Sunday Snippet: Elemental Healing (a Lantern Jack tale)

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. For everyone else, I hope your weekend is rocking with good vibes!

We got some terrific news this week. My youngest, who will graduate from university in May, got accepted into grad school! She's so excited and will have a Master of Arts Administration when she finishes.

Had a fairly busy week with work projects. Discovered one ended up with a corrupted file and had to fix some weird, random code that inserted itself into the file. What a pain!

Decent week of viewing television. I'll admit some was mainly background noise while I worked on editing. But not bad overall.

Ended up getting two episodes of The Batman in this week. Enjoyed both and should be on track to catch another one this week.

Also caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Weirdly, I remember two but from different episodes. They always did two per show and I distinctly remember one from each of the episodes I watched. Weird.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and, once again, enjoyed it. Dueling bakers isn't something I would normally think of as a premise for murder.

Enjoyed another episode of Midsomer Murders. I have one left for this season and then it's time to wait for more again. Good thing there are plenty of other mysteries to keep me occupied.

Started the new season of Silent Witness. Another new face or two for this season and I'm okay with that. I have a feeling things are going to get very interesting this season.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. We're getting closer to Humphrey's exit and Jack's entrance. I'll be able to start Beyond Paradise in the near future.

Watched another episode of Elementary. The new vibe between Holmes and Watson is fun. I'm enjoying a slightly softer version of Sherlock.

Started an episode of Peak Practice. I skipped one because I really didn't care one bit about the whole saga of Andrew and Kate. But it's interesting that Will is back. Should be a wild ride.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Elemental Healing, a Lantern Jack tale.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Erica Ellis is a fire demon whose powers are going out of control. She needs intervention and an ancient ritual could save her from harming others. Perth Pettigrew is a mystic knight and knows the old rites. Too bad he's no longer using his gift. It's up to Lantern Jack to bring the two together for some elemental healing.

And a preview snippet…

Erica woke up, thankfully still numb. A full bottle of liquor knocked her back a few hours. She might have to grab more to be safe.

She blinked away the sleep them jolted upright. "What the hell?" An ugly carved pumpkin took up space on the nightstand.

It greeted her. "Hello, I go by Jack."

She rubbed her eyes. "Huh, you're new." She glanced around. "Did Blenden bring you?" Who else could've entered her studio apartment while she slept.

Her low-simmering anger faded. He'd never brought her anything before. If a weird gourd could count as a gift.

Jack tsked. "Blenden didn't bring me. But I am here to help you."

She laughed. "Oh, sure. A creepy jack-o-lantern is going to help me. Right." How, exactly, did the plant think it could assist her?

Jack responded. "You can doubt all you want, but I'm your only hope."

Seriously? Maybe she wouldn't plan on drinking whiskey anymore. Clearly, the potent alcohol had her hallucinating. And gave her a raging headache.

Erica groaned. "I'm talking to a damned pumpkin." She got up on wobbly legs and started for the small bathroom. "What do you know about me anyway?"

Jack filled her in. "I know you're out of control and losing your grip on your ability more with each passing day. How bad do you think it'll be on All Hallows?"

Erica paused then sat down. Hard.

She raked a hand through her hair. "Shit. I didn't even think about that." And she should have.

Jack pushed her. "You need to."

Erica sighed. "If Blenden hadn't bailed, this wouldn't be a problem." Why did her mentor leave her high and dry, especially so close to All Hallows?

Jack made a noncommittal reply. "Maybe he didn't bail. Maybe he did. Either way, you have to step up and decide what to do."

Erica huffed out a breath. "Right because that's so easy to do." She inhaled slowly, trying to find her center. "Fine. Got any suggestions?"

Jack chuckled. "You won't like it."

At this point, Erica didn't care. "I don't enjoy drinking myself to an early death either." And she really hated the idea of being anywhere near as drunk as she'd need to be on All Hallows in order to not hurt anyone.

Jack replied. "There's a place—a rock quarry—about an hour's drive from here. If you go out of control, there's not much you can burn down out there."

Erika considered the idea. Safer to be away from people until—hell, better make that if—she got her ability under control. But she could use help. She didn't want to live at a quarry for the rest of her days.

She eyed the pumpkin. "What about Blenden? If he comes back, he won't know where to find me." She didn't want to believe the grizzled, old demon abandoned her.

Jack made a sound of frustration. "Maybe someone else will show you the way. You can't count on an old fire demon."

Right. As if someone else is going to leap to my aid. Erica had a brief thought about the handsome mystic knight. Too bad he needed an attitude adjustment.

Which led her back to Matchick. "Blenden's the only one who gave a shit. No one else gives a damn about helping me transition."

Jack sighed. "I'm not saying he didn't care. I'm saying he's old and maybe unable to help anymore."

Is that why he hasn't been around lately?

Erica growled on an angry breath. "Fine. But if I have to camp out, I'm not going." She couldn't do tents for obvious reasons.

Jack's face twisted. "There's a small building the foreman used to stay in. It's cinder block so you can't damage it too much."

Erica snorted. "Gee, thanks for the confidence." And why did she feel insulted by a pumpkin?

Jack smirked. "Do you want directions or not?"

Erica got up and started gathering stuff to pack. "Not like I have any other options."

I have so much fun writing the Lantern Jack tales. This one is a little tricky but I'm enjoying it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Elemental Healing (a Lantern Jack tale)

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. We're having a low-key day without a lot of fanfare. That's exactly the way I like to celebrate holidays and my middle kiddo had his gallbladder removed earlier this week so being kind of quiet is a good thing.

Had a decent week of television viewing. My work schedule is still sporadic and I've been able to catch up on a few more writing projects. I'm also taking some time to organize my works in progress and then I hope to plan out a tentative schedule to finish up the ones that are close to being done.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and, so far, it's pretty good. I'm a little confused about the new character being in uniform but hopefully that will resolve itself by the end of the episode.

Watched the first episode of No Offence's second season. Really nice setup for the overarching storyline. I really love Viv and Dinah's dynamic. This show is so excellent.

Caught the opening episodes of the tenth season of Silent Witness. Really liked the first two-parter. I've started the third episode and I think it's going to be a twisty one.

Watched the final arc of Doctor Who's fourteenth season. Pretty solid storyline and I'm starting to like the dynamic between Four and Leela. I like her.

I ended up with a free six-month trial of Discovery+ so I started a show called UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I love diving into theories of visitors from outer space.

Watched two more episodes of The Muppet Show. Both were very funny. I've discovered I really enjoy the ballroom dance segments. Considering I'm not a huge comedy fan, this is high praise.

And that's pretty much it for this week's update. Tonight's post is from Elemental Healing, a Lantern Jack sexy short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Erica Ellis is a fire demon whose powers are going out of control. She needs intervention and an ancient ritual could save her from harming others. Perth Pettigrew is a mystic knight and knows the old rites. Too bad he's no longer using his gift. It's up to Lantern Jack to bring the two together for some elemental healing.

And a preview snippet…

Perth finally slowed down several blocks away from the beautiful fire demon. "Nice I can still sense the type." He'd learned early on how to tell one kind of fae from another.

He'd thought the ability had gone into a deep slumber. Five years. Half a decade since he'd used his training in the mystical healing arts.

"Not since Alisa died."

Died, right. Killed helping a demon in the underground movement.

"We were brash and arrogant, thinking we could help demons on the down low." He climbed the stairs to his home. "Not worth it."

Letting himself into the loft he used to share with Alisa, he tossed his keys on the counter. The room spun a little, his adrenaline waning.

"Figures. That's what I get for using my power after being dormant for five years." And it would be the last time.

If he didn't perform the rejuvenation ritual on All Hallows, he'd lose the ability to do more than spiritual healing; not that he'd done much lately.

"How can I, when my spirit is broken?" The image of the red-hot fire demon flickered in his brain.

Nope. He wouldn't get involved. He'd made his decision. No more pushing the envelope. Time to get out. Her inner conflict all but oozed out of her. She lacked skill and her power frightened her.

"Damn, she looked terrified." His lips quirked. "And pissed." He sobered.

An angry fire demon with no control didn't bode well. He discounted his concern. "She has the whiskey." No doubt she used the alcohol to curb her impulses.

Perth had seen the tactic work before.

"Too bad it won't help her for long." The power flowing through her rivaled anything he'd previously worked with. "She's dangerous." But beautiful.

Like Alisa had been. He picked up a photo of her smiling and happy. "Time to put these away." He found a box and packed the images of his former life inside.

He didn't need them anymore. He no longer had that life. He'd soon start on a different path.

Placing the last picture in the container, he traced his fingers over the glass. "Time to say good-bye, long past time." The only thing left would be to let his mystic powers wane.

I like writing Perth and his conflict and reluctance to get involved with a fire demon. The Lantern Jack stories are so much fun to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Elemental Healing - A Lantern Jack Tale

Well, we had a semi-nice weekend. Today is rainy and chilly but Friday and most of Saturday was sunny and beautiful.

I got a lot of television watched this week. Dipped into CW Seed's Vixen and thoroughly enjoyed the first "season". I'm almost finished with Blindspot's first season and I'm looking forward to starting season two. Watched another episode of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD this week. Not sure how much I like seeing Hank defanged on Chicago PD but I'm in for the ride either way.

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an awesome season finale. I'm thrilled with where the characters ended up and having Constatine and Gary drop their little gift on the team made me laugh.

The Flash had a decent episode. I'm actually ready for the season to be over and Devoe to be defeated. Still need to catch up on Black Lightning. I'm hoping to find time this week to watch the episodes I've missed.

I did catch an episode of Riverdale and, yeah, talk about uncomfortable. No one is having an easy time of it right now. Definitely concerned about Cheryl. Her mother is a piece of work. Fred running for mayor… that's gonna be interesting. Just saying.

I got another episode of Gotham out of the way and things did not go where I thought they would. Sofia is a piece of work. I did love the overall theme of getting people back together. "Reunion" is a perfect title for the episode.

Arrow truly continues to amaze me. I'm saddened Oliver seems to be breaking ties with everyone so he can focus on the mission, but I'm also pretty interested in how the rest of the season plays out. I'll go out on a limb and say the councilman is on Diaz's payroll, too.

I'm almost finished with season two of Jessica Jones and I'm truly thrilled we'll have a season three. That said, I hope it's a little more cohesive. It's nice to have Jessica's backstory but I'd like to see her truly throw down with a villain. Just saying.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Elemental Healing, a Lantern Jack Tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Erica Ellis is a fire demon whose powers are going out of control. She needs intervention and an ancient ritual could save her from harming others. Perth Pettigrew is a shaman knight and knows the old rites. Too bad he's no longer using his gift. It's up to Lantern Jack to bring the two together for some elemental healing.

And a preview snippet…

Erica Ellis needed to find her mentor, Blenden Matchick.

When she couldn't find him in any of the haunts the fire demon liked to hit, she freaked out. A wave of energy buzzed under her skin and Erica couldn't get it under control.

She took a deep breath. "Please don't let me black out again." The surge receded, but just a bit.

Cutting through an alley, she ducked through the back entrance to Lucky's bar. A wave of dizziness hit her and she hugged the wall. Fear simmered in her mind.

"I won't black out. I won't." The cinderblock surface heated under her hands and she jerked away from the blocks. "Dammit, I've gotta find Blenden." The small release of her power cleared her vision enough for her to walk up to the scarred bar.

"What can I get ya, babe?" The bartender had beefy forearms and a big belly.

Erica shoved her hands in her pockets and ordered. "Whiskey. Strongest you've got." The alcohol would help numb her mind and dull her powers.

The bartender eyed her up and down. "You sure about that? There ain't much to ya."

She curled her fingers into her palms. "I'm sure." Dragging a ten out of her pocket, she slapped it on the bar.

I can't get angry. Gotta stay calm.

The bartender snorted. "Yeah, okay." Turning, he grabbed a bottle off the shelf and poured a shot, then slid it in front of her.

Erica picked the glass up and slugged the contents back. "Again. How many will the ten buy me?" The liquid burn landed in her stomach and she welcomed the almost giddy rush that followed.

The guy behind the counter held up four fingers.

Erica nodded. "Keep 'em coming." Sliding up onto a stool, she waited for her next round.

The bartender shook his head. "Okay. Hope you're not driving." He poured.

Erica grunted in response. None of his business if she planned to drive or not, but she gave him props for giving the illusion of concern.

The guy next to Erica shot her a sideways glance, but she stared ahead. Picking up the glass, she drained the second drink. She didn't want the man to start a conversation. Not enough alcohol yet… she couldn't guarantee what she'd do.

The whiskey settled in her gut, coursing through her system and the tempest in her mind receded again. The bartender poured her third drink.

She ran her finger around the rim of the glass. "Has Blenden Matchick been in here tonight?" Her heart beat a staccato rhythm of hope.

The bartender's eyebrows rose. "Why's a sweet thing like you looking for that old goat?" He crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a speculative glance.

Erica willed her frustration down. "Has. He. Been. Here. Tonight?" Her voice growled the words.

The man held up his hands. "No. Been two weeks since old Matchstick has been in."

Matchstick. Blenden's dual-meaning nickname. A play on his last name and his ability as a fire demon.

Erica frowned, the hope dying in her chest. "Thanks."

Two weeks. Damn. The night her powers had gone batshit and nearly burned the old warehouse they used for training down.

The last time anyone had seen her mentor.

She drank the rest of the booze in silence, trying to think of any other place she could look for Blenden. Nothing came to her and the whiskey finally did the trick of dulling her senses. She should be able to make it back to her small apartment without incident.

She hoped.

Signaling the bartender, she nodded toward the remaining whiskey. "Can I get the rest of that bottle? To take home." Digging a twenty out of her pocket, she placed it on the counter, thankfully without singe marks.

The guy handed the liquor over after capping the bottle. He swiped the money and tucked it into his cash drawer. Erica slid off the stool, only slightly unsteady, and started for the front of the bar.

A hand landed on her shoulder. "Hold up." A slight squeeze stopped her progress.

She angled her head around, ready to blast the other patron with a verbal bitchslap. The tattoo on his hand distracted her. Sun, moon, and stars were depicted on a coat of arms inked in the fleshy space between his thumb and forefinger. She'd something like it before… but where?

Her gaze met his. Dark brown with flecks of amber held steady, conveying no sinister intent.

The man nodded toward the bartender. "He owes you change. There's only ten bucks worth of whiskey in that bottle." He removed his palm from her shoulder.

Erica blinked, the experience of loss too strong to ignore. And she kept trying to place why the tattoo seemed so familiar.

The bartender gave the man a nasty look. "What're you stickin' your nose in for?" He planted his hands on his hips.

The guy's brown eyes flared with contempt. "Cheating people tends to bring bad shit to your door." His gruff voice carried a hint of a threat.

The bartender smirked. "Been in business for over twenty years. Think I'm doing okay." He hand-waved the warning.

The patron's lips twisted in a wry curve. "Dusmek." A bottle from the top shelf crashed to the floor.

The bartender's eyes went wide and he shuffled to one side. "Bah! Should've known. An 'other'. You're one of them netherworlders, aren't ya?" He turned and snatched the twenty out of his cash drawer then handed it to Erica. "Take the damned bottle and get out." He glared at the other patron. "Both of you." Reaching behind a partition, he grabbed a broom and started cleaning up.

The man finished his drink in a quick gulp and got up. Erica's brain caught up with the moment. Netherworlder. That's where I've seen the tattoo. Erica quickly followed the guy out the door, her brain spinning with possibilities.

Once outside, the guy made a left and Erica trotted to catch up. "Hey. Dude, wait a minute." He didn't stop but she fell into step beside him. "Uh, thanks for that back there." At a loss, she didn't know how to approach asking him about the ink on his hand.

The guy nodded and quickened his pace, pulling ahead of her again.

A little hopeless, Erica called out. "You're a knight, right?" Maybe he could help her find Blenden. "A shaman? I could really—"

He stopped, turned, and came back. "Keep your voice down. It doesn't matter what I am, I can't help you." He bit out the last sentence.

Erica barely kept a grip on her frustration. "You just did. Why stop now?" He could at least hear her out.

The guy shook his head. "Look, even if I wanted to—and I don't—it's forbidden. Shaman knights don't offer aid or comfort to demons." The words spat from his mouth. "Your best bet is to forget you even saw me." He whirled away and jogged across the street.

Kind of like he couldn't get away from her fast enough.

Erica gripped the whiskey bottle and cradled it close to her chest. "Yeah, thanks for nothing, asshole."

I love writing Lantern Jack tales. This one is especially fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye