The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle

by David Partelow

Mathias searched about again from the park bench, looking at the people present. As he reflected, he placed his hands upon the book on his lap. A sudden surge of energy rushed into Mathias then, and for brief moments, he no longer saw his surroundings but rather visions of Lunaria. Mathias closed his eyes, taken by surprise by the assault upon his senses, yet as he did the visions he witnessed became sharper and more vivid.

  Seconds passed, but those seconds carried Mathias through what felt like minutes stretching into hours. Instantly, Mathias was back in Lunaria, seeing the world through a cloudy haze. There upon the Great Road was Theophilus still sitting on Elor’s shoulder as they walked with Marin. Mathias felt as though he could reach out and touch the little weed, and fought the very urge to do so.

  And then in a blink, Mathias was pulled to another stretch of road where he saw a pantheryn walking merrily onward, heading toward adventure. The pantheryn whistled a happy tune as her hands rested upon the short swords on her belts. Black fur glistened in the light of the Firestar as Mathias felt nothing but boundless enthusiasm emanating from the pantheryn.

  “Rowan,” he whispered, happy to see the pantheryn again.

  Ceasing her tune, Rowan of Randoon paused, looking about. Curiosity had gripped the pantheryn as she sought the origin of the voice she heard. Mathias smiled despite himself, for the energy seeping from Rowan was almost infectious. Satisfied that she was in no danger, the pantheryn shrugged her shoulders and returned upon her travels.

  “I know at least five of my nine lives heard that, so the majority vote is I am not crazy,” said Rowan before she resumed her cheerful tune.

  Before Mathias could reply he was whisked about once more. This time his spirit soared on the winds, whisking swiftly over the expanse that was the Saelen Kingdom of Lunaria. He felt breathless then, for the full splendor of the view was beyond captivating. He tried to absorb all that he could, could almost taste the air and feel the clouds upon his cheeks.

  In his observation, his spirit almost collided with a fellow sky traveler. Mathias was pulled just out of the way as his senses whipped by an elegant magical creature. The creature stopped as it felt Mathias, looking about the sky as she whinnied and stomped a hoof upon the cloud that carried her. Satisfied that she was not being pursued, the magical kelpie continued her flight and course.

  “Sorry, Kelisay!” Mathias exclaimed as he was pulled further across Lunaria. With the speed that carried him, he had no way of knowing if Kelisay had heard him or not.

  The magic of the book pulled at Mathias more firmly and the young man traveled even faster. Soon he found himself soaring over the dwarf stronghold of Lognar as he gazed down within. There in the training grounds plain as day were a group of young dwarves practicing with the sword. Had Mathias not been looking, he would have overlooked the young gnome training with them diligently. Smiling inwardly at the determined progress of young Rodrick the gnome, Mathias let himself be pulled along further and further.

  Mathias, through his spirit, was carried over the entire reach of the Saelen Kingdom, marveling at the sights of the majestic Lunamorn, the flower kingdom of Alethia and even to the reaches of the city in the clouds, Varion. The splendor of it all was almost too much, and back on Earth soft tears filled Mathias’s eyes as he absorbed every breathtaking moment of it all. He saw heroes and villains, travelers and rangers, peddlers and brigands. And throughout it all magical creatures such as dragons, fairies, harpies, and the like peppered throughout it all.

  When he felt he could take no more, Mathias’s spirit plunged downward fiercely, coming to a swift stop across a pond. It took Mathias a moment to adjust, but for the time being, he was in control of his spirit’s movements as he looked about the pond he hovered upon.

  Once oriented, recognition hit Mathias immediately. He diverted his gaze quickly to the shoreline, finding there a little cottage forged with nothing more than magic and determination. It was as he had imagined it to be, and now he wondered if it was his imagination or the vision of Lunaria that he had seen the first time around. Willing himself forward, Mathias let his spirit glide over the waters and past curious lily fairies as he made his way to the shoreline.

  Reaching it, Mathias looked silently at the little house, a cozy little cottage for one. Mathias felt the warmth of the place and the smell of something delicious cooking. He was not the only one, for the little lily fairies were anxious as well. Mathias waited patiently, for every second felt like a breath and an eternity.

  “Alright, alright! I hear you. Dinner is almost done. Calm your wings, already,” said a stern, yet beautiful voice.

  The door to the cottage then, and Mathias watched as an enchanting creature emerged. He remembered her well from a story already told, from her gossamer wings to her long, unruly hair. But now he found himself truly captivated, for the spirit and beauty of the elf fairy gripped him completely. In her simple and patched up dress, Ana ventured out to scowl lovingly at the lily fairies in her care.

  Mathias was lost in the minutes then, unable to look away from Ana as she put locks of hair behind her ears before checking on the pot cooking over a gentle fire. And while she was a magical creature, every moment with her in that moment was magic to Mathias. The smile upon his spirit stretched across the wide expanse back to his body, for somehow, both worlds had stilled for Mathias.

  Mathias could not help himself then, taken fully by the magical being before him. “You’re beautiful,” he stammered.

  Ana paused from her preparations then, drawing the wand from her belt as she searched about. “Who’s there? Who said that?” she demanded.

  Mathias covered his mouth, forgetting for a moment that he could be heard, that his presence could be felt. He remained quiet as Ana searched about. She was afraid and cautious, but she faced that fear in a determined courage that made Mathias admire her even more. He watched softly as she neared him, wand at the read. When she was inches from him she stopped, somehow knowing someone or something was there.

  “Who are you? These fairies and these waters are under my protection and I will fight for them both with everything I have,” said Ana as she gripped to her wand firmly.

  “I definitely mean you no harm, Ana,” whispered Mathias.

  Ana gasped as she jumped a step back. Her wings fluttered, ready to pull her away and into the air if necessary. “State your business on these waters!” she commanded.

  Mathias shrugged, although she had no way of seeing it. “I guess I just wanted to see you and know that you were safe,” he said. “I know you have been through a lot, more than you deserve. I’m glad to see you happy here.”

  Slowly, Ana put her wand away as she neared Mathias’s spirit once more. She remained wary, but the fear was subsiding easily. “I feel no malice from you, stranger, so I will assume you speak true,” she said. “Who are you?”

  Mathias’s spirit chuckled. “That is a difficult question needing more time than I have to explain it,” said Mathias as he grinned. “For now, let’s just say that I am a traveler and a friend,” he said.

  Ana inched closer again, her curious eyes lighting Mathias’s soul with their wonder. “And what do I call you, traveler? For no friend should be called a stranger,” she said.

  Mathias went to speak, yet paused. He didn’t know what he could or should say, but Ana was as earnest as a soul could be, and so he replied in all honestly. “Mathias,” he said.

  Ana nodded. “Mathias,” she said. “I don’t know why, but that name means something to me. Is this fate, Mathias?” she asked.

  “If not, then it should be,” he replied.

  At this Ana offered a gentle smile and Mathias was moved by it. “Well then, Mathias, are you going to show yourself or shall we continue this dance? The lily fairies already think me mad right now, talking to the air,” she said.

  Mathias’s spirit grew heavy then. “I don’t think that is my choice to make now, Ana. I am simply a traveler between worlds. I don’t know where this journey ends before I
return home, but for now, I had to see you,” he said.

  The pain in his words reached Ana and she reached out slowly before him. Mathias let his spirit touch her hands. The surge they felt startled them both. Mathias and Ana chuckled at this. Mathias felt himself relishing the moment completely before he felt a subtle tugging upon his spirit.

  It was time to leave.

  Letting out a slow sigh, Mathias spoke again. “It would appear that it is time for me to go,” he said.

  “So soon, Mathias? I don’t get much company this way that I am ever fond of,” she said.

  Mathias’s spirit grinned again. “I have no desire to leave, but I must just the same. I’m as certain of that as I am of seeing you again,” he said.

  “Truly?” Ana asked.

  “Indeed,” said Mathias. “I know why you are here and the things that you have felt, Ana. And I want you to know that I will be around and you will never be alone so long as I am,” he said.

  Ana nodded at his words. “That is kind of you to say, traveler. But I have heard many such words in the past,” she said.

  “But not by me,” replied Mathias. “I will see you again, that is my promise. One day, when things are at its darkest for you, I will be there. I know that as certainly as I know my own name.”

  “Very well, Mathias. We will let time discover the truth of your words,” she said as she curtseyed. “For now it was a pleasure to meet you. Do bring more of yourself to see next time if you are able.”

  “I will certainly do what I can,” said Mathias as he looked toward the sky. “Until next time, Ana,” he said.

  “Farewell, Mathias,” said Ana.

  Almost immediately, Mathias’s spirit was pulled away from the pond. He watched Ana grow smaller in his view as the sky became vast again. Mathias felt the fury of speed and intensity as all became a blur. Soon he was rushed back to the park bench, breathless and drained from the journey. He looked about at the park and checked his watch for the time.

  Less than five minutes had passed.

  Marveling at this, Mathias relaxed himself as he allowed his spirit to rest. More mysteries unfolded for him as he again contemplated his place between his world and Lunaria. He wished there was someone he could talk to, yet Mathias knew he was alone in his venture. No one else checked out Crescent Moon. No one else came searching for it. And Mr. Dackett was no help. The grumpy librarian attempted to block his knowledge of Lunaria at every turn. Either way, Mathias knew that Mr. Dackett knew something.

  He just had no idea how to get it out of the man.

  With his breathing and heartbeat returning to normal, Mathias again waited patiently, for he did in fact have an agenda at the park. Checking his watch once more, he saw that his company should be arriving soon. That is if she didn’t oversleep. Regardless, Mathias waited patiently, delving his thoughts again into life and the mystery that was Crescent Moon.

  Soon he heard an annoyed voice fighting through a yawn. “Just so you know, we were even before you made me get up for this.”

  Smiling, Mathias turned his head toward that voice. “Well hello, Heidi. Thank you for meeting with me. I really appreciate it,” he said.

  Heidi came and sat abruptly next to him. She looked like she had done the bare minimum to pass as a functioning human being, her inward protest to being up when she didn’t want to be. “Friendships are often a blessing and a curse,” she said as she eyed him. “Now what did you want that couldn’t wait? I got an earful for that little stunt yesterday at the library.”

  Mathias nodded. “I have no doubt. And I appreciate the assist. And I want to make it right,” he said before handing her the book. “Just be careful with that. If you thought the tirade you got from Mr. Dackett was bad yesterday, then try damaging that book in any way.”

  Heidi took the book, examining it curiously. “You made such a stink for this. Why are you giving it back already?” she asked.

  Mathias chuckled as he pointed to the book. “Because I have gotten what I could from it for now. Plus, if you go back to the library with this and tell Mr. Dackett that you made me return it, you will score some points with him. Plus it will likely make your next shift far more pleasant,” he said.

  Mathias watched as Heidi opened the book and sifted through the pages. She ran her pale hands over the front and back cover and Mathias could see she was still trying to make sense of it all. Finally, Heidi gave up. Closing the book she placed it on her lap and shook her head. “I still don’t understand this crazy game you and Dackett are playing, but it is starting to make me feel like the butt of a joke I’m not getting,” she said.

  Mathias gave her a playful nudge with his elbow. “That’s not it, Heidi. Trust me on that. I never thought I would be caught up in this, but I am in deep now. I think the less you know the less of a headache you will have when it is all said and done. One day I’ll tell you all about it. Right now, you have the book and with it a way to calm down your boss,” he said.

  “Fair enough,” said Heidi as she stood up again and stretched. “In that case, I am going back home to sleep some more. Thanks for the weirdness, Mathias,” she said.

  Mathias chuckled. “At least we keep things interesting for you,” he said before he fished a five dollar bill out of his pocket. “For breakfast or a drink, or whatever you need to wake back up when the time comes.”

  “Thanks,” said Heidi as she pocketed the money. “I assume you will have another elaborate plan the next time you want this book?”

  Mathias nodded with a grin. “Of course. But I can’t tell you all of them up front. I’ve gotta keep Mr. Dackett guessing. And now that he knows you are an accomplice, it certainly adds a degree of difficulty,” he said.

  “All part of the fun, I’m sure,” said Heidi as she rolled her eyes and headed toward her home.

  “Absolutely!” said Mathias as he waved. “See you around, Heidi.”

  “Yeah, later, Matty,” mumbled Heidi as she departed and fought her personal battle with grogginess.

  Mathias watched her go, letting his troubles fade away. Heidi was definitely a handful, but the book was in good hands. He was grateful for her friendship and her help in getting Crescent Moon. The experience was well worth the trouble getting it.

  Satisfied, Mathias stood. “Well then, Lunaria, till our next adventure,” he said before heading back home himself.

  Taking a cue from Rowan of Randoon, he began to whistle a happy tune.

  TREACHERY

  Nightfall fell deep upon the lands of Saelen Kingdom. Unnatural storm clouds engulfed the sky, whispering of doom and amassing evil. The volatile clouds rumbled and raged, yet no waters spilt upon the ground in their fury. Many considered it an ill omen. Those ancient and knowing in the ways of good and evil thought it the work of Moreg. No matter the case, it was apparent that a wicked darkness was stirring.

  Leading a small group of Rangers under the restless night, Captain Corym Shael escorted his prisoner through the perilous nightfall. Shael had wanted to speed toward Lunamorn but had been instructed to take his prisoner back to Ranger headquarters with haste. Despite his own gut-feeling on the matter, Captain Shael was forced to comply. He wanted to be free of Norrex completely, for even now he could feel the sorcerer’s taint.

  Captain Shael had five Rangers with him. One lead the group into the darkness while four flanked Norrex. Captain Shael brought up the rear as he watched the captive pantheryn intently. Upon his borrowed horse, Norrex was still bound with magical bindings and a muting hood was placed over his head. No magic would come from the wicked sorcerer confined in such a way. But this did little to ease the captain’s mind as they were still long leagues from their destination.

  Captain Shael and his Rangers had their bows at the ready. There was something unnatural hovering in the air, and the ominous feeling put uncertainly even into the bravest hearts. A snapping noise prompted one of Shael’s Rangers to draw an arrow into his bow before realizing it was a branch snapping in the wind. N
ext to that elf, the prisoner Norrex chuckled under the shroud of the enchanted hood.

  Captain Shael’s eyes narrowed, unamused. “You are quite cheerful for a man about to face justice for his crimes,” he said.

  The pantheryn was practically purring under the hood as he replied. “We shall see what the fates and my dark lord decrees, Ranger. Though the ill-winds and storms on this night tend to speak on my behalf instead of yours,” said Norrex.

  “You are confident, I will give you that, pantheryn,” said Shael. “But I have seen countless bouts of such confidence falter at sentencing.”

  “Bah,” spat Norrex as his body shivered. “And what do you and your kind know of true justice, elf? Your limited views are paltry in the face of real power. You Rangers claim to be keepers of the peace, but your methods and views harbor your inevitable doom.”

  Captain Shael shook his head, disgusted by the pantheryn’s words. “I make no false claims at godhood, unlike those lusting for power such as yourself,” he said.

  At this, Norrex laughed. “But don’t you, Ranger? You are a judge, jury, and executioner. You think because you clamor to the light that you are somehow better than me is all,” he said.

  “If that were true,” said Captain Shael immediately, “then you would already be one with the Dream.”

  “And it is a delay that will cost you in the end,” said Norrext as he laughed again under his shroud. “Do you not think it strange that we heading to your headquarters instead of Lunamorn? Did the change of plans not spark your protest?”

  Captain Shael’s guts went cold as he drew an arrow from his quiver. “This was part of your plan.”

  “Of course!” cheered Norrex as he laughed. “Yes, you have sought to put an end to my evil, Captain Shael, and you are quite formidable. But you failed to ask yourself just how deep the treachery ran. You answer to the defenders of your order and the light while I answer to a higher power who is a god. Yes, we are but pawns in a greater game, but let me show you that even pawns in Moreg’s favor trump any that would oppose us!”