DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026- PART 6)

Freya was happy to have encountered the very young man (Dragon Longze) she had sought to find and now after the knock and facing him, manners dictated that she wait at the doorstep to be invited in; she had therefore, expectantly stared at him, her words temporarily frozen on her tongue while her mind ran a prolific assortment of frenzied thoughts and feelings never before experienced. The young man’s awkward, prolonged response was unnerving; nevertheless, she had felt completely safe, unable to detect least malice, no threat or hostility in his keen gaze.

Longze on his part, had stood inexplicably (enigmatically) immobile because he had been thunderstruck (shocked) to see her there and remaining perfectly still, he was processing inwardly what he faced.

01-DRAGON LONGZE (32)

Freya’s concern for her father’s welfare being a vociferous siren, however, she was the first to break the spell, and the moment her senses snapped back to reality, she said: “Sir, please forgive my rude intrusion; my name is Freya Aquila and I am the daughter of hunter Hans Aquila. I have been beset (overcome) with worry since my father had gone on a routine hunting trip five days prior and has not yet returned; hence, I would like to know if you have come across him or know any news of him. He is my sole living kin, and I fear that something awful (dreadful) might have befallen him in these woods. So, kind sir, is there any chance of you having seen or heard anything about him?”

The girl spoke so quietly and looked at him so vulnerably that Longze deeply affected by her angst, rushed to at once bow his head in greeting and politely introduce himself as Longze, no last name was given; subsequently, he in quick succession, with a gentle voice and demeanor, uttered reassuring words to comfort her. Afterwards, he fell silent, not knowing what else to say.

Dragon Longze thereupon had discreetly observed her, this time being up close and really seeing her, he’d noted that for a human, particularly since her cheeks were tinged with crimson hue (shyness being the most delightful characteristics of humans), she looked as beautiful as a flower, akin those lovely blossoms in spring. Her braided blond hair (locks), meanwhile, disordered as it were, because of the prevailing winds and the storm, falling over her shoulders, swayed like the graceful branches of a willow tree.  Even though her large emerald, green eyes were sad, they held worders of the Universe as it glistened like the stars on a clear night; and, it seemed to Longze that she could not belong to the human species on earth, that she must be a fairy—an angel from Heaven.

02- GUARDIAN ASMUND (1)

“For heaven’s sake, what are you waiting for, have you lost your wits entirely, Longze? Can’t you see she is cold; invite her in!” The impatient voice of his guardian Asmund, audible only to Longze, snapped (busted the trance) Longze at once from his trance like obsession, his fascination of Freya.

“Am I allowed?” Longze abruptly looked up and silently asked Asmund; then straightaway feeling foolish, Longze opened the door wider. He declared that she would be safer and more comfortable inside; thence, with a polite sweeping gesture of his hand accompanying the words of, “Please come in,” he promptly stepped aside, and invited Freya into his humble abode.

Freya, now uttering her thanks, after moment’s hesitation, for her boots were all covered in mud, quickly stepped over the threshold but nervously remained inside by the door.

“She’s worried about dirtying the floor.” Asmund’s voice chimed in Longze’s ears.

Longze quickly responded with his placating (conciliating) vernacular, reassuring her that a little dirt on the floor was inconsequential, then bade (invited) her to please take a seat by the hearth, as she would be more comfortable and warmer there.  

Subsequently, she was shown to a seat and then offered steeping hot cup of tea. Longze, then asking, “May I?” and receiving an affirmative nod from Freya, he set across from her and tilted his head and politely inquired: "Tell me, if you please, bit more about your concerns, and more precisely, more details about your father so that I may rightly assist you in finding him; I will listen to your story, however long in its entirety, if you trust me enough to tell it to me. Hopefully, your father will be found safe, and…” he hesitated before speaking again, “and if you don’t think me too brazen, are you spoken for?" Longze had regretted asking that the moment the words had escaped his lips; he had innately understood the inappropriateness of it, and so, blushing, he averted his gaze and looked down, suddenly discomfited (embarrassed, flustered) and felt gauche (uncouth, tactless). “I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer that!” He then quickly added, trying to remedy his transgression.

“Now you’ve done it; and you were doing so well up till then too.” Asmund’s bemused snicker made Longze further disconcerted (embarrassed), as he had revealed not only to her but to his guardian his maladroitness (unsophistication, callowness, inelegance).

Asmund sensing his deep hurt, relented: “But I see that I am making you uncomfortable; so, I shall take my leave of you for a while. I have other matters to address anyhow. But Longze, do not try so hard; relax, and be yourself, all will be fine. I will check back on your progress tomorrow. “

03- DRAGON LONGZE(60)

Longze was grateful for Asmund’s tolerance and faith in him. He nodded his head, to his guardian; then, his attention was at once reverted (directed back) to her.

Freya, meanwhile, was taken back, baffled even, by his sudden awkwardness, his unusual candor and delightfully innocent nature, and so she had stared at him in silence, for so long that, he thought he’d definitely overstepped some boundary and breached some human decorum (propriety, modesty, tact, politeness) that she was cross with him and therefore, would not answer. But when he dared to meet her eyes again, he saw that there was no judgement, no anger or repulsion, only kindness and tolerance and something resembling his akin intense curiosity, in her eyes. This elated him, and so encouraged, he was about to speak, when the sudden gusting wind that shook the shutters, drew both their attention to it.

The sudden hurricane force wind again rising, had this time seriously shaken the dilapidated structure, which he had found (detected) curiously enough earlier that day.  Having decided on spending the night there, after his brief repose which he had spent playing the flute, he was about to more scrupulously examine the structure, explore and identify the possible hazards (pitfalls, snares, dangers) of the interior, when she had quite unexpectedly shown up at the cabin’s doorstep.  Meanwhile he could not shake the sensation that something was amiss (wrong, awry) or odd about this structure being mysteriously manifested (appearing) there, when there had been no such cabin prior. He had meant to ask Asmund about it, only, he did not get the chance.

Longze, five days erstwhile, as part of his extensive training, had been assigned to complete his eight challenging tasks by his demanding yet fair, current guardian Asmund- as means to assess (evaluate) his growing innate prowess (skill aptitude). The project entailed, that he promptly (within a month) capture and then eliminate the highly volatile, trickster demon incarnates, the ersatz (artificial) black panther, Sedit, that sometimes simulated (sham, fake) human warrior or a ruffian.

04- DEVIL PANTHER  SEDIT (13)

Escaping from the high security, penal colony, on Star Treon and, having set his sights on Earth, Sedit during the last six months had left immense carnage and vile (abominable) destruction in his wake, before, quite recently absconding (fleeing) to this remote region and then taking refuge (hiding) within the enchanted (magical, protected), inhospitable dark forest.

Longze two days earlier, on his routine reconnaissance had flown through the clouds over the said forest. Quite by chance spotting the elusive demon panther’s sometimes ally (contact) red tailed fox spirit, sneakily crossing into this segment of the forest, Longze had tracked her progress, deeming the fox spirit being up to no good, as well, hoping that she would eventually lead him to demon panther Sedit’s current recondite (abstruse) hideout (lair, den).

Suddenly, once more, the violent winds shook the walls of the cabin so powerfully (mightily) that Longze worried (fretted) whether the precarious structure would stand the next onslaught or simply collapse, tumble over their heads. He of course was beyond harming but the frail mortal girl before him could seriously be harmed. Strangely enough, he felt intensely protective of this girl; just then the wind, the air rushing through whistled through the chinks and crannies of the old building, while from the garden came the mournful howling of wolves, followed by the sudden cry of an owl. An owl? That was an impossibility in this part of the forest?

Longze noted that Freya was still very much frightened and beset with worry; and so, trying his best to distract (divert)her mind and ease her anxiety and concerns- he smiled at her reassuringly and then he repeated his prior request to learn of her story and her troubles, so that he may better assist her in resolving it.

The wind and the raging storm at outside, had indeed re-hashed (re-kindled) Freya’s apprehension (fretfulness) about her father Hans Aquila. Thinking of him forlorn, lost or injured somewhere in the wilderness- therefore, feeling sorrow to the quick, her eyes had defiantly brimmed with fresh tears; however, next instant defiantly, angrily, she had wiped her eyes and resumed her story:

"I am the daughter of a most wonderful, heroic warrior that was long ago falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and was banished to the edge of this Kingdom. He was stripped of his former status, disowned by his father and worst of it, his wife who was not my mother, formally divorced him and later married to his ardent foe. Subsequently, with not a single coin on him, with just clothes on his back, he was driven from the state. Yet he survived, hoping one day to clear his name and regain his honor. He never told me of the details of the crime, though I had implored him countless times, to tell me of it. Each time he would promise me that he would one day reveal all to me when passed my eighteenth birthday. As time went by however, he was disheartened, and burying the past completely in his subconscious, he (let go) also entirely forsook any notion of retribution. Meanwhile, my father’s travels had at one point led him to this inhospitable region. Furthermore, he had successfully bypassed all the blocks and barriers which had made this region impenetrable and chanced on this very remote village that had been permanently, for a decade, closed to all outsiders. He had succeeded where only few hardy warriors in a decade had done and unwittingly discover the hidden Village in this most inaccessible sector, well hidden from any civilized world.”

“The stringent rules were explained to him by the chief elders, and he was given the choice to either forfeit his life by his own sword (blade) that instant, or accept to immerse in their community, culture, by living henceforth, as one of them. It was made clear to him that once he accepted to live there, he would be forever forbidden to leave and would remain hidden from the rest of the world, for the rest of his life. He accepted the choice to stay, which of course, came with a trial period. He had to first prove he was worthy to be one of them (for the immersion into their group). After a gruelling inquisition and hair-rising tests, recognising his prowess’s and valuable mantle (mantle, role), they had accepted him into their folds. He was warned however of their very extensive rigid rules which meant no second chances and, any violation meant his immediate demise. After he had became a citizen, he eventually met my mother when she tended to his serious wounds from a hunting accident. She was beautiful, good hearted, and excellent heeler; to cut the story short, because she was so good, he could not help but fall in love with her and they were married soon after. Then first my brother Alec and then I was born.” 

05- HANS AQUILA  GONE ON HUNT (13)JP

“Winter months are (harsh) most severe in this region and so, my father wanting to secure us some meat for the duration, left on his final hunt, before the onset of winter, some days prior. “Freya lowered her head as she with a trembling voice next said: “He had been absent for unusually long time; he should have returned well before this day. Fearing the worse, but then suddenly hearing the melody of your flute, and hoping you had seen my father, I ventured into the forest to accost you and thus happened to come here.”

“My brother Alec was lost to us recently; I cannot bear to have my father be lost to me as well! How can I exist, without them? I still grieve for my brother Alec’s absence; but I know it in my heart he is still alive somewhere. He cannot be dead, otherwise I would have known it…I would sense it deep in my heart! That said, I miss him so terribly. In the mornings when it rains and, in the evenings, when the winds are fierce, I longed for him to be not at outside vulnerable and at the mercy of elements, but instead, to once more be seated besides me near the hearth, sheltered, safe and warm, us chatting about (talking of) this and that.”

As Longze with undivided attention listened to her story, inwardly however, he had quietly questioned whether the young warrior he had saved and is now convalescing in a cave could be her brother Alec. What if he is not; he should not give her hope, only to disappoint her, if he proved not to be him. Meanwhile, he should search for her father, and find out if he is all right or, if in trouble, rescue him also, before it is too late. Longze then quietly hoped and prayed, that Hans Aquila had not, not at any point (chanced) encountered the demon Sedit.

 

 

(END OF PART 6)

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

01- DRAGON LONGZE (73)

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

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

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

02- GUARDIAN ASMUND

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

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

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

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

03- GUARDIAN ASMUND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“My previous guardian Yenor.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

05-GUARDIAN ASMUND (9)

 

                                                                                             ~

 

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

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

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

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

                                                                                            ~

 

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

06-JEDRICK

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

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

 

 

(END OF PART 4)

 

 

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

 

 DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 2

Bankwest to Longze his guardian Vernon had yet again saved his life; when at the most critical moment interceding, with his fiery dragon’s breath transferred to his hands, in an instant it had decimated the villainous Kalen who’d been bent on (maliciously) destroying his (Vernon’s) ward.

 

01- VERNON - LONGZE'S GUARDIAN -FIERCE, FIRE BREATHING DRAGON- JP

Longze meanwhile, unaware (for he had no reason to look back), had quickly descended the goat’s path and safely reached the shoreline. Subsequently, after half a day’s travel, he had arrived at a small fishing village and there, he had secured a passage on a small river boat, that after a week it had eventually docked at the more populous port city Monter of the kingdom of Kourin.

Longze from thereon had travelled eastward on foot, till he reached a small, unremarkable coastal town nestled in a remote corner of Kourin and there, Longze had finally, inconspicuously (unobtrusively) settled down. The few coins paid at the registry office, had legally secured him a simple (wooden structure) one story dwelling perched on a hill, with a small plot of land (for growing vegetables) in the back, at one side a wooden shed (barn) housing four chickens and a rooster, a donkey, two goats, then on the other side a deep well. All of that, including the main house, was then encircled by a white picked fence.

Longze had lived there quietly tending to the animals (which were included in the sale of the house, previous owner having died quite suddenly and without a living relative to bequeath them to), making repairs and often keeping to himself; sometimes he would additionally take on odd jobs at the local smith (metalworker) to make ends meet. Time passed quickly, and he was now shy of five months before he would turn seventeen earth years old (in appearance to the mortal beings). In that time, he had grown up to be six feet tall, with long pale blond hair over the shoulder, with brilliant, grey blue eyes, athletic built. He was exceptionally handsome, but he was not reckless in that by being reserved and elusive, tad unfriendly in demeanor- he’d chosen  instead, in a recluse scholarly  (academician’s) way, to decipher the varied innuendos (insinuations, ambiguities) in the vernacular (argot, slang, idioms), prose (writing style) and several particularly stimulating (noteworthy) works of art (painting, still life, portrait, images and water colors). 

In the interim, he would quietly but astutely (keenly) observe and study, atypical quarks human civilization, and in some instances even document it in a small bound book (a journal), as nights were insipidly (boringly) long. He was then again, infrequently (seldom) drawn to bizarre human archetypal (standard mainstream) likes and dislikes. He shied away, however, from exacting hereditary or practical social norms, the hierarchical edifices (organizations, networks), the odious mercantile transactions, obnoxious artisan habits, abhorrent military feats that subjugated benign nations and execrable moral statutes (rulings, edicts). Nonetheless, even these were diligently recorded in the same bound book, with multilayers of loving and virtuous human interactions, exultant family dynamics and social recreations, diversions (sports, games, pastimes, amusements) which humans often engaged in within the dynamics of core or extended family.

 

02- YOHN LONGZE

Sensible (mature) beyond his years, Longze till then had avoided all conventional (usual) complications of social or political entanglements, which often beset (plagued) most men in the mortal realms. Factor in the capricious fate, and unexpectedly and decisively, his placid existence was abruptly one day was overturned, to make way for dire trouble, which destiny had most certainly marked him for.

                                                                                                                 ~

In a small town, in gatherings, shops and saloons, people often talked (gossiped) and shared private opinions; they watched and judged, particularly of every newcomer, as it was their habitual pastime. And yes, they had also shared certain opinions about the recent, enigmatic young citizen Longze:  

Everyone knew him by the name of Yohn Longze, who had arrived in the village little over a year with his few possessions tucked into a bundle under his arm. With the small amount of cash, he had brought with him which had enabled him to purchase the old, excentric Mercer’s abode. With no friends or relatives, young Longze lived there since then, shying away from idle gossip and instead, planting flowers and vegetables on his small plot of land and tending to his obligatory animals. The animals had been clearly spooked at first, for whatever reason, but in time they had settled down. Longze did not drink or gamble, he was instead an avid reader, and he was observed habitually (consistently) seated by the window every night, quietly reading passages from the soft bound books, which he routinely had acquired from the local bookstore. Passers by sometimes observed him during late afternoons, seated on the stairs in front of the door, scribbling stuff into the small bound book. Other than that, no one knew much about him, but many respected him none the less as he was always above board, kind, sincere and always ready to land a helping hand without question to all those that needed it.

 

03-

There were those however, with black hearts and clouded judgements, especially when they were inebriated, idly sitting by in some seedy saloon (drinking establishment), wanting to liven up the dreary, mundane times and to  gain measure of recognition from their compatriots, by questioning or through insinuation, trying to tarnish Longze’s all too perfect, pristine record. After all no human was without flaws (faults, defects); he had to have some hidden vices.

                                                                                                     ~

It so happened that Yohn Longze’s closest neighbour was a store owner, named Thomas, who lived with his wife Rikka and a beautiful daughter named Asta. Asta was a good four years older than Longze (which made her about twenty years old) and so Longze had always greeted her with respect due to elder sister. Thomas made a good living selling much needed supplies to the local crofters and fisherman.

One ordinary evening after repast, as the family leisurely played cards, because of a minor irregularity (infraction), to the utter consternation of the parents, they discovered that their beloved daughter was now with child. No one had gone to bed that entire night; as the aggrieved (angry, upset) father pestered his daughter relentlessly till dawn. Subsequently, Thomas had finally extracted (obtained) an unwilling confession from his dog-tired (drained, wearied) daughter Asta and learned of the culprit ‘s identity.

Though a great shock, they took her at her word and confronted Longze that afternoon, with his wrongdoing. The father was itching to beat Longze to a pulp, but Longze’s fine physique and composed (serene) demeanor, despite the hurled insults and accusation, his tolerant nature, soon diffused the irate father’s fury, as well deterred him from unleashing his vengeful wrath on this maddeningly placid individual.

04- THOMAS

In all that time, Longze had not defended himself nor did he counter the accusations of Thomas, which Thomas interpreted (took it) as admission of guilt.

Longze had listened patiently to the unfounded allegations which sullied his good name and had endured Thomas’s irate curses, look of daggers, fiery tirade, threats, and perplexing (inexplicable) ramblings, till the other had lost his voice. Then, at the end of it, without showing the least emotion, Longze had simply bowed his head, shrugged his shoulders and in a muted tone agreed, “As you’ve already condemned me sir, I’ll agree to whatever you say.”

Just before dusk, Thomas had returned home frustrated, indignant, and still fuming; however, other than his daughter’s word, he had no real proof which to present this matter to the magistrate then, lawfully register a formal complaint and demand apt compensation. Asta’s vehement declaration, that despite her erring in judgement that one time (her being compromised), she had no true affections (love) for Longze and hence, refused absolutely, any notion of marriage to him, terminated that option. Thomas, meanwhile, dreaded the consequences of his precious daughter’s name being dragged through the mud (her being the object of idle gossip); thus, he considered his alternate options and finding none, the matter was abruptly dropped.

In the subsequent months as she became visibly pregnant, however, the unavoidable gossip of course spread like wildfire throughout the town; furthermore, the mysterious gossipmonger had pointed the finger of blame squarely at the newcomer Yohn Lonze, causing his systematic persecution and directing intense, mass animosity even from the more moderate folk. Longze was now shunned like the plague by many decent citizens, some merchants refused to sell their products (wares, food, merchandise) to him, and at every instance, women drew their children near and crossed the street to avoid (eye-contact with) him.

05-YOHN LONGZE

By turns, Lonze was approached by few prostitutes and the rough ruffians (gangsters) offering him unsavory deals, as well, risky, though highly profitable jobs, which he of course promptly declined. Then, they too also turned on him, making his life a living hell.

During this time, he had suffered some serious physical (health) impediments which he received neither the proficient treatment, medicine, nor solace, prolonging his recovery. He also had to endure some minor fiscal (monetary) setbacks, when even the town’s smith (metalworker), who favored his work chose to distance himself from Longze. Longze endured these financial hardships by being extra frugal.

Humans are usually covetous of superior beings and Longze had inadvertently, incurred their innate jealousy with his noble, upstanding, empathetic, and generous nature. They, therefore, were all too quick to condemn him and revel in his status of a fallen one with stained propriety (respectability, and decency). But once more Longze had stoically borne (withstood, braved) these attacks (censures) during the lengthy, adverse (hostile, evil) episode, steadfast with his due diligence, perseverance, and gentle disposition. Even the rowdy children who frequently lay in ambush to pelt him with rocks, eventually got tired of their campaign once they saw they could not anger him.

After the child was born, the indignant Thomas, ignoring his daughter’s pleas and protestations, one night (under cover of darkness) delivered the healthy baby boy to Yohn Longze’s doorstep in a bassinette.

06-BABY BALDER LONGZE

Longze accepted the infant without any apparent emotion and from that time on proceeded to taking a particularly good care of the baby. In fact, he was delighted at this rare chance and this unexpected, most enjoyable responsibility; he saw to it that the baby was safe and comfortable and well fed; wherever there was need, he fetched some goat’s milk and warmed it before giving it to the infant as an apt nourishment, as he could not pay for a wet nurse. Nor did he question the quirks of fate, as he too in his infancy, had been abandoned to the care of stern, unyielding guardians that never smiled, not once.

06 B- BABY DRAGON LONGZE (32)

 He never had known warmth or loving embrace but nevertheless, he had been fortunate in that his guardians had always been stringent yet fair with his upbringing. He will endow this baby with the love and warmth and all the kindness he had within him to confer (impart).

Soon as he was able, Longze, (strapping the baby to his back) visited the official registrar’s office and formally, as any good father would, adapted the baby, whom he had named Balder (barer of light). He, furthermore, secured the legal document which from thence, officially bequeathed all his worldly belongings, should he one day expire (begone, disappear), to his now lawful son, Balder Longze.

Asta, the mother of the infant, upon learning of this recent development from her father Thomas, eyes brimming with grateful tears, heaved a deep sigh and then, not wanting to jeopardize her secret, nascent hopes, which differed from the one her father Thomas had again reiterated (voiced), she simply looked away. After a prolonged silence, as Balder was a good name so, she then nodded her head, acceding to the baby’s now legal name.

                                                                                                           ~

Then one day when a particular ship with its sparse crew had once more docked in the Town’s puny port, her heart leapt for joy. All this time she had harboured the wish that her young man, named Corey, the affluent Merchan’s eldest son, would keep his promise, return to ask her hand in marriage and make all things right by her.

07- COREY AND ASTA

The young man Corey, as expected, again secretly sought her attentions but upon being told of the child Balder, his unexpected icy demeanour, the subsequent denial, and rebuke had irrevocably broken her heart. She realized than that he had never loved her, but unashamedly (fragrantly, brashly) used her to satiate his carnal desires.

Corey had irately stated that he was expected to take over his father’s business when his father had retired, and as an affluent merchant, they had already arranged for him to be wed to another from an equally affluent family. He could not throw all that away, her status was too beneath him, they would never accept her as his wife; she was not even good enough to be considered as his concubine. Then he had deeply wounded her soul, her integrity and heart, uttering his icy toned, insensitive, and devastatingly cruel question, which doubted her claim of his paternity.

Was he really the sole one that she had been intimate with; how could he be sure she had not taken akin liberties with, some other young men?

She was so utterly devastated by these injurious words, his insinuations, that she had not been chaste (virtuous) in the first place, or else she would not have so easily succumbed to his charms; moreover, he had shamelessly and cravenly, entirely absolved (excused) his part in all of that and squarely laid all blame on her.

She could not believe her ears and eyes; shocked to the core, her face flushed, her eyes brimmed with tears, her chest constricting with pain she, therefore, did not know whether to cry or laugh. She simply wanted to disappear! But then, unexpectedly, her heart just then abruptly hardened (turned to stone) and she simply, with an icy glare, stared at this loathsome, ruthless, aspiring spineless fiend whom she had once, by being totally gulled, intensely and wholeheartedly loved. Adamant then not to show least weakness to this opportunistic, dastardly being, Asta held (pinned) her unreadable gape (stare, gawk, gaze) on him for two whole minutes, with the sardonic (wry) smile on her lips, her ears deft to all his subsequent excuses and cowardly (gutless) ramblings; thus, wanting absolutely nothing further to do with Corey, she told him a blatant lie, robbing him therefore of any potential future claim to her child Balder.

Thereafter, she simply (turned) gave her back to him and walked away.

How ironic life was; how fickle her fate had been! As the distance between them grew, her thoughts (strangely enough) inexplicably had veered to Longze, she heaved a deep intake of breath and then sighing, she gloomily looked up at the smoothly sailing clouds in the sky.

Mercifully for the time being, her precious son Balder, had been (albeit temporarily) placed in the competent care of a far deserving, a virtuous human being, Longze. young as he was, he was far more reliable, a good father to her son. But she knew that one day, regardless, she would want her son back, she could not do it now, but one day she will find a way, as she refused to shirk her responsibility to Balder.

If only her heart had instead been captivated by Longze…If only he was older… or she, younger.

08-LONGZE

But she could not, not in good conscience, do that to Longze; Asta respected him far too much now, to bind such a noble person, to a loveless marriage. Why won’t her father understand this: Longze deserved to have his own loving wife and offsprings…She expected that one day he would have all that.

Later, that day as she had watched a distant ship’s departure, her wayward thoughts again turned back on Longze. Her conscience ached, her breath caught, and tightness in her chest mounted becoming unbearable with all that shame and guilt, as her brain ruminated all that the virtuous (righteous), young man Longze had endured on her account.

Longze’s most recent generous deed, his registering a will that furthermore ensured Balder’s future comfort and safety, anew filled her heart with boundless gratitude, and brimmed Asta’s eyes with fresh tears.

In the subsequent months Asta’s conscience had persisted in troubling her; meanwhile, the child was entirely innocent of this, and so in the end she was resolved to love him wholeheartedly and bring him up herself, without want. That evening after the repast (meal), she simply broke down and tearfully confessed the truth about the baby’s paternity to her parents. Pleading for forgiveness next, she declared that Yohn Longze had been entirely innocent; that he had nothing to do with her pregnancy and that he had been so grievously wronged. Furthermore, she implored her parents to permit her to claim her child, to bring him home and thereafter, lovingly (tend to him) bring him up.

When the commotion died down, and copious tears were shed by all, both parents along with their daughter showed up at Longze’ door to ask humbly and at length for his forgiveness and to retrieve (re-claim) the burdensome bundle, the precious son and beloved grandson Balder, they had prior, left in his care. That he could at any time can call on them to see Balder.

Longze had again patiently, with decorum listened to Thomas’s sincere explanations, his ensued regrets and profound apologies; then with a solemn expression he had nodded, as soft murmur passed his lips, “Please do not trouble your hearts with any remorse, I was most happy to do it, as I now also concede to your request.”

Longze then turned and went inside, fetched the peacefully sleeping child and delivered him into their loving care of his grandfather. As they were leaving, Asta turned her head to look apologetically back at Longze, to silently beg (implore) his forgiveness once more and to express her deep gratitude for his benevolence; she, however, saw instead, a single tear glistening on his cheek as he abruptly retreated, disappearing back inside his humble abode.

                                                                                

09- GUARDIAN VERNON

“Are you all done now?”  Inside his guardian Vernon suddenly manifesting, asked.

Longze lowered his head to hide the tears brimming in his eyes and nodded.

“Yes, I’m done… And I apologize for all my prior transgressions, as well, for my most recent act of disobedience sir; and now, I humbly await, without protest, my just due punishment.”

“Consider it a lesson well learned.” Vernon, furrowing his brow, sternly ejected; meanwhile, masking his unusual compassionate feel, he for a spell, with an unreadable expression simply looked at his charge (ward). Vernon then shook his head, tad disappointed, for this was not the experience he had wished for Longze to have.

Subsequently, both (without trace), had simply, instantaneously, vanished into thin air.

10- GUARDIAN VERNON AND FLEDGELING (TYRO) DRAGON LONGZE

 

Fin.

 

DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 1

DRAGON LONGZE- THE GOOD FATHER (REVISED BY BOST 2026) – PART 1

(BEGINNING OF PART 1)

 

Dragon Longze, now in his mid teens (about fifteen earth years), wanting to see more of the world, one day he successfully absconded from his island prison, where he had been tutored and, carefully monitored by his stringent guardian teacher day and night.

 

01- MAGIC ISLAND WHERE LONGZE WAS KEPT

In truth, his guardian Vernon had read his mind and intentions long before this and, had already decided on allowing Longze this apt lesson (and experience). Vernon, though demanding and strict, being a much younger than his peers (guardian colleagues), he had been far more tolerant of Longze’s defiant, rebellious traits that had exasperated the prior three veteran ones before Vernon.

All the same,  Vernon had been perturbed for some time now, by Longze’s unusual attachment to humans and his unwavering fascination in their perceived, noble capacity; hence, he’d hoped that Longze’s firsthand experience in the mortal world, his albeit brief exposure to the truth,  might shed more accurate  light (truer assessment) on his otherwise idealized interpretation (version) of the matter.

 

02- VERNON - GUARDIAN OF LONGZE (19)JP

Vernon had, furthermore, hoped that in the interim this would temper, if not forever bust (diffuse), his charge’s impractical, steadfast (inexorable) belief in humanity, and decisively ensure his future survival.

                                                                                             ~

 

Longze after having efficaciously run away, he had incessantly swum in the vast ocean in the form of a white fish with golden gills (for at this early stage in his life he was not able to transform into a dragon just yet), traversing a great distance.

Subsequently, affirming that he had gotten clear away and that he was not pursued, he selected an ideal, deserted sandy shoreline (with not a soul about) to emerge from the waters and now fully transformed into a human form, his two bare feet was firmly planted (landed) on the coarse sandy beach. His first precarious (bit wobbly, tottering) steps quickly balanced (stabilized), he then swiftly ascended (climbed) the snaking, barely visible goat’s path and reached the top of the hill where he could then better (observe) survey the entire perimeter at that higher elevation.

 

03- LONGZE ASSUMES HUMAN FORM

His keen eyes spotted at once t. top part of the chimney of the wooden cabin which was nestled in a grove of tall pine and was ordinarily well hidden, at some distance from where he stood: the abrupt rising wind  swaying the brunches at one point had fortuitously, revealed the chimney’s presence.  It was nearing dusk and in his naked state, the cold seeped into his very marrow (bones); however, indifferent to thrashing wind that now bend or whisked the tall grass (and bushes) that reached his waist, he elatedly tread (walked, practically ran) his bare feet over the uneven, gravelly ground towards the cabin. The deceptively dilapidated wooden hut was overgrown with ivy; Longze, reaching the door and finding it unlocked, without hesitation (entered) stepped inside.

His quick perusal,  revealed that interior was not only sturdy but orderly and practical: a sparse furniture of  a well positioned crude table and two chairs was placed  in the centre, while a small sleeping bed with thick woolen blanket over it (that had seen better days) was pressed against the far wall by a small, boarded window. The absence of curtains, tablecloth or other soft feminine touches, revealed that the cabin belonged to a solitary, robust male human. The cold (unlit) hearth was slightly off center, with few cast-iron pots hanging overhead and a stack of wood piled at the side of it;  a large empty earthen jar probably used to store-rain water, stood next to four barrels of spirits which rested at the far corner beside some other wooden boxes clearly holding rations.

The well constructed (pine-wood) bookcase that was set against the other wall, was composed of three shelves: The top shelves held a crude stone carving of a fierce bear and some withered, scrolls of maps, a discoloured romance fiction, a simple bound book with pages all curled up, and two innocuous account books. The middle shelves sported two large wooden utensils (large ladle, a huge fork), a long kitchen knife, and four wooden dishes. The bottom shelves had on it neatly stacked, bunch of ropes, one deadly stiletto, a stack of thirty arrows stored in leather casing, an axe with a short handle, box filled with various size metal splinters (sheards, pins, spikes, pegs, tacks, various size nails), a deadly looking metal hook and something else, Longze could not rightly identify.

 

04- LONGZE CHECKS OUT THE INSIDE OF CABIN

His eyes next caught the two ebony chests off to the side adjacent to the pine bunkbed with crumpled dusty blankets over it. Judging by the look of things however, thick layer of dust covering everything about, the occupant had not been there for quite some time.

Longze did not know it, but the place was a secret hideout, used infrequently by a notorious, a felonious (lawless) highwayman and a dastardly killer named Kalen, who prayed on the beached travellers, or lost and vulnerable hunters (trackers) or adventurers. From the looks of it, the place was used to temporarily stashed his most recent ill-gotten booty there before he carted it away to the nearby town for illegal sale.

Fortunately, Kalen was away at the time, probably already pursuing (tracking) his next prosperous prey (target).

Anyhow, Longze, finding the premise abandoned, he searched through the large wooden chests. In one he found stacks and stacks of coins and other precious gems and valuables. He understood that he needed some cash in the human world, so he borrowed a small bundle with some coins in it, with purpose of repaying what he took to the owner later.

Longze, next rummaged through the other five smaller wooden chests that housed varied forms of attires; he was too naive to discern (recognize) that these, shirts, pantaloons, vests, socks and in some cases jackets, in all likelihood were pilfered, appropriated garbs, costumes, and wardrobes, of various fabrics (silk, cotton, wool) and quality. At the bottom of the third small chest, he had additionally discovered, four pairs of leather boots, (varied) different in style but all black in colour. He measured (pressed) the souls of a pair, which had caught his eye, against his feet and found that they were close to his foot size; therefore, he set this sturdy pair aside. Subsequently, he in quick succession, fetched a pair of a grey coloured woolen socks, few pieces of garbs from other small chests, which were practical and fit well. Shortly after, Longze emerged from the hut, appropriately dressed.

 

05- LONGZE APPROPRIATELY DRESSED

Longze did not know this, but he had been spotted at some distance by the eagle-eyed, returning culprit. Kalen was a stubborn villain; he had always pressed on (his stamina) hard refusing to accept his bodies’ limitation. This most recent heist had gone terribly awry (wrong); encountering real resistance, he had barely made out with his life, only to find unexpected intruder, a brazen thief exiting from his cabin wearing his clothes and Heaven knows what else he had absconded with? More importantly, how had the thug (goon, trespasser) breached the set deadly traps and the locked door?

Kalen’s mind reeling (spinning, whirling) with unanswered questions, ignoring the fact that his body at present was teetering on the verge of collapse, he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, towards his cabin.

 Longze, oblivious to all the peril, was halfway down the hill, when the rogue warrior Kalen arriving, almost breathless, at the spot, finding the traps un-engaged and the door clearly unlocked (with no traces of the sturdy iron lock anywhere) and therefore, seeing red ( fuming with rage) and growling, rushed inside his cabin to assess anticipated marks of intrusion, damage or, more specifically, theft ( what was missing ).  

 

06- KALEN THE RUFFIAN

Nevertheless, deciding not to linger, Kalen at once fetched his stored (spare) arrows- as his arrow-sack (bag, satchel) slung on his back was entirely empty, having buried the last one (arrow) squirely in the chest of his most ardent pursuer. All five guards that had been the relentless pursuers for half a day, bent on revenge for his dastardly murder of their Lord, in the end had been expertly vanquished one after the other, by his poisoned arrows that always found their mark.

Kalen fuelled entirely on (running on) adrenalin, commanded by an unyielding, stubborn brain demanding blood (retaliation, retribution) and utter obliteration of this brazen thief; and so, armed with fresh arrows, and some deadly shards and hook, Kalen had dashed outside, with murder registering in his pupils.

His path, however, was abruptly (instantly) blocked by the menacing looking dark warrior, who stood his ground with an unyielding, menacing stance (posture).

This was Longze’s guardian Vernon who had manifested on the scene some time prior, swooped down from the clouds long before Longze had appeared on the scene and seen to disarming the traps then simply vanishing the lock on the door, by a beam shod from his pupils, therefore, allowing his wayward (naughty, disobedient, unruly)  ward (charge) uninterrupted, safe entry into the wooden cabin.

07- GUARDIAN VERNON WATCUES FROM THE CLOUDS

 

From far above, amidst the clouds, Vernon’s keen eyes (vision, sight) nevertheless piercing the walls of the cabin, he’d with some amusement, monitored (watched) his charge Longze’s subsequent activities within the cabin. He had carefully noted for instance, what Longze had selected and what he did not take. Vernon was intrigued with his ward’s practicality and his disciplined mind, and additionally pleased, with Longze’s lack of greed, decency, and pure heart. Longze had only borrowed what he needed, and nothing more; even then, he had left, though foolishly, a written note to the proprietor, the complete list and the promise of repayment of those items, later.

Vernon then had watched his naïve charge exit the premise and quickly descend the path, looking every bit the confident traveller, an ordinary normal human being.

Subsequently, Vernon had lingered amidst the cloud’s tad longer but long enough to assess the immediate danger posed to Longze; he had clearly read Kalen’s malevolent intent. Vernon with darkened mood, observed Kalen’s subsequent collection of items, that Kalen’s mind demanded not just to punish, murder or maim, but to inflict the exacting, excruciating prolonged pain and torture on the perceived thief, Vernon’s ward, before his end.

Therefore, feeling perfectly justified of what he was about to do, he had slowly descended from the clouds and waited, both feet firmly planted on the ground, Infront of the wooden cabin, in real time minutes before Kalen darted to, outside.

“Going somewhere?” Immortal Vernon’s sneer froze the very blood in Kalen’s veins. But before Kalen could respond, Vernon with his dragon’s fiery power channeled to his hands, he incinerated all, Kalen and the entire cabin, all was scorched and reduced to ash in an instant.

 

08- VERNON -LONGZE'S GUARDIAN

                                                                            

 (END OF PART 1)