Red Eclipse Read online

  * * *

  Hard Shell Word Factory

  www.hardshell.com

  Copyright ©2004 C. L. Scheel

  September 2004 Hard Shell Word Factory

  * * *

  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

  * * *

  For: Judy Taylor

  A dear and steadfast friend,

  who helped me get through every

  Chapter, page, and word

  My heartfelt thanks...

  Chapter One

  FOR THREE NIGHTS Suzanne dreamed of snow and of a pale bloodstained moon casting its cold light across a gleaming expanse of white, stretching endlessly to the horizon. She knew it was a sign, an ominous foretelling that haunted and unsettled her. And this particular night, wild with shrieking wind and driving rain, only heightened her unease and kept reminding her of the disturbing dreams.

  Normally, she favored cool, rainy nights as the best time for writing. A mug of cocoa and her favorite shawl wrapped around her shoulders helped set the mood for hours of intricate plotting. The night encouraged the development of exotic, fascinating characters—what every science fiction author strove to accomplish.

  She really shouldn't be working at her computer. Storms always made the monitor flicker. Power outages were frequent in such a rural area, which shut down her computer and plunged everything into darkness. Suzanne always kept a fire burning in the wood stove. It often consoled her as she contemplated restoring all her work after the sudden loss of power. The cheery flames also warded off any sinister shadows and seemed to dispel the menace of writer's block.

  But, not tonight. The wind sang of omens, prophesied peril.

  Her Siamese cat, Legolas, jumped onto her lap and pushed his head into her hands, demanding a scratch behind the ears. The proud cat shared her small house—hidden in the woods—and earned his keep by making sure the resident rodent population stayed at zero. He was a sleek, inscrutable creature, an elf-prince trapped in the body of a cat, swathed in fur the color of smoky champagne, with eyes like cobalt glass.

  Elegant and aloof, Legolas lived up to his Tolkien namesake. He rarely meowed—not a typical “talky” Siamese. When he wasn't hunting, he took lengthy naps draped across the top of her monitor, one paw dangling over the side. Conversations were comprised of subtle eye contact, an occasional twitch of whiskers or a disdainful yawn. Sometimes Legolas’ tail would snap with irritation or, languidly curl and uncoil, conveying his utter boredom.

  Suzanne stopped trying to type and studied her lordly pet. “I'm not going to get this manuscript finished in time, and Lorraine is going to kill me."

  One eye opened to a mere sapphire sliver. So?

  "You're not being very helpful,” Suzanne complained softly.

  What do you expect me to do?

  "I expect you to be sympathetic, understanding."

  Legolas flexed the single dangling paw, unsheathing five miniature sabers that gleamed in the firelight. I am. I'm here. Isn't that enough?

  Yes, it was enough. It ought to be enough. At least the cat understood her success and her need for solitude. Whereas David had not ... The look in his eyes, his angry bewilderment and selfish indignation would forever torment her. David had wanted her to be his wife, not a celebrity. Snarled within the tangle of his hurt pride and jealous disdain, Suzanne soon realized being alone was easier ... and safer. She never had to worry about restoring her battered heart or surrendering her misplaced trust.

  Sighing, Suzanne got up and padded into her small, dimly-lit kitchen hunting for a snack. The wind had picked up again, beating the rain against the glass. Looking outside the living room window, she noticed her numerous bird feeders swinging wildly in the strong gusts, spilling out most of the seed. She was tempted to bring the feeders inside, but decided against it. It was too cold and the wind too threatening. She'd clean up the mess in the morning after the storm was over.

  Finding nothing that appealed to her, she turned back to her computer, hands chafing against her upper arms to ward off the chill. The computer offered no consolation to her writing dilemma. Suzanne's editor had given her two weeks to complete her newest book, but it would not come to a satisfying end. The nearly finished manuscript sat in her computer like a malevolent toad, mocking her, daring her to break its evil spell.

  She should quit and go to bed, but the wind troubled her and she knew the strange dreams would only disturb her sleep.

  The jagged glare of headlights through the rain-wet window startled her. She rarely had visitors. Those who did visit were by invitation or they called first. She moved to the door and pulled a small pistol from its hiding place behind a large Boston fern. Suzanne wasn't stupid. A single woman, living alone in a remote wooded area of Washington state had to take precautions. It was either a well-trained guard dog, or a gun. The gun was cheaper and it couldn't pick a fight with Legolas.

  Almost before the visitor knocked, she hastily put the gun away. Through the narrow window alongside the door, she recognized the familiar black and white SUV with its crown of lights on the roof. It was Dane McKenna, the local county sheriff. She opened the door, letting in a fierce gust of wind and a blast of icy rain. Dane quickly stepped inside. Water ran from his heavy jacket, pooling at his booted feet.

  "Wild night, huh?” he said with a wry grin.

  "Yes. What brings you here? Is something wrong?"

  The tall sheriff shook his head, causing more rain water to slide from the plastic cover protecting his hat. “No, nothing's really wrong. I just got off duty and I thought I'd stop by and see ... well, you know, see if you were okay."

  Suzanne hid a knowing smile. It was painfully obvious that Dane liked her—which she had to admit was rather nice. He was a well-muscled, heavily-armed guardian angel, who, by his own determination had decided to keep watch over her. Several times she had noticed him cruising through the tiny mountain town of Black Elk, catching speeding tourists or stopping drifters who were begging for money or a ride.

  The first time she actually met Sheriff McKenna he had stopped her and politely informed her that her car had a broken left tail light. And, he knew who she was, right away.

  "I've enjoyed your books, Miss Jennings,” he'd said. “Read every one of them."

  From that day, Sheriff McKenna had become her self-appointed champion-at-arms, which made sense to her writer's mind. Dane McKenna was an archetype—she knew that from a writing class she had taken years ago. Sheriff McKenna was really a warrior, with tasks and quests, living by a strict code of honor. Suzanne took the liberty of putting him in her last book, arming him with a blazing sword and magic armor. After a fierce, bloody battle, he slew the foul priest-king of Dores'Mar.

  If he had recognized himself in the book, he never mentioned it.

  His nervous cough ended her daydreaming.

  "Uh, would you like a cup of coffee, Dane? Or, maybe some hot tea?” she said, motioning for him to sit down at the kitchen counter.

  "Okay. Thanks.” He dipped his head and removed his hat, which she took and hung on the coat rack adjacent to the kitchen. He slipped onto the high stool and unzipped his heavy jacket.

  "So, what will it be?” She tried to sound cheerful, mainly to keep her anxiety at bay. Alone with a sheriff was still being alone with a big man who also happened to have a crush on her.

  "Tea's good. It's easy.” He passed a damp hand over his close-clipped hair.

  "Okay."

  Suzanne turned and puttered around her kitchen, filling the teakettle, setting out cups, spoons, and the sugar. She knew from past visits he liked sugar in his tea and coffee. “How long do you think the storm will last?” she asked setting a large mug and a tea bag before him.

  "Reports say it should simmer down by late tomorrow morning, there's supposed to be a snowstorm next week. Strange weather for September,” he said. “You, uh, need anything? You know, food or something?” Large, square-tipped fingers tore open the paper wrapper and dropped the tea bag into the mug.

  "No, I'm fine. Had everything delivered a few days ago."

  "Got all your firewood laid in?"

  "Yes. Eight cords, last month."

  Dane nodded, clearly pleased with her report.

  Suzanne fixed her own tea, glad for the opportunity to keep busy and her mind off Sheriff McKenna's large, authoritative hands. She poured the hot water into the mugs, and hunched herself onto the stool on the other side of the counter, facing him. They drank their tea in amicable silence.

  "Actually, there is another reason why I came by."

  Suzanne saw unease flicker through Dane's dark gray eyes. He reached inside his jacket and pulled something out from the inner pocket.

  "Have you ever seen anything like this?” He set the object on the counter in front of her.

  The wind howled like a dying animal, pummeled the rain-drenched glass.

  She stared at the unfamiliar object, uncertain how she should answer him. It looked like a paperweight, a round, flat medallion about two inches in diameter that gleamed in the low lamp light.

  "Amazing,” she murmured.

  It appeared to be made of pure white marble with a smaller, inner medallion of polished black onyx imbedded flush into the white. She picked it
up, cradling it in her left palm. With a light fingertip, she traced the outline of the dark red symbol inserted at the very center, shaped like a raindrop. Upon closer examination she realized it looked more like a blood-red teardrop. So simple. An elegant thing, smooth and cool in her hand.

  The coolness turned cold; a sudden numbness seeped through her hand, burning her fingers, like touching frosted glass on a winter day. A disturbing image flitted through her mind: blood and endless snow. She almost dropped the medallion. Instead, she gingerly placed it next to her tea mug.

  She looked at Dane, noting the intensity of his gaze. “Where did you find this?” she asked.

  "I didn't find it, it was given to me."

  "By whom?"

  Dane shook his head. “Damnedest thing ... I've been a cop for ten years, a Marine before that and I've never seen anything like this."

  Suzanne sensed this was going to be a long story. She scooted off the bar stool and hurriedly added more wood to the stove. Once back on her perch, she gestured for him to take off his jacket.

  "So, what happened?"

  Dane set his jacket on the spare stool next to him then took another swallow of tea. “You know Splitrock Bar, that biker place out east of town? Up the old logging road?"

  "Yes.” Suzanne had driven by it once on a Saturday afternoon excursion. The building had originally been a forest ranger's station, built back in the 1930s as a WPA project. In the ‘50's it became a diner and gas station for loggers. Then, in the late ‘80's Curly Holmes bought it and turned it into a bar and hangout for bikers. Suzanne had seen Curly once or twice riding his Harley through Black Elk—a scrawny old thug in worn leather, with a ratty beard, bad teeth, and stringy gray hair tied down with a red bandana.

  "About two hours ago I got a 9-1-1 call from Curly ... which surprised me. I've rarely had to go out to his place. Curly usually keeps a tight lid on things. He's got a shotgun under the bar and he'll use if he has to. Anyway, when I arrived at the scene, Curly met me at the door. He was as white as a sheet, scared out of his mind. Curly's never been scared of anything ... he's a tough old sonofabitch. I mean ... uh, sorry."

  "What happened?” Suzanne asked.

  "When I went inside, six of Curly's customers—mean-lookin’ guys—had cornered this big red-headed man against the wall. Except, get this ... he had a sword. And I don't mean one of those flimsy fencing swords either, but a seriously, dangerous weapon, like something a-a-a..."

  "A knight would use?"

  "Yeah. That's it. A knight's sword. Something like that."

  Dane again ran a hand across his cropped hair. “At first I thought he was an escaped mental patient gone wacko, but he didn't look or act like he was deranged.” Dane looked directly at her, his gaze unwavering. “He knew what he was doing."

  An unsettled feeling flitted through Suzanne's belly. “Did he hurt anyone?” she asked softly.

  "No. He lowered his sword and surrendered the minute he saw me. I didn't even have to call for backup."

  Suzanne slipped off the stool, tugging her shawl more tightly across her shoulders. The chill had settled deeper into her bones. Or, was it because the rain seemed to beat more wildly against the window?

  "Why are you telling me this? Shouldn't you be telling your superior ... you know, making some kind of report?"

  "That's just it, Suzanne, I can't."

  "Why not?"

  "Because, I let him go."

  She turned back to Dane, shocked by the remorse she saw on his face—a warrior riddled with guilt for having made the wrong decision.

  "You let him go?"

  Dane rose from the stool. “Look, I know this sounds crazy, but you're the only one I can tell this to; the only one who might be able to make any sense of it. Suzanne, this guy wasn't from anywhere around here, and I don't mean Black Elk, or even the county. I think he's from—” Dane glanced upward. “You know..."

  "You mean, from another world?” she asked in disbelief.

  "Yeah.” He shrugged. “That's the only explanation I could think of."

  "Is that why you came here?"

  "I thought you might know ... I mean, have some ideas—"

  So, that was it. “Dane, I'm a writer! I write science fiction novels—fantasy stories. I'm not some resident expert on aliens."

  Her rebuke caused a flicker of hurt to skitter across his face. Dane reached for his jacket and shrugged it on over his shoulders. “Sorry. I thought you might be able to help me figure out who this guy was. Christ, Suzanne, he was wearing a cloak and gauntlets. What if I had brought him in for questioning? What was I supposed to book him on? Carrying a sword? Besides, Curly didn't press charges."

  Regretting her sharp remarks, Suzanne tried to sound apologetic. “Did Curly say where the man came from?"

  "No. He seemed to think the stranger was trying to find someone.” Dane looked down and shook his head, clearly regretting what he had done. “I don't know what I'm going to report. Maybe I'll just say some dumb kid had a few too many beers, got a little out of control and then apologized. I could say I let him off with a warning."

  Suzanne looked away, again hiding her annoyance. She ought to be flattered, but Dane had some nerve expecting her to help him rationalize his police procedures. She could no more do that than ask him to help her write her books. For once, her high estimation of Sheriff McKenna slid a notch. “I still don't understand how I can help you."

  "You can't,” he said bluntly. “I just wanted to know what you thought about all this. I value your opinion, Suzanne.” The tormented look in his eyes suddenly made her truly regret her unkind feelings toward him. She had not meant to hurt him. What would she have done if she had been in his position?

  "I don't know, Dane.” She shrugged helplessly. “Maybe it was all a hoax or a very bad joke. Maybe someone was trying to settle a score with Curly—someone from his past. Or, maybe it really was some crazy, hyped-up guy on drugs. Who knows?"

  Dane nodded. “You're right. Maybe I'm making more out of this than I should."

  She picked up the empty tea mugs and set them in the sink. “I think you need to get some sleep. I'm sure you'll have some answers in the morning.” That sounded kind, conciliatory. Better than the way she had tried to appease David. It never mattered how she worded her apologies, she was always wrong, always stumbling into some new word-trap which David could twist to his advantage.

  "Okay, but I need to let you know something else,” Dane said, reminding her to stop dwelling the past.

  The anxious feeling in her stomach rose again. “What's that?"

  "This man—whoever he was—spoke to me."

  "Wh-what did he say?"

  "After Curly went back inside the bar, he handed me that medallion and said, ‘Give this to the Wordsayer before the beginning of the tenth day.’ Then he turned and disappeared."

  "Disappeared? You mean he just vanished into thin air?"

  "No, he went up the little hill behind Curly's place and disappeared through that wide fissure in Splitrock.” Dane picked up the medallion and handed it to her. “I don't know what a ‘wordsayer’ is, but you're a writer; you know about words. Take the medallion, Suzanne. Please."

  She took it from him, more bewildered and disturbed than before. The raw coldness emanating from the stone had subsided, but its eerie power still lingered and she wondered if Dane had felt it, too.

  Dane didn't ask her to get his hat. As he had done on previous visits, he plucked it from the rack in the adjacent hallway and set it firmly on his head. “Thanks for the tea. I hope I didn't upset you too much. Maybe we could get together sometime and talk about all this. Dinner ... or something...?"

  Before she could think of anything else to say, she blurted, “Sure."

  Dane touched the brim of his hat. “Goodnight, Suzanne. I'll see you soon."

  He turned and left, shutting the door firmly so that the wind would not blow it open. When she no longer saw the lights from his car, Suzanne placed the medallion on the counter. The wind had done this, she thought suddenly. It was an omen, like a prophecy from an evil soothsayer that foretold of dark deeds and an uncertain future.

  Suzanne sighed. This comes from an overwrought imagination, she chided herself. From writing about things that never had a source in reality. She had lived in the safety of fantasy worlds too long...