The Magician’s War (Chapter 4)
Anika waved her wand in the middle of a field.
Suddenly, an open portal, this action did yield.
The panthers, eagle, and herself stepped through.
The portal closed immediately, without a clue.
It was night in the First Level Of Hell.
They heard something give out a yell.
They took off running using light from her wand.
Something was behind them, really coming on.
They headed for a large rock outcropping.
They kept on running without stopping.
Found an overhang and ducked way back inside.
A huge critter slid to a stop outside.
Like a kangaroo, but on all fours.
A horn and nasty fangs to rip and gore.
Too big to squeeze in to where they were.
It tried to widen the entrance, for sure.
Anika pointed her wand. “Incinerator”
Flame and smoke snuffed the annihilator.
Only ashes left, which the panthers sniffed.
They snorted and each left on it a piss.
They decided to stay there for the night.
They would be safe till the morning light.
Her wand would guide her in the direction
of the right exit portal without exception.
Morning came and they looked around.
Of course, there was no village or town.
There was sparsely wooded rolling hills.
Sunny, with a slight breeze that left a chill.
A light breakfast of hardtack and cheese.
Then, off to see what they could see.
A panther went wide to each side.
The eagle flew over and ahead for the ride.
All were telepathically talking with her.
This way, she was aware of where they were.
She told them which way the wand indicated.
Traveling was rough. Definitely overrated.
She could fly, if needed. But she didn’t.
The panthers couldn’t. So, not efficient.
Soon they saw a heard of buffalo??
Similar, but—- not exactly so.
These beasts could breathe fire.
They all moved together, with one desire.
Once the beasts caught their scent,
then, that would be all she rent.
They all looked up in their direction.
Too many to form a shield protection.
Then, the eagle spotted a cliff.
Told her where. Then they split.
They ran like hell toward the cliff.
Once there, each panther went up a tree.
She yelled, and the beasts looked to see.
They charged her in a maddened rush.
She waited for their intended crush.
At the last second, she shot into the air.
The beasts flew off the cliff everywhere.
They went crashing way below.
Onto a bunch of rocks. A deadly blow.
The four gathered together above.
She hugged the panthers with maternal love.
Then, they went on their way.
At least they were alive to fight another day.
The panthers ripped apart a critter.
A rabbit sized, vicious, beast with a litter.
They were killed so fast, they couldn’t squeal.
That made their evening meal.
They found tall trees in which to spend the night.
They felt they would be safe there without a fight.
So ended their first day in the First Level Of Hell.
They were close to the exit gate, Anika could tell.
But, that’s a story for another day.
She prayed they would be safe along the way.
————————————R.W. Johnson—–(2017)