IMAGINATION'S PLACE
FICTION
MEMORIES
By; Speaker Gerald A. Polley
THE HUNTING WAS SLOW AND THE ANCIENT ONE WAS weary, so
he decided to take a break. Some familiar ground below caught his eye
and
he descended to a stone pillar with a bronze plate, "VALLEY FORGE
HISTORICAL SITE," it read, then gave the details of what had occurred
there many years ago.
"Boy! They've fixed THIS place up!" The Ancient One muttered. "Sure
was a dump back then!"
A grove of trees caught his eye. He walked over and his memory took
him back through the years. He saw a man kneeling, praying.
"Evening, General," he remarked. The man looked up.
"Ah, my Angel returns!" he sighed. "Have you any news for me, old
friend? Our despair grows by the hour. Hope is almost gone. One of my
own men tried to shoot me the other day. Had his weapon not failed I
would be speaking with you in Heaven!"
"Gun powder doesn't work too well," The Ancient One answered, "when
it's mostly black talcum. I took the liberty of filling their horns
with
it."
The General smiled. "Always my protector," he continued, "but I grieve
so for my suffering men. Can you give me some hope?"
"I can give you a direction to go," The Ancient One answered, "and the
knowledge that the weather will be good long enough for you to make the
journey. Everything you need is across the river in Trenton, guarded by
Hessian troops who don't really have that much desire to fight. Some of
them aren't going to be feeling too good Christmas morning, as their
Christmas cheer somehow got a bit contaminated. A quick strike could
give you all
that you need....boots, socks, provisions, powder, muskets- all there,
ready
for the taking."
The General shook his head. "Your advice has always been good," he
answered, "though some of the battles you encouraged me to fight we
lost, we've worn the enemy down. Very well! God and His great Wisdom
has sent you to guide me. I will follow your guidance. Perhaps an
excursion WILL lift morale."
The General rose. The Ancient One started to leave, then looked back.
"General," he cried, "when you cross the river stand up! It'll show
your men you have confidence and make a great painting."
The General laughed. "As you say, old friend!" he answered. He headed
off towards a row of rough cabins, calling to some officers. The
Ancient One walked away and his thoughts returned to the present.
"Those were good times," he remarked to himself, "good men, not like
the whimps we have today. I miss them, I really DO miss them!"
He spread his wings and soared homeward. "I really DO miss them!" he
muttered one more time.
THE END
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