ENDURING FRIENDSHIP OF STEVOR AND THE INTREPID DRAGON LONGZE (PART 2)

(BoSt Original Story)

 

(PART 2)

 

After his eighteenth birthday, when his father passed away Stevor, now the master of the house, gave full reign to his suppressed, but no less diminished passions for the literary arts, and began composing (writing) a fantasy novel. Still fondly remembering his once longtime friend Longze and his wonderous accounts, the title aptly became: “The Adventures of Intrepid Longze from Lake Taho”

01- FANTASTIC CREATURES -JP

Stevor’s published book became an overnight sensation; everyone wanting to acquire (obtain) a copy. Bookstores could not keep it in stock. Children and adults alike loved the colourful exploits of Longze, triumphing over fearsome, fantastic creatures with inconceivable (incredible) supernatural powers when they threatened the mortal world, an altruistic kingdom, gallant warriors, righteous heroes or pitiable beasts or beings. These valiant and sometimes hair-raising accounts were often read out loud to captive audiences in teahouses or in private homes, with families seated by the hearth (fireside, in centre of home).  And yes, even Longze managed to obtain a copy, that quickly became his favorite book, as it was so vividly written by his secret, beloved human friend Stevor.

02- LONGZE READING BOOK

Stevor, possessing an innate, savvy financial sense (ability), frugally invested the gained income, in sound ventures, which within two years exponentially grew.  Thence (thereafter), unwittingly, he’d also become very rich and influential; this was not his life’s ambition however, he overall preferred a plain and peaceful existence.  He so abhorred (detested) his present circumstance, where which many rushed to befriend or ally with him, he was beset with so many requests, so many people fawning (toadying), that he became literally (factually), physically ill.

03- STEVOR  ( AT 21 YEARS OLD)-JP

After much consideration, selecting to live anonymously, he sold most of his assets and changed his name to Bo (which meant wavelike). He reserved only a small portion of the capital gains for his use and then incognito dispensed the majority funds to charitable organizations, therefore, bettering countless lives, man or beast.

His present modest residence was now at a remote countryside; nevertheless, he often frequented the isolated shoreline of Lake Taho, hoping to meet his friend Longze, but alas, never did.

05- -HEALING RESORT NEAR LAKE TAHO

After his twentieth birthday, having set aside some money, he undertook a journey to the healing resort at one of the remote, private islands within Lake Taho, that his present trusted associate Zoir had told him about. While staying there, Bo made the acquaintances of a very distinguished looking literati named Rennis, the only one whom he had inexplicably been drawn to (intrigued by).

06- RENNIS (LONGZE  LOOKING PURPOSELY YOUNGER)

Rennis was actually a taciturn (reticent) scholar often accompanied by a stern-faced, stout steward (custodian), who seemed more akin his jailer. Rennis had conceded (agreed) to an invitation to tea, only after his guardian’s discreate inquiry revealed that Bo was safe (risk-free), and that he was there seeking much needed mental solace and recovery from a minor, raspatory ailment, resultant of a recent ordeal, the specifics of which, however, had remained a mystery.  

07- DEPICTED RAVEN SPIRIT (GUARDIANS OF LONGZE (14))

As it was lonely in that healing place, Bo befriended Rennis (Longze) and, finding much in common especially their mutual love of Lake Taho, they spend every available free time enjoying each other’s company. They often took long walks, conversed over game of chess, indulged in nutritional drinks (a concoction to renew vitality) which was the specialty of the spa, participated in composing prose, painting and calligraphy, shared several evening repasts and so forth.

During their time together, Rennis’s companion Chemosh always vigilant, kept his aloof distance, never smiling, never actively participating in any of their activities.  Chemosh, both intrigued and same time, inexplicably, threatened Bo.

Then, one night Bo taking a solitary walk under the moonlit sky, he happened to spot Chemosh, though from afar. Bo’s eyes in that instance, had been inexplicably drawn to other’s raven pitch black hair that was unusual in sense, that it shone with silvery sheen, particularly under the rays of moonlight.  Moreover, astutely observing him, Bo (Stevor) could not shake the uneasy feeling that he’d sensed Chemosh’s presence, long before this, back at his mansion once, then in the city street, hovering within the shadows.

Just then, another revelation dawned on Bo; yes, he’d also seen Chemosh’s spitting image in an ancient painting at the Dragon Temple, depicted as an avenging, warrior raven spirit!

08- CHEMOSH -GUARDIAN  OF LONGZE (9)

It was pure coincidence. Bo (Stevor) shook his head, quickly dismissing that notion as preposterous; and thence (thereafter), he also quickly dismissed the encroaching, foreboding feeling gripping his heart. However, reluctant to return, from his hiding place, he continued to spy on Chemosh. 

Chemosh, standing by an ancient tree, was partially concealed in that semi darkness; however, he seemed to be engaged in serious conversation with an invisible entity. He looked as though he was rendering a report of some kind, to his contact.

At that juncture, however, sensing Bo’s presence, Chemosh abruptly turned, and even though Bo (Stevor) had nimbly (adroitly) retreated behind a huge tree trunk, Chemosh pinned his burning gaze on the very trunk, as though he could see right through it, and frowned.

09- LONGZE'S VULNERABILITY SHOWING

Bo’s (Stevor’s) heart skipped a beat, for he was suddenly gripped by a menacing foreboding; nevertheless, as he’d climbed under the covers later that night, he’d already made up his mind not to say anything about this to Rennis just yet, though from then on to more astutely observe (monitor) Chemosh for any indication (sing, clue) of treachery.  

Subsequent night, after repast while Bo and Rennis shared the rare jug of spirits (wine), this time, fortunately without the presence of the guard, under the moonlight,  Bo (Stevor), ceasing this chance, delicately broached the subject that had been praying on his mind, and asked Rennis, “Your companion with his haughty(derisive) manner seems to be more  an overseer (supervisor, boss)  than a steward (custodian, protector); as your affectionate (caring), true hearted  friend this concerns me deeply, may I be so bold as to ask, what kind of hold does he have on you?”

At first, Rennis (Longze) in answer, had pensively looked away; he seemed as though he wanted to unburden himself, however just as quickly, his face became taut, and instead he, smiling, had (ejected) responded, “As per your characters in your books, you have quite an imagination. Are you surreptitiously composing another supernatural tale, which I will be represented as the tragic hero?” He did not know why he had said this.

Bo’s head was bowed low, his downcast eyes pensively now for a while stayed (remained) focused on the floor tiles as he mused: “Under this new pseudo name, I have published no such books…Supernatural or otherwise? … Did he somehow discern my true identity; did he perceive that I was…? “Bo bit his lip, vehemently denying this probability; but then, he looked furtively at his friend Rennis, for his senses had just then picked up something else, something that was overwhelmingly penetrating, some unspoken foreboding…. Sense of vulnerability?

10- STEVOR IS IN PERIL

But whatever it was, the impression had vanished as quickly as it manifested; now Bo (Stevor) was left befuddled (puzzled) and totally in the dark, as though, missing something which had been prior, vital.  Meanwhile, Rennis’ features looked so hauntingly familiar; Bo (Stevor) could not place when, where or how long ago he’d met the other. This intuitive perception had gnawed at his innards, ever since of their first meeting (encounter).

Bo (Stevor) heaved a deep sigh then quietly grumbled under his breath, not intending for Rennis to hear it, “I searched for so long for my dear friend Longze, why has there been no trace of him till now, perhaps he’s perished, or is long since dead?”

“Or perhaps not.” The words had escaped Rennis’s lips, before he could stop it. Bo (Stevor) looked up aghast, hope springing anew in his heart. His searching eyes met Rennis’s, as he asked: “What, do you know of Longze? Have you seen him?”

Rennis (Longze) however, strove for damage control and smiling, shrugged, “How can I? Isn’t he a fictitious character in that famed book?”

Longze hated deceiving his friend; but he had been seriously warned that the next breach would be more catastrophic for him.  He was monitored constantly for his unusual attachment to human beings, this seen as a blight, an illness to be forced out of him, remedied (cured).

He ached to speak the truth to tell Stevor, “Yes, when we first met, I thought it was a coincidence of gaffe (slip) of fate that brought us together. I was so naïve, so gullible, as I was still young. You have no idea of the danger you faced when you followed me to my prison disguised as home. I wanted to forewarn you but was silenced on that score. I was the bate. He was my captor and harsh, exacting guard who tormented me often, so devoid of least mercy he was; long before you came along and long after, I lived precariously in the bosom of an evil spirit, that despised humans and without qualm, devoured all. You were spared for this second test, which I unfortunately, again failed to pass.”  He could not, however, utter any of this to Stevor; as it were, now that Stevor with his acute sense, suspected an irregularity in Chemosh and would not stop with his investigating (prying)him; this would hasten the inevitable. For it was Stevor’s life that was in peril, not Longze’s; and understanding this, Longze raptly searched his brain for a way to protect Stevor.

Longze’ eyes now brimmed with tears, grasping the truth,  that he’d been so properly and with guile duped into believing he’d been allowed this leeway just this once, on the stipulation that he kept his true identity from his friend, Bo (Stevor), whereas, the whole time Stevor’s sealed fate, regardless, had been placed at the periphery of peril (hazard, menace) and once again, he’d been played as the bate, the lure,  of so wicked a fate. Bo (Stevor) was sighted for punishment come what may, because of the forbidden content of his novel, where which he had unknowingly revealed many of the truths that had been forbidden to mortal realms, truths that Longze had in all innocence revealed to him in his eager enthusiasm because finally he was being heard, causing Stevor this harm. Both, back then as they had shared confidences, had inadvertently trespassed, breached, one of the ancient (unbreakable) laws of Heaven. There were so many rules and regulations, Longze could never keep track of it. This was his blunder (fault) which he’d already been severely punished for and now he would be forced (as added castigation, chastisement), to eyewitness his friend’s ignoble (mean) demise.

11- LONGZE 5 (15)

Past number of years Longze, found guilty for one violation or other, consequently, had borne (abided, swallowed) the countless unimageable torments as penances (reprimand); in truth however, all that he’d endured and would further endure, had been essentially, a veiled (cloaked),  strict, exacting schooling (training), precisely to (shape) mold his innate character before his true omnipotent power inevitably surfaced and was unleashed upon both worlds by his future self. 

The results (of his ordeals) thus far had not disappointed the Supreme power, for Longze had indomitably and intrepidly (valiantly) overcame all challenges and emerged from his practises (training, drills, performs), exactly as he was meant to be.

Longze’s supposed parents, meanwhile, were not what he’d been led to believe. His genetic factor (gene, DNA) were an anomaly (glitch, variance), his secret lineage for reasons known only to the Supreme God, was far more ancient (primordial), peerless (unique) and absolute (supreme); moreover, what Longze did not know and was never supposed to discern, was the fact he was not just a dragon; he was actually much, much more powerful than that, only by design his inner primordial powers to present, had been, methodically (systematically), deliberately and in some cases brutally checked (blocked), albeit temporarily.  Hope was that it would be forever curtailed, preventing hence, the unimaginable devastation (catastrophe) to both Heaven and Earth. 

Ancient doctrines had made mention of this prophecy (divination) and the consequential, unprecedented dilemma requiring an apt future solution. The appended amendment had a key clause, which in part stipulated that, in this case Longze, be a willing participant and be granted the final say in that ultimate outcome.

But let’s not get ahead ….

                                                                                               ~

 

During his youthful lifespan (his early lifecycle) to present, Longze had been repeatedly forewarned by his custodians (coaches, stewards, sentinels) to tame his rebel nature and not to intercede in the affairs of the mortal realm. His stringent, forceful tutors, his guardians, over the years had noted his unusual attachment to the human beings, and despite strong deterrence, he’d yet again befriended this one called Stevor (Bo). At present, moreover, he was poised to intervene either to prevent, or to alter, Stevor’s (Bo’s) portended (imminent) odious fate.

His custodians’ dire warnings, despite the consequential 50 years harsh sentence (penalty, reprimand), in which time Longze would suffer in various mortal form, enduring all manner of pain, loss and unbearable sorrow, had again fallen on deft ears. But Longze could not simply stand by and not do anything to save his friend from certain ignoble catastrophe, not when it was within his means to change it. Besides which, Longze intuitively knew that his immortal soul would somehow (persevere) survive the impending (future) harsh punishment and that he would (one day return to Earth and again) continue as before, whereas Stevor (Bo) being mortal would not; hence, Longze knew what he must do next.

“No evidence, no breach.” and so, Longze cast a spell over the entire mortal world and everyone ( all and sundry), one and all,  making everyone forgot that such a book had ever existed; furthermore, overnight, every single book, every single copy, even those about to be printed, Stevor’s highly acclaimed fantasy novel: “The Adventures of Intrepid Longze from Lake Taho”, overnight was reduced to dust. All over, in its place, literally, where the book once happened to be, now stood a clump of sand. Not a single copy survived and unfortunately, even Longze’s own copy had suffered the same fate.

Before the guards could haul him in chains up to Heaven, to answer for his most recent grievous violation, Longze paid a quick visit to his friend Stevor and teary-eyed, offering Stevor some cogent (convincing, logical) excuse, bid his dear old friend, his fond farewells.

12- LONGZE'S GIFT BOX

Longze imparted to Stevor a small box as a gift to be opened on his upcoming birthday, which Longze again surprised Stevor, by his knowing that it would be in three days time. Inside was precious gems that would sustain Nevets in comfort the rest of his natural life, never wanting for anything.

Longze left his friend’s side, with a heavy but placated heart, knowing Stevor would now live to a ripe old age, even though they would never meet again in this lifetime.

The End