Crescent Moon

by David Partelow

  For long moments, Puercelor could not speak as he gazed at Marin. Finally, he found his voice as he responded to her offer. “Are you certain you wish to do this, Marin?”

  Marin smiled again at him. “As sure as the stone is hard,” said the troll.

  In response to her offer, Puercelor threw his arms around Marin’s neck, hugging fiercely. In that moment, she did not feel like stone at all. What the little imp found when she placed her arms around him was gentle care and warmth. “Thank you, Marin! Gladly I accept a thousand times over!”

  “I am glad to hear it, little Puercelor,” said Marin as she began to slowly walk. “Now let us be away from this place before your fellow imps recover and wish for revenge.”

  “Oh, I don’t see them itching for any trouble anytime soon,” chuckled the young imp.

  “Indeed,” said Marin. “But let me get you to someplace safe just the same, Puercelor.”

  Marin could tell that the little imp was thinking on her words before he replied. “Marin, I do not think I very much like my name. It has become part of my old life and to me sounds much too dark. And let’s face it, it is quite a mouthful to say! I would like to be known as something different,” said Puercelor.

  Marin thought on his words as she continued to walk slowly and surely. “It is your choice, Puercelor. You may call yourself whatever you wish. Do you have any thoughts on the matter?” the stone troll asked.

  Puercelor rubbed at his chin, still feeling cozy in Marin’s arms. “Well, I haven’t given it any thought until now,” said the young imp as he lost himself in the task. Finally, he snapped his fingers as a big grin covered his face. “I’ve got it, Marin!”

  “Well then do reveal it and let us be done with this suspense,” said Marin.

  The young imp beamed at her. “I should like to be called. . .Elor,” he said.

  Again, the young imp could feel Marin chuckle as she walked. “Elor is a fine name and that is what I shall call you, my little Elor. And what I can promise you now is this. While you are with me I will keep you safe and teach you right from wrong. And together we shall be more than we could ever be alone,” said Marin.

  “I like the sound of that,” said Elor.

  “So, little Elor, what shall we do first?” Marin asked.

  “Well, I am a little hungry,” said Elor.

  “Then it is food we shall get,” said Marin as she continued her walking. “What are you hungry for?”

  Elor smiled in her arms. “I am up for just about anything,” said the little imp. “Just no stew. I think I may have been turned off stew for some time.”

  Both Elor and Marin laughed as they started their journey of life together as a family.

  The Kelpie

  Kelisay

  Deep in her own little pond, Kelisay the kelpie slept in blissful peace. Despite her rest, she could feel the first rays of the Firestar reach her below the waters and smiled. It was the start of a new day, one that she had sworn to make unforgettable. Slowly opening her eyes, Kelisay stretched fully before surging upward to the surface.

  Upon the pond, the waters burst in a joyous stirring as the kelpie brought herself into the sun. Stretching her neck fully, Kelisay whinnied contentedly as the rays of the Firestar warmed her. The light glistened off her wet, snow white skin and majestic red mane and tail. Taking in the crisp morning air, Kelisay began to trot happily upon the surface of the pond waters she called home.

  In Lunaria, kelpies were magical water horses that treasured carefree fun over all else. Kelisay was no different, save that she often sought such fun alone. Drawing on the waters of her pond, the kelpie brought her pace to a gallop, happy to be awake. The small magical sprites and fairies that called the pond their home bid her good morning as they watched the kelpie embrace the dawning day.

  Soon, Kelisay increased her speed to a full sprint. As the water horse streaked across the pond, the waters rose to great heights in her wake. She then summoned these waters to rise below her as the kelpie rose higher and higher into the air. Quickly she was high enough that the birds had to give her notice. Softly, Kelisay laughed as she lowered herself again upon the surface of her pond. She was energized by the waters and ready for adventure.

  Gathering a great mound of water to herself, Kelisay surged away from her home. The waters bolstered her as they kept close to the kelpie and in turn Kelisay began to run. As she galloped, the waters remained under her and Kelisay sped across the sky with the speed of white water rapids as a rainbow trailed behind her. Below Kelisay, the forests and trails became a blur.

  As the water below her hooves still surged, Kelisay ran faster and higher into the sky, playing among the clouds before bringing herself reluctantly again closer to the ground. She offered gentle showers to flowers she was partial to before continuing again, seeing where the fates and waters led her. She pushed herself harder, streaking across the skies and ready for more. The day was young and so was she and Kelisay had no plans to waste such time.

  As she soared across the sky, Kelisay looked down to marvel at a beautiful lake below her. A small town rested next to the waters and instantly Kelisay was again drawn both. She often passed by the area, for the Kalda Lake was as beautiful as you could ask waters to be. Yet never did Kelisay visit the lake or the town of Quint that rested beside it, for there were few races that sought to truly understand kelpies.

  As Kelisay let her mind drift, she slowly grew uneasy. While distracted, the kelpie had brought herself near the remnants of an ancient battlefield. Kelisay slowed her speed with wary eyes, for easily she could feel the unrest and pain that spilt from the barren lands below her. The water horse shuddered, for nothing flourished below and the lands remained unnaturally scarred years after the battle’s end.

  It was then that Kelisay discovered a chance at a little mischief as a joy returned to her spirit. Using the water that accompanied her, Kelisay created a cloud to hide within as she looked across the battered lands. There camping on the outskirts of the old battlefield was a group of halflings. Kelisay could see dwarves and gnomes as they ate their breakfast around a fire. From the dirt that covered them, Kelisay guessed they were fortune seekers, hoping to discover forgotten treasures and artifacts. Kelisay’s glee deepened, for she had no problem tormenting halflings for a bit of fun.

  Kelisay allowed her cloud to inch slowly closer to the group, close enough that she could hear them speaking. It was then that she paused, for she wished to not spoil the element of surprise. There she waited until she was certain that she had not been discovered. Pleased that the dirty halflings were unaware of her presence, Kelisay made her move.

  Pressing with her will, Kelisay let her focus rest solely on the small camp below. She watched joyously as she used her control of water to make steam rise from the ground behind one of the dwarves. The dwarf jumped up startled, almost stepping into the fire in front of him. Soon, more founts of steam burst from the ground, surrounding the small camp. The halflings drew their weapons as they looked upon the surrounding surges. Kelisay chuckled as she decided to deal the finishing touches to her mischief.

  Using her will again, Kelisay stopped the rising steam, gathering all of it above the camp. The dwarves and gnomes watched in silence as the steam formed into a cloud directly above them. The cloud pulsed gently just out of reach as the members of the camp stood frozen in place. Finally, one of the dwarves reached out with his sword to touch the magical cloud.

  Pop!

  The cloud burst like a balloon as a mound of water fell upon the camp and halflings. The fire was snuffed out quickly as the dwarves and gnomes fell, soaked to the bone. Kelisay laughed as she turned and fled, pleased at the curses she left in her wake. The kelpie hoped this was the first of many bouts of trouble she would accomplish on this day.

  And at the very least, the halflings all got a much-needed bath.

  As Kelisay streaked away, she noticed something upon the battlefield. Looking closer, she discovered a makeshift cave, no
doubt a dwelling for some creature or bandits. She knew the halflings she had just teased would no doubt venture here. And while Kelisay didn’t know if the search would be a blessing or a curse to them, the practical joker in her decided not to take any chances. Still hungry for fun, Kelisay sped closer to the underground lair.

  Using her powers, the kelpie drew more water from the air around her. As patiently as she could, Kelisay continued until she had gathered enough water to quench a dragon’s thirst. She watched the water form into a dancing blob before her as she set it above the entrance of the underground cave. Giggling to herself, Kelisay drew in a deep breath.

  “Rise and shine,” she bellowed before releasing her hold on the gathered water.

  The floating water dropped heavily, rushing into the mouth of the cave. Kelisay watched as the waters surged into the dark recess completely, clearly filling the bulk of the dark domain. Kelisay heard loud crashing sounds as whomever dwelled there dealt with her unwanted gift. Drawing more cloud to herself, Kelisay rose into the air and remained hidden. She didn’t know who she had tricked but was convinced that no good creature would make their home in such a place.

  And when a savage roar burst from the confines of the cave, Kelisay’s good-spirited mischief quickly vanished.

  The roar Kelisay heard shook the very ground around the cave. The water and clouds that surrounded the Kelpie shook as well. Kelisay had to concentrate to not lose her hold, grateful that she had been quick to respond. Yet below her, the displeasure she heard was only the beginning.

  The kelpie retreated quickly, and her swiftness was a blessing. The ground surrounding the cave burst mightily then, sending water, stone, and mud high into the air. Kelisay used the water she carried to make a shield, turning it to ice as it deflected the flying debris. Kelisay grew scared as the ground of the battlefield shook angrily. The kelpie was immediately grateful for her hiding place in the sky.

  It was then that a powerful voice filled Kelisay’s ears. “Who dares to trespass upon the domain of Seark? Show yourself and pay for such an intrusion!” Kelisay found herself frozen at these words.

  Below her, Kelisay watched as the cave burst open further and a large figure emerged. The kelpie’s eyes widened as she gazed upon the biggest unicorn she had ever seen. A shadowy mane and tail blazed like fire over skin dark as night. The contrasts to his dark skin were the burning gold eyes and shimmering horn as the large unicorn looked about furiously. Kelisay realized she had begun to tremble.

  It didn’t take long for the one known as Seark to set his fiery gaze upon the group of halflings. “Trespassers! I will teach you to meddle in the affairs of Seark, the fiercest of all land creatures!”

  Kelisay watched in horror as Seark thundered towards the camp of halflings. As the massive unicorn charged, the ground rose around him like waves on the water. The dwarves and gnomes tried to run, but Kelisay could see it was no use. There was simply no way for them to escape from Seark’s wrath.

  As Seark loomed closer, the halfling group was forced to cover their heads as rocks and pebbles fell upon them. Protecting their heads slowed them further and within seconds Seark was upon them. Using the land again, the angry unicorn raised walls around the fleeing dwarves and gnomes. The halflings huddled together as Seark came to a stop, his burning eyes fixing on the group as they shook with fear.

  With his prey ensnared, Seark reared back on his hind legs and whinnied. As he brought his front feet down, the walls around the halflings shattered, knocking the group upon the ground. Crying out, the halflings huddled together as Seark gazed upon them. None of them dared to move then, waiting for their tormentor’s next move.

  “Mortal fools,” seethed Seark. “What do you have to say for your unspeakable act against me? Answer quickly!” Again, the unicorn stomped his hoof, shaking the ground as he did so.

  Kelisay watched as one of the dwarves spoke up. “We’ve done nothing today but wake and eat breakfast! We are innocent of whatever wrongs we are accused of!”

  Seark roared and the dwarf fell silent. Smoke began to trickle from the unicorn’s nostrils. “I will decide if you hold blame, not you! I trust no one that would venture so foolishly upon my home, especially not dirty halflings. I, Seark, sentence you to death for your slights against the son of Ornock!”

  “No!” Many of the halflings screamed in protest, but Seark would not hear them.

  Bolting from her hiding place, Kelisay turned away, not wanting to see Seark’s judgment. The kelpie felt horrible for the halflings, but what could she do? She was no match for the powerful unicorn. And she had to admit to herself that Seark scared her greatly. She now longed for the safety of the pond waters she called home.

  And yet as she streaked away, something pulled at her heart. It caused her to slow and think. The feeling wouldn’t leave, despite her fear. Before she knew it, Kelisay had come to a full stop. And as she did, a heavy thought hit her fully.

  This isn’t right.

  Instantly, Kelisay knew that her mind controlled her movements no longer. It was her heart that turned her around and sped the kelpie back towards Seark and the halflings in peril. The dwarves and gnomes had done no wrong and were paying for her actions. And while she still knew she could not stand against Seark, Kelisay knew she had to try.

  As she rushed back, Kelisay saw that the halflings were moments from their demise. Standing before them, Seark had raised a mound of rock and soil above the group, intent on letting it fall upon them. Narrowing her eyes, Kelisay sped faster towards Seark. As she did so, a trailing rainbow returned in her wake as she blazed across the sky.

  Kelisay could see that Seark was about to enact his sentence upon his prisoners. Focusing her thoughts, Kelisay drew moisture from the air, filling the cracks of the mound of rocks with water. Clenching her teeth, she concentrated on this water, freezing it before making it burst into steam. The action made the boulder explode and sail outward and away from the halflings.

  As Seark flinched in surprise, Kelisay rushed ahead, placing herself between the unicorn and his prisoners. Before Seark could react, Kelisay drew from the waters that accompanied her and sent it upon the unicorn. A surge of steam rose up, hitting Seark and pushing him backward. As the unicorn bellowed his rage, Kelisay turned to the halflings.

  “I can’t hold him for long! Flee while you can! I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you,” said the kelpie as she looked upon the dwarves and gnomes sadly.

  The lead dwarf nodded to her as he raised his sword. “We will help you fight this beast!” he replied defiantly.

  “No!” Kelisay screamed as she motioned her head for the halflings to be away. “This foe is beyond us all. Please leave and never return to this place. I’ll buy you the time that you need. Now you must go!”

  The dwarf nodded to her. “We will not forget your kindness,” he said before turning and urging his men to run.

  “May it overcome the memory of my mischief! Get free of here,” Kelisay called out before she turned again to face the mighty unicorn known as Seark. “As for you, horse, let’s see if we can teach you some manners in the time I have left.”

  Kelisay could see Seark pushing through the steam she had produced. The kelpie again drew upon the waters that she had brought with her. In an instant, the steam pouring upon Seark froze. Taking control of that ice with her mind, Kelisay raised it and Seark into the air before slamming it upon the ground. Kelisay then brought shards of ice crashing upon the unicorn. The kelpie knew that she could not let up in her assault.

  “Enough!” Seark’s voice shook the lands as he exploded the ice that encased him. Stomping again, a shockwave rushed the ground towards Kelisay. The kelpie managed to get out of the way just in time. In front of her, Seark stood, clearly unharmed by her attacks.

  Kelisay knew that she too had to escape the unicorn. Gathering the last of the water she held with her, Kelisay willed it upon Seark. The water swirled and surged, encasing Seark as it began to glow with magic light
. The kelpie had bought herself some time, but not much. She would have to make it to the waters of Lake Kalda nearby. Kelisay knew if she could reach the lake, she would be safe.

  Yet as she turned to run, she saw the dwarves and gnomes still trying to escape. And while she was certain that she could elude Seark, she was just as certain that they could not. Instead of fleeing, Kelisay turned back around to see that Seark was almost free of his watery bindings. Planting her hoofs upon the soil, the kelpie stood her ground and waited there for Seark.

  Kelisay watched as the waters holding Seark began to fade. Soon she could see the unicorn’s glowing horn as it combated her magic. The ground rose and covered Seark and as it fell back to the ground it took the waters with it. Soon molten gold eyes fixed upon Kelisay as she tried hard to hold her ground. Seark then approached her, looking as if he were ready to crush her at any moment.

  “Foolish creature,” said Seark as he looked upon Kelisay. “You have added yourself to the list of those I must send to the Dream. Remain where you are, and I will deal with you after I squash a band of halflings.”

  As Seark went to pursue the halflings, Kelisay stepped into his way. “No,” she said. “I cannot let you do that.”

  Seark’s eyes flared with his fury. “You will stand aside, or I will deal with you first,” he growled.

  Kelisay resigned herself then to her fate, gathering her wits to speak from her heart. “Powerful Seark, I am Kelisay, a kelpie of the waters. I stand before you to offer the truth, for it was not the halflings that tormented your home. It was me. I can assure you that this blame is mine to bear and mine alone.”

  Seark looked upon her then. “So…honesty stands bravely at last,” said the unicorn. “Yet still I should punish the trespassers so that others will not make their mistake and venture into my home,” he said.