DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA ( BY BOST, 2026- PART 10)

Asmund had told Longze there were specific moments in time, if modified via sacrosanct incantation, would alter (fluctuate) the timeline and in that case, also change Freya’s doomed destiny.  This, likewise, would vary (alter, transform) the probable future of those about her, which meant that, Longze’s whole interaction with her would not exist.

01-DRAGON LONGZE(59)

Despite his quandary (dilemma), Freya’s future welfare preceding his needs, Longze had not hesitated, and urged his guardian Asmund to impart to him the rest of what he knew.

“ Wery well then,” Asmund thoughtfully nodded, then  begun: “The crucial time here will be the specific summer solstice festival when during which Jedrick’s wanton gaze had fallen on unsuspecting Freya, accompanying her brother through the many stalls that sold custom-made shiny trinkets and treasured items of all kinds; and more precisely, the time when he left her for a moment and went inside a shop to purchase her a surprise gift for her birthday and so Jedrick seizing this moment, accosted her and started the whole terrible sequence of events. This is where the conversion (shift, transition) needs to occur (transpire). And for that, the young man Alec must abort (forsake) his intent of surprising his sister and instead, take Freya along with him into the shop to personally select her birthday gift.”

02- HAGEN KIRK 3

“This small variance will change her fate, for inside that shop at this specific time, another young man, the Mayor Gudmund Kirk’s son Hagen will be present, one who has brought an heirloom broach of his mother’s, to the shop to be repaired. He will chance on her and fall deeply in love…”

03- HAGEN KIRK AND FREYA

 Asmund at this point stopped talking and looked at Longze, He did not speak it, but his worried look conveyed the message: Tell me to stop if this is too painful for you to hear.

This had perturbed (upset) Longze, however, he shook his head; and so, Asmund continued with the rest of the perceived probabilities. He assured Longze in the end, that Hagen Kirk is a handsome, noble, brave, astute young academic, which would be a far better match; a gentler soul, he would be a protective and devoted husband to Freya, and she, as his lawful wife, would live a happy, fulfilled life till ripe old age.  Mayer’s family also being far more powerful than Elof Bijarke’s, Jedrik would never dare to manipulate or confront (go up against) Hagen Kirk or cause trouble to Freya ever again. She would be, thence, perfectly safe.

04-MAYOR GUDMUND KIRK (AT A BALL)

The mayor Gudmund Kirk and his wife Selma, from the first will love their new daughter-in-law Freya, and treat her exceptionally well; and all during these quiet, happy (blissful) years with them, Freya will grow, day by day, into a legendary beauty, and passing from her teens into the bloom of womanhood, she will eventually be blessed with three beautiful children, two boys and a lovely girl, which will look just like Freya. Meanwhile, her brother Asger will also marry and have a bright future also.

“It seems to me this would be the best outcome (solution) for Freya.” Longze reluctantly conceded. Then looked up to ask, “But I fail to understand, if such an incantation (spell) existed, why was it deemed a sacrosanct, forbidden and, kept so well hidden away in the archives.  Why wasn’t it utilized to alter or prevent most devastating catastrophic events and save copious lives in the mortal world? Also, why do I detect certain ambiguity in your voice and a…stipulation (prerequisite). “

Asmund smiled, “You are perceptive. Yes, there is a proviso….” He nodded. This spell cannot be used by any deities, blessed official, immortals, alien, divine creations, celestial warriors or guardians (such as me), save for the two omnipotent entities that possesses (has) the primeval genome (DNA), from an antediluvian (primordial, ancient) bloodline. The only existing two sacred beings in the universe, one being the Heavenly Emperor, and the other… Asmund hesitated for a moment to disclose this, then shrugged and said, “the other recently discovered source, is you, Longze.”

05-DRAGON LONGZE (SEEN THROUGH ASMUNDS' EYES) (39)

Asmund had stopped and waited for this startling revelation to sink in with Longze; then continued: “I know you well enough by now to, in full confidence disclose this to you, knowing it will remain a secret and, it will not go to your head. Haven’t you ever wondered why you were spared your parent’s terrible fate, and why you have been singled out and closely monitored by the Heavenly Emperor…? Why you have been so well guarded, monitored, and specifically tutored (coached, trained, instructed)? Your full potential is not yet manifest, and no one knows what your future might entail (bring about).”

Asmund looked down, then fell silent for a long while. He had never disclosed to Longze, that Longze’s father Ingemar had once been Asmund’s close childhood friend and because of his superior intellect, integrity, and prowess, Asmund had always held him in high regard.

06- LONGZE'S FATHER INGEMAR

Centuries later, even though their different paths had put some distance between them, Asmund had always loved and admired Ingemar; and, he couldn’t be happier when Ingemar had finally married the enchanting deity, Eldrid (fifth daughter of the Heavenly Emperor), for they were a perfect match in every way.

Asmund had always with certain interest followed Longze’s parents’ often nonconformist (eccentric) feats (achievements, deeds) that specifically benefited the lower status deities; unfortunately, this had fostered potent opposition and at times, eternal (perpetual) nemeses (rivals). And when Ingemar and Eldrid were charged with that unpardonable breach (violation, transgression), Asmund had ardently tried his best to convince the Heavenly Emperor to show leniency (modify his decree) and spare them from the extreme penalty.

07-LONGZE'S PARENTS IN THE LIBRARY IN HEAVEN (9)jp

Asmund, akin (close allies and friends of his) the seven deities, had supposed (suspected) that the favorite couple had been deliberately misinformed (deceived, tricked) and then betrayed; later still, they were falsely accused of an offense (sin, indefensible transgression) by those that stood a great deal to gain from their downfall and demise.

There’d been other outspoken supporters that had also rallied to their cause- several divine dragons, the four Heavenly guards, twelve immortals and two ancient guardians, alongside him- all, petitioning to have the well-loved Eldrid and highly regarded Ingemar, to be pardoned, or at least have their sentence reduced; however, the adversarial spokespersons had in the end got their desired verdict. The powerful clique that had initially persecuted them had been meticulous (thorough) in their absolutism and their presented proof had been irrefutable.

08 THE HEAVENLY COURT

Consequently, Heavenly Emperor had reluctantly passed the sentence of (thunderbolt execution), for to do otherwise would have cast Heaven (realm of Heaven) into eons (eternities) of chaos, instability, and civil war. Asmund, looked away (focusing on distant void), for thinking of that day, memories rehashed, he still was outraged and dismayed.

                                                                                 ~      

Longze in the interim, with a terrible understanding dawning on him, he had simply shook his head: He had never asked for any of this; he would have rather been an ordinary Dragon.

His questioning gaze next affixed on Asmund, Longze pensively stared at his guardian, though he had already suspected there was far more to this, which warrant his most stringent upbringing.

09- GUARDIAN ASMUND (10)

“Well, now you know.” Asmund shrugged, and then resumed his say, “Indeed, no other can invoke this incantation (spell, invocation) and survive or, that it would work. However, you must still prepare, there are preliminary steps to take, before you can undertake this. I will leave you the pertinent instructions to learn them well, practice diligently and often, while I abscond (run off) to Heaven, to report your recent success in eliminating Demon Sedit and give full account on the results of your other (wide-ranging) developments…and,” he forbearingly smiled, “ask surreptitious permission from the Heavenly Emperor, on your behalf, to do this. (for this to happen). Plus, I may go back to the Heavenly archives to do thorough research, lest I have overlooked some fundamental aspect (factor, element, dynamic) pertaining to this incantation.”

10- LIBRARY IN HEAVEN (2) jp

“What if the Heavenly Emperor wont’ grant me permission?” Longze asked.

“I’m pretty certain he will.” Asmund reassured Longze; as this will also, serve as a test, gauging (measuring) your present surplus (extra) innate abilities; and I am positive, Heavenly Emperor will be interested to observe this contrived (manufactured, unnatural) aberration (deviation), the anomaly (modification, amendment incongruity) of the timeline.

“After the spell, won ‘t there be questions and possible snub, from others I mean.”

“It will happen within a fraction of a millisecond, and most will miss it; however, you may as well know that natural glitches periodically do occur in the timeline of Earth and thus most will attribute it to that, thinking nothing of it.”

“Thank you, Sir, for your confidence in me…for everything.” Longze, finally (at long last), with a voice filled with gratitude expressed his relief.

“Your thanks are a bit premature Longze…” Asmund smiled, “And, though I don’t need to say this, but I will anyway- make sure Hans Aquila and Alec, recovery goes well and without a hitch; meanwhile, do try to stay out of more trouble!” His advice (voice) resounded in the air, long after he had promptly disappeared.

 

                                                                                       ~

 

The moment he was gone, everything had reverted back to normal and Longze found himself in midst of addressing Freya in his plaintive tone: “You’d left without a word, meanwhile, regardless of my long, avid search, I could not detect any trace of you. This, I discovered the reason later, was due to the fact Demon (Sedit) had woven (knit) a spell over the specific area of the woods (the perimeter), to camouflage his lair’s (hideout, den’s) whereabouts. As you had inadvertently trespassed into that protected sphere, your life signs as well had instantly become hidden from my innate radar (sensor, locater) abilities. And that is why it took me so long to rescue you!” Longze, bit flustered, dismally (grimly) shook his head and next, took in a long, slow drawn-out breath. “I shudder to think all the kinds of malevolence (evil)that might have befallen you; furthermore, you could have been instantly slayed, worst still, turned into Zombie!”

11-  DRAGON LONGZE (23)

“I’m sorry Longze, for having worried you so.” Her genuine sympathetic, sweet response just then, took the winds out of his sails (complaint), leaving Longze’s heart now mollified (placated, conciliated). “Regardless, you’ve still, timely and oh so gallantly rescued me; and for that, I am eternally beholden (indebted) to you! And though we have only known each other for such a short while, I …” She hesitated, lowered her gaze and blushing crimson, not daring to confess aloud, her deep affections (fondness), her burgeoning (budding) love, for this heroic, most attractive benefactor of hers.

Longze (clairvoyantly) construing her feelings, for a second or two, he had felt joy overriding his reason; however, as he did not dare to hope, Longze’s logical, well-disciplined mind quickly supressed, then dismissed all the wayward (disruptive) emotions.

His liberal guardian Asmund back then, as part of his education, had permitted him the rare opportunity, to observe and with limited capacity interact with few human beings. From the first, he had felt different about Freya: he had been inexplicably drawn to her million enchanting ways and same time, experienced her turbulent soup of emotions, her hopes and dreams. Moreover, the overwhelming sense had derailed Longze’s initial resolve, and he had felt unduly vulnerable, as he absorbed the true measure (the depth) of her fears and worries and her deep dismay at not finding her kin.

 

 

                                                                                             ~

 

(END OF PART 10)

 

(Characters: Dragon Longze, Longze’s father Ingemar- Longze’s mother, Eldrid, Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Hans Aquila, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, 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 Longza’s future mate)

                                                                                          ……

 

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026- PART 9)

Dragon Longze was about to explain it all to Freya, to reassure her of her safety and same time declare to her of his true feelings-  for back then when she had gone missing he had starkly realized that she was the paramount important being in his life; moreover, from the first time he’d laid eyes on her, he’d hopelessly fallen in love with her- when everything just then froze and, even the air stilled.

Longze turned to see his guardian standing right behind him, with a deep frown etching lines on his forehead, looking highly displeased and bit perturbed.

01- GUARDIAN ASMUND (7)

“What do you think you are doing? You were about to confess to this mortal, your true origin, and declare your affections?”  It was not a question, but a statement; Asmund’s eyes blazed fire and he scowled (growled): “Are you tired of your existence boy?”  

The immortal shook his head, “Foolish, foolish boy!” Asmund had always referred to Longze, as a boy, whenever he was furious with him; knowing it particularly peeved (riled, irked) Longze, to be called that, when he considered himself an adult ever since he’d reached the age, in human years of seventeen. In dragon years Longze was two.

“Why not?” Longze, for a moment losing his sense, protested. “Am I not allowed to…” But he instead halted his say abruptly in midstream when he saw that his defiance had further outraged (infuriated) the mighty guardian Asmund. For Asmund’s face had just then darkened and his pupils (eyes) became two blazing crimson orbs; furthermore, ominous dark clouds had concurrently (at the same time) congregated overhead, casting Earth in pitch darkness. Longze relenting, respectfully lowered his head and mumbled his sincere apologies, wishing to placate his guardian’s wrath.

The ensued silence (that had reigned for a while) was deafening; Asmund’s ire, gradually simmered down, threatening clouds dispersed and all reverted back to normal. Asmund, then spoke pensively in his strained, however, more moderate, patient, placid vernacular (argot, tranquil tone), summarizing it with:  

“I realize that you meant well Longze and that you wished to spare her undue anxiety, by revealing to her, as well, that you had already rescued her father Hans Aquila and her brother Alec from the clutches of death and that both are now safe and convalescing in a cave. And that soon she shall be re-united with them. I also understand that you have hoped, she will be so appeased, therefore, more likely to throw her arms around you and …. “The corner of Asmund’s mouth lifted in a slight bemused smile, “And you hoped that she’ll reciprocate your affections and instantaneously (straightaway) express that coveted human concept, her love, for you?” Asmund again shook his head. “Sometimes, I cannot believe how naïve you are Longze!”

“But my affections are genuine …” Longze mumbling, chewed on the words, more to himself. Then exhaled and in a resounding voice said: “Yes, I have truly fallen for her.… There, I dared to openly admit it.”

02-DEFIENT DRAGON LONGZE (24)BG

“Stop your nonsense!” Asmund, his anger anew flaring, snapped. The immortal guardian was genuinely fond of Longze and knowing Longze’s weakness for human beings wished to protect him from future harm.

“Why do you persist in these romantic notions, even though you know full well dragons cannot mate with mortal humans. They are too frail; despite your unusual, inherent powers, you are still likely to cause her hasty end (turn her to ash), if you so much as try…” Asmund, swallowed the word “copulate” and looked up, meeting Longze’s intense gaze. “And besides, Heavenly Emperor has already other plans for you. You are to marry his niece Olga when you turn the right age. She has already been chosen to be your future mate.”

03- OLGA- LONGZE'S INTENDED - 2 JP

“But I do not love her?” Longze protested.

“Love is a foolish concept of humans… You are a dragon boy; one that possesses the ancient bloodlines at that. After all my tutoring, haven’t I, not in the least, convinced you yet of your Heavenly Onus? You claim you are mature, yet you act so juvenile… I am fast loosing patience with you Longze! … I command you to abort (terminate) these foolish notions at once!”

But then Asmund regretted his outburst and softening his gaze, tried another angle, to get through to (to reason with) Longze.

“You claim that you love this mortal female, Freya; but loving means you do the best thing for that person. And sometimes, that means, letting them go and allow them to live the life they are destined to do. Your romantic notions are unrealistic, you must know this, yet you dare to dream? Have you even seriously considered what you are contemplating…I mean besides endangering her life, you expect her, a frail mortal being, to live amongst immortals, dragons and other celestial beings; and where would you have her live, on some remote star, or planet in the (galactic, vast) Universe, or are you considering living with her at some remote place, a forsaken island, on Earth?” Asmund let that sink in for a while, before resuming.

04- IMAGINED HOME OF LONGZE AND FREYA)jp

“And, have you considered that if you bound her as your mate, you would be asking her to forever forsake any possibility of her to propriate with another mortal being? Does she not deserve a full human experience, to have children, have a happy fulfilling life among her own kind, till she grows old and eventually passes away? She has her own destiny to fulfill on Earth, and I am afraid that does not include you Longze. I am sorry to be so blunt; but you needed to hear all this, since pragmatism and good nous (sense) seems to have eluded you of late. “

Dragon Longze was silent for a long while, carefully considering Asmund’s words, knowing all the unbiased (unprejudiced), valid (sound) arguments he presented was for his own good; for unlike the rest of his guardians, Asmund did not despise mortal humans nor see them inferior beings (creatures) merely to be tolerated. He, being considerably (a great deal) younger than all Longze’s other guardians (roughly, 5,000 Earth years old), was an atypically broadminded (nonconforming), lenient (compassionate) and astute (incisive) Heavenly warrior/ immortal guardian, which Longze had been fortunate enough to have had well over a year now.  Others preceding Asmund had never been as tolerant (or charitable) of his persistent, youthful foibles (quirks); and because of this, Longze held deep admiration and affections for Asmund, honestly believing that his guardian despite his stringent, most demanding ways, genuinely was fond of him.

05- DRAGON LONGZE  (72)

“I well understand all that you are saying, and as usual (naturally), you are perfectly right; I must let her be what she was meant to be.” Longze, conceding, lowered his head to hide the fresh tears brimming in his eyes.

“I fear, nevertheless, her life will not be a happy one after her nuptial’s (matrimonial) to Jedrick. Besides, result of his engagement (fighting) with the Immortal warrior Erland, Jedrick remains gravely wounded; and, if he were to succumb to his injuries and later expire, I know something of human customs, she will be a ghost-wife, she will be forced to still marry posthumously to Jedrick and so spend the rest of her life, living a forlorn (forsaken, pitiful) existence among the ambitious and heartless beings.  Hans Aquila would be powerless to alter this terrible course (predicament) of Freya’s, as his social standing is far inferior to Elof Bijarke’s, who is a powerful aristocrat. That is no kind of life for her; a delicate yet vivacious (vibrant, lively spirited) flower, within a year she will wither (wilt, fade) and so perish, without ever having loved or truly lived.”

“What an imagination you have Longze,” Asmund could not hide his chortle, how completely you have mapped out her ill-fated future without you.”

06- GUARDIAN ASMUND (1)B

“If you must know, Jedrick will survive his grave injuries… But this matter is neither here, nor there. Now I may get in trouble for even suggesting this but there may be a way, a slight chance, where which her adverse destiny could be reversed.” Asmund, having disclosed this (blurted it out), fell pensively silent for a long while; hesitating to reveal the rest of what had just then crossed his mind. For he had suddenly recalled having gleaned a rare find (info) within an ancient manuscript (book) in the Heavenly Archives once, that provided for the present an apt (best) solution, a single chance that of which, would permanently alter (reverse, change) the course of Freya’s adverse (cruel) fate.

Asmund had a retentive memory and so perfectly remembered the incantation, the spell that would alter the timeline on Earth. However, this had never been done before; as of the consequences…. Hmm!

Immortal Asmund solicitously investigated (probed, examined) for a long while, dragon Longze’s hopeful eyes which silently articulated: Please sir, do not torture me any further and speak your mind at once, is there really a way we could remedy her terrible fate? - and then, however, Asmund deciding to risk it, therefore, softening his gaze, he indulgently nodded.

“Yes, I know of a way; I had read it quite by accident a decade ago in one of the ancient tomes (volumes, books), when I was doing some research for the Heavenly Emperor; and so, I came to know of this sacrosanct, though forbidden, incantation. Once evoked it will alter the mortal timeline on Earth.”

07- GUARDIAN ASMUND AT THE LIBRARY IN HEAVEN (16)JP

“Then, what are we waiting for? Please Sir, …”  Longze, forgetting himself, fiercely grabbed his guardian’s shoulders and looked intently into his eyes; however, quickly coming to his senses, he let go at once and then profusely apologized for his discourtesy (rudeness) and affrontery (disrespect, insolence).

“You are so impatient and …” Asmund shook his head. “Did you not hear me say just now that it was a sacrosanct, forbidden incantation? I will have to first secure permission from the Heavenly Emperor before we can even contemplate (plan) using it. And besides, you have not even heard the pertinent details, or the possible dire consequences, yet you wish to proceed with it. As if, it was as easy a feat as that!”

Asmund, frowning, shook his head, “Your boundless exuberance will be the death of me yet.”  He quickly looked away, however, to conceal his amusement (fun, grin) and glee (excitement, delight).

Asmund fell silent for a moment, then said: “There are certain crucial moments in time, if modified, will change the entire timeline, and along with Freya’s destiny, the probable future of those around her, will also be forever altered (transformed). Which means, your encounter with her will be null and void (invalid, cancelled).”

“Be that as it may, please without delay, tell me!” Longze nodded as his eyes urgently pleaded for him to resume.

 

 

(END OF PART 9)

 

  

(Characters: Elof Bijarke, son Jedrik, Hans Aquila, Alec and Freya, guardian Asmund, the trickster demon incarnate, the ersatz (artificial) black panther Sedit, 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 Longza’s future mate)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026 – PART 8)

The long walk after her captivity by the bandits, in the bracing air of the autumn day had made Freya so hungry that despite her fear and distress she was famished, still she adamantly refused to eat a morsal.

01- FREYA HELD IN CAPTIVITY (1)JP

Freya felt that she would rather die than be the source of entertainment to this unruly bunch; however, just then Loki nonchalantly lifted his gloved hand and his red, glowing eyes pinned into hers, therefore mesmerising her, he simply flicked his little finger at her. At that instant she found that she was no longer in control of her will, and therefore, began to sing, though, mournfully, for that was what was in her heart, as her tears cascaded down her cheeks.

Loki, seated at the distance, studied this delectable morsal, with renewed interest, and at one point, even licked his chops.

02- FREYA SINGS FOR DEVIL PANTHER  SEDIT -LOKI(5) jp

~

Outside the house blending in the shadows of an ancient, large tree stood a solitary warrior, watching all that went on inside.

From the distinct (vocal cords) voice of the person as she sang, he knew that the captive forced to perform was Freya. During his hunt, he had unmistakably detected the trace of the red-tailed fox fairy and the Bull demon Bandits, particularly the Demon panther Sedit, who called himself at present Loki, the very one he had long sought to destroy.

 The Heavenly warrior now feared for her safety, but he had to exercise patience; also, he had been ordered to wait for the reinforcement that would manifest, in way of Dragon Longze. As it were, he had to be methodically astute (shrewd), before he could extricate her from the clutches of Sedit; hence, he had waited, going over in his mind the already conceived, valid (authorized) strategic plan, that also entailed the surprise attack where which all- of the nine Bull Demons and the malevolent and powerful fox-spirit Maev, that had once been Sedit’s one of six paramour (concubine, courtesan)- would be totally incapacitated and then vanquished (eliminated).  The bandits that had their souls devoured by Sedit and only functioned as enslaved zombies (sleepwalkers, shells of humans) could be shown mercy, if warranted.

03- MAEV - MALEVOLENT FOX SPIRIT (CONCUBINE OF SEDIT)

Well after the music had stopped, and Sedit in human form, ruffian Loki, went to the outhouse to take a leak, warrior Erland, having received notification that Dragon Lonze was near, asked and then being given permission, he’d made his tactical (pre-emptive, strategic) move. He (invoked) wove a binding spell that trapped Loki in the outhouse, then brandishing his sword, rushed into the main complex and anger fuelling his strength, his onslaught took its toll on some but not all of the Bull Demons; and, the fighting then, had spilled, to outside.

04- WARRIOR ERLAND (6)JP

However, there were far too many of them, and they were all powerful demons, so they regrouped swiftly and were about to launch their perilous assault on the Erland, when timely arriving, at that precise moment, Dragon Longze, flying overhead in the dark sky, having pinpointed the Bull Demons down below, exactly where they were, in his dragon form he swooped down from the clouds.

05- DRAGON LONGZE (77)

He could not use his fiery breath however, as this would destroy the innocent captives that had been enslaved by the Demons, which now were being used as also human shields. Then again, Longze was a dragon with additional means to subdue his nemeses, and that was, he had also the breath that could freeze things.

At the start, the ordinarily competent Bull Demon thugs (ruffians, brutes) were so taken by this unexpected onslaught, by this co-ordinated assault from land and air, that for a spell, their commands failing, their subordinates, the ordinary demons had run around amuck (berserk) and in utter chaos (disorder, confusion), making the Bull Demons imbued (filled)with fury and dread. Nevertheless, they quickly rebounded and then fought adroitly (proficiently, ably) to resist being wiped out.

Powerful demon Sedit, understanding his peril, could not be contained by the powerful spell for long, as he used his ultimate power and once released he with intense fury, explosively charged, not at Erland however, but instead, directly at the far greater threat (menace), Dragon Longze. Sedit’s devastating fiery bolts at each instance nevertheless, were quickly (extinguished) rendered ineffective by Longze’s icy breath.

06- DEVIL PANTHER SEDIT ATTACKS LONGZE

Guardian Asmund had watched his prized pupil Longze’s and the Immortal Erland’s coordinated tactical offensives (key strategy) successfully being deployed (utilized, being implemented), and then came, the final assault (onslaught, incursion),the flawless execution of the plan that permanently concluded (ended) the battle.

Asmund, directed not to personally intercede, with keen interest had beheld (observed, witnessed) all that magnificent feat, from a distance. It had gone better than he had hoped. He made a mental note about how the Immortal Erland (Heavenly Guard) had worked particularly well (fought perfectly synchronized) with Dragon Longze; hence, they formed an invincible team. This might prove useful in future engagements.

Of course, Asmund had another reason for selecting Edmund for this assignment; as he understood eons ago, and long ago before Erland had ascended to Heaven, the malevolent demon Sedit had once brutally massacred Erland’s entire clan. Immortal Erland, therefore, secretly harbored strong resentment against Sedit all this time waiting for his one chance to exact (wrest, gain) apt retribution (vengeance, reckoning) and, also rid the world of this malignant (evil) insidious (sinister) menace.

Demon Sedit being a particularly powerful ancient Devil, moreover, being astute (sly, unpredictable) and a true Machiavellian in his evil scheming ways, for a long while had successfully eluded capture and wrecked havoc and devastation, wherever he had suddenly surfaced, on Earth. Erland having a personal stake in this, had long monitored Sedit’s shrewd ploys (maneuvers, schemes) and devious, ways and knew him better than most; hence, he was given leave to assist Longze in this most demanding feat.

That night, the immediate area where the intense battle had occurred, had been transformed to something unearthly; the intense paranormal struggle, the magical, supernatural war(battle) between the forces of evil and the good was beyond imagining and spectacular to witness; and many from the Heaven did indeed, stopped whatever they were doing and peered down to watched with interest, this momentous event. 

07-WAR WITH DEVIL SEDIT (LOKI)

Subsequently, within a short span, all the Bull Demons, including Maev, the malevolent and powerful fox-spirit– they were all wiped out, Sedit took a while longer but he too, eventually got vanquished by the combined invincible prowess’s of both Erland and of dragon Longze.

Culprit Jedrick at one point having found himself confronted by Heavenly warrior Erland, he, in vain had fought to the best of his ability. His swordsmanship and other prowess, naturally fell far short, in besting (defeating) this valiant, invincible warrior’s innate skills and dexterity; and so, at one point, realizing the hopelessness of his situation, he had sought to flee (abscond) the scene of battle. But Jedrick could not get far and in the end, he too, was captured; and though he did not deserve it, he was pardoned (forgiven), along with the guard that had accompanied him. Also spared, were those humans forced into servitude, which were zombie servant slaves, cooks, and domestics etc. Those that could be saved and some that were blameless, they all lay senseless on the mats, tied up with a spell rope and placed under the spell of amnesia, which Erland and Longze, taking turns, had invoked.

Erland was tasked with the transport of all these spared and unconscious bodies of captives to a safe spot at the outskirts of the forest; after its completion, he was to return to Heaven ASP (as soon as possible) and resume his post. Erland, therefore, asked Longze to relay his gratitude and deep regards to Immortal Asmund, who had, back at Heavenly court, staunchly (steadfastly) supported him on his just cause. Finally, he then bid his fond farewells to his once childhood friend, Longze.

Before Erland’s permanent departure however, he had visited his modest dwelling on Earth, whom he had spent so many months, retrieved only one or two items that were dear to his heart, then standing some distance away, he invoked the spell Asmund had imparted him, which instantly made his home, the entire complex, along with the horses and rest of animals all of them to vanish instantly into thin air as though they were never there.

 

                                                                                                  ~

 

Back at the forest, well before the battle between good and evil had taken place, that night Freya, after witnessing the odious, (horrible, loathsome, abhorrent) acts of the ruffians that were demons at the dining hall, she had been roughly bound then hauled away and dumped onto the dirt floor of the dark cellar. The shock of night’s vile events having already numbed her senses with fear and glum foreboding, she had then, mercifully passed out. And therefore, she had missed all (the commotion) of the subsequent, earth-shaking course of events. She had laid there in that dark cellar, on the cold, musty dirt floor, bound and unconscious and fortunately, well forgotten by Jedrick, all the Bull Demons, Maev and Sedit, till the devastating battle ended and she was retrieved and brought back upstairs.

By then, three hours prior, Heavenly warrior Erland, along with his copious (plentiful) human cargoes, had already departed the scene.

Freya, having lost all hope, even though she was brought back to safety, from the edge of insanity, her sound reasoning now restored, she remained, in a state of shock and confusion for a long while. Looking at the surrounding ground littered with grizzly corpses that had not yet been cleared, her mind had comprehended (understood), nevertheless, the full measure of her benefactor’s prowess, and despite herself, she was terrified of him. She of course, in her erratic, fitful (disturbed, broken) state, had not recognized her saviour, and so had remained, mostly fearful of him.

Dragon Longze, who was now in his human form and dressed in his unnaturally, immaculate white attire, tentatively approached Freya, seeing that she was still broken (irregular) and terribly shaken; he then,  gingerly took the trembling Freya by the hand and led her to a clearing, at the top of a precipice (cliff), where which it overlooked a magnificent, tranquil scenery, which at the bottom lay a small lake, with the moonlight casting a glowing, shimmering path on the water.

As Freya, then partly (pacified) mollified, gazed up, in part terrified, in part with gratitude filled eyes, up at her benefactor and wondered who exactly was he, a flint of recognition just then registering in her pupils and she understood that he was none other than Longze, who had been so solicitous and kind to her back at the cabin. That same instant another recollection intruded into her brain, and she remembered her father’s words to her in her dream, telling her to implicitly trust this young being.

"Don't be afraid!" Longze, meanwhile, had addressed her in reassuring voice; he next spoke to her, now in peaceful (placid) melodious and soothing tone, "Please be calm, for you are now safe! I am no stranger to you, I am Longze. “

 

(END OF PART 8)

 

 

 

(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), Maev, malevolent and powerful fox-spirit Maev, that had once been Sedit’s one of six paramour (concubine, courtesan),

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026 – PART 7)

The young dragon Longze continued to listen with captivated attention, to Freya’s account of her story.

01- DRAGON LONGZE LISTENS TO FREYA (59)

Her sadness in missing her brother Alec, and her trepidation about her father’s well being was so (distressingly) pitiful that the intense emotions reached Longze’s unguarded dragon heart and few pearls of sympathetic tears flowed down, wetting his pallid cheeks.

“You understand; you’ve also lost someone dear to you.” Freya had suddenly uttered, not a question, her curious gaze affixed on Longze, then nodded.

“Yes, my parents.” Longze answered truthfully. “And though it had happened when I was a toddler, barely two years old, and I don’t remember much about them, it still grieves me and I have this void, an empty ache in my heart that can never be placated (mollified).” Longze then realizing what he had done, that he’d born his heart open to a stranger, he lowered his gaze feeling ashamed of his failing and said nothing further about it. In his pensive silence, he hoped that his guardian Asmund had not been presented to bear witness to his flaw, his drawback that happened because of his sympathy (shared compassion) and the resulting slip of the tongue.

As a matter of fact, Asmund had, and he was sad for a while; then, chose not to let Longze know.

“I’m sorry!” Meanwhile Freya, had responded, same time reaching out a sympathetic hand to touch Longze’s shoulder, but then bashfully, awkwardly she retreated it, then said: “I suppose the hurt, the absence never gets easier.”

Longze simply nodded his head; then after some moments of pondering, he said: "I’m akin (similarly) sorry to see you so upset Freya! However, anything I now state would only be a platitude, I mean those things people often articulate,” he quickly corrected, before resuming, “even though it does little to dull the burdening grief in one’s heart.” He swallowed heard. “This said, I could offer you some solace, however, by directing your thoughts to the fact that you have no proof of their passing, therefore, this allows you hope that all might turn out well. Moreover, I encourage you to not dwell on the negative but instead, keep the light of faith in your heart burning bright. You must persevere a little while longer, for truth, as it always does, will manifest one day; and it might not be as you fear, but instead, be a happy one.”

Longze did not offer any additional words of consolation (support), but his sincerity of the heart had already succored (aided, comforted) her, and subsequently, the tension visibly drained from her shoulders. She now breathed a little bit easier.

“Thank you for your encouraging words, Longze.” She then looked up, and consoled, said, wiping away the last of her tears, then (stanchly uttered) resolutely stated, “I shall do as you counselled (suggested) and keep faith, and hope that the future outcome will be the best possible one.” Freya, now meeting his gaze, affectionately smiled at him, which was reciprocated by a warm, encouraging (uplifting) one from Longze.

Subsequently, the two sat there in comfortable silence for a while longer, with their private thoughts and the shared regard (esteem) already manifest and growing, in their hearts.

In all that time Longze had kept his eyes averted and down as he solicitously pondered (ruminated) on all the probable (credible) future outcomes. In the meantime, he was elated to note, how his carefully chosen words had its effect and instilled some lasting hope in her; furthermore, this had also bought him some valuable time, till he perspicaciously (discerningly) examined the facts and ascertained the truth, hoping against hope that the young warrior, whose life he had saved and now convalescing in the cave was indeed her brother Alec Aquila. That would be the best positive outcome in the end and not the crushing, devastating denouement (conclusion) he dreaded.

For now, preferably soon as this very night, while she slept, he planned (intended) to fly over the area (on reconnaissance) and utilizing his keen, innate nocturnal vision, search for her father Hans Aquila. Longze, nevertheless, had refrained (abstained) from saying anything about it to Freya and prematurely raise (build) her hopes, lest (in case) his search proved futile.

02- DRAGON LONGZE ON NIGHT  RECONNAISSANCE(78)

When an inadvertent yawn escaped Freya’s lips just then, Longze rose to his feet at once and said: “But I am being a poor host; you must be tired after your difficult trek, negotiating those treacherous paths all through the forest; then offered, you may rest there if you like by the hearth, until dawn!” For, he was not at all certain if this human habitat (dwelling, abode) had any proper bedrooms, as he had not yet examined the two small rooms at the back interior of the lodge (cottage, small bungalow,); furthermore, he was not certain they would be warm or had any working fireplaces or that they were structurally sound. And besides, he was not entirely sure, she would be comfortable sleeping in an unkept, dust clustered, dark room. The small cod or the rocking chair by the hearth looked comfortable enough, and he decided she might feel more at ease resting her weary self there and so said, “I’ll fetch you some blankets in case you require further warmth during the night.” As he had seen two folded ones in the linen closet in the hallway leading to those rooms.

Freya, affectionately stared after Longze, as he’d rushed off in haste to fetch her the blankets. He’d come back short time later, however, bringing not only the folded blankets and a quilt, but other items he’d just then discovered within the bottom shelf of the adjacent smaller cupboard in the hallway - such as it were, they were human edible foods, fresh fruits, dried strips of meat, biscuits, a just baked fresh loaf of bread and jars containing some preserves; and all of it, he’d then unselfishly just presented to her, for her sole use (perhaps for her supper).

Neither Longze nor Freya had thought to question this miraculous find. Longze being only seventeen in human years, therefore relatively young in age and trusting, had assumed thus, it was his guardian Asmund who had provided it; and Freya, fatigued (overtired) and her body craving sleep, had simply deemed this dwelling had belonged to Longze.

Longze’s sweet nature and genuine thoughtfulness, unbidden, had abruptly reminded Freya, nevertheless, of her beloved brother Alec, and instead of joy, she furrowed her brow (creased her forehead) and sorrow anew registered in her face, which utterly baffled Longze.

03-DRAGON LONGZE  (1)

Noting the confusion in Longze’s eyes, Freya hastened to explain the truth of it, that her reaction just then had been because of a sudden recollection of Alec’s ways, that so mirrored Longze’s. Freya then went on to thank Longze, her host, in the sincerest tone, for his hospitality and apologized for all the inconvenience and trouble she had caused him.

Longze, relieved, with the wave of his hand, hastily dismissed it all (his merits, his virtues); a sudden tinge (shade, hint) of pink (hue) graced his porcelain (flawless), pallid cheeks as he’d looked in fact, quite embarrassed, by her genuine gratitude and apparent (unmistakable) fondness of him. In truth, he was not used to being praised; his humility however endeared him even more to Freya. Subsequently, when Longze withdrew to one of the cold rooms, bidding her "good night," she settled in the rocking chair, instead of the cod; then, nestled in warm blankets and the quilt, within minutes, she was fast asleep, dead to the world.

                                                                          ~

 

At the hour when the hush of night is deepest, Freya saw her father enter the Cabin’s living room and draw near her.

His sad eyes brimmed with glistening tears, he pensively said: "Freya, my precious, darling daughter; please do not search for me in the forest anymore; and I wish I could tell you to return in haste to the safety of our abode. Alas, our humble dwelling would not be a safe place for you either. Meanwhile, I regret informing you that, I have fallen victim to the devil incarnate, Sedit, and lured to the edge of a sheer cliff, wanting to escape being possessed or eaten by him, I hurled myself over a precipice. I should have rightly been dead instantly when my body hit the bottom of the ravine, but miraculously still, a force had slowed down my descent (plummet, plunge), and I landed on the rocky bottom of a chasm, thousands of feet down, broken and bloodied from prior injuries, but very much alive.  Nevertheless, my wounds being grave, it restricts my mobility, and so, I lie here, anticipating the prowling predators may finish me off, before I could reach safety. I do not know how much longer I shall be in this world… You must not grieve for me, however, for when I expire, my spirit will surely soar straight to Valhalla, the noble warrior’s eternal resting place and I will be content; especially, once your brother Alec join me there. And thus, together we shall watch over you from up there, till the day of our family re-union (we are united). Though I am forbidden from knowing who this young man Longze, truly is-   from everything I have been permitted to learn, I can honestly attest (say) that he has integrity, a compassionate innate nature, and a truly noble soul. So, yes, when at present, any danger befalls you, place your complete trust in this, most remarkable young being. I am certain he will protect you well. Meanwhile, you must be weary my daughter, particularly of Jedrick, as many dangers are still abound- Fare the well my precious; may you live a healthy, happy and an exceptionally long life…. Keep safe, till that time, we are all joyfully united in the future."

04- HANS AQUILA

As soon as he had finished speaking, Freya stretched out her hands and tried to catch hold of his sleeves to detain him, crying: "Father! father! Do not leave me!" But with the sound of her own voice, she awoke.

She sprang up expecting to see her father, but there was nothing in the room except the night-lantern glimmering faintly. While she was wondering whether the vision was a dream or a reality, the dawn began to break.

“I must go to him… I must find him, before it is too late!” Freya’s urgent words resounded in the lonely air.

Freya sought to speak to Longze and tell him of her presaging (boding, auguring) dream; however, he was nowhere to be seen. She therefore quickly washed her face using the water in the porcelain-basin and dried her face by the plush towel that Longze had thoughtfully provided for her, alongside it on the side table. She hastily ate a simple breakfast, a chunk of bread, slice of cheese and bunch of berries and cluster of nuts, and then, thinking that time was of the essence and so she should begin the search for her father’s whereabouts, starting immediately, that there was no time to loose; and also, anticipating that Longze on his return, finding her missing, would follow her trail and catch up to her, and then together they would continue on, she hastily took her leave.

                                                                                             ~

She had underestimated the prevalent, spectre dangers within the bounds of this forest; however, far off in the woods the bark of a fox could be heard, while along the path the cloudy tufts of the bushes rustled as she passed.

05- THE FOX

Freya shivered as the chilly morning wind pierced through her body. As she pursued her way along the rough goat’s paths, ones she had falsely assumed were the familiar ones, invertedly she had lost her bearing (direction) and instead taken an entirely different course which would lead to the depths (deeper interior) of the forest. Meanwhile, wild creatures scuttled away, frightened, from before her into the woods, and overhead the birds sang to each other in the trees. Understanding that she was hopelessly lost, she followed the ascending (uphill, climbing) path and long at last, reached the higher elevation, the obvious hilltop. She wanted to use the panoramic view to note, identify exactly where she was. Unfortunately, at the peak, the distant view was suddenly obscured by the rolling in, dense clouds, which had quickly enveloped everything in thick miasma (cloud, fog, mist); and it seemed to Freya as though it would (whisk her away) carry her away with them in their onward sweep.

She sat down on a stone to (catch) recover her breath, for the climb had been steep. In a few minutes the mists began to clear away. She stood up and looked about her, hoping that she might find some trace of her earlier (former) taken path; but as far as eye could see there were nothing but dense foliage, woodlands, forested mountains, range after range, undulated ranges, that at the far distance, could be seen riding one above the other into the blue sky.

06- FREYA  AQUILA (23)JP

Suddenly a noise in the bushes behind her made Freya start, and before she could flee a band of armed bandits (ruffians), three carrying bundles of ropes, which had sprung out of the thick cover of foliage and descended upon her. They seized and bound her tightly. She cried out for help, but only the echoes answered her. Down the mountain they led her till they reached the valley; for half a day they hurried her along till they came to a strange structure, more like a cave – though, it was half imbedded, built so it partially jutted out (extended) from the cliff’s vertical surface.

The camouflaged exterior was in such a neglected condition that moss covered the outer walls, and it was so closely shut up that the sunbeams never entered the rooms.

As they approached the structure, and bypassed its mouth, Freya noted that the interior was deceptively gargantuan; moreover, in the large hall, to her horror she saw Jedrick, standing beside the obvious leader, seated on a dais. Jedrick looked poignantly at the chief, and when he nodded, Jedrick flew down the stairs and pinning his face into hers, menacingly licked his chops and said with an evil grin:

"How do you like my newfound friends…You've given us quite a chaste, darling! Don’t you know you cannot escape my clutches? My father is a fool; he wants our union to be lawful and proper; and therefore, formally asked for your hand on my behalf, and even believed that your father had acceded to it. But you and I know better, don’t we, my sweet?  I know that he still sought to hinder or entirely block this union. I Let him try, but then I lost patience; for, you think I would just wait around for Hans’ consent? That stubborn father of yours, would seek a valid way to sabotage our joining.

He shrugged, “As it is I am habitually, adept at removing any obstacles in my way. Yes, you are a delectable prize, but what makes you so precious that I should so trouble myself. I demand certain compensation therefore, for all my trouble; you will for now …. Hmm, “He smiled slimily and turned to look meaningfully at the chief.

“First, you shall entertain me, us! I know you have a particularly good voice (vocal cords) and the Chief just happens to be fond of sweet melodies and songs from frail young woman; therefore, you shall sing for his enjoyment during repast; then we will see what comes next.”

 “If you dare refuse to obey….” He let the implicit threat hung in the air…Then said succinctly, “Lest just say, Chief Loki would make your life as hard as climbing a mountain of swords or walking through a forest of needles. He assuredly will make a mincemeat out of you. And on that day, when he is tired of toying with you, then it will be my turn to play. “He turned and looked at his chief Loki, and receiving his silent, but menacing grimace, then again turned to face her and scoffed. “Chief does so revel in carnage! “

Loki in truth, the Demon panther in human form, for the time being going along with Jedrick, being amused at latter’s false sense of importance, carefully studied this rare, innocent soul Freya, brought before him.

“Oh, one more thing; lest you are curious; yes, your father has met his fate, with a little help from our illustrious chief Loki, and is now languishing (suffering) half-dead at the bottom of gorge; you’ll soon join him, after tonight’s entertainment. But first, we shall feast."

Freya's arms grabbed by two ruffians, they led her into the house and then into a room where dinner was prepared, with rice and fish and wine in great quantities. Then they all sat down, and as they began to eat, it seemed to her that many were an odd sort; she wondered if they were, demons. She did not know, how right she was. Jedrick passed some food to her and forced it on her, but she refused. Have it your way, stay weak and be more malleable…Jedrick was unfazed.

 

 

(END OF PART 7)

 

 

(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)