Part Four of The Necromancer of Bern
The sun shined through a stand of evergreens on the outskirts of Bern. It was welcome relief from the endless rain and snow of the previous days. Cloudless blue skies stretched overhead. Bird song could be heard from adjacent trees near Sir Reginald. The knight camped at the base of a towering pine tree. Its snow-encrusted branches sagged to the ground and formed a natural shelter from the wind.
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Part Three of The Necromancer of Bern
Deep lines gouged into the Saracen’s face tell Sir Reginald that his enemy has seen many battles. Further confirmation comes in the form of his foes scimitar strikes. It’s all Reginald can do to intercept the blows with his battered shield. A cold certainty fills the pit of his stomach as the battle wears on.
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Part Two of the Necromancer of Bern
Reginald was half dead when he limped into the city of Bern. The wounded knight had walked several miles in the brutal cold seeking shelter. Even for being so late at night, he was surprised to find the streets deserted. He could not explain why – but the very air was filled with deep and pervasive dread.
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Part One of The Necromancer of Bern
It wouldn’t stop raining. For the past six days a steady downpour fell on the covered wagon Sir Reginald rode in. But the heavy canvas top was already soaked through. Cold rainwater dripped onto him – waking him when he occasionally managed to doze off. As it did now.
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In 1170 AD, four knights seeking the favor of King Henry II burst into Canterbury Cathedral. The Archbishop, Thomas Becket, was an opponent of the Constitutions of Clarendon. Henry’s policies aimed at weakening the independence of the clergy and Rome’s authority. Thomas refused to sign the documents. In defying the king – he sealed his fate.
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By Jason Zapata
Ignorant of his troubled kingdom and
His subject’s woes
Someone needs to tell the emperor to
Put on some clothes
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By Jason Zapata
I resolved to acquire Mina and had Harker detained
The letters he wrote to her were gradually mailed
While my brides ensured his attempts to escape failed
Thus the illusion of Harker’s well being was maintained
As my passage aboard the Demeter was swiftly obtained
Those sailors never knew what that journey entailed
That it was upon a ghost ship in which they sailed
One by one their disappearances never explained
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By Jason Zapata
The trees shed their leaves
In bright blushes of color
When your hand – still warm with summer
Reaches out and claims my own
The recent tectonic activity that occurred on 8/24/11 has caused long dormant deposits of Solanum to be released. Solanum is the chemical agent responsible for the zombification process. These deposits were located near deep impact drilling sites throughout Pennsylvania. Already partially uncovered – the earthquakes along the Atlantic Seaboard released massive amounts of Solanum into our atmosphere.
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By Jason Zapata
From the refuge of a lonely rooftop
I watch paupers and princes fight
Their battles fill the streets below
There’s no reason to get involved
In the class warfare being waged
So with a half blind, mute charm
I walk self consciously amongst them
Embraced as the King of Fools
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