Hero

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

Breathing raggedly, Randall lay with his eyes closed, wrapped in waiting. King Arnie entered the Bower before Cyrus could announce him.

“Cassandra, my dear,” he whispered, “may I speak with your patient?”

A smile glimmering in her eyes, she kissed her father’s cheek. “Of course.”

Trevor stepped back, bowing, and the King took Randall’s hand.

“My friend,” he implored, “why are you here? I thought I left you safe at home with your son.”

Wincing, the injured frog opened his eyes a slit and managed half a grin. “I… I wanted him to be… proud of me… Sir.” A violent coughing fit shook his ravaged body, choking off his voice.

“It’s all right, Randall, you don’t have to talk.” The King looked around the room. “Does anyone know what happened?”

Barry’s anger blurted out, “It was de Assassin. I guess once he found Randall, he decided ta finish what he started in Da Arids. Randall never had a chance.” Glaring toward the door, his look slammed right into the King. “—yer Greatness,” he added, his eyes darting away from the royal face.

“We’ll find him, Randall,” King Arnie promised. “We’ll bring him to justice, and Teddy will know how brave his father was. Thank you, friend, for giving so much for your Kingdom. You are a true hero of Bog and the Alliance.”

Remembering another passing, Princess Cassandra asked, “Would you like to go outside? The stars are brilliant tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised if Teddy is looking at them right now.”

Randall nodded, and his friends carried him on the mat to a place outside the glow of the torches. As he watched the sky, they watched the starlight reflected in his eyes until his final sigh rose to the heavens leaving him peaceful and without pain.

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