Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 27

 Beauty and the Beast

Author's Note:

The contest calls for the end of the world and a Yeti. It baffles me then and the snow came and I was alive. So I wrote this tale. There was no real snow in my place, but the imaginative ones.

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I can scent the smell again. It has been for some time I had tracked such a scent. It's not often they come to my lair here in the high mountains. We shied from them as they had from us for they fear our size and looks. Truly they are the ones that look like us but smaller in the frame cannot be trusted our lifetime. They had come before as I have said, and when we approached them, they burned our skin with the fire from their hands.  We meant no harm to them but to seek some companion. But their action speaks for their character. We hid since then, but we watched them. Good as they are in the movements but we are the inhabitants here. We know when the earth will move and where the winds blow strongest. But I am now alone, the others have perished in their years and some died in the last earth movement. I was lucky as I was in the cavern and I was not exposed to it. But when I came out, I find the whole troops missing. I searched and this is what I came to scent on. Did they kill my troops with their fire hands? I saw no signs of that in my search and yet I suspect they had a hand in it. I watched as they climbed and some of them also could not make it. They fell into the crevasses or off the walls. I could have saved some but I told myself not to. It's our pledge not to do so after they hunted us. Now of the seven in the troop of theirs, only one left. It moved ever slow and dragged the large package behind. It felled on the slope and its slipping down. I must help or it will fall off the cliff. I jumped off the ridge I was on.

 

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No, it can’t happen like this. Not when we are so close to the top. I just grabbed hold of something but what. All that is snow and nothing that can stop me from going forward. My ice pick has gone; my ropes dangled uselessly, and my life now needs is a miracle as I am sliding down. God, give me mercy for my task is not yours of doing but my own. But it's to be done to save all of us if there is any left. I cannot help but ask for your love for we all had sacrificed our lives to be here. I am the sole survivor and let me complete the task. No.... the cliff edge is near. God, show me your mercy....please. I am slowing down in my slide....wait it's stopping now. Did the crate caught onto a ledge or I am dreaming? Tell me, I am not as I cannot die as yet. But yes, I am not sliding. I looked up to the crate and I see a dark shadow before the sun on its back. It's gray like and yet white like furs. It's huge and it looks like a man but then again not like the ones I knew. Oh my God! It's a huge man clad in white fur and he is hauling me up. It's so effortless in his grasp and I may be saved from the long drop to my early death. Thank you, God. You gave me a miracle. I reached out with my right hand to be pulled up and the hand that touched me was ever warm and comforting. He hauled me up and pulled me along to a safer ridge. I looked at my savior and I saw his face.

 

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It howled out loud and caused the earth to move. It's silly of it to howl out here and I had to stop it. But I am late as the earth has moved. It's coming down and we have not much time. I saw the outcrop and I grabbed it to go there. It struggled but I managed to get it there. It pointed to the package and I swooped down to grab that too. But it caused me great pain in my left leg as the sharp stone cut into my skin. I can see the life essence seeping out and colored the snow. It's dark in contrast to the white surface. But our main worry is the earth, and I held it close to me with one hand and the other holding the previous package of it. The movement was mild compared to some which I had to cower in the darkness, but I am injured this time. But it will not stop howling so I had to close my hand over the sound. Maybe I closed too tight as it went limp and did not move.

 

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I woke up later to find myself still in the snow next to the large beast. It's holding its left leg and moaning in pain. I saw the cause and I know how it got there. It was my crate it saved and caused the pain. I reached out to touch the shoulder of the beast, and it turned to stare at me. I wanted to scream again, but I held my voice down. It looked like an ape and yet more to the human facial. Could it be what I think it is? My God, after seventeen expeditions and now I am facing the mysterious Yeti of the myth. Maybe I am dead and God is playing tricks on me. But I see the blood on his left thigh and that is no dream but real blood. I have seen such injuries in my climbs and it must be treated. I reached for my scarf and I tapped its shoulder again. It looked at me, and I motioned to the wound. How do you tell an ape you want to help? It's not they can speak your language or understand your signs. But I had to try. I got up and walked to its leg. I reached for it but it cringed away. I slowly touched it again on the knee and moved my scarf over the wound. It did not stop me, nor cringed this time. I wrapped the scarf and tied a tourniquet over it with a small spike in my climbing gear. It stopped the bleeding but I don’t know if it will hold for long.

 

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It did me some miracle to stopped the bleeding. But we can’t move yet. The earth is still moving ever slow inside and we need to wait for it to stop. I pulled the package up close inside next to it while grabbing it to lie next to the package. It did not resist this time, and I also slept next to it. The warmth of my body will keep the cold away from it. I am used to the cold but not it so it's best I protect it. It did not move as I wrapped my hands over its body and hummed some sound my mother used to do. It may have worked as it did not move at all. But it's unusual to hold something warm like it as if I am holding my mate once again. She was mine and we roam the mountains together until she fell to the big stone. She was gone and I am all alone, like now. Those are good thoughts to have at such time.

 

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I could not dare to move as its hands hugged me close to it. I have to admit it felt nice and warm with it but I am not so sure why it did it. Maybe the avalanche has not settled its movement and we need to rest for now. I could start a fire stove, but all of that is deep some ravine now. I guess beggars can’t be choosy at such time. It's humming some sounds to my head. Is it their way of communicating or it's their snoring when it sleeps. Oops, that is not good. I know what that can be, and I am not keen on any of it now or anytime. Sleep big boy, as you ain’t my type. I will just move a teeny bit so I will give you some private space if you need it. But move an inch and I will bring this whole mountain on both of us. That I can promise you now.

 

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The sun signs deep into my eyes when I woke next. I know it's time to move. I slowly got up and tried to stand on my injured leg. It's painful but it's no bleeding so much now. Its magic worked on the wound. I slowly reached for it and tapped the body. It swung to face with a look I have seen many times when I wake my mate. It's disliked to awaken I guess. Who wouldn’t in such cold weather? But we need to find the cavern to properly rest. It got up and looked to the mountain top. I looked at it and find it very interesting. It’s about my height at the middle chest and half my frame. I could have crushed it if I had rolled over it. But it's got a scent I am familiar with; the scent of my mate. Maybe it's a smaller version of my mate. But its colors are too dark for me compared to mine. Ovi, I told myself; it is one of them, and stopped thinking about your mate. I grabbed hold of the package and pulled it to go back to the cavern. But it stopped me; it keeps on pointing to the top of the mountain. But why?

 

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I can see the peak of the mountain top. I need to get there, and my task is over. I stopped it from going to where it’s moving to. I point at the top and I wanted to shout into its ears but I am worried I will bring another avalanche. But it soon understood and it moved there. Thank God, some beasts are easy to manage some of the times. And this is one of those times. It carried my crate like a boy carrying a small ball and walked to the peak. I followed it at the rear as the frame of it can shelter me from the morning sun which is directly in front of us. But then I also admired the beast as it moved up the slope. Nice butt but who is thinking of butt now that the Earth needs my help. We are into the last days and millions depend on my success. I have to reach the peak or we are all doomed. Forever.

 

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I made it to the top and I laid the package down on the ground. It went to opened it up and took out a long shiny item. It set it on the ground and moved its fingers over it like how my mates do on my back sometimes. I wanted to ask but I can see it's very concentrated on the workings. I stood there and see the horizon. It's beautiful to see the sights of the mountain peaks at this height. You are so close to the clouds and yet you cannot reach them. The sun shines ever brightly here and I feel nourished by its light. So different from my cavern where it's all dark every time. I heard it yelp and I looked down at it. Its long shiny item is now a wide-open item pointing to the sun.

 

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I have done it, and now it's up to the Head of Research to complete the tasks. I had already uploaded the codes and they should be transmitting now. And now we prayed for miracles to happen. Miracles that may just save the world. I don’t believe in miracles but on seeing the Yeti, I think they do exist. I can hear the unit coming to life now, and its solar disc is opened. It's building up its power and it will consolidate with the seven other units to shoot the laser burst into the atmosphere which will revitalize the ozone layer again. I don’t know why and how, but I was holding its hand in mine; with great anticipation. I prayed then for another miracle from God. Please make it happened.

 

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I saw the burst of light and then the sun went dimmer and dimmer until its light burned not my furs but comfort it in warmth. But nothing of the warmth I felt could match that of the hand that held mine. It's like when I first held my lost child’s hand at the moment of its birth. It's a feeling of achievement to bring life to this place. My fingers reached out ever gently to hold the palm of it as we both see the new sunlight coming in. Somehow in me, I felt I have done something right but I am not sure what. It looked at me and I think I know what it wants.

 

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I missed my Yeti as I laid here in the hospital bed. It's been two weeks now since he brought me down to the lower ranges and left me at the road where travelers pass daily. I know it's him as much as I know I am a woman. But my Yeti still roams up there and I yearn to go up for my eighteenth time. But the doctors said I need to rest for another week. I kind of like it here too. The attending doctor is cute too and he has got nice butts too.

 

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 26

 Six came to play and only one walked to victory.

 

Author's Note:

The scene calls for a game of revenge among the six and only one to survive.

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“Here is the code to the vault. This is the moment of truth. All we did to work for the last three months comes to this moment. A cool ten million awaits there inside the vault. So who will do the honor? Eunice, care to go first. You were always the cool head who sorts out the kinks in our plan. Or maybe, Ted. You were the one who gave us the first idea to get this heist done. You were the leader until you screwed it up on the planning. Arthur, you took the lead then. You changed the whole plan to be this one which we pulled off finally. I knew you did this for Nancy so she would live comfortably with you. I know all of that as Nancy talked too much to me. In my bed. Sorry, Bart, but I never told you I am bisexual.”

 

I walked around the room and looked at all five of them.  My name is Sally and I am the one who initiated the plan for all of us. I was with Ted to investigate some losses in millions on the trades. We knew who was to be blamed but we found more on the investigation. It was my report that got Ted all riled up and then he was amicable to some suggestions of mine. It did take much to do him in with his debts on the outside. He had a bad plan for a person who can probe loopholes in the system. So I hinted to Arthur then; he was pissed at being blamed for the trade losses. It was not his fault but it was mine to direct on the blame. I coaxed him to get even, and he owns up on this stupid plan which Ted did first. I played along telling Ted to toe the line for now. Arthur had Nancy on his side, or she has his rein on him. He will do anything for Nancy; the jerk works on her heels if she asked him. But she was the key as she has the access to the funds' program. She knew the codes and she could be our Trojan horse to go in. Arthur played up to her and for once he could be out of her influence and his own man. But his plan was flawed too and if I can see it, so can any idiot out there. That’s where I roped in Eunice.  She is the best in her field, studying the figures and trends. She sorts out the kinks and even out the odds. Greed was also her incentive. It was she who told me of the final obstacle; Bart who has to be on the team or we cannot proceed to the last stage. He is the approval man on those transfers. So I put on myself to him and was he a sucker for one lady who thinks he is the man. Like Arthur, Bart would have licked my heels if I tell him to do. But I consented. But how wrong he was as I prefer either as long as I am Domino.  I did to Nancy when she was getting jittery, so I got her to come back on the team. I played my role to her needs for control, but little she was to know I was the one calling the shots.

 

They all looked at me, two bad boys wanting to play the game badly, but the last one, Bart played to mine. Nancy was brought in on the empty promises of us together without Arthur but Eunice was the vixen. She wanted along as she saw the benefits; she calculated her risks and she thinks she could win. But little they know I was the planner, the executor, and also the assumed victim here.

 

“Nobody moved. This is the police.” They came in as I planned to the cue of the timing as I set out for them. Eunice, in this game; I rank better than you. The police took us in but I was hailed the informant and given a credential for public service. But they did not recover the missing millions. It got lost in the tangle of the web which Nancy created with Arthur’s help. Bart tried to implicate me but he forgot I  already set the scales against him from the start. Only Bart was puzzled how someone knew his access codes. Truly in between the sheets, you can do wonders.

 

That was six months ago and now I am sipping a martini in Monte Carlo watching my son who has recovered from his urgent surgery on the heart.

 

"I am here, darling. Mummy will do anything for you." 

Arthur II Book III Chapter 3

 

3.

 

Near the Antoinne Wall, Centurion Marius Giles listened to his bursar on the condition of the treasury.  He was in the Roman fortress standing by the wall opening looking at the legionaries doing their tasks in the yard. He saw the legionnaire tied to the wooden pole with his chest bared. He was caught soon leaving the sentry post on the wall.

“Centurion, we have not paid the men over the last two moons, and the word I got was it may not come.” The Bursar told him. “We are not the only ones affected. The other cohorts are also delayed.”

The Centurion had heard the news that the Legion was not being paid in Britannica for the Senate was concentrating their efforts at Gaul and even back to Rome. The empire was on in break up on the continent spreading to Hispania and even to Africa. Emperors are being said to rule there but none was sanctioned by the Senate. Or even sanctioned they were met with resistance by others.

“We need to get the coins or risked a mutiny.” The bursar himself did not mince his words.

“We are the Legion and not some barbaric tribes. Our discipline …”

“Cannot be measured when the men are hungry and …” The Bursar was cut off.

“Did we not feed them? Was it not like this on the march at Gaul?” Centurion Marius reminded the other.

“Then it was on the campaign but now we are on peaceful guard. The men want to know when and how will they be paid.”

Centurion Marius heard that call many times. He had requisitioned for coins from the Lords and Chiefs but there was no reply. He attributed to his arrogant behavior before when the Ninth Cohort took over the First there.

“Centurion, there is Antonio Marcellus here to see you.”

Antonio stepped in and was offered a seat. The Roman noble had not changed much over the year, although among the three families he ranked the weakest. Still, he held wealth and influence in the Senate. Of the latter, they are too pre-occupied with their conflicts then than to be concerned about a Roman noble family there at Britannica.

Antonio came with a case which he offered to the Centurion.

“I bear you a gift.” Antonio motioned to the case. “It’s only a portion that I am willing to contribute to you and your Cohort.”

“Antonio Marcellus, I do not receive gifts to the Legion or even to my name. “I have said that many times to those who walk through the door.”

“I am aware, Centurion. I am a feeble landowner here but I appreciate the presence of the Legion here. If you will not accept my gift, then consider it a loan to the Legion. I hear the Legion has not been paid for some …. time.”

“Your spies are commendable or my men are tongue loose on their visits to the taverns.” The Centurion looked at Antonio. He knew that Antonio besides being a landowner also operate a few taverns which offered drinks and food for favors or on credit. The taverns also offered the services of the ladies for the lonely men.

“I am doing my bit for the Legion. If it’s not for the Legion here, I will be landless and perhaps a peasant by now.”

“Or you may return to Rome. After all, you are its citizen.” The Centurion mocked the other. “I have two more years to serve before I am given my rights and land concessions.”

“And I will add a part of my own to yours, Centurion,” Antonio added in.

“Pray do tell me your visit intention and be done with the pleasantries.” The Centurion was getting impatient.

“I fear for my family. The Meleagant is…. They are influential with their alliance with Lord Ban and Lord Bors. Since the death of Utter Pendragon, the two Lords have intruded onto my land. They have threatened my servants. They are sanctioned by the Meleagant family.”

Three families there on the land and they can’t stay at peace. That was the thought of the Centurion. He was obliged by the Legion to protect them all.

“I will dispatch my men to check on them but I need substantial evidence to warn them off.” Centurion Marius looked at Antonio. “I was referring to the local Lords.”

“I will give you evidence soon.” Antonio got up and then bowed to the Centurion. “Our arrangement is concluded.”

With that, Antonio took leave of the Centurion. The Bursar went for the case of coins.

“It will suffice to calm the men, Centurion. Could we get more?”

“If there is more, then I will have you hung on the wall.” The Centurion frowned at the Bursar. He knew that he was obliged to the Marcellus.

“Send a regular patrol to the villa. I want those reports.”

Across the distance, Lord Ban seated on the saddle was looking at the Marcellus Villa. He has been eyeing it for some days. He took note of the guards there; thirty of them were the last count. He saw the older lady in the yard with the three young girls. They have not been outside beside the yard. Lord Bors have conspired with him to remove the Roman noble. They had argued over it.

“I won’t harm the girls or the old lady.” Lord Ban has not a family. He was an orphan adopted by the Lord Ban, Senior then. He was brought back and given the name Ban. The elderly Lord had no children and raised Ban as his own but more so as the warrior. He was taught the skills to fight and less on etiquette. He joined the Lord in battles at a tender age and then he was to become the new Lord Ban. He met Lord Bors on the battlefield initially as the enemy and later as an ally.

“Have you seen enough?” It was Lord Bors who rode up next to Lord Ban.

“Can us …. Do we need more land? We hold enough for us.” Lord Ban looked at the other.

“Are you having second thoughts now? I have the mercenaries recruited and they will strike just about…. now.” 

Lord Ban saw the group of five mercenaries riding towards the Villa. It was not big in numbers but they are fierce warriors compared to those miscreants that called themselves guards. He did not hesitate and rode forward. He rode to intercept the mercenaries.

“Knave! I am here.” Lord Ban drew his sword and charged at the mercenaries. They were dressed like bandits. He rode to the leading rider and swung with his sword. The rider had raised his arm with the sword too high and Lord Ban bent forward and cut the sword at the left thigh. He turned his wrist and cut the blade into the rider’s ribs. He drew out his sword and went for the second rider. That one was with a spear and was riding towards Lord Ban.

Lord Ban pulled the reins of the horse and turned right. He wanted to go in from the side. It worked and he had the other four riders coming at him then. He rode hard to draw them away. He saw Antonio Marcellus had returned then with the two personal guards. They were charging to intercept the mercenaries.

Lord Ban turned his horse and charged the mercenaries. Their odds were even and he will end the threat.

If there were threats to Percival, he doubted that Gawain will be reliable. The other looked drunk and out like the stud that went out on too many mares. He was at the tavern that was managed by Molly, the love of Galahad. He was there to forget his defeat at the hands of the Green Knight.

“You’re a regular?” Molly Guerin was a regular lady dressed in a simple tunic and an apron around her waist. She walked to the counter and from it, she drew up the goblet of mead.

“I heard of your … tournament.” Molly’s Tavern was the listening place for anything that happened on the land. “This is on me.”

Percival looked at the others in the tavern. It was called the Big Bear for obvious reasons. She had a regular bear head hung over the counter. He sighed the bears were insignificantly scarce there on the land. He saw beside the drunken Equities, there were three others in a private discussion. They are not locals and looked out of place there.

“New customers to the tavern?’ Percival asked Molly.

“Not truly. They have been here for three days.” That was the same period of the tournament. Percival stepped over to the trio.

“I am Sir…”

“We are waiting for Galahad. He can help us.” One of the three in wait spoke.

“I am Percival. I can help.”

“Have you heard of the Nine Witches?”

During the last year of stay at the land, Percival had traveled far to check on the settlements. He had fought off the bandits but the one that bewildered him was to fight the demons. He had met witches and druids but the one he had dreaded meeting was the Nine Witches of Caer Lloyw. He knew them from before.

“They were called many names but their reputation preludes them. Some said that they are fearsome mistresses of warfare and magic. They have terrorized the land more so during the old realm but when Arthur was in rule, they remained quiet.”

“The Nine Witches are not seen or heard for a long time,” Percival added on.

“Not here but in our settlement, they are where we are in the secluded interior. We are far from Camelot or even Gurnion. Even the raiders don’t come there or maybe the rare Picts they may. They do fear the forests there for where the witches have placed their charms. Help us, Sir Knight. They are harassing us.”

“Why call upon Sir Galahad?” Percival had to ask.

“The Sarmatians spoke of the Roman that defeated the demon. It was not here but maybe he could do it here.”

Percival had heard of the event that was rumored on Galahad and Aubin. It was claimed that they had battled the demon known as Syaitan but never had he encountered any. He had however killed or banished witches in his path but they bled like him. Their chants of spells and curses did not hurt him but the hard steel on his gladius did stop them. That rumor was wrong. It was him and Aubin then but he told Aubin never to reveal his name.

“I can do it,” Percival told the three. “Take me with you.”

“You are not Galahad.”

It was then Galahad walked in. His first reaction when he saw Gawain, was in anger. He grabbed Gawain by the shoulder and pulled the other out the door. Molly shouted at him to stop but the elder brother was in a rage. Percival got up and rushed to aid Molly. He saw Galahad tossed the drunken fool onto the road, and when he turned, Percival gave him the fist at the face. Galahad went down on his back.

“What the…”

“Molly called on you to stop…”

“And who is Molly to you? And what have the drunken fool done for you?”

“Like you, he rides with me in the Equities.” Percival reminded the other of his rank. “I …”

“Who is Molly to you then? Is she your rider too on the mount? I am over with her. You can have her as your mount.” It was an insult that Percival will not take. He was particular about the treatment of ladies. It was his upbringing.

“You do not insult the lady in your life.” Percival pulled Galahad up. “You will…”

“You can bloody well have her for yourself… my Decurion.” Galahad pulled away and walked off. Percival looked at his friend and felt remorse at his action. He turned and saw Molly at the doorway. She saw him looking and walked back in.

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur II Book III Chapter 2

 

2.

 

The land is at peace and the people on it were rejoicing in the one year that so-named Arthur ruled as King. He was not remembered as the Roman Legionnaire but as King. Down south, as far as the Hadrian Wall, the Roman Legions are reduced with many recalled to Gaul and Hispania. The Western Roman lieges are in conflict and Rome had weak controls there. The barbarians are on the rise, and the civil unrest was disturbing. With the Legions recalled, the local authorities in Britannica were asked to maintain peace there. At the north of the Antoinne Wall, the land there was left to the new so-named King to manage.

Peace may have reigned in general but the knights needed to battle, if not for the enemies or those among themselves. In times of peace, duels were sanctioned from wooden swords to lances with blunt ends. The lance was an extension of the spear and was widely used by the Byzantine Empire or referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire. The origin of the lance may be from the Iberian Peninsula, and later widely used in different forms from the pilum and spears to the pikes.

As an Equities rider, he was familiar with the use of the pilum on horseback but to hold the lance which was twice the height of man, and the tip was blunt, spread out like cup to provide a wider impact on contact. The lance was hollow and designed to break on impact to avoid impalement. There was also a handguard for the rider to grip it with one hand. The rider will face the other in single combat using the lance to impact the other on the chest. If the rider on impact falls off the horse then it's defeated. The winner will be rewarded then with coins.

Percival adjusts his grip on the handguard of the lance. It felt heavier than the pilum but he was used to the weight. He wore the armored chest plate to protect his chest and the metallic headpiece to avoid his face being hurt.

“Are you ready, Sir?” Percival looked at his so-named squire.

“Are you mocking me, Galahad?”

“No, Percival. I want you to be ready to win.” Galahad was defeated by the other rider in an earlier bout. “He is good.”

“Is it a Man or ….? Or is it a lady inside there? We don’t know who is behind that helmet or even a real knight?” It was true then for the opponent was dressed in the green armor and had defeated three other knights.

“Green knight, he is called.” Galahad smiled. “And you are to be called….. the White Knight perhaps?”

“Dirty Knight will be more appropriate.” Percival looked at his armored chest plate. He had loaned it to Galahad and with the defeat on the other, it was coated with dirt.

“I did try to avoid the dirt on the fall.” Galahad smiled. He saw the steward was heading to the ground to call for the start of the joust.

“Aye, Sir. Your opponent awaits you.”

The clarion was sounded and the two knights rode out from opposing sides. They faced each other across the hundred yards length which also spanned the covered stand for the invited including Arthur himself and his Queen, Guinevere. She will offer the stalk to the white rose to the final winner of the day. Then it was the final round with Percival against the Green Knight.

The horns were sounded and the riders took to their charge. They rode hard holding the lances under the right arm with the left hand on the horse reins. The lance was rested on the mane of the horse turned to the left. The purpose of the lance was to impact the other knight.

They missed and rode past each other to the cheers of the invited and also the standing audience of other knights and servants.

The riders turned their horse and awaited the signal to ride. It was sounded and the knights faced each other.

They hit each other with the lances but the riders were still on the saddle. Both lances have broken and were replaced with new ones.

“She is the best we got. Molly is her name.” Galahad handed the lance to Percival.

“Molly is your lady.” Percival looked at the other.

“Not for now. She is all yours.” Galahad laughed. “Get her between your legs.”

The riders met on the stretch and both their lances impacted but only Percival fell from the horse.

“The winner of the match is …. the Green Knight.” The Magistrate announced. The Green Knight rode towards the stand. He did not dismount and sat there looking at Arthur.

“Thrice you have won, Green Knight this tournament.” Arthur leaned forward on the seat. “And till now, you won’t show me your face.”

“No, my King. I won’t. It’s my oath to remain unknown.” The Green Knight replied. “However, you have my service when needed.”

“I have heard that from you, Green Knight.” Arthur laughed. He then turned to Guinevere.

“My dear, the knight desires his rose.” Guinevere stood up and retrieved the stalk of rose from the servant with the bag of coins. She handed it to the victorious knight. The audience cheered and the knight rode off. Arthur got up from his seat and then turned to the druid.

“Tell me, Merlin.” The years have passed and Arthur had mellowed his annoyance with the druid. He calls him by name then. “Is that Sir Bernlak of Haus? I …”

“I shared your thought. Sir Bernlak will be too old to fight like that. I believed he is the new knight.” Merlin replied. “I know naught of his names.”

“That I still know of you, Merlin. Your counseling is veiled with selected words. You do know you are…”

“The court jester does not need to be selective in the words unlike me. I only speak the truth. And …. nothing less.” Merlin looked to Guinevere. He can see then that the lady was uneasy with the tournament but she was there for the King.

Or was it one other knight was not seen or heard.

“Lancelot, I wonder where are you?” Merlin asked himself.

The Green Knight rode towards the forest, and there he picked up his bags. He was to ride home to the hut in the forest but he was careful to check for anyone shadowing him. He rode onwards and then stopped at the dense forest where he has his cart there. He then removed his armor and placed it undercover on the cart. He then hitched the horse and pulled it along. He covered his face partly with the scarf to hide his identity. He was right on the shadowing for soon he saw the two riders

“Hey, you! Did you see a knight here?”

“No, I did not. I am a woodcutter. I collect woods.”

“Why is your face covered?”

“I am with sickness.” The two riders retreated. They have heard of the illness that maimed the limbs and scarred the body. They rode off without looking back.

Jaseth pulled the horse along for his long walk back home. He knew the coins meant nothing to the lady who offered him shelter and offered him the heavy halberd to train with. He had done so and his skills have improved. He then switched to work out with the horse and the lance. He holds enough coins to buy things but the older lady insists that she have enough from the forest.

Jaseth passed the old castle of Sir Bernlak of Haus, then occupied by the local Chief. He was told that by forfeit, the castle goes to the highest bidder and the coins were exchanged to the King. He felt it was right for him to collect the coins from the King.

Arthur saw the Queen at their chamber. She had stripped her gown and wore the soft tunic when she bathed. He was with her for a year then, but their relationship seems to be more cordial or consenting than love. Even their lovemaking was like a ritual between the wedded and not of love. He had turned away at times, citing tiredness when in fact, he felt no desire.

“My Lord!” Guinevere shuddered at the arms that reached over her waist. She was wet from the bath waters.

“Lord? No, I am the King, and in here, I only Arthur.” The man had removed his tunic and embraced her in nude. He was aroused but she was not.

“I am unwell, my Lord. It’s the time of the woman.” Guinevere told him. Arthur pulled back from her. He knew that was the time the lady needed her private moments.

“I am sorry. I did not mean to…”

“It’s okay. If you want, I can assist.” Guinevere turned to use her hands.

“No, my love. I will be fine. I will leave you to your bath.” Arthur turned and left her standing there. She felt the coldness that permeates her body through the wet tunic. She had lied to him but a part of her was confused. She had wanted him as a Man but she felt that she was betraying herself to believe it. It was a year then and Lancelot was not seen nor heard.

“Where are you, Lancelot?” That was in the mind of the lady.

The same prevailing thought was on Octavia Meleagant, He was there at the stand seated three rows behind Guinevere’s seat. He was not there for the tournament but for her. She was beautiful and despite her status, he was in love with her. He knew he cannot fight with Arthur but he will one day.

“Are you joining me for supper, Octavia?” The younger Meleagant looked to his father who intercepted the son at the hall at the villa. The father and son conflicted ever since the father saw the son’s foul acts on the servant.

“What manner of illness has taken you over for you to desecrate the place of worship. It’s a temple?” Bardel Meleagant confronted his son after they returned to the villa. He had arranged for the guards to bury the servant and burned the temple to the ground.

“I care not.” Octavia rebuked. “He was my servant. And more it was abandoned.”

“Abandoned? It may be but Adois was not. He was your servant but do that vile act upon him…. Are you mad?” Bardel snapped at the son.

“I am not mad. I am…” Octavia wept in his eyes. “I need …. love. And to satiate my lust.”

“I will find a wife for you,” Bardel told his son.

“No, I want to wed Guinevere.”

“Guinevere? The Queen? Are you… Yes, you are. What have I done to deserve this?’ Bardel looked away. “Of all the ladies on the land from here to Rome, why do you choose her? She is wedded to Arthur.”  

“Because I do love her.” Octavia had stormed off to his chamber.

“Stay with me here, Son. We need to talk.” Bardel told his son.

“No, Father. I will not join you. It has been a long ride and I am tired.  I will be in my chamber.” Octavia had retreated to his chamber. He had moved his chamber to the one that faced Camelot.

“Guinevere, one day you will be mine.”

Later that night, Bardel lay on the bedding with his lover, Julia. He told her of her son’s act. Julia was alarmed and then sat up.

“We need to get a healer for him. I may know a …”

“No, Julia. No potions or spells for him. He is my son.” Bardel told Julia. “I will find a cure for him.’

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 25

 For the love of one Tree.

 

Author's Note:

I was sitting in the car waiting for my turn to move another inch in the cluster of cars on the same road. I was watching the tree and I said; you may have a lot to tell us more about life as I have seen you before when I was much younger. Then it struck me why the tree does have a tale to tell.

 

 

 

It was a hot day when I came to break the soil surface. I made it here as a seed, nurtured by the soil which enclaves me in its hold and let the warmth of the sun to permeate my shell so that I can grow. For days, I slowly mold myself into the little sprout that springs into the warm sunlight. Soon I will be big like my father and his father before that. But first I must grow to be the height of a man. Why? I will explain.

 

It's not easy to be small although you are not hunted upon like many other living creatures, you are too small to be noticed. Even the smallest creature can trample you or break your stem. I have seen many of my kind perish in this way though it's not the fault of the creature nor us, but these are the rules of life here. I am the blessed one to be growing off the normal trails of the creatures so the risk of being trampled is less. I strive hard to grow with the little sunlight I can get that the leaves can trap in the branches. I am still young so I need not the full strength of the sun's rays.

 

The days passed and I am still around and it was only the day before I was almost pushed aside by the slimy slithering creature who went past my stem. It took the daisies next to me and the decaying mushroom on the deadwood. But I will prevail even when the moisture from the skies come down with force. But those days came to pass, and I am now about two feet off the soil surface. Twice I have been pushed over but I managed to straighten up again. I can see some distance now and I have my branches out with a cluster of leaves.

 

The growth of my body grew with strength as the sunlight and the moisture in the ground feeds my roots and leaves. I am growing now to a height of five feet. I saw a creature came to the older tree near me. It took measurements and then it marked the barks on the trunk. It was two days to it when more creatures came and took the older tree down. I don’t know to be happy or to be sad, as the removal of the tree gave me ground to grow faster with the more exposed sunlight and open soil for my roots to spread. I watched as the men took the older tree down, removed its branches, and then cut its trunk. I can hear its cry for assistance and then the plea for mercy but who listens in this forest when we are mute and deaf.

 

Soon I grew and became a noted tree with a trunk that holds well to the soil. I had little friends coming to live at my base and also in my branches. There is the chirpy sounds of the birds and the flaps of the butterflies; there are the flying foxes and their enemies, the slithering ones that moved on my branches. I don't mind that as long they don’t feed on my branches their catch. The irritating ones are the monkeys who come to rest on me and pluck my leaves.

 

I did not know what time means in my life but I was always growing. Soon I became big and strong, with my branches leaping over others in the chase for more sunlight. It was also then, I remember the creature who took refuge at my trunk base, and then it hurts me as these creatures seem to play at my base. The metal pieces scrape my bark and create a long gash of cuts on my trunk. I had time to grow and recover from my wounds.

 

I grew higher and more and spread out my branches, and then I saw the bird flying creatures came with their fierce droppings. They dig up massive holes in the soil and removed many of my young ones and sometimes one of us. I prayed hard I will be saved and I was. For some time, there was nothing to worry about except for the normal creatures which come roaming.

 

It was on one of these days, that I noticed the number of creatures that ply the trails is reducing by the numbers. Soon it became more few and on some days, there was none. I rumbled to the other living creatures like me but they kept silent. But what irks me more was the young creatures that came to carved silly marks on my trunks. Don’t they know how painful when metal material scrape your bark But it was also then I could feel the air was not the same as before? They are a lot of contaminants in the content and my pores are suffering from it. I began to lose more leaves than I normally do. My barks begin to feel coarse and hard as a result of the contaminants. I looked out from the top and what was green on the horizon is now gray in the colors. More to it, I can see the metal materials looming over yonder, and it's creepy to see them higher than my height. They are hard and cold materials and now they come to loom over us. More to it, they remain so strong against the elements.

 

I slipped back into my forest and await my destiny soon to come. I gathered my thoughts and sort out the important ones to be remembered. I checked on the scars and markings of my development and retained the ones I know I may need to remember. It's sad to me as from a young sapling to what I am now; a two hundred feet high adult tree with a base of fifteen over feet, I am about to lose it all soon.

 

The moment came and more strange creatures came. They took more measurements and placed markers of their works on me. I know not what they scribbled but it brought many more living creatures daily. They stand before me and they watched me as I swing to the winds. They take flashes of me like the lightning but no thunder strikes my base trunk. Just like the first time I met these creatures years ago, they caused me pain at the base of the trunk before they go off.

 

Today they come but they caused me no pain at the base. It's the air they contaminate that poisoned my growth. I desired no more growth as I cannot bear to see above me and yonder. It's like I am an island in the vast ocean with the waves ever lapping at the beach. You will never know when the waves will cover me overall and I will not exist.

 

But before that, I want to lean down and tell these living creatures my memories so that they can remember me. But every time I see them looking at me, I felt I have been violated on my soul. They feel my trunk and roots for my growth yet their minds think of me as planks for their homes.

 

So tell me how can I share my memories with them when they looked to me as a commodity and not as a friend. If I do share my memories, it's only the selected ones I will do as to preserved myself with them. Such is the trust we had developed between us living creatures. The shadow of deceit betrays our trust in each other a long time ago and in which we never learned to believe in total trust of each other ever again.

 

The small living creature spoke my mind; ‘Dad, if trees can talk, do you think they can tell me more of our past?’

 

‘Trees are not like us. They can’t talk. They are grown for their use to us in our life.’

 

‘But Dad, I said it they can.... would they tell us?’

 

Somehow If I could talk like they do, I would but I will choose only the selected memories as I don't think I want to tell it all. In time they may discover more of it and then they may say; ‘if only we knew’.

 

( Not all the memories of the past are ever taught on by the living; it's only discovered long after the living has become the memories.. )

 

 

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume I Stories 24

 

Six came to play and only one walked to victory.

 

Author's Note:

The scene calls for a game of revenge among the six and only one to survive.

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“Here is the code to the vault. This is the moment of truth. All we did to work for the last three months comes to this moment. A cool ten million awaits there inside the vault. So who will do the honor? Eunice, care to go first. You were always the cool head who sorts out the kinks in our plan. Or maybe, Ted. You were the one who gave us the first idea to get this heist done. You were the leader until you screwed it up on the planning. Arthur, you took the lead then. You changed the whole plan to be this one which we pulled off finally. I knew you did this for Nancy so she would live comfortably with you. I know all of that as Nancy talked too much to me. In my bed. Sorry, Bart, but I never told you I am bisexual.”

 

I walked around the room and looked at all five of them.  My name is Sally and I am the one who initiated the plan for all of us. I was with Ted to investigate some losses in millions on the trades. We knew who was to be blamed but we found more on the investigation. It was my report that got Ted all riled up and then he was amicable to some suggestions of mine. It did take much to do him in with his debts on the outside. He had a bad plan for a person who can probe loopholes in the system. So I hinted to Arthur then; he was pissed at being blamed for the trade losses. It was not his fault but it was mine to direct on the blame. I coaxed him to get even, and he owns up on this stupid plan which Ted did first. I played along telling Ted to toe the line for now. Arthur had Nancy on his side, or she has his rein on him. He will do anything for Nancy; the jerk works on her heels if she asked him. But she was the key as she has the access to the funds' program. She knew the codes and she could be our Trojan horse to go in. Arthur played up to her and for once he could be out of her influence and his own man. But his plan was flawed too and if I can see it, so can any idiot out there. That’s where I roped in Eunice.  She is the best in her field, studying the figures and trends. She sorts out the kinks and even out the odds. Greed was also her incentive. It was she who told me of the final obstacle; Bart who has to be on the team or we cannot proceed to the last stage. He is the approval man on those transfers. So I put on myself to him and was he a sucker for one lady who thinks he is the man. Like Arthur, Bart would have licked my heels if I tell him to do. But I consented. But how wrong he was as I prefer either as long as I am Domino.  I did to Nancy when she was getting jittery, so I got her to come back on the team. I played my role to her needs for control, but little she was to know I was the one calling the shots.

 

They all looked at me, two bad boys wanting to play the game badly, but the last one, Bart played to mine. Nancy was brought in on the empty promises of us together without Arthur but Eunice was the vixen. She wanted along as she saw the benefits; she calculated her risks and she thinks she could win. But little they know I was the planner, the executor, and also the assumed victim here.

 

“Nobody moved. This is the police.” They came in as I planned to the cue of the timing as I set out for them. Eunice, in this game; I rank better than you. The police took us in but I was hailed the informant and given a credential for public service. But they did not recover the missing millions. It got lost in the tangle of the web which Nancy created with Arthur’s help. Bart tried to implicate me but he forgot I  already set the scales against him from the start. Only Bart was puzzled how someone knew his access codes. Truly in between the sheets, you can do wonders.

 

That was six months ago and now I am sipping a martini in Monte Carlo watching my son who has recovered from his urgent surgery on the heart.

 

"I am here, darling. Mummy will do anything for you." 

Trojan War Chapter 38

 

38.

The King’s Chariots were given a task that none of the other could rival. It was to fly to King Menelaus planet and harassed them there. The six destroyer fleet which was the latest in the design of the Trojan’s army was commanded by their leader, Polydorus and he was accompanied by Paris who allegedly abducted Helen then.

“We are on the dark side of the moon and the asteroid belt hindered their scanners on picking us up.” The pilot of Chariot One reported to Polydorus. The leader sat there grimly at the commanding seat for he was thinking on the destroyers under his command. He may have the new hull and projectiles but the latter was in limited units. If the Chariots were to be revealed to the enemy ships, he had to flee fast.

“Simulate the exit routes once more. We don’t want to be caught by them.” Polydorus called on the pilot. They had calculated the routes to be taken in the case of an interception by the enemy.

“I do not want surprises,” Polydorus said.

“They won’t be. I am good at this. I have trained my bulls on how to …” It was the voice of Paris who was deemed the cause of the war.

“I am not in any bull arena now. I am in the wide-open space and every moon or planet may house defenses or ships that may attack us. Do you realize we are in the center of the enemy territory?” Polydorus had wondered why he agreed to the foolish plan by Hector.

“Their fleets are away at Troy and …” Paris tried to explain but was cut off by Polydorus.

“Troy is under attack and I am sitting here babysitting you. How does that augur for me now?”

“Polydorus, I am here on a mission to end the war.” Paris defended the plan. “I am here to appeal to King Tyndareus to discuss the peace. I did not abduct his daughter. I was… Rather she was to follow me. Since our meeting, we have been happy and I have…”

“Paris, she is another woman. Be done with her and move on.” Polydorus was getting agitated at the explanation. He had heard it many times to justify Paris’s abduction. It was then Paris’ communication device called out.

“Go and hear your woman and leave me to the war,” Polydorus told Paris. The latter stepped from the bridge to hear his lover’s call.

“Helen,” Paris addressed the other by her name which was a rarity among the men. “I am to begin my part in the war. Don’t worry about me. I will be fine.”

“Paris… my love. I am not concerned about the war but your well-being. Is it your call to negotiate peace with the King? I could return and he may pardon me as his daughter.”

“No, Helen. I created the war and it will be myself who will end the war.” Paris insisted on his role. “I am in no danger for Polydorus and his Chariots will bear me to safety if needed.”

“I must go now, Helen. Stay strong for both of us.” Paris cut off the communication and approached Polydorus.

“Take me to the Spartan city. I am ready to meet King Tyndareus.” Paris told the leader.

“Chariot One on the task. All other Chariots are to remain hidden unless calling for.” Polydorus told the other commanders of the frigates.

The Chariot One sped towards the Spartan City. Its arrival was detected by the Spartan defenses and the surface stealth fighters intercepted it. Chariot One transmit the truce message to meet King Tyndareus.

“The King is unavailable. Paris can meet me, King Menelaus. I am the one waged this war to re-claim my woman.”

“I am Paris and here to say that Helen had willingly left with me. If you want to get her back, challenge me in the personal combat at the nearby moon.” Paris had challenged Menelaus. The personal combat was an old tradition of two leaders to combat alone. The winner will be declared when the loser died or sounded out defeat. It was fought with old weapons.

“You are mad, herdsman. Menelaus is a veteran of the wars and more to it he is skilled in combat.” Polydorus had spoken to Paris after he turned off the communication with King Menelaus.

“The King indeed is one but he has aged. Like old bulls, they may retire or lose to the younger bull.” Paris replied. He then proceeded to the armory. He chose the Trojan armored suit for personal combat. Its metallic suit where the wearer is protected by the metal plates allowed for flight and enhanced strength, and the curved sword as a weapon and round shield.

Paris took to the shuttle to land at the nearby moon which was devoid of an atmosphere and its surface was riddled with craters and boulders from the leftover asteroids. He had on the headpiece which resembled the hammer on the top and it held a breathing apparatus.

“I am here, Trojan.” King Menelaus had stood to the right of Paris at about a hundred paces apart. The King was in a similar suit with the headpiece of the lion expression on its half face cover and the thick mane to the rear. He held the huge energy long broadsword that reached two-thirds his height and the rectangle shield.  Both of them have three spears at their reach on the surface.

“We do battle the old way. Winner takes all.” Paris declared.

“Winner takes all. Who are you to decide?” Menelaus challenged back but Paris had moved into battle mode.

Paris tossed the first spear at Menelaus who deflected it with the shield. Menelaus did the same and his spear missed Paris who moved. The second sets of spears were tossed and both were deflected by the shields. The last one by Paris missed Menelaus who had tossed his in Paris. The last spear impacted on Paris’ shield and caused him to fall back. It was then the wings on the back of Paris’ armor suit spread out like the winged predator and he took flight towards Menelaus. The King blocked the curved sword swung at his head and was forced to take a few steps back. He jumped backward and then activated the flight cells on the heel of his suit and took a wide swing to attack Paris.

Menelaus had the huge sword held out in the front with his arms at his chest. He was heading at Paris and as he approached the other, he held out his arms straight out making his posture like that of striking lightning.

The flying form of Menelaus impacted on Paris’s shield and the force weakened on the last spear, had thrown the defender back by a long distance. Paris fell on his back and discovered his shield was shattered by the impact.

“You lost the shield. I will do the same for mine.” Menelaus tossed his shield aside and held the broadsword with both hands. “I hope whoever you learned from taught you better.”

Menelaus rushed at Paris on his energized run and forced Paris to take the flight to the air and swooped downwards with the curved sword coming from the right. It was a typical move by the Trojan but they do that if they have the shield to deflect any attack. Menelaus blocked the attack and with his feet solidly on the ground, he swung his body to push Paris off course.

Paris fell once more to his back and was set on by Menelaus. It was followed through by the King who broke the right-wing rendering Paris unable to fly. He then twisted his grip on the hilt of the sword and did a plunge move on Paris’s chest.

It was an evitable death blow.