A Third Update to the Into the Pale Novel

A couple months after the international banquet, we had solidified a tradition of weekly drinks and story swapping. We sat on her parents’ veranda, under mosquito netting, chatting like old friends. “Have you ever read Blake’s poem, ‘Tyger, Tyger?’” Ana asked. She didn’t wait for an answer, but began reciting as her hands danced in front of her face.

“TIGER, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,”

It was as though she were beckoning her muse to come closer. Her fingers brushed the netting, making the shadows dance.

“What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?”

Ana’s eyes were focused on the black ring of jungle beyond the back porch. A dull moon lit the shiny leaves.

On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?”

Her hand lingered over the candles whose light danced on the netting. Her irises were golden rings around her wide pupil. I wasn’t breathing. The adrenaline was making me antsy as I tried to follow Ana’s eyes.
With a flick of her hand, she extinguished the few tiny flames. I instinctively reached towards my right hip, and that’s when it happened. Something in the brush off to the right rustled. Two beady eyes peered at us, and I choked back a scream. Fuck, I thought, Fuck civvies…no gun. Ana just started laughing, as I pulled the netting down on top of us.
“What in the hell’s so funny?” I snapped. She caught her breath and pointed. In the moonlight silver fur flashed as a little monkey darted back into the forest.
“I thought you were more collected, Private J—–,” she mocked, “But if you’re in the mood, I have a story that will really get your heart pumping—a feline story to rival Blake’s poetry, if you will.”

The Narrator of Into the Pale

Narrator:

Full name—Jensen (God is gracious) Bryne (Fire) Burkrist

Peculiar Traits –
Jensen Bryne smokes (not picky)
Black coffee drinker
Both only as a side-dish to chill time

Keeps a military issued switch blade in her right boot at all times

When nervous, she gets quiet and presses her hands to her sides
Enjoys travel—architecture-and-if you could make a band that incorporated Enya, Dido, Imogen Heap, and Edward Maya, she'd listen to that band.

Date of Birth/Age—born 1980. January 9th