english journal 8 (1/08) the gunnery washington, connecticut

“What are you looking for dear?” asked Alexa, confused.“The mercenary, he’s nowhere to be seen. I wanted to thank him for returning you safely andliberating the whole village from those filthy bandits. But it would seem to be that he hasalready gone.”“Well, it doesn’t surprise me. He’s a mercenary after all. You know their type, greedy,pompous, all around horrible people. I’m for one glad he’s gone. I mean, do we still even havea house. Probably not with how much mercenaries charge. The sons of…”“Now wait dear. Before you continue, I just want you to know that he did not charge usanything. He only asked me to collect maps for him until he collected, when ever that will be.That was the deal, you and the village for some maps.”“Wait, you mean that I have been wrong about this man the whole time. You mean he actuallycared about my life, and the livelihoods of the village people.” She fell to her knees, almostcrying. “How can I make amends for that man, the Mage Knight? How can I be forgiven?”“When he comes to collect his payment, then you will have a chance at redemption.” Josephsaid this as he looked into the quickly setting sky. “Alexa, let’s go home.”Zach BodnarShe stares outthe bus windowand watches the rain fall downlike her tearsit doesn't stop comingkeeps fallingkeeps fallinguntil she thinks she can’t cry anymorerocks thrown at windowslike her heartkeeps breakingkeeps breakinguntil its shattered into a million piecesEnglish Journal 8 (January 2008) 64