DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026- PART 6)

Freya was happy to have encountered the very young man (Dragon Longze) she had sought to find and now after the knock and facing him, manners dictated that she wait at the doorstep to be invited in; she had therefore, expectantly stared at him, her words temporarily frozen on her tongue while her mind ran a prolific assortment of frenzied thoughts and feelings never before experienced. The young man’s awkward, prolonged response was unnerving; nevertheless, she had felt completely safe, unable to detect least malice, no threat or hostility in his keen gaze.

Longze on his part, had stood inexplicably (enigmatically) immobile because he had been thunderstruck (shocked) to see her there and remaining perfectly still, he was processing inwardly what he faced.

01-DRAGON LONGZE (32)

Freya’s concern for her father’s welfare being a vociferous siren, however, she was the first to break the spell, and the moment her senses snapped back to reality, she said: “Sir, please forgive my rude intrusion; my name is Freya Aquila and I am the daughter of hunter Hans Aquila. I have been beset (overcome) with worry since my father had gone on a routine hunting trip five days prior and has not yet returned; hence, I would like to know if you have come across him or know any news of him. He is my sole living kin, and I fear that something awful (dreadful) might have befallen him in these woods. So, kind sir, is there any chance of you having seen or heard anything about him?”

The girl spoke so quietly and looked at him so vulnerably that Longze deeply affected by her angst, rushed to at once bow his head in greeting and politely introduce himself as Longze, no last name was given; subsequently, he in quick succession, with a gentle voice and demeanor, uttered reassuring words to comfort her. Afterwards, he fell silent, not knowing what else to say.

Dragon Longze thereupon had discreetly observed her, this time being up close and really seeing her, he’d noted that for a human, particularly since her cheeks were tinged with crimson hue (shyness being the most delightful characteristics of humans), she looked as beautiful as a flower, akin those lovely blossoms in spring. Her braided blond hair (locks), meanwhile, disordered as it were, because of the prevailing winds and the storm, falling over her shoulders, swayed like the graceful branches of a willow tree.  Even though her large emerald, green eyes were sad, they held worders of the Universe as it glistened like the stars on a clear night; and, it seemed to Longze that she could not belong to the human species on earth, that she must be a fairy—an angel from Heaven.

02- GUARDIAN ASMUND (1)

“For heaven’s sake, what are you waiting for, have you lost your wits entirely, Longze? Can’t you see she is cold; invite her in!” The impatient voice of his guardian Asmund, audible only to Longze, snapped (busted the trance) Longze at once from his trance like obsession, his fascination of Freya.

“Am I allowed?” Longze abruptly looked up and silently asked Asmund; then straightaway feeling foolish, Longze opened the door wider. He declared that she would be safer and more comfortable inside; thence, with a polite sweeping gesture of his hand accompanying the words of, “Please come in,” he promptly stepped aside, and invited Freya into his humble abode.

Freya, now uttering her thanks, after moment’s hesitation, for her boots were all covered in mud, quickly stepped over the threshold but nervously remained inside by the door.

“She’s worried about dirtying the floor.” Asmund’s voice chimed in Longze’s ears.

Longze quickly responded with his placating (conciliating) vernacular, reassuring her that a little dirt on the floor was inconsequential, then bade (invited) her to please take a seat by the hearth, as she would be more comfortable and warmer there.  

Subsequently, she was shown to a seat and then offered steeping hot cup of tea. Longze, then asking, “May I?” and receiving an affirmative nod from Freya, he set across from her and tilted his head and politely inquired: "Tell me, if you please, bit more about your concerns, and more precisely, more details about your father so that I may rightly assist you in finding him; I will listen to your story, however long in its entirety, if you trust me enough to tell it to me. Hopefully, your father will be found safe, and…” he hesitated before speaking again, “and if you don’t think me too brazen, are you spoken for?" Longze had regretted asking that the moment the words had escaped his lips; he had innately understood the inappropriateness of it, and so, blushing, he averted his gaze and looked down, suddenly discomfited (embarrassed, flustered) and felt gauche (uncouth, tactless). “I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer that!” He then quickly added, trying to remedy his transgression.

“Now you’ve done it; and you were doing so well up till then too.” Asmund’s bemused snicker made Longze further disconcerted (embarrassed), as he had revealed not only to her but to his guardian his maladroitness (unsophistication, callowness, inelegance).

Asmund sensing his deep hurt, relented: “But I see that I am making you uncomfortable; so, I shall take my leave of you for a while. I have other matters to address anyhow. But Longze, do not try so hard; relax, and be yourself, all will be fine. I will check back on your progress tomorrow. “

03- DRAGON LONGZE(60)

Longze was grateful for Asmund’s tolerance and faith in him. He nodded his head, to his guardian; then, his attention was at once reverted (directed back) to her.

Freya, meanwhile, was taken back, baffled even, by his sudden awkwardness, his unusual candor and delightfully innocent nature, and so she had stared at him in silence, for so long that, he thought he’d definitely overstepped some boundary and breached some human decorum (propriety, modesty, tact, politeness) that she was cross with him and therefore, would not answer. But when he dared to meet her eyes again, he saw that there was no judgement, no anger or repulsion, only kindness and tolerance and something resembling his akin intense curiosity, in her eyes. This elated him, and so encouraged, he was about to speak, when the sudden gusting wind that shook the shutters, drew both their attention to it.

The sudden hurricane force wind again rising, had this time seriously shaken the dilapidated structure, which he had found (detected) curiously enough earlier that day.  Having decided on spending the night there, after his brief repose which he had spent playing the flute, he was about to more scrupulously examine the structure, explore and identify the possible hazards (pitfalls, snares, dangers) of the interior, when she had quite unexpectedly shown up at the cabin’s doorstep.  Meanwhile he could not shake the sensation that something was amiss (wrong, awry) or odd about this structure being mysteriously manifested (appearing) there, when there had been no such cabin prior. He had meant to ask Asmund about it, only, he did not get the chance.

Longze, five days erstwhile, as part of his extensive training, had been assigned to complete his eight challenging tasks by his demanding yet fair, current guardian Asmund- as means to assess (evaluate) his growing innate prowess (skill aptitude). The project entailed, that he promptly (within a month) capture and then eliminate the highly volatile, trickster demon incarnates, the ersatz (artificial) black panther, Sedit, that sometimes simulated (sham, fake) human warrior or a ruffian.

04- DEVIL PANTHER  SEDIT (13)

Escaping from the high security, penal colony, on Star Treon and, having set his sights on Earth, Sedit during the last six months had left immense carnage and vile (abominable) destruction in his wake, before, quite recently absconding (fleeing) to this remote region and then taking refuge (hiding) within the enchanted (magical, protected), inhospitable dark forest.

Longze two days earlier, on his routine reconnaissance had flown through the clouds over the said forest. Quite by chance spotting the elusive demon panther’s sometimes ally (contact) red tailed fox spirit, sneakily crossing into this segment of the forest, Longze had tracked her progress, deeming the fox spirit being up to no good, as well, hoping that she would eventually lead him to demon panther Sedit’s current recondite (abstruse) hideout (lair, den).

Suddenly, once more, the violent winds shook the walls of the cabin so powerfully (mightily) that Longze worried (fretted) whether the precarious structure would stand the next onslaught or simply collapse, tumble over their heads. He of course was beyond harming but the frail mortal girl before him could seriously be harmed. Strangely enough, he felt intensely protective of this girl; just then the wind, the air rushing through whistled through the chinks and crannies of the old building, while from the garden came the mournful howling of wolves, followed by the sudden cry of an owl. An owl? That was an impossibility in this part of the forest?

Longze noted that Freya was still very much frightened and beset with worry; and so, trying his best to distract (divert)her mind and ease her anxiety and concerns- he smiled at her reassuringly and then he repeated his prior request to learn of her story and her troubles, so that he may better assist her in resolving it.

The wind and the raging storm at outside, had indeed re-hashed (re-kindled) Freya’s apprehension (fretfulness) about her father Hans Aquila. Thinking of him forlorn, lost or injured somewhere in the wilderness- therefore, feeling sorrow to the quick, her eyes had defiantly brimmed with fresh tears; however, next instant defiantly, angrily, she had wiped her eyes and resumed her story:

"I am the daughter of a most wonderful, heroic warrior that was long ago falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and was banished to the edge of this Kingdom. He was stripped of his former status, disowned by his father and worst of it, his wife who was not my mother, formally divorced him and later married to his ardent foe. Subsequently, with not a single coin on him, with just clothes on his back, he was driven from the state. Yet he survived, hoping one day to clear his name and regain his honor. He never told me of the details of the crime, though I had implored him countless times, to tell me of it. Each time he would promise me that he would one day reveal all to me when passed my eighteenth birthday. As time went by however, he was disheartened, and burying the past completely in his subconscious, he (let go) also entirely forsook any notion of retribution. Meanwhile, my father’s travels had at one point led him to this inhospitable region. Furthermore, he had successfully bypassed all the blocks and barriers which had made this region impenetrable and chanced on this very remote village that had been permanently, for a decade, closed to all outsiders. He had succeeded where only few hardy warriors in a decade had done and unwittingly discover the hidden Village in this most inaccessible sector, well hidden from any civilized world.”

“The stringent rules were explained to him by the chief elders, and he was given the choice to either forfeit his life by his own sword (blade) that instant, or accept to immerse in their community, culture, by living henceforth, as one of them. It was made clear to him that once he accepted to live there, he would be forever forbidden to leave and would remain hidden from the rest of the world, for the rest of his life. He accepted the choice to stay, which of course, came with a trial period. He had to first prove he was worthy to be one of them (for the immersion into their group). After a gruelling inquisition and hair-rising tests, recognising his prowess’s and valuable mantle (mantle, role), they had accepted him into their folds. He was warned however of their very extensive rigid rules which meant no second chances and, any violation meant his immediate demise. After he had became a citizen, he eventually met my mother when she tended to his serious wounds from a hunting accident. She was beautiful, good hearted, and excellent heeler; to cut the story short, because she was so good, he could not help but fall in love with her and they were married soon after. Then first my brother Alec and then I was born.” 

05- HANS AQUILA  GONE ON HUNT (13)JP

“Winter months are (harsh) most severe in this region and so, my father wanting to secure us some meat for the duration, left on his final hunt, before the onset of winter, some days prior. “Freya lowered her head as she with a trembling voice next said: “He had been absent for unusually long time; he should have returned well before this day. Fearing the worse, but then suddenly hearing the melody of your flute, and hoping you had seen my father, I ventured into the forest to accost you and thus happened to come here.”

“My brother Alec was lost to us recently; I cannot bear to have my father be lost to me as well! How can I exist, without them? I still grieve for my brother Alec’s absence; but I know it in my heart he is still alive somewhere. He cannot be dead, otherwise I would have known it…I would sense it deep in my heart! That said, I miss him so terribly. In the mornings when it rains and, in the evenings, when the winds are fierce, I longed for him to be not at outside vulnerable and at the mercy of elements, but instead, to once more be seated besides me near the hearth, sheltered, safe and warm, us chatting about (talking of) this and that.”

As Longze with undivided attention listened to her story, inwardly however, he had quietly questioned whether the young warrior he had saved and is now convalescing in a cave could be her brother Alec. What if he is not; he should not give her hope, only to disappoint her, if he proved not to be him. Meanwhile, he should search for her father, and find out if he is all right or, if in trouble, rescue him also, before it is too late. Longze then quietly hoped and prayed, that Hans Aquila had not, not at any point (chanced) encountered the demon Sedit.

 

 

(END OF PART 6)

 

 

(Characters: ,  Dragon Longze, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Jedrik’s trump card, trusted and esteemed (valued) friend Haldor Yon, from prominent aristocratic family, and a valued elite guard, serving under Elof Bijarke.  Halder Yon’s secret intimate partner Archilles Elof.  Hans Aquila, wife, Nora, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, bandit Chief Loki, Immortal warrior Erland, Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s youngest, his still unmarried son Hagen, his wife Selma, his two other sons, the ranchers, named, Agil and Corey Kirk, Olga, Heavenly Emperor’s niece, one selected to be Longze’s future mate)

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026 - PART 5)

Jedrick and his guard, despite the length of time and the grueling trek they had spent searching in the depths of the forest, had failed to see any sign of Freya; meanwhile, to his deep consternation Jedrick had realized that they both at present had inadvertently and utterly lost their bearing. Thus, for a while now, mindful of the predatory beasts, both brandishing their swords, had advanced with vigilant caution, hoping to retrace their steps back to the edge of the forest and be freed from this dire predicament. Instead, with each step they took, without knowing it, they had delved in deeper and got lost in the darkest parts of the forest. Their circumstance growing dire by each passing moment, at one point they had found themselves surrounded by armed bandits.

01- JEDRICK BIJARKE CAPTURED BY BANDITS (7)JP

Obviously, Jedrick and his guard had fought dauntlessly, boldly even; however, they were outmatched both in numbers and competence.  For these were no ordinary bandits, they had clearly supernatural legerdemain (adroitness, skill) and they fought with unusual deftness (dexterity, precision). Jedrick and the guard did not stand a chance in besting (suppressing) them and before long, they were utterly defeated.

The ensnared (captured, trapped) Jedrick and the guard, were bound with ropes and then roughly carted away (lugged, carried off) to the bandit’s lair to, later that afternoon be thrown at the feet of their chief now seated in his impressive chair (on a dais), to await judgement.

02- JEDRICK TAKEN PRISONER (1)JP

What Jedrik and the guard did not know however, was that these bandits were all demons in human form and that their chief was non other than the trickster Panther demon, Sedit who now called himself Loki.

Demon Sedit, having utterly decimated (destroyed) the last place in bloody carnage and reduced all to ash, however, still ardently being pursued, had temporarily taken refuge in this dark forest.  

03- DEVIL PANTHER  SEDIT(16)

Chancing on the bandits in his pseudo human form as a helpless and lost merchant, he had allowed them to take him to their lair (den), then once there, he had absorbed (eaten) their souls but kept their mortal physical forms; thus enslaved, Sedit utilized these now demon bandits in human shells (appearances), to meet his varied needs.

Sedit (Loki) had chosen to for a brief time, linger in this forsaken forest, finding much to satisfy his hankering for carnage (slaughter), and wanting to have some respite from his ardent pursuers, as well have, bit of fun.

After Jedrick and the guard had been captured and dumped into the holding cell of this pit of evil, the guard, without delay was assimilated by the Demon Chief; however, Loki found himself rather intrigued with the arcane (esoteric, obstruse) malevolent aura which had surrounded Jedrick.  Wishing to learn more of it, Loki for the time being had opted not to absorb (eat) Jedrick’s soul, therefore, allowing him still to maintain his human foibles and be the source of his amusement. Furthermore, in his pseudo role as the ruling human Chieftain, Loki, after he had questioned Jedrick at length, and finding there much to engross (hold, engage) him, he then recruited Jedrick on the spot, as his second in command.

04- JEDRICK RECRUITED AS SECOND IN COMMAND (3)JP

 ~

 

Given that since time immemorial, there’d been an eternal struggle between forces of good and evil; however, Heaven had always protected and guided the good and pure souls- by quirk of fate, Freya had taken a different path from Jedrick’s and thus escaped, albeit temporarily, the Demon Sedit (Loki).

Meantime, unaware of the existing varied perils in these woodlands Freya, had resiliently and in safety, had persisted with her arduous trek, traversing over the uneven ground, in search of her father or that stranger; though, now as the rain fell more heavily, the ancient trees towering to great heights, functioned as an umbrella and, shielded her from the worst of the downpours.

Gradually the ground of her lonely trail, being soddened (saturated) by deluge runoffs from the sides, it turned into sucking mud; therefore, she stumbled occasionally, her foot sliding over the moss-covered rocks or boulders partially imbedded in that narrow goas’ paths, scraping her knees, calves or shins.

Freya stopped now and then to catch her breath and wring her sleeves, which were by then weighed her down being wet with rain as well as her tears. So absorbed was Freya in the thought of finding her father, or the stranger, that she hardly noticed that there was an ethereal(otherworldly) silence in the woods and there was a total absence of predatory animals or insects and that the air was totally stilled. Outside of this protective bubble, she noted that the storm now gave signs of lifting... Then, abruptly, it had altogether ceased, the clouds cleared and the silvery moon shone brightly in the sky. The change in the atmosphere (weather) at last roused Freya to look about her, and she saw that the path up ahead appeared clear of debris and furthermore, was illuminated by the moonlight.

05- DRAGON LONGZE ON NIGHT RECONNAISANCE

Subsequently, she had walked, endlessly, her trail (route) strangely still illuminated by the obliging rays of the full moon, when she suddenly spotted at distance ahead, a single white ray of light that glowed through the dense trees and the nocturnal gloom. Where such light existed, there had to be a dwelling of a sort. And surely, they must have encountered (had a brush with) her father and therefore know of his present whereabouts; thus, the kernel of hope sprung anew in her heart, she eagerly hastened her steps as best as she was able, towards the light and the presumed dwelling.

Soon as the odd, fenced cabin positioned in the shadow of a group of pines, fully visible now came into view, her heart palpitated with wild enthusiasm and hope; because, from within the structure, emanated just then the akin enchanting melody from a flute.

Freya hastened her steps to open the latch of the wooden gate of the encircling fence that was fallen in about two places and needed repair; then, she unwaveringly stepped inside the fenced garden that was overgrown with weeds. The full moon once more peeking from the clouds, its silvery rays just then had made everything visible; she noted how the weed that grew all over the garden and between the flagstones of a winding path, was quite undisturbed, as if no one had trod (trespassed over) it for a long while.  The posts which supported the inner moon-gate had two menacing gargoyles posted (perched) on top; they had suddenly, just then, swayed a trivial fraction in the wind, making the gargoyles appear as though both were alive.

06- GARGOYLES

Freya halting for a moment, exhaled a deep, slow breath from her lungs, then stoically brushed aside the fretfulness that the gargoyles were watching, judging, and assessing her measure; undeterred, she thenceforth quickly bypassed the moon-gate, swiftly climbed the four steps of the porch and then, knocked on the heavy wooden door.

The melody emanating from the cabin had ceased instantly, though, response was slow in coming; for not until she had knocked and called out twice did, she hear any stirring within. Afterwards someone had answered in a subdued voice, and then the nob turned, and the door opened ajar (about an inch).

A beautiful handsome young face of about twenty, with chiseled aristocratic features, peered out from the opening; at first, he did not speak, however, and his keen silvery, light- blue eyes for a spell (moment or two) registering shock and awe, he scrutinized her.

Freya’s breath had caught the very moment her eyes had fallen on his strikingly handsome face; but more than that, her heart skipped a beat, knowing for certain now- though at present, he was clad in a different, plain attire- that he was the very one, that had prior manifested at the edge of the forest.  This young man had the same long, pale white, blond hair, loosely draping (cascading) over his shoulders and reaching his waist; but what struck her most, seeing him up close, was his almost luminescent, alabaster, flawless, unusually pale (whitish, pastel), porcelain skin and those intense, brilliant silver light blue eyes, which shone like the stars and now, they were keenly (acutely) affixed on her, as though trying to decipher if in fact she was real.

07- DRAGON LONGZE (37)

The young man’s initial reaction of being startled thereafter had given way to surreptitious elation (euphoria, excitement); contrasting with his outward composed demeanor, he was inwardly in fact, thrilled by this most unexpected encounter and his eyes which were presently holding Freya’s gaze, conveyed a gentle, yet deeply awe-struck curiosity.

Then momentarily however, a fleeting dark shadow passed over his face, so slight that Freya had entirely missed it; nevertheless, he had quickly dismissed it, choosing instead to revel in this unexpected gift; or was this simply, another (imparted) test, from his ever-vigilant guardian Asmund?

No sooner had this query crossed Longze’s mind that, his keen senses had detected just then a slight chuckle from somewhere beyond, but this too was swiftly brushed aside, deciding not to dwell on it.

Meanwhile he had continued to in silence, astutely register (commit), every minute detail of her features, to his lasting memory.

08- FREYA SEEN THROUGH LONGZE'S EYES

Freya on her part, was so taken by the young man’s handsome, noble bearing, that for a long while meeting those memorizing pupils with akin intense zeal, she had held his gaze, as she concurrently (at the same time) cogitated: This very night she had followed an unusual compulsion, acted recklessly, ventured out in the rain, and entered the forest at dusk. Had she not ventured out and taken all these heedless, rash chances; she would not have encountered this enchanting being.

Subsequently, with furrowed brow, she strove to understand (to analyse) this inexplicable, precipitous feeling, that had tinted her cheeks with crimson hue, making her thus, even lovelier to look at.  Besides, she hardly knew him, they were two virtual strangers having only met short time ago, and, by sheer coincidence. Was she alone in this, being so affected? An unusual compulsion pushed her to learn, whether he felt the same?

In fact, both had been inwardly querying if the other akin had been struck with this intense feeling, that the felt attraction was mutual?

Earlier that day, he had noted her presence from afar but never dared to be at this proximity, yet here she was standing inches from him; moreover, he had noted complete lack (absence) of fear in her. Longze felt silly, remembering just then, that he was after all, in human form.

 

 (END OF PART 5)

 

  

Characters: ,  Dragon Longze, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Jedrik’s trump card, trusted and esteemed (valued) friend Haldor Yon, from prominent aristocratic family, and a valued elite guard, serving under Elof Bijarke.  Halder Yon’s secret intimate partner Archilles Elof.  Hans Aquila, wife, Nora, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, bandit Chief Loki, Immortal warrior Erland, Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s youngest, his still unmarried son Hagen, his wife Selma, his two other sons, the ranchers, named, Agil and Corey Kirk, Olga, Heavenly Emperor’s niece, one selected to be Longze’s future mate)

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026- PART 4)

 

“What do you think you are doing?” The stern voice of guardian Asmund emanating from the clouds, chastised Longze.

“I’ve been curious and wanted to see her, even from afar.” Dragon Longze answered fearlessly; as he’d already vanished from the spot (field), and transported back into the clouds, and now in his truer form, faced his guardian.

01- DRAGON LONGZE (73)

“I’ve only been gone for a milline-second, to relay (impart, convey) my report in person to the Heavenly Emperor, and I come back finding you embroiled in yet another human matter. What have you got involved in, this time Longze? And who’s that young mortal, all bandaged up and convalescing in the cave?” Asmund was clearly disconcerted (annoyed, exasperated).

“I was doing routine reconnaissance, searching for the whereabouts of the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, flying high in the clouds when I spotted a menacing looking group of mounted man, all bloodied, wreaked in evil aura, highly pleased with themselves, returning from having accomplished something malevolent. So, I strove to investigate the cause and dove down from the clouds.”

“And naturally, you just couldn’t let it go.” Asmund was fast losing his patience with Longze’s dawdling (measured, unhurried, elaborate) account.

02- GUARDIAN ASMUND

Longze did not wish to further antagonize his guardian, so he bowed his head, then tried his best to make his narration succinct: “As I passed over the high, sheer escarpment, at one point, I spotted a young warrior in dire stress, precariously holding onto jutting roots from the cliff’s edge, halfway down the sheer precipice. What got me really interested, however, was the incredibly benevolent aura, emanating from him. Despite the hopelessness of his situation, his grave injuries and him bleeding profusely, he still clung onto life; though, it was only matter of time before his strength failed him.  How could I not get involved? Would you have me heartlessly, let him drop into the abys, to his certain death?  I grasped that he’d been engaged prior in a fight with that wicked (malignant) bunch, and during the skirmish (clash), he’d been either by choice, accident or deliberately forced over the cliff’s edge. The drop would have been fatal, for at the bottom of that abysmal bluff lay a perilous gorge, with razor sharp, jagged rocks that would have torn his body asunder. As it was, I could see that his sword had fallen from his grasp during his plummet (plunge), for it rested (lay) at the bottom in some bushes; meanwhile, because of his dexterity (adroitness) he’d grasped the few (exposed) sturdy, jutting roots from the vertical cliff face and hung onto it for his dear life.  I assumed when his adversaries (enemy) looked down from the top of the steep precipice, because he must have pressed his body (plush with) against the edge, they could not see him hanging there; then again, even if they did, they knew it would be only a matter of time, before his strength failed him and he still plummeted to his death.  I was about to attempt his rescue, when his hand slipped and he dropped someways down; fortunately, there was a jutted (protruded, overhung) rock ledge, that arrested (halted) his fall (decent); but as his body slummed (pounded) into the rock slab, he must have cracked some of his ribs. I learned of this later, during my meticulous examination of his injuries.”

“Yes, yes, you swooped down and then with your talons carried him off to the cavern (deep cave) and tended to his wounds. But have you considered the future repercussions of your act; meddling, in human affairs never bodes (portends, heralds) anything good?”

“Regardless of the consequences, I couldn’t just let him die?”

After a pensive thought, Asmund nodded. ““No, I suppose not.”

03- GUARDIAN ASMUND

He then said: “I would have ordinarily chastised you for your disregard of the Heavenly rules and for your constant (relentless) interference in human affairs; however, in this case I will forgo it. Even though you knew you would be punished for it, you’d disobeyed direct orders. As you acted benevolently and your compassion is praiseworthy, I shall let this go.  Besides, you are right about this human’s unusually benevolent aura and, furthermore, it seems his lifespan should not have ended at this time. Your interference, though irregular, was in accordance with Heaven’s will. This said, I will still caution you to, in future, be more prudent with your interference. You are way too naïve, too trusting and your heart is too tender Longze- these weaknesses could all (culminate to) end in serious harm. “

“Thank you, sir, for your patience in guiding me and for your most diligent care.”

“Your thanks is unwarranted and premature, Longze.” Asmund affectionately smiled at Longze and waved his hand in dismissal.

“All right, enough talk for now; let’s go and see what you’ve already accomplished and what still needs doing.”

04- DRAGON LONGZE ARRIVES AT THE MOUTH OF THE CAVE (5)

By then they had arrived at the cave; Asmund and Longze, having now swiftly reverted to human form, they advanced towards the entrance of the deep cave.

“I have also breached another rule.” Longze halted his steps, just after they had entered the cave, then meekly confessed. “However, I could not have him awaken while I was away and be scared or attempt at moving and hurt himself; therefore, by placing my fingers over his forehead, just so, I invoked the specific spell “Tirrekan”. He should remain in unconscious state for a long while… Long enough for him to recuperate properly.

“A nebulous brain cloud? Who taught you that?”

“My previous guardian Yenor.”

“I see; and you can do that?  The spell (incantation) is most difficult to master.”

“Well, I confess, I had two tries before I succeed at it”

“Yet you did; that’s remarkable!” Guardian Asmund was impressed.

Asmund and Longze presently approached the wounded, unconscious young warrior, lying on some furs heaped on top of a large flat rock slab, to allow the patient some comfort, while the slab served as his makeshift bed.

Upon his scrutiny, guardian Asmund saw that three of the young warrior’s ribs had been broken and that Longze after having applied some herbal (medicinal) salve to the bruises, he had correctly bound the chest with strips of cloth bandages, to allow proper healing.

Young warrior’s internal bleeding from the severe blows however needed, Asmund’s expertise, to fix it; before proceeding Asmund had explained the steps to Lengze then waited, allowing Longze time to with his special vision, home-in on the internal injuries and, witness the remarkable glowing (power) lifeforce he used, to heal the capillaries (ducts, conduits) of arteries, and internal stratums (layers, tissues, muscles, sinews, tendons, bone etc); therefore saving the young warrior’s life. And by doing so, Asmund thence, became complicit in Longze’s offence; knowing full well he would one day have to answer for it.

05-GUARDIAN ASMUND (9)

 

                                                                                             ~

 

There was still some time (about four hours) before the twilight descended on the earth and all became mantled in pitch darkness; therefore, Freya clinging to last hope- that the image she saw briefly was not an aspiration or a figment of her imagination, but a human traveller that had temporarily lost his way, or that he had perchance, at some point seen her father Hans- she considered rushing over and accosting this stranger. He could not have gone too far, though he was no longer in her view… And it was worth investigating it all the same.

A deep sigh escaped Freya Aquila as she briefly stopped and lifted her gaze to look at the sky then at the distant clouds and mist shrouded summits of the mountain, knowing they too would soon be cast in pitch blackness. Her inner voice, meanwhile, was frantically urging her to be sensible and turn back; this was no time to be at outside, alone and unarmed!  This was sheer madness. What would she do if she were to encounter a predatory beast?  

Nevertheless, she had remained undeterred in her resolve to seize that last chance. Well, she best hurry on, if she were to catch up with him. Especially since the weather had suddenly just then taken a turn for the worse, and fierce winds now congregating (assembling, culminating) the dark, ominous clouds into flotilla overhead, threatened anew to drench Earth and Freya, in heavy downpours.

Freya, therefore, draped her shawl over her shoulders and resolutely stepped out into the field, just as the first drops were beginning to fall.  She was determined, no matter what happens, to follow the path her father had last taken, which also happened to be where she had spotted that mysterious figure. When she arrived at the spot she’d last spotted the stranger, she looked on ahead and then, chancing on a good sturdy stick and using it, she from thence, intrepidly (boldly) delved deeper into the dark forest and began negotiating the only viable (visible) path that at times was essentially cluttered with rock debris, broken branches or thorny bushes, making it virtually impenetrable (blocked).

                                                                                            ~

 

It so happened that at that very moment, she had entered the periphery of the forest, mounted Jedrik, accompanied by a guard also on mount, having been sent that afternoon by his father Elof Bijarke, to pay a curtesy call to his future intended Freya and, carrying a token (gift) for her, Jedrik obliged to keep up with his false, dutiful son’s persona, had therefore despite the unexpected rain, had ridden (galloped) to the outskirts and so, happened to spot Freya, delving (venturing) into the forest on foot.

06-JEDRICK

“What does she think she’s doing?” An incredulous scoff (jeer, sneer) escaped Jedrick’s lips; he shook his head and then turned to look at his guard riding behind him, as he added scathingly (derisively, mockingly): “She must be out of her mind, venturing into the forest in this ungodly weather!”

Both riders had at once sprinted their mount into canter (gallop), and raced to catch up to her, to stop or talk some sense into her. Unfortunately, the dense forest had swallowed her at once; furthermore, it hindered any advance on horseback, and if they wished to pursue after her, since any visible paths were still congested with debris, they would have to proceed on foot. This was the only way one could negotiate the difficult terrain within the dense woodland; hence, both dismounted at the edge of the forest, and with Jedrik, with curses on his lips, leading the way, both delved into the thick foliage, Jedrick expecting to soon catch up with his foolish fiancé, Freya.

 

 

(END OF PART 4)

 

 

 (Characters: ,  Dragon Longze, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Jedrik’s trump card, trusted and esteemed (valued) friend Haldor Yon, from prominent aristocratic family, and a valued elite guard, serving under Elof Bijarke.  Halder Yon’s secret intimate partner Archilles Elof.  Hans Aquila, wife, Nora, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, bandit Chief Loki, Immortal warrior Erland, Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s youngest, his still unmarried son Hagen, his wife Selma, his two other sons, the ranchers, named, Agil and Corey Kirk, Olga, Heavenly Emperor’s niece, one selected to be Longze’s future mate)

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026 – PART 3)

After the tragic loss of Alec, Hans still grieving, Freya and her father had lived in a cocooned state of isolation; though, Freya had never outwardly said it, deep in her heart she had held on to the belief that her beloved brother was still alive somewhere and that he would one day return to them and things will be the same as before.

01- ALEC AQUILA AND FREYA (1)JP

Moreover, each night before going to sleep she quietly fetched the little carved red fox her brother had bought it for her on that day at the summer solstice festival before everything had changed.

02- FREYA IN THE MARKET (2)JP

Freya, every night without fail talked to the little fox, as if it were alive, then kiss it and placed it beside her pillow, remembering those joyful moments in her life, when Alec and she, had both laughed and talked endlessly without abandon, about everything and nothing.

It was the last thing she watched before going to sleep and the first thing she saw when she awakened at sunrise.

03-FREYA LOVED THE LITTLE RED FOX (1)JP

                                                                                          ~      

 

Autumn was a particularly precarious season, a vital period where most inhabitants within and at the periphery of this autonomous village, would be engaged in frantic activity of readying themselves for the long harsh winter months ahead, where they would be trapped indoors; and this was because, when the snow came which lasted for days -  the incessant (relentless) , tempestuous lightening storms with hurricane winds, biting snow and ice-  it turned this pristine region into a treacherous land. The few, scarce paths then became extremely perilous or obstructed by debris; thence, eradicated (cut off) any access to the village from the outside world.

04- HANS AQUILA (15)JP ON HUNTING TRIP

Hans Aquila thinking he still had time, three days prior had left on his end-of-season hunting trip; but winter storms came unusually early this year. As the temperatures suddenly plummeted, Freya was beset with worry, for her father had not yet returned. She had always been well loved and diligently protected by both Hans and Alec; all alone now, her safe sanctuary felt precariously brittle, especially since an inexplicable deep sense of foreboding just then had gripped her heart in a vice.

All during the day, she had frequently stepped outside, her eyes eagerly searching the distant paths for any sign of her father Hans; the weather, echoing her emotions, had been most unsettling all day long, sunny one minute, hazy (misty, fogy) the next. Her pensive (wistful, melancholy) gaze once more searched the distant paths disappearing into of the forest.

Unable to stand still, for the fifth time she again stepped outside, and her eyes eagerly perused (checked) the far distance.  After an extended period, she sighed and then reluctantly turned on her heals and went back inside to, place her folded her hands in her lap, sit by the hearth and, with a void stare and in melancholy mood, simply gaze at the flickering flames.

For an unfathomable reason, her contemplation just then had reverted (turned) to her still absent brother Alec whom she so terribly missed; she rose from her seat, fetched the red fox wood statue and holding it in her hands, and looking at its eyes, she began talking to it. She felt silly doing that in daylight and leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes instead; but her mind still stubbornly and defiantly continued ruminating (cogitating) the delightful events of that day at the summer solstice festival.

Being so worried, she had forgotten to eat anything all day long, save for the coffee and toast at breakfast time; her thoughts oddly enough just then recalled the last batch of fluffy pastries in which they had indulged. As if plaintively, at that moment her stomach growled loudly, as she same time recollected (absentmindedly thought of) the exquisitely delectable apple-strudel she had last eaten with Alec at the market! Only, his had been a cherry tartlet; thinking of that, she smiled, certain Alec will return one day soon, and they will again (partake in) do the same.

05-ALEC AQUILA AND FREYA (6)JP

Back then, at one point Alec appearing nervous, and his hidden hand ruffling the few coins in his pocket, he’d smiled fondly and mischievously, then asked for her to wait there, while he briefly stepped inside a shop to conduct some business; knowing him however, she knew he must have prearranged to purchase an item, a certain delightful gift for her upcoming birthday and so nodded sweetly and smiled, acquiescing. In that brief time of Alec’s absence, however, Jedrick had appeared out of nowhere and oh so suavely (elegantly, graciously) accosted her.

A dark shadow fell over Freya’s face at present, recalling (even the minutest details of), how despite Jedrick’s civil words and smile that never reached his eyes, something about him that had unsettled (even frightened) her. Lowering her head and mumbling some excuse, therefore, she had striven to get away; but he had agilely (nimbly) positioned his body at every instance, to menacingly, block her way (preventing her escape). She had felt like a trapped bird, facing an avaricious wildcat.

Subsequently, his odd, almost hungry gaze that had been searching for something in her eyes (the typical allure, bashfulness, the usual signs of infatuation, flirtation), not detecting any of it, thus clear disappointment (but only for a spell) registering in his face, he’d then affectedly inclining his head, sardonically and cheekily (irreverently) grinned. At the time she had no way of knowing this, but her sheer indifference to him, had suddenly made her a challenge, a rare, prized objective, which beget (resulted) his offended ego now hankering to totally possess (own) her.

06 - JEDRICK BIJARKE (17)JP

Though Jedrick, in volte-face (in turnaround), had hidden his unsavory (nasty)aim and instead, chivalrously bowed (nodded) his head and, addressing her formally, extended his polite felicitations (salutations) to her. His continued intense gaze (stare), however, had infused her heart with a certain dread and same time made her flesh crawl.

Minutes before, prior of his rude intrusion, a particular silver hairpin in one of the stalls had caught Freya’s eye and after examining it and deciding on not to buy it for it was far too expensive, she had just put it down, when Jedrick, appearing at the spot, had brazenly snatched the shiny trinket from where she’d left it, and held it up to examine it, then superciliously asked: “You like this?” She shook her head in answer and was about to offer an excuse and try to get away, when he, next instant dismissively threw down, a silver ingot, as if it were a paltry sum, and haughtily declared, “I’ll buy it for you.”

Jetrick, then turning to the merchant added, “And vendor, you may keep the change.” Her wishes were of no consequence, as he had already presumptuously made up his mind to purchase it, hence, obligating her to be nice to him.  

As the cast amount had been far more than the asking price, the merchant with glee had eagerly (instantly) snatched it, bowing to him and declaring his thanks, therefore, finalizing the transaction.

Now you owe me. Jedrick, meanwhile, had calculatingly for a spell glanced at her, then turned to look at the shop where Alec had gone; afterwards, he indecorously (boorishly) grinning, had again affixed his gaze back on her and this time kept it there for a long while.

07 AJEDRICK BIJARKE (4)JP

Jedrick had next drawn to closer proximity to Freya, leaned forward and, with his hot breath in her ear, snobbishly whispered: “Darling why resist destiny, you shall soon be mine!”

Presently, an involuntary shudder passed through Freya; as she, looking at the flames, experienced the same helplessness and dread that had back then gripped her heart.

Though she had refused the gift, he had grabbed her right wrist, forcefully unfurled her clenched fist, and pressed the hairpin into her palm; therefore, obliging her to be civil and meekly accept his forced gift. In front of the motley eyewitnesses hence, he had arrogantly, improperly declared to all, that she was now marked as his; and, if she was lucky, she will be his future mate(wife).

Despite her innate docile nature, seeing red, and indignant, obstinately she had thrown the silver hairpin (trinket)with force at his face, barely missing his left eye. Onlookers gasped and then they stared at the apparent crimson scratch on Jetrick’s porcelain left high cheekbone.  This extreme disgrace (humiliation) had for a moment derailed Jedrick; then, murder registering in those eyes, he had raised his hand to strike her.

Luckily just then, however, Alec had at that precise moment stepped outside of the shop and, grasping the situation at once, with incredible speed closing the distance, had with force gripped Jedrick’s wrist, arresting (halting) his aim, in mid-air.

Freya took in a deep intake of breath and longingly sighed; her mind cogitating (deliberating) now on the very image of her heroic brother Alec.

 Alec next, having pinned his threatening gaze just inches of Jedrick’s, as he still held on to Jetrick’s wrist, furthermore, with his thumb pressing on a specific point just so, his eyes narrowed, daring Jedrick thence, to give him a single reason to break (maim) it. The irate fury in his pupils, the implicit threat, was unmistakable; intensity of which, moment later, had cowed Jedrick.

The ominous atmosphere and the tense standoff, which had subsequently propelled many onlookers in the market squire to cower and slowly back away to safe distance, was furthermore diffused by the sudden appearance of two-armed stalwart security enforcers. They had been dispatched, carrying orders to at once bring (escort) Jedrick to his father Elof Bijarke’s presence.

08-ELOF BIJARKE

Before his obligatory departure however, Jedrick had menacingly leaned forward and whispered something which had been audible only to Alec. Alec had somberly, never taking his eyes off Jedrick, nodded his ascent, then turned with a serious demeanor but gently taking Freya’s hand, he had then escorted his sister safely away from the once volatile scene.

The ache in Freya’s heart presently rekindled, she somberly looked down. Unfortunately, from that time on, Alec had shut her out and remained mysteriously tight lipped, despite all her concerned queries, about the nature of Jedrick’s whispered communication, which Alec had so promptly acquiesced to. Moreover, everything had markedly changed after that day. With certain hindside, she now understood, she was at the root of his troubles, that she was solely responsible for his subsequent moody silent absences and mysterious bouts, fights, returning from those engagements with bruises and cuts, whom he had hidden from everyone including her. However, being as close to him, even then, she had quietly suspected the source of his adverse behaviour being herself; and had hoped that he might one day voluntarily unburden himself and then include her in all his deep dark secrets. She had thought she had ample time; alas, time was a luxury that had been denied to them both!

Strangely, since her brother Alec ‘s absenteeism (truancy), Jedrick had been unusually civil; furthermore, he and his goons had noticeably kept their distance from both Hans and Freya.

All the same, Freya had sensed that her father Hans Aquila for some time now had been troubled by some grave matter; since Wednesday last week, when Elof Bijarke’s second in command had suddenly showed up at their doorstep, to present a formal command, disguised as written request, for Hans to report to his office at his earliest convenience.

That afternoon her father Hans obligingly had gone into Village, to the Head of the security’s office. Later, when her father Hans had returned home, his face had drained of all color (was ashen) and he looked terrible concerned (troubled) about something; however, despite all her queries (enquiries), had refused to disclose the reasons of his unease and furthermore, remained adamantly tight lipped about the contents of Elof Bijarke and his private discourse (conversation, chat).  All during the repast, though, he had periodically stolen worried glances at her, that also registered deep dismay and intense agitation, which she had pretended not to have noticed.

Three days later, a chest bearing precious items, had been formally presented to her father, whom he had been obliged to accept. Once more, however, her inquiries, had gone unanswered.

                                                                                               ~

Then just before Hans Aquila left on the hunt, her father had pulled Freya aside and gently reassured her that upon his safe return he would at length talk to her about a grave matter and explain all the details to her. That he did not wish to unnecessarily worry her; he would use the time while hunting, to first clear his head, evaluate (tally-up) all available options and then figure out an apt way to extricate them (Aquila’ family) from the obligatory commitment (contract) which he’d signed under duress. Hopefully by the time he got back, he would find a lawful resolution or another alternative way out of this dilemma. His cryptic words had nevertheless, had caused her serious worry.

09-HANS AQUILA (21)JP

Subsequently, as she painstakingly considered (deliberated) all the available clues and the ensued, unusual set of events, her keen intellect and being an astute observer, she had arrived at the most probable cause.

This had upset her; and even now still very much perturbed, she pensively lowered her head; understanding, the full implications of Elof Bijarke’s sudden request to see her father, and Hans’s subsequent parting words just before he’d left on a hunt: “signing under duress,” meant. It had furthermore denoted: that both patriarchs (head of the families) had already signed the formal nuptial document of declaration of intent to be the future in-laws. As further proof of this, had been the prior unexpected gifts: the chest, bearing precious items delivered to their home, whom Hans had been forced to accept, as it was the obligatory dowry (wedding gift, an offering) tendered (offered, sent forth) by the groom’s family to the intended bride’s family, to seal off the agreement. Jedrick must have persuaded his father Elof Bijarke that he had fallen deeply in love with her (Freya) and that he would have no other for his mate. But what had possessed Jedrick to do this? He did not love her!

This stark realization, all being just the preliminaries to her future, compulsory (binding) nuptials to Jedrick, had justly stolen Freya’s breath. That night she had slept badly; furthermore, her sleep had been assailed with terrible nightmares, all of which included Jedrick, her and Alec.

Even now, a day later, being reminded of the possibility of her union with Jedrick, despite all her effort to keep (maintain) calm, the horrific cognizance (grasp) still constricted her heart in a terrible vice. Her complexion once more (yet again) became ashen and, she felt both lightheaded (faint, vertiginous) and nauseous all at once.

She shook her head and heaved in a morose sigh, bearing in mind Elof Bijarke’s power and Jedrick’s dogged (tenacious) intent, therefore, cogitating (considering), fearing for her father’s safety in the wilderness during the hunt. All during her repose (inactivity) by the hearth, meanwhile, a repeated pattern two days in a row,  she had been fearful, intermittently ( occasionally) disquieted, startled even,  by every ordinary sound: like the rustling of leaves on the ground or, by those falling from the trees, at the sighing of the wind in their branches, at the rushing, gurgling sound of water of the fast flowing spring that bypassed their small abode as it charted a course over the rocks. , the just then lonely eagle’s cry overhead, as it with outstretched wings rode the surging airstreams (winds) of the sky and later still,  the haunting  (lingering) wolf’s howl from afar.

10- A WOLF

The third day being no different, Freya, with her heightened sense of foreboding (fear, hopelessness, and grief) yet again gripping her heart in strong vice, could not ban the few escaping tears that charted (registered) a wet course down her pallid cheeks. Feeling cooped up, forlorn, with only a thin shawl, which was once her mother’s, draped over her shoulders to keep out the biting winds, a young and slender figure, akin the white blossoms of spring in the falling rain, Freya had once more stood at the open doorstep, her eyes pinned (glued) to the far void.

By mid afternoon, the violent winds had finally tapered a bit (diminished from its gale force); however, now that the mist rose (from the convergent airstreams) and the miasmic fog began to roll over the familiar foothill’s paths, the loneliness of the scene was deepened further, by the plaint of insects chirruping in the grasses, and by the slow pattering of the first drops of moisture on the rooftop and the wooden railings of the porch. She turned to go inside, when just then however, her ears detected (picked up) the faint, hunting melody emanating from a wind instrument (a flute), from the periphery of the forest. It tolled (resonated, echoed) the transientness of all things earthly; and, despite the gloom in her heart anticipating that in four hours, the dusk then thereof would mantle of Earth in pitch darkness festering (aggravating) her fears – this still afforded her heart an inexplicable solace (comfort, relief). Miraculously also, the sun’s golden rays had just escaped (peeped out) from the clouds that had swiftly been heralded to distant point in the sky, to embrace (bathed) the Earth and her in comforting warmth.

11- lONGZE PLAYING THE FLUTE

Freya, moreover, for a second had thought she’d seen an unusually tall, strapping (broad-shouldered, stalwart, robust) a handsome young men with pale alabaster skin that almost glistened in the sun, his long, straight, white-blond hair cascading down his shoulders and reaching his waist standing at the edge of the forest. He was clad not in ordinary local rough attire but in rich, well tailored brocade garment, with silver threads running through it, the length of which reached down to his feet. Akin a fable prince, he held in his hand the flute which he had momentarily stopped playing. As if sensing something, he had then abruptly looked in her direction and, his gaze thus meeting hers, he simply had nodded and smiled in polite greeting. However, when she blinked, he had totally disappeared (instantly vanished into thin air) the very next instant, which begged the question, whether he had been a phantom or a fanciful figure of her weird (eccentric, odd) imagination.

 

(END OF PART 3)