Was Santa good to you?

I hope he was nicer to you all than he was to me. BOTH my men let me down, big time.

The first parcel opened was from my son - a DVD of Frozen. The one thing I had said I would stuff down his neck if he got that - and I meant it at the time. I made do with emptying the paper bag over his head, his hair sparkled the whole day. Then I opened hubbie's smallest offering - Paco Rabbane Pour Homme!!!!! He spent quarter of an hour scouring the small room for the Red Door it should have been. I spent Christmas dinner giving both of them to silent treatment, I think they got the message. It does not do to annoy mum at Christmas lol

I have made one sale less of books this year - a whole plain zilch. Rats and more rats lol

Now looking forward to hospital clinic visit on the 30th, I have to get there for 9am and I am not a happy bunny about that at all. I hope to get the schedule for my permanent implant anyway.

And I want a far better 2015 than 14 has been! No horrid shocks anymore. Whether I celebrate New Years Eve remains to be seen, weather depending of course. I am an old wimp and not afraid to admit it.

Where is time going .....

Dearie me, I am surely becoming an old woman (yes, I know I AM one but I feel 20ish in my mind lol)

Too knackered after curry night out to sit and watch an old favourite film into the wee small hours, heavens - it was hard enough to make it up the stairs as it was!

Still waiting for EBay delivery, not quite a week late but knowing mail services are pushed not panicking yet. Dear son will just have to do without the matching teeshirt if it comes to it.

I have made up yet another shopping list, we have nearly nothing in that we will surely need. But apart from the turkey three days ahead (definitely no space in fridge) we cannot buy fruit and veg more than two days ahead of the 25th. Now the 20th and the small freezer still needs emptying of the c*** we have forgotten since last year (or more, I ashamedly admit). I want ice cream this year - the fridge will not do.

Trip to the care home tomorrow, an early Christmas giving for mum. She will not know the difference anyway.

Me? the usual aches and pains, as said I am well over the hill, looking forward to final op to make chest 'normal' again.

And as I in all honesty cannot see me finding the time to visit here again before the New Year -
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

There is still time ...

To order a paperback book that Santa can wrap for you. Still plenty of time to download a Kindle version.

Both series of mine are excellent and different reads (I am not the only one who says so either!)

amazon.com/author/susanhenry

Make my YEAR end on a high! Happy Holidays .....

Its December the what alread?!

Tempus fugit far, far too much fugit for my liking right now.


Merry Christmas to all my readers and Twitter followers (@toarshstories if you don't already know). Cards already coming in, I haven't quite finished writing/addressing yet.

First Christmas dinner tomorrow (lunch at least), followed by an ex-work night in and a large family curry night out week before the Big Day.

Are we all done shopping? I have restocked a few sweetie bits, slaps own wrists for eating, naughty naughty me. Just started wrapping while my two men are out of the way lol. My hubbie had a good laugh realising the hardest bit of the lights to put up was still in place from last year, I think we'll leave them there again. The window swag is a bit forlorn after losing its central holding nail. We can't get the ladder close enough to replace it.

RIP my friend

A long time friend of mine has passed away. I never met her, but felt I knew her and her family intimitely as we corresponded by letter and laterly email since our families were little.

She suffered from bowel cancer, that managed to find its way all over her body. Now I am afraid for myself, just a little. She passed peacefully and quietly just before her exhausted husband made it to her side. That brings back memories of my mother in law, who passed peacefully with two family members while the 'crowd' took a short break.

I shall miss her quiet humour and strength, above all her sincere friendship in times good and bad.

Twitterati lol

Ah, stats for this week - 65 views (not bad, considering not many tweets) - 2 new followers (but 3 leavers, sob)

Sorry but I DO use Twitter more than the blog lately. Call it 'muse deprivation', ie, no muse for many days.

Update on medical treatment? Still having top up injections of implant, hopefully last one next week. Hopefully, as implant now sore and pulling in places in shouldn't. Actually looking forward to having the permanent implant. I need to ask for a timescale, as I want another break before the op. My passport runs out in March and I want a day trip over the channel before then. And I will be feeling up to the travel before the op, not after lol

Who is frantically buying for Christmas then? I refuse to listen to the emails calling me to Black Friday/weekends deals. Just because the money is tight mind.

Congrats to both Royal Mail and Yodel. My CD arrived a week ahead of target - and my Tower Poppy arrived a full two months ahead of target! Now I need a new vase to show off the latter, intended to be incorporated into Christmas scenery. Now - where did we put those new lights last year?????

Monday again

Yeah. where does time go when you aren't paying attention lol

Time is quickly running away in the buying season. Books (even Kindle ones) are escellent buys, to be savoured long after the edibles have gone.

Tales From Another Reality, now 7 volumes, for adults.
The Magical Wall, now 4 volumes, for 9 years plus.

Make my day, please! amazon.com/author/susanhenry

Yes, I know .....

It has been how long since I 'found time' to update here?

Slapped wrists and everywhere else, no excuses. Any advice to clear the mild depression and self pity? I ache all over and can't concentrate, if that's an excuse well it's all I can offer.

Cheer me up and buy a book lol

amazon.com/author/susanhenry

on another note ...

I LOVE comments folks, and am sighing over the lack of them lol

I have checked my settings, they ARE allowed. If you can't get them to show, try emailing
toarshstories@gmail.com

I would love to hear from you.

now unsure .....

I have had a couple of bad nights since last post, I should not need pain killers but find I do at least overnight. Nothing worse than waking un-needed with aches and spikey pains.

I am now glad I turned down offer of transport to night out Monday (not in town and too far away) Now I am in two minds over curry night out tomorrow in town. Stupid, feeling scared, huh? I am managing the odd trip out into town and social groups, but this will be my first 'night out' since the surgery. I havent had a drop of the hard stuff and am half fearful of throwing up. Well, I will keep you posted .....

A full month later

It is only a month since I underwent the cancer surgery, good grief where has the time gone - and how the time drags at the same time.

Take it easy I am told from every direction. Easier said than done, believe me. I FEEL fine, I have lots more energy than ever, but I am confined. Travel - that I love so much even short distances - is now severely curtailed for the next few months. Travelling with even healing/healed wounds is not a good idea until I am more or less over the whole follow on process.

I want to be out and about, taking trips to Newcastle, Sunderland and the MetroCentre, to start early Christmas shopping. I know full well I won't be able to do so once the crowds appear. But it was an eye opener getting to the hospital in Gateshead early morning in the rush hour. Not recommended.

The very short trips into town will have to suffice for now, I just need someone to sit and share the coffee with over a long afternoon. Ah, coffee, what a good idea ..... now to carefully load the kettle with just enough so I can lift it safely lol

Great North Run

Brilliant as always. I watched from start to finish on TV in comfort. My niece's hubbie to be completed it in 4.5 hours - not bad considering he is no runner really. He has raised some £1,400 for charity.

Hubbie went into town 3pm - walked there and back - he said the place was still heaving with sweaty bodies with relays of buses and Metro taking people back up to Newcastle. I said what a day to find there were no chips at the back of thd freezer when we needed them!

Well done everyone, I hope you aren't too sore today.

where did the week go .....

It's Monday again, time is flying and my memory is flying with it lol

I am still sore, bruising that cannot be seen still coming up in patches. Yuk. Time to see the consultant tomorrow for the first of I do not know how many implant top-ups.

Christmas shopping already come to mind, hohoho, will be mainly on line this year I think. I am looking at several charity sites and unusual gift ideas. Well, for once I should be in to greet the postie instead of being out in the crowds and big rush!

Anyone thinking of stocking fillers - the Magical Wall series is suitable for 9 plus years. Never mind the not politically correct grammar in places, they are all excellent reads.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

Has anyone got any ideas for a new story? My muse is currently well asleep and I need to start writing again. I need to start getting out to groups again for that matter, just not up to it at the moment. Recovery from jajor surgery sucks, but getting there slowly. I suppose I had best concentrate on getting back on the diet! I have been comfort eating for a whole month, but I haven't put weight back on which is good news.

Another misty Monday

Weather misty and damp, glad to be inside for now. Not that recovering from magor surgery is keeping me indoors anyway in the main.

I ITCH. I am gold this is good, it shows the wound is healing. I wish it would calm down! Another week before I go for initial reconstruction start up, it's a long time when you are waiting. I seem to be sailing freely at the moment though and don't want my little boat rocking with complications.

For anyone going through this roller-coaster ride called breast cancer, my comiserations and healing vibes. Stay positive! If I can beat this thing, YOU can! It still feels surreal, I have not been given the chance to dwell on any of it, just as well I suppose.

Know what will make my day? Buy a book, lol. There are lots to choose from.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

Good update time

Wow, now finally being able to wind down from the nightmare life has become.

It is time for some good news .....
I have just attended my post-op review. The consultant is extremely pleased with both wound and associated swelling (it looks horrendoius to me, but then what do I know). The nodes he took out are CLEAR - woohoo!!! I do not required either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Bet you can hear the sigh of relief half way around the globe at that lol. I need to take the most disgusting tasting tiny tablet for five years before I can be declared cancer free.

I am extremely sore as my chest tries to settle back to 'normal' again. Another two weeks of initial healing and I will begin the reconstruction process. I hope this will not be half as painful as the mastectomy has been. I am pleased to know it will not take many visits to bring the skin back to a 'B' cup size again, and the follow up op to implant a permanent thing will not be the ordeal I have already gone through.

I would be dancing if my chest would allow it - as far as I am concerned I am now cancer free. I will not let my mind-set turn negative from here.

Wot - no one bought a book? Well, I did hope, sigh. Now to get the muse awake and creating again.

Unashamed plugs lol

Go on, be nice to me, peruse and buy a copy of the 4 Magical Wall books. Written with 9-12 year olds in mind, they will appeal to any age upward.

Look on Amazon again. Make my day! Leave a message here and I will get back to you as soon as I am able - you know I am preoccupied elsewhere at the moment lol

Gentle, The Cruel Path

Volume 7 of Tales From Another Reality is up and running!!!!!

Adult material this time. What on earth happened to Misty's loving mate, Gentle, that turned him into the moster she met? This book gives you the answers.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Another-Reality-Gentle-Cruel/dp/1500675040/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407676114&sr=1-1&keywords=Gentle%2C+the+cruel+path

It is available across the Amazon network so please look. Will be up on Kindle shortly.

The countdown begins .....

Today I must start the medical treatment - medical soap/shampoo, every day for five days then the operation.

Time is finally starting to move a bit faster lol

I enjoyed my 'last night' of booze at the club last night, I don't expect to be back there for a good two weeks at the least. I won't be happy if my painkillers do not allow alcohol, but I shall bear it if not grin at the same time. Stocked up on low cal hot chocolate instead!

I also hope I can eat as low cal as possible during hospital stay, I don't want my good diet work to be undone. I have a feeling I won't want to eat on day of op anyway.

Update on nasty news

Well, it shuld be obvious why I have been neglecting the blog alongside everything else.

I have been diagnosed with cancer and need a major op now scheduled for this month. I have been back and forth to hospital since disgnosis and still trying to get my head round this extremely fast rollercoaster ride.

I am still working on edit of Gentle's Tale - which is now retitled Gentle, The Cruel Path. I hope to get it up and running within the month. I am tryng to remain positive and calm, no easy task!

All cyber wishes and hugs gratefully received, they DO mean a lot.

Gentle's Tale is coming .....

Gentle's Tale is coming Gentle's Tale is coming Gentle's Tale is coming

Is now in early stage of edit. Total adult stuff this time. I hope to have it up for sale before too long. Keep checking.

Nasty news

I have been off the net for a while, mind too shell shocked to think.

A 'small' personal problem I thought was nothing to get worried about (but still sent this big wuss to the GP!) is something to be worried about.

I have been diagnosed with a small stage 2 cancer and am now awaiting yet another painful biopsy to determine how much needs to be removed.

Trying my best to stay matter of fact and positive. It isn't easy.

A good cause

Yep, ol' forgetery is back lol But when the creative juices flow I can do no more than feverishly get the ideas on paper (or word at least!)

Article page 21 of todays Chronicle (Northern edition) features my niece Melanie, partner Dale, and a wonderful pic of their lovely daughter Chloe, sadly passed on. Dale is running the Great North Run fundraising for Tiny Lives who helped them. His website for donations says it all.

https://www.justgiving.com/Dale-Atkinson/

Anyone for .....

(a) footie, (b) tennis ? Both leave me rather cold. Good for you if you are interested. Wimbledon fortnight is not my best time of year lol

I do actually like some sports. I enjoy the Olympics and particularly the Winter Olympics. As you all should know by now, I am a self-confessed couch potato. Most of my time is spent sat in front of computer or tv screen. Each to his own huh?

TIME TO BEAT THE DRUM, DUM-DE-DUM-DUM-DUM .....

The Magical Wall 4 is about to go into print, another 24 hours to go. Aimed at 9 years plus, the stories are both entertaining and fast moving. Try them out. Please.

Mojo up and running!

My muse is well and truly awake again, hence the long sojourn here. My apologies, but ideas have to be sent to computer as fast as they come.

Magical Wall 3 is NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT, woohoo, and Magical Wall 4 is with beta reader! Keep on rollin', writer, keep on rollin'!

I am currently back with Gentle's story. It will be a far cry from the rest of the series, totally adult material for sex and gore. The story needs to be to portray how the original Gentle that Misty married changed into the Gentle that was the Monster later on. I still think I will redeem him at the end though.

But I am more than pleaed that Magical Wall is turning out so well. Check them out, please, you will be more than pleased you did.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

amazon.com/author/susanhenry

Another year gone into the wide blue yonder

My birthday came and went again. That is how many? Far too many to tell the truth and I am not saying lol

Maybe dim thoughts of twilight years has been hampering my musings?

Where on earth is my mojo?

I mean that, truly, I am depressed and lacking in energy and thought. I haven't had the heart to visit here.

At last, I seem to be pulling it all together again as ideas for the next instalment of The Magical Wall are appearing, I am trying to jot down notes so they stick rather than completely disappear!

The Magical Wall series is a children's series suitable for 9-23 years. I have a lovely letter from a young reader who is 10 going on 11 and who loved the first tale. I have just published volume 3 anyway. Here is a small excerpt of the original tale, please go to Amazon for the rest. They are good, really, that's not just the writer saying lol

The Magical Wall, part of ch. 1

Holly lived in the country with her family. The large garden to the side of the old farmhouse backed up to the first trees of the ancient old forest.

Mum worked part time in the small library that doubled as community centre for the sleepy village of Forestdale. Dad worked at home! - well, the smallest barn had been converted to his spacious artists studio.

Holly’s bedroom was the smallest in the house, right in the eaves. No wallpapers would do for dad when he could paint whatever his children wished. Her two brothers’ rooms were decorated with medieval and ship scenes, battles in the main for the cheeky tomboys. Hers was a true mixture, from fairies to castles to dragons and everything magical and mystical in their own special forest of trees that wavered gently in the light. The eaves above her were a light blue in the day and velvety dark with small shining drops of silver stars at night. When dad had added the short posts to the bed and mum had draped the ‘tapestry’ sheets around she was in seventh heaven. Everything a near ten year old could wish for in fact.

Holly had a SECRET. A marvellous secret.

Ever since she had been kind to the old woman in the lone cottage that formed the village boundary as the road ran past splitting the forest into two. Her cat had been run over and injured. Finding the intimidating woman out, she had returned home and she and her mum had nursed the grateful creature to health in short time.

Holly had nervously taken ‘Cat’ home, not sure that she wanted to talk to the woman. When the door had opened she had nearly run. The woman with long white hair shrieked in delight at the sight of the cat in the young girl’s arms. She shooed Holly inside asking what had happened. Holly had settled by the large fire and told the tale. She warmed to the woman when pop and cakes were produced as if from nowhere. She thanked Holly for taking care of Merlin and to pop back to see him when she wanted. Holly giggled and said Merlin was welcome to visit her if he wanted too. The woman said to tell her mum she was also grateful for the wood cut and delivered by her brothers in the snow the last year. If there was anything Mrs Wakanda could do for them please let her know.

And when Merlin called that day jumping around like a mad thing, both Holly and mum had run to the cottage to find Mrs Wakanda, Kimi, on the floor.
They had called with the mobile phone for an ambulance and taken care of Merlin until she had been returned home with a pin in her hip three months later. Merlin was as fond of Holly’s little fairy cakes as Mrs Wakanda was!

Holly and her brothers were now the only children in the village that were not afraid of the old woman. She had questioned Holly on her now frequent visits about her life in the old farm house. Holly had launched into a long talk about the pictures on the walls. Mrs Wakanda had promised to give Holly an extra special gift for the coming Christmas, but she must not tell anyone because they would not believe her.

Holly discovered the gift on going to bed grudgingly after another busy Christmas Day. The pictures MOVED. Holly would close her eyes and wake small enough to enter the tiny door in the middle of the wall - the door was actually access to what roof space remained - but was carefully painted to look like the entrance to the huge tree house that dominated over all. Whatever picture was highlighted by the moonlight would be found behind the door. What adventures she had!

That first magical night she had danced with the fairies in a dark forest clearing with night whisps providing light by dancing themselves in circles above their heads, They had taken her home on a cloud of soft cotton wool and left her in her bed, closing the hangings gently behind them.

Mum had been surprised at first and then happy that Holly went to bed when told without protest. She also played happily by herself in the small room beneath the eaves. If only they knew!

She had taken a ride with the Snow Queen in her regal sleigh over the frozen lake to the great castle with sparkling high turrets and glittering banners. Dressed in choice of gowns from the Queen’s own wardrobe, Holly had danced with all the handsome knights gaily until she was too tired to stand. She was shown to a high turret room overlooking the forest and fell asleep almost instantly. She woke in her own bed and dressed in the same old pyjamas she had gone to bed in.

She had taken Teddy with her when the picture was highlighted - and found herself accompanying a walking, talking Teddy into the forest to join the Picnic. The teddies ranged from brand new looking to nearly falling apart, but all were clearly loved. The picnic was a feast of jammy sandwiches, jelly and ice cream with every flavour pop you could think of to drink. A few other teddies there had their friends with them as well, and Holly laughed, giggled and played through the night. Only the night looked like day in the forest. When the light had started to fade, Teddy walked back with her. She woke in bed again cuddling the much loved bear.

She had been worried the night the light stopped on the leaping dolphin figure. She could not swim and did not know if she would need to in her secret world behind the little door. Opening it slowly, she saw the dolphin waiting for her by the side of a huge lake. Wading out far enough to grasp the huge fin and climb on, she suddenly knew she was safe whatever happened. Which was just as well as the graceful creature dove into the depths chattering to her in swiftly rising bubbles. Her quick shock over, she now realised she was shouting hello to all kinds of fish and sea creatures and was breathing underwater! They glided down to a great circular theatre where the creatures danced and sang in concert. Holly sat entranced. Her dolphin friend had swum with her up to an island with a crystal castle. As she approached the sparkling place the sun rose and nearly blinded her.

Mam stood over her, wishing her a good morning sleepyhead, the bright light beam hitting the bed where she had moved the drapes.

See what happens ....

When your computer decides to throw a wobbly and go diddy gaga? I ain't been able to get in here to post!

Where did I leave the story? Oh yeah. Here's the rest.

They had many adventures, good and bad. Socks would still misbehave just for the fun of it; he still enjoyed winding the humans up occasionally.
Socks started it of course, but Mitzy soon joined in as she discovered the contents of the cupboard could be, and were, as delicious as Socks claimed. Not that they could open cans of course, but ripping through flimsy and not so flimsy bags of biscuits and other delicacies was irresistible once they had started.
Both were batted out of the kitchen firmly while their female human cried her eyes out. Neither slept in the warm place that night, they had to shelter by the garden shed in misery.
No more kitchen adventures then. But Socks could not be kept out of any cupboard for long. Both humans laughed fit to burst as their pets vanished from sight one day and did not come to calls or banging of food dishes.
They found the pair in the ironing cupboard where all the linens and towels were kept in warmed air from the old boiler. Both were fast asleep wound up in sheets with angelic smiles.

Then Socks disappeared for the whole week. Mitzy moped, why had her friend left? The fun had gone out of life. The Friday came, and Mitzy smelt something on the air; she ran for the front gate as their male human left the door open just too far.
“Mitzy! Here girl! Heel! Heel!” He was starting to go red. “Dratted dog! Darling, can you give me a lift? I’ll miss the bus running after Mitzy.”
A sigh came from inside. “Of course, dear, but don’t take long. I can’t afford to be late again.”
Mitzy ran back to the front gate, bouncing up and down, barking her head off
“What is it, Mitzy? Can’t it wait? You want me to follow you? I haven’t got time, girl. Come on in, please!”
Mitzy was having none of it as he grabbed for her collar. For all she was tiny, his single finger that hung on was near torn off! She was adamant and he was forced to follow bent double to the back lane.
All he could see was that tangle of bush that grew through the back fence, he had meant to tidy it for ages but never got round. Mitzy twisted and his finger came loose. She gave a low whine and poked her head underneath. He was reluctant to look, what poor creature had she cornered?
Socks! Socks was in a terrible state, he had wandered too far near the neighbourhood boundary and been well and truly attacked. Worse, his back legs were useless. A car had hit him as he fled.
Mitzy followed their human with a proud look as he carried the pathetic bundle that could not move another inch.
Their female human screamed as she saw the sight and promptly called in to work saying they had an emergency. Mitzy lay on the double bedding as Socks was gently positioned in the cage and taken to the healing place. She spent many anxious days running rings round the humans, but neither bothered to tell her how he was doing – or not.
She was ecstatic when he came home, legs in plaster and stitches all over the rest of him. At first he wallowed in pity, then cheered up as Mitzy helped him with mere presence at times. She would push his bowl that bit nearer when he could not reach it, and even push her own bowl over to share a treat.
The plasters were gone, but his legs were weak. The humans tortured him with even the gentlest exercise of the limbs. Then they hung the thing with catnip just out of reach. How could they be so cruel? Mitzy watched as Socks strained and failed, and winked at the cat before pulling the thing down enough for him to reach.
How had he managed that, without moving an inch they wondered. Mitzy was out in the garden, playing with the ball. Socks was glad that even if Mitzy was dumb at times, she was fastidious; even he would leave the occasional paw print of guilt that Mitzy never did. There was something to be said for clearing the last crumb and wiping paws as well as face thoroughly.

Caesar and the gang congregated near the boundary and challenged their opposites; Socks’ honour had to be claimed back, never mind the interlopers know who was boss here. Caesar now sported a rakish ear and the next neighbourhood gangs never crossed over again.
And it was Mitzy that brought Socks back to proper health again. She would take Socks’ ball and play with it urging him to do the same. At first, it was at a sedate and wobbly walking speed that the game of pass the ball played out, before slowly growing in pace as strength returned with use. Both humans shook their heads in mock despair as the ball ran under the fence and both animals jumped the thing with ease, appearing in a scramble minutes later with ball in mouth.
The local kids soon noticed the antics, and would playfully take the ball down to the playing field with Mitzy and Socks in full charge after it.
They joined in the kick-abouts, much to the delight of the youngsters, and soon there were other animals watching from the sidelines as Socks became an excellent defender, whilst Mitzy preferred to help the goalie.
The humans shook their heads in mock disbelief as they often found their pets on the playing field rather than the garden.




Mitzy and Socks had no truce, it was not necessary, they were now more than firm friends. When Mitzy took long walks on the hills, Socks would often follow them at a distance and show her his old places when they were out of sight of the humans. He told her to avoid the holes though, even though she loved chasing the rabbits into them. It was a true rabbit warren down there; it was far too easy to get lost.
Mitzy had listened and understood well enough, but the urge to hary the rabbits was just too great. When the last creature had turned and made a raspberry face at her she forgot all the excellent advice and followed it down the dark hole. Of course, the rabbit disappeared in the dark immediately and Mitzy was disoriented. She could not turn round to return to the initial entry point and could only continue into the dark.
She was terrified. She was so weak she knew she could not climb out even if she found a hole big enough. She would die down here. Why had she not listened to Socks? She whimpered small cries as yet another night passed.
Socks was worried when Mitzy had not returned that day, and was soon near out of his mind as a terrifying ten days passed with no sign of her. It did not take long for him to ascertain where she had gone missing. The stupid mutt he thought, she had finally gone after a rabbit. He would have gone on the search with his humans, but they had locked him inside with no chance of following them! Stupid, stupid humans he fumed, they don’t know where to look while I do!

Finally, on the tenth day the cage door was left unlocked by accident as their humans went on the search. They were becoming increasingly sure they would find a dead dog rather than a living one. Socks scrambled through the one open window he found in the bathroom and ran for all his worth.
Steering clear of the lines of humans, he saw Caesar running towards him at a full gallop. He had heard whimpering from the far place but was unable to make the humans understand.
Socks perked up at this and asked Caesar to show him. The place was far beyond where the lines of humans searched of course. Was that a slight sound he heard? He howled his best impression of a dog’s call and was near ecstatic as he heard a definite whimpering call back. Stay there Mitzy he called down the hole in front of him. We are coming!
That was Socks! Mitzy’s heart near burst with love for the feline. But this hole was far too small for either of them to find each other. She was not to know that both cat and dog were even then running back to their owners in the front line, barking, howling, asking them to follow them. At last the humans understood and followed the two excited creatures back to the small hole. A light was shone down and a now dark coloured small shivering shape was seen, trying to speak back to the welcome shouts.
Half an hour later and Mitzy was free. She wanted to thank both Socks and Caesar but was not given the chance as she was swiftly bundled in a warm blanket and taken to the vet who admitted her ahead of the waiting line.
Mitzy was happy with the small cage she was placed in at the animal hospital, it was warm and welcoming with all the food and water she could take. They fed her small amounts hourly so as not to upset her malnourished frame.
Socks was ecstatic the day she came home, still weary but well on the way to recovery. Their humans smiled to see the licks were given from Socks this time and Mitzy seemed to perk up all the more for them.

But the ordeal took a lot more out of her than was realised, her small heart had weakened and she was not up to the longer walks, at least not the running fun she used to have. She now plodded in a dignified manner whilst Socks still ran off in playful mood, but he always returned to her.
The humans were now used to seeing the pair sharing the same pet bed, and replaced the two with one huge one. Both animals were content.

Neither human saw the small tears drip down Socks face as he watched the frail body being lifted into the cage and strapped into the back seat. Somehow he knew Mitzy would not return from this last visit to the vets.
He tried consoling his humans as they returned with the empty cage. He wound his way around their legs and cried with them. But the despondent mood lingered, only to be lifted slightly two days later as Socks was put on Mitzy’s leash and taken to the hills. He noticed several other humans and their pets on leash as a pitiful small canister of ashes was emptied and let to blow on the winds. Mitzy’s spirit had been set free he realised If only his people could know this was what both creatures would want.

Socks became somewhat of a recluse after Mitzy’s departure, he never visited the hills again, he rarely visited the weekly pets gatherings by the school playing fields. In short, Socks became an old man overnight and moped. His mood would never lighten.
His old nature returned with a vengeance when his people dared present a new small bundle of fur to him. His fury at the sight instantly convinced the humans that he would take no new companion. He was left to mope and wander aimlessly for a while. He perked up a little as Caesar howled for him to join the gang outing, but his heart was not in it, fun had disappeared with Mitzy.

At least he was spared the last trip to the vet; he fell into exhausted sleep one night as Mitzy came to him in a dream. The humans wondered what the strange cat smile meant as they found his body stiffening the next morning.
Socks ashes rose in glee as the morning sparkled over the hills, where his soul met and gambled across the winds with Mitzy, both chasing the white rabbit shaped clouds.

out on the lash

Out on the lash, if you can call diet coke/pepsi that, maybe one or two small wines ..... saving all the calories for the Italian bash up to follow lol

Girls night out, a lovely evening of chatter and news. We haven't met for a good six months so there will be plenty to go round.

Weather can do what it will - as long as I get into town and pub DRY. I don't give a hoot how wet I get going home.

Have a good night everyone.

A further bit for you

As said, Socks indeed mellowed. Not a typical house cat by any means, but the malicious streak had gone with his boy bits. He was now fun. Our humans were very happy we were now friends, and even moved our padded beds next to each other. We got used to each other’s kicks and snorts as we dreamt our dreams.
Then came that awful day that Socks was cornered by Caesar, the neighbourhood bully of a bullmastiff. Caesar was well known to hold a grudge, particularly against other creatures. He had savaged many a cat and rabbit in his time. But he made the mistake of pinning Socks to the ground right outside our house.
Mitzy’s heart was nearly in her mouth. Her feline pal was in peril! Mitzy astonished her people by rushing out at full pelt, barking in fury in full suddenly not so high-pitched voice. Caesar looked up in astonishment as Mitzy launched herself up on to his back and began clawing. Caesar howled, both in shock at the assault but also in pain. How dared this little pipsqueak of a poodle attack him, why he was four times her size! He spun trying to dislodge her, to no avail. She cared for the cat that much? What on earth was she thinking?
Socks in the meantime recovered from the shock of seeing Mitzy’s terrific flying leap and rolled out of the way. But he would not leave his friend who was apparently getting the better – for the moment at least – of the bully. Then she finally slipped and Caesar rounded, his jaws attaching to a hind leg. It was Mitzy’s turn to howl in desperation. Socks flew forward and sunk his own teeth and claws into the front of Caesar’s legs.
Quite a crowd of animals stood, joined by humans, at the spectacle. Then the friends’ owners took control, out came the brooms and Caesar’s owners joined them. The fight broke up. All three animals were held apart, bloodied and bruised. Truce was made as the three waited in line at the vets place, more needles and even some stitches were required.
Caesar caused no more trouble after that, he was always on a leash and muzzled to boot. He changed, much the way Socks had changed. He was polite and respectful, especially to Mitzy; and the neighbourhood became a relaxed place. Whoa betide the wanderers that strayed into the small territory still. But Caesar was all bark and no bite from then on in.

oh dear me ....

Oh dear me
Whatever can the matter be
Susan's tied to the l*******
Oh dearie dearie me!

What on earth made me polish off the entire bag of marshmallows in one sitting?????
They were scrumptious though, lol
My stomach and digestion are complaining, loudly
That'll teach me to be so greedy.

Hope it settles before I can't stay awake any longer.

Sorry I have been missing

I really have been tardy with both blog and twitter posts. Very good reasons though - the old IBS has been horrendous this last week plus I have been trying to review my entire story files (that's still ongoing by the way).

No comments re Mitzy and Socks? Is that a small chuckle I hear from somewhere?

And - Wilkommen to Germany and välkommen to Sweden.

Dare I make comment re the Eurovision contest? The winning song was passable but I liked the second much better. It was still a curious mix of political voting imo at least. It seems that a lot of expert jury votes totally contradicted the public votes so who knows who was most popular in the end

next bit

I hope this story will give you all a little chuckle, here is the second bit.

Hi, readers, I’m Socks. This initial bit Mitzy has got our human to describe comes a lot nearer the end of our story than the beginning. I arrived at Mitzy’s home as a bedraggled small lump of mangy fur that had lived all of its life out on those very hills. Mitzy was a full-grown mini poodle in her prime when my sorry older kitten form entered her life. Yes, we were both horrified! It took months for me to learn to behave as a house cat should behave.

Well, if you had grown up wild you wouldn’t take to prison would you – even a gilded one. Even when I learnt to ‘obey’ (ha, that’s a good one!) I caused mayhem and disruption. I did learn quickly not to try keeping my claws sharp on the furnishings; a swift bat with the broom was all it took. Some humans may think they treated me cruelly, but I needed it. I would have thought less of them if they had put up with it.

Mitzy was a real cat’s dream of a foil. Mini poodle, such a stupid hairstyle they gave her, and as dumb – even dumber – than a snail. That’s being kind to the snail by the way. But Mitzy had a mother’s instinct about her and tried to take me under her wing. Oh boy how I fought this! But Mitzy usually dodged out of the way before my claws claimed more than a scratch and still came back for more.

Our first real fight was over the food. Wild thing that I was, there was never enough food and I gorged on everything put our way – including Mitzy’s share of course. This was one of the main things the little dog would not stand for, and I was initially shocked when her own claws were shown. This once, I lost! I lost, to a dog, and a mini sized one at that! All the stray mutts and visitors to the hills had long since known to avoid my extra sharp talons. We settled into an uneasy truce at that, Mitzy’s food bowl was well out of bounds, but the water bowls could be shared if need be.

Then the birds arrived in the garden as a new feeder went up. They lined up and mocked me no end, being inside where they were safe outside. I climbed the curtains and rested on the sill. Mitzy knew it was wrong, and tried to get me down. That started a fight again. Our female human came in and screamed in shock as the curtain shook. Well, I panicked and took off up the thing, ending up with my big claws stuck firmly in the wooden rail at the top, dangling like a proper fool but unable to move.

Why she blamed Mitzy for getting me up there I still haven’t figured out. The poor mutt was locked in the cage while I yowled in pain. It took three firemen to calm me and cut the pole enough to free me! I had feared losing my claws!

Another story!

As I am at a loss for something interesting to tell you, as nobody seems to want to talk to me, a short serialisation of my tiniest book, Mitzy and Socks. It is a cat and dog story.




Mitzy was terrified, she was well and truly lost. This labyrinth of small tunnels was just big enough for the small animal to push through; she even had to crawl in places. There was no light. How she missed the light! Even in the darkest night there was light from a street lamp or a bright moon.

Her mind wandered as she curled up and shivered herself into a form of rest. How long had she wandered these tunnels? Time had no meaning to the dog, other than eating the late meal before sleep and waking to a full bowl of breakfast food. She had grown little from the time she arrived in the household, a ‘miniature’ they called her. Whatever that meant. She only knew she was loved and petted and taken for long exciting walks on the hills whenever she brought the leash out. They took the leash off when they reached the acres of scrubland that held so many exciting scents. And those wonderfully enticing holes that the rabbits and other creatures called their homes. Those very holes had proven to be horrible, no food, no light, only a little water that leaked down from the constant rain above. She could feel the earth shudder at the impact and shuddered with it.

I want to go home, she thought, home to the warm fire, the food bowl, and – dear Lord forgive her – that awful cat that once made her life a misery. He called it fun and cajoled her to ‘get a life’. His purpose in life was to annoy her and get away with as much mischief as he possibly could think of. Well, a small smile twitched the pert mouth as she remembered - that was until the day he had visited the vet’s office. That once she had been sorry for him, seeing the spitting and desperately clawing creature being forced into the small cage was a heart rending sight. But he was mellowed on his return. There was something different about him. She could almost like him now. His company would make this dark bearable at least.

She woke with yet another shiver, a small rivulet of water was seeping into her now wet curl space. She had to move further. She did not want to move, the space had become a refuge, even a harsh one, but the thought of walking those tunnels again was even worse. She drank enough of the drips to slake her dry frame. But she was so hungry, and so weak.

She had howled for as long as she was able to begin with, but now could only raise a bare single and very feeble bark. She remembered doing this in outraged fury many years ago as the humans measured it. But then she was well fed and the feeling of being unable to raise a sound had quickly vanished. Yet this time she thought she heard an echo, not her own feeble whine but a strong cat voice! That sounded like Socks!

Writers' book now available!

Yep, yet another plug, this is for a good cause though.

The Writers' Group, Write together, have produced (with alot of help from me I say ever so modestly lol) called 'In Our Own Words'. Two of the contributions are mine. All the stories and poems are excellent reads in their own right, the group are thrilled to see the thing up in print.

We will be organising a launch at the local library shortly, but for those of my readers who aren't local the book is up now on Amazon at very reasonable prices. Try us out!

I am still here .....

Yes, still alive and not exactly kicking. The IBS flared up again, what a pain. I have continued with the book publish process for the writers' group but nothing else.

With the IBS and constant sniffle (I think it's hayfever) I feel miserable. The weight is coming off a tad faster, but that's not the recommended way to do it lol.

Well, to give you all a small present for staying with me -

WHAT AM I?

I float in a black void, falling, falling, down, twisting, turning. I am far from alone. Brothers and sisters fall alongside me, all as excited as each other. We hit ground - that gives suddenly. Not ground! More brother and sisters, entire families, jostling for space and floating together in harmony.

Some rest on strange leaves and vines, their fallen energy invigorating the leaves and flowers. Those that float together are pulled down, into the even darker depths, rushing, clamouring, through small round dark tunnels into yet another large dark container. Millions - billions - of families rest together.

The sun rises and the families on the top sparkle and twirl in the welcome warmth. A few - a fraction of the whole - jump and rise in their joy and journey upwards once more, vanishing from view of the majority. Another pull downwards, and the families rush in increasing clamour to yet another place. The journey is the life!

Dark, dank, even larger tunnels and the majority rush in different directions. I am pulled with my brothers and sisters into this smaller tunnel, when the pull ends and we stop, anxious, crowded, waiting to move on: we know, instinctively, that this place is not the destination.

The pull comes again as suddenly as it stopped. A rush - light! - we fall, tumbling and disoriented, into yet another dark place. This is neither tunnel nor open gigantic container we have known. Darkness, enclosed. I shiver, and find my brothers and sisters shivering alongside me. But it is not cold. It is far from cold. I feel myself growing, expanding, as I warm. The dark vessel is heating, fast, and we squirm as the energies fill us. Soon the energy is far too hot to be contained, and we burst out in a rush with the shrill sound of a whistle in the background.

The whistle sound fades, but I and a few, very few, brothers and sisters float in a white cloud. Dancing in the air, full of energy not dissipated. We watch the majority left in the dark vessel being gently moved to smaller, open vessels.

I feel light headed and rise far above the scene, being pulled in another direction by a strange whirring sound. I am tumbled and battered alongside several others who had floated free with me, totally disoriented and then seemingly spat out into clear, gloriously current free air.

The energy is still pulsing through me, and I have no other option but to rise in the slow gentle current that I pass into. Ah, the warmth again, but not the boiling heat of the dark vessel. Cooling, calming, as I greet the few other free forms to either side. Rising, rising, ever rising; until we meet the huge free gliding white forms that are home to millions, trillions of us.

I rest, at peace.: until the next adventure that is. For we all know we will fall again. Over and over and over. A different adventure each time. Such is our destiny, for eternity. Until the world dies in fire when we will truly burn into vapour and scatter our atoms in the great coldness.

Well, what am I?

Lazy bank holiday weekend

I have been more than lazy, just reading and eating, drinking, rather than keeping up with the Net for once.

Did anyone catch the Great North Passion on Good Friday? I was actually impressed. What a brilliant show of my wonderful home town and larger area, showing a lot of people doing good works and more. It is nice to see the good news!

Finally, I have begun some writing again. Only a single sentence so far, lol, but it is a start nonetheless. The last story for the writers' book should be with me on Friday, so I shall have a busy weekend. Then I can finally upload it to publishing site.

Hope everyone has had a good Easter.

Well, back again

Yep, I'm back home and recovered from a hectic weekend. We have been at the Hartlepool Headland Folk Fest, and a great time was had by all. Hosted by The Young 'Uns, with many many well known and not so well known names in the folk world, the venues were more or less packed all weekend.

For none churchgoers, we were in church six times in all! But you hae to admitm, a church is a wonderful place for acapela acoustics.

We booked well known hotel chain known for good night guarantee - well, Friday night was a horror story for me that had nothing to do with the room! I don't know what befell me. Shivering uncontrolably one minute, throwing up bile the next, then on the loo on the hour every hour for the whole night. I was bleary eyed the whole of the next day, but thankfully whatever had caused it seemed to have disappeared.

Still no comments re the story? Would anyone like another?

And as I missed the plug day - again - remember to check out my Amazon pages, please. Tell me to shut up if you want, do, I WANT to here from YOU.

Inspiration ground to a halt

After finishing Thorn, I had intended to go back to Magical Wall 3 - but I am STUCK. I know it needs to move on, but the inspiration has disappeared. And as to Gentle's Tale, well that is even further behind.

I have gone back to the original Misty Spirit for inspiration, it is like reading a completely new story after so long lol

Hope that will work for Magical Wall as well.

Am now on a long weekend break to a (fairly) local folk festival, we have booked three nights away. I hope I will enjoy it as much as I know hubbie will!

Big change of day

Yesterday, I do not know what came over me. I went out with hubbie on bus for day. In the (on and off) pouring rain! No scenery to be seen in the grey mists and bus half floating through puddles like small lakes.

We didn't even stop to look at the charity shops, just the pub for a very late lunch and straight back on the bus.

Today the sun is shining brightly even though there is a stiff wind. Much nicer. I am sneezing merrily, hope yesterday didn't encourage a cold.

So, I missed the Monday plug session - oh no! Here's the links again lol

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

The edit/production is still ongoing .....

Well, the printer finally worked (printed very slowly, one story at a go) but handed out to group and all asked to review blurbs and bring back their own ideas/agreement after Easter. I am expecting another email with yet another story to add.

Have told them all we need to get sorted before June when my bank will start charging a whole tenner a go for buying stuff outside of sterling (current charge is a single pound). I shall be forced to proof digitally if it costs a tenner plus costs for a proof copy!

I apparently will be at a folk fest this next coming weekend, whoopee.

What a mess

I thought I had already posted something about this little disaster, but apparently not. Either that, or it disappeared into cyber space somewhere.

You should know by now I am producing a book for the writers' group, it is proving problematic with multiple edits and additions/deletions. I got another two adds and edits this morning via email.

Well, yesterday, I tried printing out the entire thing. The printer ground to a halt half way. I tried everything to delete the print job, it just could not budge. So I finally switched off computer last night and hoped for the best. Yay! Print queue empty. System, however, will not allow me to restore back a couple of days. I don't like the sound of that, but ho hum, have to let it be.

I have put the additional story in book and edited the second. I haven't had the courage to try and print again .....

39, the conclusion

39

The small party had been ushered into the large private office without delay on production of the disc. The bank was acting as agent for THE global financial authority, as sacrosanct financially as was possible. The very institution that watched the world’s economics was there for the bidding..

They had walked out with cards that would open every door and pay for any whim they fancied. Petar had laughed and said he had surely arrived and would drop the ancient name - please call him Pete. They obliged.

It had not taken them long to get used to the new lifestyle. The women in particular still enjoyed ‘window shopping’ all the more now they knew they could afford it all if they wished so. They had gone to lunch at the New Claridges while the two men had gone to a fashionable ‘old fashioned’ drinking den.

“To think, we have aliens - devious, conniving aliens at times - to thank for our good fortune, Dave.”

“Dang whole nightmare had me thinking I was too for a while Pete!” He took another long draught of beer and smiled at his friend. “But we aren’t far short of it, are we?”

Pete laughed and grinned. “Well out of time, yeah, but who’s to know? I like the world that I’m in now. Primitive by your birth standards, as far from primitive as you can get by mine. This place is magic!”

Dave became serious for a moment. “And where by theirs? They integrated here well enough, they seemed happy, back to their ‘roots’. And who knows it’s impossible to rule out there IS some of their DNA in us! Talk about magic/technology. Yes, yes, WE know, but we’re not about ‘inventing’ stuff that far out of its natural time scale, are we? Are we?”

Pete grinned wickedly. “I’m not sure of that yet, Dave. Some of the stuff could be a real big help here and now. Stop looking like that! Of course I agree with you, but surely a little, teensy weensy thing like a transit badge couldn’t hurt?!”

“Yeah, or a working replicator; guess not, Pete, guess not.” He grinned back. “Now we have all the time in the world to think about it, money no object, military off our backs. Time to visit the women, you reckon?”

“Sure thing. And talk them into moving to our private idyll of an island with all the modern comforts this world can afford, and more. I half think they’ll be expecting no less anyway!”

They laughed again, drank up and exited the old fashioned boozer and light signalled a flying cab from the wide sidewalk.

They would carefully invite a few others to join them over time and see the rest set up for the future. Which was now there without threat …..

Life was good, and could only get better from here ……


They could even build another Bear Camp, just for them and selected guests. The lab would be rebuilt and dedicated to research as it previously had been, named the Slongur and Lagarto Foundation Institute.


The infinitesimally small spark of light watched in content before joining its companions circling the planet, moving off into the cold everlasting LIFE source around them.

COMMENTS, FOLKS - COMMENTS COMMENTS COMMENTS !!!!!

38, not quite the end

Coming to the end of the story, sob. Part 39, the very end, up later today.

38

The gathering broke up, all but the two and their women departed. Oriana and Robin started clearing, a suddenly even more mundane and inconsequential task following the revelations.

Dave followed the thought that rose in his mind, Petar with him. They sat at the info screen displaying the closed loop within Bear Camp. Their jaws dropped together as the two scientists appeared, smiling.

“Welcome, Dave, and friend. We thought this was the appropriate place to leave our last message from this time frame. The Being of the Stars is being extremely generous to us.” Lagarto’s voice spoke.

“In return, we are leaving you our legacy.”

“Legacy? The lab is GONE!” Dave spoke to the screen, stupidly as if the image could hear him.

Slongur’s laughter rang out. “We hear your thoughts from here! Doubtless the lab and all else is gone. But Bear Camp, the replica, is NOT. Look to the stone.”

Both men looked at each other with excited eyes as the screen message faded. ‘Look to the stone.’ They did exactly that, collecting the women in tow. Of course there were marks on the very base that had not been there before, and untranslated.

“What does it say, Petar?” Oriana asked excitedly her own eyes mirroring his.

“The little I can read without the cipher seems to be leading us on a treasure hunt. Back to the screen folks.”

Translated, it told them where to dig.

Dave spoke his thought aloud. “I think we had best do this in the dark, if what I think the legacy might be IS.”

“Which is?”

“OUR future, Petar, ladies. Our future guaranteed.”

They took spades and small lights to the translated ‘Place which was in the wrong place to begin with’ - the privy shaft that was too near the river. It did not take long to bring a large metal box up that was barely covered.

Back in Bear Camp, the locks opened on Dave’s initial touch, proof if any were needed that this was meant for them, triggered by specific DNA.

Jewels spilled out, parchment rolls, bonds, deeds. A final disc with instructions to present it to The Bank of England in Threadneedle Street, London. The Duty Manager would know what to do. They only had to say one word - ‘Rock.’

They were rich beyond their imagination, they were free. But life, and love, was HERE and NOW, at Bear Camp.

Son in doghouse

Or he would be if we had a doghouse. When asked what I would appreciate, knowing his straightened finances at the moment, I asked for a multipack of the only crisps I can eat on diet - he not only got the wrong things but the one flavour I detest! He is incomunicado with me until I get my crisps or something else I can munch on safely.

Beginning of the week again

A whole new week, where did the last one go??? Come on folks, the two new stories are out there and I need readers/reviewers.

Mitzy and Socks is a tiny tale, but heart warming and fun; Thorn's Tale is a true epic follow on from Misty Spirit. Life in a prehistoric society with no metals but excellent survival skills. This one is mainly water based, be warned if you suffer sea sickness!

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

All the other books are still there as well. There is something for everyone, please check them out.

Yes - with rain and wind outside, I have nowhere better to be than sat at this screen with a nourishing coffee by my side!

Happy Mothers' Day!

Today is Mothers' Day here in the UK. I hope all of you are spoilt rotten on the one day of the year we all get celebrated at once. I am trusting my own family has taken notice of the diet and does not produce more choccies and biccies that I can't eat in abundance any more. Smoked salmon for dinner, with a Bailey's laced coffee in place of the cheesecake later.

family tree

I have deviated from the stories and everything else these past two days to delve back into the family tree. I am still getting nowhere on the Irish side, or a date of birth for even my grand-dad there. On the other hand, Ancestry has helped me fill in some stuff on both sides going back four and five generations. So it was well worth the dalliance to something I have left for half a year.

I have fingers crossed that I may hear from distant relatives with other hints as Ancestry updates the records. One never knows where the next breakthrough will come from!

coat on, coat off

The weather is atrocious at the moment. I know the forecast said so, but still .....

I put my coat on and put the purse in the shopping bag, making it to the front door just in time to hear the first peel of thunder overhead and ducked just in time to miss the first huge raindrops. I closed the door as the heavens opened. Coat off again, kettle on.

One lovely cup of coffee later, I decided to try again as it had miracolously gone dry outside. BANG overhead again. I didn't need to turn to hear the windswept downpour. Coat off again.

Now I put my 'cottage pie' dinner together- layers of veg,mince and topped with diced potato. Yum, I had to have a small taster of course. Visit to the bathroom, coat on again. Managed to get to the end of the street this time, wow - the wind nearly blew me off my feet as another BANG rent the air. One quick sprit later and I was not thoroughly soaked through.

Coat off and hung to steam slightly. Kettle again and another coffee. It has gone dry again - but the coat is staying firmly where it is. Dinner is made, I don't need to go out until tomorrow morning.

Story 37

The thing stood, silent, waiting for them. The energy from it was tangible and felt by the entire wondering gathering.

No one noticed the lights of the night outside fade as a dark cloak descended around Bear Camp, as if the very place was removed from time and space, and they were the only living beings in existence.

“What is it, Dave?”

“I can only guess Petar. But now I can tell you that it still is not complete. YOU hold the key.”

“I? Dave?”

“What have you around your throat, my friend?”

“My throat? This amulet with - ah! I am still a stupid man from the stone age!” He took the tiny sliver of rock that he had worn since he first picked it up. Touching the now warm thing did not bring forth the usual white beam, it did nothing. It waited.

The sliver fitted a tiny indentation neither had previously noticed. Petar pressed this into place and stepped back. Still nothing happened.

“Dave?” Petar whispered.

“Wait.” Dave whispered back. “It was hurt, it’s healing itself. The chrysalis will open.”

“Chrys…..” They all moved back several steps as the golden light appeared around the thing, and a fine line appeared, an even more dazzling light inside, like a star come to earth.

The light rose to float above them, whisps of light appearing and disappearing exactly like a miniature sun. Some would swear later they saw a figure in the blaze, others would claim different sights. The thing went cloudy so they did not need to shade their eyes.

A voice came as the thing pulsated gently. “Thank you, Petar, for freeing me from my long protective shelter. I will shortly join my family in the stars, but ask and I shall endeavour to answer.”

“Welcome, being of the stars. WHAT are you, and WHY are you here?”

A tinkle of pure joyful laughter was heard. “What I am is beyond your comprehension. My kind wanders this universe in guardianship over all forms of life, nurturing where necessary.”

“You are NOT ‘God’ then?” Sam queried in awed fascination.

“I am not, we are not what you call God. We are far above you in terms of evolution, the Presence you would call God is even further above us.

“I am here by pure accident as you would say. Our young are protected in cocoons, chrysalises until they are grown enough to emerge. This process takes eons of your time. This shell of mine was caught in the birth throes of your world, parts of ‘me’ were scattered along your timeline. I have grown throughout your history, WITH the planet.

“I feel, PART of the place. I shall become your planetary guardian. There is a long path ahead for your life form.”

“We know of life forms on this world only. Are there many?” Dave queried.

“Many, countless. All beyond your reach.”

“Not so, sorry.” Petar spoke. “What of our friends who found ‘home’ back in our mists of time?”

“A case in point. Call it meddling if you will. Now it is done, I see the pattern. Those brought here were of a more advanced life form compared to your selves. We intervened when they long left the path that leads to the next stage. We could not let them destroy such a promising life.”

“But you let them be destroyed, I saw it.”

“Did we? We allowed their regression to their earliest form. Far back in your mists as you have pointed out. There are no records, I can not know, what life evolved from this. Be careful - you have a long path, you may yet stray. It has happened often. Few forms reach the final revelation.”

“Which is?”

The being began to slowly glow; building to the starlight it was made of. “The final revelation? You will know in time. You must GROW and LEARN!”

A joyous laughing giggle of pure delight at BEING came through the pulsating light. “You already know much. From the beginnings you have known. PEACE, LIFE, and above all, LOVE.”

A thought was planted in Dave and Petar’s minds as the miniature star flashed out of the camp and upward. Normal night lights were seen, and a solitary star flashed briefly overhead before vanishing over the horizon.

Oops, nearly forgot!

I have visited all the usual web sites already, and forgot the Blog. Raps own fingers. I am currently trying to download two stories to the Kindle, but I have to recharge for the thing to work. It is taking forever, well it feels like it.

In the meantime, check out the variety of titles on my author pages, please

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

Something for everyone. Mitzy and Socks now down to rock bottom cost price, it really is a good light read.

I shall start bragging about the writers' group book once it gets through the edit stage. We are a talented bunch!

Very political

Has anybody else been shocked at the article in the Daily Mail re our Law Society drafting bill that will enable Sharia Law in our system? I can't express how shocked, angry and totally appalled at the idea I am. Britain is not as Islamic state, no matter how hard our leaders seem to be trying to make it so.

Anybody else want to start a petition to stop this in its tracks before it has started? Let the Daily Mail know your views. This country is going to the dogs.

Laughing at myself

Yes, I am laughing to stop myself groaning at my stupidity! I ran out of printing ink yesterday and ran for bus to get new cartwidges before the shops shut. Made it with five minutes to spare - who is the idiot who packed the old cartridge packaging but forgot her purse! I might have gone tomato red in the shop - I certainly felt like it!

Which numpty also slept in, VERY late, this morning? I shoved a hat on my unwashed hair and breathed a sigh of relief as the last cartridges were still available. I spent a fortune - two of each to ensure I don't run out again in a hurry.

Now gritting teeth - the printer is making such a monotonous noise it is grating on my ears. Oh well, only another ten pages to go .....

Above aside, I am avoiding the TV and radio and web sites with news. I do not want to listen to any of the budget speech thank you. Six 0'clock news will be fine with me.

Story 36

36

“Petar!” He found himself enveloped in Oriana’s fierce embrace.

“Dave! Oh no, where is my Davi gone now?!” He found himself similarly and happily in Robin’s arms.

“Welcome back yourself, Robin. Davi is here, and here.” He pointed to his heart and head.

The pair laughed as the women and those around looked puzzled.

“Tale and a half this time for sure folks!“ Dave looked around at familiar and unfamiliar faces. “First things first, what the heck is the year!”

“It’s 2189, Dave. And yes, half of us are from the lab complex.” A man he recognised as a lab technician who had infrequently visited him, Sam, spoke. “Your last known sighting was running for your lives as the lab imploded.”

“Imploded?” Petar queried.

Sam nodded. “The lab went up in an incandescent light that took out not only the lab but all the lower levels with it; yet only to the boundary. Bear Camp here was totally unaffected. The lab is a crater.”

“And everyone else?”

“A few missing. Yourself, your companion, the professors, more than a few militia the colonel not the least. Everyone else ran the same as you when the shakes started, even before the alarms triggered. More than a few volunteered to join the community here since.”

Another spoke. “The militia are not happy bunnies. They’ve questioned every last one of us at least twice. No one can tell them anything. The whole thing has been given up as a lost cause. Hooray and thank heavens for that!”

“Ah, there I totally agree with you!”

“OK, gentlemen, gentlemen. Food and drink anyone?” Oriana spoke to the gathering as a whole. In a lower voice she added “I’m not sure how many you want to ‘explain’ to, both of you.”

“Anyone who cares to listen, my dear,” Petar said, his lips close to her ear, “I don’t know how to explain myself anyway never mind the rest!”

Dave grinned at him. “Agreed my friend. Looks like this is OUR final home so I don’t intend to start with more lies and evasions.”

The gathering was something that had been seen untold times over the eons, everyone full of food and now sipping teas happily waiting for the main players to speak and tell their tales.

“OK, I’ll start.” Dave stood. “I don’t know what everyone already knows, so most of this will go straight over the tops of your heads anyway. It would take far, far too long to start from the beginning!”

Petar clapped at the scattered laughter. “He’s right of course, folks. Call it a good imaginary tale when it gets too unbelievable; believe me, it will.”

“And just to confuse everyone else, could you please start with your last journey Dave? Where did you go when we were brought here - the equivalent of ‘upstairs’ outside the lab?”

“And what happened to Davi?” Robin was confused. “What did you mean, he is here?”

“First question first. Further than we ever went before, Oriana. I can’t give you a date. Somewhere in pre-history, long before Man. Our two scientific friends had been taken there by the rock. It’s hard to say how long they had been there before us. They were DEVOLVING; from human life to animal life. They said they were happy with the situation. I got the impression they wouldn’t have the power of speech much longer, just animal instincts.”

“And they did do good, for us at least. Mr Mitchell appeared again.” Petar came in. “Robin, Davi got hit by the last bullet he fired, fatally. Davi told the pair not to be sorry, he wasn’t gone yet, he COULDN’T go. Then he asked Dave to hold him … The next bit is hard to comprehend, even for me.”

Dave closed his eyes, remembering. “I didn’t understand, of course, how could I? I was always unknowing, the one with the amnesia. Davi melded with me as he died. The pain of the joining was something else, but I had my memory back. I was ME, WHOLE.”

“And told us who you were at last. Or not?”

“And told you Petar. I’m Dave Grayson, brother of a brilliant scientist, Daryl Grayson; who died destroying OUR invention in 2510 to prevent the military of the time from gaining it. The rock power source we had was well on its way to its final potency. It sent the entire party from that time back into time, and forward OFF the planet. Me, joint builder, it split into two personalities. Davi - all knowing; Dave - knowing nothing, but gradually finding bits along the way.

Sam whistled. “You are from the 26th century?”

Dave grinned. “Yup. That’s me. I think I’m happy here in the 22nd though. Your new lady friends here are from the 21st, Bear Camp employees there. Petar, like to introduce yourself?”

“Hi everyone, I’m Petar, from what you call the Pleistocene Era or Stone Age Man if you like. It’s been a bigger journey for me!”

The gathering went silent, stunned by all the revelations. Dave broke into the silence. “Told you folks, don’t say you weren’t warned. Petar, I take it you went back to where you first found the rock?”

“Yup. Dammi was quite understanding, for a Stone Age Man of Spirits he sure had modern perceptions. Knew the rock was the key. Where did you go anyway?”

“As far as you came here, Petar, and a lot further. It sent me to our friends’ world as it was in its death throes. I was given a crystal to give to them, which we only got to see after the colonel disabled me.”

“Yes!” Robin spoke. “It was after that when they went looking around Bear Camp. Maybe they got the idea to ‘go’ then!”

“If the rock has been the catalyst in all of this, guys, maybe IT spoke to them in the darkness and GAVE them the idea?” Oriana spoke her thoughts well.

“What’s ‘the rock’ folks? This crazy tale would make more sense if we ALL saw it.” A voice from the back spoke, and many joined in assent.

The two looked at each other quizzically. Neither remembered picking up the thing in the far mists of the past; their pockets were empty.

Dave shrugged. “If we had it, we would show it. Seems it got left.” The very idea made him shiver, that was NOT good.

The two women grinned. “No it didn’t. It appeared before you did!” Robin pointed to the now large rock atop the stone pedestal.

“So,” Sam spoke for them all, “What is it? Guys?”

another manic Monday

My proof book was a disaster - I downloaded the unedited version apparently. Well, I cannot download the version that IS edited! Argh. Trying not to spit blood. Word has corrupted my good file as well, Lord give me strength not to injure myself baning my head against this wall .....

So rest of today is re-formatting my good file, and editing to best of ability. Then I need to print it out for someone else to proof yet again. Hope - fingers crossed here - I have enough ink for 70+ pages!

Troubles aside -
"The little book is very funny. I liked it!" Comment by penpal on Mitzy and Socks.
So get your own copy, quick, please!

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

Ouch!

Ouch my arm hurts. I have just had a blood test taken and the needle felt a bit blunt. I hope the results will be better than the last test I had done. Funnily enough, it was a joint visit to the clinic - my hubbie had blood test forms as well! He helped stop me from eating and drinking late last night. It wouldn't be the first time I had ruined a 'fast' by having a milky drink with the pills last thing! This morning's coffee was wonderful on our return. Anyone else find it hard to stay awake early without the first coffee?

Story 35

35

The three men lay tangled and smoking slightly, clothes in rags. The women were nowhere in sight. The rock lay quiescent by them.

They took a deep breath to help clear their senses and nearly choked. The air itself was heavy with a hint of sulphurous noxious odour that made them nauseous.

Davi lay stretched out, incapacitated and unable to stand. The other two struggled and finally hauled themselves up. Where on earth was this? WHEN on earth was this!

The smoky clouds lifted and they saw dense jungle with strange trees and creepers that moved as if alive themselves. A long slow river flowed past to an area of harsh volcanic rock that was wearing into a reef before an endless ocean. Petar shivered as they heard roars at a distance. The place of the jungle again? This time they WERE totally defenceless. No, this place was ANCIENT. Petar knew better than to try making fire in THIS atmosphere.

And as they looked around a feral screaming howl came on the wind, or so it seemed, as a crazed Mitchell ran at them out of the cloud, still firing.

Davi rose just enough to stop the bullet from hitting Dave, taking yet another blow from Mitchell. One he would not recover from. He slumped.

Petar ran at Mitchell roaring in his own anger, pulling up short as something moved past him, faster than he thought anything could move.
Mitchell shrieked and was silenced as the raptor/fish figure with long legs took his head with a single bite.

Petar moved backwards to Dave, who was cradling Davi in his arms, stifling his own screams as a second creature rose behind them.

The second creature seemed to kneel, if that is what you could call it, beside them. A gurgle arose that turned into guttural speech.

“Well met friends. Rock takes where we do GOOD. We, grow BACK, change; still changing. Pleasant! Good home. Long, long way back your planet.”

The first brushed blood from the long jaws as he approached. “Dave, now understand fish taste good too. Happy mad man gone, happy help. Sorry for friend.”

“Don’t be sorry, friends.” Davi spoke with difficulty. “Not gone yet. Never gone, can’t. Dave, hold me please.”

“I am holding you, Davi. I won’t let you go.”

“Not enough. CLOSER. TIGHT. Good, that’s it. Time for you to be whole again, Dave. Goodbye.”

Davi closed his eyes and MELTED. Dave opened his mouth in a silent, frozen scream as what was Davi encompassed him in golden light and melted into him.

Dave had never felt such pain; he was hunkered down hugging HIMSELF. The pain receded quickly and he suddenly felt KNOWLEDGE returned.

Petar stood, transfixed. This was surely the hardest thing he had to believe in all his travels!

“Dave? Davi?” he ventured.

Dave rocked gently. “Hello Petar. It’s me, Dave. David Grayson. Davi was ME. The knowing half.”

“But, HOW …… ?”

“The Rock. Now is not the time for the tale though, this place is our friends new home; it is not ours.”

“No, it is not. Yet it IS the home of the First Rock.” The creature that had been called Slongur spoke. “What came to you, Petar, merely UNCOVERED the deeply buried rock that had washed near the surface again.”

The other spoke. “The rock cannot take where is/was NOT. Come here as planet grow. This place, come from mountain long disappeared. Place only we of creatures dare visit. Come, we show.”

A short distance away uphill through the dense foliage, they came to a small clearing with a bright light emanating from the centre.

“Here. Take. Make whole, like Dave.”

The light around them turned pale gold and deepened as they approached. As the rocks merged in incandescent light a voice spoke inside their minds and their thoughts were read as they transported in the white light for the last time.

A Monday with a difference

My son 'invited' me to the flat to keep him company while he waited for the heating man to call. I think he was peed off with waiting from 8am - he didn't arrive until 2pm.

So much for the two maintenance checks - BOTH checked the boiler and pronounced it OK. Engineer tweeked the thermostat and replaced a large circuit board. Hey presto, hot water available for the first time in a month! He did say that as it worked when they tried it, they weren't wrong - but he sat for a full quarter of an hour to ensure it still worked. Son is now ecstatic he can get bathed (soaked) rather than showered at our place.

And as it's Monday - please take a look at the newest offerings on the Amazon pages.
Mitzy and Socks is a truly uplifting and funny tale of two unlikely animal friends.
Thorn's Tale is a grittier tale than the predecessor Misty Spirit.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

Way hay, chips again!

Oh dearie me how I have missed chips since joining slimming club. Brand new 'skinny fryer' arrived today so will be trying it out tonight. The perfect excuse!

Weather today does not know what it's doing - fine and sunny this am, came out of writers' group to be nearly blown over! Back home to swap writing bag for shopper bag and went out and the heavens opened. A real squall. Now it is sunny again, but extremely windy.

Hope everyone is recovered/recovering well from flooding and freezing. Weather pattersn worldwide are rather chaotic. Not sure if I'm glad to be indoors at the moment though - there is too much drilling and banging going on next door. Will be glad when the renovations are complete.

Any other Terry Goodkind fans out there? I have finished The First Confessor - a totally brilliant read. Have started The Omen Machine and not sure what to think at the moment. Anyone else read Jean Auel?

Not a happy visit

Was house-sitting again today for son, the flat was as messy as it was last week. Eek. Gas service guy got the heating on and found nothing wrong with it - but turned it off and left before I could ask him to put it on again! (My eyes cannot see into the cupboard to do so myself). I think sonny boy will be spending at least one day of holiday coming up doing his own house-sitting!

I miss chips, had none since starting slimming club. So nice hubbie has allowed me to order a Tefal thingamy that cooks with only one spoonful of oil. I can hardly wait. The chips are far more vital to my needs than the buscuits and cakes I have foresaken lol

Turkey stirfry tonight with two handfuls of pasta and tomato based sauce. Yum.

chapter 34

I did not want to leave you with such a short post, so here's the next bit.

34

Davi felt much better for the women’s ministrations and was finally relaxing even if he could not be totally comfortable. The very presence of Robin and her scent was pure balm.

Slongur and Lagarto had questioned him on what had happened on their world. He was sorry he could not add much to what the crystal had told.

They nodded their thanks before moving away, taking tea and talking low between themselves.

Time passed and they all felt the tension rise.

Lagarto rose suddenly. “This is the worst of all, not knowing what passes in the lab! Come, Slongur, let us take a look at Bear Camp ourselves for the first time! Anything is better than just SITTING here!”

Davi would have liked to have joined them, but even standing was difficult. He saw the globe they had plucked from the air dwindle into the distance and wander from side to side dizzily.

They took a long time returning, but looked less tense for the exploration.

“And this is the carved stone with the hidden tale of the Rock.” Slongur laid a hand almost reluctantly on the thing.

“And this is the Rock from 2010, is it not?”
Davi was about to answer when both men grinned at him and the women. They laid both hands on the rock and vanished in a short white beam of light.

Davi felt pain leave him as he turned as white as a sheet in shock. THAT was certainly one twist he had NOT seen!

…………


Dave and Petar ran in, breathless. The shaking shudder followed them.

“Nice to see you again Davi,” Petar said as he found breath enough to speak, Hang on - where are our two strange friends?”

“Nice to see you again too. Our friends have just taken a journey of their own that I didn’t anticipate.”

“I think we had better take our own, quickly.” Dave spoke to them all. “It feels like the entire complex and everything else is coming down.”

“Just what did the two of you do up there?” Davi asked as he was helped by the two men to stand around the stone with the women.

“Not us - the colonel. He hit the thing with a stray bullet. Bad idea.”

“Let us hope this is a better idea!” Petar drew the rock from his pocket and the golden light immediately enveloped the rock on the stone. A following brilliant lightning bolt lit the place as the ceiling melted into the maelstrom from above.

Chapter 33

Keep looking in, you will get chapter 34 later today.

33

Petar looked at Dave with wonder. This was surely the man he had seen in a time frame from the far, far future? He received a look of equal summation, with a nod and a wink. Dave had an idea…..

“What’s that, over there?!” He pointed frantically.

“What’s what? OOF!” The colonel was distracted just long enough for Petar to run in a full body ram into the stomach.

Dave had whirled and stunned the two slow guards behind him, their guns clattering on the floor. As he whirled back, Petar had been repulsed and sprawled on the floor, the colonel’s gun raised … Dave flung himself at the man as the gun fired … Petar scrambled away in slow motion as the deflected bullet hit the rock in the machine …

A shudder arose around them, a beam of red flashed from the machine taking the colonel in a cocoon of angry swirling red. He slowly dissolved into fine ash with a diminishing scream of pain. But the shudders remained. The guards fled in terror.

Petar had just the wits left to grab HIS rock from the floor and touched it gently to the one shaking in the machine. Both melted together, the shaking stopping, but the shudders around the machine remained. The machine started to melt and a light grew, slowly.

Petar pocketed the rock safely, not needing Dave’s encouraging “RUN!” to follow him as fast as he could move out of the disintegrating lab.

Busy Monday

Just sent for printed proof of writers' group book, nice long wait for a month. Both new version of Mitzy and Socks and Thorn's Tale should be available in Kindle form now.

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00957PD92

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00957PD92

I have to post a parcel to the continent in a hurry, but can I find the wrapping paper? Can I heck ..... And my hair needs washing before I step foot out of the door ..... And now my stomach is grumbling ..... everything on hold until I have polished off those last chicken bites from last night lol Happy 'Brunch'.

Nice outside, cold inside

Lovely scudding clouds and bright sunshine out - I am still under the weather inside. Now running to the loo as well as coughing madly. Yuck. It looked lovely yesterday, too, but was near freezing when I went out. So much for the snowdrops and crocusses appearing, it is still freezing!

Roll on summer, when I hope to have the excuse of moaning about the heat instead!

Good news

I am on a roll ..... cough and cold notwithstanding, last night's weigh-in was a pleasant shock - I have lost the first half stone! (I HAD expected to put the initial quartert stone back on over the break). So I celebrated - with a two finger Kit-Kat lol

Totday I went out food shopping and came home with a bag full of healthy eating and another pleasant shock at the low price of the haul. And I left those naughty biscuits and cakes where they belong - still in the supermarket. That is the best diet tip of the lot - if you don't buy it you can't eat it!

I still miss the Greggs sarnies though.

Mitzy and Socks has been overhauled, tweeked and cover changed. It won't be long before it is up for sale again.

extra chapter, 32

32

Davi was surprised but not shocked to discover he was swiftly carried by the two much further than the medical facility.
“Please accept our apologies, Davi, that idiot called you?” Slongur queried. “I have a feeling you will know where you are headed.”
“Bear Camp by any chance?! Oh, don’t make me laugh …”
“Indeed. Where your two lady friends wait safely. And where we stay. Dave has a plan, we do not know what. He could be your brother, the resemblance is amazing.”
Squeals of delight and concern greeted their appearance.
“Davi! What have they done to you!”
“The colonel, not these two, Robin. No, no, help me later; I have something here for my new friends.” They lowered him to a sleeping platform and he produced the crystal.
“I hope this works for you, gentlemen, it would not for me. I think you have been without news from home for too long. I am sorry.”
Lagarto took the fragile thing in wonder, stroking it carefully; letting the thing read his DNA before finally kissing it gently. It floated before them producing a wide ethereal picture of a far strange world.
Lagarto and Slongur had tears in their eyes as they looked upon their home, that they knew was starting to burn from the livid colours behind the figures that formed before them.
“Brothers. Our time is at hand. We pray you receive this message. Our poor misguided attempt at survival is finished. It is as the Great Evermore wishes, we go to join our ancestors. There will be no new to follow. Make what life you can on whatever far world you have found. Be at peace. You will now be the last of our kind; use whatever time is left to you for GOOD.”
“Davi. You saw?”
He nodded, as choked with emotion as the two. “If it is any consolation, gentlemen, it was quick.”
“It is consolation,” Lagarto spoke through the tears, “it is as we have feared long enough. When the machine appeared to us it was as if a miracle had been granted. We obviously chose to use the miracle for the wrong purposes. Now we have paid.”
“Indeed. What of us now?” Slongur almost whispered.
Davi was being helped by Robin and Oriana together. They could not remove the bullet, but cleaned and bound the wound. Davi nearly choked on the hot tea being poured gently down his throat.
“Ouch! That’s HOT! What of you now, gentlemen? I think that question remains for Dave and Petar to solve. We wait here for them.”

Story time post 31

Hope you are all still enjoying this, and thank you for your patience in the long wait last week.

31

Dave was about to make his way back ‘upstairs’ when Slongur and Lagarto appeared in front of him.
“Glad to see you again, Dave, very glad indeed. The lab is not a good place to be at the moment.”
“Um, really. OK gentlemen, you have found me in my hidden lair. Now what?”
“Nothing, Dave, nothing. You already know we are not the colonel’s friends. Two strangers have just materialised - one who looks very like yourself…”
“Davi! Davi is HERE?!” Robin could not contain her joy.
“Ah, ladies. We thought as much, Dave. The colonel has the entire complex under search as we speak. We took the precaution of following your hidden track of course, as well as closing or barring doors on the way. They will NOT make it this far.”
“Then I feel I need to be there this time. I don’t know why, I just do. Like when I dug down here for no apparent reason!”
He turned to Robin and kissed her briefly. “That’s for now, I intend to return for more. Oriana, Robin, please make these gentlemen at home. I suddenly TRUST them. Gentlemen, in case the militia do make it down here, please take care of the ladies and that rock over there. Yes, that is the real one.”
“No, Dave, we have to return with or without you. Mitchell is still at large as it were; if he returns our two new friends will need all the help they can get.”

…………

The colonel had lost his temper eventually and fired a single shot. Poor Davi now had a second bullet wound in his body, in the thigh this time.
“NOW will you tell me where the rocks are?”
“Go take a running jump,” Davi muttered through clenched teeth.
“That might be a good idea!” Lagarto announced from the door, Slongur behind him holding a reluctant looking Dave.
“Gentlemen. I thought you, too, were gone. And the reluctant Mr Grey too.”
“As if, colonel!” Slongur smirked. “This is our project, even if you think it is yours. It goes nowhere without us.”
“Maybe. And me too. You didn’t get that far without me, did you?” Dave smirked, trying to assess the situation. “But we don’t want INTERFERENCE, do we gentlemen?”
“My presence is not interference, Mr Grey, it is insurance.”
“Insurance that seems intent on gaining information by violence.” Lagarto spoke, looking at Davi who was being supported by Petar.
“Yeah,” Davi moaned, “First Mitchell, now his puppet master. OK, I’ve had enough. Get me some help and I’ll talk.”
“No!” Petar shook.
Davi stopped him. “Petar, the chase is up. These people here should be our friends; we owe them the tale at least.”
Slongur clapped in delight. “Yes! We are friends! You must tell us everything!” Turning to the colonel, he added, “We shall escort our friend to the medical facility colonel. You may send your own escort with us if you wish - we are not disappearing again!”
“Yes, do so. No one is going anywhere further now. I trust you, remember that, my men are needed here, with the machine.”

I am back .....

Yay, home again and raring to go ... not. Full of cold actually, hacking cough, feeling very sorry for myself. I can't even rest in bed in peace, ongoing works next door make rest impossible. Groan.

Enough of the sorry me stuff. It's Monday, and time for a plug. THANK YOU to the one person who has bought a copy of Thorn's Tale. Please tell your friends to spread the word. Available on Kindle as well, but Amazon sorting out the links yet again. Look on any Monday post for links, I havent the strength at the moment. Hope I feel better soon.

Next week's story post 30

I am away on hol next week, so posting now what you should be waiting for still.

30

“Ah! At last! Welcome, gentlemen, welcome!”
Davi and Petar barely heard, they still heard the whistling bullets coming for them. At least Mitchell did not seem to have come with them.
“You have something for me, I believe?”
“No. You have something for US. We have come from 2010 in pursuit of our females friends.” Davi was thinking on his feet as usual, hoping that the military man would believe him.
“Hah! Of course you have! Dave, please bring our guests.” He turned. “Dave? Where is he?!”
“Our colleague has taken a little longer lunch break than normal. Shall we find him for you?” Slongur spoke silkily. He would also like to know where Dave had got himself. Both men had looked for him earlier, and noted that the female guests were also nowhere to be seen. Dave was a resourceful and devious fellow. The colonel did not seem to have noticed.
“A kind offer, gentlemen. Yes, do so, please. You would know where to find him more than I.”
Two armed men suddenly appeared at a run.
“Sir! The women have gone!”
“Find them! Find Mr Grey! Now!”
Davi and Petar had watched and listened in fascination. Mr Grey seemed to have matters under his own control here, not the two, nor the military. Petar swiftly emptied his pocket and kicked the rock under a dark bench out of sight.
Davi knew the two disappearing through the doors ahead of the fatigue clad figures were the ones he needed to speak to. It would have to wait. They needed to get the rock out of the machine in front of them. They needed the rock under the bench to remain unseen. He wished he knew where the rock from 2010 was.

…………

Lagarto raced ahead and out of sight of the militia, doubling back to where Slongur waited. He had seen the feint and ‘disappeared’ himself.
“Any ideas, Slongur?”
“None whatsoever. Wherever he vanishes to, it is well out of sight.”
“Out of sight. Out of sight - of course!”
Lagarto gestured quickly at the solitary figure sat at the security screen. A swift blow to the neck and they watched fatigue clad men searching the entire facility.
“Out of sight, Slongur, out of sight! Look for the parts the system is missing!”
“Very clever, Dave, very clever indeed. Multiple little blind spots. But where do they lead?”
“That is given, Lagarto. THINK! What was Dave researching on his own?”
“The work of a minor genius indeed. What the man would be with memory! What he could tell us of home!”
“Let us hope that the colonel remains as unknowing as he is seemingly stupid. Come, let us go to him. I think the lab has become a very dangerous place indeed to be now.”

………

The colonel turned back to Davi and Petar. Things were going awry, but he at least had these two, and the one working machine.
“No, no, gentlemen, please stay where you are.” He brandished an old fashioned pistol.
“As long as you are pointing that thing, fine. We already met Mitchell with one of those. Just missed us in fact.”
“Really? That IS unusual. I take it he didn’t get the rock then?”
Petar was about to answer in the negative but Davi stopped him. It had been a trick question, and Davi had given him the clue!
He laughed. “You already got the rock! Mitchell appeared back in 2010 again, everyone went for him of course. He managed to fire off plenty before we came here.”
“Yes, you came here. Just as I wanted actually. But HOW? You have no machine. You obviously have a rock ….. AH! The ROCK! Gods below, have I been blinkered! Of course! You don’t NEED a machine, do you? DO YOU?”
The two looked him in the eyes with shrugs and innocent expressions.
He bristled. “DON’T make me angry, gentlemen! I don’t need to kill to get answers.”
Davi laughed again. “It’s not us you need to be talking to you know. Those two you just sent off to look for Mr Grey are the ones you need. They have the answers you want.”
“Those freaking aliens? Don’t make me laugh! They think we don’t know their plans to take over this planet, hah! They don’t know what WE have in mind for them!”
BINGO, guess confirmed Davi thought.