Jeptha Berengar felt the mountains drawing;
A voice as it were, pulled him ever closer and higher into the foothills. Jeptha felt more primal than he ever had before. Hair raised on the back of his spine at the unknown, and every muscle fiber was ready for an altercation.
No emotion was attached to this pull, it was more of a calculated drive or compass that put one foot in front of the next. His mind and thoughts were dialed in and attune to every sound and smell that permeated from the forest.
There was a distinct smell that Jeptha could not place that was familiar, and somehow dangerous. There was no connected fear or wariness, just an innate knowledge to follow his course.
He considered what was causing this feeling. The moon was not at its strength, and he had been working hard to discipline his thoughts.
Brother had spoken of a call to the wild, a book written by a man named Jack. The thought of this story felt familiar, but oh so different.
There were no words or vocalizations, only silence. His steady pace was effortless. It was what he was meant to do.
Jeptha began recounting the events of his life. The kidnapping by the creatures, the bite that left him in his state, and his rescue.
Distinctly, he thought of his mother and father rejecting him. They continued to live their life in La Longi. Did he have any siblings? It was very likely.
He was not without family. The Berengar’s helped him at an early age, but Emery Berengar, Brother’s father, kept him at arm’s reach. This initially made Jeptha upset. As he grew it was clear why. His blood was contaminated. One scratch or bite could produce an abomination like himself. Jeptha would never want that to happen.
The capture and torture by the Rainports to find a portal he knew nothing about left him broken and dead inside. The accusation that he had eaten a child brought him even darker as stones were thrown by the men of the city.
Northwich had given him a new start. Adopted by the Heron, He had a place among them, albeit shaky. Ahusaka had taught him to cook of all things.
The Shepherd Crook Man helped him read and imparted wisdom to him.
James Rainport taught him to use the Montante Sword, a skill that served him will. He fought with distinction in the Battle for La Longi and slew Lord Rainport’s son with his own helmet.
And here he was now. Running headlong into the foothills like a man possessed following….
What was that smell? Why did it bother him so? What drove him to it?
The smell emanated from a large hole dug in the side of a hill.
The emotion and that was missing surged through Jeptha and he became choked with fear.
Standing before him were a large group of the very creatures that had kidnapped and bitten him as a child.
His large montante sword spoke as his scabbard fell from the blade.
Jeptha Roared. “I AM BEAST, I EAT THE FLESH OF PREDATORS!”
The creatures fell at Jeptha’s well practiced hand. His fury was unparalleled. One reached to attack only to find his forearm detached from his elbow. The creature screamed in pain, falling from a second blow. Another, cut cleanly in half still stood, unaware he was dead.
None escaped Jeptha’s attack and they lay scattered on the ground.
He remembered then.
That is what his captors smelled like.
He heard a footstep and whipped around. The spearpoint struck him right below the sternum. Turning, the creature pushed the shaft through the back, narrowly missing his spine.
Jeptha gasped, holding his sword tightly in his right hand, grasping the spear with his left. As strong as he was, the shaft would not break.
The creature turned the spear, twisting at Jeptha’s insides. He screamed. Cruel eyes showed their delight at his torment.
This one was much larger than any such as he had slain. He lifted the spear causing him to stand on his toes in agony.
The creature was toying with him. Jeptha had to make a choice. In Jeptha’s mind, to drop his weapon would be to give up. To stand there would be to die.
Terrified, Jeptha gathered himself and screamed, ” I … AM.. BEAST! ”
Pushing through the pain, Jeptha twisted his body hard against the shaft, breaking it.
His first swing went wild, the second hit the creature’s thigh. Savagely, the creature struck Jeptha in the chest, causing him to drop the montante. Brute strength and power collided as both tore and bit in a struggle for existence. The creature caught Jeptha’s fingers and crushed his hand like a vise. Jeptha’s free hand gouged the creature in the eyes, blinding him. Scrambling for his sword, he ended the creature.
Jeptha stood, bewildered. Shock had set in and he was not completely aware of what was happening. Looking down, he noticed the impaled spear shaft, then the blood. His thoughts were sluggish and he saw spots, then grey.
His last thought was not spoken. ” I NOT BITTER, I FORGIVE.”
Jeptha fell forward to the ground.
Author: Benjamin
Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...
Uh oh! I wonder if the people of ruetoohooto village would discover and help him.
Also, could I feature the Shepherd’s crook man in my serp series? Just a minor role. I will be sure to give you a shoutout.
You can put the Shepherd’s Crook Man in any of your stories without attribution. He is copyright free!
Haha! Thanks!
Anytime!
Please leave a link so my readers can see it!
Sure. Maybe you could also make a post pointing to the chapter where he will feature and say something like: “Our scouts spotted Shepherd’s Crook Man in a far off land”. Will send the link soon after posting.
We will see! The Shepherd’s Crook Man is everywhere it would seem! While he is afar off in another land, He seems so close! Great idea!
The character is a tall, thin balding man.
Thanks for that info. Is he also old? I called him old in my post. Also the post is published. Will drop a link.
That is correct! I am so excited to read it!!!
https://ishaansharma123.home.blog/2020/03/17/serp-chapter-4/ Here is a link. But you might prefer to read chapter 3 first
I did read chapter 3. It was great as well. Your timing in conjunction with my last post on Jeptha will prove a conundrum indeed! I really like what you are doing. You are growing in leaps and bounds as a writer!
Thank you! But I am afraid I will have to search the net for the meaning of conundrum 😀
You see english is not my first language and I am always learning.
I am in a difficult place. The Shepherd’s Crook Man Is far away from Jeptha it would seem.
I don’t think that should be a problem. I don’t think Northwich has a location on the world map, or does it? If it doesn’t, then the fictional place can be close to where Arjun lives.
It will work out great, I can write my way out of it!
Yes you can, you are a brilliant story-teller. Or if you need, I could change something in my post to make it easier for you. Maybe the man says that he is headed back to northwich?
Nope. Keep it the way it is!
Okay. So now I know that Shepherd’s crook man will be back and help Jeptha. That is nice to know. Maybe finally Jeptha can conquer beast and head back to Northwich! Just suggesting.
You, friend, are gifted!
Is that sarcasm? If not, then thank you!
It is not sarcasm. I was quite impressed with your Shepherd story!
Well thank you then! It is great to hear that.
A completely random question: Does christianity believe in rebirth?
No, a new birth. Born again as in a change on this earth in how you conduct yourself all all parts of life.
So like the soul takes different form which act differently, but ultimately it is the same soul. Or did I get it wrong?
Same soul redirected by Jesus in how to act.
I see. Then is heaven/hell temporary?
Both are forever.
I seem to be confused. So if we go to heaven/hell permanently after death, then how can we be reborn? Perhaps I must think harder
You asked a question very similar to a man named Nicodemus, a very intellectual Jewish Ruler. You are born of water and Spirit.
I wonder if Nicodemus was a good man. What is the meaning of being born of water and spirit?
You need to acknowledge wrong doing in your life and be sorry for it, asking Jesus for forgiveness.
Jesus forgives your wrongdoing and you are baptized in water, washing the wrongs away.
In course of prayer or conversation with Jesus, you are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. This will be evidenced by speaking in a language you do not understand.
Water and Spirit
That is interesting.
Thank you for the compliment!
Welcome.
https://ishaansharma123.home.blog/2020/03/17/serp-chapter-4/ here is a link
Awesome! Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Awww…I liked Jeptha and he was just beginning to grow.
I did not see that coming. He was quite the character and his last thought was a poetic end to his arc. Great story!
Thank you!
Wait! The other comments give the impression that Jeptha is dead. Is it so?….
Jeptha can’t die so soon!
😯
Is he dead?
😳
😕🤔
😞
😭😭😦😦
Aww. Here, have a tissue. I am sorry little brother
How about #BringBackBeast?
😊
🤔😦
🐺 🌳 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤😞
Beast was what kept the story interesting…
I agree
Of course, the other part of the story is amazing too. Look forward to reading more.
Haha! Thank you friend! It has been stressful over here with the virus.
Same here. Scary virus
No doubt!
I googled IshaanSharma123 and got great results! You are doing awesome!
Haha thanks! Yes, my site ranks extremely well on some keywords.
Yours can be found by searching the name of any major character. You seem to be doing extremely well too.
Thank You Friend!