Spike’s Messenger

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

With that image fresh in his mind, Elliot easily resisted the Bols de Mort. He pushed headlong through the malodorous meadow to arrive at the Hive at the tail end of twilight.

Vernon, Liaison to Queen Lilian the Undisputed Monarch of Fen, notified the Queen the instant Elliot returned. She met him in the bower moments later.

“Your Magnificence, one of Spike’s rebels has taken Cassandra. He knows she’s King Arnie’s daughter. I’m afraid I’ve put her in grave danger.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Elliot. Word would have spread soon enough, and we know there are rebel spies scattered throughout Fen and Bog. I think we don’t need to worry about Cassandra’s safety just yet. She’s a valuable hostage. I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear from Spike.”

Vernon appeared at the entrance. “Queen Lilian, one of the rebels has come to ‘strike a deal’.”

The Queen nodded to Elliot. “See?” Turning to Vernon, she said, “Offer him some refreshment and tell him we will meet with him shortly. Let’s not seem too anxious.”

“Your Magnificence,” Elliot announced as the mushrooms began to glow, “I have complete confidence in your wisdom. I know you will save my love if it’s at all possible, but if it isn’t — it will be the end of me.”

“My dear Elliot, I will do everything in my power, use every resource at my command, to put an end to this rebellion and save Princess Cassandra for Bog and for you.” She turned toward the doorway. “Let’s go talk to the messenger.”

~~~

Looking up from his daub of nectar, the rebel paused to wipe his arm across his lips. “Queen Lil,” he smirked, his voice as deep as a moonless midnight, “how ahre you dis fine evenin’?”

“Your name?”

“Dey cull me Mistuh D’Arc.”

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