GZ Tales: Percival's Tale Part 4

 

“Your gun going poltergeist on my bar was hard to believe. Try me.”

“I’m not from here.”

“I kind of gathered that, Hon. Unless you mean from another planet, that is.”

“No, not another planet. Listen, the last thing I remember was fighting in battle against the troops of Colonel Amon LeFey. There was a flash of light and I found myself here.”

“Are you trying to tell me you were in the real Civil War?”

“Yes. It was April 15, 1863. You speak as if the war was a very long time ago. How long?”

“It’s 2012.”

“The year?”

“Well, yes! How do you think you got here exactly?”

“Le Fey is a sorcerer. I’m afraid this is where my story becomes even harder to believe. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time. LeFey is sure to be here somewhere too. I have to find him. He has Excalibur.”

Vicky fell against the bar in wonder of the story. “Wait a minute. Excalibur wasn’t in the Civil War. Wasn’t that from the story of King Arthur or something?”

“We, descendants of the Knights of the Round Table, have been protecting the sword for generations. Under my Grandfather’s watch, the sword was taken. We have been pursuing it ever since.”

“So, you almost got to it and wound up here?” Vicky said it slowly as she tried to piece it together.

“I know. It’s impossible to believe.”

“Honey, you don’t know what kind of a world we live in now. I’ll get my things so we can get out of here.”

“I don’t understand. Really, if you could just tell me what direction my pistol was aiming, I’ll take my leave.”

“It was pointing South, but you’ll never make it dressed like that.” Vicky grabbed Percival by the arm and led him to the back door.  Just before she opened it, he pulled away.

“Le Fey is dangerous.”

“Hon, I’ve been waiting for something exciting to happen around here for far too long. Besides, you’re alone here. You need someone to help you. Now let’s get going!”

Seeing the argument as futile, Percival followed Vicky to the parking lot. She led him to the side of a dusty blue, two door car. Percival hesitated a few feet away.

“What’s wrong?” Vicky asked.

“A larger one of these tried to kill me today.”

“Oh, you were probably in front of it.”

“It’s like a bull?”

“No. It’s a car. We get inside of it and ride around places. It won’t attack you and they don’t move by themselves.”

Percival stepped closer and peered in the window.

“Amazing.”

Vicky opened the door for him. “You should try sitting in it.”

Percival climbed in and Vicky closed the door. As she walked around to the driver’s side, Percival was lost in wonder. He ran his fingers over the aged and cracked interior of her car. He tapped his fingers on the window and shifted back and forth in the seat. He had never experienced saddles like chairs before.

Vicky climbed in and pulled her keys out of her purse. She put the key to the ignition and paused in thought.

“Okay, this is going to make some noise. It won’t hurt us, I promise you.”

Even with her warning, the sudden roar of the engine made Percival jump. He reached out to the dashboard again and felt the tremble of the machine running. Vicky put the car in gear and slowly drove in order to avoid shocking him too much. Percival was in awe.

“Are there still horses?” Percival asked after a moment.

“Oh sure. People have them out in country. They don’t bring them into towns much anymore.”

“Ah. Well, I’m glad to hear there are still horses.”

Vicky could tell Percival missed what he knew as home. She changed the subject.

“So, your gun points toward the sword?”

“Yes. Since it pointed south, I will need to head that direction immediately.”

“You can’t just go stomping around south of here. That’s all Atchafalaya Basin out there. It’s all alligators and snakes.”

“Do you have a better suggestion?”

“I have an idea, but we’ll have to wait until morning.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s when the museum opens. Besides, we need to get you into different clothes. You attract way too much attention like that.”

After a few more minutes, Vicky stopped the car in front of a small house with a white wire fence across the front yard.

“It’s not much, but it’s home.” Vicky said. She led Percival inside quickly with concern for nosy neighbors. “Come on, Soldier, let’s get you inside.”

Percival took three steps into the little house and stood staring. Vicki’s home was not luxurious by any means. It was quite plain, but Percival had never seen the like of it. The cushioned furniture, ceiling fans, and even the style of the walls were alien. Vicki disappeared into another room as Percival ran his hands across the cushions of the sofa. He pressed down on them, marveling at how soft they were. Vicki came out, saw him and shook her head.

“It’s like you were just born or something.” She took his arm and led him to the bathroom. She put some clothes in his hands.  “They didn’t have plumbing in your time, I’m sure. I’ll show you how to work the shower, but you undress on your own.”

Percival stood in the shower for a long time, letting the water cascade over him. He knew Vicki was right. This world was so far beyond him in all its wonders. He worried he may never catch up. The sights of the day spun with chaos in his mind. The soothing shower did little to ease the troublesome thoughts.

Percival came out of the bathroom in a black ‘rock and roll’ t-shirt, blue jeans and white socks. Yet another amazing advancement of the future; comfortable clothing, put his stiff wool uniform to shame. Percival sat down on the sofa and gazed around the room some more.

“Your time is so incredible,” he said.

“Oh no. I have incredible right here.” Vicki held up the television remote control.

When the screen flickered to life, Percival completely lost his breath. He stared wide eyed at the talking box with moving pictures. Vicki didn’t want to say so, but she enjoyed showing him the technologies of the age, just to see the look on his face. Percival watched late into the night until he passed out from fatigue.

When the morning sun shined on his face through the window, Percival sat bolt upright. A quick glance of his surroundings told him it was not a dream.

“Hey, you’re awake,” Vicki said, walking in with a plate of sausage and eggs. “After you eat we can get going. The museum is open.”

“How long have I slept?”

“It’s almost noon. I bundled up your sword and gun in the trunk of the car and I sprayed your boots. Those things stunk to high Heaven.”

Percival sniffed at the boots as he chewed a mouthful of food. “There is perfume in my boots?”

“Not exactly,” Vicki said. “Don’t worry, no one will notice.”

After swallowing his breakfast nearly whole, Percival pulled on his boots so they could leave. Vicki watched with interest but had to intervene.

“Don’t tuck your pants into the boots, Hon. People don’t do that anymore.”

“Oh. Well, alright.” Percival stood up and looked over himself. “Will I fit in?”

“Well enough. Let’s go.”

GZ Tales: Percival's Tale Part 1

 

Mist floated across the southern battlefield like ghosts of the fallen. The horse shifted from hoof to hoof nervously under its rider, Captain Louis Percival. Captain Percival ignored his horse as he stared across the wide field toward the enemy. His Union uniform was more brown than blue, like the rest of his men. Even the brass on his hat carried the spattering of combat. Captain Percival’s men held their ground in a long arrangement of dugouts lined with debris and bodies. On the other side of that wide field in Louisiana, Captain Percival could see the forces of Colonel Amon LeFey. Those forces outnumbered the Union soldiers 2 to 1.

            For either side, the field would be a long charge to get into effective rifle range. Percival’s troops were weathered and tired. LeFey’s troops looked too comfortable for Percival’s liking.

            Captain Percival was proud of his men. None of them ever mentioned retreat and all of them wanted to end Confederate control of Louisiana. Percival was even more proud of them because they had no idea how much more risk they faced that day than any other in the whole war. They had splintered away from the command forces under Major Nathaniel Prentice Banks for something greater than any battle the Civil War had.

            Percival looked to his Sergeant who stood ready nearby, “Make sure every man’s rifle is loaded and ready to fire.”

            “Yes, Sir!” and the man with thick mustache turned to other men, “All right, you louts, have those rifles ready!” The Sergeant stomped away shouting at the other men.

            Captain Percival removed a glove and scratched away some debris from his reddish brown mustache and beard. Then he put the glove back on and drew his sword for examination. He didn’t carry the standard issue cutlass, rather a blade passed down for generations. A family crest decorated the center of the hand guard. It was a crest older the United States could ever dream. Percival wiped away some blood staining from the blade and stared at his reflection in the metal.

            “Sir!” The Sergeant had returned to snap Percival out of distant thoughts, “The men await your orders. Every last rifle is primed and ready. If I may, the men do wonder what your idea is this time; with us being out of range and all.”

            “Have I ever not had an idea?”

            “No, Sir!”

            Colonel Amon LeFey sat on his own horse with his Lieutenant on a mount next to him. LeFey’s bushy white mustache and goatee did little to hide the amused smirk on his face. Unlike Captain Percival, LeFey’s uniform was crisp and clean. Not a drop of blood or sweat showed anywhere on the man.

            “It appears there’s movement in the Union camp, Boys,” LeFey scoffed, “Maybe they think they’re ready to try again. Stand ready!”

            His men formed lines awaiting a Union charge. Their rifles were also primed and ready to fire.

            “What are they doing, Sir?” Lieutenant Levar asked as he mused over the situation.

            “It appears they aim their rifles into the air,” LeFey answered. “They must know they are out of range.”

            “Perhaps they’ve lost their minds?”

            “That would be nice, but don’t underestimate Captain Percival. He always has a reason for everything he does.”

            “A distraction then?”

            “Perhaps.”

            Rifle fire echoed across the field as Percival’s men fired at a high angle. LeFey could see them rushing to reload. He considered ordering a charge, but then the first of the metal balls came down. From the high angle of fire the heavy metal balls from the black powder rifles fell like hail stones. They didn’t hurt but a few men, but it did force them to move.

            “Charge and fire!” LeFey shouted, but the Union soldiers were already doing the same.

            All either side needed was a 30 yard advance to be in better firing range. Percival’s men made it first. The first row of men dropped to one knee while the second aimed over their shoulders.

            “Fire!” the Sergeant shouted, and they did.

            This time more shots found their marks as Confederate soldiers fell while preparing to aim. The Union troops charged with their bayonets, hoping to close the gap before taking too much return fire. They didn’t quite make it, but close quarters combat joined next anyway. Bayonets, knives, and swords clashed with the occasional sound of gunfire, painting the field with blood.  Lieutenant Levar took a bullet to the skull and fell from his horse. LeFey stayed ridged in saddle. He glared at the Captain, fighting through the crowd from horseback.

            “Die! Come on! Die in the crossfire!” LeFey growled as he peered through the mist and smoke.

            Captain Percival charged through the bodies on his horse with sword held high. Any enemy within swinging distance caught a mean slash as Percival went by. Through the smoke, Percival could just see the outline of his target. Percival wanted more than just an outline. He wanted the face of LeFey within fingers grasp. His horse gave a cry of pain as it suddenly crashed to the ground. Percival rolled clear and fended off another Confederate soldier quickly.

            LeFey could see Percival clearly now, emerging from the battle with an expression of fury.

            “Kill him, damn it! Kill him!” LeFey growled.

            Percival would not be stopped. Any who got in his way were dispatched by sword with ridiculous ease. It was as if Percival had training above that of the common soldier.

            Colonel LeFey drew his pistol, more than willing to shoot through his own men. A rifle shot sounded and the pistol flew from the Colonel’s grip. Percival’s Sergeant stood nearby, ready to charge with his bayonet to finish the job. Colonel LeFey glared at the Sergeant with eyes that shimmered. Without any strength to stop himself, the Sergeant brought his bayonet up under his own jaw and thrust it clear into his brain.

            Colonel LeFey turned his attention back to Percival who now stood only ten feet away.

            “You’re going to pay for that!” Percival shouted, “You and me, LeFey!”

            “You’ll never have the sword, Percival!” LeFey shouted back, “Never!”

            Colonel LeFey raised a hand as Percival drew the revolver and aimed it. As the weapon fired, there was a great flash of light that blinded all who were nearby.

            As the bright flare faded, it was replaced by a blaring noise. Captain Percival rolled across the ground as the speeding car nearly hit him. From the curb, Percival stood up slowly as he took in the impossible sight around him.

            Buildings of brick and mortar surrounded him on the city street. Roaring carriages without horses went past him in various colors. Tall metal poles loomed overhead with light fixtures that he didn’t understand. People walking past wore the strangest clothing he had ever seen. There were so many styles of odd clothing; Percival thought there must be a costume ball.

            “Is he drunk?” A woman in a business suit asked as she passed him by.

A woman not wearing a dress was a confounding sight, and there were many of them.

“Weirdo,” said a man in leather and chains passing in the opposite direction of the business woman.