WearManyHats

Thou shalt be free As mountain winds: but then exactly do All points of my command. - act I, scene 2 June 14, 1997 “I hope it really is a new clan,” said Angela, “If it is, they might have a good chance at making friends in this town.” Elisa swept her flashlight across the front desk of the Underhill downtown public library and touched her earpiece. “How do you figure?” “Captain Hoffman didn’t seem all that shocked when she saw us. She was very nice, for someone who’s never met gargoyles before.” Some rustling noises. “Maybe she can be their in with the townspeople. Hmm. Looks like the only thing going through the trash at the Italian restaurant is raccoons. Moving on to the park pavilion.” “I see claw marks on the cooler behind the repair shop,” added Goliath, “but the lock looks new.” Keeping her voice low, Elisa quietly stepped behind the desk and peered into the staff offices. Their list of likely spots in town provided by Mavis was dwindling; the only reason the library was

Gentle breath of yours my sails Must fill or else my project fails. - epilogue June 9, 1997 A father, his daughter, and their beast stand before a door. Beyond it rages a tempest, furious thunder muffles to a gentle rumble, and blinding lightning bolts become soft rainbow light and glints of gold through stained glass and polished brass filigree. Howling wind breaks against the sturdy curves of their dwelling, sounding within like nothing more than a sad, distant song. The father, his hand resting on his daughter’s shoulder, watches the storm outside for a long moment, then he turns and bends to one knee before her. The beast creeps behind the daughter as he does so, curling its long tail as if completing a circle with him around the child, a wordless promise to protect. “This break will not allow me to pass,” the father says, “but you… you can slip through.” “Can I stay?” The daughter’s voice is small, her hands wrapped tightly around the strap of a satchel slung across her