To the Mana Born:  The Commodity

By Christopher Leeson
 
Revised 12-19-14

Author's note: This story takes place in the same universe as my earlier tale, The Dark of the Moon. The mystic forces that were at work behind the scenes in that story were kept veiled from the reader. In this entry, much of what happened to Darrell and Loren can be placed in context. But this is not a new Darrell and Loren story; it explores the universe from the perspective of other characters. Many TG stories before this have featured wicked stepmothers, but few of them have focused specifically upon the stepmother character, exploring her dilemma and explaining why she does what she does. But though Elisa Ardens is not necessarily typical of every wicked stepmother, we hope that her story is a good one, and that it shall both interest and entertain.

This story has appeared elsewhere, but it has undergone significant editing and polishing for this BC posting.
 
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Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, part 12 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2013

Reverend Yingling preaches about Clyde Ritter. Roscoe joins the O’Hanlans for lunch. Carl confuses Flora with a question. Things become known at Flora’s second hearing. Yingling can’t stop a wedding. Hedley gets a haircut. And lots more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, part 10 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2014

Many people talk about the fire, and they do so from very different points of view. Kirby and Trisha put out the paper – with editorials. The church board meets again. Arnie decides to dance. The Cactus Blossoms premiere their new act. Clyde Ritter deals with jewelry. And lots more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, part 8 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2014

Styron makes an announcement. Pablo warns Don Luis. Arnie considers a new job. Trisha and Emma talk. Milt and Jane move into their new home. Bridget gets mischievous. Roselyn gives more advice to Flora. The town council finally votes on Rev. Yingling’s motion. Ernesto takes a challenge. Flora adopts a cat. And lots more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, part 6 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c) 2014

Flora and Lylah take a bath. The town council meets to decide Nancy’s fate. Pablo talks about Styron and Ritter. The Cactus Blossoms dance. Bridget deals cards. Abner Slocum hears what’s wrong with him. Rosalyn offers Flora some advice. Wilma thinks about her life. Clyde Rittter flirts. And lots more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, part 5 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2014

Trials and transformations. The Cactus Blossoms learn their dance. Wilma finds out the truth about Ethan. Nancy helps out and gets in trouble. And lots more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring, Part 3 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2014

Trisha gets some unwelcome news. Forry Stafford and his Leland Saunders and Dell Cooper look around town. The Spauldings ask Arnie to teach them Spanish. Leland starts chasing after Nancy Osbourne. Stafford and his men ride out to meet Abner Slocum. Forry encounters and begins flirting with Bridget. Trisha and her allies talk church politics. Rape. Slocum’s payroll is robbed. And lot’s more.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change – Spring; part 1 of 13
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson © 2014

Scenes from Maggie and Ramon's wedding; Bridget can't hold her liquor, Gregorio makes a toast. Rev. Yingling makes more trouble about the potion. Emma tries for the surveyor's assistant job. Jane fills in for Maggie. Arnie spends time with the Spauldings. And lots more. Note: Some of the Categories and Keywords refer to earlier chapters/stories.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change -- Winter
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson

Part 2 -- February

Sunday, February 4, 1872

Theo, Elizabeth, Laura, and Arsenio moved into one of the empty rows of chairs set up in the school for the Sunday worship service. They picked up the hymnals that were placed on two of the seats and sat down.

Elizabeth tugged on Laura's sleeve. "Who is that young woman up there in front," she whispered, pointing to the group seated on either side of the altar, "and what is she doing sitting there with -- those _are_ your church elders, aren't they?"

Teaser: The adventures of the ladies of the Eerie Saloon continue. A mystery is revealed. Laura tries to adjust to her new condition. And two more transformations occur.

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Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change - Autumn
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c)2005
Part 2 - November

Sunday, November 5, 1871

Milt Quinlan walked directly to the bar. "Good afternoon, Shamus. Do you mind if I talk to Jane for a few minutes?"

"I don't see why not," Shamus said. "We isn't exactly swamped with customers right now. Sit yuirself down someplace, and I'll be sending her over to ye."