Aeron

The next day Aeron groggily descended the hill and went to check upon his crops. He was a good shepherd- none had escaped him. He knelt down by the bean plants and prodded at the soil with his finger. When he lifted it, a long strand of hair released itself from the dirt and he quizzically examined it.

Suddenly it began to get dark. It was more like an eclipse. In fact, Aeron looked up into the sky to see if the sun was still there. Then he heard a heavy breathing sound behind him.

He turned to see a humongous figure looming over him. Then he blacked out as a mighty fist crashed against his skull and the warm feeling of blood trickled down his cheek.

Aeron awoke on his stomach among his bean plants. He slowly lifted himself up on his arms dizzily and regained his focus.

Sitting among his vegetables, several yards in front of him, was the creature which had been the cause of his aching head.

It was a giant or a monster. The sight of it overwhelmed Aeron’s senses.

Even sitting, it was as tall as he. It was hairy all over and uncovered by any clothing. It stank. The creature had a dull, simple look on its face. Its brow was large and overhanging two black beads of eyes.

Aeron watched a moment as it gorged itself on his labors- mainly potatoes and beans. Its face was covered in juice and rinds.

Then it saw him slowly getting onto his knees.

"The potatoes are running low. You must plant more."

The voice was low and gruff, with a tone of belligerence.

Aeron was confused. Standing, he felt somewhat sick, but pulled the matted hair off of his face.

"Wh-what?"

"I-said-more-POTATOES!" thundered the beast, flinging a handful of rinds at Aeron.

Aeron defended himself matter-of-factly saying, "Those are mine."

The man-like beast stopped eating and stared at Aeron piercingly. Then, in a quickness which seemed not relative to its size, the monster became murderous and was on Aeron, lifting him up by the neck with one hand before the man could even flinch.

Aeron could slowly feel the air being choked out of him as the beast tightened its grip.

"I’ll have more or you’ll be dead!"

And dropping Aeron and returning to the potato patch said, "Put that in your noble philosophy."

Days turned into weeks.

Aeron remained the slave of the bloated structure of flesh which had no end to its appetite or ill temperament.

Weeks turned into a month.

No matter how hard Aeron worked to save himself from his tormentor's punishment, it did little good.

The creature was insane. It took in more than he could ever produce, wasting most of the food in fits of anger or in its demanding manner for a certain look or taste. Even at his best, it was not satisfying enough. Aeron became weaker and more desperate.

Soon it was not even worth his life, for he was no longer living. His condition became a droll existence of which he had no control and could not gauge.

One morning, when he had planned to plow a new area, for his precious soils were exhausted, he awoke, dressed, and went into the field where he sat down and did not move.

A short time later, as was the routine, the behemoth that had enslaved Aeron appeared and was shocked to see him inactive.

"What are you doing? Get up, you!"

But Aeron did not move.

The monster kicked at him.

"Get up, I said!"

Again there was no response.

Angered, the monster slammed his two great fists on the ground, shaking it. It was shocked to see Aeron’s response- he was laughing.

"What is wrong with you? Are you insane? Get up. Feed me- now!"

The monster could hardly speak any longer.

"Aurragh!"

The beast lifted Aeron up and threw him like a straw man.

Aeron got up slowly and stood motionless.

The creature stood within inches of him and began circling while yelling.