Wisdom of the Ages

Glad you could join us for the next inspirational episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

“My future?” Before his eyes, the kindling dawn flared into a tangerine sky. Elliot’s breath caught in his chest. His thoughts caught in his mouth. His imagination soared beyond his tail’s slicing burn to fill his mind with light and hidden possibilities.

 “Yes, Elliot, your future,” King Arnie repeated. “I’ve been around a long time, son — may I call you ‘son’?” he inquired, waiting politely for a reply.

Elliot had recently developed a healthy skepticism regarding the motivations of strangers, but now he began to realize he should temper his caution by listening when the little voice named Instinct spoke.

Right now, Instinct told him King Arnie only wanted to help and wouldn’t try to burn him or take his home or poison him or eat him or steal his soul.

“Yes, ” Elliot replied. “Yes you may.”

“Thank you. As I was saying, I’ve been around a long time, son, and I’ve learned a thing or two about reading people.” He paused to glance sideways at Elliot, and then returned to gazing at the brightening sky. “Look at that. A glorious beginning becomes a dependable day. Sometimes it’s clear and warm. Sometimes there are clouds. And sometimes it’s hella stormy.”

Elliot nodded as understanding dawned.

“And it always turns dark before the glory comes again. But,” King Arnie continued, “it never goes from glory to dark in an instant. It doesn’t stop itself to wonder if it’s beautiful enough or steady enough or even stormy enough. Noon never tries to be sunrise, but it grows right out of whatever magnificence Dawn had to offer, and becomes the best Noon it can be.”

The memory of Cassandra’s vibrantly enthusiastic love glowed in Elliot’s heart, inspiring him to be the best he could be. He would always be enough.

“May I ask you something, your Greatness?”

“Certainly, son. Ask away.”

“Why do they call you King Arnie the “Former”?”

His Greatness smiled as a burble rumbled up from his belly and rolled out as a frumbling laugh. “I haven’t always been a king…”

To be continued…

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story... View all posts by Sue Ranscht