Category: Medieval

       The Magician’s War (Chapter 8)

The 4^th Level Of Hell was pitch black.

Anika gave all night vision sight for that.

The panthers instantly turned black again.

What they saw looked pretty grim.

Barren land with many crags and boulders.

Like it was wrecked by a bull dozer

The sun seldom shined on this planet.

All was dark, even the granite.

The wand indicated the way to go.

It was time to start this little show.

They came to a narrow pass.

Looked like a cave, but rather crass.

High cliffs on each side coming closer at the top.

With a very narrow passage. Dead end, or not??

They started on their way through.

Then, overhead, something flew.

They saw indescribable critters everywhere.

Outlined in a violet glow that would scare.

All looked deadly in multiple ways.

They were approaching on their prey.

Anika pulled out her sword and frowned.

The sound of the sword echoed all around.

She knew she could make a bright light.

But, that would destroy their precious sight.

She hacked and chopped and cut her way.

The others fought like hell that day.

The panthers were raising holy hell.

Pern was attacking flying things as well.

They made it a long distance down the pass.

To many critters. They were trapped, at last.

They knew the ending was coming soon.

Then, something changed. They had room.

The critters were all going away.

Light was coming in. It was day.

They ran out the end of the pass.

The portal was close now, at last.

They saw the path of the sun.

Only up for a very short run.

Then darkness would come again.

The next time, it would be the end.

They saw the portal open wide.

They ran through to the other side.

The 5^th Level Of Hell opened to a sea.

They were on shore, but they could see.

What happened here I can’t now repeat.

I will tell you next time we meet.

———————————R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

            The Magician’s War (Chapter 7)

Anika opened the portal and they jumped through.

What a shock. From desert heat to where snow blew.

They were all shivering, from their heads to their feet.

She made a bubble to keep in their body heat.

She said “Magnifico” to get a better look.

It brought things closer. Worse than a book.

They saw snow, glaciers, a white, frozen waste.

Very rough travel. They were in no haste.

The black panthers really stood out.

Anika magically changed all but their snout.

They were now pure white snow cats.

The panthers were not too happy with that.

They understood why and went along.

Off they went singing a song.

Indications were they didn’t have far to go.

The problem was progress was real slow.

Then, up ahead, a gigantic polar bear.

He popped up right out of nowhere.

He had a giant mouth lined with sharp teeth.

Huge claws with barbs, and a mean streak.

He roared, charged and hit the shield.

He hit it several times. It wouldn’t yield.

Anika pointed her wand and said “Vibratis.”

An avalanche came down to overtake us.

It took the huge bear far below.

The shield protected them from the snow.

The panthers dug us out, like from a mine.

Pern on her shoulder all the time.

They came to a deep chasm they had to cross.

A glacier  was beyond, covered with frost.

She would have to fly across, she found.

Each panther weighed about 400 pounds.

Pern could fly across with ease.

For the panthers, it would be a squeeze.

She wrapped both in a tight magical loop.

They flew across as a group.

She couldn’t maintain flight for long.

It was a drain, but she was strong.

They made it with space to spare.

The panthers didn’t like it in the air.

They were very close to their goal now.

Then, they heard a terrible howl.

An abominable snowman ahead.

About 15 feet tall from foot to head.

The panthers charged and took out his legs.

Pern ripped his eyes. He howled and begged.

The panthers next ripped out his throat.

He died fast, lots of blood on his coat.

The portal was just beyond.

Anika opened it with her wand.

They all passed through.

It was pitch black that they walked into.

What was there will be told later.

I hope it’s not a nasty gator.

—————————————-R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

 

The Magician’s War (Chapter Five)

They woke up feeling a little woozy.

They were bound in a web that was gooey.

Anika grabbed her wand and said “Ashe.”

The web became ash and they fell to the grass.

The breath was knocked out of her.

A giant spider was dropping like a blur.

Her mind turned her wand to a lance,

before the spider put her in a trance.

The spider impaled itself on the lance.

She said ‘Deflecto”, when she had the chance.

The spider exploded, flinging goo and venom.

They were protected, all deflected from them.

They took off running like hell.

Soon, a huge beast, lions head, and cheetah

hindquarters was closing in. He would eat, yeah.

Anika pointed her wand. Then she could see

a portal opening in a stand of trees.

They all dove through at the same time.

The portal slammed closed, right behind.

The beast slammed into a big tree.

The force that he hit threw him back, you see.

It’s scull was crushed. Dead. That was plain.

It was not feeling any pain.

Anika and the panthers fell into a lake.

Would a watery grave be their fate?

They started swimming for shore.

A sea serpent surfaced, wanting more.

Anika pointed her wand and said “Repeller.”

A huge wave of water rose and repelled

the beat, leaving a waterless path to shore.

They ran to the beach, wet, and a little sore.

So began their first day in The Second Level Of Hell.

What else would happen, right now, I can’t tell.

————————————————R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

     The Magician’s War (Chapter 6)

As they lay breathless on the shore,

the water slammed together once more.

They moved off to a stand of trees.

They were enjoying the light breeze.

They decided to have their lunch.

They ate leftovers. They had a bunch.

Preserved by magic, it tasted fresh.

They relaxed and caught their breath.

One panther was named Eros, the other Ra.

The eagle was named Pern. He gave a caw.

Identical panthers, Anika could tell

which was which by their mental meld.

Soon, Pern let out a screech and took to air.

They were surrounded everywhere.

Giant black ants, about two feet high each.

They were moving in for a lunch to eat.

Anika drew her sword that was on her back.

She gave the first ant a vicious whack.

Lopped off his head with a single blow.

Each panther grabbed an ant. They weren’t slow.

Pern swooped down and tore out ant eyes.

They fought like hell, because it meant their lives.

Anika slaughtered ants right and left.

Chopping, cutting, obliterating the pests.

All of them did their part.

Soon, they were surrounded with ant parts.

They got their stuff and moved out fast.

They didn’t see any ants on their ass.

They traveled many miles without a problem.

They came to a desert to cross. How then?

They packed all the water they could.

Off they went, she pulled up her hood.

A day later, they found possible ruins?

They were mounds in a circle. Pern flew in.

Nothing moved. It looked deserted.

There was a well. Or something converted?

There was water in what was a well.

She purified it with magic. It was swell.

Then, they started to look around.

There was movement in one of the mounds.

Little pigmy people. A whole village.

They didn’t look like they would pillage.

Through magic they could communicate.

They were desert dwellers called Lumicates.

Natives to this world. The desert was safe.

They moved here so ‘the change’ didn’t overtake.

800 seasons ago, everything was changed.

That was all they could explain.

Anika knew what change took place.

It was made over by magic in their wake.

Her wand said they were close to a portal.

She didn’t mention this to these mortals.

They rested and spent the night.

The chief gave them a magic light.

A stone that glowed when touched.

The pigmy’s had found it in the rough.

Anika knew it was an amulet.

It had powers beyond being lit.

Next day they headed for the next portal.

 The 3^rd Level Of Hell awaits the 4 of you.

But, that is a future story to tell.

When we talk about the 3^rd Level Of Hell.

——————————————-R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

 

    The Magician’s War (Chapter 2)

For 800 years, we developed our land.

It was peace and prosperity for every man.

Yet, we never slacked in magical training.

Our abilities grew, our powers gaining.

Only a few ‘very elite’ knew the truth.

How we came here on a ruse.

They were The Power of 12, our leaders.

They had been waiting for The Great Deceiver.

Once in 800 years, or so, one is born.

They have a power that none would scorn.

The last one fought in The Magician’s War.

She was wounded, could fight no more.

She was the creator of our escape plan.

She planned it, with others. “I’ll do what I can.”

She did, then died of her wounds before done.

Others were able to finish what was left undone.

Now called The 7 Levels Of Hell, known of by few.

Time rolled along, like a wheel.

Then, another Great Deceiver was born.

Tested at birth, they knew none would scorn.

She was trained from the cradle up.

Every physical form of defensive stuff.

Plus, she had the maximum magical training.

She was incredible, the only one remaining.

Tops in all endeavors, they could hardly believe her.

At 18, she got the wand of the previous Deceiver.

As a Great Deceiver, she was the only person

who could do magic without a wand first.

But, it was pure power with little direction.

A wand gave intensity, purpose, and direction.

About this time the High Seer received a vision.

First ever from the ‘home world’ was given.

He saw how evil magicians of The Black Arts

Were still practicing their evil art.

Having enslaved the rest of the population.

Controlled by the evil incantations.

Things were horrible, beyond words.

The people’s united cry for help was heard.

Something had to be done, but what??

The Power Of 12 plus The Great Deceiver

came up with a plan. Who would believe her?

She presented her plan to the other 12.

She had to make it through the 7 hells.

It seemed impossible for her to do.

She said it would work. She wasn’t a fool.

She had insight gained through her wand.

From the previous Deceiver, now gone.

She would be accompanied by her  two

huge black panthers, pets from birth.

Also her eagle, that nested in her hearth.

She mentally communicated with them

and they with her. With them, she could win.

If she made it through The 7 Levels Of Hell,

she could transfer all others, they knew well.

But, she had to get there first.

To work her magic and avoid the curse.

Transferring others to her at speed of light.

While avoiding any kind of fight.

But, that’s a story yet to be told.

Can Anika succeed?  Can she remain bold?

————————————-R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

 

 

    The Magician’s War (Chapter 3)

The Great Deceiver was named so

because of her ability to deceive the soul.

Her alone, had this great ability.

Her enemy would lose their agility.

Lose their ability to do magic, totally.

Magic was no longer in their soul, you see.

Her wand would change to a lance.

One of incredible power at a glance.

Once thrown, it would return on its own.

After it had destroyed to the bone.

Anika had a healing stone.

That would heal most wounds on its own.

Pass it over the injured part.

Healing came instantly, calming the heart.

No one knew how it heeled.

It eliminated pain with the feel.

An ancient power passed down .

Anika was given it for where she was bound.

Her wand delivered to her the message.

One from the Deceiver, builder. It was messy.

How to know where to enter and exit.

Each level of Hell was  different to exit.

Many, many entrances and exits leading to

a multitude of parallel universes. Not a few.

Easy to lose your way. A special code

Would help her with this heavy load.

But, surviving along the way was hers alone.

She had to use her wisdom as shown.

She prepared to enter the first gate.

The panthers were to restless to wait.

The eagle was flying in circles.

They all knew what was her goals.

There were certain magical things

that could help. If she knew what to sing.

No one knew what was really in each level.

Anything from a poisonous bite to a raging devil.

She was ready to leave.

But, that’s another story. I won’t deceive.

———————————–R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

         The Magician’s War (Chapter 1)

When I awoke, I couldn’t move.

A paralysis I couldn’t disprove.

Though I strained with all my might,

I was held down very tight.

I remembered the magician’s war.

We fought for our lives, and more.

Due to fatigue, I wasn’t doing well.

I was knocked unconscious by a spell.

I looked around. I was in a room.

The light was poor, almost a gloom.

I was captured and here I was sent.

I feared what that ending meant.

I tried with all my will to make a fist.

Very slowly, I succeeded at this.

I dug deep and put more into my effort.

I broke out of the spell. A mighty effort.

I sat up and looked around.

My wand was nearby, I found.

With effort, I was able to get to it.

Good thing I was physically fit.

The door flew open with a rush.

A magician ran in and he was flushed.

“No one has ever broken that spell before.”

 “A first for everything,” out the door

I went with magically enhanced speed.

I didn’t say goodbye. There was no need.

I surprised them and fought my way out.

I knew exactly what magic was about.

I got my bearings and zapped myself home.

The war still raged, but I wasn’t alone.

Many of us had gathered there.

We knew we needed safety somewhere.

We had a plan that was a great risk.

Our best minds had come up with this.

We made a pledge and raised a fist.

They had already made a list.

We would pass through 7 parallel universes.

Altering each with many traps and curses.

For any, magic or not, to make it through

would be impossible for them to do.

The 8^th universe would be ours.

We would be safe. Bless the stars.

It was dangerous to be sure.

It could fail, but we did concur.

We would leave as soon as possible.

The secret of this would be our gospel.

Each world was laden with beasts of all types.

Created with magic with all its hypes.

Terrible weather on different worlds.

Unimaginable hardships, we did herald.

It was mind boggling, to say the least.

We felt safe when done and had a feast.

The evil magicians never knew where we went.

Their every effort to find us was spent.

We were safe for over 800 years.

What happened then is another story, I fear.

——————————–R.W. Johnson—–(2017)

 

 

 

 

 

 

           The King’s Assassin

 

He sat, back leaning against a tree.

Polishing the metal of his weaponry.

His metal mesh vest was spotless.

He was thorough. He did not miss.

Yet, he would soon smear it all with mud.

Cut down glare as much as he could.

Some called him a killer, some a knight.

When he killed, he did it right.

He was the king’s secret assassin.

None knew his skills. They didn’t ask him.

He worked mostly at night when dark.

None knew he was around. He was smart.

It was always those who needed killing.

They were well protected, but he was willing.

He did his job and he did it well.

His victim died before he could yell.

He was highly skilled in all known weaponry.

His hand to hand skills were the best you would see.

No matter how hard, he didn’t back down.

He was paid well. That’s why he stayed around.

No one knew his real name.

He had no friends. He had no fame.

Nothing he did was ever tied to him.

He remained a common man so he could win.

Anomaly was one of his best tools.

He only followed his own rules.

He never got close to anyone.

Always paranoid, he trusted no one.

He was almost assassinated while doing a job.

To him, that was extremely odd.

He went all out to find out who it was.

They were hired by someone, was the buzz.

Through very crafty detective work,

he tracked down the little twerp.

It turned out to be a female.

His attack on her did not fail.

But, first he found out who hired her.

Before long, they were dead for sure.

This was the life of The King’s secret assassin.

He remains alone. That is his passion.

He has standards that he follows.

All of his own making. They are not hollow.

They are all to keep him alive.

Keep it so his business will thrive.

He is the best at what he does.

Yet, he had to sacrifice who he was.

————————————R. W. Johnson—–(2016)