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 Rexcalibur, the Magic Returns (Book Excerpt)by Mitzi Kleidon Buy from Xlibris Page 1 of 14 Reaching the outskirts of the land Darias, the rolling hills met sharply with the winding path below. Overhead, the sun shone brightly across the velvety grass, creating a halo of colors. Rex, and his dearest friend, Joshua, kept their horses at a steady gait as they rode through the land. For days they had traveled and as time passed, Rex caught the urgency of Joshua's pace. He still could not understand the meaning behind his friends intense need to make this journey. No explanation was given when they left their land. Joshua awoke one morning insisting they must make haste, and as always, Rex followed without question. Casting a glance at his friend, Rex's eyes clouded with concern. Joshua had appeared forever old, yet the toll of the journey seemed much more pronounced these last few days. It showed in the way he desperately clung to his horse's reins. Silver hair, dull and lifeless, draped across his shoulders. The once perfect beard, now hung scraggly and thin. Joshua's shoulders hunched forward as he rode, puffing a mist from each nostril with his belabored breathing. "Joshua, please, we must stop!" Rex cried pulling his horse next to his. "Your body needs rest, I see this as you ride." Joshua's only response was to pick up speed, but he continued to dart furtive glances at the sky. Rex followed his friend's gaze toward the heavens, wondering, What is it he searches for? I must persuade him to rest. Abruptly, he brought his horse to a halt, shouting, "I beg you, Joshua, stop this instant! We surely do not need to hurry so!" Without turning, Joshua answered, "We must continue til the time is right. Now hurry, for we lose light. Darkness is sure to overtake us before we reach our destination!" "It is only midday, my friend. You must realize darkness is hours away," Rex shouted after Joshua as he tore forth. Ignored by his friend, Rex sighed heavily, following the relentless pace. For twenty years of life, Rex had depended and trusted his old friend. He felt Joshua's frustration and concern, knowing what he searched for would surely have to appear soon. Joshua came upon a group of looming oak trees quickly bringing his horse to a stop in a flurry of blowing sand and rock. He turned his milky, gray eyes to Rex, and said, "We rest here." Quickly dismounting, Rex rushed to help him down from the tired steed. The young muscular arms grasped Joshua around his frail waist. Gently he helped him to the ground, surprised his friend uttered no protest at his own recognized physical weakness. Rex steered him to a tree and struggling for air, Joshua leaned breathlessly against the splintered trunk. Please sit and rest. You are weary and I worry for your health," Rex whispered. Joshua kneeled painfully on twisted arthritic legs. A groan escaped when he slumped against the tree, then slid slowly until he sat on the ground. Looking up at Rex, he motioned for him to sit down. Forcing a laugh, he said, "Lad, you are a tower to gaze upon and I do not have the strength to do so." Rex sat close and Joshua laid a vein-swollen hand upon his friend's knee. The old man's trembling hand sent a like response through Rex, suddenly chilled by the possibility that Joshua's old age and ill health was about to rob him of his beloved friend. "You wish to speak now, do you not, old friend? I feel the time has come." Softly patting the old man's hand, Rex continued, "I beg you to tell me of this secret you hold near. I feel it is something my heart needs to know. Humor me, please! My curiosity weighs heavy on my patience!" He hoped these words would distract Joshua's focus on his weary condition. Joshua maintained his silence while he searched deep within his heart for the words to bring forth. Since Rex's birth, Joshua had been an entrusted friend and protector of the lad. Yet, forever the fateful day of Rex's parents passing had dwelled hauntingly in his being. When his parents, Queen Amelia and King Lambert, were viciously killed, Joshua had escaped with the small boy. Many years they had been together and were now closer than any blood tie could make them. Joshua knew this day would eventually come, yet was unprepared for the sadness that consumed his heart or the weakness of this frail body before him. How unfair that God would keep his mind so alive while his body withered before his very eyes? Forcing air into his lungs, he fought for words. Before he could speak, once again Rex's curiosity took hold of him. Copyright© 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Mitzi Kleidon, sffworld.com. All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the author. |
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