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

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

01- FREYA HELD IN CAPTIVITY (1)JP

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

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

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

~

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

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

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

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

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

04- WARRIOR ERLAND (6)JP

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

05- DRAGON LONGZE (77)

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

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

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

06- DEVIL PANTHER SEDIT ATTACKS LONGZE

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

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

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

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

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

07-WAR WITH DEVIL SEDIT (LOKI)

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

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

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

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

 

                                                                                                  ~

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

(END OF PART 8)

 

 

 

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

 DRAGON LONGZE ENCOUNTERS FREYA (BY BOST, 2026, PART 2)

 

 On that faithful day at the sixty-seventh Summer Solstice festival, the two antagonists (rivals), Alec Aquila and Jedrick Bijarke, had yet again clashed, when Alec had stoically and valiantly defended his sister Freya’s honor.

01-JEDRICK BIJARKE (12)JP

Alec, furthermore, covertly challenged by the brazen Jedrick, to the ultimate (high stakes) duel, he, without moment’s hesitation, had intrepidly and gallantly (boldly) accepted it. Because of his protective instincts, however, he had kept her entirely in the dark about the arranged duel; instead, quietly tended to his sister’s needs and afterward, because their mood had been spoiled, he safely escorted her home.

During repast that night, one look at their sombre faces, and Hans Aquila, understood at once that something grave must have transpired, during that day’s excursion in the Village, which had brought them home early. Thus, their missing night’s sundry (manifold) festivities and the still ongoing, multifarious celebrations of the Summer Solstice festival in the Village squire, which was the most coveted (popular) occasion where which the young people (teenagers) were allowed to without reservation, enjoy and fully indulge in varied alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

02--FREYA AND ALEC AQUILE IN THE MARKET SQUIRE

Moreover, by returning early, Alec and Freya had forfeited their right to participate in the finale celebrations (festivities): the thrilling midnight bonfire, where flutes and drums sang all night, while the young men and women in their colourful fineries (regalia, attire) danced, twirled about and made merry, around the towering, raging (blazing) bonfire at the village squire; a blissful, joyous event that lasted way past the midnight hour. A night also, when the romantically involved young men and women made promises to each other, a respectable number of them marrying shortly thereafter, within a year.

Hans Aquila did not wish to pry, so he had patiently waited most of that night, for his dear children to unburden themselves to him; however, they had both in tandem (concurrently), decided, not to worry their dear old dad with something he needn’t bother.

03- HANS AQUILA (19)JP

                                                                                  ~

 

Four days later, on a cloudy afternoon, at the secretly pre-arranged secluded spot, at the edge of the dark forest, the indomitable Alec had faced Jedrick and his nine most ardent cronies, plus one supreme warrior/guard, Haldor Yon; one against eleven, since the dire combat entailed no restrictions.

Jedrick was quite pleased with himself and utterly confident that on this day he would finally rid himself of the pest that robbed him of his peace (harmony) and serenity (equanimity). Especially since he held the trump card, the famed, invincible warrior, Haldor Yon, with him. Jedrick had asked Haldor, calling in the long-standing favor, the warrior had owed him for his past discretion that had saved Haldor from a grave consequence. Jedrick had same time begged Haldor to keep it entirely secret, for if his father knew, he would be in dire trouble, understanding his concern, the warrior Haldor had readily acceded.

04- JEDRICK (CONFIDENT HE WOULD WIN THE DUEL)

At the anticipated time, Alec Aquila was instantly surrounded by Jedrick, and his staunch (faithful), heavily armed competent posse (gang) of nine; all glowering (scowling), brandishing their swords and poised to strike. The tension in the air was so palpable and all-pervasive (overpowering) that, the varied cohabitants of the forest (all the creatures: animals, birds, insects, and organisms, etc.) all, seemed to hold their breath; and, the air was so thick with tension that one could hear a leaf fall on the ground.

The main adversarial force (group) was held back momentarily from the immediate offensive (onslaught, attack) however; instead, the first honours were given to, Haldor Yon, the invincible, aristocrat/warrior, an esteemed friend and, one of one of Elof Bijarke’s, most trusted, elite guards.

Incredibly, Alec soon surprised Jedrick and all his armed thugs (goons) with his incredible prowess which matched that of the seasoned warrior Haldor Yon’s. During the thrilling incessant three bouts (sessions) of the competition, Haldor had at one point realized that, despite Alec’s young age, and kerbed (limited) experience, he’d finally met his equal in competence, in other words, all the things that had made Haldor to date, invincible. He understood, to his dismay, that this fearless young man could on this day, even surpass (exceed) his proficiency and defeat him. Therefore, from then on, he did not hold back on the speed and ferocity of his blitz (barrage of) offensives (onslaughts).

05- WARRIOR HALDOR YON  AND ALEC FIGHTING  - JP

And lo and behold, Haldor’s ominous prediction still came true. In one remarkable maneuver, Alec, gaining the opportunity, dealt his mighty opponent the lightening death strike (cut, blow) and Halder was no more.

As it had not been Alec’s intent to let things go to that extreme, the dire outcome had as well, shocked him and for a spell he stood frozen where he stood, clearly, visibly demoralized, and utterly grief-stricken.  Unfortunately, in the heat of battle, for a moment he had lost his temper (fury) and let slip his self-restraint; consequently, he had failed to curb (check)his then unleashed supreme innate prowess and now, he had become a murderer… And the stain on his soul could never be erased. Technically, it had been an act of self-defence, as Halder manipulated (fed) by Jedrick’s convincingly deleterious (toxic) defamations (libels, slurs), the guard’s true intent all along, had been to, not just defeat (best) this young upstart Alec, but to acerbically (pointedly, cruelly) annihilate (crush) him.

Jedrick and his posse witnessing this unimaginable outcome, had also for the same duration stood aghast; however, getting a grip on their senses, for they’d just then realized that their life, akin Haldor, was in hazard (peril), they had quickly reassembled and with renewed zeal attacked Alec.

Alec had no intention of slaying them all, nevertheless, knowing Jedrick’s duplicitous (treacherous) and vindictive nature, he just wanted to categorically (firmly) dissuade Jedrick and his gang from going after his family after the duel, specifically Freya, and causing her harm.

During the subsequent, incredibly intense contest (fight) meanwhile, Alec’s swordsmanship skill proved yet again, far superior, as he competently offset Jedrick’s and his clique’s (combined) simultaneous onslaughts; then, within just the first-round Alec utterly bested (vanquished) them all.

Alec’s breath perfectly normal, his scrutinizing gaze panned briefly over the menacing group of thugs that had all been swiftly waylaid (intercepted); the nine disarmed foes, their previous bravado (audacity) gone, they lay strewn (scattered) halter skelter and moaning all around him, clutching their wounds, their clothes bloody and wriggling in pain, on the ground.

Then, for a moment, Alec’s eye caught Jedrick’s; Jedrick’s penetrating loathing gaze thence, his intense odium burrowing into Alec, as his face flushed crimson with vehement ire, overriding his badly concealed mortification. If only he could with his bare hands, tear Alec asunder and utterly decimate (slaughter, cut down) this maggot in million pieces (slices, slivers); however, not even that would mollify (placate) his all consuming, burning rage at this, utter humiliation. He had underestimated Alec’s prowess; thankfully, no one of consequence had born witness to his ghastly disgrace.

06- JEDRICK IS FURIOUS

Jedrick, for the first time ever cowed (browbeaten) and so, conceding to a crushing defeat, from that day on seethed with malevolent odium (abhorrence) towards his lasting nemesis Alec; he did not just want Alec’s utter annihilation, but aimed instead, to shatter (decimate) Alec’s soul by, going after Freya and therefore, executing his ultimate retribution (vengeance, reprisal) on Alec.

Subsequently, when the supreme warrior/guard, Haldor Yon’s demise became known, Haldor, being an important member from a prominent aristocratic family, his death had profound consequences and rippling effects in destabilizing the security as well, the politics within the Village. A meticulous examination during the autopsy of his corpse had revealed the warrior’s grave injury which had resulted in his prompt demise, being an outstanding (salient) feat. Who could have wielded such an impossible strike (cut)? The resulting intense investigation sought to identify the supreme warrior culprit, deeming him to be a fierce, veteran (expert) warrior with obviously invincible prowess.

Jedrick by slightly modifying (altering) his strategy, ceased his chance to, at this point, move tangentially, against Alec. Now, private duels had been prohibited (lawfully banned) for three years now, carrying for the offender, a serious penalty: the sentence of imprisonment and forced labor, without parole for five years, in a heavily guarded penal quarry (silver mine). Despite this, the secret duels continued, to settle unresolved feuds and old vendettas. Jedrick knew also that Alec wanting to keep his sister’s name entirely out of this terrible mess, would never speak out about the duel or the prior trouble (occurrence, clash) involving Freya at the village squire on summer solstice Festival, to anyone, not even his father, Hans Aquila. Therefore, Jedrick in his subsequent court deposition (statement), had audaciously (cheekily) re-constructed the entire script, the scenario, excluding entirely his and his gangs’ involvement in this and, making himself the casual, accidental witness instead, which during a casual hunt with another well respected hunter he’d  just happened on the scene, the palpable place of the violent clash (the scene of the crime)at the edge of the Forest, the place where Haldor Yon’s  body had been left there to be discovered. By the time Jedrick was through with his invented yet astutely logical testimony, it had become nothing more than a flux quarrel, which no one knew the reason of; however, agreeably nevertheless, mysterious motive had unleashed the violent contention (clash)which had resulted in Halder Yon’s demise.

This matter was temporarily shelved (set aside) by the presiding judge, since subsequent weeks of intense search had failed to disclose any likely culprit; Jedrick however, not finished with his campaign against Alec, not by a long shot, he’d quietly then had circulated unsubstantiated rumours that pointed a stealthy, accusatory finger at Alec. Jedrick same time managed to convince and then covertly recruit (enroll) Halder Yon’s secret intimate partner Archilles Elof, to his supposed just cause of apt reckoning (revenge).

07- ALEC FIGHING ARCHILLES ELOF

Two weeks later, a covert challenge had been forwarded to Alec, strongly worded and implying a definite threat against Freya if he failed to accede to the duel.  Alec had of course, accepted it; hoping also, that he would put an end to Jedrick' smear campaign. He was determined too this time, to evermore eradicate (remove) any further threat on his beloved sister Freya.

The arranged place for the duel was at some remote, treacherous high ground (spot, area), at the small clearing, at the edge of the tall precipice. It was disclosed to Alec at the very last minute.  That late, gray afternoon Alec was again forced to fend for himself, this time facing invincible warrior Archilles Elof in fierce combat first, and later, deal with the combined onslaught (attack) from Jedrick and his trusted group from the gang. Jedrick had strategically planned the deadly precision duel to ensure this time, Alec’ conclusive end (termination).

Alec, succumbing to treachery of Jedrick’s at one point, at the edge of a steep (sheer) precipice (cliff), had finally fulfilled Jedrick’s aspiration of eliminating the bane of his life.

                                                                                         ~

As Alec had stockily faced such trying times and overcome many trials and tribulations as well, survived several perilous engagements (combats) transpiring within and the outside scope (perimeter) of the Village (which included the edge of dark forest and the foothills’) -incredibly however, Hans Aquila, Freya, the entire security enforcement, the officials and the ordinary denizens of the village had remained completely oblivious to it all. Tragically, even afterward, all of Alec’s persistent staunch defense of his family, his extreme struggles, his dire combats and eventually, his ultimate valiant act of sacrifice, had never, ever became known.

08- ALEC AQUILA

Five months after the summer solstice festival, shortly after Frey’s sixteenth birthday, her elder brother Alec, had mysteriously taken off one day at dawn without a word to anyone. The search after so many weeks and months was eventually called off by the ever vigilant (resilient) guards of the village, when they had discovered (obtained, found) a torn piece of clothing from his shirt and his discarded bloody sword which lay half buried in the bush, at the very bottom of a deep gorge (ravine). There was not a trace of his corpse; hence, he was presumed befallen to a calamitous end, and after the carnivorous beasts had had their fill, got finished off, by the carrion animals and birds. The case was then succinctly and satisfactorily closed.

Some Villagers were angry with Hans Aquila, blaming him for the present disharmony, as it had set a dangerous precedence with the already restless youth, (many assuming that he with his youthful craze had wished to see the world beyond the village,) within their stringent community; and, Hans was (unofficially) charged for having clearly failed in his parental obligation to instill the necessary discipline in his young son Alec, which then culminated in that serious breach. But from the first, grief-stricken Hans had refused to talk with anyone, about the reasons of his son’s deliberate violation of their most stringent rule and his subsequent absconding that had resulted in the tragic loss of his young life. Though this had reflected badly on Hans, he had adamantly remained tight-lipped about the entire breach, refusing to neither offer an apt explanation or a sincere apology for his son’s ensued (resulted) indiscretion (recklessness) and his failings.

Hans was in fact quietly (in his mind) tallying up the curious set of events and his son’s reticent, odd behaviour, a presumed, deep dark secret he had vehemently guarded, since the summer solstice festival. Though he could not shake the feeling that, behind it all, some danger lurked. Was Alec sacrificed himself, been protective of Hans and Freya?

After the period of hostility (enmity, rancour) however, the prevalent (widespread) disquiet in village had settled down and everything reverted to norm; and she and her father had lived a quiet (placid) though taciturn (reticent, reserved) existence, same as before, keeping only to themselves.

                                                                                           ~

 

 

(END OF PART 2)

  

(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 1)

There existed once a remote village well hidden at high elevation at the foothills of a towering mountain. Four decades ago, the village had been established there by the defeated kingdom Tenner’s warriors, five dissident gentry and some tradesmen and shopkeepers plus few surviving ordinary resilient members plus their families, all having deliberately chosen to be free rather than live under subjugation of the new oppressive (brutal) tyrannical regime that had treated their kind/race as a second-class citizens.

01- VILLAGE

The hardy settlers of this independent village, living at the fringe of civilized world (self-reliant and mostly, cut off from society, the rest of the Nation/ world), had adapted to their new way of life, most by choosing to be hunters and gatherers. There were of course a cattle ranch owned by three recluse aristocrats that mostly kept to himself, a sheep homestead (farmstead) with about thirty sheep, and two thriving horse ranches, which supplied the necessary requirements of the villagers. Only a small group had chosen to work the land and produce medicinal plants, edible roots or grow some grain that could be made into a course (granular, grainy) flour.

This autonomous (self contained)  villagers had  only one blacksmith’s workshop, a single tavern (that was also an Inn) where local man drunk lager beer and gossiped or played cards; a magistrate’s office with three cells (jails); a trading post which was actually a general store that supplied the necessary provisions, such as cloth, blankets, nails, axes, some useful tools and weaponry (for protection) as well as, salt, flour, grain, beans and sometimes coffee (or something resembling it, from the harvested beans they grew on the eastern slopes); a small but thriving bakery that specialized in fluffy pastries; a cobbler (shoemaker) that specialized in custom-made sturdy leather boots particularly for hiking; a tailor shop that did repairs; and of course for the devout citizens, a small church ( with small congregation and a non nonsense priest) and a bell tower.

02- MAYOR GUDMUND KIRK

This small habitation had as well an elected elder serving as the town’s Mayor Gudmund Kirk who was from an old aristocratic family; and as far as politicians go, he was an honest, honorable, conscientious Mayor. mayor: why he’d been re-elected time after time, to be the mayor; his wife Selma was a gracious lady, which fostered (promoted) many charities that benefited the disadvantaged citizens of the village, among them, the destitute peasants, needy individuals and the orphans of warriors lost in combat. Gudmund had three sons: Agil and Corey both were married off at eighteen and lived as prosperous ranchers outside of the village, holding vast lands, the youngest son Hagen, though he had just turned eighteen, was the only one still unmarried and still lived at home. Mayor Gudmund’s erudite (learnt, scholarly) bookish assistant, meanwhile, who had been with the family for two decades, always kept the account books in perfect order.

This village was situated at the edge of a dense coniferous forest, at the foothills of the towering mountain with its summit always covered in ice and snow. At its summit, the four serrated peaks that reached all the way up to Heavens, were perpetually shrouded in miasmic (mist and) clouds.

 The ominous, virtually impenetrable (dense, dark) forest with its tall ancient pines that blocked out the light, was populated with abundant wild fowls (birds), deer, wild boar, hare and (diverse sort) sundry of animals and predatory (carnivorous) beasts; and some folk in town claimed, even phantom beings, as well a dragon, dwelt (resided) there.

                                                                                  

                                                                                            

03B- HANS AQUILA- JP

At the outskirts of this remote village and at the periphery of this dark forest, stood one or two lonely, modest size dwellings, with small surrounding lands, one of which had belonged to Hans Aquila, the hunter; after the tragic demise of his wife three winters past, he dwelled there with his son Alec who was seventeen winters old and his lovely daughter Freya soon to be sixteen winters old. The closeness of their age had made the siblings remarkably tight and Alec, knowing his younger sister’s innocent, trusting, naïve nature had always been very protective of Freya.

 May happened to be Freya’s favorite month; for then the birds (cuckoos) would be singing, and the air was fragrant with scent of blossoms. And the abundant grass then begun to grow taller and thicker in the fields (the land around their dwelling), as the sun then shone brightly overall. One such morning the balm and the gladness of the spring morning greeted the young siblings, Freya and Alec and their beloved father Hans, as they with coffee cup in hand sat at the porch steps, together chatting and talking about nothing specific.

And at the end of the chore filled, busy day, when the evening sun set and after repast, the stars came out one by one in the soft and darkening turquoise of a May twilight, in the happy dwelling, peace and joy typically reigned in the hearts of the three habitants who then sat by the hearth and watched the dancing flames for a time, as they listened to Han’s occasional, hair-raising past adventures, before they retired to their respective beds.

Of course, in that vicinity there lived few other hunters and ranchers, but they were not solitary, they had a spouses and kids, had horses and sheep, though they too, mostly kept to themselves.

04- WARRIOR ERLAND

Hans Aquila ‘s closest neighbor warrior Erland, was an excentric recluse warrior, who’s ranch (homestead) had included a barn and about a dozen horses that grazed in a fenced in area, which he managed all by himself. He had inherited the property nine month’s prior when the original occupant, another solitary warrior, had suddenly passed away; but before he did, he had bequeathed the property to his long-time acquaintance (comrade) and friend Erland. Erland was an austere (grim, unsmiling, stern) handsome, redhaired, green eyed, a bearded, stout man about thirty, a confirmed bachelor, simply known as Erland, with no last name, living at the fringe of the Village, same as them.

Freya was the only one, who was undeterred by the warrior Erland’s unfriendly and almost hostile demeanor, furthermore, she believed that he had a good, honest soul; and so, whenever she encountered him, even from the distance, she never failed to greet him with her sincere smile and by the raised, friendly wave of her hand. His stone heart had eventually thawed towards her, just a bit, by her persistent, though respectful and friendly approach. Eventually his stern gaze, his scowl (glare, frown) softened, and he began responding to her persistently deferential, innocent and sweet salutations, with the slight, curt (brisk) nod of his head, as acknowledgment.

                                                                                        ~

 

Hans Aquila being a competent, a mighty hunter, on occasion accompanied by his son Alec, both would often fearlessly ventured into the depths of foreboding forest, armed with only a bow and quiver of arrows, emerging from it four or six days later, loaded with pelts of predatory animals which Hans then would trade for supplies; as well, hares (rabbit) and one or two bucks (deer), for their sole sustenance (food) as these would last for good length of time.

Most of the game’s choice parts, the meat, within a day was promptly cut off into strips, salted and then set to dry on racks, for their use in later months, while a small portion of it was always reserved for their current use. Freya taking charge of another aspect of it, the seasoned meat would then be made into a hearty, nutritious, succulent (tasty) stew; the slow-cooked meal in a cauldron (cast iron pot), meat simmering along with some wild anions and roots (sweet potatoes) and wild herbs, which Freya collected, at the hearth (fireplace), the casserole soon filled the cabin with delightful, delicious, savory smells. Subsequently, they would enjoy a typical, joyful, evening meal.

05- FREYA

Freya allowing herself a brief respite, stood now by the window, as she sipped coffee from her steaming cup and pensively looked over at the distant ranch; her thoughts were of that lonely warrior Erland who would that very night be sitting down at his table to consume a lonely, perhaps bland and coarse (unsavory meal) repast. She could not help it, but her heart ached for him; suddenly however, having resolved to do the right thing, she rushed back to the hearth.

At dusk that day, Freya bravely giving in to her impulse, carried the small portion of the cooked stew in a clay dish (bowl) placed in her basket and, for the first time ever, trespassed into his property. She then, with quick determined steps climbing the four stairs of his porch and going over left her basket containing the steaming stew and a loaf of freshly baked bread wrapped in a cloth, in front of Erland’s door.  Her heart palpitating wildly, she knocked on the door and hastily retreated into distance before he had a chance to answer the door. She halted few paces away in the middle of the field however and half turned to peak; their eyes met, as he had just then answered the door and, discovering her offering she had left behind.

06- WARRIOR ERLAND

She expected him to be cross with her, but instead, after a curious stare, his grimace (scowl, frown) had unexpectedly softened and replaced with a slight smile as he simply, politely nodded his thanks to her. Afterwards, he bent to pick up the basket and went inside, swiftly closing the door behind him.

Her heart filled with glee (delight, joy), she quickly returned to their dwelling. She had just laid out the plates and cutlery on the table when her father and Alec returned, with a special package they had just purchased after their transaction in Village shop. She was delighted to see that it was a beautifully tailored (sawn), blue dress with beige intricate lace around the lapel (collar, neckline); her heart bursting with joy, she hugged them both in thanks.

Later that night, over dinner she told her father and Alec of what she had done earlier. Hans had frowned at first but then shrugged his shoulders knowing Erland was an honourable man; he shook his head few minutes later however, imagining the daring, impossible scene, then let out a hearty laugh.  Alec looked at his sister with loving affection tinged with worry, hoping her good nature would not one day, land her in any trouble.

07- GIFT BASKET OF THANK YOU

Few days later, the basket was returned, mysteriously appearing at their doorstep at just before dawn, filled with rare fruit, cheese, jar of hard-candies and exquisite pastries, purchased from the Village shops.  And the note that simply said: Many thanks. There was one item however, tugged at the corner, that Freya absolutely treasured, and this was a small silver heart pendant with an ornate initial F on it, fastened on a chain. She wore it from thence always on her neck. Freya had of course wanted to thank warrior Erland in person for this gift, but her aim was deterred by the sound reasoning from her father.

As it were, Erland thereafter, for three weeks, had remained absent from his homestead (ranch); he had gone on a hunt. This was not unusual, as he had done so in the past; meanwhile, a trusted warrior, whom he had occasionally employed (engaged), was seen again taking care of the place during his absence.

 

                                                                                ~

Back in the Village, meanwhile, typically, in any close society there would exist some unsavory elements and there was therefore a group of young men close to Alec’s age, which had formed a secret clique of their own. At the head of this menacing group was Jedrick, an egotistical, malicious (malevolent, nasty, cruel, wicked) strong-arm bully. He kept this dark side of him well hidden from his betters however, appearing instead a respectful, courteous, in short, a suave (smooth, polite, charming), debonair young man. He was tall, handsome looking and had an athletic built, he was agile and possessed a sharp intellect. He, being the sole son of Head of security, the former aristocrat Elof Bijarke, he never lacked for anything and always got his way; moreover, he was good at wielding his sword, and on every encounter, bested any opposition without fail. His father had always held high hopes for him and unaware of his son’s dark side, had hoped that one day he would take on the position of head of security, after his retirement.

08  JEDRICK

At the last summer solstice, during the festival, Jedrick’s wanton gaze had fallen of unsuspecting Freya accompanying her brother through the many stalls that sold custom made shiny trinkets and delightful treasures of all kinds: anything from custom made books, brushes, hair pins, gem crusted small keepsake boxes, golden necklaces, silver inlaid bracelets or rings, antiquate designed vests, combs, rare herbs, intricate laces, toys, specialty deserts and much more. Jedrick had made his inappropriate move on her when for a second her brother Alec had left her site to purchase a secret surprise gift for her upcoming birthday. 

The two antagonists (rivals), Alec and Jedrick, whenever they had accidentally (by coincidence) met in the village squire, without fail they had always clashed. Jedrick with all his advantages, at every contentious (combative) engagement, however, whether it be verbal or physical, infuriatingly so, had failed to trounce (defeat, hammer) Alec. Furthermore, Jedrick had been quietly weary of Alec, understanding that Alec possessed unwavering (staunch) inner strength, stalwart integrity, and obstinate grit (bravery, tenacity, fortitude) Jedrick lacked. Moreover, Alec was an astute observer and had at every instance seen through Jedrick’s deceptive mask (persona) and his false decorum (affability, decency); and then fearlessly he’d exposed (revealed, laid bare) Jedrick’s deception (deceit, called him on it), shaming (defaming) him. Jedrick downright (absolutely) had retaliated then, by persistently spreading unfounded defamatory (slanderous) gossip about Alec and once or twice had even covertly tried to insidiously (perniciously, spitefully) corrupt Alec. He had gone through a lot of trouble (called in favors, bribed, or covertly threatened people) and spent outrageous amount of money; however, in the end, he had still utterly and miserably failed debasing Alec. Subsequently, having run out of all other options but still hoping to contain this threat, or subdue this bane (nuisance, blight), Jedrick this time had tried to recruit Alec into his secret brotherhood (gang). But Alec would have none of it. 

09- ALEC

On that day at summer solstice festival, Alec yet again opposing Jedrick had stoically and valiantly defended his sister’s honor; furthermore, with mettle had accepted the privately issued challenge for the ultimate (highest stakes) duel. 

 

 

(END OF PART 1)

 BE LIKE THE WATER (BY BOST, REVISED 2026)

Once upon a time there lived a modest (meek) young man (individual) called Hagen, who wished more than anything, to be an invincible warrior, like the heroes mentioned in ancient fables. He was well over six feet tall, handsome, had grey blue eyes and his straight long blond hair was often kept loose (unbound), cascading down his shoulders.

01- HAGEN

Orphaned at an early age, he lived humbly and all alone in a small wooden cabin at the edge of a vast, dense forest at high altitude (elevation) mountain. He had an adventurous spirit, and he had plenty close encounters with predatory beasts, living in that remote (secluded) region; nevertheless, he often took long walks in the woods to collect medicinal herbs and also, to explore this wild, untamed world around him as he had a deep, innate appreciation of nature.  He rarely had any human company (an occasional hunter), sometimes going for months, without seeing another soul.

His days were spent tending to his small patch of fenced herb garden and he often made repairs to the wooden cabin (dwelling) that kept him safe from the tempestuous weather and the harsh elements. He chopped firewood making sure his supply never dwindled, stacked them by the entrance, then at night, after a plain repast (stew with meat and wild roots and vegetables), he sat by the hearth and read or sometimes carved little animals, fashioning them from small wood block. The finished products were the only adornment he had on his shelves next to the books and some rare rocks.

Once or twice a year, when it necessitated to fetch (buy) some necessary supplies- such as clothing, blankets, tools, sack of flour or millet (corn, oats, sorghum) for making bread, coffee, beans, seeds, and occasionally some dried or preserved fruit and of course, books- he ventured down the mountain and visited the general store in nearby  border  town. As an avid reader, he sought to acquire the adventurous fables and legends that the proprietor, the middle-aged, widowed frontiersman, called Kenneth, knowing Hagen’s passion and having a particular fondness for this honest young man, who never argued about the price, always made sure to reserve in stock the very latest novels (a volume or two) for him.

02- kENNETH - PROPRIETOR OF GENERAL STORE

Hagen made his living, of course, chiefly by hunting wild animals and selling valuable pelts, in exchange for the supplies; his furs of wolves and mountain lions etc., had always fetched good margin of profit for the storekeeper and so, the proprietor looked forward to these rare visits from this remarkable young man.

                                                                                      ~

When Hagen grew up to his early twenties, as a fine young man no longer content living a solitary life in the woods, his soul craved adventure and to see more of the world, but more importantly, he desired to be a competent warrior; and as he was interested in wrestling, he travelled to the farthest edges of the country and after repeated attempts finally got accepted in an illustrious martial school, at an island monastery, where a most famed master was the instructor.

03- ISLAND MONASTERY (2)

Fuelled by his enthusiasm Hagen endured gruelling training sessions to eventually become a competent fighter. Though he was now robust (athletic, muscular) and a proficient warrior, his timid nature nevertheless, still incumbered his progress and prevented him from reaching his true potential. And despite his zeal and daily practices, on those special tournaments held by the schools to measure the initiates ‘progress, at every instance, without fail he persistently got bested by his opponent.

04- TOURNAMENTS  AT THE ISLAND MONASTERY (17)

         

The teacher who would earlier on recognized his true abilities was baffled by this. Suspecting Hagen’s innate impediment, he initiated a private bout with Hagen to evaluate his skill. True enough, Hagen, caught in the momentum of fight defeated his master on the first round. Subsequent bouts all proved to be the same.

You are a like the turtle,” the master told Hagen one day. “But too often you cower under your shell, you need to come out.” and sent Hagen to see his good friend Ingolf, a Zen master at the nearby temple, for help.

“Not a turtle,” Ingolf, the Zen master nodded after hearing Hagen’s account. “You shall be a Sweeping Wave.”

05- ZEN MASTER INGOLF

Ingolf instructed Hagen on the preliminaries of meditation then told him to remain there the rest of the night imagining himself not as a human being who is primarily afraid, not as an adroit warrior (fighter), not anything but a great wave of the oceans.

“Be like the tsunami,” he said to Hagen before retiring to his private chamber. “Imagine your power sweeping, swallowing all and everything in your path. Then all will be well with you.”

                                                                                    ~

Hagen set motionless in darkness for hours contemplating the words of the Zen master Ingolf.

At first his mind would not cooperate with his will, and Hagen wondered about a great many useless things, places, people or past events, anything but the wave. Gradually however, his willpower won over his monkey mind and forced it to focus on the vast sea, volumes of water and then the waves. His mind now was pinned on that single giant wave. It grew larger and larger, washing over the shoreline, uprooting trees, structures, houses, and even the temple he was sitting in. Everything was encompassed by that giant wave. All that could be seen was the ebb and flow of the immense ocean.

06 B -HAGEN  LIKE THE WATER

At the first light of day when the Zen master Ingolf emerged from his room, he found Hagen still meditating at the very spot he had left him, with one difference…He was engulfed in a numinous (mystical)  miasma (mist, fog, cloud) and emanating from it, was the luminescent (glowing) blue light. Hagen’s eyes closed, his face radiant and perfectly serene, his breathing shallow and steady, he was however, from head to toe soaked to the skin, with his garments completely drenched, sticking to his form and revealing his fine physique. He appeared as though he was immersed (swimming or floating) in cool waters of the vast ocean. His gleaming, handsome wet face was framed by the sodden strands of blond hair, as the pearls of water droplets created a shimmering ring of a small puddle at the perimeter floorboards.

The very moment Zen master Ingolf had drawn near and gently (tentatively) placed a hand on Hagen’s shoulder, however, all was transformed back to norm, and Hagen, as well the periphery (the margin) reverted to prior dry state (circumstance).

The corners of master Ingolf’s mouth slightly lifted as he nodded his head; his hand reaching out lightly patted Hagen on the shoulder and he said, “Now you are that invincible wave, go forth and always be thus.”

And true to fact, Hagen from that day forth became an invincible fighter, winning every challenge and tournament. For decades, his fame spread far and wide (everywhere) and he became the undefeated champion of the realm.

 

FIN