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)

 

The "King of Hell" Tames the Hungry Ghosts

The "King of Hell" Tames the Hungry Ghosts

(This year the Hungry Ghost festival falls between Aug 17- Aug 31.)

All belief, when it comes down to it, is a personal experience. Regardless of any religious belief, life and death are an integral part of every being. Naturally there are some superstitions that resonate with all human cultures and are timeless. For instance, the ancient belief in "Hungry Ghosts" stemming from the tribal folk religion is now considered also part of Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. In Great Britain, Halloween had originated from the traditional holiday of Celts who believed that the last day of October was “the day of the dead” or “the ghost day” when ghosts crossed over the boundary between the living and the dead. The Chinese belief is somewhat similar. In many ways, this festival is reminiscent of Halloween or the Night of the Dead in Western countries.

The Chinese believe that on the days of the Hungry Ghost Month, and especially on the night of the full moon, there is more of a bridge between the dead and the living and that the gates of Hell (in other words the underworld) are opened wide releasing all the hungry ghosts into the living realm.

In case you’ve been wondering: How do Hungry Ghosts come into being? Well, here are some possible explanations. Ideally many cultures believe when death occurs the good soul ascends to Heaven, gets reincarnated or become part of that cosmic energy or God. Most Chinese people believe that the soul contains elements of both yin and yang. The yin is the kui, or demon part, and the yang is the shen, or spirit part. When death occurs, the kui is returned to earth, and the shen resides in the grave or family shrine. The shen, or ancestral spirit is believed to watch over its descendants, and if properly worshiped, bring the living descendants good fortune. If a ghost is neglected however, it will become a kui. Some hungry ghosts could be the result of a deceased that had met a violent end such as murder or succumbing to an unhappy circumstance that resulted in suicide. Hungry ghosts could also be the result of the dead being guilty of evil deeds while they lived, such as theft, sexual misconduct, gluttony and greed.

For those of you who are superstitious, it is best to keep in mind many of the superstitions and taboos surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival. For instance, at night during this time it would be better to remain indoors or visit only well lit areas to avoid danger of being possessed by evil spirits. After all they are capable of assuming many forms, including snakes, moths, birds, foxes, wolves, and tigers. Some can even use the guise of a beautiful man or woman to seduce and possess the unwary.

Of course there are some precautions in warding off the possible wrath, attacks or pranks of these discontented, deprived entities that have, during the Hungry Ghost Period, been temporarily allowed to roam free in the living world.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to have the image of Zhong Kui . 

Zhong Kui

Zhong Kui is a most potent protection from evil spirits, demons and hungry ghosts. Here’s why:

Zhong Kui ( also known as Chung Kwei, Chong Kwei, Chung Kui, Chong Kui, Zhong Kwei, Zhung Kwei, Zhung Kui and Shoki,) is a figure of Chinese mythology. He is traditionally regarded as the vanquisher of ghosts, hungry ghosts and evil spirits. He is purportedly able to command 80,000 demons. His image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit and in paintings or statues are kept in places of business for protection from evil.

The representation of Zhong Kui’s bearded face is usually very dark, if not black. Sometimes his fierce face is enough to ward off any evil spirits which is why some pendants depict it. Often he is shown sporting a sword which he uses for battling demons and evil spirits. He is also represented with a magical fan, which he uses to ward of hungry ghosts or other evil ghouls. He is also seen with a red bat, which is a harbinger of good fortune through scholarly means, as he was a highly learned man when alive. 

According to legend, Zhong Kui had once traveled with Du Ping, a friend from his hometown, to take part in the imperial examinations at the capital. Even though Zhong had succeeded in achieving a top honour in the exams, his title of “zhuangyuan” was stripped by the emperor soon after because of his dreadful and somewhat disfigured appearance. Highly incensed Zhong Kui hurled himself against the palace gate until his skull was broken. His trusted friend Du Ping was there fortunately to provide him with the proper funeral. Meanwhile because of his act of suicide Zhong Kui had gone straight to hell. During his judgement however, the Hell King saw a real potential in Zhong: How Zhong had been intelligent enough to score top honors in the imperial examinations, but wrongly robbed of his inherent right. The Hell King (judge) therefore bestowed on Zhong the title King of Ghosts. He was from then on commissioned to hunt down and capture ghosts and maintain order in the Underworld.

Soon after he became King of Ghosts in Hell, Zhong was granted permission to return to his hometown on Chinese New Year’s Eve, in order to repay Du Ping’s kindness. He did this by giving his younger sister in marriage to Du.

Zhong Kui's popularity in folklore meanwhile can be traced all the way back to the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang China (712 to 756). According to Song Dynasty sources, when the Emperor Xuanzong was gravely ill, he’d had a nightmare in which he saw two ghosts. The smaller ghost stole a purse from the imperial consort Yang Guifei and a flute belonging to the emperor. The larger ghost, wearing the hat of an official captured the smaller ghost culprit, tore out his eyes and ate them. He then introduced himself as Zhong Kui, and stated that he had sworn to rid the empire of evil. Upon waking the Emperor found that he was in good health and that he had made a complete recovery from his ailment. He at once commissioned the court painter Wu Daozi to produce the image of Zhong Kui as he remembered it in his dream and then showed this painting to all the officials. This image stuck and Zhong was represented from then on by this image. 

Wu-Daozi-Painting-Zhong-Kui-(The-Demon-Queller)-In-Red-Ink-Wu-Daozi

There are many other ways to protect yourself during the precarious time of the Hungry Ghosts. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts:

-Do not venture outside alone during the dark hours; furthermore, stay away from quiet paths, as ghosts like to target those who are alone. However, if you must, stay away from the walls. Spirits can inhabit them also. 

- Don’t pick someone up! If you go out for a late night drink and further, happen to meet someone that you really hit it off—and then they suggest heading back to your place, be mindful of the ghost stories you’d heard and be safe.

- Avoid standing or loitering under a tree in the middle of the night —spirits love trees.

- Bad manners aside, restrain from spitting in the street or at a tree.

-Do not stare at candlelight or a lit fire.

- Avoid stepping on or kicking the offerings or the joss sticks left alongside of the road.

- Cover up your forehead at night; always pin or put up your hair as high as possible. Wearing any kind of a hat is a good idea.

- Do not play or loiter at the playground in the middle of the night, particularly the swings.

- Resist staring at an “apparition” if you happen to see one; swiftly look away or calmly walk away with composure.

- Do not be disrespectful or utter funny jokes or comments on any display altar or offering items along the street

- Resist the urge to look underneath the altar table during a prayer session

- Do not shift your gaze from left to right or right to left repeatedly when you sense something akin to an apparition; instead look straight ahead and advance toward your destination calmly.

- Should you detect an unexplained, pleasant or sweet smell ahead or around you, restrain from sniffing it.

- It’s best to avoid using any Dark or Black color manicure at this particular time.

- Do not sit on the first few Front Rows of any performance or entertainment.

- Don’t take photos! It is believed that cameras can capture spirits. Best to resist taking a selfie this night, but if you must, look closely at the picture—you may discover an unwelcome visitor lurking in the frame with you.

- Do not wait around at any Bus Stop after Mid-Night especially past the bus service operating hours

- You mustn’t whistle alone at night; if you detect someone singing when you know you are alone, do not accompany him or her.

- Do not open your umbrella at night, especially red color umbrellas

- It’s not advisable to wear a red color costume with high heels and walk alone at night

- Resist any urge to pick up any unique items found on the street or road. And certainly, do not pick up any coins on the ground. Any dropped coins belong to the two guards of the underworld, “Cow Head” and “Horse Face”—these are the two entities that spirits need to bribe in order to enter the mortal realm.

- No swimming in the pool or lake in the middle of the night; something maybe waiting to pull your legs under

- You mustn’t hang your clothes out in the middle of the night

- Do not answer or respond when someone calls you, especially from behind

- Do not turn around or turn your head when someone unexpected pats on your shoulders in the middle of the deserted street

- Avoid combing your hair in front of the mirror in the middle of the night

- Do not be rowdy; best not to shout or scream in the middle of the night. Remain as quiet as possible, particularly if you should feel a sudden, unexplained coldness or temperature drop.

- You mustn’t’ be emotional and cry in the middle of the night

- Resist being a curious person or playing the hero if you hear some "strange" sound or noise, especially a soft crying tone.

- Do not leave any fresh or bleeding wounds out in an open air; always cover the injury/ lesion with proper bandage materials.

- And finally, never respond to a dare or take up the challenge to enter a cemetery area or abandoned houses.



Last but not least there is a legend depicting two images of phantasmal beings/deities you see a lot of around this time. 

-Black-and-White-Impermanence

The Taoist Grim Reapers

For all during Hungry Ghost time, one may encounter images or accounts of two phantasmal beings. They are the “hak bak mo seung” , which means, the “Black and White Impermanence.” (“Impermanence” the Buddhist doctrine of mutability, which states that nothing is inert and that all things must transform—in particular, our lives.)

This pair of deities is believed to guide the spirits of the recently deceased to the underworld. The Black Guard has domain over the evil souls; while the White Guard guides those who have been good in life. The White Guard wears a hat is inscribed with the phrase “yat geen fat choi” which means, “Fortune at one glance”; the Black Guard’s hat has words “teen ha tai ping” which translates as, “Peace under heaven”. The tablet he holds is a symbol of authority, engraved with the character ling, meaning “Order”. The two are often depicted with long red tongues, to scare away evil demons.

There are of course various interpretations to this story. Nevertheless, they all share a common theme: loyalty!

Xie Bian and Fan Wujiu were once two policemen in Fuzhou. Respected by all, they saw each other as nothing less than brothers.

One day, the pair was ordered to track down an escaped convict, who had absconded during a torrential rainstorm. The pair ventured out into the violent gusts and pelting rain; they searched far and wide, leaving no stone unturned, but all to no avail. At one point as the downpour had increased in intensity, they decided to split up and each search one half of the city. They’d arranged to meet, at the end of the search, under a specific bridge in the middle of town.

Fan Wujiu made it to the bridge first, but Xie Bian was held up chasing the fugitive. As the waters rose, Fan refused to leave his spot under the bridge, certain that his brother would arrive soon. He remained even as the floodwaters crashed down on him, and so Fan drowned, tragically, just minutes before Xie showed up. In his anguish, for unwittingly causing the death of his brother, Xie, right there and then took his own life.

Observing this feat of true fidelity, the Jade Emperor raised the two policemen to Godhood, and put them in charge of guiding spirits to the afterlife. Never again would a soul be left standing, waiting for help to arrive.



Good Luck.

The End.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween

The Haunted Pavilion
(An old Chinese tale retold by me)


A long time ago it was a norm for scholars, ‘wandering with sword and lute’ as it was known then, to travel the countryside, seeking knowledge from ancient sites and attaining wisdom from men of learning.

It so happens, one such scholar was trekking along a road south of Anyang, on rout to the city. He’d arrived late at a village some twelve miles short of Anyang, and as night was closing in fast, he asked an old woman if there was an inn nearby.

Her response was that the nearest inn was some miles distant.

“That would not do.” The scholar hummed. “Oh well, I may as well stay the night at that pavilion I’ve just passed.”

Such pavilions were common in China at that time, used as resting places for weary travelers  and looked after by neighboring villagers. But hearing this old woman paled and at once barring his way, she cautioned, “You must not do that! The place is haunted by evil spirits and demons! No one who had stayed there had ever lived to tell the tale.”

The young scholar however dismissed her dire warnings with wave of a hand and smiling said that he was quite adept at taking care of himself. No amount of protestation from the gathered villagers would deter his intention and he set off for the pavilion.

When pitch darkness blanketed the earth, far from going to sleep, the scholar instead, lit a small lamp and, retrieving his book, began reading the passages out loud. Time passed and, for a long while, nothing stirred until, on the stroke of midnight, the scholar heard loud footsteps on the road outside. Peering out of the door he saw a man dressed in black. The man stopped and called for the master of the pavilion.

“Here I am,” ejected a petulant voice from just behind the scholar, startling him so that he jumped in surprise. He turned but there was no one there.

“What do you want?” The huffy voice, emerging from thin air, asked.

“Who is in the pavilion?’ the man in black demanded.

“A Scholar is in the pavilion, but he is reading his book and not yet asleep,” the voice replied.

At this the man in black sighed, and turned his steps towards the village.

The scholar shook his head and, with a slight grimace on his lips, he settled back on his makeshift bed and resumed his reading. Some while later he was again interrupted by loud footsteps and this time, as he peered out of the door, he saw a man in a red hat halting on the road outside the pavilion.

“Master of the Pavilion!” the man bellowed.

“Here I am,” again the grumbling voice came from just behind Scholar.

“Who is in the pavilion?” the man in the red hat with a fiery voice demanded.

“A scholar is in the pavilion, but he is reading his book and not yet asleep,” the voice responded.

At this the man in the red hat sighed too and turned towards the village.

“It looks like I’m not going to get any peace tonight.” The scholar put aside his book and waited for a few minutes until he was sure there was no one else coming down the road. After a time he crept out of the door and, standing on the road, called out, “Master of the Pavilion!”

”Here I am,” came the same response from within.

“Who is in the pavilion?” the scholar asked.

“A scholar is in the pavilion but he is reading his book and not yet asleep,” the voice responded.

The scholar sighed and then asked, “Who was the man in black?’

“That was the black swine of the North,” the voice answered.

“And who was the man in the red hat?”

“That was the Red Cock of the West.”

“And who are you?” the scholar then demanded.

“I am the Old Scorpion,” was the reply. At this the scholar quietly snickered then slipped back into the pavilion. He did not sleep however; instead, he stayed awake the rest of the night reading his book, undisturbed.

The next morning the villagers who’d rushed to the pavilion to see if the scholar had survived the night were aghast to see him seated on the veranda with a calm composure and strumming his lute. As they gathered around him bombarding him with questions the scholar held up his hand for silence.

“Patience, soon all will be revealed.” He smiled and then rising, added, “Follow me; I shall venture to remove the curse from this building.” He quickly went back inside the pavilion with many of the villagers trailing him. He fetched his sword, unsheathed it then, turning, signaled for them to stay back. Advancing swiftly he pulled aside a rotting screen in the corner of the room. Many gasped as they witnessed a gigantic black scorpion behind it, poised to strike. With one sweep of his sword, the scholar split the creature from head to tail; the two parts collapsed lifeless to the floor. There was a hissing sound, then black coils of smoke rising from the ashes, it all simply evaporated into thin air.

Not in the least bit perturbed he next asked the villagers where they had kept a black pig.

“In the house north of the pavilion,’ those finding their voice answered, and then showed him the place. 

Indeed, exactly where they had directed the scholar, he soon discovered a huge black pig. He looked up, its eyes glinting with demonic fury. Being daylight however, the possessed beast’s powers were greatly diminished. Before it could strike the scholar wielded his sword and struck a deadly blow dropping the pig stone dead at his feet. 

“Now where do you keep a large red rooster?’ facing the quivering crowd, he asked. 
“In a shed to the west of the pavilion,” some brave souls answered and pointed at the direction of the place.

 Sure enough there was an enormous red cockerel there, with a huge red comb, and long, sharp talons. Once more, with another swift strike of the blade, the scholar decapitated the demon disguised as the bird. He too lay dead at scholar’s feet. 

Later, at a feast given in honor of the hero, the scholar graciously explained to the bewildered villagers how he had discovered the identities of the demons.

And so from that day on, with the demons vanquished, no harm ever came to anyone wanting respite at the pavilion south of Anyang.

Bo.

Happy Halloween Everyone!