Temuz’s feet was suddenly bolted to the ground and, with his
arms fastened to either side of him like led weights, try as he might he could
not move a single muscle, nor could he take a single step forward. That same
instant, his mouth had contorted in pain, as the look in his eyes indicated
dread, for he had just then grasped the gravity of his predicament (situation);
ahh, but bit too late!
.jpg) |
| 01- TEMUZ (7) |
Subsequently, the rising gale winds that had mercilessly
thrashed him had also heralded the dark, ominous clouds overhead, instantly
turning day into night. Then came the torrential downpours, a deluge, but it
all fell only on him; Berdis few feet away remained totally dry. Angry skies
repetitively thundered and shook the very ground which he stood; but worse was
yet to come, a streak of lightening next finding its mark, Temuz’s body just
then was set alight (busted into flames).
.jpg) |
| 02- TEMUZ (HIT BY LIGHTENING) |
And promptly, he was
reduced to a large heap of ash! Berdis, meanwhile, witnessing all this, in
fright had collapsed suddenly on the moss-covered ground, unconscious yet
breathing.
.jpg) |
| 03- BERDIS (8) |
When she came to, the shocking event suddenly recollected, her
face turned ghostly white, but not a single alarming cry escaped her lips;
instead, she had simply sat there on the ground, in numbed state, barely
listening to Longze’s rationalizations (explanative) and urgent appeals
(entreaties) ringing in her head. She had never seen anyone perish (die) in
front of her before, let alone someone she knew, though detested.
Later that afternoon Berdis had quietly returned to her home
and gone straight to her room. She had said nothing to her parents even though
her pallid complexion had greatly alarmed her mother, Elin. Berdis had obligingly ingested (swallowed,
consumed) some chicken bouillon, a nourishing soup, and was allowed to retire
early to bed that evening. Her ill health, and melancholy state did not
dissipate following morning but rather, lasted for nearly a week.
The whole village, meanwhile, was cast in tumult, when Temuz
and his bond servant’s sudden mysterious disappearances without a trace, was
discovered. For weeks, dire speculations, unfounded accusations and unsolicited
(unwelcome) ominous predictions wildly circulated, fingers pointing at likely
culprits, all the while causing emotional soup of fear, grief, anger and
foreboding, not only among his immediate family and wide network of friends but
also, with countless others that had dealings (favorable or otherwise) with
Temuz in the village. Some of Temuz’s closest friends, recalling Berdis’s
demeaning (belittling) rejection of Temuz at the dance earlier on, now put
their heads together in conspiratorial whispers against Berdis, suspecting that
somehow, she must have begotten (caused) this trouble. Some even shunned her or
spread nasty rumours about her, even deeming her unlucky and ill-fated. All expanded efforts searching for Temuz, meanwhile,
lasting for weeks and months, had all been in vain: no resolution, no answer came forth despite
the indebt investigation; this eventually forced the authorities to register the
disappearances of both in official report, as unresolved, unexplained
phenomenon.
Eventually, things in the village had quieted down and ordinary
life seemingly returned to norm, especially since summer was nearing its end,
and soon there would be the Autumn Harvest Festival. Subsequent days, the
activity in the village was electric; the air was permeated with excitement as
all neighbours congregated in the community hall, planning the future Autumn
Harvest celebrations.
Reluctantly, Alec and Elin had participated in some of the
ongoing rush of events, even though their hearts were not in it. By then, also not
wishing to worsen Berdis’s malady, Alec and Elin had temporarily postponed
making any final decision about Berdis’s prospects (nuptial), which by the way,
had been greatly diminished. They were quite
contented, meanwhile, because Berdis now a subdued, proper young lady, rarely
went out lone on excursions, and even then, she never ventured too far. Even
so, many of her friends had now kept their distance and furthermore, Berdis’s introverted
traits being unusual- consistently sequestered in her room reading horticulture
books and taking notes on medicinal herbs, and as oft she seemed, distracted,
moody or unhappy- inaudibly concerned, her mother, Elin.
Back at the mountain cave, meanwhile, Dragon Longze had just
finished paying for his past violation, when barely released from his chains,
he was now informed of a new charge, having already been found guilty in
absentia, of his breach (infringement), of yet another forbidden, stringent
Heavenly rule. Any intimacy or love relations was strictly prohibited between
divine(immortal) and the mortal beings. When he had hopelessly fallen in love
with a mortal being, his transgression had condemned him.
.jpg) |
| 05 -DRAGON LONGZE (10) |
Longze hence, was summoned at once to Heaven’s court, to answer
this charge and to submit to his dire punishment. Even though some had pleaded on his behalf, he
was still given the only recourse (option) as recompense sentence (verdict): to either forever forsake his love, Berdis, and
incinerate her, or suffer as penance (fine, punishment) the Hundred Heavenly
Thunderbolts, an extreme chastisement which none had ever survived; and on the
unlikely chance he did, he would thereafter
be deprived (stripped) of his immortality. Kneeling before the Heavenly Court,
he had begged for the opportunity to first contact her, before he gave his
final decision. Though reluctantly, he was given this singular chance.
.jpg) |
| 06--DRAGON LONGZE (5) |
That night he had appeared to her in his, almost-human form,
in a dream and truthfully explained his reasons for his long abstinence. He had
not forsaken her, far from it, he’d done his best to alter the course of their otherwise
doomed relationship, the forbidden love and the inevitably consequential tragic
fate (certain outcome,) that had awaited them both. He had then asked tentatively,
if she still carried the flames of passion (love) for him in her heart. She had
looked at him, unafraid and straight in the eye, hurt registering in her pupils
temporarily for his doubting her affection, and then nodded in the affirmative.
“Yes,” she had then declared
resolutely and, with deep emotion in her voice, “I have never once, stopped
loving you.”
His heart in ruptures, he had manifested (in absolute human
form) in her room, and she also awakened, presently on her feet, for a moment
they had simply stared at each other.
Then he smiled and drew near to passionately embraced her, afterwards,
lowering his head, he tenderly kissed her rosy lips. But then quickly pulled
away and shook his head. “First, however, you must be in the know…. “Longze
hesitated, looking grim, then forcing calm to his voice he slowly, hence, began
recounting (relaying) albeit grave consequences, of what their forbidden love
entailed:
After his punishment of Heavenly thunderbolts (he’d purposely omitted
the number hundred, insinuating instead that it would only be couple of bolts),
he would then be stripped of all his innate (divine) powers of immortality and then
be cast on earth, to live a single lifetime, with his beloved Berdis, if
fortune favored them. He reiterated, making sure she understood the full
implications, that he and she would be cast forlorn and helpless, him a mere
mortal being, in some distant, foreign lands where they would have to rely only
on their own devices, receiving no support or backing, from Heaven, relations or
friends. She may suffer greatly from being segregated (separated) from her
parents, the comforts of home, the routine life in the village, all that she
had known, loved and cherished in her growing years. Together they would survive
and perhaps even thrive, but at a cost to her, and this fact(ached) deeply
pained his heart. Then, his voice strong and resolute, he avowed to love and
protect her to the best of his abilities, to cherish and provide for her to the
end of his mortal existence. Falling silent momentarily, however, he looked up
at her to somberly confess, that he had no certain way of knowing or predicting
what his future physical shape or abilities would be. He bit the corner of his
lover lip, as he silently considered his
inner dread that after his punishment he could be disfigured or worse; then,
forcing a smile to his lips, he had quietly asked, “When we meet again, I may
appear far different from this current physical form; please consider this
carefully, are you still willing to take this great risk, simply on a leap of
fate, just to attain this singular chance at happiness with me?”
.jpg) |
| 07-DRAGON LONGZE (12) |
She had nodded without hesitation and stanchly (steadfastly) said,
“Yes.” Then went on to add that life’s
uncertainties (unpredictability) had never frightened her, however, possibility
of loosing his love did. She would willingly go through fire, literally, to be
with him.
He was so touched, tears pricked his eyes, and he reached out
to gently hold (grip) her hand; turning it over, he raised it to his lips and tenderly
kissed the palm of her hand, which was a symbolic gesture, a pledge of his
deep, eternal love for her.
And all this was observed in Heaven, not just by his
supporters but all, even those ardent opponents (critics) who by having witnessed
this rare fervour (zeal), courage, this unequivocal(undeniable) deep affection (love)
and unwavering devotion (dedication, fidelity), resultantly hence, had wavered
(faltered) in their staunch resolve.
Meanwhile back on earth, from that night on, anticipation of
joy, hope and love along with melancholy and worry (chiefly for him), in
continuous emotion, though alternately (by turns) had existed in Berdis’s
heart. That was partially the reason for her solitude and oft manifest mixed
emotions: as her heart habitually palpitated, basking (delighting in,) in
Longze’s deep professed love, while her mind considered all that she would be
leavening behind, and the myriad (innumerable) possibilities their future
entailed. Additionally, her mind also was beset with silent worry about the
outcome of his impending (looming) punishment; knowing his nature, she had
guessed (supposed) he had not fully disclosed to her, the full gravity (extent)
of his sentence (penalty).
~
In the village, the Autumn Harvest Festival celebrations,
which lasted for a week, was now in full swing. During one such event in which all
the eligible young people had obligingly participated in symbolic harvesting
the terraces, a small measure of the strips of ripened wheat fields that had
been purposely left untouched- they had not been long at it when one of the
girls, one called Helga, coincidentally one noted for her beauty, joyfully
cried aloud having found a specific purple flower.
 |
| 08- HELGA |
Everyone hurried over to
at once congratulate her for this, artfully implanted, though purportedly
(ostensibly) rare and most fortunate find, which foretold that a brave admirer
would soon be on his way to her father’s dwelling to claim her hand in
marriage. The girl blushing crimson,
quickly tucking the trophy to her bosom, awkwardly intoned her thanks to all
the well wishers and then rushed off to home to relate this good knows to her
parents.
That same instant, one of the young men (a distant cousin of
Temuz) who happened to be the local blacksmith (the metalworker) and more
importantly a malevolent person well-known in the community for his prophetic,
ominous predictions, supernatural powers, had noted Berdis’s unease as she had stood
aloof off to the side. Langu looking more intently, spied in Berdis’s hand
before she could conceal it, impromptu (unplanned, yet genuine), another specific
purple wildflower: though this one had two purple blossoms, a much rarer find,
more importantly, it had an ominous red stem and leaves.
.jpg) |
| 09- BERDIS (29) |
Excitement bursting in his chest, “Dragon comes!” At once an
alarmed cry rang out from Langu. “The
ominous blossoms exist, check out the mark of the red stalk and leaves that is
in her grasp!” He insisted in an urgent shout, drawing unwarranted attention to
Berdis, and this time his accusatory finger pointed directly at Berdis’s hand, causing
everyone gathered to take an intake of deep, fearful breath. All eyes
mechanically next, turned to the sky, in search of, predicted, wrathful,
baneful Dragon; for the sky had just then suddenly, ominously darkened, as the
abruptly rising winds heralded the flotilla of clouds overhead, swiftly
concealing the sun behind it.
Berdis subsequently had striven to run away, but Langu persisting
with his dire warnings, “Beware all! Watch out for the sure signs...” he, same
time, had maneuvered his body to effectively block her way and prevent her
escape (flight). “The vengeful dragon, will soon emerge from the cave and seek
his revenge on us all!” Langu had continued in his exaggerated tones (unaware
of the danger he might beget self), accompanying his ardent words with the
mimicked action of many facets of death.
“Run, run for your lives.”
 |
| 10-LANGU |
He turned abruptly and burrowed his hard, suspicious,
contemptuous eyes on Berdis. “You! You are in league with that dragon! You are also
responsible for my cousin’s disappearance, and perhaps, untimely demise, I know
it!” In a venomous whisper, he hissed (murmured). “I will expose you; you wait
and see! “
Berdis stockily met Langu’s accusatory glare and simply
shrugged. Her eyes next, with an unreadable
expression regarded the purple flower with red stem and red leaves. Inwardly
however, she was fighting to steady her heart and to contain her surging inner
elation (joy), knowing what her find meant. She had been subtly given the
answer, of the Heaven’s merciful verdict.
He’d survived his ordeal, his mated punishment, and soon, very soon, she
would be reunited with her beloved Longze.
Langu’s eyes (popped)opened wide, as if he’d just then read
her thoughts, as he loudly this time, (reiterated) screeched, “Berdis, she is
in league with the Dragon!”
Some among the crowd of onlookers that had gathered, shook
their head as if to say, this was bit too much… Suddenly, rounds of
laughter erupted spontaneously in waves, as everyone thought that Langu was
playing a prank on them, a cruel one at that, just to frighten them and to augment
the excitement of the festivities.
Berdis ceasing this opportunity, hastily tugged the precious
find into her pocket and darted away, this time successfully.
Of course, no Dragon manifested; furthermore, Langu’s
dramatics lost its effect entirely when just then the sudden downpours had
everyone running for cover. And, before long all that hype was forgotten, save
for Langu who had menacingly and doggedly from then on kept a surreptitious eye
on Berdis.
Some things are never put off, even though the numerous events
and festivities had many villager’s schedules hectic, and multitudes franticly engaged.
Surprisingly at dawn one day, a representative matchmaker of Overseer
(supervisor) Kendo Ren, who was from another prominent family, laden with
gifts, had formally called at Alec and Elis’s home, to put forward this time a more
persuasive proposal for Berdis’s hand in marriage. Supervisor Kendo Ren was way
older than Berdis, but he enjoyed such renown (fame) for his aptitude,
dexterity and courage especially in the last skirmish (scuffle, fray, fight) that had secured the highways, including the
one leading to their village, from relentless highwaymen, permanently
eliminating threat from the notorious White Hawk Gang, that Berdis’s parents
accepted him readily at once as an apt suitor for their daughter. They had long suspected the cause of Berdis’s
malady being her secret infatuation of a malevolent spirit; hence, Alec and
Elin’s decision had been based on the dire hope that Kendo Ren, with his
proficiency as a warrior, would ultimately rescue Berdis from the clutches of
that harmful, phantom spirit.
 |
| 11- KENDO REN |
Berdis, when informed of her parent’s decision, did not
express any objections to the suitor’s age or give any other plausible reason;
she simply shook her head in the negative, clearly rejecting the marriage
proposal. Her parents spent the entire night arguing the point between them. By
the following day, with their mind set, ascribing the young daughter’s
hesitancy to maidenly fear, they went ahead anyway and fixed the date for the
upcoming nuptials. Elin, despite her intuitive worry, for Berdis had remained
adamant despite pressure, that she would never acquiesce to this match, chose
instead, to busy herself for the next couple of weeks with the customary
preparations. The wedding date was fast approaching and on the fifth of November,
three days after Berdis’s sixteenth birthday hence, the Overseer (supervisor)
Kendo Ren would present himself in person, in full regalia, with pomp and
ceremony, with a contingent (delegation) of mounted men, at their door, to
collect his bride. The wedding celebrations would then take place in his
residence, lasting, at least four weeks, owing to his importance.
Alec and Elin had no way of knowing of course that, on the day
Berdis had found that two purple blooms on a single red stem, in her heart of
hearts she’d understanding its message. Subsequently, she had covertly visited the
forbidden zone one last time, and in
front of then sealed cave’s entrance, sitting on a rock, under that
broad-topped young pine whose leaves whispered in the gentle murmur of the air
in the evening hours when the twilight steals by with night on its heels, she
had declared openly , her voice resonating in the air, her affirmed, avowed fidelity to Longze.
 |
| 12- BERDIS |
~
Two days prior, to the day November 5th, that was to
be her marriage date, she donned her best garments, arranged her hair according
to the tradition of her village and wore all her maiden ornaments in beautiful
array. With a smile, she then came forth
just before dusk and presented herself to her parents.
“I am sorry to have caused you so much worry,” She said, “It
is time for me to now, take my leave of you. My place is with my intended, future
husband, Longze, who is patiently waiting for me at this moment, to whisk me
away.”
Her face was radiant with joy, and the parents, thinking what
she had said was a fanciful way of expressing her acquiescence to their plans,
and that Longze was a nickname she’d given to her intended, nodded their ready
acquiescence (consent). They had of course expected her to now, to go forth and
have that clandestine meeting with her intended suitor Kendo Ren, as this was
the accepted norm, before the actual wedding day.
Her father Alec had stood at the doorway and wished his
precious daughter Berdis plentiful good fortune in her anticipated, happy
meeting with her soon to be husband, and then briskly turned on his heels and
went inside, not wishing for his daughter to witness fresh tears just then
brimming in his eyes. Her mother Elin had accompanied Berdis, part of the way.
"I leave you with some trepidation in my heart," Berdis
said finally, in a somber tone, when they had halted their steps; from thence,
they would part. "Joyful as this
event is, my heart is beset with sadness for I am going from one who has loved
and nurtured me since my infancy; one who has guarded my youth; who has given
me medicine when I was sick and taught me to cook and sew.” Turning to take one
last teary-eyed look at her childhood home, she added. “I am going from a
father who diligently kept us safe from all danger, as he oft has ranged the
forest to procure the choicest meat and furs, and liberally had his home
supplied with food and warmth. I am
going from a place which has been my shelter from the harsh storms of winter,
and my shield from the heat of summer. My gratitude is boundless for all that
you’ve both done for me. I love you both dearly; but now I must leave you.
Farewell, my beloved mother,” Berdis looked at her home one last time and
mouthed the words, “farewell also, my respected father, farewell!"
And then, she sped faster than any could follow to the periphery
(margin, edge) of the fairy wood, and in a moment, she was lost to sight.
That night Alec and Elin seated by the fire, with mixed
emotions had patiently awaited till small hours for her safe return. Subsequent
day was the waiting day, which all would rest, reflect and pray, just one day
before the big day, the joyful event that would unite their precious Berdis
with Kendo Ren formally (legally) before the assembled key witnesses and
officials, in an anticipated, blissful matrimonial ceremony.
Time passed. Hour
followed yet another hour, as the clouds of evening rolled up in the west;
darkness faded eventually and, the first daylight was about to be manifest in
the east, yet Berdis had still not returned.
They jumped from their seat at a loud knock on the door at
down, and with pounding hearts, rushed to open it. But instead of Berdis, they
came face to face with the forlorn and decidedly angry face of the bridegroom to
be, who demanded an explanation for this insult.
 |
| 13- ANGRY KENDO REN |
He had gone through a lot of trouble the night before, with
magnificent preparations (arrangements), to woo (court, flatter) Berdis with
words of passion, sonnets, gifts of food, wine, music and personal tokens of
love, ancestral jewellery to be bestowed on her. He’d patiently waited all
night long at the rendezvous point for hours on end, his steps (boots) to and
for wearing out the ground and ultimately, his patience, but she had failed to
show up. He demanded an explanation for this great breach of etiquette and
time-honoured custom (tradition, ritual).
Alec and Elin were mystified and bit horrified at this
unimagined outcome; they were of course beset with silent worry thinking some
grave mishap must have befallen her. They carefully, meticulously enumerated,
the last night’s spoken words and events, in their head, still disbelieving
their senses, instead, seeking any plausible explanation for this unexpected
outcome.
Kendo Ren had great influence and power not just in the
village but in the entire region; and because of his prominence, soon, many armed
men were dispatched (rounded up) , utilized, spread about, some on horseback, searching
the byways, steep hills, the periphery shoreline of the lake, wilderness and
whereabouts, even trespassing into the forbidden zone, in an exhaustive,
thorough search of Berdis. The all-encompassing search had lasted all day and
night; at night with torches lit, they (examined) still investigated every dark
recess of the mountain, probed each and every chasm (crevice), combed every leafy
brush, examined every disturbance on the ground (tracks belonging to wildlife
or men), still it had been in vain. The huge cave entrance meanwhile had been
sealed, it was solidified into a mountain, and the cavern existed no more. Nor
did they care. They hoped it had sealed and imprisoned the dreaded Dragon there
permanently. At least that was something to be thankful for.
 |
| 14- KENDO REN |
Kendo Ren’s rage could not be so easily assuaged; though he
concealed his innate nature well, he was in truth an arrogant, possessive,
cruel and spiteful warrior who’d always gotten his way. Moreover, Kendo Ren had,
for a long time secretly lusted (hankered) after Berdis, and when Temuz’s proposal of
marriage had been accepted, incensed Kendo Ren had then made certain
arrangements to bring about Temuz’s accidental, premature demise (death). But
before this was to happen, Temuz had gone missing, robbing Kendo of the
satisfaction of personally illuminating his rival. Now after the extensive
search, having failed to yet again possess Berdis, he’d now sought to utterly
destroy her parents Alec and Elin, for his unrequited lust and, as scant
satisfaction, of his need for revenge.
It took some doing but eventually Kendo Ren was persuaded by
the influential officials from his village, to instead, merry Helga. She was
vein true, but also well endowed; moreover, on her seventeenth birthday, just
shy of three months, she would be bequeathed with an additional wealth, a
sizeable inheritance left to her by her only uncle, an enigmatic adventurer, who
had never married or sired any known children. Joining her in matrimony will
enhance his wealth and power, and so he had opportunely altered his (nuptial) plans
and thought of Berdis no more.
Many suns rose and set, and in time all forgot the existence of
Berdis, save for her parents. They had endlessly, in lamentation oft at night
called out her name, but she answered not.
Nevermore in their light did the bereaved parent’s eyes behold the lost
form of their beloved child. Soon they had to come to grips with a harsh
reality: their beloved daughter had been lost to them forever. Wherever she had
vanished, it was to a place no mortal eyes could see, and no mortal tongue
could tell.
.jpg) |
| 15-DRAGON LONGZE (8) |
Essentially, when the Dragon Longze was first freed from his
chains and emerged from the cave: before
his going to Heaven to answer for the new charges, it had been him that with
his magic breath that had permanently sealed the entrance of the cave, forming
an impenetrable, solid, charred rockface, so that no other would ever be held
captive there ever again.
Afterwards, he had gone to Heaven and had suffered the extreme
punishment of 100 Heavenly thunderbolts. He had endured the unimaginable torment
and furthermore, survived just so he could be with his beloved Berdis. He could
not allow himself to expire, not when he was so close to fulfilling his heart’s
desire. His love had sustained him through the searing flames slicing, carving
deep lines in his flesh and bones, the agonizing, soul shattering bolts that
threatened to unhinge his mind.
He remained most grateful to his friends that had unstintingly
cared for him after the fact, tended to his wounds and soon as the danger had
passed and he was able, though a deep scar on his right cheek now marred his
beautiful face and his left arm was permanently debilitated (hindered,
encumbered), he had not with resentment but with humility, knelt before the Heavenly
Mighty God and accepted, his just, final verdict.
Heaven being (lenient) merciful, he was manifested back at the
mortal realm, in perfect health, as the same handsome young man of twenty with
long, cascading blond hair and grey blue eyes, the same image he’d assumed in his
last encounter with Berdis.
 |
| 16- DRAGON LONGZE WAITING FOR BERDIS |
He had patiently waited that night, there under the canopy of
infinite no of stars and moonlit sky, at the mouth of the old cave, for her to
come to him. She did not disappoint his trust; and joyfully reunited with her,
the two then embraced and closed their eyes; instantly they were cast
(transported) to a distant land, but not an inhospitable one, for Heaven was compassionate
and forbearing (tolerant, forgiving).
Longze and Berdis settled down in a modest dwelling, perched on
the remote, however picturesque, segment of the majestic mountain, with
cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.
These mountain rages and the surrounding area, being at the periphery,
was still under the jurisdiction, therefore apt protection of a just kingdom.
They mostly kept to themselves, though the monastery and the
two towns nearby, still at some distance, provided Longze and Berdis with the necessary,
annual provisions they could not otherwise attain. There, in their humble
dwelling they lived happily ever after in perfect, blissful existence, Longze
earning a living through hunting with abundant game on this high elevation (not
altogether hostile topography, beside the densely forested mountain range); and
Berdis, contributing to their livelihood, by being a healer, as she had some
knowledge of the healing herbs. She
often gathered wild herbs that was found sometimes only on the mountain slopes
(gradient, incline, hill), and categorized these accordingly, using them as
treatment for myriad (innumerable) afflictions. And so, they lived peacefully
ever after, till their hair turned grey, surrounded by three beautiful
children, and two boys and a girl and many grandchildren.
The End.
JP.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
