DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 2

Bankwest to Longze his guardian Vernon had yet again saved his life; when at the most critical moment interceding, with his fiery dragon’s breath transferred to his hands, in an instant it had decimated the villainous Kalen who’d been bent on (maliciously) destroying his (Vernon’s) ward.

 

01- VERNON - LONGZE'S GUARDIAN -FIERCE, FIRE BREATHING DRAGON- JP

Longze meanwhile, unaware (for he had no reason to look back), had quickly descended the goat’s path and safely reached the shoreline. Subsequently, after half a day’s travel, he had arrived at a small fishing village and there, he had secured a passage on a small river boat, that after a week it had eventually docked at the more populous port city Monter of the kingdom of Kourin.

Longze from thereon had travelled eastward on foot, till he reached a small, unremarkable coastal town nestled in a remote corner of Kourin and there, Longze had finally, inconspicuously (unobtrusively) settled down. The few coins paid at the registry office, had legally secured him a simple (wooden structure) one story dwelling perched on a hill, with a small plot of land (for growing vegetables) in the back, at one side a wooden shed (barn) housing four chickens and a rooster, a donkey, two goats, then on the other side a deep well. All of that, including the main house, was then encircled by a white picked fence.

Longze had lived there quietly tending to the animals (which were included in the sale of the house, previous owner having died quite suddenly and without a living relative to bequeath them to), making repairs and often keeping to himself; sometimes he would additionally take on odd jobs at the local smith (metalworker) to make ends meet. Time passed quickly, and he was now shy of five months before he would turn seventeen earth years old (in appearance to the mortal beings). In that time, he had grown up to be six feet tall, with long pale blond hair over the shoulder, with brilliant, grey blue eyes, athletic built. He was exceptionally handsome, but he was not reckless in that by being reserved and elusive, tad unfriendly in demeanor- he’d chosen  instead, in a recluse scholarly  (academician’s) way, to decipher the varied innuendos (insinuations, ambiguities) in the vernacular (argot, slang, idioms), prose (writing style) and several particularly stimulating (noteworthy) works of art (painting, still life, portrait, images and water colors). 

In the interim, he would quietly but astutely (keenly) observe and study, atypical quarks human civilization, and in some instances even document it in a small bound book (a journal), as nights were insipidly (boringly) long. He was then again, infrequently (seldom) drawn to bizarre human archetypal (standard mainstream) likes and dislikes. He shied away, however, from exacting hereditary or practical social norms, the hierarchical edifices (organizations, networks), the odious mercantile transactions, obnoxious artisan habits, abhorrent military feats that subjugated benign nations and execrable moral statutes (rulings, edicts). Nonetheless, even these were diligently recorded in the same bound book, with multilayers of loving and virtuous human interactions, exultant family dynamics and social recreations, diversions (sports, games, pastimes, amusements) which humans often engaged in within the dynamics of core or extended family.

 

02- YOHN LONGZE

Sensible (mature) beyond his years, Longze till then had avoided all conventional (usual) complications of social or political entanglements, which often beset (plagued) most men in the mortal realms. Factor in the capricious fate, and unexpectedly and decisively, his placid existence was abruptly one day was overturned, to make way for dire trouble, which destiny had most certainly marked him for.

                                                                                                                 ~

In a small town, in gatherings, shops and saloons, people often talked (gossiped) and shared private opinions; they watched and judged, particularly of every newcomer, as it was their habitual pastime. And yes, they had also shared certain opinions about the recent, enigmatic young citizen Longze:  

Everyone knew him by the name of Yohn Longze, who had arrived in the village little over a year with his few possessions tucked into a bundle under his arm. With the small amount of cash, he had brought with him which had enabled him to purchase the old, excentric Mercer’s abode. With no friends or relatives, young Longze lived there since then, shying away from idle gossip and instead, planting flowers and vegetables on his small plot of land and tending to his obligatory animals. The animals had been clearly spooked at first, for whatever reason, but in time they had settled down. Longze did not drink or gamble, he was instead an avid reader, and he was observed habitually (consistently) seated by the window every night, quietly reading passages from the soft bound books, which he routinely had acquired from the local bookstore. Passers by sometimes observed him during late afternoons, seated on the stairs in front of the door, scribbling stuff into the small bound book. Other than that, no one knew much about him, but many respected him none the less as he was always above board, kind, sincere and always ready to land a helping hand without question to all those that needed it.

 

03-

There were those however, with black hearts and clouded judgements, especially when they were inebriated, idly sitting by in some seedy saloon (drinking establishment), wanting to liven up the dreary, mundane times and to  gain measure of recognition from their compatriots, by questioning or through insinuation, trying to tarnish Longze’s all too perfect, pristine record. After all no human was without flaws (faults, defects); he had to have some hidden vices.

                                                                                                     ~

It so happened that Yohn Longze’s closest neighbour was a store owner, named Thomas, who lived with his wife Rikka and a beautiful daughter named Asta. Asta was a good four years older than Longze (which made her about twenty years old) and so Longze had always greeted her with respect due to elder sister. Thomas made a good living selling much needed supplies to the local crofters and fisherman.

One ordinary evening after repast, as the family leisurely played cards, because of a minor irregularity (infraction), to the utter consternation of the parents, they discovered that their beloved daughter was now with child. No one had gone to bed that entire night; as the aggrieved (angry, upset) father pestered his daughter relentlessly till dawn. Subsequently, Thomas had finally extracted (obtained) an unwilling confession from his dog-tired (drained, wearied) daughter Asta and learned of the culprit ‘s identity.

Though a great shock, they took her at her word and confronted Longze that afternoon, with his wrongdoing. The father was itching to beat Longze to a pulp, but Longze’s fine physique and composed (serene) demeanor, despite the hurled insults and accusation, his tolerant nature, soon diffused the irate father’s fury, as well deterred him from unleashing his vengeful wrath on this maddeningly placid individual.

04- THOMAS

In all that time, Longze had not defended himself nor did he counter the accusations of Thomas, which Thomas interpreted (took it) as admission of guilt.

Longze had listened patiently to the unfounded allegations which sullied his good name and had endured Thomas’s irate curses, look of daggers, fiery tirade, threats, and perplexing (inexplicable) ramblings, till the other had lost his voice. Then, at the end of it, without showing the least emotion, Longze had simply bowed his head, shrugged his shoulders and in a muted tone agreed, “As you’ve already condemned me sir, I’ll agree to whatever you say.”

Just before dusk, Thomas had returned home frustrated, indignant, and still fuming; however, other than his daughter’s word, he had no real proof which to present this matter to the magistrate then, lawfully register a formal complaint and demand apt compensation. Asta’s vehement declaration, that despite her erring in judgement that one time (her being compromised), she had no true affections (love) for Longze and hence, refused absolutely, any notion of marriage to him, terminated that option. Thomas, meanwhile, dreaded the consequences of his precious daughter’s name being dragged through the mud (her being the object of idle gossip); thus, he considered his alternate options and finding none, the matter was abruptly dropped.

In the subsequent months as she became visibly pregnant, however, the unavoidable gossip of course spread like wildfire throughout the town; furthermore, the mysterious gossipmonger had pointed the finger of blame squarely at the newcomer Yohn Lonze, causing his systematic persecution and directing intense, mass animosity even from the more moderate folk. Longze was now shunned like the plague by many decent citizens, some merchants refused to sell their products (wares, food, merchandise) to him, and at every instance, women drew their children near and crossed the street to avoid (eye-contact with) him.

05-YOHN LONGZE

By turns, Lonze was approached by few prostitutes and the rough ruffians (gangsters) offering him unsavory deals, as well, risky, though highly profitable jobs, which he of course promptly declined. Then, they too also turned on him, making his life a living hell.

During this time, he had suffered some serious physical (health) impediments which he received neither the proficient treatment, medicine, nor solace, prolonging his recovery. He also had to endure some minor fiscal (monetary) setbacks, when even the town’s smith (metalworker), who favored his work chose to distance himself from Longze. Longze endured these financial hardships by being extra frugal.

Humans are usually covetous of superior beings and Longze had inadvertently, incurred their innate jealousy with his noble, upstanding, empathetic, and generous nature. They, therefore, were all too quick to condemn him and revel in his status of a fallen one with stained propriety (respectability, and decency). But once more Longze had stoically borne (withstood, braved) these attacks (censures) during the lengthy, adverse (hostile, evil) episode, steadfast with his due diligence, perseverance, and gentle disposition. Even the rowdy children who frequently lay in ambush to pelt him with rocks, eventually got tired of their campaign once they saw they could not anger him.

After the child was born, the indignant Thomas, ignoring his daughter’s pleas and protestations, one night (under cover of darkness) delivered the healthy baby boy to Yohn Longze’s doorstep in a bassinette.

06-BABY BALDER LONGZE

Longze accepted the infant without any apparent emotion and from that time on proceeded to taking a particularly good care of the baby. In fact, he was delighted at this rare chance and this unexpected, most enjoyable responsibility; he saw to it that the baby was safe and comfortable and well fed; wherever there was need, he fetched some goat’s milk and warmed it before giving it to the infant as an apt nourishment, as he could not pay for a wet nurse. Nor did he question the quirks of fate, as he too in his infancy, had been abandoned to the care of stern, unyielding guardians that never smiled, not once.

06 B- BABY DRAGON LONGZE (32)

 He never had known warmth or loving embrace but nevertheless, he had been fortunate in that his guardians had always been stringent yet fair with his upbringing. He will endow this baby with the love and warmth and all the kindness he had within him to confer (impart).

Soon as he was able, Longze, (strapping the baby to his back) visited the official registrar’s office and formally, as any good father would, adapted the baby, whom he had named Balder (barer of light). He, furthermore, secured the legal document which from thence, officially bequeathed all his worldly belongings, should he one day expire (begone, disappear), to his now lawful son, Balder Longze.

Asta, the mother of the infant, upon learning of this recent development from her father Thomas, eyes brimming with grateful tears, heaved a deep sigh and then, not wanting to jeopardize her secret, nascent hopes, which differed from the one her father Thomas had again reiterated (voiced), she simply looked away. After a prolonged silence, as Balder was a good name so, she then nodded her head, acceding to the baby’s now legal name.

                                                                                                           ~

Then one day when a particular ship with its sparse crew had once more docked in the Town’s puny port, her heart leapt for joy. All this time she had harboured the wish that her young man, named Corey, the affluent Merchan’s eldest son, would keep his promise, return to ask her hand in marriage and make all things right by her.

07- COREY AND ASTA

The young man Corey, as expected, again secretly sought her attentions but upon being told of the child Balder, his unexpected icy demeanour, the subsequent denial, and rebuke had irrevocably broken her heart. She realized than that he had never loved her, but unashamedly (fragrantly, brashly) used her to satiate his carnal desires.

Corey had irately stated that he was expected to take over his father’s business when his father had retired, and as an affluent merchant, they had already arranged for him to be wed to another from an equally affluent family. He could not throw all that away, her status was too beneath him, they would never accept her as his wife; she was not even good enough to be considered as his concubine. Then he had deeply wounded her soul, her integrity and heart, uttering his icy toned, insensitive, and devastatingly cruel question, which doubted her claim of his paternity.

Was he really the sole one that she had been intimate with; how could he be sure she had not taken akin liberties with, some other young men?

She was so utterly devastated by these injurious words, his insinuations, that she had not been chaste (virtuous) in the first place, or else she would not have so easily succumbed to his charms; moreover, he had shamelessly and cravenly, entirely absolved (excused) his part in all of that and squarely laid all blame on her.

She could not believe her ears and eyes; shocked to the core, her face flushed, her eyes brimmed with tears, her chest constricting with pain she, therefore, did not know whether to cry or laugh. She simply wanted to disappear! But then, unexpectedly, her heart just then abruptly hardened (turned to stone) and she simply, with an icy glare, stared at this loathsome, ruthless, aspiring spineless fiend whom she had once, by being totally gulled, intensely and wholeheartedly loved. Adamant then not to show least weakness to this opportunistic, dastardly being, Asta held (pinned) her unreadable gape (stare, gawk, gaze) on him for two whole minutes, with the sardonic (wry) smile on her lips, her ears deft to all his subsequent excuses and cowardly (gutless) ramblings; thus, wanting absolutely nothing further to do with Corey, she told him a blatant lie, robbing him therefore of any potential future claim to her child Balder.

Thereafter, she simply (turned) gave her back to him and walked away.

How ironic life was; how fickle her fate had been! As the distance between them grew, her thoughts (strangely enough) inexplicably had veered to Longze, she heaved a deep intake of breath and then sighing, she gloomily looked up at the smoothly sailing clouds in the sky.

Mercifully for the time being, her precious son Balder, had been (albeit temporarily) placed in the competent care of a far deserving, a virtuous human being, Longze. young as he was, he was far more reliable, a good father to her son. But she knew that one day, regardless, she would want her son back, she could not do it now, but one day she will find a way, as she refused to shirk her responsibility to Balder.

If only her heart had instead been captivated by Longze…If only he was older… or she, younger.

08-LONGZE

But she could not, not in good conscience, do that to Longze; Asta respected him far too much now, to bind such a noble person, to a loveless marriage. Why won’t her father understand this: Longze deserved to have his own loving wife and offsprings…She expected that one day he would have all that.

Later, that day as she had watched a distant ship’s departure, her wayward thoughts again turned back on Longze. Her conscience ached, her breath caught, and tightness in her chest mounted becoming unbearable with all that shame and guilt, as her brain ruminated all that the virtuous (righteous), young man Longze had endured on her account.

Longze’s most recent generous deed, his registering a will that furthermore ensured Balder’s future comfort and safety, anew filled her heart with boundless gratitude, and brimmed Asta’s eyes with fresh tears.

In the subsequent months Asta’s conscience had persisted in troubling her; meanwhile, the child was entirely innocent of this, and so in the end she was resolved to love him wholeheartedly and bring him up herself, without want. That evening after the repast (meal), she simply broke down and tearfully confessed the truth about the baby’s paternity to her parents. Pleading for forgiveness next, she declared that Yohn Longze had been entirely innocent; that he had nothing to do with her pregnancy and that he had been so grievously wronged. Furthermore, she implored her parents to permit her to claim her child, to bring him home and thereafter, lovingly (tend to him) bring him up.

When the commotion died down, and copious tears were shed by all, both parents along with their daughter showed up at Longze’ door to ask humbly and at length for his forgiveness and to retrieve (re-claim) the burdensome bundle, the precious son and beloved grandson Balder, they had prior, left in his care. That he could at any time can call on them to see Balder.

Longze had again patiently, with decorum listened to Thomas’s sincere explanations, his ensued regrets and profound apologies; then with a solemn expression he had nodded, as soft murmur passed his lips, “Please do not trouble your hearts with any remorse, I was most happy to do it, as I now also concede to your request.”

Longze then turned and went inside, fetched the peacefully sleeping child and delivered him into their loving care of his grandfather. As they were leaving, Asta turned her head to look apologetically back at Longze, to silently beg (implore) his forgiveness once more and to express her deep gratitude for his benevolence; she, however, saw instead, a single tear glistening on his cheek as he abruptly retreated, disappearing back inside his humble abode.

                                                                                

09- GUARDIAN VERNON

“Are you all done now?”  Inside his guardian Vernon suddenly manifesting, asked.

Longze lowered his head to hide the tears brimming in his eyes and nodded.

“Yes, I’m done… And I apologize for all my prior transgressions, as well, for my most recent act of disobedience sir; and now, I humbly await, without protest, my just due punishment.”

“Consider it a lesson well learned.” Vernon, furrowing his brow, sternly ejected; meanwhile, masking his unusual compassionate feel, he for a spell, with an unreadable expression simply looked at his charge (ward). Vernon then shook his head, tad disappointed, for this was not the experience he had wished for Longze to have.

Subsequently, both (without trace), had simply, instantaneously, vanished into thin air.

10- GUARDIAN VERNON AND FLEDGELING (TYRO) DRAGON LONGZE

 

Fin.

 

DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 1

DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 1

(BEGINNING OF PART 1)

 

Dragon Longze, now in his mid teens (about fifteen earth years), wanting to see more of the world, one day he successfully absconded from his island prison, where he had been tutored and, carefully monitored by his stringent guardian teacher day and night.

 

01- MAGIC ISLAND WHERE LONGZE WAS KEPT

In truth, his guardian Vernon had read his mind and intentions long before this and, had already decided on allowing Longze this apt lesson (and experience). Vernon, though demanding and strict, being a much younger than his peers (guardian colleagues), he had been far more tolerant of Longze’s defiant, rebellious traits that had exasperated the prior three veteran ones before Vernon.

All the same,  Vernon had been perturbed for some time now, by Longze’s unusual attachment to humans and his unwavering fascination in their perceived, noble capacity; hence, he’d hoped that Longze’s firsthand experience in the mortal world, his albeit brief exposure to the truth,  might shed more accurate  light (truer assessment) on his otherwise idealized interpretation (version) of the matter.

 

02- VERNON - GUARDIAN OF LONGZE (19)JP

Vernon had, furthermore, hoped that in the interim this would temper, if not forever bust (diffuse), his charge’s impractical, steadfast (inexorable) belief in humanity, and decisively ensure his future survival.

                                                                                             ~

 

Longze after having efficaciously run away, he had incessantly swum in the vast ocean in the form of a white fish with golden gills (for at this early stage in his life he was not able to transform into a dragon just yet), traversing a great distance.

Subsequently, affirming that he had gotten clear away and that he was not pursued, he selected an ideal, deserted sandy shoreline (with not a soul about) to emerge from the waters and now fully transformed into a human form, his two bare feet was firmly planted (landed) on the coarse sandy beach. His first precarious (bit wobbly, tottering) steps quickly balanced (stabilized), he then swiftly ascended (climbed) the snaking, barely visible goat’s path and reached the top of the hill where he could then better (observe) survey the entire perimeter at that higher elevation.

 

03- LONGZE ASSUMES HUMAN FORM

His keen eyes spotted at once t. top part of the chimney of the wooden cabin which was nestled in a grove of tall pine and was ordinarily well hidden, at some distance from where he stood: the abrupt rising wind  swaying the brunches at one point had fortuitously, revealed the chimney’s presence.  It was nearing dusk and in his naked state, the cold seeped into his very marrow (bones); however, indifferent to thrashing wind that now bend or whisked the tall grass (and bushes) that reached his waist, he elatedly tread (walked, practically ran) his bare feet over the uneven, gravelly ground towards the cabin. The deceptively dilapidated wooden hut was overgrown with ivy; Longze, reaching the door and finding it unlocked, without hesitation (entered) stepped inside.

His quick perusal,  revealed that interior was not only sturdy but orderly and practical: a sparse furniture of  a well positioned crude table and two chairs was placed  in the centre, while a small sleeping bed with thick woolen blanket over it (that had seen better days) was pressed against the far wall by a small, boarded window. The absence of curtains, tablecloth or other soft feminine touches, revealed that the cabin belonged to a solitary, robust male human. The cold (unlit) hearth was slightly off center, with few cast-iron pots hanging overhead and a stack of wood piled at the side of it;  a large empty earthen jar probably used to store-rain water, stood next to four barrels of spirits which rested at the far corner beside some other wooden boxes clearly holding rations.

The well constructed (pine-wood) bookcase that was set against the other wall, was composed of three shelves: The top shelves held a crude stone carving of a fierce bear and some withered, scrolls of maps, a discoloured romance fiction, a simple bound book with pages all curled up, and two innocuous account books. The middle shelves sported two large wooden utensils (large ladle, a huge fork), a long kitchen knife, and four wooden dishes. The bottom shelves had on it neatly stacked, bunch of ropes, one deadly stiletto, a stack of thirty arrows stored in leather casing, an axe with a short handle, box filled with various size metal splinters (sheards, pins, spikes, pegs, tacks, various size nails), a deadly looking metal hook and something else, Longze could not rightly identify.

 

04- LONGZE CHECKS OUT THE INSIDE OF CABIN

His eyes next caught the two ebony chests off to the side adjacent to the pine bunkbed with crumpled dusty blankets over it. Judging by the look of things however, thick layer of dust covering everything about, the occupant had not been there for quite some time.

Longze did not know it, but the place was a secret hideout, used infrequently by a notorious, a felonious (lawless) highwayman and a dastardly killer named Kalen, who prayed on the beached travellers, or lost and vulnerable hunters (trackers) or adventurers. From the looks of it, the place was used to temporarily stashed his most recent ill-gotten booty there before he carted it away to the nearby town for illegal sale.

Fortunately, Kalen was away at the time, probably already pursuing (tracking) his next prosperous prey (target).

Anyhow, Longze, finding the premise abandoned, he searched through the large wooden chests. In one he found stacks and stacks of coins and other precious gems and valuables. He understood that he needed some cash in the human world, so he borrowed a small bundle with some coins in it, with purpose of repaying what he took to the owner later.

Longze, next rummaged through the other five smaller wooden chests that housed varied forms of attires; he was too naive to discern (recognize) that these, shirts, pantaloons, vests, socks and in some cases jackets, in all likelihood were pilfered, appropriated garbs, costumes, and wardrobes, of various fabrics (silk, cotton, wool) and quality. At the bottom of the third small chest, he had additionally discovered, four pairs of leather boots, (varied) different in style but all black in colour. He measured (pressed) the souls of a pair, which had caught his eye, against his feet and found that they were close to his foot size; therefore, he set this sturdy pair aside. Subsequently, he in quick succession, fetched a pair of a grey coloured woolen socks, few pieces of garbs from other small chests, which were practical and fit well. Shortly after, Longze emerged from the hut, appropriately dressed.

 

05- LONGZE APPROPRIATELY DRESSED

Longze did not know this, but he had been spotted at some distance by the eagle-eyed, returning culprit. Kalen was a stubborn villain; he had always pressed on (his stamina) hard refusing to accept his bodies’ limitation. This most recent heist had gone terribly awry (wrong); encountering real resistance, he had barely made out with his life, only to find unexpected intruder, a brazen thief exiting from his cabin wearing his clothes and Heaven knows what else he had absconded with? More importantly, how had the thug (goon, trespasser) breached the set deadly traps and the locked door?

Kalen’s mind reeling (spinning, whirling) with unanswered questions, ignoring the fact that his body at present was teetering on the verge of collapse, he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, towards his cabin.

 Longze, oblivious to all the peril, was halfway down the hill, when the rogue warrior Kalen arriving, almost breathless, at the spot, finding the traps un-engaged and the door clearly unlocked (with no traces of the sturdy iron lock anywhere) and therefore, seeing red ( fuming with rage) and growling, rushed inside his cabin to assess anticipated marks of intrusion, damage or, more specifically, theft ( what was missing ).  

 

06- KALEN THE RUFFIAN

Nevertheless, deciding not to linger, Kalen at once fetched his stored (spare) arrows- as his arrow-sack (bag, satchel) slung on his back was entirely empty, having buried the last one (arrow) squirely in the chest of his most ardent pursuer. All five guards that had been the relentless pursuers for half a day, bent on revenge for his dastardly murder of their Lord, in the end had been expertly vanquished one after the other, by his poisoned arrows that always found their mark.

Kalen fuelled entirely on (running on) adrenalin, commanded by an unyielding, stubborn brain demanding blood (retaliation, retribution) and utter obliteration of this brazen thief; and so, armed with fresh arrows, and some deadly shards and hook, Kalen had dashed outside, with murder registering in his pupils.

His path, however, was abruptly (instantly) blocked by the menacing looking dark warrior, who stood his ground with an unyielding, menacing stance (posture).

This was Longze’s guardian Vernon who had manifested on the scene some time prior, swooped down from the clouds long before Longze had appeared on the scene and seen to disarming the traps then simply vanishing the lock on the door, by a beam shod from his pupils, therefore, allowing his wayward (naughty, disobedient, unruly)  ward (charge) uninterrupted, safe entry into the wooden cabin.

 

07- GUARDIAN VERNON WATCUES FROM THE CLOUDS

From far above, amidst the clouds, Vernon’s keen eyes (vision, sight) nevertheless piercing the walls of the cabin, he’d with some amusement, monitored (watched) his charge Longze’s subsequent activities within the cabin. He had carefully noted for instance, what Longze had selected and what he did not take. Vernon was intrigued with his ward’s practicality and his disciplined mind, and additionally pleased, with Longze’s lack of greed, decency, and pure heart. Longze had only borrowed what he needed, and nothing more; even then, he had left, though foolishly, a written note to the proprietor, the complete list and the promise of repayment of those items, later.

Vernon then had watched his naïve charge exit the premise and quickly descend the path, looking every bit the confident traveller, an ordinary normal human being.

Subsequently, Vernon had lingered amidst the cloud’s tad longer but long enough to assess the immediate danger posed to Longze; he had clearly read Kalen’s malevolent intent. Vernon with darkened mood, observed Kalen’s subsequent collection of items, that Kalen’s mind demanded not just to punish, murder or maim, but to inflict the exacting, excruciating prolonged pain and torture on the perceived thief, Vernon’s ward, before his end.

Therefore, feeling perfectly justified of what he was about to do, he had slowly descended from the clouds and waited, both feet firmly planted on the ground, Infront of the wooden cabin, in real time minutes before Kalen darted to, outside.

“Going somewhere?” Immortal Vernon’s sneer froze the very blood in Kalen’s veins. But before Kalen could respond, Vernon with his dragon’s fiery power channeled to his hands, he incinerated all, Kalen and the entire cabin, all was scorched and reduced to ash in an instant.

 

08- VERNON -LONGZE'S GUARDIAN

                                                                            

 (END OF PART 1)  

 THE CONTEST OF SILENCE (REVISED 2026)

Meditation was taught to students in this private school as part of their curriculum.

Five close friends challenged by a rival group, undertook to observe twenty-four hours of silence. The bet was that if they won they would be absolved from any chores whilst if they lost, they would complete all the chores of the winners for a week. Two impartial students, one from each group were designated to keep a close eye on all participants.

On the designated day, the groups entered the private chamber of the library and after getting comfortable begun in earnest and reverent calm, their meditation on the void.

Silence prevailed throughout the day; the room was so quiet in fact that you could hear a pin drop. But as darkness encroached and the room grew dim, one of the participating four stirred, and then before he could stop himself, words just flew from his mouth, ordering the nearby attendant to “Light the blasted oil lamp!”

The closest one to him could not suppress a grumble:” Hush up, you’re not supposed to speak!”

“You two have blown it.” The third one chimed in.

“I’m the only one who has kept quiet.” Unfortunately the fourth one could not refrain from boasting.

Fin

 BE LIKE THE WATER (BY BOST, REVISED 2026)

Once upon a time there lived a modest (meek) young man (individual) called Hagen, who wished more than anything, to be an invincible warrior, like the heroes mentioned in ancient fables. He was well over six feet tall, handsome, had grey blue eyes and his straight long blond hair was often kept loose (unbound), cascading down his shoulders.

01- HAGEN

Orphaned at an early age, he lived humbly and all alone in a small wooden cabin at the edge of a vast, dense forest at high altitude (elevation) mountain. He had an adventurous spirit, and he had plenty close encounters with predatory beasts, living in that remote (secluded) region; nevertheless, he often took long walks in the woods to collect medicinal herbs and also, to explore this wild, untamed world around him as he had a deep, innate appreciation of nature.  He rarely had any human company (an occasional hunter), sometimes going for months, without seeing another soul.

His days were spent tending to his small patch of fenced herb garden and he often made repairs to the wooden cabin (dwelling) that kept him safe from the tempestuous weather and the harsh elements. He chopped firewood making sure his supply never dwindled, stacked them by the entrance, then at night, after a plain repast (stew with meat and wild roots and vegetables), he sat by the hearth and read or sometimes carved little animals, fashioning them from small wood block. The finished products were the only adornment he had on his shelves next to the books and some rare rocks.

Once or twice a year, when it necessitated to fetch (buy) some necessary supplies- such as clothing, blankets, tools, sack of flour or millet (corn, oats, sorghum) for making bread, coffee, beans, seeds, and occasionally some dried or preserved fruit and of course, books- he ventured down the mountain and visited the general store in nearby  border  town. As an avid reader, he sought to acquire the adventurous fables and legends that the proprietor, the middle-aged, widowed frontiersman, called Kenneth, knowing Hagen’s passion and having a particular fondness for this honest young man, who never argued about the price, always made sure to reserve in stock the very latest novels (a volume or two) for him.

02- kENNETH - PROPRIETOR OF GENERAL STORE

Hagen made his living, of course, chiefly by hunting wild animals and selling valuable pelts, in exchange for the supplies; his furs of wolves and mountain lions etc., had always fetched good margin of profit for the storekeeper and so, the proprietor looked forward to these rare visits from this remarkable young man.

                                                                                      ~

When Hagen grew up to his early twenties, as a fine young man no longer content living a solitary life in the woods, his soul craved adventure and to see more of the world, but more importantly, he desired to be a competent warrior; and as he was interested in wrestling, he travelled to the farthest edges of the country and after repeated attempts finally got accepted in an illustrious martial school, at an island monastery, where a most famed master was the instructor.

03- ISLAND MONASTERY (2)

Fuelled by his enthusiasm Hagen endured gruelling training sessions to eventually become a competent fighter. Though he was now robust (athletic, muscular) and a proficient warrior, his timid nature nevertheless, still incumbered his progress and prevented him from reaching his true potential. And despite his zeal and daily practices, on those special tournaments held by the schools to measure the initiates ‘progress, at every instance, without fail he persistently got bested by his opponent.

04- TOURNAMENTS  AT THE ISLAND MONASTERY (17)

         

The teacher who would earlier on recognized his true abilities was baffled by this. Suspecting Hagen’s innate impediment, he initiated a private bout with Hagen to evaluate his skill. True enough, Hagen, caught in the momentum of fight defeated his master on the first round. Subsequent bouts all proved to be the same.

You are a like the turtle,” the master told Hagen one day. “But too often you cower under your shell, you need to come out.” and sent Hagen to see his good friend Ingolf, a Zen master at the nearby temple, for help.

“Not a turtle,” Ingolf, the Zen master nodded after hearing Hagen’s account. “You shall be a Sweeping Wave.”

05- ZEN MASTER INGOLF

Ingolf instructed Hagen on the preliminaries of meditation then told him to remain there the rest of the night imagining himself not as a human being who is primarily afraid, not as an adroit warrior (fighter), not anything but a great wave of the oceans.

“Be like the tsunami,” he said to Hagen before retiring to his private chamber. “Imagine your power sweeping, swallowing all and everything in your path. Then all will be well with you.”

                                                                                    ~

Hagen set motionless in darkness for hours contemplating the words of the Zen master Ingolf.

At first his mind would not cooperate with his will, and Hagen wondered about a great many useless things, places, people or past events, anything but the wave. Gradually however, his willpower won over his monkey mind and forced it to focus on the vast sea, volumes of water and then the waves. His mind now was pinned on that single giant wave. It grew larger and larger, washing over the shoreline, uprooting trees, structures, houses, and even the temple he was sitting in. Everything was encompassed by that giant wave. All that could be seen was the ebb and flow of the immense ocean.

06 B -HAGEN  LIKE THE WATER

At the first light of day when the Zen master Ingolf emerged from his room, he found Hagen still meditating at the very spot he had left him, with one difference…He was engulfed in a numinous (mystical)  miasma (mist, fog, cloud) and emanating from it, was the luminescent (glowing) blue light. Hagen’s eyes closed, his face radiant and perfectly serene, his breathing shallow and steady, he was however, from head to toe soaked to the skin, with his garments completely drenched, sticking to his form and revealing his fine physique. He appeared as though he was immersed (swimming or floating) in cool waters of the vast ocean. His gleaming, handsome wet face was framed by the sodden strands of blond hair, as the pearls of water droplets created a shimmering ring of a small puddle at the perimeter floorboards.

The very moment Zen master Ingolf had drawn near and gently (tentatively) placed a hand on Hagen’s shoulder, however, all was transformed back to norm, and Hagen, as well the periphery (the margin) reverted to prior dry state (circumstance).

The corners of master Ingolf’s mouth slightly lifted as he nodded his head; his hand reaching out lightly patted Hagen on the shoulder and he said, “Now you are that invincible wave, go forth and always be thus.”

And true to fact, Hagen from that day forth became an invincible fighter, winning every challenge and tournament. For decades, his fame spread far and wide (everywhere) and he became the undefeated champion of the realm.

 

FIN

OUTWITTING THE DRAGON LONGZE (STORY BY BOST, 2026- PART 2) 

That afternoon John set to the task of repairing Dragon Longze, he first rummaged among the heap of old iron and found there some heavy chains and a great collar that had been made in the days when men sang over their work and put their hearts into it, so that the things they made were strong enough to bear the weight of a thousand years, let alone a dragon.

01-DRAGON LONGZE (54)JP

John fastened dragon Longze up with the chains, and when he had padlocked them all on safely, he set to work to find out how many rivets would be needed.

"Six, eight, ten—twenty, forty," said he. "I haven't half enough rivets in the shop. If you'll excuse me, sir, I'll step around to another forge and get a few dozen more. I won't be a minute."

And off he went, leaving the baby in front of the dragon's forepaws, laughing and crowing with pleasure at the very large purr of it.

John ran as hard as he could into the town and found the mayor and corporation.

"There's a dragon in my dungeon," he said; "I've chained him up. Now come and help to get my baby away."

And he told them all about it.

But they all happened to have engagements for that evening; so, they praised John's cleverness, and said they were quite content to leave the matter in his hands. In truth, they did not believe him, suspecting him of spreading a yarn (or a fib) for whatever reason. Dragons had been extinct for a millennium now; moreover, the townsfolk were a selfish lot, some were cruel narcissist, but the majority were all greedy, conniving (devious), wary lot (doubtful), and even cowardly. 

"But what about my baby?" said John.

"Oh, well," said the mayor, placing a conciliating (placating) hand over John’s shoulder, "if anything should happen, you will always be able to remember that your baby perished in a good cause."

So, John went home again and told his wife some of what had happened.

02-JOHN THE BLACKSMITH (6)jp

"You've given the baby to the dragon!" she screamed (shrieked) at him. "Oh, you unnatural parent!"

"Hush," said John, and he told her some more. What John did not know however, was the fact this celestial dragon had certain innate abilities, one of which being his keen hearing; when Longze set his mind to it, he could hear even the fluttering of butterfly wings in the rushing air, the whispers of trees in the far off mountains or the foliage carpeting the wide open fields and, certainly he could hear the conspiratorial murmurs (undertones) of humans who held special interest to him. He’d therefore heard all that John had told his wife striving to conciliate (placate) her anger, as well, mollify her mounting dread in her heart. 

"Now," John had then sweetly kissed his wife’s forehead and said, "I'm going down. After a while you can then play your part, and if you keep your head, the boy should be all right."

So down went the blacksmith, and there was the dragon, just as he’d left him, still purring away to keep the baby quiet. The dragon Longze, despite all he knew, he had been quite amused at first by this altruistic, soft bundle of pliant (supple) infant swaddled in soft cloth, that reacted favorably to his purring. The baby incessantly cooed and gurgled, drooling, making odd sounds; furthermore, the baby was clearly unafraid, even smiling at him, a strange but lovable creature that it was. But eventually, dragon Longze’s interest began to fade (ebb) and his patience started to wear rather thin.

"Hurry up, can't you?" the dragon said, wanting to see what John would do next. "I can't keep up this noise all night."

03-DRAGON LONGZE (38)JP

"I'm very sorry, sir," said the blacksmith, "but all the shops are shut. The job must wait till the morning. And don't forget you've promised to take care of that baby. You'll find it a little tiresome, I'm afraid. Good night, sir." John quickly climbed the stairs, not giving the dragon any chance to respond.

John did not go far however, once at the outside of the left ajar dungeon door, unseen, he quietly sat on his rump (rear end) and leaned his back to the wall. Though he would never admit it, his shoulders slumped wearily (despairingly) betraying the placid (tranquil) mask he wore on his face. He half-lowered his eyelids, pinning his gaze on the ground and quietly waited; he was prepared to keeping vigil, if necessary, all night long.  In truth, his innate instincts had absolute faith in this noble dragon; but his parental obligation had constrained him nevertheless to stay close,  per chance the dragon suddenly succumbed to anger or became erratic, and therefore, endangered his precious bundle.

The dragon Longze had purred till small hours, but then he got tired of it; moreover, he was annoyed, understanding the trick John had played on him. So now he stopped, and as soon as everything was quiet, the baby thought everyone must have settled for the night, and that it was time to begin to scream. So, it began.

"Oh, dear," said the dragon, "this is dreadful (awful) noise. Now, there, there…" He gently patted the baby with his claw, but it screamed more than ever.

" Humans are so guileful (sly, cunning) and even the best of them is detestable.” Jaded dragon Longze now grumbled.

04-DRAGON LONGZE (45)JP

From the start, Longze had seen something in John that set him apart from the typical humans; though, his unique compassion and generosity of heart had made him vulnerable despite his robust physique and intrepid fortitude (grit, stamina. But now Longze was second guessing his original feel. Besides which, he felt increasingly more annoyed by all the deceit and the disrespect shown to him. Feeling suddenly tired, Longze yearned for a good night’s slumber (repose, sleep) to rest his weary bones."

The baby, meanwhile, went on screaming.

The dragon Longze could have squashed it and instantaneously, permanently put a stop to all that jarring noise; meanwhile, he could not help but wonder why John had left his clearly precious son in obviously precarious (vulnerable) position. Was John, adapting such a drastic measure (and by taking a sure gamble), wished to convey (express) his full confidence in his (Longze’s )benevolence, while establishing an innate bond, a bridge, between their species (genus)? Clearly, he was no ordinary mortal.

Age old beliefs now in doubt, “Things will never be the same for me after this," mused Longze. "Nevertheless, I must put a stop to this incessant noise before it seriously tests my patience. Hush, then—did 'ums, then." And so, the Dragon Longze tried to placate the baby as if it had been a young dragon. But when he began to sing "Hush-a-by, Dragon," the baby, not mollified, he screamed increasingly more.

"I can't subdue this incessant, raucous neonate (newborn); can’t keep it quiet," huffed the exasperated Longze; and then suddenly he saw a woman sitting on the steps. "Here, I say," said he, "do you know anything about babies?"

"I do, a little," eyeing the dragon suspiciously and not wishing to divulge more, said the mother. Betty had fought her husband on this, and defiantly entered the dungeon, and set on the steps at the very top, at first seething in rage, then observing the dragon’s tolerance and so, by degrees calming, she’d kept a sullen (fretting, morose), vigilant eye on the unfolding scene.

05- BETTY SITTING ON TOP OF STAIRS

"Then I wish you'd take him away, and let me get some respite," said the dragon Longze, yawning. "You can bring it back in the morning before the blacksmith comes."

She didn’t need to be asked twice; at once descending the steps, mother’s protective instinct emboldening her, she fearlessly drew near (quite close) to the dragon and picked up her son.

The baby cradled in his mother’s bosom, inhaling her familiar scent, abruptly then stopped all his ruckus (brawl, rumpus); thus, she quickly mounted the steps, and exited the dungeon. A frown (a scowl) registered on her lips, the moment her seething, rebuking gaze turned on her husband, who nevertheless dismissed it, and knowingly smiled. She could not maintain her ire for too long, and so, after exasperatedly exhaling the breath of relief, she nodded, and he happily follow her (in tow) to their bedroom.  

At daybreak the subsequent day, John went down and boldly, unapologetically, explained to the dragon Longze exactly how matters stood. He’d kept his word meanwhile, and first and foremost, diligently and competently repaired the Dragon’s injury. Then, however, electing to keep the locks and chains where they stood, furthermore, retrieving the iron gate with a grating to it, he set it up at the foot of the steps, therefore imprisoning the Dragon.

The dragon Longze was both irate (furious) and same time impressed with John’s deception and courageous acumen, understanding why he’d done as he did. He was after all protecting (upholding, preserving) the safety and welfare of his family, as well, the townsfolks; though being so discerning, Longze doubted townspeople would see it that way, nor will they ever truly appreciate John’s efforts that afforded them salvation and the purported (supposed) lasting security.

06-DRAGON LONGZE (42)JP

The dragon Longze , meanwhile, had not been as helpless as he seemed; he had in fact considered breaking his bonds and leaving this contemptable town the moment John had left his side. Longze however had had a soft spot for this young hero, so he remained  as he were, supposedly restrained and imprisoned; as his curious nature propelled (drove) Longze to wait and see how things would unfold later on that day, anticipating correctly, that the mayor and the towns elite would seek to confirm proof of John’s claim.

Sure enough, afterwards John had gone straight to the mayor and said: "I've got the dragon suitably incarcerated (confined, secured) in the dungeon; rest assured, he will pose no further danger to anyone in town." But of course, they needed proof, so they followed him back to the castle, and went straight down to the dungeon.

"Noble preserver," elatedly cried the mayor seeing with his own eyes the absolute proof of John’s claims. "You’ve truly gone and done it! We will, hence, get up a subscription for you, and crown you in public with a laurel wreath."

07- THE MAYOR  MARCELL

So, the mayor put his name down for six pounds, and the corporation each gave four, and other people gave their guineas and half guineas and crowns or two crowns, and while the subscription was being made the mayor ordered two poems at his own expense from the town poet to celebrate the occasion. These poems were very much more admired, especially by the mayor and corporation.

The first poem dealt with the noble conduct of the mayor in arranging to have the menacing dragon tied up. It also described the splendid assistance rendered by the corporation. And the second expressed the pride and joy of the poet in being permitted to sing such deeds.

When the subscription was finished there was more than five hundred pounds accumulated, a considerable sum, in the coffers, and a committee was formed to settle what should be done with it. Part of it went to pay for the elaborate banquet in honor of the mayor and the corporation; another bit was spent in buying commemorative, gold medals with impaled dragons on them, to pin on the corporate members’ chests; and the reminder that was left, was allocated to other committee expenses.

So, there was nothing left for the blacksmith John except the laurel wreath and the knowledge that it really was he who had saved the town. Nevertheless, after these frivolous expenditures, from thereon things had gone a little better for the blacksmith’s family. To begin with, the baby did not cry so much as it had before. Then the rich lady who owned the goat was so touched by John's noble action that she ordered a complete set of shoes at 3 shillings, 5 pence, and even made it up to 4 shillings, 7 pence, in grateful recognition of his public-spirited conduct.

Subsequently, endless hoards of tourists flocked to the region (town)  from quite a long ways off, and they  paid three and a half pence each to go down the steps and peep through the iron grating at the white dragon in the dungeon—and it was four pence extra for each party if the posted armed guard (assigned by the mayor) let off colored fire to see it by, which, as the fire was extremely short, was three pence-halfpenny clear profit every time. Meanwhile the blacksmith John's wife used to provide teas at tenpence a head, and altogether things grew brighter week by week.

08- JOHN THE BLACKSMITH (31) jp

John from the first, had refused to take any part in all of this despicable and farcical entertainment (amusement); he would not benefit from funds derived from the humiliating carnival like atmosphere, that put the noble dragon on daily display. He felt deeply shamed and grieved most sincerely, for his earlier unwitting part in all of this duplicitous debauchery, and in due course, perpetuating this most demeaning, injurious depravity (corruption, degeneracy) of the noble dragon.

The dragon Longze, despite his boundless generosity of the heart, had eventually grown weary of this worst aspect of humanity, the rampant corruption, his unwitting exploitation and all the immoral display. And so, late one night, when John had pensively gone down to check on the captive dragon Longze, to visit with the poor creature and again, ask for his forgiveness: the dragon pre-emptively instead, had told him, a time had come for him now to abscond. He then with dignified air, though tentatively (hesitantly), asked John next, to release him from his bonds. What John did not know however, was this too was a test, and he had not disappointed Longze’s faith in him. 

Even though John knew this would land him in serious trouble, the blacksmith had been so beset with remorse that he without single moment’s hesitation, had immediately done as the dragon Longze had asked of him.

09-JOHN THE BLACKSMITH (36)jp

“We shall not see each other for a long while; however, by your actions you have earned my lasting esteem. If you are ever in need, I shall return, to set things right by you. Farewell for now, my dear friend. “Dragon Longze then had reverently bowed his head to John and then suddenly poof, disappeared in thin air.

John had fully grasped it then, that he’d never really been in charge (command); and that he was the one who had been outwitted (outfoxed) instead, by the gentle natured celestial dragon who, with infinite patience, had sought all along to attain, a genuine spark of true benevolence from a single mortal being .

 

 

FIN