He felt Teddy’s paw settle on his shoulder, the grip reassuring him. Barnabus sighed and looked up into the squinted eyes. “Should I stay away from other bears?” The other bear stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “No, the younger ones still need you to help. But stop dragging them into... Continue Reading →
In Pursuit of Salvation, Part Two
“You must go to the other side of the world to the King’s Quarters, the place Ptolemy conquered, and the place of wonder carved into the cliffs.” “How helpful,” he said sardonically. Stratha began to speak again, but Barnabus had already turned to the leave. Her words trailed off as the door closed on them.... Continue Reading →
In Pursuit of Salvation, Part One
“I warned you.” Hamish’s voice was soft, lacking in accusations. He knew the situation was beyond the bear’s ability to foresee. He and Barnabus stood over Montrose’s comatose body, the sounds of the cafe drifting up through the floor. They stared at their friend, willing him to awaken, but nothing could rouse him. Every attempt... Continue Reading →
Searching for Darkness, complete rough draft
“Why are we here, Barnabus?” Montrose slipped into the bedroom just behind his friend. It was a mess: Clothes piled everywhere posters hanging lazily from the wall, and the smell of old food. He climbed the nightstand to see a sleeping teenager. Turning to glance over the room and the state of entropy made better... Continue Reading →
Searching for Darkness, part six
The trio left, wandering the street so the bears could get used to their temporary bodies. There were some distrustful looks cast their way and others were openly hostile. Puppets were barely tolerated in the Crossroads. “I think we need to hurry up and leave,” Montrose said. “We aren’t exactly welcome looking like this.” Hamish... Continue Reading →
Searching for Darkness, part five
Montrose nodded solemnly and the three were silent for a time. They perked up when their drinks were refilled. “The Workshop is a strange place. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of it,” Hamish said, looking at Montrose. “He’s young,” Barnabus said, “so we need to fill him in.” Barnabus’ face became stern. “There's an old... Continue Reading →
Illusions of Sanity, complete rough draft
There was a soft breeze that caused chimes to tinkle, just enough to be audible. Much louder were the dogs barking through the night at nothing but shadows and slight sounds. These and other noises drifted through the pale light of the moon. It wasn’t quite enough light to see by, yet just enough to... Continue Reading →
Searching for Darkness, part four
“Settle down, Hamish. I need your help,” Barnabus said. “There is a surge in dangerous nightmares. I think it is a concerted effort to poison dreams. Have you heard anything?” The corgi’s face didn’t seem capable of anything but excessive cheer, even when contemplating something distasteful. He tilted his head in thought, sitting still... Continue Reading →
Searching for Darkness, part three
As they progressed, Montrose realized that the humans were dressed in all manner of clothing, ranging from modern to ancient. “Barnabus, what is the story behind the diversity of clothing.” “People are dressed appropriate to where they are from. Some have been here for a long time, but others are just passing through. Stop staring.”... Continue Reading →
