THE SEARCHER (entry 2)

(Read "entry 1" before this continuation.)


With eyes looking across the land

The Searcher shouted commands 

“Get Back! Do not advance! Keep your blades at the ready.”

Then ordered, "Defensive Stance!!”

His soldiers placed both feet on the ground

While pulling weapons directly in front of them.

The man holding the deceased's head laid it down

And instantly vanished before he could call out.

His brothers-at-arms

Trembled at the site.

Looked at each other

And one cried out.

“What happened? Where did he go?

He was there and something sucked him from our existence.”

For what happened had never been seen.

He had been pulled through some sort of screen.

A screen like a web, but not like smoke.

It was like the surface of a lake.

Only this magical lake 

Was standing straight like a mirror or gate.

It was as-if he was sucked through a wall

An opening appeared and then he was gone.

One man mumbled, “But did you see

A shadowy creature that was standing 3 meters tall?”

"I saw it," one said. “It had claw-like hands

And a hairy face.”

Another added, “Yes, it was like

A snout with two eyes and a penetrating gaze.”

The men continued to hold their positions

Swords at the ready.

The Searcher called out, "Light torches"

And motioned for all the party to stay ready.

A search of the immediate area

Provided no proof

Of what the party

Had witnessed, the sinister vision.

The only thing evidenced

That would prove the brother existed

Was the blood on the ground

And the horrid image that had visited.

A rustle in the brush could be heard

Followed by scurrying, maybe birds.

The search party continued to light torches

While looking through the woods.

In a few moments the animal sounds stopped

Except for a howl in the distance

The Searcher called out, "Stand down.

We seem safe, that must be someone's hunting hound."

Remembering the voice from before the attack

The Searcher said, "Prepare to move. This place may not be safe.

Collect your personal things, we have much ground to cover

Before we will see the day sky again."

The band of soldiers moved quickly through the night.

Other than being no enemy or creature to fight,

There was no peaceful plan. 

As instructed, they would remain low and close to the land. 

Searching for the princess was his intent

The men had been ordered to support him

And go where they were sent.

A few hours later as the sun rose the men sang a hymn.

"The Lord bless us and guide our way.

We have faith in the almighty one.

We are blessed and sing his praise

Our prayer is that with us he will stay."

The party had traveled 3 kilometers in the night

Many soldiers pondered what created their fright

They came upon a tall cross accompanied by burial mounds 

A place where many considered the dead to lounge. 

Thoughts of the soldier disappearing into the non-world

Frightened the most experienced soldier.

None had seen a person disappear before their eyes 

But memories of the hairy 'ghost' seemed to reside.

They sat up camp

Locals came out to greet

They traded for supplies

And cooked quite a feast

Then the questioning was resumed

Many had a blank look on their face.

But a few people had information

And wanted to claim their stake.

You see the King

Announced a financial purse 

For any assistance provided to

The Searcher for his daughter's return.

The Searcher was intrigued by what he heard

Talk of a shadow following a group

Several men had passed with a small figure in tow

Followed by a hulking man in the shadow.

The soldiers had been told of the two figures

As they had advanced on the princess.

How one had been hulking 

As he carried her away.

The Searcher was excited

Maybe they were getting close

He called out to his men

Almost in a loud, voice of boast.

"We can find her, We can find her!

We are close!

Quickly, thank our host.

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry to your horse!'

(continued) - posted 2/11/11