Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing excerpts of the angelic characters from a work in progress, THE DARKNESS WITHIN, Book Three by Angelica Hart and Zi.
CONTINUED
ANGEL WINGS OF HOPE
Fremont,
Nebraska -
the Ariel and Barchiel tale
What appears today to be a sacrifice will prove
instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make. ~ Gordon B.
Hinckley
In the face of the
wild waters of the Platte River, the two brothers found a small cove where the
fishes had taken sanctuary. They were abundant.
“That makes three fish today,” Evan said, the older by a
year of the teenaged brothers. “Catch up little brother.”
Toby cast out his line, adding fresh bait, after throwing
back his last catch. This was catch-and-release gamesmanship. “Overall, I’m
still ahead by at least a two.”
The brothers, both tall, both with an athletic built, both
with features that displayed their partial Native American heritage were in a
consistent competition. Each kept trying to top the other, but always good
naturedly. They saw it more as challenging the other to achieve their highest
potential rather than being the winner. Their grades showed that rivalry. They
ran cross-country and were both highly ranked. Their fellowship was obvious,
seen through their volunteering often.
“Yeah, right.”
“I think I feel a nibble.”
Evan snorted, about to retort when he narrowed his gaze and
frowned. “Shit!”
“What?”
Evan didn’t answer only began to run and then suddenly
plunge into the cold, turbulent whorl and flow of water. There were those who
ran towards danger, first responders and then there were many who fled. Evan
shouldered an apt heroism.
Toby followed, at first just reacting, being the sort to
follow his brother into any situation without consideration. He quickly
realized that a faun had fallen into the river and was in trouble. They were strong swimmers, yet, it would have
been extraordinarily easy for the treacherous waters to overwhelm them. The
flow of water made it difficult to close the distance between animal and
humans. With each passing moment, the potential of death grew.
These athletic males forced every muscle to propel them. The
acute danger magnified, especially once they reached the faun and attempted to
guide it toward the shore. Panicked, its fear had the faun thrashing and
kicking. A hoof to the head would cause serious injury to either boy.
Country boys who soothed sheep, cows, horses, they comforted
with soft words and strong arms.
Other students began to notice as the brothers were swept
downstream. One ran for a chaperone, another grabbed a cell phone, who
immediately called for help. Many began running in the direction of the boys,
but none risked the peril of following the boys into the water.
There it was the difference between heroes and cowardly
tripidation.
In the river, neither brother could hear the other as they
attempted to work cooperatively, hoping to save the faun. Though fear swirled
in their gut, more for their sibling and the faun then for their own safety,
they didn’t surrender to that fear.
Their fathers words guided them. Fear is not real. Danger is real. Know the difference and respect
each.
Their compassion for the terrified creature swelled inside
them, somehow giving them greater strength. Simultaneously and miraculously, a
powerful current shoved the trio toward shallow water, enough for them to plant
their feet into the mucky bottom. Toby hopped up on the faun’s back, using his
heels to guide him to terra firma, Evan pushed at its rump. Soon the quadruped
scampered up onto the shore, bucked Toby off, and braying ran towards the
woods.
The brothers made their way to the bank and collapsed next
to each other.
“That was exciting,” said Evan.
“Naw, Dad finding out we ate the entire pecan pie this
morning is gonna be exciting.”
Evan grinned. “I’m still a fish ahead, peepsqueak.”
Toby got to his feet. “Not for long.”
That event was taken in stride by the brothers, not granted
the pomp of braggadocio. Yet, the school group fawned (pun intended).
News of their heroism swelled, bringing new life to the
school spirit, which spread through the community and beyond. Their example was
celebrated and others followed discovering their own bravery. Students pushed
back at bullying. Seniors at the high school applied for scholarships. And the
budding workforce recognized that hard work was a staple for success.
Both Evan and Toby won scholarships for track. Graduated.
Returned to their community and became teachers, coaches and eventually
Principals. Did they marry? Yes. Raised strong and grounded children.
***
ANGEL WINGS OF HOPE
Aether - the Ariel and Barchiel tale
In the
race between lion and deer, many times the deer wins because lions run for food
and deer for life, thus proving that purpose is more important than need. ~ Delaware
“And that’s how we do it in the heavenlies!” enthused Barchiel.
“We do make a good team,” Ariel agreed as the two hip
bumped.
The sound of approaching hooves alerted them to the faun
approaching. Both angels smiled.
“Couldn’t have done it without you,” said Ariel, hugging the
creature’s neck. This was heavenly faun. Why? Ariel would have never risked a
real creature to provide a lesson. Angel Deer and Angels were often conflated
as one energy for good, united with innocence, blended as a great humanity.
***
About the Story: The Darkness Within is a fast-paced supernatural thriller involving, kidnapping, romance, gypsies, and supernatural beings. The tale revolves around private detective Brie (Gabriella) Tyler's investigation of several missing young women believed to be runaways. Somehow, it connects to a past she cannot remember. While trying to find his missing niece, Jake Marlo, the owner of prestigious private detective agency, crosses path with Brie. Independent and feisty, Tyler resists Marlo's help and romantic attention. The two collide as heinous henchmen and supernatural forces threaten to destroy their lives.
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.
Angelica Hart and Zi ~ Vixen Bright and Zachary Zane
www.champagnebooks.com - www.carnalpassions.com - angelicahartandzi.com
No comments:
Post a Comment