The Reckoning
Rides Tall rested on Dawn Rider, around him the forest was totally silent. It is the Christian year 1020, which meant nothing to them. But what was important was the faint presence which had arrived in silence. It was if the merest whiff of wood smoke had touched them. Then Rides Tall saw the hazy shadow. Somehow he knew that it belonged to a elk who’s life he had taken as a young buck. Gently Rides Tall dismounted then sent Dawn Rider away. Whilst the spirit stood silently watching him. This former king of the forest required payment from the Mohawk.
Footnotes:
I have just returned from a visit to New York State. The above story was penned whilst sitting on a veranda studying a dense area of forest. Thank you New York State. My thanks are also due to Sandra, for her photo of a oak tree enabled me to post the above story.
Although I still create stories for various sites, I have held back posting a some of them as I was not satisfied with what I managed to produce. I guess that sometimes we all find it hard sometimes to come up with something fresh.
This Post Has 46 Comments
Dear Michael,
You’ve put us in a moment. So Rides Tall is facing the spirit of the elk? Nice medieval feel to this.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you Rochelle, the forested area of New York State inspired me.
I was in upstate New York last month and was deeply moved by the history there. Nicely done
Me to, Woodstock to Manchester in Vermont, it all offered inspiration
I love this. Many layers, and one wonders at the coming confrontation between the animal spirit and Rides Tall. Well done.
Thank you Granonine, the forested areas of New York State and Vermont offered much inspiration
And beauty. So much beauty.
I enjoy seeing new places. I do hope that I will be able to write more about New York State.
Beautiful atmosphere.
Thank you Iain, I was given a lot of inspiration by the east coast forest of New York State
I like the texture and fabric of naturalistic magic and spirits. It brings one closer to the environment if not to God.
Thank you James, you have encouraged me to consider writing more around this area, which is similar to the genre of my two unpublished novel length stories. I do find that trees bring me closer to God
An intriguing tale indeed.
Click to read my FriFic!
That is kind of you Keith.
Payment will not be death, I’m sure
I agree, for Rides Tall does pay due respect when out hunting
I was sure he did
Great atmosphere, Michael.
Thank you Moon, I was so pleased to read your comment.
This reader was transported to the time when the noble savage understood his world.
Well done.
I am so pleased to hear that, thank you.
A great selection for your MC’s name: Rides Tall. The nobility of the character comes bursting through without you having to write about it. Very vivid imagination in your piece, Michael. I quite enjoyed reading it.
Thank you Varad for such kind feedback.
Love the atmosphere in this… there is a sense of old Mythology which works well with that tree.
Thank you Bjorn, the forest in New York State deserves the praise, it inspired me.
You drew me into the world of Rides Tall, and left me wanting more!
Thank you Penny – I want to know more also, I am hoping that my pen will oblige
I can see (and read) your inspiration!
Thank you Dawn
Very atmospheric piece, Michael. I liked it.
Thank you Sandra, your photo was very timely for me.
Nice piece, an almost dreamy scene in the depths of the forest.
Thank you Draliman, I hoped that the Mohawk Indians had a spiritual connection with their surroundings. Almost like a dream world, so your comment was gratefully recieved.
There is a comforting spiritual slant to this tale, Michael. I loved the Rides Tall and Dawn Rider names, which conjure a nomadic lifestyle in my mind’s eye.
Thank you Kelvin, I was grateful for your feedback, as I penned this piece believing that the Mohawk Indians had some degree of spiritual connect with their surroundings.
I like where you went with this, Michael. Loved the names and the spiritual aspect. Well done.
Thank you so much Russell – I was inspired by the forested area’s close to my son’s house
Debts owed must be paid – no matter what the personal cost. Lovely feel and imagery Michael. Hope you enjoyed your American visit
Thank you Lynn My visit was great and has given me much material to write about
Ah, inspiration abounds – wonderful 🙂
Trees exude such power that I’m not surprised you could write there.
That is so true Liz
This is a winner.
So find of you to say so, thank you Yarnspinnerr
The Mohawks! Does this mean that he may be an Oneida? Or a different band? Well done!
He could indeed be from the Oneida. Thank you Miles.