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SHORT STORY

The Cap-Seller Once a cap-seller was passing through a jungle. He was dead tired. He needed rest urgently. He spread a cloth under a tree and began to rest. He placed his bag of caps near him and lay down with a cap on his head. A cool breeze was blowing which soon lulled him to sleep. The cap seller had a sound sleep for one hour. Then he suddenly got up. The first thing he did was to have a look at his bag. He was at first startled when he found all his caps missing, though the bag was intact. He thought and thought but could not understand where the caps could have gone. Indeed, he was greatly puzzled. All of a sudden, he looked towards the sky. In the branches of the tree he saw several monkeys. Each one of them was wearing a cap in his head. Evidently, they had seen the cap-seller wearing a cap and had imitated him. The cap-seller was not a rich merchant. He could not afford to leave the cap with the monkeys and go empty-handed from that place. But how to get back the caps from the monkeys? He tried to make a humble request to them. In return, they only made faces at him. Then he began to gesticulate. They too began to do the same. He even raised his fist towards them as if to threaten them. They only imitated him. He began to exercise his brain. He considered several plans, but was not satisfied with any one of them. At last, he hit upon a clever idea. Monkeys are great imitators, he thought. So, he took of his own cap and threw it down on the ground. All the monkeys followed suit instantaneously. He stood up and collected all his caps, put them into his bag and went his way.

Moral : Wisdom prevails where strength fails or Do not lose heart when you are in a fix.

ESSAY

The Value of Discipline Discipline is the first law of nature. The sun rises and brings the day. It sets and there is night and the moon and the stars are visible. Thus the day and the night alternate each other. The months and seasons come by rotation. There is no scramble for out-maneuvering one another. The elements and compounds all follow their natural properties. The earth revolves round the sun unfailingly and the Law of Gravitation and other such natural laws hold their ground eternally. Man is a part and parcel of nature. He is also a unit, an entity in the social fabric. Just as if there were no strict adherence to laws by objects of nature, there would be complete chaos, if the human beings do not observe discipline. The entire social structure would fall like a house of cards. For instance, we can violate the rules of the road only at great peril to our lives. A disobedient child may have to face disinheritance from his parents. A student who is not respectful and obedient to his teachers can learn nothing and has to repent in the long run. A disobedient public servant may lose his job. In the army an errant soldier can be court-martialed. Discipline is not only essential for an individuals personal success, but also for a nations success. Those nations who do not observe discipline can make no progress and may even lose their freedom. Countries like Japan, Germany, USA, and China have made tremendous progress only through observance of discipline. A nations discipline has not only to be social and political in the form of discarding wastage and lavish spending. Having patriotic thoughts and doing patriotic deeds for the defence and progress of the nation is a part of discipline. Even population cannot be controlled without self-discipline by the citizens. It is said that discipline is unavoidable for every nation. All nations which do not or cannot observe internal discipline will ultimately be ruled by some external power which is capable of enforcing discipline. This is what we have been observing all along in history. Discipline, as for a nation, is of two types for an individual. The external discipline is observable in the form of obedience to superiors like parents, teachers, bosses etc. and in strict adherence to daily routine for efficient work and excellence results in our mundane activities. But there is also an inner

and higher discipline which pertains to the mind and the soul. This consists in sticking to high character, high ideals, truth and honesty in the face of all temptations, allurements and coercions. One has to be a man of principles and a man of word. In such cases, one may have to face many privations, tortures and desertion and opposition by sometimes even the near and dear ones. This spiritual discipline has been observed most consummately only by the greatest messiahs of humanity who are the eternal beacon-lights to guide mans destiny.

LEGEND

THE LEGEND OF THE PIASA BIRD


"The Piasa bird (pronounced Pie-a-saw) is said to have flown over the "Great Father of Waters" thousands of moons before the white man came, when magolonyn and mastodon were still living." The Piasa, or Piusa, means "the bird that devours men" or "bird of the evil spirit". Early drawings depict it as part bird, reptile, mammal, and fish. The colors used in early paintings symbolize war and vengeance (red), death and despair (black), and hope and triumph over death (green). Marquette and Joliet recorded in their diaries a description of an image of this creature incised into the limestone bluffs 40 to 50 feet above the water near their historic landing site at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. This image was later painted, and has been relocated several times. Today a painting of the Piasa Bird can be seen on the bluffs near Alton, Illinois. The most enduring and fascinating legend about this bird was written by John Russell in 1836. It follows: Before the village of the Illini, the mighty river swept to the south, clear and fresh. The surrounding woods were rich with game. The bluffs and the mighty trees shielded the Illini from the harsh winds that sometimes swept in from the north. Their village was a secure and happy place. Chief of the Illini was Ouatoga (Watoga). He was old and had led his tribe in the ways of peace for most of his lifetime. Ouatoga and his people loved their home and their way of life. Then one morning, as the sun began to climb towards the summit of its cloudless sky, terror touched the Illini. The village stirred. A number of younger braves were leaving on an early morning fishing expedition. Some were already on the river in their canoes, others preparing to embark, when suddenly the very earth seemed to shudder with the sound of an alien scream. Out of the Western sky came a gigantic flying monster. Its body was much the size and shape of a horse; long, white fangs stabbed upward from the protruding lower jaw and flames leaped from its nostrils; two white, deer-like horns angled wickedly from its head. Its huge wings pounded the air with such force the trees bent; its stubby legs held dagger-like talons and its spiked tail wound around the grotesque body three times. Almost before the braves realized their danger, the beast, soon to be named the Piasa Bird, swooped across the beach and carried one away. From that moment on, the Illini were terrorized by this incredible and blood-thirsty monster. Each morning and afternoon thereafter, the Piasa Bird came, shattering the peace of the village with its blood-chilling screams and the thunderous beat of its wings. More often than not, it returned to its lair with a victim.

The Illini looked to their chief, Ouatoga, for a solution to this menace. Time and time again he had led them through the trials of famine, illness, and the threat of warlike tribes. But Ouatoga felt helpless before this danger and the years weighed heavily upon him. The beast seemed invulnerable. His body was covered with scales, like a coat-of-mail. The best efforts of Tera-hi-on-a-wa-ka, the arrow maker, and the tribe's finest archers were to no avail. Then Ouatoga appealed to the Great Spirit. For nearly a full moon he prayed and fasted. Then in a dream he found the answer. The body of the Piasa Bird was not protected under the wings. After offering thanks to the Great Spirit, Ouatoga called the tribe together and devised a plan that could destroy the Piasa Bird. All that day Tera-hi-on-a-wa-ka sharpened arrowheads and painted them with poison while the tribe fasted and prayed. That night, Ouatoga and six of the finest braves crept to the top of the high bluff overlooking the Great Father of Waters. When dawn came only Ouatoga was visible, standing straight and firm in full view. The braves were hidden nearby behind a rock ledge, bows ready. Suddenly, the scream of the Piasa Bird broke the silence and the winged monster swept into view. Immediately it sighted Ouatoga and with what seemed a shriek of delight, it pounced. As it did, Ouatoga fell to the ground and grasped the strong roots that grew there. The pain of the talons sinking into his flesh inspired him to grip the roots even more tightly. As the Piasa Bird raised its great wings in an effort to carry off its victim, the six braves stepped from their hiding place and shot six poisoned arrows into the unprotected place beneath the beast's wings. Again and again the bird raised its wings to fly. But Ouatoga held fast and each time six poisoned arrows drove into the bird's vulnerable spot. Finally, the poison did its job. With a scream of agony, the Piasa Bird released its hold on Ouatoga and plunged down the bluff to disappear forever in the swift waters of the great river. Carefully, tenderly, the braves carried Ouatoga to his tepee where, in time, he was nursed back to health. Thena great celebration was held in the camp of the Illini. The next day, Tera-hi-on-a-wa-ka mixed paints and,carrying them to the bluff, painted a picture of the Piasa Bird in tribute to the victory of Ouatoga and the Illini. Every time an Indian passed the painting, he shot an arrow in salute to the bravery of Ouatoga and deliverance from the Piasa Bird. The Piasa Bird is once again flying over the City of Alton.

ORATION Corruption and Despair

Good morning every one. I am here to share my reflections to you about the worsening problem of our country; it is a problem whose name even streetchildren who have learned how to speak can pronounce. I am not here to define the word. I am not also here to give examples because we are very tired of it. As a writer, I have formed the habit of reflection. I believe this is the only thing a writer has, the ability to reflect about the things that happen in the world. Otherwise, how can poets like me write something unique out of the ordinary? Wherever I set my eyes to, I see traces of this problem. Like you, I am also getting tired. For a change, I thought about thinking the reason why human beings are able to do the things that destroy of corrupt us. We know the meaning of hope. The newly-elected 44th US president Barack Obama, said that hope is not blind optimism. It is the courage to face every day trials knowing that we will overcome and accomplish the things we long for and dream of. In other words, Obama was saying a person who has faith has the ability to look at not only the things that occupies him at the moment, but also the things that are not there yet. He is able to see beyond today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, a week from now, a month, a year, ten years, one generation from now. Corruption is so widespread in our society I believe we have lost hope in eradicating it. I compare corruption to garbage. All my life I have not littered but the streets are still full of it, so what for? A candy wrapper could no longer aggravate the piles of garbage in the streets. The shortsightedness of this view leads us to despair, and despair pushes us to commit acts not done by people who hope and continues to hope. The mind that thinks this kind of thoughts no longer believes in the saying what we sow we reap. His vision could not extend far enough to the harvest season, so he does not believe in will come, why plant? Hunger and despair are his only motivation; not hope anchored in the belief that tomorrow brings an opportunity to ease the sadness, feed the hunger, and fill the need. What I really want to say is this: corruption is a symptom of a soul who has lost hope and direction in life. If we really want to eradicate corruption, we need to toil to bring back hope and faith in our lives. Let us believe in the power of good deeds, and let us hope that the integrity we planted will bear abundant fruit so that all may prosper.

BIOGRAPHY

Joanne Kathleen Rowling J.K. Rowling (b. July 31, 1965, in Chipping Sodbury, England) became an international literary sensation when the first three installments of her Harry Potter children's book series took over the top three slots of The New York Times best-seller list. The phenomenal response to Rowling's books culminated in 2000, when Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire became the fastest-selling book in history. Author. Born Joanne Kathleen Rowling, on July 31, 1965, in Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, England. A single mother living in Edinburgh, Scotland, Rowling became an international literary sensation in 1999, when the first three installments of her Harry Potter children's book series took over the top three slots of The New York Times best-seller list after achieving similar success in her native United Kingdom. The phenomenal response to Rowling's books culminated in July 2000, when the fourth volume in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, became the fastest-selling book in history. A graduate of Exeter University, Rowling moved to Portugal in 1990 to teach English. There, she met and married the Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes. The couple's daughter, Jessica, was born in 1993. After her marriage ended in divorce, Rowling moved to Edinburgh with her daughter to live near her younger sister, Di. While struggling to support Jessica and herself on welfare, Rowling worked on a book, the idea for which had reportedly occurred to her while she was traveling on a train from Manchester to London in 1990. After a number of rejections, she finally sold the book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (the word "Philosopher" was changed to "Sorcerer" for its publication in America), for the equivalent of about $4,000. The book, and its subseqent series, chronicled the life of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his motley band of cohorts at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. By the summer of 2000, the first three Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban earned approximately $480 million in three years, with over 35 million copies in print in 35 languages. In July 2000, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire saw a first printing of 5.3 million copies and advance orders of over 1.8 million. After a postponed release date, the fifth installment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, hit book stores in June 2003. The sixth installment, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, sold 6.9 million copies in the United States in its first 24 hours, the biggest opening in publishing history. Prior to its July 2007 release, the seventh and final installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the largest ever

pre-ordered book at chain stores Barnes & Noble and Border's, and at Amazon.com. Rowling, now Britain's 13th wealthiest womanwealthier than even the Queendoes not plan to write any more books in the series, but has not entirely ruled out the possibility. A film version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, directed by Chris Columbus was released in November 2001. In its opening weekend in the U.S., the film debuted on a record 8,200 screens and smashed the previous box office record, earning an estimated $93.5 million ($20 million more than the previous recordholder, 1999's The Lost World: Jurassic Park). It ended the year as the top-grossing movie of 2001. The second and third films in the series opened in November 2002 and June 2004 respectively, each enjoying similar record-breaking box office success. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, directed by Mike Newell, was released in 2005. The fifth movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix released in July 2007, featured screenwriter Michael Goldenberg, who replaced Steve Kloves, writer of the first four films. In 2009, the film version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled to hi theaters on July 17. The movie is expected to gross several million at the box office. The Potter films are scheduled to come to an end in 2011. Although J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is finished, the author continues to work on more written works. Her newest book hit bookshelves on November 4th, 2008, at a tea party for 200 school children at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. The book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of five fables mentioned in Rowling's wildly popular Harry Potter book series. Rowling donated all the royalties from the book to Children's High Level Group, a charity she co-founded to support institutionalized children in Eastern Europe. On December 26, 2001, J.K. Rowling married the anesthetist Dr. Neil Murray at the couple's home in Scotland. They have two children together David (b.2003) and Mackenzie (b. 2005). Rowling has one child, Jessica (b. 1993) from her previous marriage.

FABLE

The Classic Friendship Story of the Lion and the Mouse Once in a dense jungle far far away there lived a mighty lion whom all the other creatures used to fear very much. King of the jungle as he was, the terrible beast knew no fear and he loved the respect he received from all and sundry in the forest. He used to spend half his day in hunting and the other half in sleeping. No creature dared to come near his den at any time of the day, specially when he was asleep for the mighty beast got terribly angry if his sleep was disturbed in any way. But one day it so happened that a little mouse got curious to see how the lion's den looked like. So he set out for the cave where the lion rested. When he got near, he could not see the lion. "He has gone somewhere. Is he going to come back soon? Nah...I don't think so." thought the mouse. It ran and sneaked into the cave. It was a dark, desolate place but big enough for the lion to live. The mouse felt small and a little afraid when he saw the large footprints of the lion on the ground. "Maybe I should turn back." thought he. Just then he heard the sound of the footsteps of the lion. "Oh no, he is coming back. Now what do I do?" the mouse trembled anxiously. The lion had only gone to quench his thirst from a river close by and he was coming back to take rest. The mouse hid himself in the dark inside of the cave and saw the huge shadow of the lion falling on the floors. The lion sat near the entrance of the cave and rested his head on his huge paws. Soon he was fast asleep. The whole cave seemed to tremble with the loud snoring of the jungle king. The mouse tried to creep entrance. But as he tried paw of the beast and the anger and the roar he out as stealthily as he could. Soon he was near the to cross the lion, his little tail grazed against the left lord of the jungle woke up with a start. Imagine his gave when he saw the puny mouse in his den.

The frightened mouse lost his mind and began to run up and down upon the lion. The lion placed his huge paw upon its tail and opened his big jaws to swallow the mouse when the latter cried out,

"Pardon, O King, please forgive me. I did not mean to wake you, I was only trying to leave this cave which I had entered out of curiosity. Kindly let me go this time, I shall never forget your nobility: if destiny gives me a chance I will assist you in whichever way I can on one of your bad days." The lion was amused at this thought. How can the little mouse help him? But he let him go and roared with laughter. The mouse ran for his life, thanking his stars. A few days, as the lion was prowling majestically through the jungle, it was suddenly caught in a hunter's snare. He struggled furiously to break free. But for all his efforts, he only found himself getting even more entangled in the net of ropes. He roared out of anger and helplessness. The whole jungle began to shake due to the terrible sound and every animal heard the cries of the beast. The mouse heard it too. "The lord of the jungle is in trouble." thought the mouse. "It is my chance to be of help to him now". Thinking so, the mouse ran as fast as he could to the place where the sounds were coming from. Soon he found the lion trapped in the hunter's snare. "Don't move, Your Majesty, I'll cut your ropes and you will soon be free" squeaked the mouse. Without wasting a second, he began nibbling through the ropes with his sharp little teeth. Very soon the lion was free. "I did not believe that even you could help me. But I was wrong" said the lion humbly. And the two creatures became the best of friends from that day. No matter how weak and small a creature is, he may be of help if time comes.

NEWS

Scientist Says Monkey Thought Extinct May Be Alive COLUMBUS, Ohio - A species of monkey thought likely to be extinct may stillbe swinging through the trees in Africa, according to an anthropologist. The Miss Waldron's red colobus monkey was declared likely extinct in 2000 by a team that included W. Scott McGraw, an assistant professor of anthropology at Ohio State University. None had been seen since 1978, but McGraw said Wednesday he has evidence the species survives. Two years ago, McGraw retrieved the skin of a monkey a hunter killed in Ivory Coast that had the markings of the red colobus, he said. The pelt had the species' typical black hair on its back with reddish fur on its forehead and thighs, along with freshly dried blood. Recently, he received a photo from an associate in Africa that shows a dead red colobus. McGraw is convinced the photo is genuine, he said. The monkey grows to a height of about 3 feet, with a head that is small for its frame. It eats fruit, seeds and foliage and emits a loud shriek. The species is believed to be named for the companion of its discoverer. There are about 18 species of red colobus. The Miss Waldron's species was the victim of farmers who removed much of the monkeys' forest habitat and hunters who ate or sold their meat, McGraw said. He has made several trips to Ivory Coast and plans to return to the war-torn nation next summer. McGraw has heard of sightings by hunters and other locals but has yet to see one himself. "It's in the extreme southeast corner of Ivory Coast," McGraw said. "It is smack dab in the middle of the (colobus') historical distribution. All the hunters we talk to say the forests are crawling with them. This is the frustrating part." John Oates, an anthropology professor at Hunter College in New York City, also was part of the team that declared the species likely to be extinct. He said McGraw's findings do not surprise him. "We didn't dismiss the possibility that a few hung on somewhere," Oates said. "But no one's managed to see one jumping around in the trees."

The researchers' work in 2000 suggested that the red colobus could have been the first species of primates to disappear in 200 years and warned that other species could soon become extinct unless deforestation and hunting were managed. Ivory Coast forbids hunting, but the ban is not strongly enforced, McGraw said.

PROSE

To The Shore Once More: Point Pleasant Beach Always, with the salt air, an aroma of sausage, peppers and onions, and Godknows-what sauces drift up and down the boardwalk. It was one of those seascintillating summers, every weekend an arcade dealer's dream. I had turned twenty-one, and everything seemed right with the worldI even thought I understood Browning who believed only God could. I drank martinis, busboyed at Martell's, and listened over and over again to Sinatra singing, "It Was A Very Good Year." Each evening after work, I would put on my best clothes and go back to the boardwalk, looking for the company of girls. Most times I would just pick up the ping-ping sounds of pinball machines and the wheels' spinning promises of dolls and teddy bears for a quarter down. The games of skill and chance lured me in, every stand ablaze in neon and crackling its shuttle of numbers. By day the boardwalk became a different world. In early morning, joggers, bicycle riders, fast walkers, and dog walkers thrived. Some mornings people stayed for about ten minutes to sit on a bench or lean against the rusted railing and stare out at the sea as though waiting for a revelation. Before the beach opened to the vacationing throngs of bathers and sun-tanners, old men went beachcombing; their metal detectors vacuumed the tops of sand ripples like gulls skimming waves. Here and there kids searched for shells, dodged their dogs and the waves or threw stones into the ocean just to test their reach. Once a dead whale washed up onto the beach. By the time we got there, people had carved their initials into it, put their cigarettes out against its side, and taken chunks of flesh away. One young man climbed on top of the beast and beat his chest like Tarzan. There's something about a dead giant that brings out the worst in people. Because of its smell, the whale was dragged out to sea and blown up, much to the relief of the people who lived nearby. Other things washed onto shore by the hundreds: blowfish, pink, puffed, and prickly, looking like strange balloons left over from a novelty store; starfish, dry and brittle, which herring gulls liked to strut with in their beaks; and horseshoe crabs, strewn over the tideline and looking from a distance as though some ghostly cavalry had galloped by, leaving only their grotesque shapes. Storms delivered most of the wreckage. Meanwhile, my own inner storms drove me to the beachthe types of storms that rack many young people on their rites of passage into adulthood: Should I marry the high school girl as my

mother urged me to? What would I do when summer ended? What kind of work should I devote my life to? But whatever problems I was weathering dwindled when I brought them before what the poet Hart Crane called "this great wink of eternity." Standing on the shore at night, listening to the hollow boom and hiss of the waves, I stared at the legion of stars processioning the sky. Absorbed by the immensity of space and time, I was struck by the preciousness of life in all its varied forms and exalted in being part of that procession.

LYRIC POEM Go, lovely Rose

By Edmund Waller

Go, lovely Rose Tell her that wastes her time and me, That now she knows, When I resemble her to thee, How sweet and fair she seems to be.

Tell her thats young, And shuns to have her graces spied, That hadst thou sprung In deserts where no men abide, Thou must have uncommended died.

Small is the worth Of beauty from the light retired: Bid her come forth, Suffer herself to be desired, And not blush so to be admired.

Then diethat she The common fate of all things rare May read in thee; How small a part of time they share That are so wondrous sweet and fair!

NARRATIVE POEM

The Divine Comedy


By: Dante Alighieri

"O virgin mother, daughter of thy Son, humble beyond all creatures and more exalted; predestined turning point of God's intention; Thy merit so ennobled human nature that its divine Creator did not scorn to make Himself the creature of His creature. The Love that was rekindled in Thy womb sends for the warmth of the eternal peace within whose ray this flower has come to bloom. Here to us, thou art the noon and scope of Love revealed; and among mortal men, the living fountain of eternal hope. Lady, thou art so near God's reckonings that who seeks grace and does not first seek thee would have his wish fly upward without wings. Not only does thy sweet benignity flow out to all who beg, but oftentimes thy charity arrives before the plea. In thee is pity, in thee munificence, in thee the tenderest heart, in thee unites all that creation knows of excellence! Now comes this man who from the final pit of the universe up to this height has seen, one by one, the three lives of the spirit. He prays to thee in fervent supplication for grace and strength, that he may raise his eyes to the all-healing final revelation. And I, who never more desired to see the vision myself that I do that he may see It,

add my own prayer, and pray that it may be enough to move you to dispel the trace of every mortal shadow by thy prayers and let him see revealed the Sum of Grace. I pray the further, all-persuading Queen, keep whole the natural bent of his affections and of his powers after his eyes have seen. Protect him from the stirrings of man's clay; see how Beatrice and the blessed host clasp reverent hands to join me as I pray." The eyes that God reveres and loves the best glowed on the speaker, making clear the joy with which true prayer is heard by the most blest. Those eyes turned then to the Eternal Ray, through which, we must indeed believe, the eyes of others do not find such ready way. And I, who neared the goal of all my nature, felt my soul, at the climax of its yearning, suddenly, as it ought, grow calm with rapture. Bernard then, smiling sweetly, gestured to me to look up, but I had already become within myself all he would have me be. Little by little as my vision grew it penetrated faintly through the aura of the high lamp which in Itself is true. What then I saw is more than tongue can say. Our human speech is dark before the vision. The ravished memory swoons and falls away. As one who sees in dreams and wakes to find the emotional impression of his vision still powerful while its parts fade from his mind just such am I, having lost nearly all

the vision itself, while in my heart I feel the sweetness of it yet distill and fall. So, in the sun, the footprints fade from snow. On the wild wind that bore the tumbling leaves the Sybil's oracles were scattered so. O Light Supreme who doth Thyself withdraw so far above man's mortal understanding, lend me again some glimpse of what I saw; make Thou my tongue so eloquent it may of all Thy glory speak a single clue to those who follow me in the world's day; for by returning to my memory somewhat, and somewhat sounding in these verses, Thou shalt show man more of Thy victory. So dazzling was the splendor of that Ray, that I must certainly have lost my senses had I, but for an instant, turned away. And so it was, as I recall, I could, the better bear to look, until at last, my Vision made one with the Eternal Good. Oh grace abounding that had made me fit to fix my eyes on the eternal light until my vision was consumed in It! I saw within Its depth how It conceives all things in a single volume bound by Love, of which the universe is the scattered leaves; substance, accident, and their relation so fused that all I say could do no more than yield a glimpse of that bright revelation. I think I saw the universal form that binds these things, for as I speak these words I feel my joy swell and my spirits warm.

Twenty-five centuries since Neptune saw the Argo's keel have not moved all mankind, recalling that adventure, to such awe as I felt in an instant. My tranced being stared fixed and motionless upon that vision, even more fervent to see in the act of seeing. Experiencing that Radiance, the spirit is so indrawn it is impossible even to think of ever turning from It. For the good which is the will's ultimate object is all subsumed in It; and, being removed, all is defective which in It is perfect. Now in my recollection of the rest I have less power to speak than any infant wetting its tongue yet at its mother's breast; and not because that Living Radiance bore more than one semblance, for It is unchanging and is forever as it was before; rather, as I grew worthier to see, the more I looked, the more unchanging semblance appeared to change with every change in me. Within the depthless deep and clear existence of that abyss of light three circles shown three in color, one in circumference; the second from the first, rainbow from rainbow; the third, an exhalation of pure fire equally breathed forth by the other two. But oh how much my words miss my conception, which is itself so far from what I saw than to call it feeble would be rank deception! O Light Eternal fixed in Itself alone, by Itself alone understood, which from Itself loves and glows, self-knowing and self-known;

that second aureole which shone forth in Thee, conceived as a reflection of the first or which appeared so to my scrutiny seemed in Itself of Its own coloration to be painted with man's image. I fixed my eyes on that alone in rapturous contemplation. Like a geometer wholly dedicated to squaring the circle, but who cannot find, think as he may, the principle indicated so did I study the supernal face. I yearned to know just how our image merges into that circle, and how it there finds place; but mine were not the wings for such a flight. Yet, as I wished, the truth I wished for came cleaving my mind in a great flash of light. Here my powers rest from their high fantasy, but already I could feel my being turned instinct and intellect balanced equally as in a wheel whose motion nothing jars by the Love that moves the sun and other stars.

DRAMATIC POEM

THE DREAM CALLED LIFE by: Pedro Caldern de la Barca

DREAM it was in which I found myself. And you that hail me now, then hailed me king, In a brave palace that was all my own, Within, and all without it, mine; until, Drunk with excess of majesty and pride, Methought I towered so big and swelled so wide That of myself I burst the glittering bubble Which my ambition had about me blown And all again was darkness. Such a dream As this, in which I may be walking now, Dispensing solemn justice to you shadows, Who make believe to listen; but anon Kings, princes, captains, warriors, plume and steel, Ay, even with all your airy theatre, May flit into the air you seem to rend With acclamations, leaving me to wake In the dark tower; or dreaming that I wake From this that waking is; or this and that, Both waking and both dreaming; such a doubt Confounds and clouds our mortal life about. But whether wake or dreaming, this I know How dreamwise human glories come and go; Whose momentary tenure not to break, Walking as one who knows he soon may wake, So fairly carry the full cup, so well Disordered insolence and passion quell, That there be nothing after to upbraid Dreamer or doer in the part he played; Whether tomorrow's dawn shall break the spell, Or the last trumpet of the Eternal Day, When dreaming, with the night, shall pass away. PLAY

A 6X Story

The world and character have been kept simple to allow the story to grow through the telling. This demonstration will be allowed to progress organically. Only the actions of the character and the results of the rolls will determine the outcomes. Rolled outcomes will be italicized. World Description: A Tolkeinesque fantasy world with a dark criminal underbelly where no one can be trusted. Character Description: Young Zuabi Ribai, an orphan of the streets, must make the most of his quick wits, agile body and belligerent personality in his quest to move up the criminal ladder from cutpurse to crime lord. Narrator: Another day in the marketplace is another chance for a big score. Around you all manner of men mill about exchanging goods and conversation. Player: I look around for anyone who appears rich. Narrator: All men come to the marketplace and it doesnt take long to locate a particularly ostentatious gentleman in the crowd. His clothes are silk, his belly is fat and his guard is down. Player: I want to steal his purse. -At this point the player has determined his desired outcome and the Narrator would decide what is the proportionate failure. In this case, the mans body guards would drag Zuabi, the players character, into the alley for a beating. The narrator and player then go back and forth determining the four other outcomes on a continuum bracketed by these first two options. Each option should ideally present significantly different outcomes that branch the story into some new storytelling opportunity.1. Success! Zuabi gets away clean with money for a year. 2. Success, but the purse is lighter than expected. 3. Success, but theres a hole in the bag and a trail of gold leading to Zuabi, could be trouble later. 4. Slippery hands mean no gold, but at least hes safe. 5. Failure and the constable has taken notice. 6. Failure! The mans bodyguards seize the boy and drag him into an alley for his due punishment.

-After the list is made the die is cast and the result is a2, as indicated by the italics above.Narrator: You stalk through the crowd, scoping out the man and his particular preferences for holding his currency. Soon, you are heading straight for him and with a gentle bump to the shoulder you send a third man careening into the obese fashion plate. By the time the two have recovered and exchange appropriate absolutions your far beyond the scene, purse in hand. Player: Open it. Narrator: The man obviously spent quite a bit on those clothes because his purse is light. You find enough to sustain you for a week, but not nearly the big score you were hoping for. Player: I head for the pub. Narrator: As you make your way through the crowd your surprised by a jerk to your shoulder followed by the man you had bumped into the fashion plate tearing past you. You look back and see the rich mans guards close on his heels. What do you want to do? Player: Ah, the poor guys getting blamed for my crime. What a shame. Maybe if I catch him I can get a reward. Ill try to grab him and keep him for the guard. -Pulling back in previous events is the best way to build a story. Even a successful escape can lead to further adventures. At this point its time for another roll. 1. Success! Zuabi dashes ahead and grapples the man holding him for the smiling and relieved guards. 2. Success, Zuabi snags the mans hand, but takes a punch to the face before he can get him in control. 3. The man is caught, but wiggles free. Still the guards are grateful for Zuabis help. 4. Zuabi cant catch up, but the guards do. As the man is dragged back by Zuabi there is a glint of recognition in his eye. 5. Failure, the runners too fast. Zuabi gets elbowed by the pursuing guards and spills the purse. 6. Failure! Fumbling feet send Zuabi sprawling to the ground, taking one of the guards with him. Furious, the guard seizes Zuabi as an accomplice.

-Time to roll again and the result is a five. Notice how each option is as fun to come up with as the rest of the story. Narrator: You run after the man, hoping to catch him, but the gap widens quickly. You are a sprinter not a distance runner and soon you are huffing and puffing. As you slow the guards are cutting up behind you, slower but with more force. Your paths intersect and you find yourself on the pointy end of the bigger guards elbow. You lose your breath and also your purse, which falls to the ground sending coins out radially like a water fountain. Luckily the guards are too far ahead now to notice, but your fellow pedestrians are not so slow and many begin to sink to their knees in anticipation. Player: Ah! Quick, grab the money. Narrator: All the money, or Player: Yes, all of it, right now! 1. Success! Amazingly all the money is back in the purse before any of the rabble can get their stinking hands on it. 2. Success, though a few coins did get lost to the quicker thieves in the crowd. Zuabis sure to hear about this back at the pub. 3. Zuabi recovers just enough for a good stiff drink and hes going to need it after this day. 4. A single coin retrieved and it looks like a counterfeit, so much for profit. 5. Zuabi gets nothing but a stupid look on his face. 6. Failure! The moneys all gone, but Zuabi is still standing there with that distinctive, now empty, purse as the guards return. -A roll of five. Though this path seems circumlocutory, in fact several seeds for adventure have been sown. Who is the rich man and is he still angry? Who might have seen Zuabi drop the purse and use that knowledge to their advantage? What about the runner, is he coming back for revenge or will he find himself in the same prison Zuabi later ends up in? Lets let the Player make one more roll before we leave him. Narrator: The coins scatter quickly and disappear into the hands of passersby. After all, the market is known for its quick-handed thieves. You should know, your supposed to be one of them. Player: Argh! Im back to nothing. Do I even have money to go back to the pub?

Narrator: No, you lost it all. Player: I guess Ill stake out another victim. Narrator: You look around and find that everyones on high alert after the commotion. Theres no easy marks, for now. Do you still want to steal, the stakes will be much higher for success? Player: Alright. I guess I should lie low for awhile. Narrator: You still need to eat. Player: Okay, Ill look for a job, maybe it will provide cover for a good heist down the road. Narrator: What kind of job do you want? Player: Something with a lot of responsibility that will put me close to a big score and will pay well while Im working, and something in the evening, I dont want to get up early. 1. Evening shift as the guards messenger at the palace, with a nice weekly income. 2. Palace Laundry, evenings. It doesnt pay much but you have access to most of the rooms in the Palace. That will do. 3. The Night Crier, mostly a lookout position, descent pay. 4. A steady job at Flynns Fine Furs, but now you have to ward off the thieves. 5. Would you like flies with that? Assistant manager of the slop shack. 6. Early morning pig slopper and poop scooper at Petrars Pigs. If youre lucky, theyll give you what the pigs dont eat. -A 1! Things are looking up. Remember that all of these options could lead to new adventures and that none of them are thought out in advance. Neither the Narrator nor the Player need know what the Assistant Manager of the Slop Shack does to suggest it as an option. As the story is told the details get filled in. Have fun with it. Narrator: Amazingly, your reputation doesnt proceed you and you find a job as the Guards Messenger at the Palace. It pays well and you get the run of the Palace and a detailed itinerary of where the guards are and when. Player: Excellent.

ANECDOTE

GOING UNDERCOVERTO SAVE A JET --William C. Thomas

In 1976, I took a job as an officer trainee and loan collector at a $40 million bank, Hamilton Bank and Trust in Atlanta. The bank turned out to be in serious financial trouble and two weeks after I started working there, the bank failed. The FDIC asked me to stay because loan collectors were needed. One of the loans I began reviewing was to a company based at Charlie Brown Airport, west of Atlanta, that operated two charter Lear jets. We had a lien on one of the jets and wanted to repossess it. But there was a big problemwe didnt know which jet was ours. We also knew that the debtors had threatened to fly the jet out of the country if we tried to take it. Our jet had a mobile phone system (rare in 1976); the other jet did not. So the only way to confirm which jet was ours was to get inside and find the mobile phone. We determined that we could get a Writ of Possession from the local court, using the FAA number painted on the jet. But first, we needed the right FAA number. So, one morning I drove out to Charlie Brown Airport and called on our debtor. Resorting to a mixture of subterfuge and false bravado, I introduced myself as the road manager of the singing group The Kingston Trio. I said the group was now based in Atlanta and was planning a brief fall tour. I added that the group was interested in chartering a jet so it could return home each night. The man I spoke with willingly took the bait and was soon giving me a tour of each jet. The second jet had a mobile telephone. I told him that was fantastic because the guys could call home every night and tell their families they were on their way. I left, telling him we were very interested and that I would contact him shortly. I gave our attorney the jets FAA number so he could begin preparing the Writ of Possession to take to the judge. He asked me to monitor the hangar to see if they rolled out the jet. We were in a race against time to get the writ before they took off with the plane. All afternoon I sat in a Wendys parking lot across from the airfield where I had a good view of the hangar. Nothing happened. I went home about 8 p.m. and returned the next morning about 7 a.m. Two hours later, they opened the hangar door and rolled out a jet. . I checked the FAA numberit was ours. I called our attorney from a pay phone. He said the judge was about to sign the writ, and asked me to stop them from leaving with the jet until he got there. Ill give it a try, I said. I drove to the airport and on to the flight line, blocking the jet. Then I got out of my car and stood by it. The man I spoke with the day before was in the jets cockpit. He climbed out, leaving the engines running. Whats going on? he shouted over the roar of the jet. Didnt I talk to you yesterday? Yes. Im not really with The Kingston Trio. Im with the FDIC, which just took over Hamilton Bank, I said. Were repossessing this jet. Our attorney is on his way over here now with a court order. Im sorry, I cant let you take off.

He called me a name, got back in the jet, and turned off the engines. Then he walked over to the hangar and stood in the doorway with some other men. I could not hear what they were saying, but they kept pointing at the jetand to me. Our attorney soon arrived and we taped the writ to the jets window. I walked over to another hangar and hired an aircraft maintenance company on the spot to park the jet in its Hangar. All the while, the men stood there and watched. We ended up selling the jet for about $450,000.

NOVEL

HEROES OF DESTINY

By Kevin Wong

Prologue:
Before the world began, Gods and Demons ruled the heavens, the hells, the purgatories, and the earths. Gods and Demons were the two original creatures in the Universe, and each side vied eternally for complete domination over the other But neither side prevailed. As time passed, and as the Gods and Demons viciously fought with one another, thousands of heavens were destroyed, hells were uplifted, purgatories were closed, and earths were shattered, until only one of each was left behind The ones left behind are those that we know of today. Because only one battleground remained, and the war between them was not yet settled, the Gods and Demons called a meeting to determine once and for all who would reign supreme. Both sides agreed that because neither could achieve absolute victory, they would each create other beings to do their bidding and fight their war for them. Then, these beings would determine who wins and who loses their war, and thus who lives and who dies The Gods and Demons created beings called humans. One by one, humans were placed all over the final remaining earth. Some were culled from the one last heaven; some were culled from the one last hell. The humans culled from heaven were inherently compassionate, loving, and peaceful. The humans culled from hell were inherently malevolent, wrathful, and violent. Some humans were even culled from the one last purgatory, and these humans were inherently neutral. They were souls who were neither good nor evil, but they could be turned towards the side of good or evil with the proper influence

In the last battleground of Eternium, the first Eternal War began between the humans chosen by the Gods and those chosen by the Demons. This first war was also intended to be the last

Every generation, these chosen humans fought against one another and continued the Eternal War that the Gods and Demons had started so long ago. The Eternal War was fought hour after hour day after day and year after year until finally, one side emerged victorious After years of bloody battle, and millions upon millions of gruesome dead, the humans who were chosen by the Gods won the first Eternal War. As agreed by the terms of the Eternal War, all Demons were immediately banished far beneath the final remaining earth and into the depths of the one last hell never to return However, the power and wrath of the Demons was unrelenting, and so the seal that the Gods created to lock them away was slowly weakening. The Gods predicted that the seal would only last one millennium, before the Demons could break free of it and roam the final battleground of Eternium once again

One thousand years have passed since that fateful day so long ago, and the time has now come for a new Eternal War. However, during the past one thousand years since the first Eternal War, humans have populated themselves onto the earth a billion times over. As a consequence, the good, the evil, and the neutral are intertwined far more so than when the world first began But despite the uncertain loyalties of the humans of today, the time for questions has come to an end, and the time for battle has begun again

The sides have been drawn

The players are prepared

And so, The Eternal War begins

When destiny beckons, no one can ignore the call. Do you believe this to be true? Until one knows, and perhaps even understands, the story that is about to unfold, no one can say for certain This story, known before now only by the Gods themselves, is perhaps joyful, perhaps tragic. But that is likely true of the very few things, or people, in ones life that truly mean something for without the risk of losing what, or who, one loves, one would not truly know what love is. Such is the very heart of the story that is about to unfold a story that unfolds on a planet known as Eternium Like the many planets that support myriads of life, Eternium differs not. Animals roam the plains, forests, mountains, and skies. People, of all walks of life and of all ages, can be found as far as the eye can see. The four elements earth, air, fire, and water flow in abundance throughout Eternium. The four seasons spring, summer, fall, and winter come and go as surely as the sun sets and the moon rises. Woods, jewels, metals, and minerals grow and form in the grounds and in the recesses of the planets crust. Lastly, plants, fruits, vegetables, and all other matter with which life, especially that of human life, uses to survive and flourish, is present in the fascinating realm known as Eternium. Where Eternium differs from other realms though, is in its goods, and in its evils In the very centre of the wondrous world known as Eternium, lies a small continent called Eterniad. And in the small continent of Eterniad, lies an even smaller country called Eternia. Despite its small size though, the country of Eternia is a proud, prosperous, and perfect place. Eternia contains noble people, commands a grand army, sails a sturdy navy, possesses vast wealth, produces endless bounties, creates timeless histories, worships great Kings and Queens, and eliminates want and suffering. If ever a land existed that peace truly smiled down upon it every single day and every single night, the Kingdom of Eternia is that land. In Eternia, the countryside is green and lush. Rolling hills and deep valleys punctuate its tranquil landscape, and amaranthine trees grow in limitless numbers. Flowers burgeon from in between every blade of grass, and countless animals accent the land, and in their abundance, they, too, often appear as if living in the dreamiest and most perfect of lands. In a shallow valley, next to a powerful and majestic hill, stands a breathtaking castle a castle that is so overwhelmingly beautiful and radiant, one would likely cry just to look upon it. This bewilderingly beautiful castle, well over one thousand years old, is called Eternia Castle. For countless generations, the Kings and Queens of Eternia have lived and died in this majestic abode, and justly and honourably ruled and led the citizens of Eternia to perfect days and peaceful nights. Through the tireless efforts of generations of Eternias Kings and Queens,

the tranquility that all in Eternia know today, was established, and the beauty that is Eternia Castle, was formed. Eternia Castle is a place like no other. Its beauty and majesty are unparalleled in both reality and dreams. Its stones and bricks shine like they are made from diamonds. Its gate is a masterful entranceway made from the purest gold and silver. Its ramparts are like large mountains impervious to both might and magic standing forever on guard. Its walls are covered in precious flags and draperies, all woven from the smoothest and silkiest of cloths, and coloured with the deepest and most powerful of colours. Lastly, its towers, seemingly reaching into the heavens above, have arched windows and quaint nooks and crannies for people to see the world below, in, and around the castle. And of these towers, the widest and tallest of them all rises in the very centre of the castle, and this tower is topped by a conically-pointed roof, which itself is topped by a single flag flying the official Crest of Eternia. And at this height, even from a great distance away from the castle, this Flag of Eternia can be seen flying mightily and gracefully, as if to say to one and all: Eternia is Eternal. In complement to its beauty, Eternia Castle is guarded by the most powerful of protections. The castles outermost walls hold a drawbridge, made of the strongest and sturdiest of woods, and it gracefully bridges a seemingly bottomless moat full of pure, glistening, holy water that destroys any and all evil beings that come into contact with it. Protective shields, forged from the absolute hardest of metals, line the castle at every corner and every faceted point to protect the beauty behind them. Magic cannons and mortars sit atop all of Eternia Castles ramparts and towers, and from these paramount positions, they can not only fire offensive magical spells to destroy enemies, they can fire defensive magical spells to repair damage done to Eternia Castles walls. And should anyone of impure heart or thought still try to attack this sacred place, numberless soldiers from the Royal Army of Eternia patrol and stand guard at all of the strategic points of Eternia Castle, ready to trounce any would-be intruder or attacker or intruders or attackers. However, for those good creatures or people who are meant to be in this special place, through these defenses, drawbridges, ramparts, and walls, lies the heart of Eternia Castle: Eternia Town. Eternia Town is the life behind Eternia. It is here that the citizens of Eternia build their homes, live their lives, make their livings, and raise their children. The streets are always clean, as is the air and the water. The homes are filled prodigiously with love and peace with parents who love and take care of their children and children who love and take care of them back. The schools are immeasurably dedicated and infinitely knowledgeable, teaching lessons to people both young and old in everything from languages, mathematics, sciences, history, philosophy, art, drama, and music to treasure-hunting, horsebackriding, seafaring, astrology, warfare tactics, archery, magic spell-casting, and sword-fighting. And most importantly in Eternia Town: the people are good and

pure-hearted with everyone living good and pure lives, and caring more for everyone else than they do for themselves. Music and songs are often heard playing in the air in Eternia Town, and the laughter of children playing in the streets can be caught amidst the harmonies of music and the vivacity of daily life. And vivacious it is, for Eternia Town is a bustling place filled to the brim with shops and people, especially during the normal day and night hours. From breakfast-time when the sun fully rises, until the quaint night when it is time for young children to go to bed, anyone can find anything in Eternia Town. Weapons shops sell the strongest and most advanced weapons that money can buy everything from the sharpest sword to the strongest bow from the biggest axe to the most enchanted staff. Armour shops are just as refined, as they carry supreme defenses and protections that a rampaging ogre could not even damage or penetrate. Lastly, items shops carry daily goods and wares, along with a variety of unique accessories that are not available for purchase in either the weapons or armour stores of Eternia Town. With the diverse weaponry, aegises, and commodities available among these three types of stores, Eternia Towns shops have something for every adventurer to buy. Gold coins are the currency in Eternia as well as throughout the rest of Eternium for that matter but honourable barter and trade are commonplace forms of payment in addition to the monetary. Nowhere are these facts truer than in the marketplace of Eternia Town: where most people come to do their buying, selling, or trading of any type of good, such as sewing cloth or farm animals or of any type of service, such as carpentry or blacksmithing. In the marketplace, restaurants, kitchens, and bakeries fill the air with lovely smells of exotic spices and home-baked bread, and fruit-stands, butchers, and fisherpeople set up their stalls every day and sell the freshest and tastiest foods available. Finally, as the symbolic heart of Eternia Towns marketplace, the local Inn of Eternia is renowned not only for its hospitality, but for its ability to attract visitors from as nearby as the neighbouring hamlets and the borderline villages to as far away as the frozen northern islands and the sweltering southern continents. Surrounded by good food and drink, buyers, sellers, traders, and visitors, from lands both near and far, often stay at this inn as they conduct their fruitful and unending business in the beautiful and unforgettable Eternia Town. Shoppers and sellers; barters and traders; residents and visitors old and young alike each and all fill Eternia Town every day with voices and life from morning until night. In the early dawn, however, Eternia Town is as quiet as a deserted island in the stillest of seas and nowhere is this truer than in the courtyard of Eternia Town: a capacious and grand space located in the centre of Eternia Town. Two people, a master swordsman and an apprentice swordsman, come to this magnificent courtyard every single dawn to train together taking advantage of the one time of day when and the one place where Eternia Town is at its most peaceful. The two, though master and student, respect each other

tremendously, and through their years of continuous training sessions the student has not only learned a great deal from his master, the master has occasionally even learned a thing or two from his student. And now, like so many times before in Eternia, it is again dawn, on a new beautiful day, in a new peaceful year, during a new halcyon era. And it is here: in this peaceful land, in this preeminent castle, in this prosperous town, and in this palatial courtyard; and now: on this picturesque, pellucid, precious, and promising new day; that our story truly begins

Ninety-six Ninety-seven Ninety-eight Ninety-nine ONE HUNDRED! said the young man, while swinging a long, heavy-looking sword downwards with only his right hand, and in doing so was sweating lightly, yet looking somewhat refreshed at the same time. The young mans name was Kevin. He was an energetic, charismatic, and fairly strong young man, who also possessed a keen, diligent, and intelligent mind. Courage was also immeasurably infused in him, as were compassion, optimism, and friendliness. He was fairly tall, not heavy, and he had a thin, yet ever so slightly muscular, build. His arms were long, as were his legs, and his smile was bright and contagiously addictive. Kevin was extremely handsome, and his face was clean-cut and had an aura of strength and leadership. His hair was short in length and dark in colour, and his eyes were dark in colour as well. When opened, his eyes were wide and inviting like great pools of water. When focused, his eyes were as fierce and piercing as bolt lightning. His eyebrows were prominent and powerful, and they accented his already ardent eyes when open, and made them even more aggressive when focused. On his right wrist, he wore a sentimental bracelet hand-woven from red silver and black silk and finely embroidered with an intertwined dragon and phoenix. Around his neck, he wore a thin silver-chained necklace, and humbly hanging at its end was a small, but striking, green and white jade jewel. His clothes, though well-worn, were nicely groomed, and he stood straight and tall; and when he moved he did so very gracefully, yet with a degree of raw power. Kevins appearance looked like that of a young emperor. And with the slight sweat dripping from his forehead, he looked even more imposing and irresistible. Immediately after Kevin had just finished swinging his sword for the onehundredth time, he brushed aside his light sweat and took a well-earned and reenergizing deep breath to gather his strength again. As Kevin breathed, at a distance of two arms lengths away a venerable, wise-looking old man was standing with him face-to-face. His hands were resting on a cane made of blessed

oak, and he was wearing the robe of the official instructor of the Royal Knights of Eternia. He had a long, silvery-white beard that reached down to his chest, and his hair looked like snowy silkworms nestling themselves into a full mane at the top of his head. His eyes were dark green like a dragons, and his voice was a low bass. He wore on his neck a faded-gold medallion necklace that had an emblem of a god and a demon fighting on one side, and a symbol of a glowing sword circumscribed by five different coloured crystals on the other. Although clearly aged, the man was tall, strong, and heavy-set. He looked like an old warrior that had fought over a thousand battles and had over a million stories to tell of those days of glory. The old man was Vordrogan: Kevins Sword Master. He was intently observing Kevins sword-swinging, when he suddenly spoke I think you should finally show to me how well you have learned my teachings said Vordrogan to Kevin. I want to see ALL two hundred and fifty sword sets in order right now. Now?? asked Kevin shocked at the daunting request from his master. Now, commanded Vordrogan not mincing words with his student. Not one to disobey his master, Kevin patiently and steadily demonstrated all two hundred and fifty sword sets that Vordrogan had taught him over the years. Kevin executed all techniques in the order he had originally learned them from Vordrogan, and he performed each of those techniques with the utmost of precision, power, and ferocity. And after what seemed like days to Kevin, but was in actuality the rest of the morning, Kevin finally finished the two hundred and fiftieth sword set Good! Vordrogan roared while smiling at Kevin. Very, very good! Adding a subtle nod along with his even subtler smile, Vordrogan then said, Kevin I am impressed. Your sword arm has become MUCH stronger than it was at this same time last spring. Although he was sweating and panting from near-exhaustion, Kevin gathered what little energy he had left and bowed his head with great respect and deference to Vordrogan, and then in a short, but still strong, breath, Kevin replied, You honour me with your words, Master. To prove to his master that he was physically, mentally, and spiritually fit, Kevin was not permitted to drink much water while he was demonstrating the multitude of sword sets to Vordrogan. However, now that the demonstration was finally over, Kevin ravishly gulped down an entire goblet of water as if he had just crossed a desert and found an oasis on the other side. As the goblets last drops of

cold, clean, revivifying water approached Kevins impoverishly parched mouth, his master spoke to him Do you think you are ready for the test? quickly queried Vordrogan to Kevin. Kevin, who was more rapt with quenching his immeasurable thirst than on listening to his masters words, was stunned by this sudden, and significant, question from his master: Vordrogan. Although Kevin wanted more than anything to say yes, he shook his head rapidly from side-to-side to express saying no causing some sweat to flicker lightly from his forehead and some water to spill from his mouth. No Master. I need to train MUCH harder before I am worthy of taking the test, said Kevin decidedly to Vordrogan. I am not prepared, and I am too weak to undertake the trials that the test will entail. Really? And why do you say that my apprentice? asked Vordrogan, who was secretly amused, and proud (as usual), by Kevins humbleness. He could never understand why Kevin thought so lowly of his own abilities; however, humility was a good trait, and Vordrogan always appreciated that of his loyal and dedicated student. My exercises still tire me Master. Unless I can swing my sword one hundred times without breaking a sweat, I am still too weak not to mention the fact that I just nearly collapsed after executing all of the sword sets you taught me Obviously thinking higher of his apprentices abilities than his apprentice himself thought of them, Vordrogan rebuked Kevin by saying, That is not true my apprentice. Even the greatest swordsmen in the world still tire. I cannot afford to get tired not when I am charged with protecting Launa. Being able to swing my sword one last time may be the difference between her life and her death, said Kevin resolutely undoubtedly speaking about a girl for whom he cared immeasurably. I commend your desire to strengthen your swordsmanship my apprentice, responded Vordrogan candidly to Kevin, but always remember that true strength lies within ones heart not in the power of ones arm. Although you tire from swinging a sword Kevin, I can see in you the strongest of people. You do not need further training. Kevin was taken aback with tremendous shock, and he also began to feel concerned, upon hearing these unexpected words from his master. From the time

he had taken his first sword lesson with Vordrogan many years ago, to this very day Kevin had never heard Vordrogan ever once speak of their lessons ending. Startled by this revelation, and the fear that he may no longer be taking lessons from the sword master he admired and trusted so dearly, Kevin brought himself to speak What ? Master? Does Does this mean I can no longer study under you

Vordrogan, although he wanted desperately to say no, slowly nodded his head in confirmation, and in a slightly pained voice uttered to Kevin, Yes Kevin You must pass the test before you can reach the next level the final level of swordsmanship Vordrogan paused for a moment. He seemed to be thinking about what to say to Kevin next. Return home and rest, said Vordrogan. Tomorrow morning, I will send you on the test. Yes Master, replied Kevin, while quietly ruminating to himself that todays training session, although like the countless ones before it, was the most important and special one he had ever had to date and the most perplexing one he had ever had as well. Not wanting to delay obeying his masters instructions though, Kevin graciously bowed to Vordrogan and then quietly left the courtyard. However, Kevin did not leave the courtyard unaccompanied, for countless thoughts about what had just happened this morning began to run through his young, yet complex, mind and these thoughts palpably exited the courtyard together with Kevin

It was now early in the afternoon when Kevin walked slowly away from Eternia Towns courtyard: the sybaritic site where he and his wise master trained together every day, and where today his master had just finished teaching him another familiar and meaningful lesson in swordsmanship. However, despite the familiarity of todays lesson in comparison to all those before it, Kevin could still not shake the feeling that todays lesson was, indeed, very, very strange As if he was carrying the weight of the heaviest of mysteries, Kevin would sometimes stop walking completely, and he would simply stare at the things in front of him whatever they happened to be at the time that his mind so absorbedly started

contemplating. However, Kevin soon refocused himself, and as he calmly rounded the final corner heading towards his home, Kevin suddenly heard a very beautiful voice the most beautiful voice he had ever heard in his entire life Hi Kevin! chimed a young, and extraordinarily beautiful girl, while smiling and waving at Kevin. The young girls name was Launa. She was a vibrant, charming, and sweet young girl, who also carried within her countless abilities that were each limitless, and a love for helping others that was immeasurable. She was extremely gentle and loveable, yet she was also ardently fiery and passionate. Her eyebrows were thin, and her complexion was rosy and full of life. She had incredible, long, and silkily-flowing brunette hair, and absolutely gorgeous, deep, crystal-clear blue eyes. Her figure was like that of a Goddess, and her smile seemed to light-up everything and everyone around her, or in this case: Kevin! Launa was wearing a stunning pink dress, which paled in beauty only to her. As it usually was, her hair was expertly styled; and the uniqueness, yet also the simplicity, of her hair made her appear even more welcoming and amiable. Around her neck was an awe-inspiring necklace, and on her arms were precious armbands that glittered like diamonds in the rain. Around her wrists she wore magical bracelets of silver and gold encrusted with enchanted emeralds. She had tear-dropped earrings that were made of the purest and rarest of white and green jade, and on her head was a sparkling gold tiara with a single shining red ruby in the centre. She stood with grace, and she walked with honour. Her entire aura was that of dignity and royalty, and this was not surprising, for Launa was the Princess of Eternia Launa was the daughter of the King and Queen of Eternia, and as such, she was the Princess of Eternia. Launa was also the love of Kevins life, and Kevin was the love of hers. Launa started to fall in love with Kevin shortly after she turned sixteen years old and her mind and body had matured; and her love for him quickly grew as time passed between then and now. In turn, Kevin started to fall in love with Launa as he spent more time with her and her outer and inner beauty endeared her to him; and his love for Launa grew as quickly and as truly as Launas love for him grew. Now, after so many years of intimacy, friendship, and romance together, Kevin and Launa have become inseparable, and their love for one another has blossomed into an eternal love as evidenced by the heartwarming scene occurring now on this early afternoon, a small ways beyond Eternia Towns fabled courtyard As the beautiful Princess of Eternia, Launa, stood before him, nervous smiles and profuse blushes began to appear all over Kevins usually taciturn face proof of the intense effect Launas presence had on him. However, despite Kevins shyness and shakiness, he tried his absolute best to respond suavely to

the cheerful and confident greeting of Hi Kevin! that Launa had said to him just moments earlier Um Hi Hi Launa stumbled Kevin shyly. How are you? Smiling flirtatiously to Kevin, Launa, who was in far greater control of her emotions than Kevin was of his, said to Kevin with assuredness and sweetness, Im much better now that youre around me! Although he was used to it by this point in their relationship, Kevin was almost always surprised by (and enamoured with) Launas forthrightness towards him. Because of Launas undeniable feelings for him, Kevin began to blush even more than he already was before, and he admitted to Launa, You always make me blush Really?? You never told me that! exclaimed Launa, who was extremely surprised by Kevins comment, and whether from surprise; from her amorous feelings for Kevin; or perhaps both; she began to blush herself as well As good as Kevin felt knowing that he just made Launa blush too, a thought suddenly came to his mind: although Launa was blushing, he was blushing far more than she was. As such, perhaps due to embarrassment, Kevin reminded himself that he was a man, and Launa was a woman, and so he began to look smug and macho. Feeling re-empowered, Kevin swaggeringly explained to Launa why he had never told her before that she always made him blush Yeah, I never told you that you always make me blush, boasted Kevin, and for good reason too: men arent supposed to blush and be shy around women so for me to act that way around you is very embarrassing! Launa was extremely annoyed by this chauvinistic statement from Kevin, and so she forcefully punched Kevin in his right shoulder as a reprimand for his stone-aged hauteur and said, Oh, and I suppose women are supposed to act that way around MEN?! That would be ideal Kevin replied, while smiling jokingly. Although she looked irritated on the outside, on the inside and deep in her heart Launa was falling in love all over again with Kevin because of his innocence, playfulness, and sense of humour, and so she coyly teased, Well if thats the case, Im never going to blush for you again Im sorry Launa, I was just joking, said Kevin immediately to Launa, showing her how much she and her feelings meant to him.

Although he wanted to continue to speak, Kevin paused for a moment before doing so; he wanted to make absolutely certain that what he was about to say came out perfectly And so, after taking a short breath, and while looking slightly down at the ground, but with Launa still in his eyes, Kevin confessed to her, Launa The truth is I Ive never felt this way about a girl before I I dont know how to handle it sometimes, and so all I seem able to do at those times is to get shy and blush around you After she heard this touching explanation from Kevin as to why he could not help but blush when in her presence, the inimitable smile that instantly brightened Kevins life beamed enormously and radiantly from Launa, and she immediately returned Kevins honesty with her own. See, thats a much better answer! said Launa. And just between you and I Kevin You You often make me blush tremendously too But I dont want to look silly in your eyes, so I try to run away from you whenever it happens Ah, so thats why youre always running away from me, said Kevin, as he smiled at Launa anew. Its ok though Launa, because I love chasing you Launa, blushing greatly once more, whispered to Kevin, See, youve done it again Good. Now were even. Launa giggled at Kevins playful joke, which was not unusual since Kevin often had that exact effect on Launa with his sly and witty sense of humour. Besides, Kevin was not one to shy away from telling a good joke especially to Launa: the girl of his dreams. And so, through her giggles, Launa said to Kevin, Oh, alright Ill let you win this battle! So, where are you going?? Well, I wish I could go somewhere right now with you, Launa sighed Kevin earnestly, as he ran his hands through the love of his lifes beautiful, silky hair, but unfortunately, I have to go home right now, eat dinner with my mom, and then get to bed early tonight because tomorrow morning I am going to take the test. Already??!! exclaimed Launa, in astronomical surprise. young!!!!! But youre so

Thats what I thought agreed Kevin. But Master Vordrogan thinks otherwise, and its not my place to argue with his counsel. If he tells me tomorrow morning I am to take the test, then tomorrow morning I take the test.

Im so proud of you Kevin! cheered Launa to her love, while smiling immensely. Not even your father took the test at such a young age, Kevin, and he was the greatest knight ever in the history of Eternia! Thanks Launa replied Kevin sincerely. You know Launa its because of you that I train so hard I want to be able to protect you against anything or anyone always. Because of Kevins exceedingly heartfelt words, Launa began blushing again this time uncontrollably and she softly replied, Youre so sweet Kevin Im Im so lucky to have you as my protector and my love No, Im the lucky one, said Kevin, and then after he spoke, Kevin slowly inched forward towards Launa. Kevin then wrapped his sinewy arms around Launas sylphlike waist, and finally, he pulled Launa powerfully towards him Pressed against Launas pure, yet nubile, body, Kevin ran his hands down the small of Launas back, and caressed her delicately soft, smooth skin causing tiny goose bumps to surface atop Launas back as his fingertips moved along it so seductively. While Kevin was becoming entranced with the feel of the satiny skin of Launa, Kevin was also growing spellbound with the smell of Launas intoxicating perfume, and more importantly: her absolutely mesmerizing natural scent. Akin to Kevins sensations, Launa could not help but become enraptured by Kevin as he held her so strongly, yet so softly, alongside his body, and she felt powerless to resist the innate scent of Kevins sweat and pheromones: a matchless musk that suddenly caused unbridled temptations to flow throughout her entire body, which was now trembling and wholly unable to resist succumbing to every one of Kevins whims or every one of her own whims for that matter. While Kevin continued to hold Launas honeyed and ambrosial body close to his, and while they both continued to breathe and feel each other into the very recesses of their beings and souls, Kevin gently kissed Launas creamy, saccharine neck, and said to her, I have to go now. I love you. Almost appearing as if she were about to cry, Launa looked straight into Kevins mysteriously dark eyes with her watery blue ones, and said back to Kevin, I love you too. Kevin wished that he could have held onto his love, Launa, forever However, he knew that he had to let her go, if just for today, and so after kissing Launa one last time this time on the back of her delicate left hand he reluctantly released Launa: the girl of his dreams; the love of his life. With the sugary-sweetness of Launas sensuous skin still fresh on his lips, Kevin told Launa forlornly that he was going home now, but that the instant he could, he would see her again. Even though she felt as equally sad as Kevin felt about having to part ways today, Launa knew why Kevin had to go home now he had to tell his

mother, too, about his test; and he had to prepare and rest for his test and so she brought herself to wave goodbye to the love of her life, Kevin; and so, without the love of his life, Launa, beside him, Kevin somberly resumed his journey back to his home Although he was alone during his earlier walk home before he saw Launa Kevin felt considerably lonelier during his current walk home after he saw Launa; and on top of his newfound loneliness Kevin had even more daydreams swimming through his head. However, this time, Kevins boundless thoughts were not on the dangerous task he had ahead of him tomorrow This time, Kevins runaway thoughts did not bring him any anxiety; they brought him tremendous bliss For this time, Kevins illimitable thoughts were not on gut-wrenching work; they were solely on heartwarming love Kevins thoughts were on Launa: the girl of his dreams; the love of his life.

After parting with Launa, Kevin started to walk back home again, following his usual scenic route and despite the sadness he felt in not being with Launa at this moment Kevin happily talked to all the usual people he saw on his way to and from his home every day. However, as he approached his home, Kevin felt a sudden and strong urge to watch, just for a moment, the Knights of Eternia conduct their daily training session in the outer concourse of Eternia Castle; and so, Kevin followed his spontaneous yearning and watched them from one of the exquisite vantage points atop a high town wall near to the concourse. Kevins sudden wish though to watch the Knights of Eternia train was like all the times before today not surprising, because one of Kevins greatest desires in life was to become a Knight of Eternia. As if his desire to become a knight were not already an incredibly lofty goal, another of Kevins greatest desires in life was to become the best swordsman in all of Eternia. And both of Kevins desires were why Vordrogan took him under his wing of tutelage; Vordrogan wanted to help Kevin become a knight and he wanted to maximize Kevins swordsmanship potential. Through years of training tirelessly with his swordsmanship instructor Vordrogan, Kevin eventually became the best swordsman in all of Eternia. And because of his vast skills as a swordsman, and his infinite love for Launa, Kevin eventually became the sworn protector of Launa: the Princess of Eternia. Along with his heavy charge of protecting Princess Launa, Kevin being a filially devoted son made a related promise to his beloved mother: he promised

that he would always stay in Eternia and take care of her. However, Kevins promise to his mother to remain forever in Eternia although in keeping with his nature was in conflict with his desires, for Kevin frequently dreamed of going on a grand adventure to see the many lands and visit the many people all around the world outside his birth and home country of Eternia. And even though Kevins hunger for adventure was already overwhelming to him in its own right, it was made all the more irrepressible because Kevin was a born leader, too. Being an uncommonly sympathetic and charismatic person, Kevin gained the respect and support of nearly everyone he met, and he often befriended new allies who wished to back his beliefs and his causes. Kevin was also unwaveringly honest, he possessed the highest morality, and he was eternally faithful to his friends and loved ones. Consequently, another of Kevins greatest desires in life was to befriend talented and loyal people, who together with him, could achieve great things in the world and have the legendary adventures he so desperately sought his entire life. But despite Kevins secret wish to leave Eternia and go on these wondrous adventures with these wonderful people, his promise to take care of his mother, and his undying love for the Princess of Eternia, Launa, were all the reasons Kevin needed to stay in Eternia, always and were the sole reasons that drove him to become the best swordsman in all of Eternia as well as to become a knight. Watching the flawless drills of the Knights of Eternia, now, on this unique and perfect afternoon, only made Kevin even more determined to become a knight and to be the best swordsman in all the land, always

After he had watched the Eternian Knights drills for about five minutes, Kevin headed back towards his home. Kevin felt very gratified after watching the Knights of Eternia training so conscientiously, for it refortified his belief that all of his training would allow him to become a Knight of Eternia, too! And so, after a short distances walk from where he had just watched the Eternian Knights training, and with a mid-afternoon sun high in the air, Kevin arrived to the familiar and friendly yellow-gold and white oak-door entrance to his house. Kevins house was a small, but welcoming, home that evoked feelings of hearth and family whenever he looked at it. The house had two, large, frontpicture windows facing Eternia Town, with passion-red drapes hanging from within both of them. At the far sides of the house, two tiny windows promoted acquaintance and harmony with the neighbours, and brightened the kitchen and bathroom accordingly. Lastly, at the rear of the house, two large picture windows

allowed one to see into the beautiful backyard, and discover for oneself all its delightful wonders. The roof of the house was made of fired-clay tiles, and erected on the roofs right side was a tiny chimney smokestack. The houses walls were made of maple, and they were painted tenderly with hues of yellow-gold and cream. A tall, verdant willow tree grew in front of the house, and its loving leaves overlooked the tiny and humble home of Kevin. When Kevins mother was pregnant with Kevin, she had a recurring nightmare that evil spirits were trying to take Kevin away from her in her sleep; however, in that nightmare, the willow tree outside her home protected her and her unborn child. Ever since, Kevin and his mother both believed that their homes willow tree brought them good luck, and helped to keep them safe from evil. In the backyard, the house had a beautiful garden that Kevins mom tended to every day, and through her perpetual efforts, this garden was alive with gorgeous flowers of all kinds, and also several fruit trees, such as peach, pear, and plum. Strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry bushes also grew in the backyard, and even though his mom wanted usually to use these bushes fruits for cooking and baking, Kevin had a tendency to sneak out to the backyard and eat the justripened fruits right off these bushes branches (when his mom was not looking, of course!) Kevins mom even managed to acquire a rare mango tree and an exotic guava tree, and she used these fruits to make freshly-squeezed juice for Kevin every day, in order to help give him the strength he needed to undergo his rigorous training! Although Kevin usually bounded inside his house after he finished his daily training, today, he hesitated. For several seconds, Kevin was locked in an endless deliberation-loop one so deep that he could not even bring himself to open his front door and enter it. Standing outside his homes front door, Kevin was still thinking about the love of his life, Launa; however, Kevin was now also preoccupied with how he could tell his mother, gently, that he was about to undertake an extremely dangerous test tomorrow morning

After Kevin collected his thoughts and he was ready to enter his home, the day was still several hours from sundown. But even though the day was still young, Kevin was going to cut his day short and return home where early tonight he could get some much-needed sleep before the test he had to take early tomorrow morning. And so, pressing down on its ornamented bronze handle, and pushing

forward on its heavy wood, Kevin entered his homes front door. It led into the kitchen. Shiny pots and pans lined the walls and the counters everywhere in the kitchen, and innumerable spices and salts from all over the world were placed in tiny neat bottles on the spotless tabletop nearest to the stove. A refrigerator and a freezer were located in the kitchens corner, and in them were stockpiles of meats, poultries, fishes, fruits, vegetables, breads, juices, milk, cream, eggs, butter, honey, syrups, sauces, gravies, pures, oils, extracts, doughs, flours, frostings, fillings, and a plethora-more of other foods and food products. Anyone who saw this kitchen would know that no dilettante chef lived there. On the contrary, Kevins mom prided herself on being an exceptional chef, and she wanted everyone, especially Kevin, to know it! Kevins mom, like Kevin, was an extraordinarily kind person and possessed a heart of gold. Compassion and generosity came to Kevins mother as surely as waterfalls came to streams, and she, like Kevin, attracted good friends and good people into her life as pure nectar could draw butterflies. Like her son, Kevins mom also had dark hair (although her hair was considerably longer than Kevins), and her eyes were dark like Kevins as well. Kevins mother was significantly shorter than Kevin was, but what she lacked in size, she more than equated with her larger-than-life tenacity and fastidiousness. Kevins mother frequently chided and yelled at Kevin, wherever and whenever Kevin did or said something that did not sit well with her for whatever reason and her continual reproaches of him often made Kevin feel very glum and upset. However, Kevin understood that, like most mothers, his mother was just overprotective of him and overly doting on him, and so Kevin just did whatever he could do to make his mom happy even if it meant getting admonished by her every single day of his life. As was evidenced by the tools of her trades hanging and stationed impressively throughout the kitchen, Kevins mom absolutely adored cooking and baking. But along with her culinary interests, Kevins mom was also highly fond of gardening, and in the backyard she grew her own vegetables, spices, herbs, and plants in addition to her beloved flowers, fruit trees, and fruit bushes. Being a thrifty person, Kevins mom loved growing her own crops because doing so not only allowed her to express her love for gardening, it simultaneously allowed her to create an endless bounty of cooking supplies with which to concoct new recipes for food many of which she had Kevin be the official taste-tester to see whether they were good, or (unfortunately for Kevin) bad. Luckily though for Kevin, most of the dishes that his mom made were good; it was only the time she cooked that liver stuffed with brussels-sprouts, and when she thought that vegetable cookies would be a good idea, that to this day still made Kevin think, Why me? But behind her exuberance for her own life, and her continual pressing of Kevin to change or improve his, Kevin knew that his mom loved him very, very much and he loved her very, very much too. And that was why, despite his wish to leave

Eternia and go on a grandiose adventure, he promised his mother he would stay in Eternia and take care of her, always. Upon entering their house today, Kevin could smell that his mom had baked some delicious sugar cookies with frosting (his favourite!) while he was training this morning. When Kevin smelled the intoxicating scent of his favourite cookies, his stomach could not help but rumble, nor could his mouth keep from watering. Spotting her precious child coming through their kitchen door, Kevins mom rushed to greet Kevin Welcome back sweetheart! cheered Kevins mom exuberantly, while smiling to her son. How was training today? Exhausting, puffed Kevin, as he put his sword down against the kitchen counter, and then sat down in a chair at the kitchen table. Here I baked you some of your favourite cookies and I made you a large glass of healthy guava juice: your favourite! Now drink and eat up Kevin, and thatll tide you over until dinner! Kevins mom said, while handing Kevin a plate of the just-cooled sugar cookies that she had baked for him earlier and placing next to him a mouth-watering glass of sugary-sweet and thirstquenchingly good guava juice. Wow, thanks mom! exclaimed Kevin, and then he quickly drank a huge mouthful of the delicious freshly-squeezed guava juice, and wolfed down three sugar cookies with frosting in under ten seconds all of which just hit the spot to Kevin! As he drank and ate the tasty treats his mom had prepared for him, Kevin was bemused about how to tell his mom that, tomorrow morning, he was going to participate in an extremely dangerous test one in which he knew his mom would undoubtedly disapprove. Um, mom, what are you doing tomorrow morning? Kevin asked politely. Me? Nothing really. I was just going to go to the marketplace and pick up some fresh clams, milk, and butter I was thinking of making some clam chowder for dinner tomorrow night. Why? Kevins mom asked to her son. Oh, no reason Its just that I wanted to see if youd be home And also because tomorrow morning Im taking the test WHAT?????!!!!! shrieked Kevins mom, who was so shocked by what Kevin had just said that she nearly fell backwards. No, you are most certainly NOT going to take the test!!! Youll get hurt!

I wont get hurt Kevin replied firmly to his mother, while indescribably annoyed by her paranoia. As she had a tendency to do with her precious son, Kevins mom became angry with Kevin, and he knew that she was about to start yelling at him. Although in her mind she probably thought that she was still just talking, Kevin heard his mothers words to him in a rather different tone as she said, or rather, yelled, to him, Your father took the test too soon as well!!!!! I didnt agree with him about it then, and Im CERTAINLY not agreeing with you about it now!!!!! Mom, take it easy! implored Kevin. I wont get hurt I promise! You have to trust me once in a while, you know. Im a good swordsman. Despite Kevins sincere effort to let his mother know that he would be fine, Kevins mother did not hear Kevins words; she was receptive only to her own. And so, as if no one else was in the room with her and she could simply talk over whomever she wanted, whenever she wanted Kevins mom picked up right where she had left off speaking earlier, and in one long breath and in one continuous sentence, said, because if you get hurt, then Ill be all alone, and then Ill have to nurse you back to health Mom Kevin muttered, while getting annoyed. And then, if I do that, my flowers will get sick, and then Ill get sick, because Ill be so tired from nursing you back to health, and then from nursing my flowers back to health after I nursed you back to health, and then from nursing myself back to health after everything and everyone else got the benefit of me nursing them all back to health Mom Kevin said, becoming more annoyed than he was just a moment before. And Im SO tired, because I get up SO early every morning, and I go to bed SO late every night. I get SO little sleep Kevin, and if you love me you wont make me even more tired than I already am by making me have to nurse you back to health, on top of all of the other things that I do for you MOM Kevin bellowed, while growing even more annoyed than he was just seconds before, and now on the verge of running out of patience And besides you cant afford to get sick, because youre so fragile, and every time you get sick it takes so long for you to get healthy, and you cough and spit and look so horrible, and then how can you help me around the house, and then how can you spend time with Launa, and then I wont have a daughter-inlaw, and then I wont have any grandchildren, and then Launall be all alone, and

then youll be all alone, and then ILL be all alone, and then youll have BROKEN YOUR PROMISE to me; EVERYTHING will be RUINED; and my WHOLE LIFE will be OVER and itll be ALL YOUR FAULT! MOM! Kevin yelled sharply, and because of his tone, Kevins mother finally snapped out of her usual trance-like tirade, and she realized that (as usual) she was, slightly, overreacting. I wont get hurt ok mom? said Kevin to his mother whom he hoped would talk reasonably now. In a brief moment of calm, Kevins mother realized that Kevin made sense, and sensing that she was, perhaps, overreacting, Kevins mom sighed and said to her son, I know, Kevin But youre still my son and youre all I have left in this world so I dont want to lose you You wont lose me, affirmed Kevin his latest attempt to reassure his mother that everything would be fine. Kevins mom, who was still uncertain about whether she should let her son go on this dangerous test, asked her son, You promise? I promise, said Kevin. So are you ok with me going? Kevins mom, although wanting to disapprove, grudgingly nodded to Kevin in approval. At the same time as she gave her near-hidden acknowledgement, she whimpered to Kevin, Alright And since Ive agreed to let you go, Kevin I may as well help you, too Tomorrow morning, before you go on the test Ill Ill give you some supplies Thanks mom I really appreciate it, returned Kevin sincerely to his mother. And dont worry mom: Ill be fine. Kevins mom sighed deeply once again, and in an attempt to forget her solemn feelings she said to her son, Anyways, Im baking a roast beef right now. When dinners ready, we can talk some more about your test Ok mom! agreed Kevin. Hey, after I get cleaned up, why dont I help you make dinner?? Well, after you get cleaned up, why dont you set the table first suggested Kevins mother sneakily to Kevin for she usually preferred cooking by herself, and then you can help me cook dinner After that, we can eat and we can talk about your test, Kevin Im making a succulent roast beef for dinner, and while we eat it, we can talk about your test. Theres lots of roast beef Kevin, so

well have plenty to eat and while we eat well have plenty of time to talk about your test Mom, youre repeating yourself informed Kevin sarcastically. Well if I dont say something that many times, you you wont understand what I said! Kevins mom blurted, in a somewhat shallow defense of her proclivity to repeat things many times Sure mom Kevin joked while smiling kindly to his mother, and then he went into the bathroom of his and his moms house to wash his face and hands. When he was finished, Kevin proceeded to set the dining room table, and then he returned to the kitchen to help in what little ways he could his mom to prepare a fabulous meal of (succulent) roast beef, rich gravy, plum pure, rice pilaf, fresh rolls, baked potatoes, honey carrots, maple-syrup squash, buttered broccoli, freshly blended strawberry-mango juice, and many other fine delicacies that only Kevins epicurean mom could make, and that, with his gargantuan appetite, only Kevin could fully eat!

After Kevin and his mother finished eating the fantastic dinner that she had prepared for them, it was nighttime, and a thousand twinkling stars could be seen in the unusually clear and bright night sky. A dazzling shooting star was even seen soaring from the south to the north, and with a warm, iridescent glow, it gently illuminated the tranquil Eternia Castle and Town even more than they usually glimmered on their own at twilight. Thanks a lot for dinner mom, said Kevin sincerely, while swallowing the last bite of cherry pie that his mom had baked for dessert, and for understanding. Ok. But lets not talk about your test anymore otherwise Ill regret my decision and get angry at you again Kevins mom assured, while beginning to clean up the dishes. Here, let me help you mom. Im done eating Kevin said, while gathering up his plates too. No leave everything alone! Ill clean up! directed Kevins mom to Kevin. All I want you to do is to get some sleep! You have a big, and dangerous, day

tomorrow, and I dont want you to be tired on top of everything else that youll be going through! Alright mom grumbled Kevin frustrated that his mother was not even allowing him to help her clean up the table and dishes. mom. Now, go up to your room, and get a good nights sleep Kevin, said Kevins

Ok. Good night mom, replied Kevin lovingly, and then he hugged his mom tightly and kissed her on the cheek and she did the same to him too. After letting go of his mom, Kevin started walking towards the stairs to go up to his bedroom but not before he grabbed and ate one more of the irresistibly-tasty sugar cookies with frosting that his mom had baked earlier today especially for him! And so, after he finally arrived to his bedroom, Kevin slowly took off all of his clothes, and he put on his fresh and relaxing pajamas. Exhausted after an exceptionally long day of training, talking, arguing and of course, thinking Kevin, deservedly, laid down in his nice, clean, and comfortable bed. Staring up at his bedrooms gilded ceiling, Kevin reminisced about the unexpected things his sword master Vordrogan had told him today and he wondered about the unknown test he was going to take tomorrow. Tired from his grueling swordsmanship lesson earlier this morning, and from his mind working overtime all day afterwards, Kevin closed his eyes, and he instantly drifted into a long, deep sleep Although he was not purposely doing it, as he slept, Kevin started to and continued to dream, over, and over, and over again about the very test he was about to take tomorrow However, to Kevin these were no ordinary dreams, for they occurred in perfect clarity and with perspicacious exactitude. Every event, every action, and every detail from the test was somehow ingrained in Kevins mind, and all of these images kept repeating, and repeating, and repeating The strange thing was: Kevin had obviously not yet taken the test. However, in his sleeping heart and soul, Kevin felt as surely as the night was dark that he had already taken this exact same test, many, many times before just as he was dreaming about the test, over, and over again, with such unequivocal recollection. Was he predicting the future? Was he reliving the past? Was he doing both? Unfortunately, Kevin could not solve this ever-elusive mystery of why he endlessly and so specifically dreamed about a test he had not yet taken; nor could he express his undying determination and fortitude to Vordrogan, to his mother, to Launa, and to himself; until he awoke with the dawn of the new day tomorrow: when, at last, his greatest test his lifelong test his destined test would truly and finally begin

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