Tag: minister

Honored Guests

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

Elliot 161
Photo credit: Mark Berkery

As the sun touched the horizon, they followed the dry staccato of an ancient cough and found the venerable leader of Freelands’ wasp community plucking dinner from a stalk of grass.

“Honored One,” Elliot called, “please forgive us for interrupting your meal. Thank you for inviting us to continue our conversation about creating an alliance between the Freelands, Bog, and Fen.”

“Elliot?” the creaky old wasp squinted at him. “Elliot! It’s good to see you and your friends, young sir. We didn’t expect you until tomorrow. Here, join me — have a bite to eat.” He held out a wiggling morsel that Barry’s tongue found almost before the invitation was extended.

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A Question of Justice

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

Elliot 160
Photo credit: Brisbaneinsects.com

They fairly ran through the Bowls of Death meadow, but even if they had flown through it, Elliot couldn’t have shut out visions of the terror Cassandra endured there at the rebel Spike’s bidding. So why did his thoughts take an unbidden fork in the road?

My love is alive today because Arturo killed Spike. I believe with all my heart that he deserved to die — but was it justice?

Might it have been better to incarcerate him for the rest of his life? Maybe they could have put him to work repairing all the damage he’d done. Maybe it would have brought the families whose lives he’d ruined a sense of satisfaction to see him serving their needs.

Entering the Freelands, Elliot witnessed rebuilding everywhere he looked.

It wouldn’t have undone the deaths he caused, but is it really better that he isn’t here to help set things right? Families mourn, and then they have to repair Spike’s devastation.

What might Cassandra think?

But right now, he needed to speak with someone else.

To be continued. . .

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

I Accuse

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

Elliot 159
Photo credit: Stephen Dalton

Let ’em hear me, Barry thought, bounding through the bushes. I need ta git ta da Prince before dat double dealin’ ol’ bat can carry out her diabolical plan — whatever it is.

He scarcely avoided colliding with the guard who stood ready to fight when he broke through the undergrowth, skidding to a stop on the trail.

“Barry!” Clifton greeted him, “You’re alive!”

“Where’s Prince Elliot? I hafta tell ’im somethin’.”

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Not So Private Audience

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Photo credit: Arnoud Quanjer

“Lady Lucy,” the Prince corrected the young Knight, “is not our immediate concern. Right now, we wait quietly for Clifton to return.”

“Or end up as somebody’s midnight snack,” Barry muttered.

Ahead, a hushed Knight announced, “Someone’s coming, Sir.”

Clifton touched down in front of Elliot. “It’s one of the Stingers. Says his name is Julius and he knew we were coming. He wants to talk with you, but he wants you to leave the Knights behind.”

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Lady Lucy

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

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Photo credit: M. Brock Fenton

Panic tightening his throat, Clifton screamed, “Stand down! Stand down, soldier!”

A tick of indecision seized the fearsome jaws. The furry head whipped toward the brash young bee.

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Willing to Die

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

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Photo credit: zootours.ca

Beneath the unexpected flapping, Clifton bemoaned his deficient night vision as he  searched the obscurity overhead for any movement greater than the fluttering leaves. Only moments earlier, they had been so thankful for the moon-eclipsing clouds, and now he just wished for some light. A cringing fear crawled up his back as he recognized the strangely solitary sound.

“Barry,” he hissed, “get down from there!”

“I’m tryin’ ta see what it is!”

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Dearly Departing

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Elliot 151
Photo credit: Uda Dennie

Elliot smiled. “Of course I’ll be back, my love. There is no force of nature or unnatural conscious design powerful enough to keep me from you.”

He had pushed the end of the day as far away as possible, filling each minute with a smorgasbord of stories and plans and preparations only to find sunset had swallowed the overstuffed hours as easily as ever, dragging the blanket of night behind it. Those who were going to the Freelands had agreed to travel under the cover of darkness.

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Reunited

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Photo credit: Ernie Cooper

In sight of the bower’s entrance, a member of the Hive Elite waylaid Vernon with the Queen’s request that he return immediately to the Hive.

“My apologies, Sir Barry, for abandoning you before introducing you to the Princess and Prince. The bower is just over there, and if you let them know you’re replacing Clifton for the time being, I’m sure you’ll find the Royal couple gregarious and pleasant company.” He flew off before Barry could respond.

I’m s’posed ta walk in dere an’ innerduce myself ta Royalty? Well, he thought, I’ve done tougher tings. Continue reading “Reunited”

The Party’s Over

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

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Image credit: S.T. Ranscht

Singing and dancing, stories and laughter, the woods filled with music and cheer. Contests and games, honors and congratulations, the community reveled in camaraderie and fellowship.

It was a night to hold in memory and revisit over the years in times of sorrow to lift a grieving heart, in lonely times to recall the bonds of friendship, or to polish up and present as a model for future times of grand celebration.

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Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

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

Elliot 144
Photo credit: MaDonna

Her quick smile when she noticed him sent an energizing jolt through his body. “Vernon!” the Queen called, waving him forward. “Excuse us, please,” she said to the waiting residents, “my Liaison has just arrived.” Taking the King’s arm to lead him away, she added with a gracious smile, “King Arnie will be happy to meet you all later in the evening.”

They entered a secluded arbor with the King’s people positioned outside to ensure privacy. Queen Lilian offered her hand to Vernon who brushed it with his lips and smiled when she squeezed his hand in return.

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