Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure Chapter 18D-Crow's Story by Joe Bandel

Rate this Story (5 best) 1 2 3 4 5

"How about some Yule Tide Carols?"




"You know any", Kevin challenged.




"How about O' Christmas Tree?"




They laughed and burst into a rousing chorus of "Oh, Christmas tree" that Dirk and Tobal joined in with. Soon the idea caught on and later even the drums kept time to timeless Christmas classics that dated from old eon Christianity as well as modern Yule songs. The ancient Christian tradition of Christmas was not completely forgotten and the birth of the Christ spirit within each person's heart was celebrated by the Lord and Lady as well. It was a curious mixture of old and new that stirred memories of the past and brought hope for the future.




Tobal mingled and mixed with people he only knew by sight introducing himself and getting to know them. Later he accidently intruded on an amorous couple as he was searching for a warm spot to sleep for the night and stumbled out in embarrassment. It made him wonder if he was ready for a romantic relationship with anyone. The events of the past year had been so intense he had always pushed the thought away without carefully examining it. Now in the dead of winter with romantic couples all around it was rubbed in his face. He was thinking about it as he finally fell asleep.




Each night was a drum circle and dancing that went well into the morning hours and it was a luxury to sleep in and have nothing pressing to do except play games with friends. The late mornings and early afternoons were spent just doing camp cores and making everything ready for the evening's entertainment.




The second day was bright and cold. This day was spent mainly in honor of the soloists that would be leaving in the morning and missing the rest of the celebration. There were talent shows with singing and juggling acts and other interesting demonstrations. These took place in one of the heated permanent log buildings. Everyone was expected to participate and share some skill or talent. Tobal enjoyed watching the talents of others but dreaded his turn. He didn't know what he was going to do and didn't feel he was that good at anything. Luckily those going to solo went first and it would take a day before it got to him.




Crow dazzled everyone with magic tricks and sleight of hand that had the audience laughing and left them wondering how he did it. Especially his final disappearing act when he simply was not there anymore leaving only some smoke. Tobal wondered if he had really disappeared but then later wondered if he had really been there at all. Perhaps he had done his entire act while his physical body lay asleep in one of the nearby teepees doing that bi-location thing.




Anne was a palm reader and kept the crowd entertained as she did private readings for anyone brave enough to hear their future. She had a corner set up with a table in the beer brewery where it was warm and quiet. There was a long line waiting to see her. He noticed Melanie, Becca , and Nikki were all waiting in line together laughing and chatting.




Seth surprised everyone by reciting long poems from memory and putting a lot of feeling into it. It seemed he had a photographic memory and could remember every word he ever read. He chose Edgar Allen Poe's classic, "The Raven", and "The Face on the Bar Room Floor" by D'Arcy. Tobal cheered and yelled with the rest of them. Seth really was good! Tobal was really impressed since he had trouble remembering anything at all.




When Derdre's turn came Tobal felt himself wondering what she would do. He was really amazed when she was an artist and willing to make caricature drawings of anyone. He couldn't resist and waited in line with a piece of paper and pencil for her to make a quick caricature sketch of himself. He was delighted with the result and couldn't wait to show some of his friends later that evening. He never did get his own palm read. Maybe he could do that later.