The Fantasy Art of Ed Beard Jr.

WINTER'S SPIRIT LITERARY SHORT

By Amanda Becher

January 21, 2009

Winter's Spirit copyright Ed Beard Jr.

Le Tath points to the sky, his dark eyes scanning the inky hues of purple of the midnight hour, to the smatterings of diamonds that were the otherworldly constellations of Ancient Times. His finger paused, honing in on its intended target. There, above the Longehr Mountain, - the Spirit. Winter's Spirit.

"Look, Old Wolf, I can see the Spirit!" Le Tath cried, staring hungrily up at the formation in the sky. Old Wolf nodded at the young warrior. It was only once a year that Winter's Spirit graced the Witherlands with it's glorious presence. It was the time of the Winter Solstice, a time of new beginnings and the start of a new season in the Witherlands. It was the sign of rebirth - of awakenings.

"The Great Dragon has blessed us with her gifts once again, Le Tath," Old Wolf said in gravelly tones, "you see how she spreads her wings?" Old Wolf followed the patterns the stars formed, the vast wingspan of the noble Spirit stretching to the farthest borders of the Witherlands. "Winter's Spirit is pleased with our progress this season. She will bring good luck to our warriors as they depart for the Hunt in the morning, and good fortune to our crops for the next season."

Le Tath dared not take his gaze from the Spirit. The stars had completed their arrangement, the last of them shimmering and melding together to form the spike at the end of the powerful tail, which curled around the mountain top. "She is beautiful." He whispered.

And together, Old Wolf and Le Tath watched as the Great Dragon arched her star-scaled neck. Her jowls parted, opening widely - and she let out a roar that whispered in the tall, dry reeds, the new fallen snow, and the gnarled branches of the ancient trees. A roar that spread all throughout the Witherlands, blessing the mountains and valleys, the streams and rivers...and her faithful servants of the Hunt.

A Brief Biography on the Author:

Amanda is a 17 year old, high school senior who resides in Pennsylvania. Along with being a literary enthusiast, she is also a talented and aspiring artist. She plans to attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh this fall where she plans to study media arts and animation. Her other interests include singing, soccer and is a big "Phantom of the Opera" fan.

This literary short was part of an ongoing promotion by artist Ed Beard Jr., for students of the "Arts". Amanda submitted her writings to Mr. Beard as a Christmas gift. He, in turn, felt it was a gift to be shared with all of our collectors, fans and customers.