’t know if he could handle the news.

QUEEN MARINA

True. It might cause his brain to melt.

KING GALLO

Can’t have that.

QUEEN MARINA

Just imagine the mess. Poor servants would be traumatized seeing that.

KING RAGHNALL

(smirking and crossing his arms) I’ll have you know I am amazing at taking news, both good and bad.

KING GALLO and QUEEN MARINA eye KING RAGHNALL with amused smirks. They look at each other, deliberating in silence. Meanwhile, KING RAGHNALL leans against the desk and sneaks a piece of paper into his pocket.

QUEEN MARINA

Well, not that you have any control over it, but how would you feel about becoming an uncle?

KING GALLO wraps his arms around QUEEN MARINA and holds his hands over her stomach. She puts her hands over his. It takes a moment for KING RAGHNALL to understand. When he does, he gets excited and hugs QUEEN MARINA and gives KING GALLO a happy handshake.

KING RAGHNALL

Congratulations! I can’t wait for this little one to join our family! I’ll have to steal them away for a summer or two to show them the wonders of Elkenrast.

KING GALLO

Only if you and Queen Katerina have a child of your own so we can trade!

KING GALLO, QUEEN MARINA, AND KING RAGHNALL all laugh.

End Scene 2

Scene 3

SETTING: King Gallo’s office

Not much has changed in KING GALLO’s office, save for the regional map. On it, in the area of the Eastfall-Elkenrast border with the Timberwood, there are a few red x’s marked. GENERAL BLOODWOOD stands at this map and marks another red x, now totaling four. He sighs and marches DOWNSTAGE STAGE LEFT to KING GALLO’s desk. KING GALLO sits there, elbows on the desk and his face in his hands.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

Four camps, your Highness. Four! And each one sees more Elkenrast soldiers arriving every day. Our scouts, or at least the ones that have returned, report at least a dozen soldiers at each camp. The newest one popped up only yesterday! I listened to you a year ago when you thought nothing of it, and luckily those camps were abandoned shortly after discovery. But the activity these last few months can no longer be ignored! I’m telling you, Raghnall is planning an invasion on Eastfall. Or at least an attack on the border towns like Valentina’s Glen or Little Nell’s Passing.

KING GALLO raises his head, looking tired and angry.

KING GALLO

(shouting) Do you think I am unaware of what is going on at the border? Do you think me blind, General? I have been proven a fool! The wisdom taught to me by my elders has been cast aside and forgotten because I trusted the morals of my brother-in-law to be the same as my own.

KING GALLO rises to his feet, kicking away the chair and staring down GENERAL BLOODWOOD.

KING GALLO

(no longer shouting, but still angry) So do not stand there, Severin Bloodwood, and berate me for my ignorance and mistakes. The gravity of the situation is not lost on me. Send word to your outposts immediately. Tell them to inform King Raghnall’s soldiers that they are no longer permitted to encroach on the Timberwood, and if they wish to quarrel then we can make such arrangements. I will send a messenger to Oakwing to let King Raghnall know that I do not appreciate the unexpected guests knocking on our door. We cannot delay, General. I do not know how much time we have left.

QUEEN MARINA rushes in ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT. In her arms she carries her and KING GALLO’s days-old baby who has still yet to be named. In between her fingers is a small note. She advances STAGE LEFT until only the desk separates her and KING GALLO. She holds out the note to him, and he takes it.

QUEEN MARINA

Gallo, what is this? A messenger in black just gave it to me in the halls. He said to give it to you right away. What’s going on?

KING GALLO looks at the writing for a long moment. GENERAL BLOODWOOD’s face becomes worried, a fear setting in. QUEEN MARINA looks from her husband to the general, back and forth a few times. The baby is peacefully asleep, but QUEEN MARINA gently rocks it regardless.

KING GALLO looks up from the note, slowly looking from GENERAL BLOODWOOD to QUEEN MARINA. The note falls to the desk.

KING GALLO

They are already here. A band of soldiers have breached the city walls. King Raghnall is leading the charge. They are coming.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD temporarily loses his balance and stumbles back for a moment. His hand goes to his sword, but it stays in its sheath. QUEEN MARINA begins to cry and holds her baby closer to her. After a quiet, fearful moment, KING GALLO clears his throat and looks to QUEEN MARINA.

KING GALLO

(soft, yet strong) My Queen, come here.

QUEEN MARINA hurries to KING GALLO, trying her best to hold back tears but failing. Tears fall as she looks up at him. With a delicate hand, he cradles her face and she leans into his touch.

KING GALLO

(voice shaking, holding back tears) My love, my all, my eternity. Words cannot describe the happiness knowing you has brought to me. Every day has been such a precious gift, and I thank the Novhina for guiding us together. But our house is no longer safe. The wolves will soon descend upon us. In this final act of my never ending love, I must bid thee farewell. To be safe from the gnashing teeth and ripping claws that aim to destroy us, you must flee. May my love and the mercy of the Novhina protect you, my dear sweet Marina. I shall see you again, in this life or the next.

KING GALLO leans down and kisses QUEEN MARINA. When they pull apart, he turns to the baby in QUEEN MARINA’s arms. He holds out his hands and she carefully gives him the baby.

KING GALLO

(crying quietly) Oh, my little one. How truly sorry I am that this is to be your first journey. I wish you nothing but smiles and laughter and unbridled happiness, for you are my blood and deserve nothing less. To grow into a good person without your father to help teach you will not be an easy life. And to do so without a name is wholly unjust. Thus, my child, I give you your name…

KING GALLO leans in close to the bundled baby, whispers something only he and QUEEN MARINA can hear, and gives the baby a soft kiss. KING GALLO then looks to QUEEN MARINA.

KING GALLO

Is that an alright name?

QUEEN MARINA

It’s perfect, my love.

KING GALLO hands the baby back over to QUEEN MARINA. She then moves OFFSTAGE to STAGE RIGHT. She pauses at the door to look back upon KING GALLO one last time. After a short tearful moment, she exits. KING GALLO releases a heavy sigh, and then turns to GENERAL BLOODWOOD.

KING GALLO

General Bloodwood.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD snaps to attention.

KING GALLO

(wiping away his tears) Go with her. Make sure she is safe and well protected at all times. I fear I will not survive this night, so she must. Both of them. Now go, for time is of the essence.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD nods once, draws his sword, and exits OFFSTAGE STAGE RIGHT. KING GALLO turns and leans on his desk, his palms flat on the surface.

KING GALLO

(weakly, subdued) Generations of Strand men and women have taken care of these lands. Centuries have passed in peace. And now it all may come crumbling down. Legacies lost, lives taken, women and children sent running into the dark.

KING GALLO sweeps everything off of the desk in a fit of frenzy.

KING GALLO

(loud and to the sky, breaking down into desperation) O! Novhina! Where is your grace to see my brethren through this crisis? Marcorkeit, lend me your mercy! Destumsal, let my land’s fate be bloodless and peaceful! Imewza, stave off your violence! Skrolba, Mother of the World, watch over and keep my child safe!

KING GALLO turns and moves UPSTAGE toward the portraits hanging on the wall there. He goes to the one on the far right and caresses it. He tries to reach the man’s face, but it is too far for him to reach.

KING GALLO

Father, forgive me! You once spoke of a dagger in the night, and it seems that such a night has come. I should have remembered your tales and teachings. I should have been wary, even of family, as you once were. Now I risk losing this once proud nation to a thief and a cad. I have failed you and our ancestors. Please, Father, forgive me!

KING GALLO begins to shake. He turns and falls to his knees.

KING GALLO

(soft, shaky, hitting rock bottom) Is anyone there? Can anyone hear me? Is there some soul, divine or otherwise, who can help in this dire hour? Or am I to suffer the end of my reign alone?

KING GALLO crawls DOWNSTAGE to STAGE CENTER and stops at the end of the stage. He reaches out a hand to the audience in utter desperation.

KING GALLO

I feel you there, stranger. Can you help me? Can you help a King in need? Please?

After a moment, KING GALLO pulls back and sits back on his heels. He weeps in surrounding silence for a long moment. The sound of armor catches his attention, and he rises to his feet. GENERAL BLOODWOOD stumbles backwards into the room ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT. Half a dozen arrows stick out of his armor: one in his left shoulder, one in his right arm, one on the right side of his chest, one on the left side of his stomach, and two in his right thigh. KING GALLO runs to GENERAL BLOODWOOD’s side and holds him up. Blood trickles out of GENERAL BLOODWOOD’s mouth.

GENERAL BLOODWOOD

(with labored breathing) Rag… come… run…

KING GALLO

Hush, Severin. Just relax. It will be alright. We’ll get a doctor as soon as we can.

Marching footsteps approach and soon enters ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT a dozen soldiers. They all wear steel armor and green capes. Some wield swords and shields, some wield a bow and arrows, some wield javelins and pikes, some wield two handed weapons such as battle axes and warhammers. All of them have their weapons drawn. Once all twelve of them have entered KING GALLO’s office, they part and allow someone to pass through them. KING RAGHNALL enters ONSTAGE from STAGE RIGHT. Clad in his own polished steel armor and green cape, and with his golden crown with diamonds, he looks upon KING GALLO and GENERAL BLOODWOOD with a wicked, victorious grin. On his breastplate is a symbol of a bird sitting on a tree branch.

KING RAGHNALL

Oh, you foolish boys. My friends outside the Timberwood were a perfect distraction, were they not? You were so focused on the wolves at the front door that you did not see the ones coming from the back. But don’t worry, you will never make that mistake again.

KING RAGHNALL summons a soldier to his side. The soldier takes hold of KING GALLO’s arm and wrenches him away from GENERAL BLOODWOOD. GENERAL BLOODWOOD collapses to the floor as KING GALLO is dragged in front of KING RAGHNALL. The soldier lets go and falls back into rank. KING RAGHNALL takes hold of KING GALLO’s chin and raises it to force KING GALLO to look at him.

KING RAGHNALL

I will give you this one chance, Gallo. Tell me what I want to know, and you will live. Give me the information I seek, and Eastfall will become a vassal state to Elkenrast. You keep your crown, your kingdom to a lesser extent, and no more blood will need to be shed. Do you comply?

KING GALLO gives a growl, to which KING RAGHNALL chuckles darkly. He released KING GALLO from his grasp.

KING RAGHNALL

Perhaps my questions will pique your interest enough to convince you to cooperate. First, how do I find your little dragon friend? It needs to meet its new master. Second, where are you hiding my sister and the child? My men did not find her while they combed through the castle. I intend on bringing them home to Elkenrast where they belong.

KING GALLO

(through gritted teeth) They will create a new place in Baltevmt for you, Raghnall. May you die alone and scared with no one to help you.

KING GALLO then spits on KING RAGHNALL’s armor. KING RAGHNALL chuckles darkly once more and takes a single step backward. KING RAGHNALL unsheathes his sword and, with a devilish grin, swings for KING GALLO’s neck. CUT LIGHTS.

The end.

Flash Fiction 004 – Subway

Every now and then, I come across a neat word or photo prompt. Occasionally with these, they come with a word limit. Enter this week’s piece of flash fiction based on the header image of this post. Enjoy!

All he left behind was a photograph. A candid snapshot Mom had taken before one of his trips. He stepped over the yellow line and onto a subway, gone moments later. That memory, caught in a split second, didn’t show his face. In time, I would only remember vague specifics. Like the scar under his left eye. That frozen moment in time didn’t show the crowd waiting to get on the same car. It didn’t show Mom scared of her husband possibly not coming back this time. It didn’t show my five-year-old face messy with tears. It didn’t show how hard I hugged my well-loved teddy bear to my chest; he had gotten me that bear on his previous trip. It didn’t show the crooked smile he gave us as he boarded.

All he left behind was that photograph. He took the other photos that featured him and burned them in the backyard years later. Every trace of his existence disappeared, save for that sole picture. A reminder of who he had always been, a deserter. Whether it was the weeks-long trips or the quiet house after a shouting match, he was an abandoner.

But I’ve never stopped missing him.

Teddy the Bear: A Short Story

Fun fact: I wrote a children’s story once. Back when I played The Sims 3 all the time, most of my characters were writers. It let me live vicariously through them during a time when I did not write as much. One of these characters wrote a series of children’s books called Tony’s Toys. Years later, I thought it would be fun to write a story about one such toy. So here it is! Enjoy!

Teddy was a light beige bear who sat on the shelf at the toy store for a very long time. He watched his friends come and go from the shelf, patiently waiting for his turn to find a home. He waited and waited, and just before he began to lose hope, Mrs. Frye walked down Teddy’s aisle. She was a plump, friendly-looking lady with long red hair and red painted lips. Following close behind Mrs. Frye was a little boy with red hair just like hers. He smiled wide as he eagerly looked at the stuffed animals he passed.

“Okay, Tony,” Mrs. Frye said, “you can pick out any one you want.” Her voice was just as friendly as her smile.

Tony picked up a giraffe Teddy knew as Jerry, but put him back down. Tony thought about getting Spike, a golden retriever, but decided not to. His eyes then found Teddy, the bear that had been waiting so long. Tony smiled wide again and picked the bear up. The boy looked into Teddy’s brown eyes for a moment, and then hugged Teddy tight.

“This one!” Tony told his mother. “He’s so soft and perfect!”

Teddy’s heart leapt with joy as Mrs. Frye led Tony and his new friend to old Mr. Greyson at the cash register. Mr. Greyson owned the toy store, and as he rang up the bear, he couldn’t help but give them a smile.

“You found yourself a good bear, little boy,” the old man said. “This fella here is one of the best bears that ever came through here.”

Tony giggled as he held Teddy in his arms. “He’s going to be my best friend forever!”

Mrs. Frye and Mr. Greyson both laughed. The old man patted Tony on his head and said goodbye to Teddy as the family left.

Tony held onto Teddy the whole car ride home. Mrs. Frye even set a place for the bear at the dinner table. Tony and Teddy played outside until Mrs. Frye called them in for bedtime. Teddy waited on the toilet while Tony had his bath, and once the boy was all clean, he crawled into bed with his new best friend clutched in his arms. Mrs. Frye read them a story, and the two were fast asleep before it was over. Teddy dreamed of that day, reliving its great wonder all over again. Teddy the bear could not have been any happier.

Teddy woke up in the middle of the night. Someone was poking his cheek. He opened his brown marble eyes and saw a tall soldier with a shaved head and a smile. On the soldier’s chest was a grey shirt with “ARMY” written across it. He wore camouflage pants tucked into high black boots.

“Who are you?” Teddy whispered softly so Tony would not awaken.

“I’m Sgt. Steve,” the soldier said. “Come on, buddy. I’ve gotta show you something.”

“Can’t I just stay here?” Teddy asked, snuggling closer to Tony.

“Sorry, kiddo. You have to meet some of Tony’s toys.” Sgt. Steve pulled on Teddy’s arm until the bear he came free.

“C’mon,” said Sgt. Steve, leading Teddy to the other side of the room.

There stood three toys, each smiling at Teddy. A small and green soldier, much smaller than Sgt. Steve, waved with one hand, the other holding a pair of binoculars of the same green. His feet were attached to a solid base, but Teddy was sure he moved around just fine. A big plastic elephant with a pink bow on her head waved with her trunk. Teddy was sure she was big enough for Sgt. Steve to ride. A square-jawed man in a red cape stood next to the elephant, his muscular body covered in a red suit with blue trunks and boots. Teddy knew he was a superhero; he had seen similar toys at the toy store. This one had nice black hair and was half as tall as the elephant.

“Guys, this is Teddy,” Sgt. Steve said to the trio. “Teddy, this is my little buddy Binocular Benny, but we all just call him Benny.”

Benny reach out and shook Teddy’s hand and said, “Hiya.”

“This is Ellie,” said Sgt. Steve, pointing to the elephant.

“Howdy, Teddy,” she said, shaking Teddy’s hand with her trunk.

“And this is Mega Mike,” Sgt. Steve said.

“How ya doin, buddy?” Mega Mike said, his handshake firm.

“Hi everyone!” Teddy said, smiling to them all.

“Well, now that’s taken care of,” Sgt. Steve said, heading to the closet door, “You guys ready to head to the party?”

“What party?” Teddy asked. He didn’t know of any party. There had never been parties at the toy store.

“This one,” said Mega Mike as Sgt. Steve opened the closet door.

Inside was not Tony’s closet, but a room with colorful light flashing everywhere, loud music, and so many toys Teddy did not recognize. Tony’s toys walked in, but Teddy stood in his place, surprised. He quickly ran inside with a huge grin.

“How is this possible?” Teddy asked, looking around in wonder.

“Every kid’s closet is a secret entrance to this never-ending party,” Ellie explained. “You can come in here any time you want and there will be plenty of toys to hang out with. And the best thing is that the kids can’t hear or see any of this.”

“It’s totally kid-proof!” exclaimed Benny before hopping over to a group of little soldiers just his size.

“But what if a kid wakes up?” Teddy asked Mega Mike.

Mega Mike shrugged. “I don’t know. You just sense it.” He smiled again and flew off into the air, circling the giant sparkling light before landing by other superheroes.

“You’ll feel it when the time comes,” Ellie assured. She went off onto the dance floor and disappeared in the crowd.

“Have fun,” Sgt. Steve said, following after Ellie. He, too, become one with the crowd of dancing toys.

Teddy stood still for a moment, unsure of what to do. Part of him wanted to go back to Tony’s room and fall back asleep in his arms. But a larger part of him wanted to stay and dance and have a great time. He smiled and headed out to the dance floor too.

Teddy wiggled and grooved along to the beat of the songs, quickly tiring himself out. He broke away from the crowd and wandered until he found a plush squirrel handing out drinks from his station. Teddy took a seat, and the squirrel came over.

“Hey there, pal,” the squirrel said, talking very fast. “Haven’t seen you here before. You new?”

“Yeah, Tony picked me up today,” Teddy answered.

“Nice. I hear that Tony kid is a wonderful boy. So what’ll you have? Water? Juice? Milk? Oh wait! I know! You want honey. All you bears like honey, right?”

“Um, sure. Honey sounds good,” Teddy said, trying to keep up with the squirrel’s speed talking. The squirrel took off and was back sooner than Teddy could say “dance party”.

“Here ya go, buddy. A nice little pot of honey for the bear.”

Teddy looked down at the small pot. Its top was open, showing the golden goodness inside. But there was a problem: it was clearly not real honey.

“So how do I eat it?” Teddy asked, looking up to the squirrel.

“How do you eat it?” The squirrel then laughed. “It’s all about imagination, buddy bear! Just pretend it’s real and boom! It’s real!” The squirrel smiled wide and headed off to take of the other toys.

Teddy looked down at the honey, taking it in his hands, and thinking hard, “It’s real honey. It’s real delicious, sticky honey.”

He lifted the pot to his mouth, and soon glorious golden goo flowed down into his mouth. Teddy gulped it down and wiped his mouth, a huge smile on his face. The squirrel brought another, but this time Teddy took his time with it.

Tony’s toys came by after Teddy’s third pot of honey, each of them grinning.

“Enjoying yourself?” asked Sgt. Steven.

“So much!” Teddy rejoiced. “Thank you for bringing me here, guys!”

Something inside Teddy popped out of nowhere. He felt that he had to leave as soon as possible. Tony’s toys seemed to get the same feeling, and Teddy understood what it meant. The five of them made their way to the door and back into Tony’s room. They each went back to where they had been when Tony had fallen asleep, Teddy wrapping himself in Tony’s embrace. He fell asleep with a smile on his face and his tummy full of tasty honey.

Flash Fiction 003 – Micro Fiction

By now, if you’ve been keeping up with my posts, you’re aware of what flash fiction is. These kinds of stories are short and succinct. But what if you made the stories even shorter? No more paragraphs, only a few sentences at most. This is where we enter the realm of micro fiction. Every week over on the subreddit r/fantasywriters, there is a thread dedicated to themed stories written in fifty words or fewer. On occasion, I have tried my hand at such a challenge. So, this week, I’m showcasing a few micro fiction pieces. Enjoy!

Witch

The room had gone quiet, but the work had not yet finished. The victim remained in his bed, the scarlet innards vibrant against the grey flesh. Her hands toyed with them until the heart came loose. With a word she ignited. The heart burned into nothing. He sat up.

Hero

The door caved in with a hard kick. His sword radiated gold heat as he held it high. The undead thrall looked on with vacant eyes and mouth agape. Its head came free with one swing. The necromancer screamed as the blade for her next. Bloody ash, she crumbled.

Wand

He held it outstretched, the tip pointed between naive green eyes. He only needed two words; simple, lethal, exquisite things. He had said them so many times, twice that night alone. Dazzling emerald shot from his wand with the words, but the color turned tail and found him instead.

Gnome

The trees spoke of peace in the little villages. The small people living in them went about their days tinkering and talking with the wildlife. “A gnome’s life is a simple life.” Then the clouds shrouded the sun, and gloom fell. Villages razed, the marked child dancing in the flames.

006 NaNoWriMo 2021

December is here, the final stretch of the year. You know what that means? NaNoWriMo just wrapped up! For those who are unaware, NaNoWriMo is a yearly writing exercise from November 1st to the 30th where one tries to write 50,000 words of a novel. In April and July, there is also Camp NaNoWriMo where one sets their own word goal. Although I have never participated in the April or July events, I regularly attempt the 50k challenge. I first discovered NaNoWriMo in my later high school years, but I only started taking a serious step toward reaching the goal in 2013. Out of the last nine projects, I have reached the 50k word goal twice: in 2013 with a regrettable story about a serial killer (because edgy), and in 2014 with a YA story called Ghost. With both, I barely passed the mile marker, but I have always been proud of that progress. I came close in 2015 with a sci-fi/fantasy project based on the first Dungeons & Dragons campaign I ran, getting to just a hair over 32.5k words. Ever since, the most I have achieved has been just slightly over 20,000 words, of which most had likely already been written beforehand. (I was a rebel that year.)

For this year’s project, I ended with a little under 10k words. On my social media platforms (which you should totally follow me on but it’s no biggie if you don’t), I announced at the beginning of the month that I would be working on the first Rokkoh novel. I was so excited to start working on it that I put a hold on the Rokkoh novella I had been working on, and I also made a neat wallpaper/cover art for the novel. I even scheduled vacation time from work each week so I could dedicate as much time to writing as possible.

Clearly, the extra time didn’t help much. Being a creature of habit, I ended up using a vast majority of my free time focusing on other things. I had the best intentions, of course, but more days than not I found myself distracted by YouTube or Twitch. This has been a great learning experience, because now I know that visual entertainment, even something meant to be in the background, will likely draw my attention away from whatever story I am trying to work on.

That said, I am still proud of what I have written. The first several days were spent working on a script for a play that would feature later on in the novel. I had never written a proper script before (the attempts to write movie scripts in my teen years do not count), and the experience was interesting to say the least. I may post it here someday, if there is any interest.

So NaNoWriMo 2021 was kind of a bust, but any progress is good progress. Thanks to NaNoWriMo, I have roughly 10,000 words less to write for Rokkoh’s first proper novel. Once I complete the new novella, my intentions are to get back to work on the novel. Until then, enjoy the wallpaper I made for the novel!