Noxious by Bruce Knapp

Author:Bruce Knapp [Knapp, Bruce]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-28T22:00:00+00:00

PART IV

MARCH 1962

RAINING BLOOD

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

— Ezekiel 38:22 (KJV)

CHAPTER 26

Zia hated school, so occasionally, she skipped.

She was lollygagging on a narrow, twisting path, winding through the woodlands. Azaleas bloomed on both sides of the trail, the flowers ranging in colors from white, pink, and red. It reminded her of a firework show. The aroma in the air was thick—almost too thick. When out of nowhere, Zep appeared in front of her.

The whites in her eyes grew. “Don’t do that. You frightened me.”

“Sorry, but I’m here to help you hone your gift.”

“I don’t have my supplies.”

Zep pointed to Zia’s head. “You want your gift to come from here.” On the dirt trail, he drew a line with his cane pole. On the left side of the line, he placed a leaf. “Try to move it across the line with your mind.”

“I need a demonic sphere to generate soul essence to cast a spell. Also, I don’t have my grimoire.”

“I’ll show you once.” Zep fixated on the leaf. Seconds later, his eyes concentrated where he wanted it to end. The foliage shook before creeping across the line.

Zia shook her head. “Um, I can’t do that.”

“I think you can. Try to move the leaf back.”

“Okay, but I can’t guarantee anything.” Zia focused on the leaf. Her head then concentrated where she wanted to move it. Frustration covered Zia’s face when the foliage did not budge. Finally, she dropped her head. “I told you I couldn’t. I need my supplies.”

“Dear child, the only thing you need for magic is your mind.” Zep moved the leaf back to the left side of the line in the dirt. “Now clear your mind and concentrate. Visualize the leaf moving.”

“I don’t think—”

Zep grasped her shoulders. “I believe in you.”

Zia flashed an uncertain grin. “I’ll try.” She focused on the foliage, her face covered by determination. The temperature dropped. Seconds later, she focused on the destination spot. But nothing. She closed her eyes tightly, doubling her concentration. After a minute, her eyes opened, but the leaf never moved. She kicked the foliage, letting out a scream before dropping to her knees. “Sorry I let you down.”

“You didn’t let me down because you tried. It will take time and patience to hone your gift. Make sure you use your surroundings.”

“What do you mean?”

Zep pointed at the woodlands. “My magic is more effective when nature is surrounding me. I’m more comfortable around shrubs and trees.”

“I wasn’t comfortable at all today.”

Zep crossed his arms and thought for a moment. “That’s it, can you meet me tomorrow at the cemetery say around noon?”

“Sure.”

“Get plenty of rest and bring your supplies because you will need both.”

Zia walked away with her shoulders slumped over. “See you tomorrow,” she said as she kicked the leaf again.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.