Rhys the Lizard Man (special preview)

It had been windy and overcast all day. Dark clouds hung upon the horizon while pale gray covered the sun overhead. It was no surprise to you when it started raining. The area cleared out, no one was on the road outside, and everything was veiled in fog. It gave the sense of abandonment, but really, the lights inside houses reassured you there was still life about.

Despite the feeling of nothing to do that rain brought about, you set about some busy work that would help the day go faster tomorrow. You took out the large blocks of soap and set about cutting them. You were so used to the scent you never noticed it much. But as that taut string sliced through the bars, you got whiffs of the fragrant perfumes and oils within the bar.

“Maybe some tea would be nice,” you murmured to yourself after slicing up the first bar. You took off your proactive gloves and went over towards the stove. You were gathering up the kettle to fill with water when you heard something outside.

There was a loud shuffling, and then it sounded like the chickens next door were extremely spooked. You set the kettle aside, and moved about to the window that overlooked your neighbor’s backyard. The chickens were frazzled, vanishing into their coop while something dragged around the side of the house.

You frowned as you walked away from the window. “To hell with this.” You got upon a stepstool, reaching up behind the stovepipe where you had hidden an old tool of yours, one you used before soapmaking. You checked the blade of the dagger, pleased it was still sharp.

“Not needed your ro quite the while. And hopefully I won’t now, but no sense in playing it stupid.” You were getting down off the stepstool when there was a loud banging upon your door.

You stood stiff and stuff the dagger into a hidden pocket on your skirt. “Who goes there?” You called out.

There was another loud banging.

“I don’t answer my door for just that.” You approached the door, keeping your breath steady as you waited for a response. “Who goes there?”

There was silence with the sound of rain. The soft pelting of droplets on the muddy earth outside. You then heard breathing, labored breathing.

“Let me in Pocket,” a voice outside snarled. “Or I’ll bust down this door.”

Every hair on your body stood on end. You knew that voice well, but only one person ever called you that name.

“What are you doing here, Rhys?” You said after a moment of tongue-tied shock.

He let out a very effortful laugh. “Can’t a bloke come see an old friend.”

“We were never such a thing.”

“Please,” his breath squeezed tight. “Let me in.”

You cracked the door a smidge, keeping the chain locked. Immediately, you saw the cut upon his face and his swollen eye. “What happened to you?”

“Something bad enough to bring me here.”

You opened the door and Rhys all but fell upon you. He stumbled, catching himself upon the doorframe. He shuffled in, using your shoulder as support before he collapsed to his knees upon the ground. The great lizard that he was looked so small and helpless.

“Criminy, Rhys!” You cried out. You rushed to the kitchen, fetching a clean cloth to mop him up. But by the time you had gotten back he was laid unconscious upon the floor. You let out an exasperated sigh. Who had once been your worst enemy was now seeking sanctuary in your home.

It took a lot of effort, but you managed to get Rhys into your bedroom and upon your bed. His tail hung off the side, striped black and green until the tip where it was dark purple.