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

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

01- JEDRICK BIJARKE CAPTURED BY BANDITS (7)JP

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

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

02- JEDRICK TAKEN PRISONER (1)JP

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

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

03- DEVIL PANTHER  SEDIT(16)

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

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

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

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

 ~

 

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

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

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

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

05- DRAGON LONGZE ON NIGHT RECONNAISANCE

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

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

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

06- GARGOYLES

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

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

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

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

07- DRAGON LONGZE (37)

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

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

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

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

08- FREYA SEEN THROUGH LONGZE'S EYES

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

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

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

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

 

 (END OF PART 5)

 

  

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

 

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

 

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

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

01- DRAGON LONGZE (73)

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

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

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

02- GUARDIAN ASMUND

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

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

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

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

03- GUARDIAN ASMUND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“My previous guardian Yenor.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

05-GUARDIAN ASMUND (9)

 

                                                                                             ~

 

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

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

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

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

                                                                                            ~

 

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

06-JEDRICK

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

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

 

 

(END OF PART 4)

 

 

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