Tales from The Kingdom

As always, it is my intention to invite subconscious flow, exhaust my abilities, follow my instincts, and convey that which is my vision: in this case, a visual storyteller's imaginary world revealed in paint.

About Tales from The Kingdom

I write a brief passage of fiction for each painting. This writing typically begins alongside the physical setup process - assisting me in focusing in on my subject - one folding into the other until there is a dense, crystalized idea. Only then do I begin painting, hoping to deliver a heightened state of the subject that I set up. Finally, when the painting is completed, the fiction is revisited for a final edit or two. I enjoy and encourage free interpretation of my Kingdom paintings. Tales from The Kingdom is presented to give insight into my thoughts regarding any given subject, and is offered in the spirit of giving all that I have to give creatively.

I've got This, No Problem

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Ultimately, I have faith in You.

The Slumber Party

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Even the clock was tired, but wound up they were - not even trying to sleep. Much of the night had been spent revisiting the school day's Show and Tell, sprinkled with “what I learned over the summer." Candy, Movies, Popsicles, Poster Kisses: the coolest night ever.

Then, inspired, came a singular moment in time that no one present would ever forget. As if saving the best for last, Crystal took center stage - pulling an exquisite Reverse Red - and blew their giggly minds!

One Night in Arkansas: The Kingdom, Reinvaded

24"x30" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

It had begun as a night like any other, with the soft thumping of the still dissipating into the lonely, surrounding hills. The air was thick, and it aided in masking what was an otherworldly approach. In fact, junior had been thinking about finding a mud-hole to sit in, when an eerie hum overtook the landscape. They quickly understood that the hum was the soft pulsing of an engine above that had fallen in time with the still. Junior caught sight of a languid, interested tendril. Curious eyes glistened in the night.

Ma stood stunned! Pa's mouth fell open in disbelief! They were all held steadfast by a wondrous sight – while joined in a method that none could ever explain. Minds, hearts even, intermingled. Knowledge was exchanged. "They're after a snort!" Pa realized in time, but couldn't voice it.

Forever changed, they silently listened as the engine faded away, and watched as the night resolved into normal, each feeling that it somehow now seemed extra empty. To Pa's deepest disappointment, so was the still.

I'll do ANYTHING for Your Attention!

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The performers took to the familiar street determined to take more chances, but nobody had any actual ideas, and alas, determined as they were, no one was paying attention. And so once again, the fuel of inspiration began to wane.

Suddenly a gust of unknown origins wafted upon them and - like thunder- inspiration struck! The effect was instantaneous. For villagers stopped and took notice alright, soon becoming a mesmerized, ever-swelling throng filling the street. Coins were suddenly gathering at their feet, clinking and plinking, delivered with whistles and whoops! The performers dug in. Whatever it was, it was working. "Now we're getting somewhere" they all thought – while quickly becoming increasingly aware that only one member was garnering all of the attention. And so just as quickly came stings of jealousy and resentment. At the end of the day someone joked about going solo. Though no one fully realized it at the time, it was the beginning of the end.

It was Bound to Happen

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The very landscape erupted around the beasts, delivering molten rivers below an extraordinary sky; such was the background to this inevitable collision. Adrenaline surged in each being, senses overloading! Above the sounds of rocks falling upon a boiling earth, a Keeper announced. "We are Dragons! The Dragons of Old. What are you?"

"Dragons we are,” voiced the carnotaurus, “a most obvious fact.” The first growl triggered a burst of nervous roars and snarls!

What followed was messy, and without resolution. In fact - with regards to whom the genuine, real, bona-fide, actual, definite, authentic Dragons are - confusion persists to this day. One thing was certain, however, The Kingdom could never be the same.

I must Escape this Emptiness

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Held by hopelessness as warm as rushing blood, I stand beside my faithful companion, emptiness, breathing deeply of the oppressive atmosphere, just as the day before. I know that I must move. I must rise.

Relentless time ticked by and I began to see my surroundings differently. Little by little I recognized my means of escape and smiled, not as much with relief, but rather at the realization that it was there all the time.

An unlikely Union

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

In-laws were silently horrified, each camp eyeing the other with suspicion. Many had shown up expecting some sort of train wreck. Granny P adjusted her bosom and with a tight mouth muttered, "Live and learn." The betrothed couple might have heard her, except for that at that moment they were consumed by their internal tickings and could hear nothing else. A little wobbly perhaps, but there they stood: declaring. The master of ceremonies blessed them with a knowing twinkle in his extraordinary eyes, as if sensing something. Give them a chance, he said to the muttering room. Granny P, however, pursed her lips and leaning sideways, whispered. "I give it about two weeks."

A Closer Examination of Time

30"x40" Oil on Linen/Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

My Dearest Majesty,

The hour is late, yet my enthusiasm blossoms! For at this very moment I stand upon the delicious cusp of discovery. Time, however, is a slippery fish. To date I can report my certainty of a relationship fixing time to perception; therein lies a ratio. For a year considered by a four-year-old child is one fourth of their entire existence - a seeming eternity - and therefore has little in common with a typical fleeting year perceived by a forty-year-old adult. Though rather self-evident, I think this is profound, undug ground. Yet this is but one branch, and I am following every winding vine to find the elusive flower. With barest candor, I have been equally fascinated and frustrated; however, I believe I will crack the mortality barrier of which we spoke, although I may need a bit more, forgive me, Majesty... time.

Your ever Servant

Non-compliant

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

They arrived unexpectedly with smiles, crisp collars, and crisper adjustment papers. "It is all for the best," they had assured him in unison. "Listen to them son” his father added. “They’re official." “I’ll never understand," his mother whispered, "why you can't just go along like everyone else. It doesn't have to be this way.” Concerned faces surrounded him. Even so however, His thoughts remained his own. The town Crier would report that this was possibly the worst case of individualism ever recorded, and corrective measures would likely increase. "He's always been like that," his tearful mother was quoted. "I fear he always will be."

A Taste of the Good Stuff

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

It was a moment so potentially explosive that the very world held its breath. An addictive gift had been offered, and reluctantly accepted. Spectators dotted the distant hillsides, ignoring the evacuation warning. From the silent shadows, however - foolish or confident, but with everything at stake - one was compelled to witness this ultimate gamble up close. And so far so good...

But then again - as the witness alone knew - only the first sip is free.

Best not to Think about It

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

After careful consideration it has become abundantly clear that, at this time, the best course of action regarding this, or any such subject is simply not to think about it too much.

Double Juicy Frog Kisses

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Big Sister took little Sister’s hand as they entered, having been lured from the village with “the Prince requests your loveliness and a darling kiss!” Their hearts had soared into the realms of giddiness! I can't believe it, each had thought, hearing their footsteps echo upon the Royal marble floor: how lucky. But what was this? The girls' eyes went wild attempting to absorb the strange things of the Wizard's laboratory, noting unmistakable evidence of disaster. And there amongst it all, stone like, sat the frog/Prince - hoping, anticipating. Frog like. “No way!” said big Sister, rousing her courage to run. "We’re not kissing any frog!” She pressed little Sister behind her.

The Wizard raised his hands in assurance, and softly pleaded his case, his need for a singular droplet. "Well," offered big Sister. "I guess so..." The Wizard smiled, and gently directed the Sisters into position. “Right there, my dear ladies,” he whispered. “That just might do.” The Sisters stood awkwardly, but stood, and so with hearts hammering, and not before an extraordinary pause, and only after the Wizard's eyebrows went up, they coalesced their kisses into the chemistry by way of the tiniest tender smacks.

My Soul yet Sings!

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

He had poured his passion through his instrument, for it was the opportunity of a lifetime. The Royal Hall was held fast, entranced, moved by emotion to tears. But alas, the King, affected by previous indulgences - unexpectedly yawned - and murmurs trickled through the audience like a stone disrupting a serene pool, swelling and rolling until it overtook the artist's consciousness like a massive wave. Then it happened; his nimble fingers lost their way altogether; frozen and exposed before a silent, staring crowd, he shrank into something unrecognizable. After a long awkward moment, the King broke the stunned silence with sarcasm and banished the performer with a Majestic whim.

Time passed slowly. Yet, like a breeze caressing his broken skin, returned the sounds of strings: music his alone to hear. A new melody twinkled then blossomed until he was taken over by it, lost to all circumstance, lost to the very world around him by the symphony of his mind. His swollen eyes brightened and welled as joy filled his face. "Do to me what you will," he thought, “but you cannot take what is most mine, and my soul yet sings!"

And so the Panic began

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

There had been dry spells, even drought - but nothing quite like this. "Mercy" passed cracked lips as up-cast eyes begged empty skies for relief. And so it was to be. But not so for the King; for within his court were Wizards kept close, and the King’s lips ever-glistened with wine and cool water. Socialites clamored to keep favor - anything to remain on the inside. "We all have our places," insiders toasted, just as outsiders lamented likewise. Unpassable gates care nothing of pounding fleshy fists or the begging of men, women, and children. Many simply stared into the village well, helpless, hopeless, refusing to return home empty-handed yet again. Weakened bodies began to slump in the heat never to rise. That is when glimpses that had been exchanged sympathetically began to linger - differently. As from behind a veil of unkempt hair, one's thoughts returned to the blood of another. The sun was sinking as terror ascended into the air. Then the real panic began.

The King's Solicitors

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

While tidying up from his meager meal, an elderly peasant was surprised by a pronounced knocking upon his door. "We are here on behalf of His Majesty, the King” (at that, the door swung open wide revealing two courtly Solicitors) “who brings gifts of great kindness." They spoke in rehearsed unison. “His Majesty offers the answer to all your problems!” Huh, he thought, blinking at the smiling Solicitors, the King had never done anything for anyone other than himself as far as most had ever seen. Now his Majesty offers gifts. “At what cost?” the peasant eventually uttered. The Solicitors’ smiles only deepened. “Your mere signature,” they assured, “committing your eternal allegiance to the King for the term of your lifetime and beyond - a trifle, really - a simple formality.” The peasant ran his calloused hand across his face and clutched his beard, eyeing the offerings, doing his best to consider consequences. The Solicitors’ stood firm, smiling, eyes twinkling with anticipation. The peasant however, stood frozen in the moment - mind racing - for he had already begun to wonder if, in fact, he really had a choice.

The Brawl of the Century

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Time and again, such clashes had been billed as the most critical in the Kingdom's history, determining its very future. Ho hum. Fo fum. Yet this battle displayed new intensity. No means, it seemed now, was considered out of bounds to reach the desired end. Power is, well, powerful. "Slander! Lies! Crisis!" the Town Crier and Herald alike bellowed wild claims this way and that.

"History," pundits were already declaring, "will consider this to be The Brawl of the Century!" Everyone seemed to agree upon that point, and as time would clearly tell, it was.

Keeper of the Flame

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

There had been no warning on the wind, no portent delivered, so one might imagine the surprise when - on a night seemingly like any other – the Keeper detected a soft metallic “click” at his back. He turned and was wholly transfixed, mesmerized, for the ancient cage had opened seemingly of its own will, and the flame of his keeping was making an exodus beyond its kept home. Softly effervescing in the darkness, as if for a purpose, the flame hovered with new life before its Keeper, licking the night with colors violet, orange, and blue. Wizardry? Perhaps. Perhaps something far more powerful. Yet the Keeper smelled nothing wicked; in fact he felt teased to follow, but could only watch as the flame arose until it was lost among the stars, and though he was filled with unease, he could not help thinking, "something wonderful is about to happen…"

The Silent Service

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

I serve in silence. I stand resolute, stable, when all around me is not. In this moment, however, I hold my breath, once again witnessing the Scepter Of Power being placed in a hand too small to hold it, for one never really knows how one such will blossom. I have also witnessed those once oppressed, acquiring said Scepter Of Power, eagerly wielding it to bludgeon all perceived enemies into a bloody pulp; becoming what they most feared. I am the eye of this storm: watching, listening, waiting.

From down a dark corridor I detect a guarded whisper - "privilege" - and with a sinking heart replay a memory of another young King. "Privilege my ass," rings in my helmeted ears. "I... I am rightly blessed!"

The Wonderweapon

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The King had never seen anything like it, for there had certainly never existed such a mechanism. His thick legs became a bit unsubstantial as his eyes struggled to consume it all. Deliciously monstrous and cocked, it sprawled under the sun like an otherworldly creature anticipating a wicked prowl. “Magnificent!” said the King, “Just as promised – and more!” His mind raced. This was certainly the weapon to best all weapons. “This will mean the end to all war,” declared the builder. “For the field of battle will tremble and give way at the very sight of it. Hardened enemy hearts will waiver, fleeing before it like mere children.” Mind wildly racing, then King simply whispered, “I’ll take it.”

The Contemplation Pool

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The journey had whittled away at the last of his life. Compelled however, he went on - even when hope was hidden from his heart - on he went. At last, shimmering in the distance, there it was; his cracked lips parted at the sight. It was real. The Keeper of the Temple, its scales glistening like diamonds in the blazing sun, gave not a glance as he passed, for the traveler was expected. He quenched not his thirst, but dragged his damaged feet down a cool corridor, through a multicolored curtain, and gazed into the glass-like surface of The Contemplation Pool. A single tear disrupted his reflection, and as the undulation subsided he learned; "You have done well..." A second tear then rippled the surface to which the pool revealed, “The world will treasure your effect upon it..." He closed his weeping eyes, trembling, and tried to comprehend what was happening. He knew he was dying. Then fell a final tear, and he sent a long breath across the pool, and waited…

"But alas," revealed the telling waters, "you will not survive to see it.”

Artifacts of the Ancients

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Construction had come to an unexpected halt. For the entire area had become a clandestine excavation site that was yet known only to the King and his wisest minds. You see, this had never happened before, and scholars fumed in heated debate as to the meaning of what had been unearthed. The King’s Cartographer and Alchemist had come to actual, vicious blows. One western Priest considered worship, while the southern Priests collectively warned of accessing the darkest of regions even by such so-called study. Behind closed doors chaos ruled, as no one was in overall charge beyond the King, and he had begun demanding answers. The artifacts, however, held their secrets like massive monuments to mystery, leaving wild minds to wild imaginings. For behold, what monsters must have walked this ancient world, ascended into a starry night, or slithered beneath an undulating sea? What had trod upon the very Kingdom? Behold!

Night Watch

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Saws sat silent. Hammers lay idle. The hour was boring and late so no one had anticipated the intruder that was slinking about the castle’s newest construction – certainly not the Watchman snoring softly in the corner. The golden creature glistened teasingly for a prowler, but its stealth was perfect, even as it opened its jaws in an undetected show of satisfaction. Footfalls were that of feathers upon cotton, placed with determined, catlike precision. But to what purpose? Mere curiosity, perhaps? None would ever know, for it stole away just as it had come, not even sawdust was disturbed.

Curiosity then; for no harm was done it seemed, and as everyone knows, mere curiosity never killed a dragon.

Her Secret Garden

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

“Keep your eyes shut,” she demanded, “’til I say...” Not that it mattered much, as the night was black as pitch upon her flowers. She, responsible and shy, and with a low estimation of her physical beauty, then took his hand and led him through a hole in her garden wall to a spot she had predetermined. “You are the first to be here,” she said turning him around. “Don’t peek ‘til I say.”

He heard a match strike, and felt the warmth of a lamp upon his face. “Okay,” she then said. Slowly he opened his eyes. “More beautiful than I imagined,” he finally uttered, but wasn’t gazing upon the flowers, for the joy in her eyes outshined them.

He followed the Money

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

“Disgrace!” he cried! The accused looked down their condescending noses with astonishment. For how does one shame the shameless? "Disgrace!” he repeated. The accused began to squirm, looking to advocates for support, but eventually finding themselves exposed and alone. Finally. "Cronies, liars, thieves,” a growing mob screamed, along with worse forms of derision. The accused made their case to anyone who would listen. Some were defiant, some apologetic - all victims of circumstance, you see. Scandal was on every lip: for a while, that is. For the King quickly offered pardon to his old friend Lord What’s-his-name, one was sentenced directly to the dungeon, and yet another tearfully announced that - after long thought - he had decided to step away from public life to spend more time with his family.

The Forbidden Kiss

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Within the forest twisted and deep, where few are thought to wander, a peasant girl held her breath witnessing something not meant to be seen. After all, she had only stumbled across the cabin with its door open, and had only meant to peek inside, mouse like. Only then did she discover that she was not alone.

Thunder rumbled and softly rolled away as two known enemies emerged from the shadows. So focused were the two that they were lost to everything beyond their locked gazes. The peasant girl's heart thumped at what happened next! Rain tapped the roof as the lovers kissed with desire. The peasant girl’s thoughts went to someone special in a foreign land, her heart giving over to something infectious. Yes, there was something amorous in the very air. She saw love everywhere she looked.

Keeper of the Red Jinn

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Within the mountain deep, the dark hall had been calm for so long that it was difficult to conceive the horror and mayhem once let loose upon the villagers below. Praise be to the Keeper. Praised be his unshakable strength. For those inexperienced, the young, such stories were entertainment, enjoyed as wild fantastic tales. So be it. Better that they never really know. But the elders remember: remember through tears, through fingers caressing unnatural scars, ever reliving the clinching of loved ones' misshapen bodies, lifeless and cold. And for what? Only dull aching hearts were left to wonder. And yet it had seemed so wonderful at first. Gifts were given freely, or so it had seemed. In short time, however, such treasures revealed themselves as mere trinkets, then as reminders of foolishness to be buried from view. But remnants yet remain: remnants in the form of graves, nightmares, unnatural scars, and wild fantastic stories.

Praise be to the Keeper.

Blood like a River

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Honor? What was such compared to love? To overwhelming desire? The Soldier knew the price of approaching so boldly, of intervening again into the lives of so wealthy a home after so long abroad. Warm breaths vaporized in the cold moonlight. The Soldier dismounted and kneeled, calm, vulnerable, openly making a full appeal to the girl of his sweetest memory. Having survived the unimaginable, he was willing to die for her. The Husband drew his exquisite weapon and paused, displaying the quality of the blade. Fear-honor-love had merged, and only action remained in question, but the look on every face made it certain that there would be blood fouling the delicate snow at their feet this night, blood like a veritable river.

Midnight at the Oasis

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The night had grown quiet but for the occasional rustle of tent walls and soft shifting of sand. There was no more sinuous music in the air or swaying of sultry bodies by lamplight, no more teasing glimpses caught through sheer adornments. No more seduction. Someone was snoring somewhere.

It was always the same. The vixens had vanished like smoke - a mirage - just as the guests’ carousing had subsided. They always give way to slumber of one form or another, only to awaken penniless and diminished, and with the desire for more. There was no rest here. Always the same. Only the beasts of burden had refuge, for they milled about calmly, healing, feeding, resting, and paying little heed to the magic let loose in the air.

This might Sting a Little

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Desperation had brought them here, for certainly nothing else would. Without a touch, the weathered door had opened slightly, remaining invitingly ajar, and so they entered. It had been a long journey, and garments clung to sweaty backs as they stepped into the bizarre room. Hearts pounded as they surveyed the irregular walls and strange instruments hanging there, wondering how anything could be cured by such means. Then, ghostlike, the Doctor delivered herself into a corner, showing irrepressible delight in being discovered by her guests, and their discomfort. Hearts hammered, but no one said a word, transfixed as they were by her magnetic eyes and unnerving, knowing grin. In her own sweet time, she finally asked, "How may I be of service?"

A most Perfect Potion

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Sweet was the stuff, hanging thick upon the tongue like dark delicious syrup. No turning back now. Just as the fluid seeped into the places needed to do its mysterious business, panic - regret - bit sharply, but just as quickly gave way to giddiness as breaths eased in and out. Familiar existence diminished as unexpected angular waves delivered a lifetime of experience one after the other. Prescient visions played beyond the scope of physical eyes, providing revelation, rapture, and disbelief simultaneously. Exactly as promised, more or less.

The Wizard stepped back extending his hand for compensation. “Take as needed,” he then advised, “but I recommend it be sparingly.”

For the Love of a Milkmaid

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Timely indeed was Sir Knight, for he seemed precisely on cue and was very well equipped to dispatch a simple juvenile delinquent. The bothersome brat. Why must there ever be a pestilence upon the land, lurking, sniffing the air, harassing good folk? But alas, all would be well here. The Milkmaid cracked a knowing smile, further expressed only in loving eyes. Sir Knight performed with style and zeal – his skill on full display. And done!

Sir Knight dismissing himself with the utmost propriety, then made a slow, grand exit out of sight. Thank all goodness for Sir Knight, thank goodness for his timing. For perfect timing, it was. Perfect. But on second thought... perhaps a bit too perfect. For how had he arrived so quickly?

Now we Wait...

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The aroma was unnatural, acrid, and a bit stinging to the senses: worse than before to be more precise, yet it infused the laboratory with a fresh sense of anticipation. Would it work this time? The Wizard certainly seemed to think so - said so - before he stepped back several paces. "Don't touch anything," he warned from the corner, and none did. Waiting... Waiting... Eyes fixed and eager widened as the tiniest of bubbles appeared, preceding a stirring movement within the dark fluid. Then all became still once more. There was a long thoughtful pause. "Well..." the Wizard finally responded. "Now we're getting somewhere."

Keeper of Time

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

No one knows the particular transmissions that travel between the head and heart of a dragon, and certainly not one such as this. Solitary in the world, charged for all eternity with a singular task, a Keeper knows nothing else. They are few, and feared. And yet, even so, within a breath's reach of eternal agony someone or something had done the unthinkable; for the delicate trickle of time had been stopped. Rage shook the fortified walls, filling the night air with dread, informing the village and beyond. Yet how had this come to pass? For what purpose? Activity, as known, had somehow ceased.

And - for that matter - just how long had it been so?

The King is Dead

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

An accident? Perhaps. Regardless, it had happened so swiftly that no one really knew for sure. Guards that had gone lax amid reverie and celebration now stood stoic and pale. Eyes that had once admired dancers now focused fully upon the lifeless King at the foot of the Monument of Old. As news spread the entire Kingdom let out a gasp, followed by a drawn collective moan, for he had been a good ruler; not always the case. Investigators scrambled; they would get to the bottom of this. There would be retribution, but that time was not now. Now was a time for reflection. The heir had long been disputed.

Where do we go from here?

The Kingdom: Invaded

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Dawn broke that day as a backdrop to chaos and confusion. An unfamiliar fear sank deep within the bowels of scarred, hardened bodies. Once incessant squabbling had ceased altogether, congealing however briefly into an apprehensive wall of scowling solidarity. Bitter enemies now stood shoulder to shoulder without a checking sidelong glance: eyes forward, teeth bared, mouths agape to incinerate the unknown thing. For what stuff was this? What had born such horrific screams and rolling roars? No one knew.

An alien engine then loosed a low unnatural hum, and all fell silent as each witness gauged the value of a moment never experienced before - then the real chaos began.

Swoon

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Immersion complete, and delicious it was: soaring, falling, floating. Uncontained infinite joy filled the very universe - heartbeat after hammering heartbeat - a bursting radiant existence was now realized. Overwhelmed, drowning in pleasure, he was given over to another - vulnerable, beyond all self-control, and yet loved it so.

And so she swam in it...

The Trolls' Treasure

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Gimpsed in the darkest of caverns, a veritable fortune of ill-gotten wealth lay about glistening, only to be fondled, caressed, and coveted by joyless empty hearts. Never enough, think Trolls, if they actually think at all. Pointless, it seems. For what need have Trolls of currency? What do they know of value? Trolls need little more than a dank place and an occasional goat to nibble on. Yet they ever continue, compelled by means of some internal unknown ticking: keenly - if only at such matters - sleeping in shifts and welcoming questionable company.

Keys to The Kingdom

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

And so it came to this, as everyone knew that it would, for alas, there can be only one. Assurances had been delivered in confident, whispered tones. Rumors had been loosed loudly, yes, seeding bad intentions, fertilized by those seeking favor. Chests puffed and pounded had sent reverberations down dusty corridors, curling around ancient columns. Real concerns were swallowed, kept secret, for there was oh so much at stake. Now, however, the collision was at hand, and shadows filled with eager eyes, hearts pounding with anticipation. For anything could happen, of course, and no one was going to miss it…

Off with Their Heads!

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

No one uttered a sound. As for the Jester, he choked on his own colliding thoughts, mouth agape, wishing only to dissolve into the shadows. The Queen stood motionless, unreadable, and cold as a midnight tombstone within the crimson result of her action. Increasingly unpredictable, who could really say why she had acted so? Senseless, it seemed, as if she simply wished to bathe in the blood of her power. Her Majesty seemed satisfied by the silence following the thump upon the floor. Silence. There ever after, none approached with anything but practiced masks and nervous, hopeful smiles. What else was one to do? For there had been no such carnage for a dragon’s age, and capable utensils were ever sharp, and, well… handy.

Unattainable

16"x20" Oil on Panel.

Tales from The Kingdom

The Village was amused, but the suitors did not care: they simply could not. Again and again they crooned, plied, and – when all else failed – merely gazed with burning desire. For such was the magnetism of the dark princess. So fine was her skin, so elegant her form. Oh so close she loomed: oh so out of reach. Would, soon, she offer another teasing smile? Relent perhaps? They would take their chances, for there must be a key to her fickle, delicious heart, if only they could find it.

The Wizard's Wand

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Wretched things. Silently they ever sit. Were they even aware they had been pounded into such unnatural misery. Let us hope not. For what could deserve such a fate? The tool lay idle before them, mockingly, its ordinary appearance making it all the more disconcerting. What possessed this Wizard? What able madness? None spoke openly about the injustice that it surely was. Questions were whispered, yes, discussed in quiet corners - but only four could possibly, truly know; and these three... these will never tell.

New Sheriff in Town

16"x20" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The village was fed up: tired of the lawlessness, sick of the rampant wickedness, the pervasive mindless bloodshed. Good folk had fallen to drunken laughter and lingering smoke - including the Marshal. Fear was thick. Pleas had long been sent. In fact, many times they had summoned for assistance without result. Reality had set in; they were on their own. Finally one stood up from within their ranks: young, untested, but willing. “Things are gonna change,” he announced to astonished onlookers. “So get your mind set to help. It’s all up to us now.”

Keeper of the Key

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Woe to those unaware. Woe to those with greedy hearts and sticky, seeking fingers. Woe! Fair heed to those with the softest of footfalls and sharpest eager blade; enter not this dark hall. Halt! Fill not your heart with craving, for the Keeper smells your desires even as they form. Woe to thee. Sleep is not known here; eyes are lidless and keen. Determined is the Keeper, and perfect in his power.

And still they keep coming…

Trouble in The Kingdom

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

Knights rode out that day, fading into the sunset with banners streaming and trumpets sounding. Determined, they were. Many had placed a warm hand on the shoulder of the sobbing mother, caressing her hopeful upturned face as they vowed the unspoiled return of her only daughter. Madness was on display, and yet unchecked. "This evil will end," one was heard to vow. "Senseless," said another. The broken mother sobbed, surrounded by loved ones, her fears sinking to unspeakable depths.

Torches, Tower, & Dragon

20"x16" Oil on Panel

Tales from The Kingdom

The Castle held silent, fastened like a vault, its tasty contents breathless, wanting nothing more than the terror to pass. A prodding, creeping pestilence was upon The Kingdom, brazenly open against a setting sun. From within, the huddled villagers looked down upon the massive beast, just as its footfalls were felt in their bones. In a timid whisper, someone suggested, "Maybe we should offer a sacrifice?" Glances were exchanged. Many considered the thought, but made no move to act, for this beast was new to this land, and unknown. "Perhaps it will pass with the night," said another. "Light no torches," advised a guard. And so they waited in silent shadow, hoping for the best, safe it seemed. But, alas, the evening was still young.

Note: This is the first Kingdom painting.

All work ©Daniel Mark CassityPermissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at mailto:danielmcassity@gmail.com.

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