The Redeye Out of Fen

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

Back to Bog, where the battle continues.

~~~

The first few Knights to meet the front line of Marauders outside Connie’s home were leaderless and astronomically outnumbered, but they fought with grim resolve: better to die than lose any of Bog’s children.

Connie, cradling Bitsy in her arms, gathered her brood at their highest window. For the moment, the enemy’s advance stopped at her garden below, but warriors from both sides fell in the moonlight, and the ground seemed carpeted with whipping tails and glinting fangs as more and more serpents arrived from the north.

“If the Knights’ defense fails, you must fly south to Auntie Rue’s.”

“But, Mother,” her eldest son seemed to think it necessary to remind her, “Bitsy can’t fly.”

“That’s why the rest of you will go with your older sister.”

His eyes welled with tears of comprehension. “But mother—“

“Don’t you worry about us. We’ll follow as quickly as we can on foot. Now give me a hug and be ready; it doesn’t look as though more Knights will get here soon enough.”

Below, a banded snake broke through the line and raised its head high above the garden, locking its eyes on them, and moving toward the door.

Connie froze, willing her voice to urge her children to flee — NOW — but could only stand mesmerized by the swaying demon coming closer and closer…

A shadow passed in front of the moon, breaking the spell long enough for her to see sudden fear in the serpent’s eyes.

And then the sky was full of squeaking, hooting shadows.

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