Load

0

Crom watched the news bulletin at the bar in Jackson Heights with intent interest. He sipped his pint and smiled.

Our top story: Will New York City and the surrounding boroughs be caught in the middle of a new deadly interracial gang war?One week after the death of his son, alleged crime boss Vito Marella and his wife Valerie were killed in a horrific drive-by shooting attack on their home earlier this evening along with ten others. Fifteen more were hospitalized at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with only one being reported to be in stable condition while others are reported to be critical at this time. Police officials found a white handkerchief and a string of white, black and orange beads at the scene. According to N.Y.P.D. Gang Intelligence officials declined to comment but an official who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the items belonged to a gang based in Chinatown. The official even went so far as to say that it was the work of a possible Satanic cult. We have Michelle Lang with the latest.”

“A mixture of the occult and gang warfare ruled the day on this quiet neighborhood of Bayside, Queens Maureen where police sources say that hand grenades and AK-47’s were used in the worst drive-by shooting in New York history. The twist in this case was unusual items that were identified as Satanic paraphernalia were dropped at the scene. I spoke with Police Commissioner Miguel Olivera, who immediately responded to the scene upon hearing the 111th Precinct’s blotter.”

“Why are you so interested in what the zip-heads do to the wops anyway?” Squid, sitting next to him at the bar asked.

“Shut the fuck up.” Crom replied as he rubbed his bald head. “These motherfuckers have more balls than you’d ever know.”

“They’re zips, dude.”

“This racial shit is of the old Aeon. Don’t mean shit. Beyond means beyond race too dickwad. I’ve been talking to you about this for a month now.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Why are you so interested in this though?”

“Stay awhile and you’ll find out. If you’ve got what it takes.”

“What?!?” Squid almost spit out his beer. “You know that I’m the first one when there’s a fight, weapons or not.”

“What I’m talking to you about is the big time, my friend. Not this doing the dirty work for some elderly asshole whose still stuck on World War 2.”

“What? You talking about Geoff? He’s who we follow.” Squid said incredulously.

“Exactly. Follow. I’m tired of following. Hold on. I really have to get this.” Crom retrieved a cellphone from his jacket.

Squid looked at Crom as he spoke on the phone.

“Yeah, I saw it. It’s fuckin’ beautiful. I never doubted it for a second. To the new Aeon. Okay, I’ll be over in a bit. Later.”

“When the fuck did you get a cell phone, dude?” Squid asked as Crom hung up.

1

The elevated train roared by above as Toby smoked his cigarette on the corner of 82nd St. and Roosevelt Ave. Two Mexicans walked by warily as they observed Toby’s six foot plus frame, black flight jacket and burgundy Dr. Martens boots.

Toby ignored them and continued to smoke. He glanced across the street and smiled at Crom and Squid.

“Dude, it’s fuckin’ cold out here! I must’ve been here for twenty minutes.’ Toby playfully punched Crom.

“Stop being a fag. Gimme one of those.” Crom said.

Toby pulled a pack of Marlboro Reds and handed it to Crom. Crom smiled and took a cigarette. Then he tossed the pack to Squid.

“You fuckin’ ass holes need to get jobs. I’m tired of supporting your habits.” Toby said.

“I’m working on that, my good buddy. If things go right, I’ll drive up to your doorstep in a truck full of cigarettes.”

“You’re still not telling me where we’re going.” Squid said.

Toby and Crom looked at each other.

“Just keep your mouth shut. When this is over, you’ll know what the deal is.”

The three turned to the right on 86th St. Crom knocked on the side door of a laundromat three times, paused, then five, paused, and then twice.

A large Latino man in his twenties dressed in a jogging suit, baseball cap and beige construction boots opened the door. The three stepped in. Crom raised his hands as if to allow himself to be frisked.

The young Latino smiled at them.

“Go ahead, man. You’re good.” the young man said as he picked up what looked to be a two way radio.

Crom smiled and nodded at the man and motioned for Toby and Squid to follow him and they walked down a long, dark winding hallway.

“Dude, what are we doing at a putaria?” Squid asked.

“Didn’t he tell you to shut your mouth until we’re done?” Toby looked back at Squid angrily.

“Okay, okay.”

A pale yet attractive Latina woman in leggings and high heels heard their approach and opened the large heavy door at the end of the hallway. She smiled at Toby.

“Go ahead. We’ll wait for you.” Crom smiled.

The woman handed Toby a can of beer. She grabbed Toby’s hand and they walked through what looked to be a living room where customers and the girls dressed in short shorts or miniskirts and high heeled shoes sat around on beat up couches. Toby and the girl went into a room in anadjoining hallway in the rear of the living room.

Another lady, also attractive yet less provocatively in jeans and a sweatshirt motioned for Crom to follow her.

“Dude.” Crom looked at Squid. “Just have a seat. If Toby comes out before me, just have him sit next to you.”

2

Squid looked around the living room nervously. He watched as a pretty redhead in a tight black miniskirt made eye contact with a middle aged man sitting on the couch across from her. She winked and blew him kisses. The man then walked to a man seated at a desk and gave him money. The redhead grabbed the man’s hand and they walked towards a room that was next to where Toby and the other girl went into.

Crom walked into the living room three minutes later with two cans of beer, smiling.

“I thought that Toby was a three minute guy. It’s been a whole five minutes. I’m so proud of him. They grow up so fast.” he handed a can to Squid.

Squid began to drink and laughed. “He’s gonna kick both of our asses one day.”

“Yeah. I think so too. I’m gonna buy him a whole carton of cigarettes when he’s done.”

Just then, Toby stepped out of the back room. He turned and waved sheepishly at the girl, coming out behind him. She laughed.

Crom and Squid finished their beers and got up to leave. Toby followed.

3

As the three stepped outside and made a left back to Roosevelt Ave., Crom took the new cell phone out of his flight jacket pocket and dialed.

“Yeah. We’re good. Okay. Later.”

Crom hung up and put the phone back in his pocket.

A blue Honda Accord pulled up next to them. A young Asian man seated in the passenger seat dressed in a black sweatshirt nodded at Crom. The driver was an attractive tweny-something Latina wearing a leather jacket.

“Wait right here. Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”

Crom got into the backseat of the car and shook hands with the Asian man and kissed the driver on the cheek.

Squid looked confused but changed his mind about asking anymore questions as Toby shot him a glance that read, “Go ahead and ask something, motherfucker.”

Toby lit a cigarette and smiled. He handed the pack to Squid.

“Only one, you faggot.”

Squid smiled and took a cigarette.

4

Five minutes later, the blue Honda pulled up. Crom said goodbye and the car drove off. Crom smiled at Toby and Squid.

“We good?” Toby asked.

“More than good. Ten grand.”

“Holy shit! I think I’m gonna pass out.”

“Okay, now can I ask what the fuck is going on?”

Crom looked at Squid seriously.

“Know the Asians who shot up Dom Marella’s house? The shit I was watching at the bar?”

“Um, yeah?”

“They’re our new employers. We’re their collecting agents and our territory is Roosevelt Ave. from the 80th to 90th. The whole Jackson Heights strip, baby. Just us three. It’s usually an eighty/twenty split with the bosses and us but my new friend Johnny said that the bosses are going to give us one hundred percent as goodwill gesture on the house that we just hit.”

Squid’s eyes lit up. “Holy shit! How much was that?”\

“Ten grand.” Crom smiled.

“You’re gonna play nice and know that the New Aeon is here?” Toby asked Squid.

“Hell yeah.”

“Good.” Crom smiled. “Because we’re all Family now. Now the next step.”

“What’s that?” asked Squid.

“Telling Geoff that we quit. We’re making money now. We’re a conglomerate.”

Dragon [Arthur’s Tale]

The following is another perspective of King Arthur, presented here in the format of 120 Year of Fayen.

Chapter 0.
Morgaine spied upon Arthur in the castle courtyard engaged in weapons training with Lancelot and Galahad. Arthur looked up and smiled. Lancelot and Galahad bowed to both and excused themselves from their presence and walked swiftly to the barracks.

Arthur looked around and him and Morgaine ran behind the tall shrubs. She grabbed his member, exposed it and gently caressed it, making it erect. Arthur ran his fingers through her long, black hair and then grabbed the back of her head.

“You’re only involved with me to stop thinking of Gonnore and Lancelot.” she smiled, then got on her knees. She looked up longingly into Arthur’s eyes. Then she received Arthur’s member with her soft lips.

In his heart, he what Morgaine said was true. He felt the pain of Gonnore’s betrayal. Tales of Lancelot and Gonnore had spread throughout the castle and into the adjoining villages. Everyone had looked at Arthur with great pity and not reverance these days.

The woman of his dreams was drifting away before his very eyes. He felt her leave their bed in the middle of the night and a hand maiden take her place. Out of spite, he had planted his seed into Gonnore’s various hand maidens, pretending to be ignorant of Gonnore’s rendevous with Lancelot.

What of Lancelot that Gonnore found alluring? He was not what many call an intellectual. He was merely a glorified servant to Arthur. Yet many believed that Lancelot’s simplicity and “innocence.”

Morgaine felt Arthur going limp. She looked up and saw tears streaming down Arthur’s face. Through his tears, Arthur failed to see Morgaine suppressing her laughter.

“I’m sorry, my dear Morgaine. I am thinking many thoughts at present time.”

Morgaine stood up and touched Arthur’s face.

“I will be in my chambers if need be. Tonight.”

Arthur then looked after Morgaine as she walked away. Morgaine was Darkly beautiful and sensual. Yet, she was not the love of his life. The sun was setting in the distance, rendering a dark, yellow glow reminding Arthur of Gonnore’s hair. He clothed himself and then retreated to his quarters. Again, tears streamed down his face as he walked, staring at the sunset.

Chapter 1.

In the dining room, Arthur had entertained himself with the company of yet another of Gonnore’s hand maidens. Gonnore had claimed to have taken ill and could not be present for supper. Arthur was angry but obscured it in Gonnore’s presence.

As Arthur poured wine for the hand maiden, Tristan arrived in the dining room in full armor, bearing his helmet in his right hand.

“My Lord! Pardon the interruption!”

“Yes, Sir Tristan?”

“There’s an invading tribe en route to Long Mynd! They are approximately forty miles northwest.”

“Hmmm.” Arthur stood as the hand maiden took her hand from Arthur’s lap as she had heard the severity of the news. “They will be here at noon tomorrow. Alert the battalion. We wait.” he said calmly.

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Who is this tribe that is to be eradicated?”

“Just one of the chieftains from the North, my Lord.”

“Spread word that there will be no prisoners nor will there be conquering and assimilation into the settlements. They are overcrowded and the chieftains mistake my kindness for weakness. Tomorrow, it shall be offerings for the Goddess.”

Sir Tristan bowed and took his leave. He smiled as he left.

Arthur smiled at the buxom wench as he returned to the table.

“Show me why you are a hand maiden, lass.”

The hand maiden finished her wine and began to undress as she walked towards her King.

Chapter 2.

The King’s men had secured the castle’s perimeter during mid-morning. Arthur watched from a turrett with Sir Lancelot at his right and Sir Gawain on his left. He looked towards Lancelot and smiled. Lancelot returned Arthur’s smile.

Arthur once again felt Gonnore leave last night and a hand maiden taking her place to warm his bed in her place. Arthur slept soundly to prepare for this morning.

Arthur strained his eyes and spied lights from many torches in the distant forest. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Today, there was no prisoners to be taken and the Dark Goddess’ insatiable thirst for blood would be quenched.

Sir Tristan sounded the cornet to signal the approach. Sir Erec gave the command to fire the arrows.

“Hellfire, now!”

The sky was ablaze with fiery arrows swiftly approaching the forest towards the direction of the enemy torches. Soon, the forest was illuminated with flames. The sound of horses galloping towards Camelot.

As the horses appeared from the woodline, Tristan gave another command.

“Hellfire!”

The sky was again ablaze and once again Camelot’s best archers’ aims were true. Fiery arrows had struck much of the enemy, setting them ablaze.

“Lower the main gate!” Tristan commanded.

Just then, a large contingent of armored soldiers swiftly emerged from the castle and charged towards the enemy. At first contact, the enemy seemed overmatched.

Arthur turned to Lancelot.

“Let’s get down there.” he smiled.

“Yes, my Lord.” replied Lancelot.

Arthur, Lancelot, Gawain, Kay, Gereth and the brothers Balin and Balan ran down towards the bailey where their horses were.

They charged out of the gate and then the gate rose.

Arthur raised Excalibur in the air and beheaded the first enemy tribesman that he encountered. His knights were just as proficient if not more so and made the battle to appear simplistic.

A tribesman off of his horse looked up and watched Lancelot approach. The tribesman bent down to avoid Lancelot’s sword then quickly grabbed Lancelot’s right ankle, dragging himself in the process. Lancelot fell off the horse and rolled on the ground as the tribesman let the ankle go.

Arthur turned and watched through the fighting multitude of soldiers and tribesmen as Lancelot limped towards the tribesman and pierce through his chest with his sword. Arthur then turned his horse towards Lancelot.

Lancelot looked up and smiled at Arthur, raising both hands. Arthur smiled and then turned somber. He raised his sword and chopped off Lancelot’s outstretched forearms. Lancelot fell on both knees as blood sprayed from where his elbows began. Arthur doubled back and ran Lancelot over with his horse. Another tribesman walked towards Lancelot’s broken body and pierced his heart with his sword.

Gaheis spotted the tribesman and angrily approached the tribesman, raising his sword. He beheaded the tribesman in one motion and dismounted. He walked towards Lancelot.

“No! Lancelot!” Gaheis removed his helmet and bent over towards Lancelot, removing his helmet as well.

Kay, also dismounted and walked towards Gaheis and Lancelot. By then, the battle was over and a few scattered tribesman were retreating in two different directions.

Arthur remained on his horse and shouted towards the sky.

“No! My greatest friend! Why?!?” Arthur outstretched his arms for dramatic effect.

He then looked at the soldiers now gathering around him and he removed his helmet.

“Kill all remaining tribesman. Remove their hearts for the Dark One!”

Chapter 3.

Maerlyn the Wise, Arthur’s advisor stood next to him, facing the ellipse comprised of nine stones that enclosed Lancelot’s funeral pyre in the large clearing in the Southeast corner of the forest. Maerlyn’s apprentice and Arthur’s mistress, Morgaine stood behind Maerlyn and smiled. Everyone in attendance was donning the customary black robes.

Arthur looked with anger at Gonnore standing by his side and weeping inonsolably. He placed his arm around her as if to console her.

“I’m so sorry, my love.” Gonnore whispered. “I know that he was your greatest friend and the greatest of the Knights.”

“I don’t know how I will go on. I take solace in having you.” Arthur smirked, unbeknowest to Gonnore.

“I love you.” Gonnore said softly.

“As I you.” Arthur replied.

“May our memories linger to haunt the spaces and the Dark! So it has been, so it shall be again!” Arthur addressed those in attendance.

All present began to throw their empty wooden wine goblets into the fire and walked away. Sir Bors the Temple Guardian, Arthur and Maerlyn remained until the pyre was reduced to ashes. Bors would then spread the ashes along Marton Lake, along the Camlad River, the origin of Excalibur.

Arthur approached the pyre and spit on it. Bors said nothing for he knew of Lancelot’s trysts with Gonnore and empathized with Arthur.

“Traitor!” Arthur screamed at the pyre. “I didn’t execute you publically because Gonnore would hate me. In the very least, you perished as a hero.”

“Let us take our leave, my Lord.” said Maerlyn.

Arthur exposed himself and began to urinate on the pyre.