You may not be authorized to know his name.
And you may not have the proper security clearance to visit his lair.
He’s not even a real Secret Agent … but if anyone asks … you never saw him.
Please feel free to share this with your friends.
Thank you.
RV (Not a Secret Agent!)
*Secret Agent videos are dedicated to finding and sharing the hidden talents of indie artists in an entertaining manner.
After missing a year, 2020, we were able to resume the Festival of Skalds.
I was happy to see so many people come out for the event and we are already planning to “Level-Up” in 2022!
Enjoy this video.
Sound up for this one.
Tree House Special
Spring ‘21 Sale
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Sale $14.93
SAVE 21%
Completer’s Special
Spring ‘21 Sale
Regular $43.97
Sale $34.74
SAVE 21%
Her eyes were dark and mysterious above her veil, and try as I might, I could not avert my gaze. She was staring at me as if she wanted something, which simultaneously unnerved and exhilarated me.
I was in Marrakesh and all around me the markets were alive with activity.
But I was frozen in the moment.
Then she motioned for me to follow her and, against all my better judgment, I did.
We whisked between barrels piled precariously high with ground spices, and everywhere there were hanging herbs. It all filled the air with such rich aromas that the imagination was overwhelmed. In a matter of minutes, we had passed by a dizzying array of leather goods, pottery, and baskets woven with intricate detail. Then we arrived at a doorway and without hesitation, she let us in.
It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room as the only light came through the high latticed windows. There was an Ottoman-styled couch draped with colorful rugs, with an elderly looking man perched on it.
“I am so thankful you have come,” the old man said as he extended to me a rolled up parchment. “The map must be kept safe at all costs.”
My mind was abuzz with confusion. My guide with the sultry eyes had disappeared, and I knew nothing of a map, nor of the man seated before me. “I’m not sure what to do with this …” I stammered.
“No one does. No one ever has. Only, its safekeeping is imperative.” The old man was staring intently at me as he spoke. His voice dropped to a near whisper as he urged, “Beware Scimitar! He wants you dead. And his general, Khaled, is especially dangerous … only, we lost track of General Khaled a few minutes before you arrived in the market.”
My jaw was agape with non-comprehension. I had clearly been mistaken for someone else and was being thrust into mortal danger. “I think you have the wrong man,” I whispered hoarsely.
The old man patted my shoulder as he responded, “We have all felt that way. Now, up the stairs and cross over the rooftop. Drop down beside the camel pen. The doors will be watched by Scimitar’s spies.”
I had not noticed the narrow plastered stairs built against the wall. It was all unfolding like a dream.
“Quickly, now! Follow Hassan!” the old man ordered. And for some unimaginable reason, I followed the heavily armed man up the stairs. As my foot touched the landing, I could hear the old man’s parting words, “God be with you, Dr. Hoffman!”
Hassan led me across the rooftops and pointed at a stack of straw beside the camel pen. I jumped.
When I looked up to thank the man, he was gone. I stood for a moment collecting my thoughts. Who in the world is Dr. Hoffman? I wondered.
I heard a young voice cry out, “There he is!”
And without looking, I bolted in the opposite direction …
I’ve never even been to Morocco, thus the above story is not true. It is an allegory of 2020. And, like 2020, it ends on an ellipsis.
Beware my friends, not all of the issues from 2020 are finished. The only thing that is fully resolved is the calendar.
So, my advice for the new year: Try to use good judgment and discretion, without becoming paranoid.
Remember to look out for your neighbors whenever you can.
And, if you encounter a warlord named Scimitar, you should probably run.
May 2021 be a blessed year for you!
Dear Friends,
Thank you all for your support and feedback this season. What a year!
Besides all the societal craziness happening, I managed to injure my back in the beginning of November. Like everything I do, there was no half measure.
Being out of work has been a new and unhappy experience for me. But having my readers respond to my books has been a highlight. Again, I thank you.
Merry Christmas!
Try not to let crazy circumstances torpedo the joy of this sacred celebration.
On a more personal note:
I have been doing physical therapy, and yes, I’m doing it aggressively for two hours per day, plus at the clinic twice per week. The result, I can now walk freely without a cane. (I still use it in public for an added measure of security) That’s a huge improvement from a few weeks back when I couldn’t get out of bed without crutches.
I’m a long way from “back to normal” and normal will undoubtedly be amended. But I am pushing myself as hard as I can, and am permitted by my physical therapist, who has been fantastic.
There will likely be some procedures in the future, but I’m taking it all one day at a time. For now, I am hoping to get back to work at my regular job (Jarrett Bay Boatworks) soon. Until then I am writing every chance I get. - RV
