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

 

“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) 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026, PART 2)

 

 On that faithful day at the sixty-seventh Summer Solstice festival, the two antagonists (rivals), Alec Aquila and Jedrick Bijarke, had yet again clashed, when Alec had stoically and valiantly defended his sister Freya’s honor.

01-JEDRICK BIJARKE (12)JP

Alec, furthermore, covertly challenged by the brazen Jedrick, to the ultimate (high stakes) duel, he, without moment’s hesitation, had intrepidly and gallantly (boldly) accepted it. Because of his protective instincts, however, he had kept her entirely in the dark about the arranged duel; instead, quietly tended to his sister’s needs and afterward, because their mood had been spoiled, he safely escorted her home.

During repast that night, one look at their sombre faces, and Hans Aquila, understood at once that something grave must have transpired, during that day’s excursion in the Village, which had brought them home early. Thus, their missing night’s sundry (manifold) festivities and the still ongoing, multifarious celebrations of the Summer Solstice festival in the Village squire, which was the most coveted (popular) occasion where which the young people (teenagers) were allowed to without reservation, enjoy and fully indulge in varied alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

02--FREYA AND ALEC AQUILE IN THE MARKET SQUIRE

Moreover, by returning early, Alec and Freya had forfeited their right to participate in the finale celebrations (festivities): the thrilling midnight bonfire, where flutes and drums sang all night, while the young men and women in their colourful fineries (regalia, attire) danced, twirled about and made merry, around the towering, raging (blazing) bonfire at the village squire; a blissful, joyous event that lasted way past the midnight hour. A night also, when the romantically involved young men and women made promises to each other, a respectable number of them marrying shortly thereafter, within a year.

Hans Aquila did not wish to pry, so he had patiently waited most of that night, for his dear children to unburden themselves to him; however, they had both in tandem (concurrently), decided, not to worry their dear old dad with something he needn’t bother.

03- HANS AQUILA (19)JP

                                                                                  ~

 

Four days later, on a cloudy afternoon, at the secretly pre-arranged secluded spot, at the edge of the dark forest, the indomitable Alec had faced Jedrick and his nine most ardent cronies, plus one supreme warrior/guard, Haldor Yon; one against eleven, since the dire combat entailed no restrictions.

Jedrick was quite pleased with himself and utterly confident that on this day he would finally rid himself of the pest that robbed him of his peace (harmony) and serenity (equanimity). Especially since he held the trump card, the famed, invincible warrior, Haldor Yon, with him. Jedrick had asked Haldor, calling in the long-standing favor, the warrior had owed him for his past discretion that had saved Haldor from a grave consequence. Jedrick had same time begged Haldor to keep it entirely secret, for if his father knew, he would be in dire trouble, understanding his concern, the warrior Haldor had readily acceded.

04- JEDRICK (CONFIDENT HE WOULD WIN THE DUEL)

At the anticipated time, Alec Aquila was instantly surrounded by Jedrick, and his staunch (faithful), heavily armed competent posse (gang) of nine; all glowering (scowling), brandishing their swords and poised to strike. The tension in the air was so palpable and all-pervasive (overpowering) that, the varied cohabitants of the forest (all the creatures: animals, birds, insects, and organisms, etc.) all, seemed to hold their breath; and, the air was so thick with tension that one could hear a leaf fall on the ground.

The main adversarial force (group) was held back momentarily from the immediate offensive (onslaught, attack) however; instead, the first honours were given to, Haldor Yon, the invincible, aristocrat/warrior, an esteemed friend and, one of one of Elof Bijarke’s, most trusted, elite guards.

Incredibly, Alec soon surprised Jedrick and all his armed thugs (goons) with his incredible prowess which matched that of the seasoned warrior Haldor Yon’s. During the thrilling incessant three bouts (sessions) of the competition, Haldor had at one point realized that, despite Alec’s young age, and kerbed (limited) experience, he’d finally met his equal in competence, in other words, all the things that had made Haldor to date, invincible. He understood, to his dismay, that this fearless young man could on this day, even surpass (exceed) his proficiency and defeat him. Therefore, from then on, he did not hold back on the speed and ferocity of his blitz (barrage of) offensives (onslaughts).

05- WARRIOR HALDOR YON  AND ALEC FIGHTING  - JP

And lo and behold, Haldor’s ominous prediction still came true. In one remarkable maneuver, Alec, gaining the opportunity, dealt his mighty opponent the lightening death strike (cut, blow) and Halder was no more.

As it had not been Alec’s intent to let things go to that extreme, the dire outcome had as well, shocked him and for a spell he stood frozen where he stood, clearly, visibly demoralized, and utterly grief-stricken.  Unfortunately, in the heat of battle, for a moment he had lost his temper (fury) and let slip his self-restraint; consequently, he had failed to curb (check)his then unleashed supreme innate prowess and now, he had become a murderer… And the stain on his soul could never be erased. Technically, it had been an act of self-defence, as Halder manipulated (fed) by Jedrick’s convincingly deleterious (toxic) defamations (libels, slurs), the guard’s true intent all along, had been to, not just defeat (best) this young upstart Alec, but to acerbically (pointedly, cruelly) annihilate (crush) him.

Jedrick and his posse witnessing this unimaginable outcome, had also for the same duration stood aghast; however, getting a grip on their senses, for they’d just then realized that their life, akin Haldor, was in hazard (peril), they had quickly reassembled and with renewed zeal attacked Alec.

Alec had no intention of slaying them all, nevertheless, knowing Jedrick’s duplicitous (treacherous) and vindictive nature, he just wanted to categorically (firmly) dissuade Jedrick and his gang from going after his family after the duel, specifically Freya, and causing her harm.

During the subsequent, incredibly intense contest (fight) meanwhile, Alec’s swordsmanship skill proved yet again, far superior, as he competently offset Jedrick’s and his clique’s (combined) simultaneous onslaughts; then, within just the first-round Alec utterly bested (vanquished) them all.

Alec’s breath perfectly normal, his scrutinizing gaze panned briefly over the menacing group of thugs that had all been swiftly waylaid (intercepted); the nine disarmed foes, their previous bravado (audacity) gone, they lay strewn (scattered) halter skelter and moaning all around him, clutching their wounds, their clothes bloody and wriggling in pain, on the ground.

Then, for a moment, Alec’s eye caught Jedrick’s; Jedrick’s penetrating loathing gaze thence, his intense odium burrowing into Alec, as his face flushed crimson with vehement ire, overriding his badly concealed mortification. If only he could with his bare hands, tear Alec asunder and utterly decimate (slaughter, cut down) this maggot in million pieces (slices, slivers); however, not even that would mollify (placate) his all consuming, burning rage at this, utter humiliation. He had underestimated Alec’s prowess; thankfully, no one of consequence had born witness to his ghastly disgrace.

06- JEDRICK IS FURIOUS

Jedrick, for the first time ever cowed (browbeaten) and so, conceding to a crushing defeat, from that day on seethed with malevolent odium (abhorrence) towards his lasting nemesis Alec; he did not just want Alec’s utter annihilation, but aimed instead, to shatter (decimate) Alec’s soul by, going after Freya and therefore, executing his ultimate retribution (vengeance, reprisal) on Alec.

Subsequently, when the supreme warrior/guard, Haldor Yon’s demise became known, Haldor, being an important member from a prominent aristocratic family, his death had profound consequences and rippling effects in destabilizing the security as well, the politics within the Village. A meticulous examination during the autopsy of his corpse had revealed the warrior’s grave injury which had resulted in his prompt demise, being an outstanding (salient) feat. Who could have wielded such an impossible strike (cut)? The resulting intense investigation sought to identify the supreme warrior culprit, deeming him to be a fierce, veteran (expert) warrior with obviously invincible prowess.

Jedrick by slightly modifying (altering) his strategy, ceased his chance to, at this point, move tangentially, against Alec. Now, private duels had been prohibited (lawfully banned) for three years now, carrying for the offender, a serious penalty: the sentence of imprisonment and forced labor, without parole for five years, in a heavily guarded penal quarry (silver mine). Despite this, the secret duels continued, to settle unresolved feuds and old vendettas. Jedrick knew also that Alec wanting to keep his sister’s name entirely out of this terrible mess, would never speak out about the duel or the prior trouble (occurrence, clash) involving Freya at the village squire on summer solstice Festival, to anyone, not even his father, Hans Aquila. Therefore, Jedrick in his subsequent court deposition (statement), had audaciously (cheekily) re-constructed the entire script, the scenario, excluding entirely his and his gangs’ involvement in this and, making himself the casual, accidental witness instead, which during a casual hunt with another well respected hunter he’d  just happened on the scene, the palpable place of the violent clash (the scene of the crime)at the edge of the Forest, the place where Haldor Yon’s  body had been left there to be discovered. By the time Jedrick was through with his invented yet astutely logical testimony, it had become nothing more than a flux quarrel, which no one knew the reason of; however, agreeably nevertheless, mysterious motive had unleashed the violent contention (clash)which had resulted in Halder Yon’s demise.

This matter was temporarily shelved (set aside) by the presiding judge, since subsequent weeks of intense search had failed to disclose any likely culprit; Jedrick however, not finished with his campaign against Alec, not by a long shot, he’d quietly then had circulated unsubstantiated rumours that pointed a stealthy, accusatory finger at Alec. Jedrick same time managed to convince and then covertly recruit (enroll) Halder Yon’s secret intimate partner Archilles Elof, to his supposed just cause of apt reckoning (revenge).

07- ALEC FIGHING ARCHILLES ELOF

Two weeks later, a covert challenge had been forwarded to Alec, strongly worded and implying a definite threat against Freya if he failed to accede to the duel.  Alec had of course, accepted it; hoping also, that he would put an end to Jedrick' smear campaign. He was determined too this time, to evermore eradicate (remove) any further threat on his beloved sister Freya.

The arranged place for the duel was at some remote, treacherous high ground (spot, area), at the small clearing, at the edge of the tall precipice. It was disclosed to Alec at the very last minute.  That late, gray afternoon Alec was again forced to fend for himself, this time facing invincible warrior Archilles Elof in fierce combat first, and later, deal with the combined onslaught (attack) from Jedrick and his trusted group from the gang. Jedrick had strategically planned the deadly precision duel to ensure this time, Alec’ conclusive end (termination).

Alec, succumbing to treachery of Jedrick’s at one point, at the edge of a steep (sheer) precipice (cliff), had finally fulfilled Jedrick’s aspiration of eliminating the bane of his life.

                                                                                         ~

As Alec had stockily faced such trying times and overcome many trials and tribulations as well, survived several perilous engagements (combats) transpiring within and the outside scope (perimeter) of the Village (which included the edge of dark forest and the foothills’) -incredibly however, Hans Aquila, Freya, the entire security enforcement, the officials and the ordinary denizens of the village had remained completely oblivious to it all. Tragically, even afterward, all of Alec’s persistent staunch defense of his family, his extreme struggles, his dire combats and eventually, his ultimate valiant act of sacrifice, had never, ever became known.

08- ALEC AQUILA

Five months after the summer solstice festival, shortly after Frey’s sixteenth birthday, her elder brother Alec, had mysteriously taken off one day at dawn without a word to anyone. The search after so many weeks and months was eventually called off by the ever vigilant (resilient) guards of the village, when they had discovered (obtained, found) a torn piece of clothing from his shirt and his discarded bloody sword which lay half buried in the bush, at the very bottom of a deep gorge (ravine). There was not a trace of his corpse; hence, he was presumed befallen to a calamitous end, and after the carnivorous beasts had had their fill, got finished off, by the carrion animals and birds. The case was then succinctly and satisfactorily closed.

Some Villagers were angry with Hans Aquila, blaming him for the present disharmony, as it had set a dangerous precedence with the already restless youth, (many assuming that he with his youthful craze had wished to see the world beyond the village,) within their stringent community; and, Hans was (unofficially) charged for having clearly failed in his parental obligation to instill the necessary discipline in his young son Alec, which then culminated in that serious breach. But from the first, grief-stricken Hans had refused to talk with anyone, about the reasons of his son’s deliberate violation of their most stringent rule and his subsequent absconding that had resulted in the tragic loss of his young life. Though this had reflected badly on Hans, he had adamantly remained tight-lipped about the entire breach, refusing to neither offer an apt explanation or a sincere apology for his son’s ensued (resulted) indiscretion (recklessness) and his failings.

Hans was in fact quietly (in his mind) tallying up the curious set of events and his son’s reticent, odd behaviour, a presumed, deep dark secret he had vehemently guarded, since the summer solstice festival. Though he could not shake the feeling that, behind it all, some danger lurked. Was Alec sacrificed himself, been protective of Hans and Freya?

After the period of hostility (enmity, rancour) however, the prevalent (widespread) disquiet in village had settled down and everything reverted to norm; and she and her father had lived a quiet (placid) though taciturn (reticent, reserved) existence, same as before, keeping only to themselves.

                                                                                           ~

 

 

(END OF PART 2)

  

(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)