Breaking Silence

August 8th. Two months without a post. And I'm not sure anyone has noticed.

I was going to have Beacon Girl post something, but it turns out Blogger has deactivated the account. Don't understand why. The only place Beacon Girl posts is here, and I don't see that anything she's written has violated any rules. But then Blogger is strange. Still, it's free, and that makes it difficult to complain too loudly.

As of right now there are NO stories in the queue. NOTHING is on the horizon. The entire Legion is silent. Of the nearly two dozen heroes and villains we've read about, all are quiet.

The Legion Blog had two months of high enthusiasm followed by two months of struggling followed by two months of silence. I would like to say that is going to change in the near future, but I do not know that it will.

I cannot speak for the other seven contributors, but only for myself. There are Hero Stories I want to write. I want to keep Hidden Embers, Panthera and Feathered Guy Anthropist around. I'm just in another frame of mind right now and not writing hero stuff. When I went off-line two months ago I wasn't sure I would ever return. I have, but only sporadically. But I've thought about the Legion. A lot.

One thing I know is that I intend to publish differently - once I begin to publish again. For instance: I do not intend to publish unfinished stories. I will write the entire story. Once that is done I will find the best cliff-hanging breaks I can at around 500-words. Then I will post the story in parts, one part each day until the entire story has been presented. Then the blog may go silent until I have another story.

I have also considered deleting the blog.

Nothing has been decided. Right now I'm confused about Beacon Girl. I don't understand why her account has been disabled.

The Taming of Pelage

PANTHERA and LEO

The Taming of Pelage (part 1)

by Bevie James

Panthera found herself once again standing along the shores of the big lake. The last time she had been here she had held Pelage in her arms. But she had released the accused traitor; her friend and one time lover. That act had resulted in being labeled an accomplice, and she had gone to trial. It had been Panteskus’ quick thinking and misdirection which spared her. Only now, to remain free, she had to return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again; and bring her back.

But would Pelage return to Khat? Panthera had her doubts. Panteskus had bought this reprieve by saying Pelage’s departure to Lower Earth had been a misunderstanding. Panthera had to confess she no more believed it than did Simthara, the judge from the People of the Apes who had brought the accusations against both Pelage and herself. Even Ursa Drake, the Adjudicator, doubted. But Panteskus had been efficient in raising doubt. Now, to prove her innocence, all Pelage had to do was return with Panthera to Khat. Only – what if Pelage wasn’t innocent? If she refused to return then she would as much be admitting her guilt. And if Panthera didn’t bring her back she would certainly be found guilty as Pelage’s accomplice. What had Panteskus really bought with his antics?

Time, she thought. And another chance.

Only where was she to begin searching? She had found Pelage before because Pelage had not known she had been the one sent. Having shared love with Pelage in the past, Panthera had developed an attunement with her, making it possible to make spectral connections over even long distances. But their previous encounter had tipped Pelage off to Panthera’s presence. She would be blocking Panthera’s attempts to reach her now.

She looked out over the waters of Gitchigoomie. The logical place to begin was here, where she had last seen Pelage. But the trail was as cold as the frigid waters which lapped the shore. She knelt beside Leo, her massive lion companion.

“Oh, Leo. Where are we to find her?”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” said a man’s voice.

Panthera and Leo both got to their feet, Leo’s growl rumbling in his throat. Panthera instinctively connected with his thoughts and bade him wait.

Before them stood an exceptionally tall man in tight grey clothing. Behind him stood a young woman dressed in some sort of military uniform. Between them a fox sat and licked its chest. How had they managed to arrive without Leo knowing?

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 7)

by Bevie James

Once again Panthera was obliged to continue her story. She told how Pelage had caught her, but instead of dealing her any kind of death blow, Pelage spoke of the wealth of grain in Lower Earth and how it could be of benefit to True Earth. But Panthera had refused her offer to be a partner. After that, Leo arrived and was able to dissipate the wall of water under Pelage’s control. Pelage melded into Onca and Panthera into Leo. Then the chase was on.

It did not last long, however. In just a few furlongs Panthera had caught Pelage and held her in her arms.

“And then what happened?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panthera blushed. “She begged me not to send her back. Reminding me of how – things had been. Then she said she had deliberately not struck at the lighthouse.”

“And so you let her go?”

Panthera didn’t know whether to be proud or ashamed, but in true cat form she held Ursa Drake’s stare.

“Yes.”

There was a moment’s silence before Simthara spoke, breaking the thoughtful quiet.

“I think that proves it well enough. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do,” said Panteskus.

“Then you agree with me?” said Simthara, sounding more than a little surprised.

Panteskus looked apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you had come to sense. I see that is not so.”

“Adjudicator! Must I be insulted like this?”

“Do you have a preference?” asked Panteskus. “I can insult you any way you wish.”

“Enough!” said Ursa Drake. “Panteskus, that is hardly the attitude I should expect from a judicial member.”

Panteskus bowed his head. “Forgive me, Adjudicator.”

“It is not me who you have offended.”

“Very good. Forgive me, Simthara.”

Simthara only nodded. She didn’t believe Panteskus’ sincerity any more than Panthera did.

“So what are you claiming this proves?” asked Ursa Drake.

“That Pelage is not a traitor, and therefore neither is Panthera,” said Panteskus.

“How does it prove that?” said Simthara. “What I see is a traitor gone to Lower Earth for the purpose of personal gain, and another traitor who let her go when she had the chance to bring her back to stand trial.”

“You see what you are wont to see, as ever,” said Panteskus. “However, did not Panthera say Pelage spoke of the benefit of the grain to the people of Khat? She did not talk about personal reward.”

“She said us,” said Simthar.

“Yes, us. As in everybody who lives in Khat. Not Pelage and Panthera alone.”

“That is not what Panthera meant, and you know it!”

“Panthera did not make the statement. She is only relating things as she understood them with her conscious mind. But now, in reflection, I believe it is clear Pelage’s intent was simply to bring help to the People of Khat. It is true we are suffering a food shortage.”

“Which Pelage seeks to take advantage of by making profit on our suffering,” said Simthara.

“There is no evidence of that,’ said Panteskus. “In fact, the evidence suggests otherwise.”

Panteskus’ argument seemed to have caught Simthara off guard. But the Ape Woman was not stymied.

“Even so. To steal grain from Lower Earth is not lawful.”

“You mean it has not been sanctioned,” said Panteskus. “Technically, it has not been outlawed.”

“You are making a mockery of this trial!” Simthara stormed.

Ursa Drake raised her hands in a motion of silence.

“I think Panteskus has raised some valid points. However, it will take Pelage to answer the truth of his claims. Until we know, we cannot determine your fate, Panthera. Therefore, this is my decision: You will return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again. She must return to answer the questions raised.”

“And if she refuses?” asked Simthara.

Ursa put her hands back onto the table. “Then we will know.”

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 6)

by Bevie James

“The night was foggy,” said Panthera. “I had gone to the Port City, which is at the westernmost point of Gitchigoomie. Leo sensed Onca’s presence and led me to the hill overlooking the port. I went down to the water alone.”

“You left Leo on the hill?” asked Panteskus.

“Yes.”

“Why would you do that? Would that not put you at risk with Pelage? She would have Onca, and you would be alone.”

“It’s hard to explain.”

“Try,” said Ursa Drake.

Panthera took a breath. “Well, while Pelage and I have often played huntress and prey, never has she used any advantage to hurt me.”

“So you were trusting on your knowledge of Pelage?” Panteskus prompted.

“Yes.”

Ursa Drake made a notation on the tablet before her. “Please continue, Panthera.”

Panthera related her walk along the waterfront, and her confrontation with the four young men of Lower Earth. When she told of how she allowed Leo’s roar to escape her lungs, dispersing the young men into the shadows, Panteskus interrupted again.

“So you deliberately chose to deal with your assailants in a manner which would alert Pelage to your presence, as opposed to using more conventional means?”

“What was she supposed to do?” snapped Simthara. “There were four of them.”

Panteskus remained undaunted. “Four, yes. But did you not say they were young, Panthera? How young?”

Panthera shrugged. “It’s difficult to tell with Lower Earth beings. Not very, I’m sure.”

“Did you think they had reached the Age of Reason?”

Panthera chuckled and shook her head. “No. Not at all. They were very much controlled by their bodies.”

Panteskus looked to Simthara with triumph. “Do you honestly believe Panthera could not handle four young simpletons using conventional means, Simthara?”

Panthera made Simthara feel her stare. Against her will, Simthara returned the look. The two women held each other in a contest of will. Then Simthara shook her head.

“No. Panthera would be well able to take on four such from Lower Earth.”

Panthera couldn’t hide her smile, but she only let it show a moment. Panteskus was pursuing his line of questioning.

“So you knew you could deal with them without alerting Pelage? Yet you chose to reveal yourself to her anyway? Is that not so?”

“Yes. I guess it is.”

“What are you leading to, Panteskus?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panteskus raised his hand in a calming gesture. “Let Panthera continue.”

Panthera then related her walk down the pier to the lighthouse, and how Pelage had indeed trapped her with a wall of water – Panthera’s bane.

Simthara was angry. “All this proves is that Pelage is a traitor.”

“How?” asked Panteskus.

Simthara pointed at Panthera. “She captured Panthera! Why would she do that unless she were trying to avoid capture herself?”

“Why indeed?” asked Panteskus.

“We will let Panthera answer that,” said Ursa Drake.

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 5)

by Bevie James

Panthera was uncomfortable. The focus was on her, but she wasn’t sure just what it was Panteskus was expecting of her. Deception was not one of Panthera’s strengths. Not this kind anyway. It was one thing to fool an enemy, but Ursa Drake was hardly that. Besides, the People of the Dragons were not easy to lie to. Dragons had a sense about things like that, and with Tarter perched on Ursa’s shoulder it was reasonable to assume they were in mind contact. Also, the look on Ursa Drake’s face showed Panthera the adjudicator already suspected Panthera was clueless to Panteskus’ plan. Panthera decided to bide for time and give her mind a chance to work.

“What do you wish to know, Adjudicator?” she asked.

Ursa Drake smiled. She wasn’t fooled by the tactic, but neither was she calling Panthera on it.

“What have we been discussing? Pelage, of course. Panteskus tells us you have new evidence which shows Pelage has not committed a crime. Do you? Or has Panteskus – made a mistake?”

So. Here it was, thought Panthera. Ursa Drake was giving her a chance to take the pressure off Panteskus – or join him in his plot. It was a dangerous moment, for if Panthera decided to go along with Panteskus, and the plan failed, not only would Panthera be tried for treason, but so would Panteskus. But Ursa Drake was giving Panthera the opportunity to release Panteskus from the plot by declaring he had simply misunderstood. There was no crime in that.

Panthera gave Panteskus a look. Since neither was in contact with their cat there could be no true communication. It would all have to be done with intuition. Panteskus’ eyes were focused hard on Panthera. She almost felt she could hear his thoughts. But they were written on his face. Keep it going. She had to trust him. She had to trust in the power of the Cat People to execute a plan successfully. Still, she would keep the door of Panteskus’ escape open.

“I am not clear on what Panteskus believes I know,” she said. “Therefore I cannot say whether or no he has made an error.”

But Ursa Drake was not going to let her go with that.

“Panteskus believes you have evidence with proves Pelage innocent. Do you?”

At this point Panteskus intervened again.

“Perhaps, rather than simply saying ‘yes’, you should relate the facts of your investigation and subsequent meeting with Pelage.”

The slight smile on Panteskus’ face told Panthera this was what he needed: the facts regarding what took place in Lower Earth. A good cat should be able to use any facts to her (his) advantage. She had but to speak slowly, omitting no detail, so that the cat portion of Panteskus could utilize the facts to their advantage. Were he allowed to communicate with Torgid, his lion, this could be done faster.

Ursa Drake gave Panteskus a knowing look before addressing Panthera.

“Very well. Panthera, will you please relate the events of Lower Earth as they happened to you.”

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 4)

by Bevie James

Panthera sat shocked. She knew Panteskus was up to something clever, but this was a surprise to even her. And to Ursa Drake. She sat with a look of incredulity. Simthara may have been shocked, but she was too angry to show it.

“What do you mean, Pelage is not a criminal? Of course she’s a criminal! That was determined by the Court of Gambol.”

Panteskus shook his head. “Kangaroo court.”

“You would insult a Court of the People?” asked Simthara.

“No,” said Panteskus. “But Gambol’s court was not a court of the people. It was a court of kangaroos and apes. Pelage was guilty before it began. That is why the People of Cats fought so hard to have Panthera assigned to bring Pelage back. We wanted to make sure she made it back.”

“What are you implying?” said Simthara.

“Nothing. I think I’ve made my point quite clear.”

Simthara was furious, but it seemed to Panthera that she had been caught off guard by Panteskus’ accusation. In any case, instead of launching another tirade against him, she turned to Ursa Drake for help.

“Adjudicator, must we listen to these insults?”

To Panthera’s surprise, Ursa Drake did not criticize Panteskus for his words. Instead, she seemed thoughtful. She glanced at Simthara and then looked back to Panteskus.

“So what are you suggesting? Do we put Pelage on trial again?”

“If there is doubt, it seems the right thing to do,” said Panteskus.

“What doubt?” asked Simthara. “The Gambol Court made its decision. Why did the People of Cats not make an appeal at that time?”

“Because, unlike certain other people, we of the Cats are a cautious people. A thoughtful people. We gather evidence before acting.”

“And are you saying you have acquired new evidence?” asked Ursa Drake.

“I am.”

“What evidence?” asked Simthara.

Panteskus looked at Panthera. “The fact that Panthera actually caught Pelage. And then let her go. What other reason can there be than that Panthera knows Pelage is innocent?”

Simthara cackled, unafraid to show her contempt. Ursa Drake smiled.

“I can think of another reason. Panthera didn’t want to be the one to bring her lover back for sentencing. She’s a traitor, too. That’s why we’re here, Panteskus.”

“No. We are here because Pelage has been wrongly convicted of treason. She wasn’t even here to defend herself. Now Panthera is facing the same fate. All because she learned the truth: that Pelage is innocent.”

“So you say,” said Simthara. “But we must needs deal with facts. What facts do you have to present, Panteskus?”

“The facts are inside Panthera’s head. All we need do is question her.”

The room went silent. All eyes shifted from Panteskus to Ursa Drake. How would she deal with this? She addressed Panthera directly.

“It seems we are back to you, Panthera. Please present your evidence.”

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 3)

by Bevie James

Simthara shifted in her chair.

“Forgive me, Adjudicator. It was the accusation. I reacted out of habit. It shall not occur again.”

Ursa Drake seemed satisfied. She turned her attention to Panteskus.

“Very good. So, Panteskus. What are you saying? I hope you are not accusing a judge of impropriety?”

Panteskus remained all manners and smiles.

“No, Adjudicator. Simthara has just reacted emotionally – as is her wont. I am sure she believes everything in her report is true. But that is why we have these trials: to determine if truth. My point is just that we have yet to determine a crime. Are there pieces to this puzzle which Simthara missed?”

Simthara’s anger had not abated, and Panteskus’ words fueled it. Panthera smiled at his baiting demeanor.

“No crime!” Simthara cried. “She held the criminal Pelage in her arms. Pelage was captured. But where is Pelage now? Free in Lower Earth. Why? Because Panthera let her go! That act makes her an accomplice.”

Ursa Drake allowed Simthara her outrage. Panthera suspected it was a compromise, for no doubt Ursa Drake understood Panteskus’ motives, too. The cat-and-mouse game was a game to be played with patience. That’s why the cats usually won.

“What have you to say to this, Panteskus?” Ursa asked. “Simthara’s argument is both strong and sound.”

“As far as it goes, yes,” said Panteskus. “But it fails to take into consideration the thinking of cats.”

Ursa Drake smiled. “Which is?”

“I can answer that!” said Simthara. Everyone turned to her. Simthara gave Panthera a look of loathing. “Pelage was once Panthera’s lover. There is no way Panthera could bring herself to being part of Pelage’s capture. So I warned from the beginning. I said we should have sent someone from the apes.”

“Do you honestly believe one of the People of the Apes could actually capture Pelage?” asked Panteskus.

“Don’t pretend you’re superior because you’re a cat,” said Simthara.

“I’m not pretending anything,” said Panteskus.

“How dare you!”

“How dare I what?”

Ursa Drake was now angry.

“Enough! Both of you! This is not about the People of Apes, or Cats. It is about Panthera, and whether she is, or is not, guilty of betraying our people in releasing Pelage. There is no question that she did that, Panteskus. That you must admit. I understand you’re wanting to see your cousin’s daughter exonerated, but I will not allow you to manipulate this trial for your own amusement. Do you understand?”

“I do, Adjudicator.”

“And you, Simthara. Control your temper, or I shall be forced to find a replacement.”

“I will, Adjudicator.”

“So. Panteskus. What is your point?”

“That Panthera cannot be guilty of treason if her actions were not against The People. For instance, if she held you, Simthara, and then let you go, there would be no crime.”

“But she didn’t hold me. She held Pelage.”

“Exactly.”

“So what are you saying?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panteskus smiled. “What if Pelage is not a criminal?”

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 2)

by Bevie James

Simthara unrolled the parchment she had carried with her into the room. Before reading she sent a satisfied smirk Panthera’s way. Panthera kept her head proud. She would not give Simthara the satisfaction of showing fear.

“Panthera of Cats, you are hereby charged with treason against The People of True Earth. This charge has been brought forward by me, Simthara of the Apes, and is done so by reason of your willful choice to fail in your mission to capture Pelage of Cats.

“The charge states that on a foggy night you did encounter said Pelage along the shores of Lake Superior, as it is known in Lower Earth, and that you did, in fact, apprehend her. However, instead of returning the criminal Pelage to True Earth to face charges for her crime, you set her free, thereby aligning yourself with her and making yourself a traitor to the Life Forces of True Earth.”

Panthera noted the manner in which Simthara spat out the name “Cats”, as though it left a bad taste in her mouth. When Simthara set the parchment on the table before her, Panthera held her gaze. After a few seconds, Simthara flinched and looked away. Panthera couldn’t hide her grin. The People of the Apes never could hold a gaze with someone from Cats. The power of Cats was far superior to that of Apes, which accounted for Simthara’s animosity and jealousy. When Simthara recovered she glared at Panthera. She seemed ready to speak, but Ursa Drake interrupted her.

“Panthera of Cats, how do you plea to this charge?”

Panthera sighed. There was only one answer to give. She was guilty. But now Panteskus interrupted her confession.

“Before we address that, Adjudicator, perhaps we should determine first if the charge is even valid.”

Ursa Drake gave Panteskus a look of incredulity, as did Panthera. What game was Panteskus playing? Whatever it was, it had Simthara ready to fly into a rage. Her anger rose about her like a storm. From the halls came the cries of Aggie, Simthara’s grey chimpanzee. Apparently Aggie was in touch with Simthara’s mind, which was technically against the rules of court.

“How dare you!” she said. “I have never presented a false report in life. I always obey the rules.”

Panteskus smiled. “Always, Simthara? Then perhaps you can explain why Aggie cries out beyond the door? If you are in contact with her, are you not violating the rules now?”

Ursa Drake raised her hands in a motion of silence, preventing escalation. Tarter, her dragon, shifted on her shoulder. As Adjudicator, Ursa was head judge, and alone allowed the accompaniment of her animal.

“Enough!” said Ursa. “I will not allow this hearing to turn into a – farce. Simthara. Are you in mind contact with Aggie?”

Panthera hid her smile. She was convinced Ursa had caught herself from using the colloquial term, “monkey trial”. Glancing at Panteskus she saw his eyes twinkle. He gave his head a slight shake. Panthera understood. She was not to admit anything. Panteskus was playing cat and mouse, and Simthara was the mouse.

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 1)

by Bevie James

Panthera sat quietly, waiting for the tribunal to enter the room. Which three would it be to decide her fate? There were some who would jump at the chance to condemn her. Others would show understanding. The problem was, Panthera knew she was guilty. She had let Pelage go free. But holding her in her arms had brought back memories, and when Pelage begged for mercy Panthera had not been able to refuse. Now she would pay the price for that loyalty. That love.

Two guards sat at her elbows. One she knew. Loparith. He was from the People of the Wolves. They had played together when they were young. Loparith was strict about rules, but he was also loyal to friends. The other she knew only by name. Conuru. She was from the People of the Vultures. While Panthera knew nothing of Conuru, she did know that those who melded with vultures were quick to take offense.

Her judges would be three. That she knew. And one would be from the People of Cats, which was Panthera’s people. And Pelage’s. She was at least to have one friendly face in the room. But who would the other two be? And whoever represented her own people would not likely be in charge.

The door opened and Panthera, Loparith, and Conuru rose to their feet. Panthera smiled as the first judge entered. It was Panteskus. He was related to Panthera through her mother. He was also akin to Pelage. At the least he would prevent this from becoming a kangaroo court – even if the head judge were from the People of the Quokka. Seeing the second judge was enough to take Panthera’s smile away. It was Simthara, from the People of the Apes. They were not friendly toward Panthera’s people. It looked like it was going to be a monkey trial after all.

The final judge, the head judge, was Ursa Drake, from the People of the Dragons. In fact, a small dragon sat perched on Ursa’s shoulder. It was a winged creature, as opposed to the worms some had. The worms were less ferocious than the winged dragons, but they were more insidious. The winged dragons were more dangerous, but they were open about what they were doing. Panthera sighed. It could have been worse. With Simthara present, the head judge could have been an Ophidian.

The three judges went to their table and sat, Ursa Drake in the middle, Simthara to her left, and Panteskus to her right. Panthera quietly noted the positions. That Panteskus sat to Ursa Drake’s right meant he would have greater say than Simthara. She had lucked out in that regard. But Ursa Drake would have the final say. When the judges had sat they nodded to the accused and her guards. Panthera and the others sat down. Ursa Drake turn her head slightly toward Simthara. “Please read the charge, Simthara.”

Foggy Choices - Part II

PANTHERA and LEO

Foggy Choices (part two)

by Bevie James

Pelage smiled. “Hello, Panthera. Looking for me?”

Panthera didn’t answer. She looked to the wall of water. Would Pelage release it? If she did, Panthera knew she would be worse than helpless. Pelage continued.

“You were careless, Panthera. How unlike you. But then I could always get around you, couldn’t I? You’re in my power again. Why are you here, as if I cannot guess?”

“I’ve come to bring you home, Pelage.”

“Why?”

“Because it is where you belong. This world. It’s not for us.”

“There are riches to be had in this world, girl.”

“Not for us, Pelage. I’ve seen the things these people call ‘riches’. Things of metal and stone. What have we to do with that?”

Pelage laughed. “I do not speak of the minerals. I speak of something far greater, which they transport from this port around their world.”

“And what would that be?”

Pelage became serious. “Grain. Untold amounts of it. You’ve seen the ships? They are filled to capacity. Just think what that could mean for us back in Khat?”

“Us?”

“Yes, honey. Us. There is no reason we can not do this together. We’ve always been good together. Remember?”

“I do. But I cannot enjoin myself to this plan, Pelage. It is wrong.”

Pelage shook her head. “Well, you never did show much sense. But I love you anyway. Still, I can’t have you interfering.”

Panthera backed to the wall. Pelage and Onca came down to stand before her, the wall of water at their back. Pelage’s dampening aura was reaching out, threatening to drain Panthera into unconsciousness. Panthera focused her thoughts. “Now, Leo.”

As the foghorn sounded the roar of a lion pierced the shroud of water and it fell apart like harmless rain. Pelage and Onca turned in surprise, releasing Panthera from the power of the aura. Panthera instantly focused her thought and was inside Leo’s body. Pelage melted into Onca’s body and the panther broke into a run.

Her goal was obviously to lose herself in the fog, but Leo had been ready, and the lion overtook the panther up on the hill in a park pavilion. Leo caught hold of Onca and at once the two women separated from their cats. Panthera wrapped her arms around Pelage. The other woman tried to struggle, but it was too late.

Pelage turned in Panthera’s arms so they faced. “Oh, Honey, don’t send me back. Please. For old time’s sake. After all, I could have struck back at the lighthouse. You know that?”

Panthera did know it. It had been what she had counted on. But now that her plan was successful, she felt guilty. She gazed into Pelage’s eyes and then kissed her. When they broke she released her prey. Leo did the same with Onca. As Pelage faded into the mists she turned.

“I love you, honey.”

Panthera sat with Leo through the remainder of the night. With each sound of the foghorn the big cat roared in anguish.
.

Foggy Choices - Part 1

PANTHERA and LEO

Foggy Choices (part one)

by Bevie James

Panthera knelt down and gazed out toward the lake far below. The flashes of light from the lighthouse along the pier pulsed in even measures while the horn sounded in mournful blasts. Curse the fog. It hung over and near the lake like a shroud of death.

The night winds played with her wayward tresses. She ignored the mocking gesture, but her hand absently dropped to scratch the back of Leo’s mane. The big lion purred, a feat not possible with the counterparts of this world.

“She will be along the water front, Leo,” Panthera said. Leo’s head responded with a slight nod. That was another thing about cats from Khat. They understood speech. “Perhaps I should venture down and check for myself.”

A soft rumble welled up from Leo’s chest. Panthera smiled.

“Worrier. But we’ll never see her through this fog. Keep a link.”

Making her way down the hillside of this northern port town was almost as dangerous as meeting her intended prey. Fortunately, the city was weakly populated, and so the streets were devoid of any meaningful life. A few trouble-makers lounged in dark corners, but otherwise all was still.

She walked the water’s edge. It was disconcerting, for water was not her friend. Beyond the harbor lift bridge was open water. Deep and powerful. Walking by a monstrous sea-going vessel she was reminded of the power of water. This lake had taken ships bigger than this one to its depths. It was far superior to her.

She couldn’t help the chuckle which escaped. Superior. That’s what these people called it. Walking along an alley she saw four young men lounging in a huddled circle. As she neared they saw her and moved to intercept. Feeling generous, she waited.

They were ill-clad and ill-fed. They reeked of putrid smoke, coming from tiny wads of rolled up leaves in white paper. The tall one took a position in front as the others encircled her.

“Hello, dearie. Out for a walk? Perhaps you would care to join us?”

Her generosity was over. She felt Leo’s anger well up in her chest and with a shake of her head the sparks flew and Leo’s snarl echoed into the night. The young men’s eyes all went wide and they quickly faded into the mists.

She fancied she caught a new smell. The smell she had been searching for. Following it she found herself at the beginning of a long pier, leading out to the lighthouse. This was bad. All that water. It could be used against her. Still, she had no choice but to go on.

She came to the end and walked around the lighthouse. Then she heard it. The hiss of a panther. Turning, she saw what she feared most to see: a wall of water waiting to crash down upon her. Above it, resting on the lighthouse, was a woman not too unlike herself, affectionately petting a black panther. Panthera’s heart went cold.

“Pelage,” she whispered.
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