Adventures of Piers Surcastle and the Blue Scythe: One World—Two Realities

By Edward E. Winders

The stories in this book involve the experiences of Piers Surcastle and how, in his dreams, he met a superhero called the Blue Scythe. Their special friendship lasted for four years in the early 1950s, beginning when Piers was eight. The many conversations they shared brought laughter, playfulness and boundless creativity to Piers’ life. When he was with his mythical superhero, Piers’ imagination would soar. His larger-than-life companion didn’t exist just for the day, or for yesterday, or even for tomorrow. His world had no limits. The Blue Scythe’s reality was beyond what humans could see or understand, blurring the lines between the real and the imagined.

Their growing friendship couldn’t have been any better for a boy who longed for such companionship. The bond they created opened a whole new world to Piers. Sometimes it was as the Blue Scythe’s “personal representative” on earth. Other times, he simply followed his superhero’s steady and wise advice. Their story presents situations that are part of a child’s everyday world---going to school, spending time with friends, helping neighbors, dealing with bullies, and adjusting to loss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Jun 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781480866225

Edward E. Winders

When he was a boy, Ed Winders loved reading comic books about superheroes, especially Superman. The stories in this book show how, in meeting the Blue Scythe in a dream, the world of his imagination became as meaningful as the “real life” he experienced every day. Throughout his adult life, Ed shared the Blue Scythe stories with his children, other family members, and with friends. Now, he has put the stories in writing, so others can enjoy them as well.

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Copyright © 2018, 2019 Edward E. Winders.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.archwaypublishing.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Interior Illustrations Credit: Edwin Kuykendall

Original Blue Scythe Image Credit: Jay Tausig

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6623-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6621-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-6622-5 (e)

Archway Publishing rev. date: 6/4/2019

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Barbara Moller: Editor extraordinaire. This book would not have been completed without her encouragement and invaluable, time-intensive contribution.

Luci Record: In-depth overview of the book with an eye toward making it an enjoyable and understandable experience for young readers.

Jen and Eric Winders: My daughter and son have heard the Blue Scythe stories since they were youngsters; and, therefore, their many insightful observations helped the characters and scenes really come to life.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: THE BEGINNING

STORY 1: PIERS MEETS THE BLUE SCYTHE

STORY 2: THE NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS MEET THE BLUE SCYTHE

STORY 3: THE CONLON BROTHERS LAST STAND

STORY 4: THE DISAPPEARING MR. HONEYMAN

STORY 5: JERRY, THE TALKING DUMMY

STORY 6: THE MIRACLE MELTER

STORY 7: MY BOOMERANG WILL COME BACK

STORY 8: TALK TO ME, COOKIE

STORY 9: THE BLUE SCYTHE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU, PIERS

INTRODUCTION

THE BEGINNING

E verybody dreams. Happy dreams, sad dreams, confusing dreams, scary dreams. Sometimes we remember them, sometimes we don’t. Other times, we may wish to, but don’t. We may not fully understand why we dream or what our dreams mean, but they often have an effect on our everyday life.

The short stories that follow involve the dreams of young Piers Surcastle and how in his dreams he met a superhero called the Blue Scythe, pronounced Sigh for reasons unknown to us mortals. Their special friendship lasted for four exciting years in the early 1950s, beginning when Piers was eight. The many conversations they shared brought laughter, playfulness and boundless creativity in happy times. When Piers was sad or uncertain about things that were happening to or around him, the Blue Scythe would offer healing words and comforting advice. When he was with his mythical superhero, whom he always called Scythe, Piers’ imagination would soar. His new larger-than-life companion didn’t exist just for the day, or for yesterday, or even for tomorrow. His world had no limits. The Blue Scythe’s reality was beyond what humans could see or understand, blurring the lines between the real and the imagined.

Their growing friendship could not be any better for a boy who longed for such a heroic companion. After all, his father, Hugo, spent most of the time either at work, with friends, or at home watching television. Piers felt the hurt of not having a dad who enjoyed being with him—someone easy to admire and trust.

His mom, Rose, tried to pick up the slack. She created a warm inviting environment for Piers and Sara, who was a year older, and for their friends. She was clearly the rock, the person the two kids always turned to for help and reassurance.

So, when the two realities of the Blue Scythe and Piers touched, the bond they created opened a whole new world to Piers. Sometimes it was as the Scythe’s personal representative on earth. Other times, he simply followed his superhero’s steady and straight-on advice.

The Blue Scythe stories tell about the heartfelt journey of a memorable heroic character and his young admirer, who yearns to find what is good and meaningful in life.

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STORY 1…

PIERS MEETS THE BLUE SCYTHE

P iers sat curled up on his favorite living room chair finishing a Superman comic book. Once again, the man of steel outwitted and out fought an evildoer and saved Metropolis from certain destruction. Comfortably propped up against a pillow, Piers’ mind wandered from the superhero to his dad. He sought to recapture the warm feelings he would get when meeting his dad at the bus stop at the end of the workday. After stepping off the bus and briskly walking across the county road, his dad would hoist him on his shoulders. The two of them would jog down Daisy Lane, a happy rider on a steadfast, zigzagging steed. This enjoyable time took place like clockwork until Piers was almost eight, and his father seldom got off the bus at his regular time. His father’s lateness would stretch beyond suppertime, over and over again.

A few weeks later, on Father’s Day, Piers’ dad had taken the bus late that morning to go bowling with some friends from work. He promised his son he would be home by dinner to celebrate this special day. Piers decided to meet his dad at the bus stop to surprise him with the gift he had made even though he knew his dad might not show up on time. I can’t wait to tell him about the gift I made for Father’s Day, Piers whispered to himself. Daddy’s really going to love it. He sat leaning against a tree, patiently watching buses approach the stop. His hopes rose as each bus stopped and opened its doors, and just as quickly fell when his father didn’t get off. I’m sure he’ll be on the next one, Piers reasoned. He’s been late before but knows this is a big day and will be home soon. He continued to wait, trying to be hopeful.

Meanwhile, his mom was busy making dinner. Looking up at the clock, she wondered aloud why Piers had not yet returned from the bus stop. Oh no, Hugo