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thewormoftheworld'send
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Sneak Preview of my Novel

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"Elijah: Black Crow" - Chapter 10

Dear Mr. Donaldson:
You wanted it; you got it!

Place - The evil person's hideout in Minnesota on top of Big Thunder Peak.
Characters -
Roy: Chemist and all-around MacGyver, one of the good guys.
Elijah: MC point-of-view, Servant of the arch-demon Turiel; anti-hero turned evil.
Samyaza: Arch-demon, general of the armies of Hell, servant of Satan.
Manny: A Bigfoot researcher/bystander who got caught up in the action.


Roy directed the point of his sword at me. Manny looked at it, then at me, with concern. Offended that friend Roy took this action toward me, I wrenched the Damascus steel sword from his hand as easily as if he were a child. He held his arms up at the elbows, took a step back, and asked, “What’s up with your eyes, brother?� referring to my eyes borrowed from the arch-demon Turiel's sons.

My only response was to point the sword toward the phones still held in their hands. They handed them over slowly. After putting them in the pockets of my baggy jeans, I shook his sword in the direction I wanted them to go. Turning, they started walking back the way we had come. I followed, sword at the ready.

“Crow!� I said into the air. “Stop them if they try to run!�

My crow friend cawed to me three times from a nearby tree. I had faith in my friend the crow, as I was sure it had faith in me.

Farther on was the portal I’d created in the trees early. “Yes, Roy, that object is our destination,� I said, sensing his thoughts. From Manny, who had no vision, I sensed only puzzlement.

I knew what Roy could see with his sight that Manny couldn’t see.

“What are you looking at?� he asked Roy.

“A clockwise-rotating, white pyramid, about twenty feet high, hovering a few feet from the ground. Just above it, is an upside-down black pyramid, about ten feet high rotating the opposite direction. Small, multi-colored orbs are spinning around them both in a variety of orbits and directions.�

I generously allowed Roy a moment, with his one good eye, to revel in my portal creation. After all, it might be the last beautiful spirit thing he ever sees.

The portal may have been a bit much, but I was still new to this and kind of a show-off.

“Very good, Roy,� I said. “Now tell Manny what happens when the points of the pyramids touch.�

“They explode in some gimmicky fashion?�

“That was even better. But the force of the explosion won’t touch anything physical. It will generate an electromagnetic pulse aimed at shutting down your nervous systems, and only your nervous systems.�

“Where’s that EMP shielding when I really need it?� quipped Roy.

Manny put the fingers of his left hand to his chin in a gesture of reflection, meanwhile maintaining a close eye on the sword I held.

“What’s gonna cause the points to touch?� Manny asked.

“Your disobedience to my mistress, Samyaza,� I avowed.

Roy said, “You never were quite right in the head, Elijah. Please, just turn yourself in to the police.�

“The points are already creeping closer together.� I replied. It was the only reply necessary.

“You two know too much,� I said. “This base must be kept secret for the time being.�

“A secret base?� Manny said.

“Yes, and you’re standing on it. Now, stop fooling around and let’s go. The manhole you found is below those weeds.� I pointed to its location with Roy’s sword.

“Manny, you go first. Then Roy.�

On the way down the ladder, I explained a few things to Roy. “White Buffalo died in Colchuck Canyon. Cain mastered the shape-shifting technique and learned Enoch’s mannerisms, speech patterns, all that kind of stuff. So he was easily able to fool you into believing he was White Buffalo.�

“But what about the phone?� Roy asked as he climbed down. “It looked like the genuine article.�

“It was. But now it and its magical properties are gone, as is he.�

We walked to the elevator door that was inside a small lighted cavern at the bottom of the ladder. It opened immediately, and I waved them inside. The elevator dropped without any sensation of movement.

“It’s more than likely,� I continued, “that the Council of Elders in Atlantis will grant the former White Buffalo a favorable dispensation for his reincarnation. However, I understand that making their decision can take up to twenty years. Afterward, the Chosen One will have to pass through the usual stages of human development before he will be fit to resume his battle against evil. By that time, it’ll be too late to stop Samyaza.

“We have arrived. Please step forward.�

When Manny and Roy stepped into the training facility, the former looked around, nonplussed by the futuristic design. Roy wasn’t taken by surprise. He was getting used to the idea of being kidnapped and then forced to endure unfamiliar surroundings such as this.

“Just like old times, eh, Elijah?� He grinned, but with White Buffalo absent, his words didn’t carry their old confidence. I didn’t smile in return; there was no point in pretending that this was to be a happy reunion. But I decided some introductions were in order before the festivities began.

“Hey, you guys,� I said. Manny directed his attention onto me. “Roy and Manny, I’d like to introduce you to my new friends. Meet Cain – yes, the actual Cain from the Book of Genesis – Evil Enoch, son of Cain – they tell me he’s not so bad once you get to know him – and last but definitely not least, the lovely genius Samyaza. Of course, you and Roy have already met.�

Nobody attempted to shake hands or exchange pleasantries.

“All right, let’s get on with the show,� I said.

“Yes, let’s,� said Samyaza. She waved her hand toward the walls. They had been opaque, but they became transparent by degrees to reveal dozens of Samyaza’s sword-wielding troops standing outside the transparency waiting to be entertained. The opacity continued just beyond them, giving the appearance that her followers were merely 3-D projections on the wall.

“The both of you - yes, that means you too, you insufferable simian -� Samyaza pointed to Roy, “will sword fight until one of you loses the battle and, unable to continue, succumbs to death.

“Elijah, please give Roy his sword. Manny will be provided with a similar implement.�

I tossed Roy his sword, and he caught it by the grip with ease. Incredibly, one of my mistress’s followers detached from the opaque wall and tossed his sword to Manny. Instead of catching it, Manny dodged the blade, allowing it to fall to the mat. He merely looked at it with disdain. His long blond hair swung as he shot a look at Samyaza and yelled, “I won’t play this game with you! If you don’t let us go, the government will take your cult out just like they took down Waco!�

“Waco went up in flames,� she answered coolly. “But this facility won’t go up in flames; it’ll simply go up. You are currently standing in an air-sea ship colloquially known as a ‘UFO.’�

Manny’s eyes went wide at this. “I believe you,� he whispered.

“After all you’ve seen already, you should believe her,� I said to Manny.

“I believe you! And not only do I believe you, I will join you!� Manny exclaimed. He was a famous Bigfoot researcher who was interested in all matters paranormal. But he was a Bigfoot specialist. And he was obviously willing to take his fascination with the paranormal in whatever direction it led. Being within an actual UFO was a dream come true for Manny.

Samyaza appeared to size up Manny. But then she walked over to him, picked up the sword, grabbed his hand and placed it in his palm. Folding his fingers over the hilt with slow fatality, she said, “No, Manny. I pick my fruit from among the disaffected and neglected. Those people you see around us have slipped through the cracks of your society. They don’t fit in anywhere, nor can they be cared for through your government programs. What you see here is like an orphanage for those who are truly oppressed and beyond all help.

“They could’ve chosen a different life – one filled with drugs, alcohol, loneliness, despair, imprisonment and death. Instead, they have found the highest spiritual fulfillment with me, in this place. Their loyalty is thus guaranteed. Yours – is not.�

I looked around at the transparency; all the followers were grinning and nodding. They loved it here; and above all, they loved Mother Samyaza.

From what I understood, this facility was the template of a new society to be built after the old one was erased.

Mother Samyaza backed away from Manny and stood in her original place. Roy simply shook his head with pity.

“But - But I care! And I want to help your cause!� Manny couldn’t be dissuaded.

“It’s too late, Manny. I’ve seen into your heart,� replied Samyaza. “You aren’t damaged; there isn’t a single stain on your soul worthy of mention. Look at Elijah over there. If his soul was as stainless as his steel axe, he wouldn’t be here. If it only had a few blemishes, he wouldn’t be here. Indeed, his soul is stained with contusions to the point of irreparability. Elijah belongs with us; you do not.

“Now, either fight, or die.�

Manny and Roy looked at each other. Roy only shrugged and raised his sword. Manny also raised his sword. Surrounded as they were, and with the spinning pyramids of death hanging over their fates, their choices were few – but the choices they did have were filled with peril.

Roy made the first move, clanging his sword once against Manny’s. Manny half-heartedly clanged back.

“FIGHT!� Yelled Samyaza. The hordes within the transparency began to chant: “Fight! fight! fight! fight!…�

The two combatants began to battle with more earnestness, although neither of them willingly strove against the other's flesh and bone. To do so would violate their society’s codes, engrained within them, that prohibit violence.

But Roy, having killed two people that I know of, was more experienced than Manny in the inclinations encouraged by a life filled with danger.

“Don’t forget about the two pyramids, guys!� I yelled. In a potential future consisting of their utter unwillingness to cooperate, the points of the pyramids would touch, bringing an end to both their lives.

Roy, a master swordsman having been trained at the hands of White Buffalo many years ago, was the first to draw blood. Manny cried out and grabbed his arm, withdrawing for a moment to inspect the damage. Then he looked back at his foe with obvious panic in his eyes.

Ever unwilling to die a coward’s death, Roy started forward to finish the job. But to my surprise, Manny threw his sword point-blank range at Roy – and missed. His sword flew over Roy’s head. But so poor was Manny’s aim that he surely didn’t need to move a muscle to avoid it.

Roy, who had killed with his sword before, was willing to do so again to save his own life.

A commotion came from the direction of the only elevator. It should have been impassable. There was no reason in the universe for anything to interrupt these proceedings beyond the potential of a natural disaster. And this region of the country was relatively free of such things, particularly underground as we were.

A sword-wielding figure burst through the elevator door. It bore a strong resemblance to White Buffalo.

“IMPOSSIBLE!� screamed Mother Samyaza.

“Nothing is impossible,� yelled White Buffalo. “For I am Enoch, Fire-lord, God’s Chosen who sat at His right side for centuries conversing with angels. I am a North Royal Untouchable, Garom Sagart Osaveen Macau Savolo Alters, the blue Druid born of deep laguz - born in the time between times on the moment of veil exchange - follower of the one true Holy Father Macali, Spirit Elk, Guardian of the West. I am a living weapon of Creation walking the path of the Holy Prophets!�

White Buffalo strode into the training arena. He held the Living Binding Blood Steel of Christ.

Samyaza raised one hand, snapped her fingers, and pointed at White Buffalo. Our audience surged into the training center. But they didn’t detach from the transparent walls as I previously assumed; they walked through them.

Roy, who happened to be facing the general direction of the elevator, grinned and nodded with respect and understanding. Then he raised his sword to face a new foe, one that was easier for him to deal with – not because Manny was a tough opponent, but because he was weak.

What I failed to understand is why didn’t my pyramids connect? And why are Roy and Manny still alive? Mother Samyaza had put her trust in me, and I failed her.

White Buffalo may have been a poor planner, but he wasn’t stupid. He didn’t just waltz into the enemy compound armed with a sword. He pulled a MAC-10 semi-automatic out of his belt and pointed it at Samyaza.
Tales of a Warrior-Prophet has gone Live on Amazon KDP Vella! I'm very excited to offer the first three chapters for free. Please comment, review and rate, and of course Follow to receive more episodes. Two hundred free tokens may be available for purchases. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B09YQQYMKH

Read my Whachichun Tatanka (White Buffalo) Blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/8175040473578337186
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBuffalo.W ... unTatanka/
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thewormoftheworld'send
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Post by thewormoftheworld'send »

I recently had an idea to merge chapters 1 and 2 of White Buffalo to create a better hook. Although the novel has already been published, it's only on Vella which barely counts as publishing. It wasn't ready for the big time. It doesn't even have an ISBN or cover. Vella is for serial publication, that is, episodic or by chapter. The cover is a temporary picture I borrowed from the real White Buffalo.

I hope this idea works.
Tales of a Warrior-Prophet has gone Live on Amazon KDP Vella! I'm very excited to offer the first three chapters for free. Please comment, review and rate, and of course Follow to receive more episodes. Two hundred free tokens may be available for purchases. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B09YQQYMKH

Read my Whachichun Tatanka (White Buffalo) Blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/8175040473578337186
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBuffalo.W ... unTatanka/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/white_buffalo
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thewormoftheworld'send
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Post by thewormoftheworld'send »

This is post # 26,000 to this sub-forum.
Tales of a Warrior-Prophet has gone Live on Amazon KDP Vella! I'm very excited to offer the first three chapters for free. Please comment, review and rate, and of course Follow to receive more episodes. Two hundred free tokens may be available for purchases. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B09YQQYMKH

Read my Whachichun Tatanka (White Buffalo) Blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/8175040473578337186
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBuffalo.W ... unTatanka/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/white_buffalo
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samrw3
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Post by samrw3 »

Just FYI I hope to read when I have time - but it may be awahile got a lot of balls I am juggling
Not every person is going to understand you and that's okay. They have a right to their opinion and you have every right to ignore it.
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thewormoftheworld'send
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Post by thewormoftheworld'send »

samrw3 wrote:Just FYI I hope to read when I have time - but it may be awahile got a lot of balls I am juggling
Well, make the time.

Someone (not here) pointed out that chapter 2 was so much better in its beginning that I should just delete chapter 1. I think my idea of merging chapter 1 and chapter 2 worked out. Chapter 1 has always been problematic because it lacked a hook or grabber. So there was no reason for the reader to move on to chapter 2. But chapter 2 starts out better. So I placed the first few paragraphs of chapter 2 at the beginning of chapter 1. Then I followed that up with "It all started when..."
Tales of a Warrior-Prophet has gone Live on Amazon KDP Vella! I'm very excited to offer the first three chapters for free. Please comment, review and rate, and of course Follow to receive more episodes. Two hundred free tokens may be available for purchases. https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/episode/B09YQQYMKH

Read my Whachichun Tatanka (White Buffalo) Blog: https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/8175040473578337186
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBuffalo.W ... unTatanka/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/white_buffalo
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