Strange Fantasies

The Unexpected Mythic Quest

The Centaur left her forest at full-gallop, rounding the peninsula beach and surging into the sea on her way to the Meeting Place.

The Dragon rose slowly from her forest, her serpentine body flattening to gain altitude, in no hurry to appear at the Meeting Place.

For most ordinary folk, the day was not special---fluffy clouds, warmth, and a regular routine.

For the Centaur and the Dragon, the day was Epochal---never had a day like this dawned.

The Centaur's name was Nautal, the Dragon's Yanell.

Nautal was Wise and Irreverent, Yanell Wise and Benevolent.

Nautal could be, on occasion, Benevolent and Yanell could, on occasion, be Irreverent but it took Special Occasions.

Their enforced Meeting on the Island was a Special Occasion.

What could enforce two Forces of Nature to conduct a Meeting neither particularly wanted to attend?

Why, Nature Herself...

Nautal emerged from the sea and trotted up the beach to the palm grove. She rested but soon found herself circling the grove.

"Where is that Dragon?"

Yanell was four miles from the Island and gliding---slowly lowering her altitude.

Nautal could smell Yanell but not yet see her.

Yanell had no trouble seeing Nautal, perked like a filly.

Nautal caught site of Yanell and moved to the center of the grove, assuming her most erect sitting posture.

Yanell arrived at the Island and hovered at the edge of the beach.

A not short amount of time passed...

Finally, Nautal said:

"We neither want to be here."

"We neither have a choice."

"So Old Mother needs help again..."

"Mother could do without us but, as you know, lets us help Her control the humans."

"Why did they rise from her bowels? They think they have minds but persistently act otherwise..."

"They do think, mostly in circles."

Another span of time passed with only the sea breeze speaking...

Finally, Yanell said:

"I will bring forth Thunder without Rain..."

"That can't be until Uranus rises with the Sun."

"What do you offer?"

"We appear to the humans at the Winter Solstice---you let their Hero wound you---you fly above the humans, letting your blood flow on each..."

"Then, you kill the Hero with your spear?"

"Yes, and we let the humans who fall ill from your blood die..."

"Why not use the healing power of your spear to save those humans?"

"We would have to wait until the Venus-Jupiter conjunction..."

"I say we wait."

"Can I still kill their Hero?"

"Yes, if I can bring his life back with my blood."

A long period of time rolled out---Yanell continued to hover, Nautal oscillating between sitting and circling the grove...

Their Task was to humble the humans---give them much to think about---raise their awareness of the intricacies of Fate.