Story Write Compilations Volume 2 Stories 6

 Hell Revisited

 

Author's Note: This is a tale on Lucifer again.

 

Contests rules:

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“I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . I will be like the highest” (Isaiah 14:13,14). That was what was written on the plaque that hangs over the door. Below it was the lines which we were all familiar with; 'Enter at your own Risk." I looked at the large high double door that keeps intruders out of this equally large mansion which requires repairs as it looked abandoned for years. As I walked into the mansion, I had a glimpse of its two-level structure of the old Victorian design with rows of painted sash windows in boxes set flush with the brickwork and more brickworks on the pillars and corners. It would have been a beautiful place if not for the decayed paintworks and rotted roofing with outlets for the birds to nest within themselves.

 

My name is Benjamin Tad. I am the single person whom no one cares to looked at twice but can be called on twice to help. I am also the one you see carrying out the water pail in the playoffs or picking up the hoops after the game. I am also better to know as the 'Water Boy'. Today I am going to pay a visit to an old friend in this place. We have not seen each other for over two decades now.

 

The first thing that greets any visitor to the mansion would be the high staircase leading to the second level and the high ceiling in the lobby area. The large chandelier still hangs high on the ceiling as I walked in. I know this place well and walked to the right to open the doorway. It's a large room or hall if you considered it's bigger than the classroom we studied in, with the rows of shelves which are still filled with books; probably antique by value. There is also a settee set of high back Victorian designs in the hall facing the fireplace. Above the fireplace is an imposing portrait of probably its owner. A figure of a man dressed all in black with a red cravat at his collar. What was most unusual of the portrait was the figure appeared to be a life form and the eyes are staring at you as if it's tearing into your soul.

 

"Belial. You come back to me." The figure in the portrait steps out to become a physical person in front of me. "I was about to punish some miscreants who intrude on our privacy."

 

"Belial? Who?" I asked and in fright turned to the same door I came in from. But I find it locked and despite all my strength, I cannot force it.

 

"My son. What did Gabriel do to you? I left you in his care for six years and he turned you into a lad that does not recognize his father. Good heavens, how could you do this to me? Belial is my son and now he does not recognize his father. Gabriel, undo your spell on my son or I would declare war on the skies as before." The person who speaks to me now is slowly transforming into the image of the devil himself. I cringe into the corner and tried to shut my eyes to the evil sight as taught by my true father. It was then the image of my father appeared.

 

"Rise, Benjamin." The figure which I know as my father hands out his hand to me. I took it and took it to my feet. "He is your true father. I am just your temporary guardian. Today is the date I returned you to him. It's a pact we made then, and I am to fulfill my part. But before you go, remember my teaching. Nothing is to be forever evil. There is goodness in you."

 

With those words, my 'father' disappeared from my sight. I am now facing who is truly my father and creation.

 

"Who am I......., father?" I asked him with a meek voice.

 

"Your true name is Belial, son of Lucifer. You were a King before your time, with the command of fifty Legions, and I fought in the War of the Son of Lights against the Sons of Darkness. You are my rightful heir and I was misguided to let you be in Gabriel's care. Come back to me, son. Sit by my side, and rule in my stead when I am away from it." The man who has just declared himself as my father now reveals my birth right.

 

It was then the three miscreants were brought in by the Hell's guards. They are in chains and looking very worried about their well-being. They were all groaning and pleading for the mercy of God. Before them is the fellow incarnate of my father and more servants of Hell. It has become an assembly of the evil doers who are awaiting to see the return of their King.

 

"Silence, you fool. How dare you mentioned the name of Gabriel who has blinded me of my true self." My appearance changed now to reveal my true self; a figure of a man but with two more heads; one of the toad and another of a cat.

 

One of the three prisoners muttered these words; "Oh mother of God, how can this be? He is truly the devil incarnate himself." He is an older man with the collars of the faith.

 

"Father Theodore is a man of faith and yet he abused the trust he has been bestowed on. He uses his home for the self-pleasure of the young to serve his lust. I plead no innocence to his crime as I fed his mind with the carnal knowledge that drives his lust. But he played out his destiny using the influence of his role." The one who named me as my father laughs at his workings to a man who repelled his influence. I felt the pungent bile up to my throat on seeing the culprit trying to plea for his innocence as he has denied them of their innocence.

 

"Please, my son. Feel free to pass judgment as to when you were a King then. I am also your subject in this matter and I plea no other than the guilt to the crimes being perverted." All the devil's incarnate and servants in the room chant my name as their King.

 

"What of the other two?" I point my finger to the two other chained prisoners.

 

"You recognized not them, my Son. They are your tormentors from your other life. They are Tom and Jerry from your neighborhood." I remember the pair now, as the horrible duo who pursued me daily from my school to the house. If I were to be caught, I am subjected to humiliating acts or be beaten with their fists. It's not because I am their rival but their means of releasing their frustration on society.

 

"But what of them who stand like the audience in this gallery?" I noted the assembled now stopped grinning and giggling when my attention is riveted on them. They are thinking of a macabre show for their pleasures when I punished the trio but now they fear my wrath on them.

 

"These are the discards to our part of the afterworld. They served their mortal lives in crime and injustice to the innocents and peaceful folks. They brought misery and pain to them whose lives they either destroyed or terminate. They are our followers; creatures of destruction and tormentors. Spare them no mercy as they are banished to here for this is the only place they can be entertained." My father speaks true as Hell is the place where the evils dwell and mayhem rules there. Mayhem which I need to create so that they would be managed by myself.

 

Mayhem is mine. And with it, I shall rule the Underworld.

 

"Let it be known that I am back from my banishment with the goodness of the Angels. I am now claiming back my rightful position in the realm I was created to rule. You, the one who called himself my father is also my subject here. You could not lay claim to the throne as you were not created for it. You only created the throne and then me to sit on me. So by the same rightful action, you are a servant to the throne while I am the rightful King. Arise, Prince of Darkness. You may stand by my side as I ruled my kingdom."

 

The man who is known as the Devil took his rightful place next to me.

 

"For those of you who are part of my realm, welcome to Hell. Here onward, you would live to that name as no order shall prevail but chaos. All of you would be subjected to all forms of humiliation and torture that you have exerted on your victims in the mortal life. But the new pain you would feel is tenfold of your previous one and your pains would never cease but would revert at the end of the session. For there is no end in Hell, but the ongoing means to the life in Hell." The man who stands beside me went on his knees.

 

"My son... No, My King. How can you banish me to relive my sins? I would be an Angel again and then be banished here. I cannot re-live those moments. I dread to undergo the feeling of being good and then evil. Let me be the devil incarnate I am now. Please exempt me for this way of life in the realm I have created."

 

"No, Father. The words of the King are final. All the sufferings here feed my pleasure." The Prince of Darkness has led away to relived his last life and then now, but forever in a cycle.

 

The image of Gabriel appeared before me. "Benjamin, you are truly more evil than your father."

 

"I know. It took me ten years to learn that when he was here for an eternity and yet he failed to grasp the true nature of evil. So be away, Angel. Hell needs its true master now."

 

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume 2 Stories 5

 Mary, Our LandShip.

 

Author's Note: This is a tale of the first battle involving the British Made Tank in WW1.

 

Contests rules:

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"Sargeant Luker, let us move in line with the others. I don't want today to be an embarrassment to the Company." The Lieutenant is giving his orders and I am his subordinate to follow them.

 

"Yes, Sir. Mary here would not disappoint us today, Sir. She is a fine lady in her best." My name is Sargeant Ian ‘Mac’ Luker of the 1st Tank Regiment, and this is our first battle since we came off the training ground last August. We numbered forty-nine of us; the new Mark 1 Landships as we named. But only thirty-two of us made it to the battlefield. The usual worries which have been a bane were the screws in the motor that caused one-third of us to stall or would not drive properly when it's needed. The Lieutenant and I have presented to the top Brass on the issue but we got is a 'would be looking into' attitude. But then we have the new thirty-two Mark 1. We named them all the Landslip and will be joining its maiden battle of Flers-Corselette in September 1916.

 

Mine is the beauty of the lot, and we in turn named her Mary for the beautiful waitress in the Tavern. She carries with her two 6 pounder guns in the sponson on the side and there are the two gunners of us with the Hotchkiss machine guns for any creeping up Huns. I am the right gears man while Private Mathew takes the left gearbox. There are altogether eight of us in this metal hull with the Lieutenant our Commander and Driver.

 

"Sargeant, tell the crew to suit up as we are given the green light," I replied my acknowledgment to the officer with the officer cap, while my crew all donned their tin hat helmets, goggles, and chain mail mask. We do have the gas mask for the officers like myself but the rest of the crew all make to do with the chain mail mask. The Lieutenant cranked up the gearbox and started up the engine.

“Mary’s farting here.” We all roared but soon the fart got to us in the tank. That's when it gets all hot and stuffy in there with an eight-man crew surrounded by machinery and ammo.

 

The Lieutenant hit the side of the hull with his spanner to tell me to work the gears so we can go forth. We don’t have any radios in the tank then. She was moving ever slow at her own pace. The officer has clanged on the left side for Mathew to move Mary to the left. I could not see outside but I did ask the machine gun crew to sight me on the other Mark 1's. I was not keen to ram into any of them outside but we had taken a bet that five more of our Landslip would be stalled behind.

 

“Percy stalled behind.” Right on there for me, I won my bet with Bert that I will make it to the line first.

 

Private Ian raised his finger to showed me five indeed are stalled behind.

 

That’s a worrying sign for that means we are five short on the battle. I raised my thumbs to affirm his counts. Five a lot of money for me then. It was all the betting rounds and I aimed to collect them. It’s for my Ma back at home.

 

The shelling had started but we are moving forth regardless. You can hear the sound of the cannons and then it was all silence before the shells hit the ground, or us.

 

“The tanks are fortified to protect you.” That was the officer’s talk but we knew then if a shell falls on us, we are dead in instant.

 

The ride was bumpy as we moved over barbed wires and shell holes on the ground. The officer clanging on the hull with intensity means we got to fire our guns soon. I looked at the gunners and their loaders while they carried the ammo to load onto the guns. The machine guns were shooting out there and my sight was blinded by the metal walls. I crawled over.

 

"What have you got?" I tapped on the gunner's shoulder who in turn swung over and smiled at me. He crocks his thumbs to signal me he was testing the guns.

 

‘Just checking if Mary will spit well.” I tapped him back on the shoulder to affirm his action.

 

Suddenly, Mary was rocked on her side by a nearby blast. Her engine stalled on the ground and we are all frantically trying to work the gears. The six-pounder was firing away while we forced the gears to work. I tried everything taught to us to move the gears but she won't be budged. In the end, I clasped my hands together for a prayer and then slammed the spanner hard on the gear locks. Then Mary moves her body over the uneven land.

 

"She is moving. Thank God. Lets us hunt the Huns now." By then the whole tank smelled of oil and smoke while everyone was coated with some form of grime.

 

Private Mathew was clinging onto the gun vent there for some fresh air. I can see the others were all suffering from the lack of fresh air but we will fight on. It's our duty as the landslip’s crew.

 

More blasting came around us and it was becoming more unbearable inside the lands. The officer slides down from his seat on the driver's section. He had been shot in the ear lobe by a Hun's sniper and needed medical attention.

 

“Cover for me. I got nicked on the ear.” I jumped into officer seat to steer the landship while he was been attended. It was my first view of the battle front.

 

I saw the barbed wires and obstacles placed by the Huns to stop us from going forth. I saw the Canadian soldiers cowering in the shell holes and looking for the next order, or breakthrough that they can be followed on. Poor lads were the Infantry and they are the front boys.

 

Bombs were dropped everywhere with both sides exchanging fires. There are still the men advancing despite the heavy fires from machine guns and howitzers. it's a crazy war. Then I saw the signals and it only means one thing.

 

"Gas!" I am frantically reaching for my mask for I had removed my helmet. I set in my mask and put back on the helmet. I looked back at the officer but no one was attending to him. I can't move either as without me guiding the landship we could end up in the trench. I saw then the officer quivered and then shake uncontrollably while the gas seeps into his body. I was at a loss on how to assist him but to turn back to my task as I directed the landship over the obstacles.

 

I saw the bomb coming at us and I clanged on the hull to get it to move to the right but it  was moving ever slow in the uneven terrain.

 

“Move your butt, Mary for God’s sake.” Then it had to happen.

 

The bomb scored a direct hit on the right side of the hull causing the loss of one sponson and three of my gunners were badly burned or scarred by the bomb fragments. There was a fire starting inside the hull now and it was starting to burn. It was going to spread to the ammo and drastic actions were needed.

 

“Abandon ship!” I had no choice but to give the order to abandon the landship.

 

My remaining crews crawled out into the no man's land and hid behind the landship. Of the eight of us, only three made it out including me. The three of us soon crawled into a shell hole and dug in with the rest of the other soldiers. A private handed me a rifle and smiled. When I took it from him, I just become an infantryman again. The whistle can be heard and it means to advance. I got up with the rest and ran forward. It's not the same as in the landship as this time I am exposed to gunfire without the thick amour to protect me.

 

But our advance was to stop short of the Hun's trenches and we then retreated to our line. I passed by Mary; now a burned-out husk and she is going to be left alone in this field for now. I reached back our trench and jumped in. I collected my remaining crew and tried to rejoin the Landship Company. I found it at the rear of our front line and I reported to the Commander.

 

"Sargeant, we lost today but there would be other days when we would win. Assemble a new crew and find yourself another landship. We are going in tomorrow." I saluted the Major and rounded up my new crews from the surviving ones.

 

Among the total of the thirty-two landship, twenty-five made some headway into the battle. Mary was one of the twenty-five but she did not come back with the rest.

 

 

Dante Book 1 Canto VII Scene III

 Scene 3

 

The walk came towards a stream. It was like many other streams crossed by Dante in his lifetime; foul of contents due to pollution. The living world had caused many paths of the planet to be filled with its excrements, and to find a pristine stream was to go deep into the forests or up the mountains.

“The water there is dark like the ones we have in the living world. Its water dark from the source yonder.” Virgil looked at the dark river. “Its river flowed from there.”

“We will follow it.” Dante led the way without waiting for Virgil’s decision. They walked along the stream banks and soon find it reached the stony surfaces. Then they saw beyond it was the marsh.

“Unusual to see marsh here,” Virgil muttered.

“Unusual may not be peculiar here. You saw them wade in the mire and what is a marsh next?” Dante was still in his mood. He saw there were souls in the marsh screaming. He looked to the marsh surface and saw it was boiling with vents of steam seen.

“I guess that is one mud bath the ladies will not attempt to relax in,” Virgil recalled the ladies he knew had told him of the many splendors of the mud bath.

“I wonder where are we? Another circle of Hell perhaps?”

“Another one escaping!’ The call was heard and Dante looked to his left. He saw a soul with boils on the frame partially covered by the marsh contents had climbed out of the marsh. He saw the soul was pushed back by others who were standing at the side. The soul was flung back.

“Rot in Hell as we did in the Living.” The one who pushed the soul back was another covered in the marsh contents. Dante approached the soul there.

“Where are we?” Dante asked. The soul he addressed looked at him and sneered.

“I do apologize. I was to say please tell us of this place?” Virgil stepped forth. “Why are they immersed in the hot …”

“Wrathful souls they were, and now their own here? We were once oppressed and now they feel our oppression.” The souk there replied. “You don’t look like one who is like them. You should pass onto the next level. You are not welcome here.”

“And this level is …” Virgil pressed on.

“The level for those who were evil and have no regards for the living. Now they will suffer for an eternity.”

“No wonder, some of the vicious leaders of the living chose to stay in Limbo where they are safer,” Virgil whispered to Dante. He then asked of the soul the name of the Marsh.

“It's Styx. Or here we called it the river of hate. We too hated the place here. It's hot and uncomfortable but compared to what we had endured before, this is Heaven.”

“Styx? I thought Styx was a river. Charon sails on it.” Virgil was baffled.

“Styx is also called the River of Hate. It may have ended up here in the marsh area here, accumulated the vibes of the souk sent to Hell, and it ends here.” Dante explained. “There are souls in anger here including the ones who sent them back. They all hold anger in their souls. See those bubbles, they are from the ones submerged calling out in their cries.”

“Can we move on? I am feeling sick.” Virgil took the walk on. Dante laughed at the other.

“Virgil, your soul is not cleansed of the senses. You are still a living soul like a part of me.” Dante then caught up with the other.

“Virgil, you asked me earlier about my … behavior? I did not reply to you. Perhaps I should.” Dante said.

“I took on this task to find Beatrice whom I still harbor a love for. Here as we progressed through the Circles from Limbo to Wrath here, I was given a vision of …sinners. We are all in the living world, but to what depth have we sinned, or rather could sink into, may be seen the retribution here. I was initially inquisitive but the last two Circles drew on my theology learnings that I shall not shed any tears on them. They are getting what they deserve here. Sinners have to pay their dues not in the living world but here upon death.”

“You are getting…” Virgil looked at Dante.

“Heartless? No, it’s more like being objective or in the words of your profession, precise. I am still a poet by soul. We are not precise in our words but our delivery of the words is at the end of the words. What you have seen are the levels of sins and the weight of the sins are reciprocated in kind by the level of punishment. It's just …justice, I guess.”

“Let us move. Perhaps I may change your mind later on.” Dante told Virgil. Their walk was short before they had the marsh left behind.

“Behold, a tower.” There was a narrow stream by the tower and it flowed from the marsh and from there back to the marsh. It was like a moat around the tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dante Book 1 Canto VII Scene II

 Scene 2

 

“I can’t make out of it.” Virgil had reached the Fourth Circle and was confronted by a series of ditches seen by him, circular in design and held the radius that stretched. It was like race tracks with an inert center that looked like a small hill. The gathered in the circle was dense but they all seem to be pulling hard with their strength the huge chest.

“It’s a huge circle.” Dante then saw the circle was alike the mire. There were the souls there pulling the heavy weights that looked like chests yet each chest towers over the souls. The chests were secured by ropes which the souls there were pulling the weight of the chest behind them. That was not all. Due to the tight gathered, there were fights when they get into each other’s way.

“Look at them pulling those chests. It looked heavy.” Dante said. “Who are those on the hill?”

There was another group, and they were also with their chests.

They called the other names.

“Hoarders!”

The ones pulling the chests at the circle then roared out at the ones on the hill.

“Wasters!’

Soon they end up fighting with their fists and legs. They climbed over each other to fight or pry open the chests. Those who opened the chest were soon seen taking the toss-out contents to load it into their chest. In the fight, the ones who were grabbing the contents may have their contents in their chest cases taken too by others. It became then a fight to save what they could. It was chaos.

Just as it started on the fight, the fight came to an end. The two groups split and the wasters were seen to pull their chest up the hill, to drop the content in the top which appeared to be a cavity. The amazing part was that out of the mire in the bottom of the hill, the contents appeared and the ones there called the Hoarders collected the contents to place into their chests

Then the name callings resumed and the fight took place, and it was all as before.

“Why do they do that? They knew that they are bound to collide again.” Virgil said to Dante.

“I don’t know. Let us get closer to one of the ditches.” Dante replied.

“What is there…” Virgil was ignored and choose to follow Dante.

Virgil looked at the other who had surprised him earlier at the entrance to the Circle. Dante had sounded antagonistic then. He had seen Ciacco and then Plutus before her turned into a ‘be damned’ attitude. Virgil held his question then and followed on Dante. They saw two figures cursing at each other on the contents there. One was picking up the contents to store them while the other was taking out the contents to toss them away.

“Hoarders!” The one tossing the contents called out.

“Wasters!” The one storing the content cursed at the other. “Why do you hoard?”

It was then Dante intervened.

“May I assist here?” Dante asked.

“Be away, you oaf. I will have one like you stand with the other to be taken what is mine.” The figure was covered in the mire contents with a trinket of gold pieces hanging the neck.

“Why do you battle for these items?” Dante asked. “They are …”

“They are mine and mine only.” The collector looked to Dante. “Stay your line with the Wasters.”

It was then Dante recognized the face of the collector.

“I earned it. I will keep it. And in death, I am its master.” The figures spoke to Dante.

“I know you, Shylock of Venice. You are a person of means and yet you craved more. You hoard your wealth when Venice needs it then due to the flood?”

“They are mine, and all mine.” The soul of the miser snorts out.

“And when is enough for you?” Dante asked the figure collecting the contents of the mire.

“To be hoarder from wasters like them. They cared not for the gold, silver, or copper. I do. I am a Hoarder here. What is enough when I can get more?” The soul of Shylock replied. “Does the river stop its flow? It swells when they are more. Does the sun never rise to shine? It still does and was never enough.”

Dante was stunned by the reply/ It reflected onto him that the soul told him of the sin there. It was gluttony. Nothing was ever fulfilling. May he be the same; forever searching for answers.

“I am just as guilty,” Dante mumbled to himself.

“No, Dante. You are not. You are different from him. He is a hoarder and greed is his sin. He agreed on the material things are his to accumulate. Like those in the ditch, they clash not for their greed on getting more of the others but in the clash, they stand to lose too. They cared not and maybe in this Circle they are made to repeat those acts endlessly.” Virgil looked at Dante. “Your actions are not the same. You accumulated for intellectual. You expand knowledge and that is not a sin. You make use of your mind. Lucan told you so at Limbo. We need to expand our mind.”

“Are you sure, Virgil? Is my journey here to collect knowledge or to relook at God’s afterlife?” Dante looked to Virgil. “I am unsure of myself. I felt as if I am getting regressive.”

“I… What is wrong with you? Since we left the last Circle, you have sounded strange. Are you well, Dante?” Virgil felt that something was not right with Dante.

Dante ignored his question and decided to walk on.

 

 

Dante Book 1 Canto VII Scene I

 Canto VII

The Fifth Circle; Greed

 

Scene 1

 

“Plutus is my name, and I am Guardian of the Fourth Circle that you are to embark on.” The one who spoke was a huge giant with the physique of the Man, yet his body was covered in the shade of gold melting to his feet and onto the ground. He looked to be in pain for his arms were clasped around his body for comfort. The golden figure stood high above Dante and Virgil.

“Shed your gold here.”  The golden figure voiced out. “And I will let you pass.”

“Tell me, Poet. Who is Plutus and why gold?” Virgil asked of Dante.

“Plutus was once the God of abundance or wealth. He was blinded by Zeus at birth so that he was to be impartial in his gifts without prejudice. He was fair until the moment his sight was restored. With it., he saw those whom he was to bestow and choose to determine who was deserving at his sight. It caused havoc and chaos reign then. For his punishment, he was sent to Hell to be the Guardian of the Fourth Circle; the place for those who greed and hoards.”

“The weight of gold denotes the level of wealth in one then. In today’s term, we are measured by the currency of its equivalent to the value of gold and many other measures.” Dante explained. “Gold was once valued by weight using a unit of measure known as a Talent. A talent weighed about thirty-four point three kilograms, which is equivalent of one thousand ninety-four ounces.”

“That was not all.” Dante continued. “The ancient learned persons use gold to represent superiority. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved refers to her lover’s head and limbs made of gold (5:11, 14-15) but gold was not valued above the words of God (19:10). It did not stop the many to worship gold idols rather than God (Exod 20:23; Acts 17:29). It was the process by which gold is purified and formed that makes it a fitting image for the sanctifying works> Refiners carefully melt gold to bring out any impurities, a process that requires high heat and constant tending. The image of God refining believers is first used in the book of Job as Job declared, “When he tested me, I’ll come out as pure as gold” (23:10; Jer 9:7).” (https://jesusway4you.com/2020/07/13/signs-and-symbols-of-the-bible-gold/#:~:text=The%20poets%20of%20the%20Bible,%E2%80%9D%20(19%3A10).

“Yes, it was. There was another parable to it. In Heaven, gold as an image for value and permanence has come full circle, with gold covering God’s house as it did the tabernacle and temple and God is honored as the true and worthy King by those who have been brought through the fire. Those who have persevered to the end, whose faith has been proven to be as genuine as gold, enjoyed eternal life in the city of gold with King above all kings.”

“That was the perception of gold in Man,” Dante concluded. “Gold is suffering and yet the reward to be cherished at the end.”

“It's ironic if one were to understand it.” Virgil laughed.

“So is the circle of life, if death was the reward, then why do some crave reincarnation to take on those sufferings again.” Dante posed the question.

“Because we are the better of the evils at works here.” Virgil smiled with his words. “I am sure Satan may agree to it.”

At the mention of the name Satan, the golden giant roared out these words.

“Pape Satàn, pape Satàn aleppe,” Plutus then looked at Dante and Virgil.

“Why does he call for Satan?” Virgil asked of Dante. “Should he not beg for forgiveness from God instead.”

“I don’t know why but maybe he is still blinded as before. He held suffering like in the gold on his body; molten heat makes it liquid. It pains him for he was to had it melted onto his body, he thinks it’s the work of Satan to make him suffered here. The flames of Hell at its work here.” Dante gave his version of those words. “Aleppe, in my reading meant the beginning or the first or to Plutus, it meant ‘it begins’. He sensed the presence of Satan and cried out for it was to begin again.”

“Begin of what, Dante?” Virgil asked.

“Whatever was his punishment. Plutus was wealthy as we knew it. He may have gotten it with ill means. He suffers for it now for it was why he was banished here with the unworthy Angel. He cries out to be away but he can’t. Banishment is a mode of punishment and pain came with it. He was pained that he will be harmed by whoever he was with here. As Prometheus had to have his liver eaten daily and yet it grows in the night. A cycle of repeated Hell if we are to define it.”

“How could he know that Satan is here? We are not of Satan’s disciples.” Virgil looked at the pained Plutus.

“Plutus can’t see. He is blind like before. Remember the words we had with Homer. Plutus is without one of his senses, and he had to value the others but they showed him otherwise, and fear build up inside him. He fears to be associated with the other.” Dante looked at Plutus. He then spoke to the giant of words of courage.

“Do not fear he won’t harm you here nor can his power banished you anymore,” Dante called out to Plutus. The golden figure glared at Dante and then it uttered the damning words while looking to the side.

“Be silent, thou accused wolf. Consume your rage.” It was Plutus talking to someone else next to him.

“He speaks to himself? Who is the Wolf?” Virgil was stunned by the giant frame action. “Is he possessed? Perhaps Satan himself stands by his side. Unseen by us.”

“The wolf is a cunning creature yet it cannot be trusted. Have you heard of the wolf in the sheepskin? It disguised its nature to blend with the flock, and when it was time, it killed them all without impunity. Such is the wolf, an unseen adversary until it strikes. Plutus can’t see and only knew suffering when the molten gold is his frame. It’s a way of saying you will scream in silence for no one will hear you.” Dante looked at Plutus. “I can help him. I must.”

Dante then called out to the Angel who once defeated Satan.

“I called on you of my journey too. There is a cause to this journey to the abyss. Its will on by the high where Michael wrought his vengeance upon the proud adultery. Nothing that even the sails inflated by the wind; the mast will snap and thus send the cruel monster to the earth.” Plutus then went down to his knees and it remained there. (adapted from the translation of Henry Wadsworth Long Fellow; extracted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pape_Sat%C3%A0n,_pape_Sat%C3%A0n_aleppe )

“I am afraid. Do we retreat, Dante?”

‘Retreat? That is not an option now. I have come so far to return. Plutus said it so. I am in Hell where Michael had sent the adulterer. I fear not that. For I know the not even the combined strength of some can stand up to his wrath.” Dante reacted in anger. “I feel Michael’s anger. This is the realm for the sinners. They deserved to be here. So was Plutus for he had sinned. I am not to be here like him but on a journey to see it all. Michael will be my protector.”

Virgil was stunned by the words of Dante.

“You came here to look for Beatrice.” Virgil reminded Dante.

“I was but now I have a new task. I am to journey here and know it all. I was selected not by you or Beatrice but a force higher than all of us. It may be Michael and for him, I will complete that task now.”

“Are you upset? Or are you mad, Dante?”

“No, I am not of both. I am no more the poet with the need to narrate. I am the messenger of life to sight what I have and will see for myself. The living need to know what is life here after death. If its sins are committed, then the sinners deserved what they get here.”

Virgil was to ask more but the other had walked on past the silent golden giant.

“I think madness had overtaken Dante. Do I leave him or continued?” Virgil asked himself but his legs took him forward.

 

 

 

 

 

Tweet..tweet... Purgatory in the works 04/08/21

 After a long delay despite the lockdown and the creative engine went into limbo, did feel like quitting it all, and I went into limbo myself until last month, I started on Dante IV: Purgatory ( done to Canto I-IX ), and at Dante V ( at Canto X-XV now ). The engine started and I am on the run. I found an old classic (silent movie) on Dante's Inferno from the 1920's circa; outstanding works which the Director tried to show the journey through Hell. It was on YOUTUBE. There were some works on INFERNO (reviews, comments, analysis, and other works of literature), but not much on PURGATORY. I had to search for it and tried to connect to the commentaries and findings. I have not done any for Dante's PARADISE but I will when I have done PURGATORY.

Doing a re-write on Dante's was not an easy task, given that the original works were in Latin, and dated way back when the readers then were different from today. There were translated works but there was a need to read the references to understand it. I had to improvise without failing the direction of the tale. And one other challenge was Dante used the Bible tales as the backdrop naturally as Heaven and Hell were the works in it. I had to alter that and come up with something new. 

And I hope it was done. Dante's Hell ( Dante I,II and III ) was closed to the original in the contents, but with some addon's of mine and the unprecedented ending there. Dante IV which was based on Purgatory took off from the end of Dante III, and it took on the trail of deviation from the original tale, with its own adaption and twists. 

One of my focuses in the re-write was the conversation between Dante and Virgil. It was my avenue to explain the happenings in the Canto, as if like a narrator explaining the scene. And I kept it comical at times to make the reading fun.

In Canto XIII of Purgatory, I did a Shakespearance adaption of Hamlet. The original was the conversation of two characters on their issues and their families and honor and what else was there, and I could not just use that for it was, as stated above here, may be irrelevant to the new readers. Like teaching Ballroom dancing to the HIP HOP crowd now. I sat there and read it many times, and saw the book on Shakespeare. I recalled Hamlet and used that plot in my write. When I do publish it, you will get to read it.

Meantime, the pandemic had moved closer to the communities; I used to read the number of infections, but of late, it was like who's who I know had it. And died from it. It's sad.

So above all, take care and stay safe. Cheers

Arthur II Book IV Epiloque

 Epilogue

 

Unseen by Merlin then was Belvedere hidden behind the rampart of Camelot, he watched the wizard standing there ignored by the ladies of the lake. He had returned the sword as instructed by Arthur, and in return was given the sword of Balin.

“Used it wisely. The curse of the sword had been lifted but its powers remained there. You may need it to battle the demons that were unleashed by the sisters.” Vivianne told the old knight.

“What about Lancelot and the …others?” Belvedere asked.

“Lancelot had ridden off to the main continent. He harbors no desire to fight on his land. You are the only remaining knight. And the oldest. Lead the others to battle. Camelot lived with you.” Belvedere heeded the words of the lady and then rode off but he had to see Camelot once more.

The once-great castle Camelot was past its glamor with three of its main towers damaged, and most areas of the castle damaged. It was abandoned soon after the battle with the dragons. Even the settlement around it was abandoned or razed by fire done by the dragons or man-made. The only scant remnants of the once-great Camelot was its fine main gate which remained closed.

Belvedere saw the lonely lady standing there at the forest edge and approached her.

“My Queen, are you well?” Belvedere recognized the lady as Queen Guinevere.

“Yes, I am fine, dear Sir. Were you with Arthur when he was to die?” Guinevere asked outright.

“Yes, my Queen. I was there till his death. He …” Belvedere was cut off by the lady.

“Was Lancelot there?” Guinevere asked.

“No, my Queen. He was…” Again Belvedere was cut off.

“Then it's good that he was not there. He will be in more grief if he had seen Arthur’s death. Lancelot loves him too much as well as …disliked the King.” Guinevere spoke to Belvedere. “I will be leaving now. I have a new life to begin.”

“Yes, my Queen. Do you need an escort? Belvedere asked.

“No, I will be fine. No one wants to harm me anymore. I am without the need to be rescued anymore.” Guinevere told the knight and turn to walk away. The knight was confused by her words but he did not attempt to follow her.

Guinevere walked into the forest and was headed nowhere when she met Vivianne.

“Guinevere, I have come to ask you to join me at the lake. We are short of three ladies now. Will you join us?” Vivianne extended the offer.

“I am not sure I am the right person. I have many…” Guinevere was stopped by Vivianne.

“We are all sinners in some stage of our life journey. The ones like us have been given the new chance of cleansing our sins. Will you consider that?” Vivianne looked at Guinevere.

The consideration of Elaine at Joyous was to then look out of the castle opening hoping to get a glance of her once lover, Lancelot. During the last passing of the moons, she found herself yearning for Lancelot. More so when she was with his child inside her.

“Lady Elaine, it's best you stepped away from there. The cold draught will be bad for your health. And the child.” Lady Angharad placed the shawl over Elaine’s shoulder.

“Will he want to know?” Elaine asked.

“Every father wants to know their child. He will return to you.” Lady Angharad replied. It was not so for Molly who had to bid farewell to Lord Bors. The latter had recovered and wanted to ride out.

“I am to leave here and far away from the Elders, and Lord Bern. I thank you, Molly, for your generous care, and do take care.” Lord Bors then rode off without a second glance. Molly wiped her hands on the apron and sniffle at the lat departure.

“There goes another good man.” Molly sighed. “Guess my life is as lonely as the cold winter.”

“Would you join me in Rome, Molly?” The lady heard the call and turned to look. It was Lamorak on the wagon; he was to sit up and offered the lady the seat next to him.

“I got a tavern there that needed some good handling.”

All was set then at Camelot, except one more who was named Tristam. The young knight had ridden off to look for a new Lord to offer his service.

When the sunset at the lake as seen from the backlit of Camelot, it was a different scene at a place not far from it where the Black Lord held his hideout. It was a deep cavern inside the mountain and the in the center of the cavern was the dark pit from which the Black Lord emerged. Standing around the dark pit were the minions that served the Black Lord. Among them was a lady dressed in a dark suit.

“Welcome back, Black Lord.” The lady greeted the emerging dark-skinned figure who was then given a cloak to cover the frame.

“I am feeling better, Lilith. How fares our new servant, Morgause? Or is it Lilith? You always like that name.”

“Better and hopefully soon to be ready to serve you,” Lilith replied.

“Good. I am glad. I have rested far too long.” The Black Lord roared. “The realm needs a new King.”

“And I have the knights to do that for you.” Lilith said. 

Arthur II Book IV Chapter 33 Finale

 33.

The mood of the victorious army of Arthur was solemn with the many tending to their wounds, and to some others was to mourn the dead. The other army had retreated with their wounded led by Sir Erec. The latter had retrieved Owain’s body to return home.

Centurion Marius's timely arrival with the Legionnaires had turned the battle to their favor. The Sarmatians without their leader have retreated from the battle leaving the army led by Erec and Lord Bern had stood to fight the legionnaires but they were no match against the Legionnaires. Sir Erec was wounded in the left shoulder when he tried to cover the retreat of the army and was rescued by Lord Bern.

“I had come here not to assist you but to quell the rebellion here. It’s the duty of the guardians of the Antoinne Wall. And also to protect it once Prime Pilus.” Marius justified the march there. “The Governor of Britannica will be notified.”

“Thank you, old friend. Live well, and prosper.” Arthur had replied to Marius. Marius marched back with his legionnaires and Lamorak offered to follow them. Lamorak had told Arthur that he will return to Rome to complete his final years there.

As the defeated army of Mordred, the mood of battle was over.

“Our battle is over. We have been defeated.” Lord Bern told Sir Erec with the dejected expression. “We will return to our land.”

It was also a sad event with Belvedere and Tristam standing over the dying King of Camelot.

“Why won’t Lancelot stepped in?” Tristam asked then of the other in the tent with him. Belvedere did not reply and stepped out of the tent. He saw Lancelot was there with Jaseth seated next to the knight. He approached the two knights.

“Lancelot, Arthur is dying. Won’t you see him?”

“I hold no relevance to Camelot anymore. I came to battle Mordred for he was killing my people.” Lancelot looked to Jaseth was looking grim-faced at the spot where Lancelot had beheaded Mordred. Mordred body and removed head were retrieved by King Lot’s knights and taken back to Normandy.

“And yet you came?” Belvedere snapped out. “Why can’t you come down from your throne of pride?”

“Who are you to caution me?” Lancelot glared at Belvedere.

“The one who had known you as a friend, seen you get yourself deluded over a lady who cannot be yours, and now you acted foolishly to battle for the one you despised.” Belvedere stepped up to Lancelot. “Tell me if I am wrong.”

Lancelot was to raise his sword but held back. He looked hard at Belvedere.

“I don’t despise Arthur. I only despise myself for being the fool.” With that Lancelot took off to mount his horse and rode away. Jaseth took his mount and chased after Lancelot. Belvedere heaved a deep breath and then went back to the tent.

“Arthur asked for you, ” Tristam told Belvedere. The latter approached the dying King.

“Belvedere, take Excalibur and have it returned to the lake. Don’t give it to anyone, not even Merlin.” Arthur handed the sword over.

“My King…” Belvedere was to speak but Arthur stopped him.

“I am soon to die. Grant me this last wish.” Arthur looked at Belvedere. “When I am dead, bury me at Camelot.”

Back at Camelot, Merlin stood there alone while the allies of his had all departed for their homes. He stood on the rampart looking towards the lake where he had sent Vivianne. He looked to the rear of him and saw the spot where Morgause had lain there wounded and later whisked away. He knew that somewhere out there, Morgause had been hidden from him.

“Black Lord…” Merlin sighed. He had never met the Black Lord but there were tales of the Lord which spoke of the powers of the Lord. It was then he saw the scout riding hard to Camelot.

“I bring dire news, my Lord Merlin. Arthur is dying. He may not make it.” The scout told Merlin. The latter held up his hands and conjured up a portal before him. He stepped into it and was then outside of Arthur’s tent. He proceeded towards the tent and saw Arthur there with Tristam.

“How fares, Arthur?” Merlin asked.

“Arthur is dead.” Tristam looked at the wizard. Merlin rushed forth to search Arthur’s bedding and was stopped by Tristam.

“Excalibur? Where is Arthur’s sword?” Merlin looked at Tristam.

“Belvedere has it. He was told to return the sword to the lake.” Tristam told Merlin.

“I must have it. Step aside.” Merlin pushed the other off and conjured the portal to carry him to the Lake. He landed at the edge of the lake facing the four ladies of the lake’ Vivianne, Vivian, Nymue and Nimue.

Vivianne was holding Excalibur in her hands.

“Stop there, Merlin. Excalibur had returned to the lake by Belvedere. You will not be allowed here anymore.”Vivian told Merlin.

“No, wait. I need to have Excalibur. Arthur may be dead but I can find a new champion.” Merlin pleaded to the ladies. “And more to it, the Black Lord is here. He will reclaim the land and we will be minions to be ruled by him.”

“We have no more concerns on the ways of the realm here. We will retire to the lake. Please take note that the lake will be forbidden for the next hundred years while we rebuild the domain.” Vivianne looked at Merlin. “Goodbye, old friend.”

“No! Wait. You have to …” Merlin called out but the ladies had retreated into the lake. Merlin tried to follow on but the lake will not respond to his commands. He stood there looking at the lake and then heard the familiar voice.

“Merlin, the war is not over. I will return for you in time and avenge my sister and son.” That voice belonged to Morgause Le Fay. Merlin sighed and stepped back from the lake. He then saw the dark Elf standing there.

“I am still your friend, Merlin.” Ronin greeted the old wizard. “We could hide in the enchanted forest.”

Arthur II Book IV Chapter 32

 32.

Ninianne called on the spear spell but it was not effective against Morgan who blocked it with her web cloak. She had tried several spells but it all failed. It was then Morgan hit back. The web cloak produced spikes that reached out towards Ninianne and stung her like a scorpion sting. The lady from the lake retreated with her left hand holding the area at her right shoulder. She was prep up by the other ladies.

“The sting will spread to paralyze your right shoulder and then moved to your chest and which time, it will cause your heart to stop. Then you will cease to breathe.” Morgan laughed. “You are due to die.”

It was then Vivianne arrived at the domain and rushed towards the other ladies.

“How are you feeling, Ninianne?” Vivianne took a look at the stung area which was spreading as revealed by Morgan.

“I am feeling weak.” Ninianne sighed. “Thank you for returning. I handle the leadership to you. I am not suited for it.”

Vivianne stood up and faced Morgan.

“Fight me, Morgan. I am the one who banished you from the Lake.” Vivianne drew out the sword returned by Lord Bors. “Behold, the sword of Balin.”

“I was wondering where were you hiding?” Morgan smiled. “I am going to kill all of you.”

The spikes on the web cloak spread out and then attacked Vivianne but the lady swung the sword with her hands. The blade on the sword slashed at the attacking spikes and cut them at the edges.

“The blade of Balin is like Arondight. It hunts and kills demonic beings.” Vivianne then charged at Morgan. Her move was swift and with her skills, Vivianne thrust the sword into Morgan’s chest holding the sword with her right hand. The blade sank past the dark outfit into the flesh of the lady.

Vivianne twisted the sword in her right hand to slash it upwards at the heart.

“Die, bitch!” Vivianne cursed in her breathe. It was then Morgan Le Fay faded off and only seen was the pool of blood.

“Where is she?” Vivianne called out but no one could explain what happened then.

Just as it was then when Merlin felt defeat was imminent, but he saw Morgause struck at him with the fire spell but he blocked it with a magical shield. She pressed on with more attacks causing Merlin to retreat until the Centaur appeared once more to assist him.

An arrow released by the Centaurs struck Morgause in the left shin and she fell. She crouched up and then looked at Merlin.

“I am not defeated just yet,” Morgause called out. She summoned another spell but in the midst of it, she wavered in her attack. She was distracted by something.

“Morgan!” Morgause called out and it gave Merlin an opening to call on the spell of force to release a powerful push onto the lady. The powerful magical push tossed the lady to the rear into the wall. It stunned her and Merlin took another shot at the lady blasting her past the wall into the Hall behind. He charged in and saw Morgause was wounded by the impact.

“You win, Merlin.” Morgause smiled. “You always wanted to win.”

It was then the lady faded off like her sister. Merlin was puzzled and tried to find her but she was not to be found.

“Merlin, the dragons are gone. Faded into nothing.” It was reported by the Centaurs. “Do…”

“The Black Lord had recalled them,” Merlin muttered out.

Just as Sir Erec had called for a retreat then. He had seen the new strength of over a hundred and sixty Roman Legionnaires marching from the hill to back up Arthur’s depleted army. Sir Erec knew that he cannot defeat the trained disciplined legionnaires.

“Ninth Legion, form the line. We will repel the invaders.” Marius in command of the two cohorts of the Roman Legionnaires called out. The legionnaires formed two lines and marched towards the killing field.

“Optio, lead the left side while I managed the right side of the lines,” Marisu called out to Lamorak who was still seated on the wagon. He was with the soldiers that held the long spear.

“For Rome! For the Legion!” Lamorak called out. The legionnaire reached the killing field, and then the command call was made.

“Form the Tetsudo!” The disciplined and well-trained legionnaires broke from the lines and formed the defense block that allowed them to repel any intruders. The shields clanged together to form a wall of steel, while the Legionnaire’s spear named the pilum was leveled out between the gaps in the shields to thrust at the intruders.

The Tetsudo formation fashioned by the legionnaires was a formidable block that allowed them to move forward in uniform. The intruders retreated on the path of the legionnaires, while the mounted knights were brought down when they tried to break the formation.

“Retreat!” The call went out.

Mordred saw the retreat of his army and was distracted when Arthur struck at the younger knight from the left. Mordred saw the attack move at the last moment but he managed to roll away. He got up and thrust his sword into Arthur’s right ribs when the older knight went by him. It was a fatal thrust that cut into Arthur’s ribs and at the lungs.

Arthur staggered on his feet while he used Excalibur to hold him upright when Mordred pulled the sword out.

“You are done, Arthur.” Mordred looked at the dying Arthur.

“And you will be dead.” The voice of Lancelot roared out when he rode towards Arthur. He dismounted next to the dying King and then glared at Mordred.

“Mordred, your battle with me has not ended.” Lancelot drew out Arondight from the scabbard. “You are the son of a demon and will be dealt as one.”

Lancelot charged at the other knight with his sword leveled at the chest. Mordred raised his sword to block the thrust but at the moment, Lancelot twisted his hands to swing the sword at the left side of Mordred. The other knight had then moved his body sideways to lent force to his block and in that move, exposed his back to Lancelot.

Arondight slashed at Mordred on the back, splitting the armor and into the flesh beneath. Mordred staggered forward on the impact, and before he could defend himself, Lancelot had done the back thrust of the sword into Mordred’s rear neck.

“Urgh!” Mordred gasped in his breath when the wound on his neck was severed in the veins, and the blood flooded the throat. He fell to his knees with the sword balancing him half crouched on the ground.

“Die, the son of the demon.” Lancelot took the wide swing with Arondight and severed the head from Mordred’s body.

“No!” Jaseth called out when he rushed forward to stop the kill. He cradled Mordred’s lifeless body in his arms, with the blood spurting from the exposed stump of the neck.

“No…. my son. You need not die… like this.” Jaseth sobbed his tears out at the loss of his son. “I should have been there.”