Francesco looked upon the twelve wrinkled pygmies [elephants], seeing something that the others could not see - twelve dark characters were astride them - unholy demons, black and with spindle limbs and thin bodies, long fingers, ears and jaws - nakedly exposing themselves - their characters aggressive and lewd.
It was clear to him that they had dominance over the creatures and were the cause of their natures turning so murderously violent. It was not unusual for any animal to be partnered with a maleficent entity or nature spirit, usually benign - however these beings were astoundingly conscious of their evil and promoting idiocy with their wants and way.
He had not experienced an actual encounter with this variety before - in passing Francis had kept his distance, when one or two were to be found in mischief attracted to taverns, fights and the like.
Although he was not frightened, their ungodliness terrored him throughout. His party looked on wondering why Francis was taking so long, seemingly just standing there.
He pondered: If I loose them from the elephants, the elephants will surely die. Yet if I leave them be, the elephants will continue on as before.
- Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
“I want you to teach them to dance”, he said most optimistically.
“Teach who?" asked Francis, who was still windswept by an inexplicable intuition.
“Are you bewildered my boy? I heard that you had talents with the animals and that is precisely why I enlisted you, entrusted you as I have done.”
“This I cannot do Sir - regardless of your generosity. I had been told you were wanting some peace to your train. Yay to this, but nay to dance.”
The proprietor had something of the gypsy about him. He had also a great faith in the powers of Francis and had all the while suspected the Faerie element to be within his nature.
-Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
“I like to show animals of the smallest proportion” - explained Happleganger proudly.
He pointed to a box that was hooded with fabric, and with a theatrical flourish, lifted the tiny curtain flap to expose a cage with rabbits the size of mice within. Fully furred, the tiny creatures blinked as the light woke them. Tobias leaned forward with delight. Francis felt a shiver … it was as though another convergence had occurred - a dejavu in reserve just swept over his soul. Happleganger replaced the curtain and eyed them suspiciously.
- Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
“These are a miniature breed,” hissed a voice from behind.
It was the owner of the show - entrepreneur and master of the improv - Henri Happleganger.
“A speciality from the East” he continued, softening his voice from the strained sarcasm he had greeted them with formerly.
The Brothers bowed cordially. They were used to meeting with stressed men of commerce with their impolite sufferances. There were scales, often observed - with the calmness of faith at one, and the rages of commerce at the other - and a man’s demeanour would speak well of which ruled his want, and world.
-Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
Coming down the mountain the Brothers could see the chequered tents in the distance with their crimson flags flapping. The sounds of a dozen elephants could be heard - screeching and bellowing like hellhounds in pain.
Their natures were misshapen - challenged by the welts they wore from countless beatings. They each bore golden adornments, with jewels that glittered and sparked in the sun.
Murmur, Tobias and Francis had none seen the size of an elephant, yet and were not impressed by the stout hair balls before them.
“They barely exceed a pony!” Tobias laughed - “Oh look at the little charmers!”
-Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
“The elephants are in the town and need a new trainer.”
“What happened to the trainer that brought them here?”
“He died.”
“Oh Heavens be - what a sorrow for the animals. What malady took the fellow?”
“The mother elephant felled him, and then trod on his head.”
Francis thought more of this.
“I am no man of the circus nor qualified for this. I do not fear the larger of earth’s creatures, yet I do not seek out their company, or temperament, such as you describe.”
“But”, interjected Tobias, “they pay good gold for this service - and, ever since you refunded the coffers of Mother Church we have gone without.”
Francis looked sheepish. He knew of the hardship caused by his actions - and was yet conflicted about the righteousness involved.
“Very well” he sighed. “I must, if needs must.” He muttered - “Have Murmur accompany us … I may require his revival. When are we expected?”
- Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
“We are just waiting on the Powerpoint for the conclusion … my associate is due to bring it in any any moment. Ah, here he is” - the doors swung open and a very tall character hurried to the front.
“Dr Fabaceae - thank you for joining us this morning!” Puck exclaimed rather flamboyantly.
Dr Fabaceae nodded at the group and set about fumbling with the laptop to the side of the podium. A minute later the first frame was up on the huge illumined screen before them, with just words, white on black, that read:
MAN, YE ARE GODS!
- Gabriel Brunsdon, AZLANDER: NEVER ENDINGS: Second Chances
