Dear Sleep
Page 12
There were carvings in one of the boulders. He edged closer to the gigantic rock, it was as tall as three men, at least. The carvings were very high up on the rock. He craned his neck to get a better view. Each piece of the etching was an arm’s length, but they weren’t pictures and they surely weren’t from the alphabet John had grown up with.
He circled the boulder several times, examining it. It felt like it was electrically charged, as if he got any closer it would zap him. He didn’t touch it. He could see it had been worn down smooth in some spots, but others were rough. There we divots and dimples, but only on one side. The side with the carving was smooth and glossy like a headstone.
Lost in thought, he didn’t hear his company arrive until it brushed against his leg. Startled, he jumped and screeched, then quickly put his hand over his mouth. His heart was beating so loud that he was sure his hand had kept it from escaping as well.
***
The Dark Magician smiled at this new development. As the Darkaeth watched, on one of the many screens at his disposal, he grinned. He knew this one was special. What the accountant could do wasn’t something that Darkaeth was privy to. He’d just have to watch and wait.
He looked on as the creature approached the mortal accountant. Darkaeth had many things under his power to test his subjects to find their true fortitude. This was one of his favorites.
Darkaeth’s grin became toothier as the small creature wheeled around John’s feet with ease. He watched as John reached for it, but was disappointed when the coward pulled back.
The Dark Magician’s flawless brow creased in a scowl. He exhaled so sharply that his beard rippled like a wave dying on the beach. He continued to observe.
John was still surveying the creature. He bent to one knee. Darkaeth’s brow relaxed. He clasped his bony fingers in anticipation.
The creature sensed John’s closeness and suddenly doubled in size. It hissed through its jagged teeth and leapt at him with its serrated claws.
Darkaeth laughed.
John zigged to miss the attack, but the thing still caught a piece of his thigh. He cried out and swatted at it with his free hand. He was still holding the pouch in his other.
The makeshift satchel warmed in his hand. The creature was coming around again. John didn’t want to let go of the pouch and was frantically searching for a place to put it. He turned to run when his foot caught on a jagged rock jutting from the forest floor.
He fell hard and the pouch splayed away from him and split open.
Darkaeth clapped with glee, but his attention was called elsewhere. Another screen came to life. He turned his attention away from John.
***
John saw black fur and teeth flying toward him. He heard a loud thump. The world swayed and then went black.
About The Author
Kim Dickerson is an active mother of three impetuous children. Her husband works out of town. She is a self-proclaimed single married mother. She loves to read Stephen King novels and getting to know other colleagues in the field through various book clubs. She considers herself a “Jack of all trades” and enjoys learning how to do new things. Anything from laying flooring to quilting is in her arsenal of distractions.
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