by Ryan Brenner

Created on: July 25, 2009

TWELFTH AND PINE

Prologue

The old man sat by the clear blue stream thinking, pondering, planning, creating, watching, loving, caring, forgiving, holding it all together, each of them raced through his mind so quickly he never ceased to think about any of them, but yet somehow he was able to give immense attention to all of them. He was aged, and yet it was not an age of weakness more an aging of wisdom. Though he was old there was a great strength about him comforting, and yet terrifying at the same time. He appeared kind compassionate, and caring, but there was something else too, something that made you tremble with fear. He possessed a beauty that could not be understood let alone described.

He knew what was coming could sense the one behind him. He sighed heavily, he hated this part! What do you want? he said without turning.

Something, a beast, a monster, a creature emerged from the tree line. Why do you ask what you already know? he, it, whatever it was, said with a horrid hiss.

His companion did not flinch instead it was the creature who stepped back to the shadow of the trees. He hated to cower before the old man, but he had no choice.

I asked you a question, and you will answer it, returned the old man in a voice that showed authority, but no agitation.

I can make him fall, hissed the creature, a horrible rattle in the back of his throat as he receded into the cover of the trees. He hated the sunlight.

He is in my care, said the old man. I have never lost one in my care, though it has cost me greatly, he continued glancing at his hand and wincing remembering the pain.

You cannot deny me my chance, whined the beast.

SILENCE, boomed the old man his voice echoing across the valley. The beast whimpered and fled farther into the trees. Do not presume to tell me the laws that have stood through the ages. I wrote them down.

There was a pause the old man looking into the cool water of the stream, the beast moving closer, but not to close still holding to the tree line.

The old man bowed his head; he knew he had no choice. He would have to let them choose. Very well.

The beast leapt with a malevolent yelp of glee.

Wait, said the old man. The beast stopped immediately. You have until the light shines. When the light shines you must let it be.

As you say, Hissed the beast, We have an agreement,

Last Tuesday Night 8:42

She was moving down Twelfth Street toward the intersection. Almost home, she thought heading toward

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