~~~~~~
Over the pass, Sherry plunged down the other side. Soaring high over the fields of Uruk, he watched the servants toil in the blazing sun. He swooped over his master’s fields. The startled peasants crouched in fear of the roc. The rulers of Uruk encouraged rocs to feed upon the peasants to maintain a ready stock for their cavalry. Nimrod laughed as his mount climbed again.
Curling the reins, he circled the roc and put the sun to his back. Ahead of him was the Ziggurat. The time had come, and he had to reach the stables and leave Sherry and his prizes with his squire before the Dragon Lord called. Below, the fields of vines, cotton, wheat, and trees of olives ended at the scrub grass surrounding the city’s narrow moat. He heard the crack of whips drifting on the wind.
Unafraid of the other powers and princes of Gehenna, the moat discouraged the peasants from escaping. Few tried to depart the city of New Babylon, as there was nowhere for the pathetic creatures to go. Nonetheless madness occasionally drove them into the desert or up the mountains trying to seek another route. An option they no longer had.
He pulled back on Sherry’s reins, and soared high over the city. Sherry beat her wings and approached the Ziggurat. They climbed higher into the red sky. Before crossing over the differential, he meant to enjoy one last dive.
High above the plains of Uruk, the stone of the Ziggurat reflected the blazing glow of Ashur shining through the clouds. Perhaps it was a fitting compensation for the loss of his home. Red stains ran down the cliffs running along the ridge upon which the palace stood. There it enjoyed the coolest breezes on Gehenna.
He threw Sherry into the dive. Falling, his blood rushed as they swooped down upon the Ziggurat and headed for the stables at the back of the palace just above the cliffs. Flaring its wings, the roc lifted its flaps and braked. Slowing, the roc dropped to the tarmac at the mouth of the stables. His squire, a blond of the north with untold sins awaited him beneath the palm fronds of the servant’s lean-to. Seeing him approach, the lad ran from the shelter and knelt at the edge of the landing circle drawn on the tarmac.
Sherry folded her wings, and lowered herself for a formal dismount. Alert to the needs of his master, his squire ran up to them and bowed. Nimrod tossed the boy the reins. Throwing a leg over the roc’s neck, he dropped to the tarmac and addressed his squire.
“Any news, Heinrich?”
“Hermes awaits you in the observatory, I told him you were hunting, and he said there was no hurry.”
“Good Heinrich, you have served me well these many years. You are to enter the service of the temple, and serve the goddess until my return. I am only loaning you out, so do not become too comfortable.”
“Thank you, my lord. Was your hunt profitable?”
“Yes, another fine trophy for my hall. Take the ram’s head to the taxidermist and the hide to the tanner. Tell the old loafer I’ll brand him again if he damages the pelt. Sherry has eaten her fill. Give her water and brush her down. Collar her with my design upon her tag, and put her out with the cavalry’s herd.”
“Yes, my lord, as you command.”
Heinrich hurried away, leading the roc into the stables. He was confident his steed would be well cared for in his absence. Were Sherry not fit for service when he returned, those responsible would feel his wrath.
Striding through the palace to his suite, the servants dodged aside and bowed lest he unleash his wrath upon them. Opening the gate to his own apartment, a maid greeted him and awaited his pleasure. Handing his bow to her, he ordered a bath. From his private veranda, he enjoyed the view of New Babylon and Uruk. As he waited for the maids to draw his water, he reflected on his latest enterprise.
He changed into his dress armor and belted on a sword. Rubies mounted on the hilt flashed as he checked his blade. Runes along its side prevented corrosion and chipping and ensured it never needed sharpening. He added greaves and bronze gauntlets. Finally, he took his staff and admired his image in a mirror. He imagined the terror of his enemies when he returned to Earth.
And he smirked.
East of Eden
Evan’s supervisor asked no questions and gave him a medical day pass. Clutching the pass, he headed for the exit trying to sneak out. The day shift had started at Bio-Soft and everyone was working. No one was in the hall. Just a few more seconds, and he would be gone, and no one would see him.
The lift at the end of the corridor opened. He quickened his pace hoping he could get away. Embarrassed, he shoved the pass into his pocket.
“Evan?” said Festus.
Evan smiled and saluted him with a nod, “Hey, old timer.” He was trapped.
Wizened and frail, the goblin hobbled faster. His eyes followed Evan.
“Hay is for horses. Got a pass?” Festus kept a log of all the comings and goings. After all, Festus was the dorm’s resident.
“Yes sir.” Evan avoided eye contact. Despite Festus’ gruff surface, he thought of him as a friend. Festus had proven his loyalty to his charges, and he had covered for Evan more than once.
“Give her a hickey for me.”
“It’s not what you think old timer.” Evan dropped his gaze to his loafers. He hated lying to the goblin. Since Nanny had passed away, Festus was the only family he had. He tried to pass, but the goblin stopped him with a claw. The goblin whispered, “Be careful. It isn’t safe.”
Evan tried not to be irritated. “What is it Festus?” He knew the fellow meant well but he hoped to keep his business private. “Are your corns aching or your bunions acting up?”
“Now, ain’t right you funnin’ on an old goblin.” Festus twitched, “Winds of change are in the air. Hope springs eternal in the hearts of men.” Gravel rolled in the goblin’s mouth. “Boys forget they prey on the young and innocent. They prowl for the unwary. They use hope for bait.”
“Who Festus?” Evan scoffed, “Space aliens again?”
“Know this ain’t no home for a boy, and less so for a man.” Festus frowned, and his eyes moistened, “But I’ll miss you if you meet a bad end. Just you be careful.”
“I’ll be careful, Festus. I’ll see you next week when I come for my check.” He squeezed past the goblin. “Be seeing you.” Quickening his pace, Evan hurried away.