Wrestling the Kraken

Lanz

Lanz

Lanz stood on a ladder, hammering a nail. The noise of saws, hammers, wood being piled and the collective murmur of voices had turned into a melody throughout the day. The rhythm, the pattern, creating a flow of work that motioned on its own. A focus, causing all thoughts to cease, giving the subconscious mind full control- a front row seat.

He wiped his forehead. Though there was a cool breeze in the air, the sun's rays and the day's work kept a constant stream of sweat on his skin. The saw dust in the air, mixing in, smearing across the side of his face and arms.

Looking up, he saw all his friends busy at work. They were all eager to get it finished and opened. Apparently, the public was too. Everyday, a small crowd would gather to see if they could spot anything new. That's why they needed to put a wall up, behind the iron gate.

They all agreed that it would be best to keep the public in suspense. No flyers being sent, no announcements. Just word of mouth and the anticipation.

Every now and then there would be some kid who tries to climb the wall and get a peak. We ended up employing them as our guards. That way they got first glance at whatever progress was being made, as long as they kept their mouths shut. As an added bonus, they got to shoot acorns with their slingshots at anyone else who tried to come through.

Lanz smiled at the thought. Lucky kids. Looking their way he saw movement. Two people were coming up the pathway and he saw the kids get into position.

"Ouch!" One of them said and stepped forward, scolding the kids.

Crap, it's Bridgett. She always forgot the code word. She was also back early from her job, bringing a guest with her too by the looks of it. He made his way down the ladder and stopped by the watering table for a drink, keeping an eye on Bridgett, as she approached, blocking her guest from view.

"I swear Lanz, those kids have it out for me." Bridgett said, walking up to him.

"Did you say the code word?" He asked. Bridgett stayed silent a moment, scowling. "Uh, huh. You know they don't need much of an excuse. If you don't say the word- "

"It's a stupid word." Bridgett interrupted.

"It makes it harder for just anyone to say if they don't get it just right. That way if someone overhears, they can't sneak in with the word."

"Well, we should use a new word." she said.

"You should learn the word." He replied.

"What word are we talking about?" Dante asked.

"Shama-lama-shoo-wap-dee-doo and who knows what else." Bridgett replied, waving a dismissive hand in the air.

Lanz went stone cold as Bridgett turned, revealing the face behind the voice. Why on God's green earth, would she bring...him...here? He wondered, as the sight of him sent him into slow motion. Everything around him blurred. He couldn't hear the voices, the saws, the hammering. He couldn't feel the sun's rays warming on his skin. He was in a soundless bubble and within him, at the center, was a core of icy cold steel. As the steel spread throughout his veins, it heated like a flow of magma ready to escape. Ready to release.

"Have we met? You seem familiar?" Dante asked.

"Lanz worked at the circus years ago." Bridgett answered.

"Ah, that must be it." Dante said, looking around. " I see many former employees have found their way here."

"Yes, everyone's been working so- stop! Lanz!" Bridgett broke off, trying to pull Lanz off of Dante.