Abstract
Baily Hatch
Stoneware Lidded Jar
2
Yes by Jacob Thomas
Experience Acknowledge by Ever Muniz
The entire car scampered across the road, until it came to a sudden stop a few seconds later. Earlier that day my
sister, two brothers, and I were headed to Logan. It was a winter day, just like any other normal day, and our
mother instructed us not to go, but being who we are we didn’t listen to her advice. The streets weren’t cleaned
as good, slush on the streets, snow mounted on the sides of the roads. It started to snow very lightly turning the
ground white in a matter of seconds. I was in the process of changing a song on my phone when it happened. I
didn’t really notice what happened, but the car started hovering across the road. Everything was in slow motion to me. I thought for a moment and in my mind I thought that this actually pretty cool. In that moment I
didn’t contemplate the thought of death, the thought just didn’t pop into my head. Who knew when I would get
another chance like this so I chuckled. Then the street grabbed the wheels and yanked us towards the opposite lane. I recall seeing my sisters face full of fear but suddenly that fear departed as she acquired courage and
hauled the steering wheel to put us back on our lane. We were still gliding across the road, but the car took a
sharp turn and slithered into the side of the road. As it slammed into the dirt and snow, my arms were thrown
in midair, for a mid-second it seemed as if gravity didn’t exist. Then the car hit the ground again and everything went back to normal, the slow motion effect was gone. The car skipped for a couple yards, scraping with
everything in its path, and then whacked into a fence with a loud crack. We lurked forward and then collapsed
back, and finally it was all over. No one was injured and other cars were involved which was a great thing. The
only damage was the broken bumper. Small pieces lying beneath the fence leaving a mark of what had happened there. We decided to turn around and go home not wanting to put our lives at risk again and have fun
on the roads. But we learned something that day even though I don’t want to say it, listen to your parents they
might be right.
Through The Eyes of Madness by Christley Barton
Yesterday upon the stair
I met a man who wasn’t there.
He wasn’t there again today
Oh how I wish he’d go away.
— Hughes Mearns
I’ve forgotten what I used to be. Like so many shards of broken glass, the memories cut my fingers, and who has
use for what lies behind. All I think of is now. Of bright lights in the dark, and voices, shouting so loud it’s like
thunder.
Let’s play, I say.
So hurtful, bitter little creatures, foolish mortals. All they play is Tag or Hide and Seek; so easy, like a tiny bird in
my fingers.
Useless, broken, dark branches like fingers on the window, the monster under the bed, fools the whole world
‘round. The pit in my stomach, the fog in my head. Thinking? No, I’ve better things to do than drag misty
thoughts over razors and screams like wine.
I’ve never tasted wine. The only taste in my mouth is sharp and cold, like metal or iron. Or its hot and thick and
tastes like chocolate.
I’m so cold. I wonder why, toss aside broken toys and frown. No fun today, only cats and mice. I feel funny, empty and full of fog: of blood and dust and dirt and dead dead dead- until my eyes bother to see.
Its like looking in a mirror, only not, because the face looking back isn’t mine, twisted and too clear, all tan skin
and blood-bright eyes and red red red red redYou wanna play? The words taste red too, strange like copper. I’ve bit my tongue.
You’re insane, the mirror says.
Silly. I laugh, watching like bright lights and bitterness. The sun is gone again, scared away by the squeaks of
mice. I wonder if the mirror can play. Her words cut through, dig deep until my thoughts bleed. Foolish mortal,
bleeding sun and moonless sky.
I’ve always been insane.
3
The Miracle Shot by Alex Jackman
The game was tied, the sweat dripping from my face like torrential rain from above. The warm, spring sun stared
down at us making the warmth of my sweats feel like a baby next to a grown man. I could feel the tension from
both teams emanating from them. It was so thick you could have carved it with a knife. There was five minutes
left until the end of the game and we could not lose this game. We had practiced this a million times, I pondered
to myself, hopefully we can pull it off correctly. It was a soccer game against Payson. Kaden stepped up to take a
corner kick. Our team took our positions inside the eighteen yard box. Kaden raises his hand, and everything
goes into slow motion.
My breathing diminishes to the point of almost stopping just as everyone else slows down. Kaden’s hand
drops as fast as a balloon falling. As he drives the ball toward us, we sprint forward from the top of the eighteen
yard box. The ball is flying to us and the other team. I am standing at the front of everyone. The ball slowly soars
almost directly to me as I bend my legs to jump. My dark, red shirt flaps in the wind as I force myself to the air.
The ball starts its descent toward me. I feel weightless as me windblown, sweating hair drives into the soccer
ball. The ball immediately changes its course and goes toward the goal. The goalkeeper in his I’m-so-good attitude and bright green shirt barely registers the ball as it rushes away from my head. A post defender tries to see
around his team and moves out just in time to see the ball coming at him. The ball is a bubble in the air, gliding
right by the defender. As the ball sails into the top right corner, it barely clangs against the rusty, white goal post
as it goes in. The ball slithers down the back of the white net and rolls around in the goal. Then abruptly, gravity
turns back on and I hit the ground as hard as a rock falling from the sky. It was then the realization exploded in
my face, and everyone else on and off the field, we had won the game.
There was no crowd that day, but if there was one, they would have screamed their lungs out. My yell was
so loud, someone in China would have heard the echo of my glorious shout. Even the other team shrieked, just
not in a joyful way. It was then when a smile slid on my face, covering my mask of determination. It was over, the
game, the play, the moment and I had scored the winning point of the game. My team rushed me and hugging
abounded in our little circle of sweating men. I learned an important lesson right at that moment. Never give up
because you think it may be impossible, even if you are down by twenty points. If only Mom could see me now!
Experience Acknowledge by Alexander Muniz
The entire car scampered across the road, until it came to a sudden stop a few seconds later. Earlier that day my
sister, two brothers, and I were headed to Logan. It was a winter day, just like any other normal day, and our
mother instructed us not to go, but being who we are we didn’t listen to her advice. The streets weren’t cleaned
as good, slush on the streets, snow mounted on the sides of the roads. It started to snow very lightly turning the
ground white in a matter of seconds. I was in the process of changing a song on my phone when it happened. I
didn’t really notice what happened, but the car started hovering across the road. Everything was in slow motion
to me. I thought for a moment and in my mind I thought that this actually pretty cool. In that moment I didn’t
contemplate the thought of death, the thought just didn’t pop into my head. Who knew when I would get another chance like this so I chuckled. Then the street grabbed the wheels and yanked us towards the opposite lane. I
recall seeing my sisters face full of fear but suddenly that fear departed as she acquired courage and hauled the
steering wheel to put us back on our lane. We were still gliding across the road, but the car took a sharp turn
and slithered into the side of the road. As it slammed into the dirt and snow, my arms were thrown in midair,
for a mid-second it seemed as if gravity didn’t exist. Then the car hit the ground again and everything went back
to normal, the slow motion effect was gone. The car skipped for a couple yards, scraping with everything in its
path, and then whacked into a fence with a loud crack. We lurked forward and then collapsed back, and finally it
was all over. No one was injured and other cars were involved which was a great thing. The only damage was the
broken bumper. Small pieces lying beneath the fence leaving a mark of what had happened there. We decided to
turn around and go home not wanting to put our lives at risk again and have fun on the roads. But we learned
something that day even though I don’t want to say it, listen to your parents they might be right.
4
I Remember by Christley Barton
“What is depression like?” he asked.
“It’s like drowning, except you can see everybody
around you breathing.”
I remember…
-I will never forget(The pounding in my chest,
(And the screaming in my head)
I broke my wrist that day
Shoving the blind and ignorant aside,
As if it were a crime.
I ran so far, and so fast,
I couldn’t even walk the next day,
Not after tearing my shins.
I tried so hard.
-I remember-(And I doubt I will ever forget)The sight of your red skirt,
Bright against the greys,
Your long, dark hair,
And your shoes by the wayside
-I rememberI caught a few strands of your hair
As you fell,
(And though you were silent
I screamed on your behalf)
Just a second too late...
Tangled, dark strands, slipping
Through my fingers
And all I can do is watch
(I dare not close my eyes)
and wish with everything I am
That you had turned around.
A Single Shot
Emma Kosbab
The roar of the crowd overpowers the sound of my anxious heart. As the time-out clock ticks on, anticipation
kicks in. My mind can’t help but question my abilities. “What if I mess up? Will my teammates forgive me if I
happen to turn the ball over?” I step back onto the hardwood floor, running the play over and over in my mind.
I drag my heavy legs, making my shoes squeak and squeal. Coach’s words overwhelm my thoughts: “Get the ball
to Natalie or Lynsey so they can take the shot!”
“Shreeeet!” The oversized ref blows his whistle and hands Savannah the ball. I break in can cut out to the left
sideline. Savannah throws me the ball, the adrenaline kicks in, and I race down the court pounding the ball
against the floor with my good hand. Down three the time seems to slow down and I glance up at the clock. The
crowd begins to shout; 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3 seconds... Less than one second left I find myself one step ahead of
my opponent. Time is running out! I check my feet and glare at the three point line under my toe. I shift my feet
back as much as I can but time is too precious.
Energy surges through my body as I pull up and shoot. The second the ball leaves my hand I know it’s in. It takes
me a moment to register what has happened. The other team yells phrases of excitement, jumping up and down;
“You’re Welcome,” I think to myself. I glance down to confirm. Disappointment flows through my veins, my foot
is a mere two inches over the line. At the same time my previous anxiety eases and I am overjoyed at what I have
just done. A half smile creeps onto my face. The crowd all knows it was only worth two but still they cheer, loudly, they cheer. Everyone is cheering ear-piercing cheers for me...
So many people come congratulate me, but I don’t understand why. The shot didn’t win the game, and due to
my miss footing, it didn’t tie it either. But I realized at that moment that that shot was more than just a shot. The
shot helped me to recognize my full potential and an athlete and basketball player. My speed, left-handed ball
handling, and the shot. The confidence that came from this moment has been more significant than I could have
ever asked from a single shot. I had exceeded everyone’s expectations, including my own.
5
Kortnee Alexis
Haleigh Dietmeier
Kortnee Alexis a very fun entertaining baby. So cute inherited curly brown hair, brown eyes, and chunky cheeks.
Smiley baby, who’s my best friend.
Moved into these white old dull apartments, like as old as an old home that has been stranded for ages. In a small
little town called Tremonton. Boring old place didn’t know anybody. These people move in right in the nest set
of apartments, and they needed help moving their stuff in. By means it was summer so nice outside, and me who
loves baby’s see this cute little girl and ask to watch her while my mom and step dad help them move their stuff
in. That day was the day my journey of being this little baby’s best friend began.
Once we all become good neighbors, I was constantly over there. Always watching her, getting her dressed for
the day, doing her hair and playing with her. Our bond together was amazing. Kortnee Alexis is my favorite little
girl. Once she got older the more she became attached to me, inseparable. We literally spent the time I came
home from school till the time I went to bed together, and on the weekends all day long. This is where it all got
interesting but bad at the same time.
Kortnee Alexis craved me and only me. I am the one who always had to get her dresses in the morning, do her
hair, give her baths and put her to bed at night or kortnee would throw a big old fit and start bawling. She didn’t
want anyone else but me. It was the cutest thing ever. Like one night at like nine I was at my house. When I hear
this knock on the door and it was kortnee’s mom, she was like, “ can you please come put her to bed”, “she won’t
let me or anybody else only you”. “Awe yeah”, as I started laughing. She seriously wouldn’t go to bed unless I was
there. It was so cute, but at the same time kind of bad. The situation was bad for me and bad for the parents. Bad
for the parents because they couldn’t even put their little girl to bed because she wanted me. Bad for me because
I felt bad her parents couldn’t get her to bed unless I was there, and I couldn’t go to bed until she went to bed.
I didn’t mind though because this little is my world and my best friend. I love this little girl. I love my kortnee
Alexis, my best friend since 3rd grade.
Kortnee Alexis is my best best friend still, I’m in 10th grade and she’s almost barely starting school. We may barely see each other, but when we do we are inseparable when were together just like old times. Except she doesn’t
need me there for her to go to bed, but always wants me to sleep over. Nothing has changed and it’s been years.
This little girl is my true best friends forever. Kortnee Alexis, I LOVE YOU.
My perfection
I saw her face.
A perfection,
so perfect God must have spent some time on it.
Honing all the skills I have,
just for a second of her looking at me.
Hoping one day I could call her mine.
It was that love at first sight,
the energy pulsed my whole soul.
Thinking only she could be mine.
Mine for an eternity,
and all I had to do was love…
Love with all I had,
and love her til my dying day.
My heart hungered for her;
my dreams never left her.
Never will the night I spent with her be forgotten.
The one moment I have of true divine love.
I could have spent a lifetime on the dance floor with her,
alas that night had to end.
The moment gone,
yet the love burned.
Fueled by nothing more than a fantasy now.
For two days, all my love drained away,
when she didn’t understand.
Her fear overtook her.
I hoped she loved me back,
yet all I got was a pierce to the heart.
The words slipped her mouth,
that said “Let’s just be friends.”
Little did I know,
the mess I made.
Simply, that is all that is left,
just the mess I made.
I still love her with all my heart,
and I await for hers.
Maybe she will come back when the time is right,
and the fear has left her.
For I believe I will only fall in love once.
Til it remains locked in my heart,
with the key deep in my soul.
Til the day she finds it,
and the treasure is mine, the chest-her heart.
By: Nathan Wight
Memoir
Hunter Stevenson
It was a bright early morning the sun was shining in your eyes wanting to open them but it hurts too much and
the cold seats in the truck and the truck is beginning to warm up it was the best feeling I could have felt. When
we were heading to go and acquired the car I was excited because I knew what we were going to do with the car.
As it showed up I was chuckled for how funny it was the car was light blue with rust on the hood blue fabric for
the interior same as on the roof of the car. When we were hauling the car back we almost crashed into someone
on the freeway someone was stopped in the middle of the freeway like we were in Russia stopping wherever even
if there is traffic. It was a scary moment but when we got home I was tired ready to take a nap but my brother
yelled, “Let’s go” and I was mad we could not just take a break.
As we got the car to my grandma’s house we were taking it apart it was a mess and it was a hot day tried ready
to go home but then I thought to myself. Every day is a good day and you might be in hard times, rainy times,
thought times but today is a good day. But then my brother suggested “ok” like in a tone that was tired ready to
go home and I thought great we get to go home. But he told me “help me clean the inside of the car” my happiness went down, after a while we went home but every day we went back to finish. A few days have passed and I
realized that it was the last day to work on the car tomorrow is the derby and the last day was the worst of them
all. We had to weld the car together to keep things shut and it was a hot day and I was getting mad so I decided
to head home my brother did not mine that. As he was telling me at home about what he did on the car as he
told me about the car when they were welding the car caught on fire. He was scared because the fire was right
next to the gas tank but he told me it was not bad enough to call the fire department.
The next morning we got up to go get the car from my grandma’s house we were loading it took a while because
there was a gravel road and the tire kept spinning. With a few pushes we got it up there and chained down the
car was not completely done we still had to paint the car all black with two orange strips down the middle. When
we appeared there we were excited to see what could happen to the car just looking around seeing all the old cars
with their loud engine going. It was peaceful for me maybe not for others but when it was my brother’s time to
go out there to the arena. They circled around and we all counted down and the cars started to crash into each
other. My brother had the hardest hit out there which ended up killing the car for that round as we were fixing it
to go to grudge match we did not have enough time to finish it. So he went to the bash for last and is car would
keep dying but he ended up taking second place for the bash for last. And the derby was over and we ended up
going home to go to bed and wait for the next derby. And go and buy another car when I was laying down I said
to myself every day is a good day no matter what happens.
Jordan Hershberger
Converse
7
Chapter 1:
The Meeting.
by Josh Bean
“Remos, what did the hieroglyphics say about defeating Osiris?” Silvia said, her silver colored hair blowing into
her face by the same wind that started when they had entered the Shifting Sand Desert, only the wind had grown
worse the longer they stayed in the desert.
Sand was getting thrown into the air. The two heroes had discovered that this desert’s mighty, lethal blade was
the giant sand storms that were randomly disappearing and starting back up again with deadly force. Remos
knew that these sudden sandstorms were the reason for the desert’s strange name. Both Silvia and Remos struggled to not lose each other in the raging windstorm that threatened death to any living thing that was unlucky
enough to get themselves lost in its bowels. Remos stumbled over something, falling onto his face. He reached
down to find what had tripped him when he discovered the rope he had used to keep track of the path they took
to the pyramid.
“Silvia, catch!” Remos yelled over the raging wind, tying the rope around his waist. As he did so, a sharp
yanking told him that Silvia was doing the same. So they continued forward, their cloaks billowing out behind
them ferociously. Remos who was leading them suddenly hit his head on a wooden surface of some kind. His
hand groped blindly, finding a small, round object.
“Well what are you waiting for Remos? Open the door, if it is one.” Silvia’s voice, which was louder than
needed told Remos that Silvia still couldn’t see him even though she was right next to him. Remos obeyed, twisting the doorknob and entering a small, homey, and dark entrance hall. Above the counter was a sign that read
in old, faded letters: “Welcome to the Desert Rose Inn.” A bored looking, dark-haired person dressed in rags sat
under the sign, snoring. “Umm, excuse me, we’d like two rooms please.” Silvia said pleasantly ringing the bell on
the desk.
“Sorry one room is all we can spare.” The individual said revealing it to be a girl.
“How many beds?” Remos asked, sharing an uncomfortable glance with Silvia.
“Four, but two are in use.” Remos placed the four gold coins on the counter.
“Great, we’ll take it.”
“That will be four gold coins.” The receptionist said rubbing her fingers together. Remos placed four shining gold
coins on the table.
“Room fifteen, second floor.” Silvia and Remos walked up the old, rotting, wooden staircase leading upstairs
Remos counted room numbers as they walked down the dark, dreary, and not so pleasant hallway, “Thirteen…
fourteen…fifteen! Here it is!” Remos stared at the wooden door. It looked nothing out of the ordinary, except
for a grouping lock with very large, black buttons. Remos scratched his head in confusion, disparately trying to
riddle out the combination.
“Remos, get out of the way, I don’t have the patience to wait for you to try every possibility.” Silvia said pushing
him aside. Remos smiled, he met Silvia when she broke into his house and ran off with his family chest. Since
then, Silvia had contributed to their band by picking locks and using her vast amount of stolen gold coins to provide them with food, shelter, and changes of clothes. “Oh I get it! Let’s see…R…15…2…F” Silvia said showing a
satisfied smile as the door gave a click of the lock sliding away. Remos opened the door and walked in. A woven
carpet covered the floor, silencing their footsteps as they stepped inside. Remos removed his cloak, showing his
large, broad shoulders; his heavily built, rock-hard arms; and his long muscular legs.
“You two realize that you’re making it harder for us to stay hidden Right?” a female voice said calmly
stating that whoever it was insisted to be left alone. Whirling around, Remos saw a young girl, about fifteen, with
hazelnut colored eyes, thin body frame, and long white hair. “My name is Frost. My friend Draco and I are looking for the two chosen.”
“And if we know where they are?” Silvia asked, she and Remos had a very frightening experience in a
shady-looking village named Dencor where they nearly were handed to the self-proclaimed king of the land
Eseldor, Osiris. So from then on they were very cautious in to whom they revealed their identities to.
“Then we can rid the land of Osiris’ unjust, tyrannical rule.” Frost said, clenching her fist in hatred. Remos and Silvia looked at each other and smiled. They sat down on roughly built wooden chairs.
“You can relax. My name is Silvia…” Silvia said, pausing for a moment to look at Remos. Meanwhile,
Frost just nodded and pointed and beckoned her to go on. “My age is fifteen and this is Remos” nodding to her
partner who stood and nodded to the bed nearest to him. “Remos is seventeen. We are two of the chosen, and I
assume that you and Draco are the other duo.”
Counsil’s Decision by Josh Bean
“My exact age is fifteen years, two months, and twelve days, and partner, Draco, is sixteen years, five
months, and twenty-nine days.” Frost said, nodding an affirmative in reply to Silvia’s question.
Meanwhile, Osiris called his adviser, Draiuna the sage, to his throne room.
“Sire, we have received word that the four chosen ones are all in the Shifting Sand Desert.” Draiuna said showing
her staff to Osiris in respect.
“Draiuna, I cannot let these four children interfere with my plans. I would be grateful for your council
now.” Osiris said scowling. After thinking it over, Draiuna began to speak, but was quickly interrupted by Osiris
shouting orders “soldiers of the undead army! Hear me now! Find and convert the Four chosen ones!” foolish
child, he is signing his own death warrant; he would not listen if I told him that part of the prophecy. Draiuna
shook her head sadly and closed her glazed over eyes
“Now, with that out of the way, I need to set a trap, just in case they escape.” Osiris said his quill flying gracefully
over the ragged parchment in hand after moments; he read his finished letter and nodded in approval, his ragged, black hair flowing into his view. Osiris whistled sharply to a jet black hawk, which flew to its master’s shoulder gracefully and allowed the letter to be tied around its left leg. “Go to Unforth, my servant, and deliver my
orders to him.” Osiris said, gently stroking the bird’s feathers. Osiris smiled as the bird leaped away screaming.
Remos awoke in a cold sweat; he looked around the dark room. A figure stood at the dresser and held a small
sword in its hand. Instantly, a hand was over his mouth and Frost’s voice was whispering next to his ear.
“Get up, wake the others, Osiris has sent a small army to dispose of us.” and with that, Remos woke the
others and with many complaints, they prepared for battle. “You three go ahead, I slow them down.” Frost advised.
“But what about you?!?!” Silvia asked, sounding panicked. Draco grabbed her arm and led them down a
small staircase. A towering figure, decayed flesh hanging from its bony joints. It swung a huge broadsword just
missing Remos’ neck.
“Remos, be careful, that’s a skeletal warrior, they make up the majority of Osiris’ forces.” Remos had already
heaved his battle-axe through the monster’s waist. It fell to a pile of bones and armor. Remos turned in triumph
as Draco crushed the skull under his boot. “If you don’t destroy the skull, they’ll regenerate.” They hurried on,
avoiding monsters whenever possible. They just reached the edge of the village when the inn was set ablaze, and
Frost’s screams echoed after them.
Toby Haltiner
Stoneware
Green Head
9
Christley Barton
Icarus--Faith or Folly
10
Kade Holden
Dreaming Blue
Fire and Ice
by Josh Bean
“The Council’s Decision”
“There are strange events occurring in the Kingdom to the north”
“This should concern us why?”
“Peace, I’m afraid he’s correct, the wind has uttered that their newborn princess carries strange powers. I think
we should send someone to investigate.”
“I feel the power as well, you may not agree with me, but something must be done.”
“If you are so insistent, go ahead and waste your energy, but I have more pressing matters to deal with
than this.”
“Do you have a plan at all?”
“As a matter of fact, I think that we should stay here while our half blood heirs are the ones investigating.”
“I see, make it a sort of test or challenge.”
“Yes, that is about right.”
“You expect them to work together?”
“Loosely, but yes, their opinions are quite different, but if they can cooperate, then no mortal could stand
in their path.”
“My sources say that the king is a simple man, and if we give him such a power, he will likely misuse it.”
“Then whom would lead them?”
“The girl, once she is old enough, otherwise, they help the kingdom as they see fit.”
“But she won’t be able to wield her own power, much less thiers.”
“That is the point, where if necessary, our champions can differ in their work.”
“I see... that’s actually a good plan, despite the obvious hole in the middle of it.”
“Then we are all in agreement, our best warriors will be sent, just to make sure that no mistakes are
made.”
James Drakir, a young eighteen-year-old boy with short, white hair and brilliant, blue eyes sat on the
bench enjoying what he could of the horribly made meal made by the innkeeper.
It’s the same in every town I’m sent to, lousy food, hardly worth the coin. I wish Arthur would let me travel to a
town with an actual... suddenly a screech tore through his ear and a snowy owl landed on his shoulder, dropping
the scroll that it held in its talon. Good, at least Master Tundrion doesn’t let me suffer like this, came the thought.
He grabbed the scroll gingerly and opened it, fully expecting an icy blast to knock him off his feet, none came, so
James started reading.
Icefang,
He flinched at the first word, being a half-dragon granted him power and help when needed, but James had not
yet grown accustomed to his dragon name, which was also a source of power when embraced.
There is a kingdom to the north, whose king has been given a daughter. The Council has decreed that you
are to pledge your services to her. As a Knight of the round table, it will temporarily create a treaty between the
kingdom and Camelot, until a decent emissary can arrive.
James smiled, with such an excuse, there would be little to no chance of rejection of this order from King
Arthur, who frequently opposed his orders from Tundrion.
You are to leave as soon as possible, good luck
-Tundrion
The last line was not really needed, he thought, as if I’d want to spend one more moment in this infernal place.
He paid for the meal, then wrote a letter to the king, sent it on the owl that he fully knew would get there faster
than any other bird than perhaps a phoenix or hawk.
Not far to the east, the half-dragon Arkairial, his black hair reaching past his shoulders, and his green eyes almost emitting an unnatural light, sat on a stump in the middle of a great forest. He had awoken in Tiamat’s cave,
with no memory of who he was, when he asked about it, he was told he was slain in combat and that she’d seen
fit to resurrect him into her half-human son.
“ Who as I before this? Why was I chosen?” he asked out loud, and like his mother, he was able to hear the wind
spirits , who offered no help to answer his questions. Listening, he was able to discern three words, Time will tell.
Just then, a great wind arose and the sound of wingbeats overhead caused Arkairial to look up, seeing a large
wind drake descending into the clearing. As it neared the ground, the wind was so great, it would have blown
him over if not for his emerald colored wings balancing him against it. He recognized the young man who lept
off the drake nimbly, as Private Johnson, a new recruit to The Vanguard, the equivalent of a special forces for the
Wind Half Dragon Army. “Johnson, this better be good.” Arkairial grumbled.
“ I apologize for interrupting your meditation sir, but I have a message for you.”
Arkairial, the wind has whispered of a child’s birth toward the north, dragons have little ,or no, knowledge of
this place. And I fear that the girl could hold great power. The council has decreed that you are to go there; find
Darkborne. He holds the map to the new land; follow him. You are both requested to offer your strength and
bravery to the girl. Travel safely, my son.
~Tiamat~
Arkairial nodded, dismissing Johnson, and turned to leave. He walked a few meters, where his wind drake was
tied to a tree, and untied the reins as he leapt onto his drake and took to the air.
After a long while, Arkairial spotted a elf, running northwards. What is an elf doing out here? he thought, leaping from his drake and into the air.
meanwhile, on the ground, Darkelm, king of the high wood elves of Sahomni, read over the scroll his Phoenix
had delivered him moments before.
Darkborne,
the council has decreed that you are to go to the northern kingdom that we have disclosed the way path to it
within this scroll. There, you will meet with the royal family and pledge yourself to their eldest daughter, whom
holds great power. You are to teach her how to use these abilities if you are able.
wish you luck,
-Lord Plagueis
A loud crash tore his attention from the map as he looked over it.
“What, may I ask, is an elf doing out in the open like this?” a boy walked out of the dust cloud caused by his
impact, dusting himself off. The dragon wings behind him surprised Dark elm for a moment, as he had not seen
such a brilliant shade of green before.
“You might, but my business is my own.” Darkelm replied, as a gust of wind blew the letter from his hand and
into the other boy’s.
“ Darkborne, as in THE DARKBORNE, heir to the Plague tribe?” Arkairial asked, handing the scroll back with a
sly smile.
“Not very polite, to intrude on other people’s business you know.”
“I only do such things when others act suspiciously.”
“It stands to reason that if you were also assigned to investigate, that the other heirs were also deployed.” Darkelm said after listening to Arkairial’s explanation.
“Well then, let’s not keep them waiting.”
12
Weston Kolste
Porcelain Plate with Inlayed Slip
My California Adventure
By: Macenzie Cunningham
The sky was a fluorescent bright blue, the clouds looked like cotton candy, as I peeked out of the airplane window. As I soon looked back into the plane the tan beige seats, the people dressed in a red outfit with a cart one
by one they asked if we would like anything. At first, I thought the people were really scary but then we landed
in sunny Los Angeles. I still remember the different aroma it had from the plane to the streets, and the way the
people dressed was way different then what I was used to in Tremonton. Then there was me with my hair all
down, in my jean capris, black sandals, a butterfly shirt that was bright pink, and a white little satchel that had
a big sparkly M on it for my name. As I was out of the plane waiting for my mom, dad, and my two brothers. I
was looking at the sky that seemed farther away than when I was on a plane the clouds didn’t look like cotton
candy anymore but a very far away blimp in the sky.
As they got out of the plane we soon left to go get our baggage. But as soon as we arrived there we could
not find our baggage that was black, and had a white and red first aid thing on the front, it was one of those
nice ones that roll around by using a handle. So we went to talk to someone, when we did they told us that it
would be at your hotel in one or two days to get it back to us. As we were leaving the big airport, all of a sudden a group of Chinese people came up to my mom, and they soon asked if they can get a picture with me.
My mom was very curious why they desired a picture with her seven year old daughter. They soon explained
why they wanted a picture they told my mom “daughter movie star, blonde hair, blue eyes.” I mean I believed I
was famous now, I think when everyone was seven they would be jumping over hoops if they heard someone
calling them a movie star. But then again with all my excitement I was also very suspicious like why would they
want a picture with me? I mean I was short, to pale, wearing an outfit that did not match, and my ears were too
big for my small bug head. But I did not really care as long as they thought I was a movie star. As I was getting my photo taken one by one different people by me, first a girl with long black hair with a dark
brown eye color that almost looked black if you were looking from a farther way, then having her right by you.
Then a guy, then two more, they looked the same, but I did not mind.
As they soon started to split, as so did me and my family. We then get to a big white castle which was a hotel
in Disney Land. But the way the light caught onto the hotel made it look like it was glowing. As we got ready I
was eager to see what else my adventure will bring me. Maybe even a whole bunch of rides, but as we did there
were lines clear across the park, but after waiting a whole two hours in the scorching sun we found a ride, it was
called Splash Mountain. As we went on the ride the long rails looked like a doom of death to me, but it wasn’t
that bad actually. As we soon left California I missed the aroma it had and the way the people dressed. My adventure was a really great one and I was sad to leave.
RyAnn Burnett
Welded Medal
13
Oakley Rhodes
Sgraffito Plate
Porcelain
Memories
Maren Barton
Dearly, dearly she would leave, but not before her
time
Playing in the freeing breeze, she remembered who
she was
Fires burning in the sky, clashing in the shadows
Though not knowing, but caring what they thought
Willows play their dancing songs, prancing in the mead- of her
ow She quickly hid her past, hoping to not be hurt
The soldiers’ flea, running past the old, forgotten part
Hoping they are lost now, but knowing they are not
As she sang:
While memories, memories gather round
Playing in the dark, show her what you must
To help her live her part, and let them now enjoy the
playful breeze
At which they will soon depart
Memories, memories gather round
Playing in the dark, show me what you must
To help me live my part, and let them now enjoy the
playful breeze
At which I will soon depart
The flames were dancing in her eyes, lighting out the
sun,
But darkness soon had overcome, all that she had done,
But now that her job was done, she often cries with
joy
Returning to her homeland, where there are no fears
Prancing on the dangerous pass, she feels her fleeting feet
Running down the familiar path, of where she’s
meant to be
Though she was told to never give in,
She was hoping to be gone now, but glad she never was
While memories, memories gather round
Playing in the dark, show her what you must
To help her live her part, and let them now enjoy the
playful breeze
At which they will soon depart
And now memories, memories gather round
Playing in the dark, show her what you must
To help her live her part, and let them now enjoy the
playful breeze
At which they will soon depart
Serena Spotten
Plexi-glass Engraving
Arachnophobia
Meagan Sullivan
Stoneware Dripping Vase
15
Shelby Leishman
Sgraffito Plate
Porcelain
Spencer Mattinson
Stoneware Mottled
Vase
16
The Hunted by Jaalah Brown
When someone feels fear, true fear, it is wholly different than fright. You hear the blood throbbing in your ears
like a thousand drums. You feel the adrenaline surge through your flesh like a hundred needles. You see things
with a new clarity and focus as if reborn. Suddenly you know without a doubt your life is in peril; you know your
world could shatter at any possible, precious moment. Many have felt this horror before, but none have lived in a
constant state of ultimate terror- not like my clan does.
We were deemed unfit for our society. We didn’t fit in right; we felt the spark of rebellion where the rest of the
society was complacent and naïve. They let the government rule every aspect of their lives and they didn’t care.
I was one of the few who fought against this- who fought for the old Constitution, the agency, and freedoms of
Ancient America. And I, like all others before me, was thrown out of their perfectly controlled community into
the Outskirts. I was marked as one of the Hunted. I was sent away to die.
What they didn’t realize, however, was that the Hunted had gathered together to form a unanimous clan to
survive. We fought together to defend ourselves from the Seekers, and built our little city of wood and shambles to protect our lives from their jaws. And, miraculously, it worked. As long as we stayed within our walls
when nightfall came, they left us alone. If someone was caught outside the walls after dark… I shuddered at the
thought. I had seen the bodies left behind, if you could call them bodies anymore.
Now, at age eighteen and having lived with the clan for nearly two years, I was finally old enough and allowed to
head out with the group of men to catch food. It was an honorable position, seeing as how all the risks involved
meant death. Not back in time? Death. Stray from the group? Death. Fall into a trap? Death. I fully expected to
stick close to my group and make no mistakes.
At least, that’s what I had planned.
My first error was chasing after that blasted rabbit. I was hungry, and all I could think of was Evelyn’s hollow
cheeks and glassy stare, and how that couldn’t happen to her daughter, little Daisa. After chasing the rabbit for
much too long, wasting half my arrows, I finally pierced its sorry hide. Panting and sweaty, I scooped it up and
trudged back the way I had come. I managed to collect a few of my stray arrows along the way. Pretty soon,
though, I reached a stream. I had never seen this stream before. My lungs suddenly seemed to stop working. I
gasped and gagged, finally dry heaving in long, dry retches that shook my lean frame. I was lost.
My mind frantically tried to backtrack and figure out what to do. If I couldn’t find my group in time, I would not
only be lost, but I would be trapped outside the walls when nightfall came. Nobody survived a night outside the
walls. I would die.
Wiping the sweat off my brow and dusting off my worn pants, I grabbed up my rabbit and stuffed it headfirst into
my nearly empty quiver. I slung my bow over my shoulder and did the best thing I could think of - I ran.
The air is thick and sticky and humid, so the ground is soft; my foot sinks in with each step. I have to barrel my
way through leaves and vines and bushes. Large bugs flitter and buzz around my face, adding to my misery and
desperation. The sun is slowly creeping down in the sky- setting, setting, setting. Time is running out. Running
out. I’m running out of time. There is no sign of anyone. There is no sign of my clan. Sun lowering. Night approaching. I’m going to die.
I reach a large tree with many branches, and I climb quickly to the top. I analyze the position of the sun and estimate I have about ten minutes until the Seekers appear. I scan the jungle below me. There, I see it. I see my walls.
They are far away- probably about ten minutes at the fastest run. I scramble down the tree hastily, but catch my
foot on a branch. I fall to the ground with a crash. Nine. I roll to my feet and set off in a dead sprint. Eight. I leap
over ditches and dips, bushes and branches. Seven. Sweat rolls into my eyes and tears continue down my cheeks.
Six. Six minutes. Five. Five minutes. Four… only four minutes. I stumble and fall in my exhaustion, but I manage
to slowly stumble to my feet and keep staggering along. Three. Two. One. One minute. There it is; there are my
walls. But they are closing the gates, and according to the rules, once closed, they cannot open them again. One
minute. Closing. Ten seconds. “No!” I yell frantically. “Stop!”
The faces disappear behind the walls, and with a crash of finality the walls close shut. I hear a roar in the distance
and I sob to the walls to open. But they stay shut. I wipe my tears. At least I can help Daisa; I yank my dead rabbit
out of my quiver, and with a mighty heave, I throw the body over the wall. I drop my bow and my few arrows
in the quiver to the ground. Then, using the band around my wrist to tie two arrows together, I fashion a sort of
double-ended spear. It is better than nothing, and nothing is what I have.
I set off with my new weapon into the jungle to find someplace to hide. I cling to the hope that maybe, just maybe, I can survive the night. I remember what Jed, my closest friend, said to me before I left this morning. “If you
17
get stuck out there, Len, promise me you won’t panic. Promise me you’ll use your head. You’re smart enough,
quick enough, and strong enough to survive. You could do it- just don’t lose control.” I take a deep breath and
continue onward.
I feel fear, true fear, and it is wholly different than fright. I hear the blood throbbing in my ears like a thousand
drums. I feel the adrenaline surge through my flesh like a hundred needles. I see things with a new clarity and
focus as if underwater. Suddenly I know without a doubt my life is in peril; I know my world could shatter at any
possible, precious moment.
I hear the growl behind me. It is a rumble. It is menacing. I turn and get my first good look at a Seeker. Despite
the fading light, I know instantly I will never forget the monster I see before me. It is large and black with coarse,
thick fur. It looks matted down with bodily fluids; the pungent smell emitting from its body is disgusting. He is
taller than I by many feet, and I am tall for my age. Positioned in a crouch much like a cat, I know it is ready to
attack. The claws are a foot long and dangerously curved. Jutting out of its back is a bony spine, and I can see every sinew and muscle of the beast’s body despite the heavy fur coating its skin. The face is unlike anything I had
ever laid eyes on before.
You have no doubt heard the tales of creatures with burning red eyes, but much like me, you have never seen
such a thing. I tell you that you never want to, either. It’s like when you see something dangerous- unreal, yet all
too real. The fire burning in these eyes is as much figurative as real. I can see how much it wants to kill me. The
snout is long and ends in the sharpest fangs; they are deadly, glittering blades. The ears are small holes burrowed
into its ugly, bald head. It lets out another low growl that sounds like stone against wood.
This is all the inspiration I need to run. Suddenly my feet don’t throb as before, and my vision seems clearer. I can
feel the moist breath of the Seeker on the back of my neck- this is how close it is. Yet I manage to keep just ahead
of its deadly claws. In a race for my life, I realize how unfair it all is. The society we came from that sits by, knowing people outside its walls were being butchered by monsters, and they don’t do a single thing. I think of the
government that sent us out here to die in such a cruel way, but then I think of how we have fought for survival.
I remember the stories of the Elders; how the strong ones banded together and fought to live. I picture Daisa in
the claws of a Seeker, and I find the courage to run a little harder.
Drops of sweat slide down my back underneath my thin shirt- my lungs are about to explode. I need to slow
down or my heart will give out. I clench the spear in my right hand a little harder, and with a strangled cry, I suddenly turn around and time seems to pause. I see the Seeker move in slow motion, saliva dripping down its jaw.
Looking straight into those burning eyes, I heave my spear directly through its throat. The momentum it carried
causes it to collapse, roll, and slide, tumble, fall, and crash to a stop in front of my feet. I have killed a Seeker.
Struggling for breath, half-dead with exhaustion, I smile grimly over the victory. My smile dies, however, when a
chilling howl rips through the silent night air.
I lean over the dead Seeker and yank at my spear, trying to dislodge it from its body, but it is firmly in place. I
pull harder, more desperately, but it doesn’t budge. I bite out a curse. Looking down at it one last time, I feel very
vulnerable and alone. I have no time to mourn over my loss, though. I set off in a stumbling sprint. I need to find
somewhere safe to hide; there’s no way my body can take this pace much longer. The trees provide no protection.
The Seekers could easily climb the thick branches. I have to find a cave of some sort- one large enough to fit me,
but small enough to keep the Seekers out.
I am splashing through the stream from before when the second Seeker catches up to me. I hear it smash
through the trees- no longer in stalk mode, but in frenzy mode. When I turn my head towards the sound, I barely see the meaty paw swiping at my head in time. With a duck and a roll, I evade it. It swings back around with
a snarl. We both rest on the balls of our feet, ready to move at any slight motion. We watch each other warily,
but the Seeker is less patient, and perhaps not quite as bright, so it attacks first. I manage to leap out of the way
in time again, but the Seeker’s claw snags my leg and I feel the disgusting sensation of tearing flesh. Luckily, the
Seeker’s momentum led it straight into a rock, and it is lying there dazed and confused. I scan my surroundings
in a panic. My eyes fall on a small crevice in a large boulder; I know this is my chance. The Seeker lets out a roar
when its head clears enough to attack again. With a desperate roll, I slide into the crevice. I cannot keep control
of my body, though, and my head thwacks straight into the rocky wall. The world fades to black and I pray that I
am inside far enough…
18
Impossible
Jaalah Brown
They always told me I was different. I could feel it- believed it. It was something inside of me, pushing and pulling, thriving internally, pulsing and unique. None of the others had it, or if they did, they hid it away, but perhaps it was stolen. They said it was powerful. They said it was beautiful. They said it was dangerous. I never fully
understood- or cared- what it was and why I had it. It was always a part of me, but it never showed itself, never
emerged, until the day I nearly died.
They pushed me, grabbing me by the collar of my worn-out shirt and shoving me along the deserted
streets of Dublin. I didn’t know what to do; I was confused and afraid- more so than I had ever been. Being
raised by nobody but myself was a difficult life, but I didn’t know any different. My friends, the few that I had,
were all like me- homeless, lonely, surviving. I suppose we were always afraid, but that fear was one of starving
or being arrested by the local warden. I had never felt this fear. It was the kind that ran through my blood like
ice, breaking through my clammy skin like beads of lead, and weighing down my heart like a shattered, forgotten
dream. And it terrified me like I’d never before experienced. I had no family waiting for my return, but the ever-living will and constant fight for survival thrived within me. I wanted to live, and some instinct told me these
men wanted me to die tonight.
I was forced through an abandoned shop’s rotting door and up its decaying stairs to the top of the roof.
One of the captors held me by my quivering shoulders while the other grabbed a rusting ladder which he slid
into the neighboring building’s open window. This was obviously planned beforehand, but how did they know
me? Why did they want to kill me? The first captor, the one who had set up the ladder, began to crawl across his
make-shift bridge. The twenty foot drop was the least of my problems at this point. If I fell, I would break my
leg, sure, but I would live. However, I’d have better chances escaping if I managed to break away once across the
bridge and into the larger building. It looked like an old office building with plenty of floors to hide on.
The man holding me gave me a harsh shove towards the rusty ladder, and I stumbled towards it. I
watched the first man make it across before I slowly lowered my body and grasped the dirty sides tightly. I swallowed around the lump in my throat and inched my way along, praying that I wouldn’t fall or slip. I kept my gaze
on the rungs in front of me, never shifting my eyes to the ground that was so far below me. To my relief, I finally
reached the open window, but my victory was short-lived as the meaty hands of my kidnapper grabbed my neck
and pulled me into the room. We waited patiently for the other kidnapper to enter, and when he did, he turned
around and kicked the ladder off the ledge of the window. I cringed when it clanged against the pavement.
“Nico,” the first man hissed. He jerked his head towards the doorway and I was brutally pushed through.
Nico led me to an emergency stairway and we began to climb. About four steps in, however, a blinding pain in
between my shoulder blades erupted and I collapsed.
Nico cursed and motioned to the other guy he called Ko. “It’s starting! Boss said it wouldn’t happen for another
couple days, tops!”
Ko stared at my writhing form for a moment. “Move faster.” Nico began to protest, but the look Ko sliced into
him caused him to lose his voice and he just nodded. Nico roughly hoisted me to my feet and made me stumble
onward. The pain that started in one specific spot blazed across my whole upper back like fire. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. Had Nico accidently shot me? No, that couldn’t be it. I would’ve heard the gunshot. I yelped as a new, fresh wave of agony spread through my shoulders. My legs gave out from under me again,
but this time Ko simply turned around and threw me over his shoulder. The torture my body was undergoing
was incredible. It felt as if a hundred burning knives slowly dug their way through my skin; my body spasmed
uncontrollably and screams ripped out of my throat with each new wave of pain.
Nico watched me with a horrified fascination. “It’s disgusting,” he murmured to Ko. Ko ignored him and kept the
quick pace upwards. My mouth opened in a silent scream, too strained to make an actual noise now. My muscles
rippled and trembled because of the seizure my body seemed to be having. I breathed heavily for a moment as
the pain stopped. I reached a hand to my back with trembling fingers, and to my horror, I found two large lumps
forming between my shoulder blades. Then the excruciating pain returned. I think I scared Nico pretty badly
when I stopped breathing and howled instead. I was unceremoniously dumped to the ground where I immediately curled into a ball and my fingers clawed at the ground.
Ko yanked the door we reached open and dragged me out by one arm. We had arrived at the building’s roofhundreds of feet off the ground. Ko leaned over his knees, placing his elbows on them while trying to catch his
19
breath. Nico began to scan the surrounding area cautiously; the last thing they needed was a witness. Big beads
of sweat rolled down my nose and my chin, and then splattered on the roof ’s warm floor. They were joined by my
tears.
When this new wave of pain hit, I was prepared for the ripping agony that seized my body in a hot clutch, but
what came was so much worse. It felt as though a thick sword was bursting out of my back, splitting the muscle
and skin and exposing my insides to the world. I threw up what little was inside of my stomach. The strangest
thing was I could not feel a single drop of blood, only sweat and slime, but no blood. I had no idea what was happening, but whatever it was, it was terrifying Ko and Nico.
“We’re out of time! Throw him off now,” Ko said gruffly. Nico approached me timidly as if I were in any condition
to lash out. I whimpered pathetically when he nudged my side with his foot.
A frown creased his face. “Ko…” His alarmed tone warned Ko something was wrong. Ko hurried over, and stared
at my back. Nico reached down and yanked at my shirt, causing severe stabs of pain throughout my body. By the
time he managed to remove the shirt, I was moaning at him to stop. I watched through blurry eyes as their faces
dissolved into ones of shock and revolution.
“They aren’t as-“ Ko stopped talking and searched for the right words, “they just aren’t what I expected. I’ve seen
pictures… I’ve even seen one full grown… these look...” he trailed off uneasily.
“Do you think… do you think he can fly with them?”
Ko snorted. “I doubt it. If he can though, we’re dead meat.” He glanced over at Nico. “Make sure your gun is out
and ready to shoot if he survives the fall.”
With a scowl, Nico replied, “Why don’t we just shoot him here?”
Ko paused, then glanced down at me again. “Boss said to throw him off a building, but what he doesn’t know
won’t kill him.” With a sick grin, he grabbed my arm and jerked me to my feet. He gestured to Nico to pull out
his gun, and Nico quickly obeyed. My mind scrambled desperately. I couldn’t just stand here waiting for them to
shoot me… I remembered their conversation and how they seemed worried that I would survive the fall. Would
it be possible? Jumping and living? It would be better than being shot, I decided. With the little bit of strength I
had left, I wrenched my arm free of Ko’s grip, and lurched over the edge of the building.
As I fell, my face towards the ground, the wind in my hair, I lost that cold fear that had gripped me moments
before. I felt free- which was ironic because I was about to die, but then something strange happened- something
incredible, something impossible.
With the strangest sensation, as if I had sprouted another arm… or two, I didn’t die. Spiraling towards the
ground that day, my whole world changed. I did the unbelievable.
I flew.
20
Weston Kolste
Primative Bowl
Stain and glaze on porcelain
21
Gloria Maldonado
Sons of Anarchy
Alyssa Harrah
Alice in Wonderland Mad
Hatter White Rabbit