In The Mind of Thaddeus (Short Story) Read online

 

  Weekend with my Grandma

  The weekend was cool. My grandmother made all my favorite foods, and we baked brownies and cookies. My cousins came over for one night. I got to beat my cousin Merrick on the Xbox. He wasn’t too happy about it, but whatever.

  I worry about my cousin Keara. She is the only half elf I’ve heard of, and she is changing so much as she grows older. She is already over 5’5”. Female elves never get that tall. Her powers seem to be getting stronger as well. I wonder what the long-term effects will be because of her father. He was a warlock. It will be very interesting, that I’m sure of. I will try to help Keara deal with her differences as much as I can. I wish I could see her future but I have yet to have a vision of any real impact about her. She always seems so sad and it’s as if she feels like she doesn’t fit in.

  The rest of the weekend I spent hanging out with my grandmother. We went on a couple of long walks and I helped her with her garden. I also had to teach her how to read books on her computer. She is not very technology savy. She was quite amazed that she could download books on her computer. I tried to teach her how to use her phone, but that was just too much for her at one time. I think I’ll tell my mom to get her an e-reader for Christmas. I believe she reads more than my father.

 

  After Break

  The break was just what everyone needed. Spirits are high once again. The excitement is evident among the men. My father told them today that we are leaving shortly for the Great Battle. Everyone had assumed with all the training, but having it confirmed by the leader of the light makes the reality sink in. It’s funny how men get excited for battle, even though we all know death and destruction will be the outcome.

  Once in awhile, I have a vision of one of our men dying. It pains me not to tell them. However, I know if I offered a warning they would still go to the battle with a smile on their face. Dying in battle is the greatest achievement for a warrior. I have had no new insight on what is expected of me to save us. My father reminded me that I needed to trust in my gift and trust in the gods. The sign will come in time. I hope he is correct. He always gives me these reminders when I need them the most. I hate that I am doubted myself. The thought of a world without light elves leaves me with a deep sadness in my soul. I hope I am somehow able to come through in the end.

  We only have two weeks left before the Great Battle. We’ll be leaving soon to set up camp, which in theory should give us the advantage. At this point we can use any extra help we can get.

  Leave Tonight

  I’ve been too busy to keep up with this. We are leaving tonight to head to Ireland. I’m nervous. There is so much weight on my shoulders; sometimes it’s a wonder I can move at all. How am I going to save us from extinction? Why won’t the gods give me a new sign? I feel like I am going into this blind. I hope my gift of sight does not fail me when it’s needed the most. We will teleport to Ireland and arrive a week early to setup camp and scout the area. Hopefully, that will give us an upper hand.

  I did have a strange vision it showed creatures of the light show up to help us it did not show the outcome. There were all kinds of interesting creatures in my vision. Some I have never had the pleasure of meeting. There were centaurs, shape shifters, fairies, and too many others to mention. It’s very odd and I also keep seeing a tiger in my visions. There is nothing concrete just a tiger walking around. I have no idea what that means. It’s so frustrating when I can’t crack the codes of my visions.

  I feel like we are ready as an Army for the battle. I do not feel like I am ready as a seer. Please gods I beg you send me a sign before it’s too late. I must close this out now. I hope I will be able to come back to this journal once the battle is over. It feels strange knowing this may be the last words I ever write. I do not fear for my death. I do fear for our race. We must survive this battle. Wish me luck...

  About the Author

  Julia Crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan's Chronicles. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

  Find Julia online at https://juliacraneauthor.com/index.html

  Coexist

  Book 1 in Keegan’s Chronicles

  Sixteen-year-old Keegan is struggling to keep her huge secret from her friends-she's an elf, descended from a long line of elves that live in secrecy alongside humans.

  In elfin society, mates are predetermined but not allowed to meet until they are eighteen. Against tradition, Keegan's brother Thaddeus told her Rourk's name because his visions warned him she'd need Rourk's protection, especially since Keegan will play a key role in the coming war between the dark and light elves.

  Rourk finds himself drawn to Keegan's side every time she thinks his name. He wants to talk to her but remains in the shadows, silently guarding her every time she mentally beckons him. A twist of fate thrusts the two of them together when Rourk is forced to step up his protection and make his presence known.

  An ancient prophecy deeply entwines Keegan's family and the future of their society. Somehow they must find a way to thwart fate and win the battle...without losing Keegan. With war brewing, and dark forces aligning, will Keegan and Rourk ever have the life together that they both desire?

  Look for Book 2

  Conflicted

  Coming September 2011