Hortons Bend

Brody’s intentions are not pure at heart, they were well intended. I wish I could say the same for you and your friend. You are merely another link in a long chain of violations of this sacred land. You have desecrated the spirit world and this violation cannot go unpunished.” Samuel Horton stood back up and looked back at the grey warriors. When he spoke again it was in the undecipherable languages heard earlier. It was not spoken softly. He commanded several members of the group who came forward. Immediately Price and Curtis were jerked from the ground. Price immediately struggled and cursed out. “Horton! You old fool! You won’t get away with this! It’s over goddammit! Banner is probably already sending the cops on your dumb country ass!” he screamed. Horton only smiled. His eyes twinkling, he simply looked upon them both. “Your commissioner is being visited tonight as I speak” he said. The old man gestured behind him and continued “You probably didn’t notice the small group of caretakers who departed upon our arrival. Those ancient souls are on their way to visit your friend Mr. Banner. My caretakers will assist him in his decision and he will soon know the way”. Price jerked to free himself but couldn’t as their coercive hold tightened around his face and neck. His companion Curtis felt a death grip on his carotid artery and was at the point of choking. They must have known their fate as the sounds emanating from their mouths could only be described as a gut wrenching howl. Initially their screams pierced the night but many ashen hands assisted in keeping them quiet. Horton said nothing to Brody or Jeanie King while the men were removed. Mrs. Peabody’s mouth was aghast in terror but simply sat on her knees. After the men were removed, Horton walked up to Paul Brody and clasped his hands together. He looked into Brody’s eyes and said, “I suppose you want an explanation for what’s happening. Well I’m going to tell you a story. It’s a story that spans generations and when I finish…you’ll become part of the story Mr. Brody. You’re here for a reason.”
    Chapter 19
    A human’s life is merely a journey. While this sounds cliché it really is a choice of paths that leads each and everyone to their destination. The paths are, of course, a combination of smooth and bumpy surfaces that must be endured. Within the good and the bad times are moments. There are so many types of moments that are rare and other times mundane. Inspiration and desperation walk alongside all of us. If anyone ever tells you that humans are created equal then they are wrong. It simply all comes down to how wealthy or how much intelligence you possess. Our lives often depend on how lucky or foolish a person decided to be at a crucial point in their lives. How many people throughout all of time have existed and never contributed one iota of anything to themselves or others? A lot. We wouldn’t still be on this spinning blue marble right now if everyone contributed as much as they could. We would have advanced above and beyond. The point is that seminal moments occur and either leave us wondering or lead us to greatness. Paul Brody was having a seminal moment. If there was ever a moment in his life that equaled what was happening he certainly couldn’t recall it. All Brody could do was exhale.
    The night was quiet except for the crackling of the torches. Brody’s knees buckled and he slowly knelt down and looked up at the faces of his accusers. As he scanned their faces, he noticed a newly arriving figure coming in from the dark. The grey sentinels parted and Jeanie King stood firm looking at Samuel Horton. “Ah Mrs. King! Your presence now completes our ceremonial occasion. I don’t have to assume that your dreams brought you here. I know they did because I sent them to you.” Jeanie King did not feel unwelcome at this gathering. She wasn’t intimidated in the least by those in attendance. In fact she wasn’t fully aware of the surrounding guardians behind the old farmer but she was completely engrossed by Horton’s words. “Stand up Mr. Brody! You are not in harm’s way.” Horton gently put his hand under Brody’s right arm and steadied the rising archaeologist.”Mr. Brody you are merely a vessel here. I needed a method of transference and I needed someone who by this world’s standards was of a moral conduct.” Horton turned back towards Jeanie. “Mrs. King I know of your suffering. I would