Tales Of The Echo Forest, Legacy

By Buzz Smith

Legacy, is the most recent addition to my ongoing story of a novice priest and friend that goes forth and tries to right what is wrong in the world of sword and shield, bow and arrow. It is a testament to the way of life that is that of the honorable warrior and that of the love that finds it's place in between nature and human kind. Love does conquer all, we are where we belong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Buzz Smith
• Release date: Nov 28, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452324715

Buzz Smith

Writing Tales Of The Echo Forest has been an ongoing project. These short stories were born out of anger however.That is a story in itself.But as I wrote I found that my characters for the most part all wanted the same thing, peace. Peace, in the time of bow and arrow, sword and shield, would prove to be a tedious task at times and sometimes just impossible! The magic that is contained in my stories is a healing source of hope.When I first started writing "Tales" I did not think that children might also want to read of Igus, they, the thought of them, changed the way I wrote. No, these are not children's stories, but by writing in a kinder,gentler manner, I think that parents will be more than happy to allow their young ones to learn of the Children of Nature.Tales Of The Echo Forest at present have four tales, "Hold Me Not Through The Night", "Twins","Revenge", and "Legacy", in that order.I suppose this is not much of a "Bio". But I thought I can change this at any time, after some one asks me. For now I am happy that my material is out there, that someone might enjoy it. That is why I have wrote the music and stories that I have. If one person truely enjoys what they have heard or read, created by my hand, then what more can I ask.

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Prologue

Artemus was considered the wisest of the wise. His gray hair covered his slightly pointed ears. His kind old face was accented by light blue eyes under soft gray eyebrows. All the elders had been taught by him. He was truly ageless. He was the only being created by the four spirits.

Focura had paid a lot of attention to the humans over the past two years. Artemus however, was the only one who realized it. Though she needed no reason, nor explanation for that matter, it did seem odd. She seemed especially interested in Devon and his family. It was Focura who told Artemus to ensure that each of them knew of the crystals and how to use them. It was a subject that was constantly on Artemus’ mind, and did not go unnoticed.

All in good time Artemus, all in good time. Focura said as she materialized on the Isle of the Ages. The first thing Artemus focused on was her golden waist-length hair that seemed to flow although there was no wind. Her perfect, milk white face was soft and gentle. No goddess could be this beautiful. She looked at him through the lightest of blue eyes and smiled.

"I would not presume to ask your motives, but it does seem...strange. Artemus allowed. You have misgivings? Focura asked. I seem to remember a time that you were repulsed by the humans. You were upset by the way they treated each other and of their misuse of the gifts that nature provided. Artemus chided. Your memory is long. Ten millennium ago, when the Creator decided to put these creatures upon this world, I fully cooperated. But as time wore on, their pettiness and penchant for war grew tiresome. Yes I remember well. The Creator was not happy with your constant questioning. Artemus mused. Focura had a sense of humor and laughed, Yes, I believe I was called annoying." Focura laughed some more and thought back to a time before time.

The earth was full of turmoil. The spirits of nature were jealous of each other. They never worked together, therefore nothing was ever accomplished. Focura was saddened and decided to end the constant bickering. She commanded the four spirits to lend a piece of themselves and created Artemus. The four spirits looked at her creation, and decided that harmony was indeed the best way. Together they worked with Artemus and taught him how to control each of the elements of life. After five hundred years, a mere blink of an eye to an immortal, Artemus had mastered his lessons.

The spirits also found that by working together they could change the very face of the world. Mighty rivers began to flow that carried water to all corners of creation. The good earth became fertile and soon it was covered with seeds carried on the wind. The fire spirit then lent its heat to warm and nurture the seeds. Soon the world was green and wondrous. It was then that humankind was born upon the world.

The spirits of nature watched with interest and began to play tricks on the humans. Focura watched as wind would blow down feebly built dwellings. Water would drench unsuspecting victims. Fire would deny its warmth giving power. Earth would at times become infertile and cause famine. The spirits again began to argue.

The Creator watched until it became evident that Focura had again lost control of her charges and stripped the spirits of their memories and powers. During the following two hundred years, the spirits of nature were to inhabit the world of mortal beings, to dwell among them as humans, to learn...humility.

The four spirits learned of more than just humility, they learned of a human trait called...love. The children born of the spirits were sent to Artemus on the Isle of the Ages. There they were taught the lessons of nature and became the first Children of Nature.

Each child would learn the lessons of four elements of nature but would master only one. The child was then sent to an area where their special talents could be of use, a protectorate. where they could try to help the humans maintain a balance of nature.

As time passed however, it became evident that the union of a human and a child of nature could cause problems. The human parent was not always willing to allow their child to go to the Isle of the Ages. When that occurred, the problem would become two-fold. The child remained youthful long past sixty or seventy years of age. They became outcasts having to move from village to village, region to region. In some parts of the world they became wanted, searched out and killed as witches. It became frowned upon for a child of nature and a human to unite. Focura went to the Creator and complained.

I have watched the humans and wondered why you allow such atrocities. Focura said. You have seen what you have wanted. There is much good in them. Occasionally, there is one that seems to have a talent to rally them around an unjust cause, but I guarantee that good will prevail. Focura listened to the Creator’s words, but would not agree, You have the knowledge of all that will happen. You have told me not to give in, to not try to change what is happening. But still their silliness prevails. I have watched your future unfold, and if that is what you see as a guarantee, perhaps... Focura suddenly found her vocal cords frozen! The Creator of all life would be questioned no longer.

Yes, silence, that is better. It would do you well to listen for a change Focura. I can see that you do not fully understand what it is to...struggle. I now decree that you are to live as a human. Focura shook her head defiantly, but to no avail. With the wave of a hand, the Creator stripped Focura of her memory! "Perhaps when next we speak, you will better understand what makes life such a precious gift and perhaps you will voices other than