THE HEARSE AND HIS GRIFFIN 22

Chapter 22
Herman and Hersheanna were in a deep sleep in the garage of Jeddah’s funeral parlor. Herman sleepily woke up and looked around at his mate and brier of 13 children. He often did this to make sure they were safe. He’d been with Jeddah for a year now and was beginning to forget about his life before Numa Harbor. Even Nimble was beginning to slip from his mind. He’d often have dreams about Nimble and Titanic calling out to him but he never understood them. He laid back down and started to sleep when he heard his name being sweetly called, like a siren song. He snapped up and growled to protect his procession. “I will not harm you.” Herman heard the voice say, “Come outside and speak with me.” Herman didn’t know why, but he had to go out side. He opened the garage door and dove outside.

Once outside, Herman began to sniff at the air for a scent of what was talking to him while he growled out, “Who’s out here! Show yourself! If you are a foe prepare to meet your end!” “Why do you seem so angry my child.” Herman heard the voice say. “I am merely protecting my procession. Now show yourself or leave us be!” Herman growled as he still continued to look around. “If that is your wish.” He heard the voice say once more. Suddenly, like a ghost a brand new pure white hearse that was larger than even him, appeared from nowhere. She was completely see through and had a bright blue light surround her. Herman knew exactly who she was, she was The Grand Hearse, from her all hearses descended. Herman tucked one tire under and bowed deeply in respect. “Please forgive me, mother hearse.” Herman said, “I did not realize it was you.” “You are forgiven, my child.” The Grand Hearse said, “I have been looking for you my child.” “Me?” Herman asked, “Have I done something wrong, mother hearse?” “You have forgotten yourself, Herman.” The Grand Hearse said.  “No, I haven’t.” Herman said as he straightened up in a proud stance, “I am Jeddah’s best hearse. I am larger than any hearse of Numa Harbor and I am sextant of this procession. I can carry up to 600 pounds of dead weight and I have done 16 military processions and 3 state funerals.” “And what of your friends?” The Great Hearse asked. “Well Alex is one of the fastest ambulances in the town and-” Herman was cut short when The Grand Hearse snapped, “I MEAN THE TITANIC AND NIMBLE, YOUR UNDERTAKER!” Herman’s face then changed to a look of shame and horror. “I have failed! Oh I have failed!” Herman sadly said, “I took a life of leisure while my dear friends are having who knows what done to them.” “No not fret, my child, all can still be set right.” The Grand Hearse said. “How?” Herman asked, “I don’t even know where they are.” “Nimble has escaped and is now in the southern part of Numa harbor and the Titanic…” She shook her head slowly, “All I can say is you must hurry or he’ll be dead soon.” “You can’t be serous.” Herman said in great shock, “Where is he?” “He is trapped, in a small island harbor called Hermit Cove. It is about 3 days east of Numa.” “I must tell my procession.” Herman said as he drove back to speak with his mate while The Grand Hearse faded away like a beautiful dream.

The Next Morning

Herman was preparing to leave when Jeddah stepped up behind him. “I hear you plan to leave us.” Jeddah said. “Please sir, you and I both know I don’t belong here. I belong with Nimble.” Herman said, “If you say I must stay with you I can guarantee you’ll have to use restraints to keep me because I'll never stop trying to find her.” Jeddah merely chuckled at this and said, “Do not worry, my friend, I release you from your duties. You and your family.” “Thank you sir.” Herman said. “You will be greatly missed.” Jeddah said, “However I do have a gift for you to give to Nimble.” He left for a few minutes and then returned with a large scythe. Obviously about 6 feet, it had a large razor-sharp blade with a black shaft and gold tips. “This was handed down, mortician to mortician, from my great-great grandfather.” Jeddah said, “It holds great magic for those that deal with death.” “Thank you, sir.” Herman said. “Be sure to give it to nimble right away.” Jeddah said, “The Phantasm Scythe is a very dangerous tool in the wrong hands.” “Yes sir.” Herman said as Jeddah opened his back door and put the scythe in. Herman shut his door and said his good byes. Him and Hersheanna held each other close as he said, “I shall return my love.” He then spread out his massive black wings to a total of 30 feet and flew off to find Nimble…