What Doesn't Kill You - Part 6

The following is a short story revolving around the fantasy story 'The Wall Outside'. There will be serveral parts. It uses some of the characters of 'The Wall Outside', but is not part of main book. 'The Wall Outside' is currently available in digital format at http://www.amazon.com/The-Wall-Outside-Series-ebook/dp/B009FLOMLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350814435&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wall+outside+by+james

What Doesn't Kill You - Part 6

The striking of bones catches your attention, and you see skeletons leaping up from their spots around the tree.  They were leaving nothing to chance; they were going to watch you burn.

Bob The Pixie launches into the air, zipping over and under the arms of the nearest skeleton.  “Well,” he calls back between zips, “What are you waiting for?  Come on!”

In the mere seconds you’ve delayed, you size has grown by an inch.  Using your feet, you push against the inside of the tree, forcing your upper torso to squeeze out.

The path through the flames is no longer wide enough, and Bob is delaying the skeletons in an effort to help you.  You brush dirt on both sides, fighting to put the flame out while pushing with all your might.

You are not moving.  Your legs shake.  You can feel the sides of the exit biting into your hips.  With a last ditch effect, you kick against the inside of the tree.

The wood groans; you would swear the tree is in pain.  With a sudden realization, you turn and look up, seeing a face.  The tree is looking down at you as you call out, “Help me, please!”

In wonder you see the face on the tree nod, the pressure releases, and you scoot out quickly.

Black marks show at the base of the holly wood tree, and you realize it wasn’t you that was causing the pain, but the fire around it.  The flame must go out, but Bob is still busy.  Knocking dirt over the fire, you begin to go around the tree.


~ James William Peercy

For those interested, what is 'The Wall Outside' about?

Step across the barrier and what will you find?
A place of magic just out of sight?
A pixie, a leprechaun, or even a sprite?

What starts as a vacation, turns into a mess. For Jonna, there's
more at stake than meets the eye. Through pouring rain,
misdirection, and a curious mind, Jonna crossed the barrier
between our world and magic.

Now forced to return across the barrier, Jonna battles Dark Mages, angry leprechauns, and a ruthless Minotaur, all in an effort to find his wife. To do this, he must locate the stolen Rune Blade and rescue a beautiful elvish princess.

But what can a human do when faced with a world of magic?