The Cobra's Gift (part 18)
The desert fox chatters in the encroaching darkness
Artul stoops low peers at sacred text
releases a frustration groan
runes and patterns complicated etches
oh how easy it once was
casting spells with simple thought
a novice's spell to summon fiery whisps
reduced to a babe
Artul struggles with basic forms
traces patterns in the sand forlorn
with a finger transcribes the sketches
much failures drawn yet each time improvements worn
he refuses to retire
Kiara places wood for a campfire
tent flaps in the cold wind
brass poles elastic bend
sand burns the eyes
Artul calls out the tiresome spell
takes a sip from the source
spittle on his lip
feels its essence burn from finger tips
yet no flame springs forth
he recalls again and with curse born
Kiara chuckles at vain attempts
pats his shoulder coaxing mends
empathizing frustration leaps
Oh the great reduction
once thought lead to mystical fruit
they chant the incantation
fused as one together
powers combing ether
strong voices cast echoing over the dunes
the wind silences its howl
the fox dashes from behind the shadow
a flame spurts onto dried tinder
licks each splinter
they holler and dance at each success
jubilation ecstasy and wonder!
whisper a prayer for old gods
eternal sources bless beyond odds
Artul closes his eyes
retaining the symbols mental images bind
yet his recollections fade in time
sighs in dismay for clarity wants
they sit and enjoy the licking fire's warmth
snuggling nestled in lovers arms
the roasted meats perfumed fragrance greets
welcome sustenance to the breast
fulfilled they take to bed at last
and just as Kiara drifts toward slumber
Artul hears a sound no lumber
a soft rustling in the sand
perforation outlines the tent skins
wakes Kiara hairs stand tense
then beneath the flap an intruder passes
raises its hood seeking vengeance
eyes of ruby
cold as the forgotten desert wind
its mouth agape fangs dripping vile poison
Kiara stares a deep glare into the creature's eye
sings a soft melody
"We three this night greet
eternal serpent heartless foe
be calm and still frightful will
we bring no harm to you great one
pure as the moon no foul sun
nor shall we turn our back's disgraced
attempt to flee and outpace
seething soul whose poison maims
slither away and leave now tame
from within our tent in exile go
leave us this night in peaceful flow"
the viper's head bobs to the side
its chin lowers
Artul draws a circle in the sand
whispers her ancient chant in unison
to ward off pests and vermin
a lesser version
wield its power sufficient grants
the serpent turns entranced
and winds backwards outside the tent
away to find some stronger scent
Kiara looks upon Artul
focusing to memory this spell
capture it's pattern a mindful image
hold it there in concentration
raises his palm and opens
a drop of glowing verdant poison falls
into a vial now Kiara holds
this drop whence-forth shall be of use
to ward of poisonous death
a defensive magic protection against darkness
and from curses loose
they breathe a sigh of great relief
hearts rhythm normal repeats
and sweet dream's cloak now entreats.