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 GHOUL WHO WAS THWARTED (Revised by BOST 2025)

 THE GHOUL WHO WAS THWARTED 

(Revised by BoSt 2025)

In ancient times in Northern lands, there was a brilliant, tall, stout, handsome, long shoulder length blond haired, blue eyed, young man called Endre Bjorn who had successfully passed the State military examination in Capital, and had been ordered to go, by a specific date, to report for duty at frontier Telon Province.

As it was the rainy season, he was dressed appropriately with his belongings wrapped in waterproof skins and loaded on horseback. Following the main highways, he rode and whenever possible, galloped with eagerness to reach his destination in time.

On this day the weather had not been particularly cooperative. Gusting winds and sudden downpours hindered his progress all along the way. Dusk was fast approaching, and he was nowhere near a town or an inn where he could pass the night in relative, dry comfort.

01- ENDRE BJORN

The buildup of ominous clouds above persuaded him to veer off onto a side road leading to a small village nestled in the woods. He needed to seek (shelter) immediate accommodations before darkness blanketed the earth. He spotted a peasant, returning from the fields at the end of the day’s work loaded with fresh fodder for the animals and inquired as to a possible night’s lodging.

The peasant shook his head, “It’s not that we are inhospitable, but there are only impoverished families in this village. You are certain not to find any room in any of the huts.”  Then in conciliatory mood he directed the stranger to an old, dilapidated Temple still standing just outside of the village. At least there he could spend the night somewhat sheltered from the harsh elements.

Endre Bjorn thanked the peasant and rode away.  He eventually came upon the badly neglected structure, half buried in vines, runners and rampant vegetation. With some difficulty he pushed open the creaking door and stepped in. At once his lungs were assailed by a musky smell and dust lay inches high everywhere. Thick cobwebs hid most of the surfaces. In the niches he saw barely visible statues of gods so decayed through years of neglect that he could not distinguish one from the other.

The suffocating air forced Endre to go outside.  He gasped and gasped then looked about him when he could breathe bit more easily. As night cloaked the premises he fetched a candle from his bundle and lit it. Going around the main temple structure he came upon a portion of the second story that was precariously attached, barely hanging on to the main structure.   Following the trellises off to the side he found a protected alcove under an old flight of stone steps that ended abruptly, going nowhere.

“This will do for the night.” He grumbled under his breath then, fetching his knapsack, spread it out under the stone steps. He tied his horse to an old tree and placed some fodder before him. Next he took his flask from the saddle and wet his dry throat. He leaned back and began washing down some dry rations to satiate his sudden grumbling tummy. The rains came and went until the dark sky cleared of the ominous clouds which were replaced with scattered puffs that parted periodically to let the waning new moon peep through.

Endre Bjorn, rather exhausted from travel, had just closed his eyes in sleep when a rustling sound in the temple startled him awake. What’s more, a sudden icy breeze swept over his face making him shudder involuntarily.

The moonlight just then revealed a chalk-faced woman dressed in a dirty old style, long white gown coming out of the temple. She stole past quietly as though she were afraid of being seen.

Endre quickly swallowed his fear. Lying perfectly still he pretended to be asleep and covertly watched her with half-closed eyes. Curiously, the woman drew a rope from her sleeve and looked at it for a time before instantly vanishing into thin air.  This confirmed she was an apparition, most likely a ghost of one who had hung herself. He got up quietly and traced her steps. 

Sure enough, she went into the village and when she came to a certain house she slipped into the courtyard through a crack in the door.  As he was keen to find out her reason for haunting this premise, Endre abandoned propriety and leapt over the wall after her. Standing before him was a modest three roomed house. Crossing the rather empty courtyard, he reached the rear room where a lamp was burning dimly. Endre looked through the window into the room, and there he spotted a young woman of about twenty sitting on the bed, sighing deeply. Her kerchief however was soaked through with tears. Beside her in a crib lay a little child fast asleep.

The woman repeatedly looked up toward the beam of the ceiling. She appeared in great dismay, one moment she would weep and the next she would gently, lovingly, stroke the child. Endre, following her gaze positioned himself so as to see more clearly the object of her attention.  His eyes avidly searched the high ceiling and finally he spotted the dark apparition dressed in white, sitting up on the beam. Momentarily she glowed. He could see clearly now as she, with an eerie smile, passed the rope around her neck and then, eyes bulging, tongue sticking out, she mimicked being hanged.  Egging on the poor woman on, the ghost hissed with hostility one moment then in the next beckoned alluringly with a hand gesture.

Each time the young woman looked up as though drawn by an irresistible command, remained focused as if mesmerized, then snapped out of her reverie only when the child wiggled or gurgled.  This went on for some time.

Unexpectedly the young woman in a resolute voice addressed the Ghost: "You say it would be best for me to die. Very well, then, I will die; but oh, I cannot bear to part with my baby!" Once more cupping her face, she burst into heart-wrenching tears, but the heartless ghost merely scoffed and threatened her. In an undecipherable communication the apparition next reached out softly in order to coax her.

When the exhausted young woman finally yielded to all that pressure and in resignation declared: "Enough, do not torture me any more… I’ll do as you wish, I will die. Just leave my baby in peace."

Endre for a time was lost for what to do. He could make noise or force his way in to stop or at least impede the evil apparition’s aim. The very real consequence of being chastised for impropriety or charged as trespasser however, made him hesitate.

“But can I just stand by and do nothing?”  As he struggled to find the right course of action, the young woman meanwhile had gone over to her chest of clothes, put on new garments, and painted her face before the mirror. Then she drew up a bench and climbed up on it. She undid her girdle and knotted it to the beam. She had already stretched forth her neck and was about to tie the other end around her neck when the child suddenly awoke and began to cry.

To Endre’s relief, the woman aborted the suicide, climbed down and, taking the baby to her bosom, stroked the infant's head and chest as she rocked her body slowly back and forth. Tears streamed from her eyes like a string of pearls and fell onto her child. She wept and wept.

 The irate ghost meanwhile heartlessly growled and hissed at this delay. She was so close to reaching her objective.  She had haunted this young woman for many months wearing away her resolve. In a short while the child had again fallen asleep, and the woman once more began to look aloft. Then she rose, again climbed on the bench, and was about to lay the noose about her neck when Endre, risking all, began to call out loudly and drum on the windowpane to stop her. Then, with one hard punch, he broke through the pane and climbed into the room. The shocked and frightened woman fell to the ground unconscious while the ghost vanished into thin air.

Fortunately for him there was no other about. Endre picked up the unconscious woman and gently laid her on her bed. Then gently slapped her cheeks tried to bring her around.  As she was about to regain consciousness, he drew away to a distance, intent on leaving. Suddenly however, something hanging down from the beam, like a cord without an end caught his eye. Knowing that it belonged to the ghost of the hanged woman he reached for it and tugged at it. Wrapping it into a coil he placed it in his inner pocket. 

By this time the young woman had gained her full faculties. She trembled with fright at the perceived danger from an intruder.

Endre Bjorn with a placating smile and in a soothing voice tried to reassure the young woman: "Forgive this intrusion. I mean you no harm, but I could not just simply stand by and have you throw your life away.  Your child needs you to take good care of him! You have but one life to lose in this world!"  Convinced that she was now calmer, he left her and went outside.

His thoughts, nevertheless, turning to the vindictive ghost and expecting retaliatory trouble from her, he headed straight for the Temple where he had left his sword right by his baggage.

He never made it to the Temple however, as halfway there, he encountered the angry ghost looking even more menacing, waiting for him in centre of the road.

Barring his way, the ghost growled: “You have interrupted my plans and have thus wronged me terribly. I was the former wife of that faithless man; one so callously cast me aside in favour of that woman because of my inability to give him an offspring. His cold and cruel ways drove me in the end to suicide where I am now condemned to roam the Earth and suffer this vile existence for all eternity. He happens to be away for a long time, and I used this opportunity to affect my revenge on him. She was blameless yes, but …” The phantom appeared for a moment or two truly remorseful but then quickly rebounded and again glowered (looked daggers). “As you have interceded, there remains little for me to do now. Unfortunately I cannot depart without that thing I left behind me in my hurry. I know you have it, and so I demand you return the item that rightfully belongs to me."

Endre Bjorn showed her the rope, "Is this the thing you mean? I’m sorry for what has happened to you. But why exact revenge on an innocent being? Your grievance is with your husband not her. I fear if I were to give it back to you may once I’m gone try again to snuff out an innocent life.  And that I cannot be party to."

With these words he wound the rope around his arm and said: "Now be off with you!"

The ghost in her desperation now grew furious. Her face turned greenish-black, her hair fell in wild disorder down her neck, her eyes grew bloodshot, and her tongue hung far out of her mouth. She stretched forth both hands and tried to seize Endre, but he struck out at her with his clenched fist.

Ghoul fought back fiercely and at one instance her long razor-sharp talons (fingernails like pincers) succeeded in inflicting a deep cut right through the cloth in Endre’s arm and from the deep slash oozed blood which stained his sleeve crimson. Endre did not wince (flinch, recoil) instead, he cooly, dipped his finger at the wound and flecked (splattered) those few drops of blood targeting her face and, since the ghosts cannot endure human blood, with a shrilling hiss she ceased her attack, jumped back (moved off) a few paces to safe distance. Her fury unleashed, growling she next hurled threats and vile abuses at him. Fortunately, just then, announcing the daybreak, the cock in the village had begun to crow. Then the ghost let out an ear deafening shrill cry and disappeared before the first rays of the morning sun hit her.

In the meantime, the farmer-folk of the village having been apprised of the happenings, had rushed forth to thank Endre Bjorn. It seems that after he had left the woman, her husband had unexpectedly come home early and despite her effort to conceal it, recognizing her still lingering, traumatized state, had asked to learn the reason for it.  Subsequently, for the first time ever, he had learned of her long-suffering ordeal and, what had transpired that very night. Her husband and the busybody neighbours, hence, had set out together in haste to intercept and (forgiving his, albeit unintentional, impropriety) thank the stranger for thwarting the evil ghost’s design.

When they came upon Endre, he was still beating the air with his fists and talking wildly. So they called out to him and he told them what had taken place. The rope could still be seen on his blood drenched arm; yet it had grown fast to it and surrounded it in the shape of a red ring of flesh.

Later that morning, dismissing all the fuss, and refusing any reward, Endre, anxious to resume his journey, quietly packed his belongings, then swung himself into his saddle and galloped into distance.

His heart was at peace, knowing that now that things had come to light, the husband and the villagers would effectively deal with the pesky, evil ghoul, if she dared, to ever try harming the innocent young woman again.  

The End

 

The Ghost Who Was Thwarted

The Ghost Who Was Thwarted

(Revised by BoSt) 

Once upon a time there lived a particularly bright young man who had successfully passed the State military examination, and had been ordered to go, by a specific date, to report for duty in another Province.

As it was the rainy season, he was dressed appropriately with his belongings wrapped in waterproof skins and loaded on horseback. Following the main highways, he rode and whenever possible, galloped with eagerness to reach his destination on time.

On this day the weather had not been particularly cooperative. Gusting winds and sudden downpours hindered his progress all along the way. Dusk was fast approaching and he was nowhere near a town or an inn where he could pass the night in relative comfort.

The buildup of ominous clouds above persuaded him to veer off onto a side road leading to a small village nestled in the woods. He needed to seek immediate accommodations before darkness blanketed the earth. He spotted a peasant, returning from fields at the end of the day’s work loaded with fresh fodder for the animals and inquired as to a possible night’s lodging.

The peasant shook his head, “It’s not that we are inhospitable, but there are only impoverished families in this village. You are certain not to find any room in any of the huts.” Then in conciliatory mood he directed the Soldier to an old dilapidated Temple still standing just outside of the village. At least there he could spend the night somewhat sheltered from the harsh elements.

The Soldier thanked the peasant and rode away. He eventually came upon the badly neglected structure, half buried in vines, runners and rampant vegetation. With some difficulty he pushed open the creaking door and stepped in. At once his lungs were assailed by a musky smell and dust lay inches high everywhere. Thick cobwebs hid most of the surfaces. In the niches he saw barely visible statues of gods so decayed through years of neglect that he could not distinguish one from the other.

The suffocating air forced the Soldier to go outside. He gasped and gasped then looked about him when he could breathe bit more easily. As night cloaked the premises he fetched a candle from his bundle and lit it. Going around the main temple structure he came upon a portion of the second story that was precariously attached, barely hanging on to the main structure. Following the trellises off to the side he found a protected alcove under an old flight of stone steps that ended abruptly, going nowhere.

“This will do for the night.” He grumbled under his breath then, fetching his knapsack, spread it out under the stone steps. He tied his horse to an old tree and placed some fodder before him. Next he took his flask from the saddle and wet his dry throat. He leaned back and began washing down some dry rations to satiate his sudden grumbling tummy. The rains came and went until the dark sky cleared of the ominous clouds which were replaced with scattered puffs that parted periodically to let the waning new moon peep through.

The Soldier, rather exhausted from travel, had just closed his eyes in sleep when a rustling sound in the temple startled him awake. What’s more, a sudden icy breeze swept over his face making him shudder involuntarily.

The moonlight just then revealed a chalk-faced woman dressed in a dirty old style red gown coming out of the temple. She stole past quietly as though she were afraid of being seen. 

The Soldier quickly swallowed his fear. Lying perfectly still he pretended to be asleep and covertly watched her with half-closed eyes. Curiously, the woman drew a rope from her sleeve and looked at it for a time before instantly vanishing into thin air. This confirmed she was an apparition, most likely a ghost of one who had hung herself. He got up quietly and traced her steps.

Sure enough, she went into the village and when she came to a certain house she slipped into the courtyard through a crack in the door. As he was keen to find out her reason for haunting this premise, the Soldier abandoned propriety and leapt over the wall after her. Standing before him was a modest three roomed house. Crossing the rather empty courtyard, he reached the rear room where a lamp was burning dimly. The Soldier looked through the window into the room, and there he spotted a young woman of about twenty sitting on the bed, sighing deeply. Her kerchief however was soaked through with tears. Beside her in a crib lay a little child fast asleep.

The woman repeatedly looked up toward the beam of the ceiling. She appeared in great dismay, one moment she would weep and the next she would gently, lovingly, stroke the child. The Soldier, following her gaze positioned himself so as to see more clearly the object of her attention. His eyes avidly searched the high ceiling and finally he spotted the dark apparition sitting up on the beam. Momentarily she glowed. He could see clearly now as she, with an eerie smile, passed the rope around her neck and then, eyes bulging, tongue sticking out, she mimicked being hanged. Egging on the poor woman on, the ghost hissed with hostility one moment then in the next beckoned alluringly with a hand gesture.

Each time the young woman looked up as though drawn by an irresistible command, remained focused as if mesmerized, then snapped out of her reverie only when the child wiggled or gurgled. This went on for some time. 

Unexpectedly the young woman in a resolute voice addressed the Ghost: "You say it would be best for me to die. Very well, then, I will die; but oh, I cannot bear to part with my baby!" Once more cupping her face, she burst into heart-wrenching tears, but the heartless ghost merely scoffed and threatened her. In an undecipherable communication the apparition next reached out softly in order to coax her.

When the exhausted young woman finally yielded to all that pressure and in resignation declared: "Enough, do not torture me any more… I’ll do as you wish, I will die. Just leave my baby in peace."

The Soldier for a time was lost for what to do. He could make noise or force his way in to stop or at least impede the evil apparition’s aim. The very real consequence of being chastised or charged as trespasser however, made him hesitate.

“But can I just stand by and do nothing?” As he struggled to find the right course of action, the young lady meanwhile had gone over to her chest of clothes, put on new garments, and painted her face before the mirror. Then she drew up a bench and climbed up on it. She undid her girdle and knotted it to the beam. She had already stretched forth her neck and was about to tie the other end around her neck when the child suddenly awoke and began to cry.

To the Soldier’s relief, the woman aborted the suicide, climbed down and, taking the baby to her bosom, stroked the infant's head and chest as she rocked her body slowly back and forth. Tears streamed from her eyes like a string of pearls and fell onto her child. She wept and wept. The irate ghost meanwhile heartlessly growled and hissed at this delay. She was so close to reaching her objective. She had haunted this young woman for many months wearing away her resolve. In a short while the child had again fallen asleep, and the woman once more began to look aloft. Then she rose, again climbed on the bench, and was about to lay the noose about her neck when the Soldier, risking all, began to call out loudly and drum on the window-pane to stop her. Then, with one hard punch, he broke through the pane and climbed into the room. The shocked and frightened woman fell to the ground unconscious while the ghost vanished into thin air.

Fortunately for him there was no other about. The Soldier picked up the unconscious woman and gently laid her on her bed. Then slapped her cheeks tried to bring her around. As she was about to regain consciousness, he drew away to a distance, intent on leaving. Suddenly however, something hanging down from the beam, like a cord without an end caught his eye. Knowing that it belonged to the ghost of the hanged woman he reached for it and tugged at it. Wrapping it into a coil he placed it in his inner pocket.

By this time the young woman had gained her full faculties. She trembled with fright at the perceived danger from an intruder.

The Soldier with a placating smile and in a soothing voice tried to reassure the young woman: "Forgive this intrusion. I mean you no harm, but I could not just simply stand by and have you throw your life away. Your child needs you to take good care of him! You have but one life to lose in this world!" And with that he made his hasty retreat outside.

He was fearful of the possible consequences and so he headed straight towards the Temple to retrieve his horse and his baggage and make his quick departure.

When he came out of the village he encountered the angry ghost, waiting for him on the road.

Barring his way, the ghost growled: “You have interrupted my plans and have thus wronged me terribly. I was the former wife of that faithless man; one so callously cast me aside in favour of that woman because of my inability to give him an offspring. His cold and cruel ways drove me in the end to suicide where I am now condemned to roam the Earth and suffer this vile existence for all eternity. He happens to be away for a long time and I used this opportunity to effect my revenge on him. She was blameless yes, but …” She appeared truly remorseful. “As you have interceded, there remains little for me to do now. Unfortunately I cannot depart without that thing I left behind me in my hurry. I know you have it, and so I implore you sir, please to return it to me."

The Soldier showed her the rope, "Is this the thing you mean? I’m sorry for what has happened to you. But why exact revenge on an innocent being? Your grievance is with your husband not her. I fear if I were to give it back to you may once I’m gone try again to snuff out an innocent life. And that I cannot be party to."

With these words he wound the rope around his arm and said: "Now be off with you!" 

The ghost in her desperation now grew furious. Her face turned greenish-black, her hair fell in wild disorder down her neck, her eyes grew bloodshot, and her tongue hung far out of her mouth. She stretched forth both hands and tried to seize the Soldier, but he struck out at her with his clenched fist. By mistake he hit himself in the nose and it began to bleed. Then he sprinkled a few drops of blood in her direction and, since the ghosts cannot endure human blood, with a shrilling hiss she ceased her attack, moved off a few paces and began to abuse him. This she did for some time, until the cock in the village began to crow. Then the ghost let out a shrill cry and disappeared before the morning sun hit her.

In the meantime the farmer-folk of the village having been apprised of the happenings, had rushed forth to thank the Soldier. It seems that after he had left the woman, her husband had come home and asked his wife what had happened. And then for the first time he had learned of her long suffering ordeal and what had occurred that very night. So gathering some of the neighbours, they set out together along the road in order to look for the stranger.

When they found him he was still beating the air with his fists and talking wildly. So they called out to him and he told them what had taken place. The rope could still be seen on his bare arm; yet it had grown fast to it, and surrounded it in the shape of a red ring of flesh.

The day was just dawning, so the Soldier packed his belongings then swung himself into his saddle and continued his journey without a word. 

The End



(Note: This folk tale has been handed down traditionally.
Adapted from: The Chinese Fairy Book (1921) by Richard Wilhelm, translated by F. H. Martens LIII. “The Ghost Who Was Foiled”- Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License)

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!

Snow,Snow,Snow- Part 2

BoSt Galleries Snow Exhibit

Japanese Folklore - Yuki Onna

The_Yuki_Onna_by_YoshiyukiKatana

In Japanese folklore there is a well-known legend of a snow woman, who is manifestation of a Yokai, or spirit, associated with winter and snowstorms. In some variations of the legend she is the spirit, or ghost, of someone who had tragically perished in the snow. She has many forms; snow granny, snow hag and sometimes a young, beautiful woman; but always carries the name Yuki Onna.

On snowy nights she appears to travellers in the storm as a tall, beautiful woman with long cascading black hair and blue lips whose eyes can strike terror into the hearts of mere mortals. Her skin is pale and transparent to the point of being invisible so that she blends in perfectly with the snow covered landscape. She is frequently depicted in a white kimono though some illustrations show her nude, so that only her face and hair stand out in the snowstorm. She floats across the snow without leaving footprints since, like most ghosts, she has no feet and when she is threatened she can instantly transform into mist, a snow flurry or a cloud.

Until the 18^th Century Yuki Onna was portrayed as an evil spirit, but modernization shifted the emphasis to her ghost-like nature, human origins and her transient beauty. She would come as an apparition to travellers and lead them astray so they died of exposure, if she did not use her icy breath to immediately freeze them in place. In some tales she is content to let her victims die but in others she drains her victims of their life force like a vampire. Sometimes Yuki Onna takes on the aspect of a succubus, draining the life out of weak-willed, unfaithful men through a kiss, or by copulation. She may manifest holding a child, especially one who is lost in the storm. Parents searching for their lost children are easy prey as, when they attempt to take the child from her, they are frozen in place by her touch. In some tales she is aggressive, blowing down the door of homes with a violent gust of wind and freezing the residents in their sleep. In most of these tales, however, she is unable to enter the home unless she has been invited by the residents.

She does have a softer side and may sometimes succumb to love and maternal instincts.

In a popular rendition of tale retold by Lafcadio Hearn Yuki-Onna does release a young boy because of his beauty and age, but not before securing a promise from him: that he never speaks of her. Unfortunately, in his middle age he does confess the secret to his wife who then instantly transforms back into the snow woman. She reviles him for breaking his promise, but once more spares him, this time out of concern for their children.  She does caution him however, that if he ever mistreats their children she will return to exact vengeance, and this time will show no mercy.  Fortunately for him he is a doting father and he lives the rest of his life in safety and peace.

katsumi_nakatomi__yuki_onna_by_axel_doi

The End.

Halloween- Origins and Traditions

Halloween: Origins and Traditions

Halloween (Hallowe’en , also known as Hallowmas, All Hallows, and Hallowtide) is an annual holiday that is observed on October 31. It derives its name from the Christian calendar and occurs the day before All Saints’ or All Hallows’ Day.  Some scholars however claim that the All Hallows’ Eve’s tradition initially was incorporated from pagan harvest festivals and festivals honoring the dead, particularly the Celtic Samhain. 

Samhain (derived from an old Irish word Samuin, meaning “summer’s end”) falling on the last day of autumn, was a time for stock-taking and preparation for the harsh, cold winter months ahead.  According to the ancient Celts’ calendar, this was the last night of the old year and at this time of year when the physical and supernatural worlds were the closest, all manner of magical things could manifest.  For one thing the souls of the dead were supposed to revisit their homes on Samahain eve, while witches, hobgoblins, warlocks and other evil entities walked abroad and devoted themselves to wicked revels.  To defend against these wayward evil spirits, the Gaels would built huge, symbolically regenerative bonfires and invoked the help of the gods through animal and perhaps even human sacrifice. In the Western Isles of Scotland the Slaugh, or fairy host was composed of the souls of the dead flying through the air, and the feast of the dead at Hallowe’en was also the festival of the fairies.   But the good fairies, too, according to some folklore, made their appearance at this time from dusk until midnight.

Later on Halloween was heavily influenced by the Christian holy days of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day which, falling on November 1 and 2, were a time for honouring the saints and praying for the recently departed who had yet to reach Heaven.  In 837 Pope Gregory IV ordered the church-wide observance; by the end of 12^th century this became the holy days of obligation across Europe, incorporating such traditions as the ringing of bells for the souls in purgatory and “souling”.   “Souling” is when the poor folk or, later replaced by costumed children, carry lanterns made out of scooped out turnips and go from go door to door on Hallowmas, Nov 1, receiving food or coins in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls ‘Day, which is on Nov 2. There was also the custom of baking bread or sour cakes for “all christened souls. 

Another scary belief held that the souls of the departed wandered the earth until All Saints’ Day and All Hallows’Eve, providing the vengeful spirits a last chance for revenge before moving onto the next world.  Christians therefore took to disguising themselves and, by wearing masks and costumes and following the lighted candles set by others to guide their travel for worship the next day, avoided any repercussions from these rancorous souls. In this day and age, this custom has been perpetuated   by the children donning disguises and going out trick or treating.  It is interesting to note that this “trick or treating” actually dates back to the Middle Ages and includes Christmas wassailing, resembled the late medieval practice in Scotland and Ireland’s ‘guising. Costumed children visited each house asking for treats, with the question, “Trick or treat?” The word “trick” refers to a, mostly idle, “threat” to visit mischief or harm on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. 

The ‘guising participants traditionally modelled their costumes after supernatural figures such as monsters, ghosts, skeletons, witches, and devils, which over time incorporated popular characters from fiction, celebrities or generic archetypes such as batman, superman, ninjas and princesses.

The Carving of jack-o-lanterns meanwhile has been derived from the Samhain custom of carving turnips into lanterns to light the way of the souls held in purgatory.

In North America the Puritans of New England had strong opposition to this holiday, so it was not observed until the 19th century when the influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants reintroduced it. At first it was confined to immigrant communities but, by and by, it has became a widespread celebration by all social, racial and religious backgrounds in North America and elsewhere.  Today the Halloween imagery includes themes of evil, the occult, death and mythical monsters. Black and orange are the traditional colors now.  Meanwhile the jack-o-lantern custom of carving the turnip has evolved into a carved pumpkin that is far softer and much larger.

Halloween has always been considered a particularly auspicious occasion for supernatural experiments and games. Some observe the religious rites such as praying, fasting and attending vigils or church services.  Others indulge in carving pumpkins, decorating house with ghoulish images to scare the trick and treating children and conducting party games such as apple bobbing. There is, of course, a whole host of other fun activities, that include young and old, such as visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories and watching horror films. Here are few more mentioned below:

“Bobbing” for Apples- No Halloween is complete without an “apple bob.” Each member of the party is given an apple from which a small piece has been cut and into which a fortune written on a slip of paper has been inserted. The apples are thrown into a large tub of water and the company invited to duck their heads and retrieve an apple with their mouths. From the apple they draw out the slip of paper and read their fortune. These fortunes, which must be brief, will be of greater interest if they deal with affairs of love such as “Your husband will be masterful and handsome”. 

Few, mainly college and university students, partake in the old Celtic custom that includes lighting great bonfires on Halloween and, after these had burned out, make a circle of the ashes of each fire. Within this circle, and near the circumference, each member of the various groups that had helped to make a fire would place a pebble. If, on the next day, any stone was out of its place, or had been damaged, it was held to be an indication that the one to whom the stone belonged would die within twelve months. Such a morbid superstition, however, does not find much favour in modern times, and those manifestations which are connected with affairs of the heart are more popularly sought after on the Eve of All Hallows. Here are some of the spells that may be cast by college students in dorms, for fun sake, only on Halloween.

To See Your Future Spouse- Retire into a dark room with one lit candle as the only means of illumination. Place the candle in front of a mirror and peer into the glass. At the same time, you must either be eating an apple or combing your hair. After a few moments it is said that the face of the man whom you will wed will appear over your shoulder.

There is an old country superstition which decrees that if a girl should eat a salted herring just before she goes to bed her future spouse will appear to her in a dream carrying a cup of water with which to quench her thirst.

A similar test may be made with three saucers. One is filled with clear water, another with ink or muddy water, while the third is left empty. A girl or boy who wishes to know their fortune is blindfolded and led toward the table with their left hand outstretched.   They then told to touch one of the saucers.  Should the participant touch the saucer containing the clear water he or she will soon be married to a beautiful girl or a handsome boy.  If on the other hand he or she touches the saucer containing the ink or muddy water their future spouse will be a widower. If it so happens that they touch the empty saucer it is an indication that they are unlikely to ever marry.  (Remember folks this is only a guessing game… No one can truly predict the future. )

According to custom mashed potatoes is the correct dish for Halloween, and they also offer us a method of divining which member of the company will be the first to wed. Into the heap of mashed potatoes a ring, a low domination coin, a button, a heart- shaped -charm, a shell and a key are inserted.  Then all the lights in the room are turned out and each guest, armed with a spoon or fork endeavours to find the hidden charms. The one who finds the ring will marry first; the coin signifies wealth; the button brings bachelorhood, or spinsterhood; the heart, passionate love; the shell, long journeys; the key, great success and power.

To ascertain if your lover is true: On Halloween select one of the notes which you have received from your sweetheart, especially one which contains a particularly passionate and important declaration; lay it wide open upon a table and then fold it nine times. Pin the folds together, lace the letter in your left-hand glove, and slip it under your pillow. If on that night you dream of silver, gems, glass, castles or clear water, your love is true and his declarations are genuine; if you dream of linen, storms, fire wood, flowers or that he is saluting you, he is false and has been deceiving you.

To find whether Lover will be Happy?... Well, there is a game-spell for that also:

A group of friends sit around an open fire and a boy, selecting the girl of his choice, invites her to place a nut in the glowing embers; he, too, does likewise. If the burning nuts merely glow or smoulder, then the respective couple who place them there, are suited for one another, and will enjoy  a good relationship  in perfect harmony and love. But if the nuts should burst, or crackle loudly, or fly apart, then beware, for it portends that the boy and the girl will have a stormy relationship, their temperaments not being in synch, they will quarrel excessively.

Have fun on Halloween.