Devilline Stone

This is my gift, eternal damnation may the sun be your prison and your salvation. #1linewed #amwriting #writer #writers #writing #writerslife #writingcommunity #photographer #photography devillinestone.com

Our furry friends had lingered nearby in the forest. I approached the one they seemed to follow. It was larger than the others with longer fangs. "You did it,"the #boss said telepathically. "With mush assistance," I replied,bowing to him and his army of vampire bunnies. #vss365

I ground the herbs into a powder and dressed the wolf's wounds.He was slowly recovering from the ordeal.Herman had grown attached to him.They went through several tragic events together.There was no more blame,just a friendly #duo.I sensed it was time for me to move on. #vss365

The wolf woke slowly &tried to rise.With Herman's help he got his paws under him. "Thank you,"he whispered to our surprise.Some of the wizard's magic lingered after all. "Rest, my friend." I sent Herman on another #errand for nettles and star anise to aid the healing. #vss365

We looked out over the lake the next morning.Every few moments the surface would bubble where I threw the stone. "What of the #ghoul?"Herman asked."Can he escape?" "Not without the wizard,and he's long gone thanks to our friends,"I replied,smiling at the tiny vampires. #vss365

We constructed a #bonfire to help revive the withered wolf. "Will he recover?"Herman asked with concern. "I can't be certain yet,"I replied."We just need to keep him warm and fed." I proceeded to skin the squirrels I'd captured for stew.Herman put a blanket over him tenderly. #vss365

The curse of the wizard hung above us for a few seconds then collapsed into the stone.I wrapped it in burlap and threw it in the lake.Only the remains of 'the beast' lay before us, a scrawny, exhausted wolf. He #rewarded us with a grateful stare. #vss365

I stopped,panting,at the rock,mixed the herbs in the stone's bowl,and stepped back.The forest was eerily quiet.The beast darted toward me suddenly from the brush.I pushed his deformed head into the stone and herbs.A #fantasm rose from him,and hung in the air above us. #vss365

Herman stood dumbfounded at the sight of my approach surrounded by bloodthirsty vampire bunnies. He was in shock, as if it all were an #illusion. "The beast is coming!We must be ready!"I screamed. Herman had everything in place.We just had to lure him to the right spot. #vss365

Suddenly, a #wolf appeared. It darted past me and attacked the beast. I wondered how I got so lucky. Tiny, white, blurry fur balls started bouncing alongside me. The bunnies had come to my rescue and recruited help.They escorted me all the way back to Herman. It was time. #vss365

I hunted with #exhileration.Once I had 3 squirrels,I headed back to camp.The bushes rustled behind me and I decided to go for a 4th.When I turned, I was confronted by the beast himself. My bow and arrow were useless,and Herman had the thimble.I had no option but to run. #vss365

"What now?"Herman asked. "Wait for him to come,"I replied."While we wait,we eat." I set out to hunt rabits while Herman gathered firewood. "If he approaches,strike him with this,"I said handing him the thimble. "It will scare him off,but he'll return.He's #ravenous." #vss365

"Let's #start to prepare,"I said.I placed the stone near the downed tree trunk,using a boulder as a table. "Do we need anything else?"Herman asked. "Yes,"I replied and immediately stomped on his foot."Tears." I handed him a vile to collect the drops as his foot throbbed. #vss365

We #traveled slower the next day. I kept our conversations to a minimum, so Herman could concentrate. He wandered around rather aimlessly stopping to explore a stump or a bush.Finally he found it. The place where we would wait for the beast and rid him of the Curse. #vss365

We walked all day until the sunlight #tapered between the trees and shadows. I could feel we were close. "What is it you are seeking?"Herman asked. "Some places are more balanced than others,"I replied. "I'll find it in the morning." I knew he would.He had the Sense. #vss365

I added a little of each herb to the bowl of the stone.A small amount of purple mist formed. "Back up,"I said."Until it dissipates." It worked! "Now we need to pack up camp.We have #miles to go to confront the beast." "He's right behind us,"Herman said. "Location is key." #vss365

I no longer had any #doubts about Herman's abilities. With his help we could beat the curse. I sent him to retrieve the thistle, mugwort, and skullcap he collected earlier. There on the forest floor,we began to conjur our solution. #vss365

Herman's #commitment to the hunt was admirable.He wouldn't even break for lunch.I brought him a sandwich at high noon,& he ate while searching.Finally,at the twilight, he yelled my name and I knew he had located it.The stone was magnificent!A perfect vessel for the task. #vss365

Fueled by curiosity Herman examined the stone from every angle. "Fascinating,"he whispered."I'm going to find more.I'm going to find the one that kills the curse!" "If you believe it then you will,"I whispered back &knew I had found the right one end the wizard's mischief.#vss365