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Rx Over Dose
by Rich Lewis
Chapter 1
They
stood rigid against the rain, two bound by the elements and the past, unmoving
and unspeaking. Shoulder against the large outcropping of rock and dirt the tall
one stood, motionless, eyes locked to the trail before him. He was known as
Paxil, a giant man, standing over six and a half feet, and seemingly as wide.
His face was rugged yet relaxed, droplets of water cascading off the square
cheekbones. One could see no emotion or hint of the threat looming before them.
By contrast his companion Plendil fidgeted next to the large oak which concealed
him on the opposite side of the trail. Short by comparison to his friend, at
only five foot eight, he was built as squarely, raw power and muscle quivered as
his right leg bounced and he continued to chew what was left of his fingernails.
“Plendil,”
the larger man hissed in a deep tone, barely audible above the pouring rain..
“Stop that confounded bouncing. Half the minions of Rx will descend upon
us.”
Paxil scowled. Rx – god of darkness. How many years now had the two of them fought against the evil lord. Even now, they stood silently in this miserable weather awaiting some secret messenger, bringing news of evil.
“Patience
my friend” Paxil spoke. It was rare when the big man became excited. Alone in
the wilderness, or center stage before the Senate and an audience of three
thousand back in Imtrex, capitol of the realm, little bothered him. This added
to Plendil’s irritation. Besides, Imtrex always gave him a crushing headache.
“We
will wait a bit more,” Paxil continued. “The weather is starting to clear.
Would you rather return to Biaxin?”, the big man chuckled.
Plendil
grimaced again and remained quiet. Yes, the weather was clearing. Paxil was
right, again! Then he shivered, thinking about the small hamlet from which they
had come this morning. Biaxin. It was a sickly little town. From the moment they
had entered Plendil had felt ill, to the point of throwing up, and worse. On the
outside it appeared to be an extremely clean community, but…
Through
the mist and fading rain a cloaked figure began to emerge, carefully picking his
way. Both warriors came to alert, their senses honed by years of combat. The
stranger before them began to slow, stopping ten feet away.
“Who
is there?,” a high pitched voice called. “Who are you!”
Paxil
signaled his companion to melt into the forest and around the stranger. Grabbing
the hilt of his sword he stepped from his enclosure on to the trail, startling
the stranger who looked as if he were ready to flee.
“Fear
not stranger”, the low voice soothed, “ I am but a traveler waiting for a
friend”. Paxil moved forward and the strangers’ hand, long bony fingers
extending from behind the robes and cloak he wore warned him to maintain his
distance.
“No
closer,” he shrieked. His eyes darted all around. Paxil could see the fear,
almost smell it. The little man seemed on the brink of a break down.
“I
mean no disrespect sir,” the little man began,” but these are dangerous
times. I too am searching for someone. Perhaps you are he”. His eyes continued
to dart back and forth, searching for the hidden threat.
“I am a warrior of the Cardizem, protectors of the realm,” Paxil
offered. “I am looking for one named Serax.”
“Yes,
yes! I am he. You are Paxil, I know now. I have heard of you. I am Serax.
Forgive my nervousness.
“That
is fine friend,” the big man replied. He twitched his head to Plendil, a
motion for hm to remain hidden. Serax was extremely agaitated and he was afraid
any further contact would send the man running.
“You
have news for me Serax?” It was more of a statement than a question. Paxil was
laid back and understanding, but even his patience wore thin after a fashion.
“Yes,”
the anxious little man replied. “There are stories throughout the country
side, of wild demons attacking some of the fringe settlements near Effexor. What
a depressing little town,” Serax muttered, pausing as if lost in thought.
Paxil cleared his throat, startling the messenger. Paxil could also see Plendil
motioning for him to speed things up.
“It
seems,” Serax continued, that when the moon is full, strange creatures have
run rampant, several shouting of the coming of Rx, and how he will rise over the
moon and settle to earth to rule forever.” Again Serax’s nervousness
accelerated, his own words creating panic.
“Which
moon,” Paxil asked. Of course there were three, and it would be helpful to
know which.
“Dose”,
Serax replied. “When the moon is full it is said he will rise, Rx over Dose.
You must stop him.” At that, Serax saw the flicker of movement from Plendil,
his body tensed, panic filled his eyes. A knife flashed, Paxil retreated as the
robed man screamed, slashing at hidden demons and disappeared screaming into the
forest.
Plendil
stepped onto the trail, laughing almost to the point of hysterics. Paxil for
once did not wear the calm and relaxed look his companion was so accustomed to.
“By the gods of Risperdal,” Paxil bellowed. “ That man must hear a thousand voices.”
“He
was a bit unstable,” Plendil quipped, still laughing. Paxil quickly regained
his composure and began moving down the trail. Plendil said nothing more,
knowing it was wiser to just fall in line.
As they walked Paxil contemplated the situation. On numerous occasions the Cardizem, royal order of warriors who answered only to the king, had fought Rx and his minions. Often outnumbered the loyal warriors fought with heart like no other. Now it seemed they would again be called to do battle.
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to be continued...check back to this page for more!
rical 1/27/2001