Fathomed Fear

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Right, well, some of you may recogise this title; yes, I did have a thread of this same story going a while back. The thing is I had to leave for a spell, and in that time, I did some rewritting and finished the story. So, I've decided to start a new thread, and start at the begining again. I will try to post fairly regularly, and keep this coming. I hope you enjoy this little work of mine; do let me know what you think.

 

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Fathomed Fear

 

A small fire flickered gently in the hearth, casting a soft light upon the stone floor. Within the usually serine and orderly chambers of Lord Seth Exodus chaos and restlessness filled the air; along with a thick cloud of tobacco smoke.

 

        Seth paced about his sitting room in great agitation; his open dressing down, in place of his waist-coat, billowed out behind him. His spectacles rested high on his forehead, as his eyes were weary and blood-shot. His moustache bristled, and twitched every now and anon. And he puffed furiously at the silver-bowled pipe clenched tightly in his teeth.

 

        Sadly, his chambers were in no better condition than their keeper. The stone floor and rich center rug were barely visible under a vast carpet of sheet music and loose parchment. Upon the fire side table sat a half empty bottle of Cheri, and Seth’s violin and bow. On the center table was a mountain of books, scrolls and papers. To any who knew Seth, this would be a strange scene indeed.

 

        Reaching into his vest pocket, Seth glanced at his watch.

 

“Ten and two ‘til midnight; the bewitching hour is fast upon us,” he muttered under his breath. All night he had been unable to find rest, some uneasiness and grip of his heart. And so he paced, waiting either for sleep to pull shut his eyes, or the pale light of dawn to brighten them.

 

        Seth walked wearily under the stone archway opening to his study. Sitting down at his drawing table he gazed over the finished and unfinished works, and notes for works to come; but he could not find mind to put pencil to paper. Rather, he sat, spinning his pencil in his fingers. He sighed deeply and tossed down the pencil, and went to his great oak writing desk. But here too he only sat caressing the feather quill betwixt his fingers.

 

“Can’t work, can’t sleep; I’m losing my senses!” he exclaimed as he left the study.

 

        Seth picked up the cue ball from the billiard table in the games room. He rolled it down the table and it hit hard, scattering several balls, and shattering the silence. He walked about aimlessly, fingering a dart he had plucked from the dartboard.

 

        From the far corner of the room, from out the shadows, came a very raspy and hushed sound. It fell upon Seth’s ears as:

 

“I am fear!” He spun about sharply, though nothing met his eyes. Moments passed and still nothing.

 

        “You are tired, old boy,” he said to himself. Turning, he tossed the dart back at the board. Bull’s-eye. He ambled out of the room.

 

        Back in the sitting room, Seth replaced his pipe on the rack, cinched up his dressing gown and went out onto the balcony. The full moon beamed brightly in the night sky, and the heavens were dotted with glimmering stars. Leaning on the marble railing he gazed down into the courtyard; all was silver and gray.

 

“A walk! A walk would clear my head,” he said, turning to go inside.

 

        “I am fear!” came the repeated whisper. Though, it was lost on Seth, as he was already gone.

 

Seth, now in a black frock coat, reached for his coat rack. He fastened his cape on its silver chain, dawned a black top hat, and took up his cane. Descending the tower stairs he set off down the hall, humming a tune.

 

        The halls of The Keep were deserted at this hour, and Seth made it to the courtyard without seeing a soul. Although, he thought he saw the sleek silhouette of Carbonne, Celes’s cat, at the end of a corridor once. The moon was still high on its nocturnal flight when Seth passed through the orchard; and the night air was delightfully cool, he thought to himself, as it moved on a light breeze.

 

        As he passed a low, leafy hedge, Seth cringed.

 

“I am fear!” The words hit heavily on Seth, but this time he acted. He struck furiously at the hedge with his cane. Leaves flew up and were carried off on the breeze. Seth was left there breathing hard, and looking down upon the barren, broken branches; nothing more.

 

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There it is, the first installment; hope you enjoyed it.

 

Sincerely,

Lord Seth Exodus

Initiate of The Pen

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Shaken, Seth carried on to the garden.

 

“Get a grip, old boy,” he said to himself. Just as he was calming down, however, a shadow passed through the trees towards him. This time, in the blink of an eye, he had half drawn his sword from the cane shaft.

 

“Easy there, Seth!” The moonlight twinkled in the soft eyes of the almost-knight, Justin Silverblade.

 

“Justin!” Seth exclaimed, with a great sigh of relief. “You scared me half to death.”

 

“I keep telling you, it’s all that tea you drink,” Justin said with a grin. “Come, you must walk with me.” He put a large yet kindly hand on Seth’s shoulder and led him on.

 

They walked on slowly towards the garden, not saying much of anything at all.

 

“My word! Justin,” Seth exclaimed, “You’re more run-down than your mood lets on.” They had been walking along an open path, and for the first time, Seth saw Justin’s face clearly in the moonlight. His features were shallower than usual, his eyes deep-set and dull. His whole face was a weary and haggard picture.

 

“Yes…I must be over-worked,” Justin said turning away and rubbing his eyes with a pale hand. “You know, you’re right. I should retire for the night. Good night, Seth.”

 

“Uh… sweet dreams…Justin.” He was slightly taken aback by his friend’s hasty retreat; but thought nothing more of it, and carried on through the night. Looking back, Justin was nowhere in sight. “He most likely slipped off through the trees,” Seth thought.

 

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Ooh! I'm all tingly; hope you are.

 

Yours,

Lord Seth Exodus

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

The pond was smooth as glass, and reflected the shimmering mural above as Seth approached. He paused at its edge and looked out thoughtfully; he was running through possible poem verses in his head. But something broke the serenity of the scene and forced Seth to look up. A large shadow glided, almost danced, over the surface of the water and created a moving void wherein there once diamond like stars. And, again, from somewhere above, the raspy whisper was heard.

 

“I am fear!” barely audible this time.

 

Seth shot a glance upwards and saw an unexpected sight. Bhurin, a large winged man whom Seth had befriended years earlier, glided silently by on the nightly breeze. At first, the only queer thing to Seth was the hour, but more was caught by his keen eyes.

 

“’Tis a sight I’ve not seen in many a day,” he said to himself. As Bhurin passed over-head, heeding not his companion below, the moonlight glinted off his metal faceplate; which had not been seen since Seth first applied at the Pen. “Odd indeed. Wha…?!” The words were plucked from Seth’s lips as he gazed at Bhurin’s barrel chest. “CT” was embroidered in gold thread over his heart. “The Crystal Tides,” he muttered under his breath as Bhurin passed from sight beyond the roof of the Keep. “ That guild has not been heard of in ages; it was thought to be disbanded. Something is afoot, or I am losing my mind.”

 

Seth walked around for a good length of time in a fog as he tried to piece together the events of the night. He had absentmindedly drawn his sword, the cane shaft hung from its ring at his side, and he caressed the cold, silver blade.

 

“Justin a fearsome sight, Bhurin in his old garbs, a mysterious voice proclaiming fear; it defies logic.” He spoke aloud unknowingly.

 

The trees themselves seemed to speak: “I am fear!”

 

“Let me be, you unseen devil!” Seth swung his sword frantically at the branches around him.

 

“Well, why can’t I be, then?” came a merrier voice, this time. Foe Calibur, Seth’s old elven friend, sprang lightly from the leaves.

 

“Good Lord… Foe, it’s you! I’m sorry… why can’t you be what?” Seth’s head was pounding and his face was flushed; though, he tried to remain composed.

 

Glad you’re here, Seth, that’s all.”

 

“Is that what you said? For the love of…I thought you said…” Seth paused. “Never mind. What brings you out at this hour, anyway?”

 

“I don’t know, I just enjoy sitting out at night; nature at its calmest, you know? You think it odd?”

 

“This would be the night for it, if I did,” he muttered under his breath.

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Oh, nothing, I was just commenting…” Again words failed Seth as he took notice of something, Foe’s ears. They were rounded, curved like a normal man’s, devoid of the sleek elven point.

 

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I love my job.

 

Yours truly,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

“Who are you?” Seth held the point of his blade at the elf’s chest. “Who are you, and why do you haunt me?” His voice quivered and his shook uncontrollably.

 

“Why, Seth, you know who I am,” Foe replied in a calming tone; and then vanished. “ I am fear!” Seth spun about and came face to face with Justin again. “Or, rather, I am YOUR fear!” and then he too was gone.

 

“You are not who you appear to be, why?” Seth spun in a panic, his sword still raised; the moonlight glinting off the steel, blinking in the shadows.

 

“Your friends are your fear; your fear and your joy. We both know it.” Now it was Wyvern, the almost dragon, who grinned at Seth, swishing his tail menacingly. But he was as soon as Seth laid eyes on him.

 

“Why do you torment me?” Seth’s voice rose and cracked as he continued to turn about.

 

“For sport, silly boy.” It was the milky smooth voice of Celes that fell on his ears now. The French lady sat cross-legged on a tree stump, Cambronne in her lap, and silk draped from her shoulders; and then, of course, vanished.

 

Bhurin’s voice then boomed, “Defeat me, and this is a dream.” Seth nearly careened into the great winged one. “But lose…” and he was gone.

 

“Then we shall see, my preciousssss, then we shall see,” came a sharp hiss; though, with no face to match it to.

 

Seth, by this time, had come out of his panicked state; and he inhaled deeply to regain his senses.

 

“Fear you say you are, but from your conduct I think you are fearful more than feared!” Seth was the only one to be seen; though, he knew he was not alone. He boldly stood his ground, and accepted the challenge given to him. “Come then, I shall defeat you! If truly you are my fear, then I made you, know you, and shall vanquish you. Come, and be conquered.” He took his stance, common among traditional rapier fighters.

 

Long he stood there, motionless, and only the whistle of the wind to be heard. Finally, the same raspy voice as before croaked a reply.

 

“Bold you are, but we shall see

How long you last when facing me.

It shall be quick, for soon you’ll feel

My sting; and at my feet you’ll kneel.”

 

Before Seth’s eyes a sword appeared, floating in mid-air. It was a rapier of gold, with jewel encrusted hilt and blade. Seth was taken in by its beauty, for but a heart beat; then it struck. A great sweeping blow aimed to the right. Seth easily deflected; though, the magnitude of his opponent’s strength was now clear to him. Seth came back and struck three times at the blade, as it was his only target, and the two blades sang high and shrill with every blow.

 

“You speak in rhyme, I’ll play your game

And defeat you still all the same.

You tricked me once, shame on you.

I know your style, you shan’t get number two.”

 

Steel clashed on steel, and Seth didn’t even pause as these lines he spoke. A feint and coupe countered with a parry and a dodge by Seth; with such a target as thus he was forced on the defensive.

 

“You speak the truth, perhaps you’re right;

Well skilled you are in this form of fight.

A new game we’ll play, I think,

And in this, push you to the brink.”

 

As the voice faded into the night, the phantom rapier stopped its advance and floated motionless. Seth pulled down hard on his blade and struck square on the other. The blade shattered and was gone in a wisp of smoke. Grounding the tip, Seth leaned on his sword and caught his breath.

 

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I'm enjoying this, are you?

 

Sincerely,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited by: Lord Seth Exodus at: 9/13/02 7:04:30 am

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

The next challenge was issued by a voice behind Seth. The low, raspy voice was gone; Seth knew this voice, and feared to look.

 

“The tides have turned, now you face me.

The victor to see, who will it be?

I’ll test your mind, and see what you know.

I am your friend, and yet I am your Foe.”

 

Seth turned and met the steely gaze of his Elven friend, Foe.

 

 

“I fear you not, ‘tis plain to see.

No glint of doubt you’ll see in me.

But…”

 

Seth was cut short.

 

“Drop the rhyme, old boy; that’s old hat, now.”

 

“Very well.” Seth slipped his blade back into his cane shaft and rested his on it before him. “Let’s have at it, then.”

 

Foe paced about with a malicious grin on his lips.

 

“A battle of wits, then. Do try and hold your own, Seth.”

 

“A battle of wits?!” Seth laughed. “You against me?! Oh, come now! Unless you intend to bore me with your Elven lore, you may as well concede defeat right now.”

 

“You speak hastily, as all men do,” growled Foe. “I suggest you give thought before you speak from here on.”

 

“And I suggest you speak quickly, before I give thought to going over there and giving a new point to those ears of yours; on with it already!” shot back Seth

 

“Very well.

 

Seven men, pure and true, on seven golden horns they blew. To rain on earth death and woe, and with the key, release His foe. Seven more come and go, bringing, each, the final blow. Finally his work is done, so to home above all good men run.” Foe leaned against a tree and folded his arms.

 

“ Riddles? Hum…” Seth paused to think. “Ah! It’s so simple, of course; it’s scripture. Revelations, seven Angels with seven trumpets summon destruction on the world. Seven more come, thereafter, and bring the final seven plagues of God. Really, Foe, try a little harder.” Seth’s face beamed almost as brightly as the moon; the first battle won was his; though, the war be not over.

 

The grin was gone from Foe’s face, and he narrowed his eyes. He almost seemed to falter on the spot, and his face sunk.

 

“A lucky guess, it shan’t happen again. Four horsemen prophesied in the apocalypse, four horses, how many men total?” An evil smile was again on Foe’s lips; though, this time he stood tense.

 

Seth was silent for a moment as he removed his spectacles and cleaned them. Slipping them back on his face, he calmly eyed his adversary.

 

“I’m disappointed, Foe, you challenge me in my own element. Do you try and conquer the shark while he’s in the sea?” Seth shook his head. “Four horsemen.”

 

Foe cast back his head in laughter. “Wron…”

 

“And Hades followed close behind,” Seth cut in. “Total: Five!”

 

Foe let out a shriek and stumbled again. “Curse you!” he raged, a shadow cast over his once-bright features, “But,” he straightened and composed himself. “Perhaps you are right. I’m making this too easy for you.” He nimbly jumped into a near-by tree and sat himself on a low-hanging limb. There he sat in silent thought.

 

The moon soared ever across the night sky, fleeing from the approaching dawn; which was only mere hours away. Long Foe sat thinking, saying naught. Finally Seth broke the silence.

 

“Look here, I lose patience; make haste with your thought, or be done with it.” Still, Foe said nothing, and then stirred to speak.

 

“Hold your forked-tongue, villain,” Seth thundered, cutting his adversary short. Seth drew himself up. He stood tall, resolute and commanding; the nobility of his lineage was now chiseled into his features. “Foe you may resemble, but ‘tis only skin deep. You posses not his fair heart, nor his sharp mind; that is your soft under-belly, you serpent, and there I shall strike!”

 

Foe could not have looked more stunned if Seth had struck him. He licked his dry lips and muttered, “Come on, then.” Which came out on a quivering breath.

 

Now it was Seth who paced about, eyeing an anxious and fidgeting Foe with an icy stare. His features were cast in shadow, and only his glasses, which gleamed dully in the moonlight, could be seen in his dark silhouette.

 

Foe stirred in the tree above. “Now who should make haste…?”

 

“I gave you no leave to speak!” Seth shot back. Foe settled back with the indignant air of a rebuked child.

 

“From Hell’s heart I stab at thee!” Seth thundered, gesturing sharply with his cane towards Foe. “There is more of gravy than of grave to you.”

 

“Foe’s eyebrow raised baffled. “You’re losing your wit, Seth, spouting gibberish.”

 

“And you are falling behind, Foe. `Big brother is watching.’”

 

“Oh ho! You are mad! Perhaps my design is already got?”

 

“It is done.”

 

Both were silent for a time; Seth blank-faced and statuesque, Foe dazed and confused. Finally, Foe broke the silence. “No mad man would admit to being such. What game do you play, Seth?” He cocked his head and smiled at the unmoving noble.

 

Seth grinned widely now. “Perhaps I am just not myself tonight.”

 

“Indeed?”

 

“` Too little butter over too much bread’ I think.”

 

Foe pressed his fingers to his eyes and sighed deeply. “Seth, you fool, you waste my time. Do you wish to die with the words of a fool on your lips? Play the game or I shall come down and be done with you!” Foe’s face was stern and piercing; though, Seth wavered not.

 

“No, you play the game or be gone.”

 

“This is madness! And that’s my card.” A slight smile came over Foe but was gone again almost immediately. “You speak the tongues of mad men and call it game.” Foe threw up his hands up in exasperation. “Your time is come.” He sprang lightly from the tree and advanced on Seth; still unmoving.

 

Foe was mere yards from Seth and still advancing. The pale moonlight illuminated a glow of mad joy on his features. His hands were raised as if to clutch at Seth.

 

“Captain Ahab to the great white whale, Moby Dick. Ebenezer Scrooge to the ghost of Marley, A Christmas Carole. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell. The book of Revelations. And finally, Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien.” Foe stopped his advance; a stricken look upon his face. “Yes, Foe, they were literary quotes, and you missed them; every one!”

 

Foe started. “That’s not fair!” he shrieked. He gave a snarl and ran like a man possessed towards the wall. Then he leapt high into the night sky, down over the wall and was gone.

 

Seth dabbed at the beads of sweat that had formed on his brow with his handkerchief. He let fall his head back and looked up to the heavens. “Oh, Lord, let this night be done, come what may,” he muttered under his breath. Far overhead a star twinkled and went out.

 

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Et viola! I just love posting this stuff for you; how's it looking to you guys?

 

Yours,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

The prayer had but left his lips when Seth shivered at yet another sound. Soft applause echoed out from the shadows beneath the wall behind him. The clapping grew as a figure emerged from the dark.

 

“Bravo! Well played, Seth.” Seth narrowed his eyes as he took in this new figure and his moustache twitched. The form of a man clad in blue faced him, a cane hanging from his forearm, his hands clasped before him and a smile on his lips.

 

“Tek,” Seth said coldly.

 

“Indeed, ‘tis I; glad you remember me, Seth. Come, and greet your old friend and brother in arms,” Tek said, an arm outstretched.

 

Indeed, Seth looked upon his old friend and guild master, but he moved not. He knew that it was not Tek, his once chestnut hair was charcoal gray and a twinkle of vice was in his usually cheery eye.

 

“Et tu, Tekkorin? Do you haunt me as well?”

 

“Haunt you? My dear Seth, I bring naught but good tidings to you.”

 

“So too claimed the snake in Eden.”

 

Tek smiled. “Oh, touché. You always did apply that…book to everything.” His voice sank and he spoke with biting disdain. Half hidden in the shadows, Tek now stepped full into the moonlight. On his arm was a maiden. Tek receded to the shadows once more and was gone, leaving the lady to face Seth.

 

The maiden stood tall and proud before Seth; she was dainty yet equal to him in stature. Deep golden brown hair hung to her shoulders and danced in the night breeze. Soulful blue eyes gleamed in the starlight and her tightly pursed lips were as soft and lovely as a young spring rose. Her brow was adorned with a halo of silver and a silver chain hung from her neck, suspending a small, jeweled, silver cross. Her hands were folded curtly before her and from either arm and round back of her waist hung a silken sash of gray. She was clad in a sleek, black evening gown, flowing to the ground. An angelic form, indeed, with an air much less than that.

 

“No! No! No! If there be any good in this world, haunt me not with this form!” Seth paced about wildly, talking to no one and anyone that listened. “Speak naught and leave me be; I’ll take no more!”

 

The lady stood silent throughout all of this, watching her lord in his frantic state.

 

“Calm yourself, my love. Are you not glad to see me?”

 

Seth stopped dead and gazed on the maiden.

 

“Nay, speak not these words to me, for they be false.”

 

“You thought them true before.”

 

“Indeed, when they were true. But you were lost to me, a lifetime ago, it seems, and with you died those words.”

 

The lady walked towards Seth, hand out-stretched. “Take my hand and know I am who you long me to be. I am come back to you.”

 

Seth staggered back and held up a shaking hand.

 

“No, this cannot be. You are not my wife; my Eve.” Tears blurred Seth’s eyes and burned his cheeks.

 

“Did you not bury me in the church yard?”

 

“I did not- I could not. You were lost to me and I could not seek you for even that end.”

 

“Then how do you know I did, indeed, perish?”

 

“I saw…”Seth was sobbing by this time and his breath was short. “I saw you fall…the night of the attack.” Seth put his face in his hands and wept. Through his mind raced a nightmare that he once lived.

 

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Now we're getting into the really good stuff.

 

Yours,

 

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Okay, now the follow few installments are a flashback that Seth is having; hope you can keep up, and enjoy.

 

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“Run, my love, run!! To the courts.” The Lord Seth Exodus took flight down the castle corridor. Just before him, in a flowing black gown, raced the Lady Evangeline; her face flushed and hair streaming. As they rounded a corner a soldier stepped out in front of them; he wore the blue and black colors of the Regal Consistory.

 

“They’re here…” the words stopped on the soldiers tongue as Seth’s rapier pierced his throat and he fell dead.

 

The Lady gave a cry and tears sprang to her eyes.

 

“Oh, Seth!” She could do naught but look on the fallen man.

 

“Come, dear, this way.” Seth put an arm around her and led her down the hall.

 

They reached the outer courts where a large gathering of soldiers awaited them; though, this time they bore the black and silver colors of the Exodus household.

 

Archers lined the upper walls, footmen stood before the barred gates, pike men stood on either side, a skeleton cavalry lined the walls, and in the center stood the Knights of Exodus, gleaming in silver armor. Seth sprang unto a fountain in the center of the court and beheld what was left of his army; less than ten score of men.

 

“Men of valor of the house of Exodus, you Lord calls you to battle. If never before you have sought reason to fight, seek now and find reason. Our Consistory, that which we have worked so hard to build and follow, has been deceived. Evil knocks at our gates to claim us. So, take arms for Lord, Lady and God.” He paused to scan the whole assembly and let his words sink in.

 

“God bless and keep you all!”

 

At that a thundering boom shook the grounds and a beam in the gate cracked. Again and again the thunder fell and the gate shook and cracked.

 

“Archers stand ready-on my mark!” Seth cried as the final blow fell. The gates gave way and crumpled to the ground, stirring up a great cloud of dust. None moved as the dust heavy in the air and though they waited no advance was made on the courts. Finally, as the dust settled, they looked out through the open gateway and beheld a sight.

 

Before the gateway and across the sloping land stretched the forces of the Regal Consistory. Twenty score of men, at least; out numbering the Exodus battalion by two to one.

 

“Good Lord!” Seth muttered under his breath.

 

A shout was heard from outside, followed by a troop of soldiers charging the open gate.

 

“Drop the bars!” Seth commanded. The heavy iron bars fell, blocking the gateway and stopped the charge. This didn’t, however, do much to stop the sting of the enemy bowmen.

 

“Footmen, charge wall formation, at the gate, now!” Men scrambled to the gate and help their shields to the bars, forming a wall two men high. Just as they settled formation a hail of arrows struck their shields and glanced off.

 

“The rest of you, to the walls. Cavalry, hold the courts and back the gate.” Seth strode up the stone stairs to the parapet, but then stopped. He turned back and looked on his wife, who still stood by the fountain; arms wrapped about her and great distress on her face. Seth descended the stairs again and went to her.

 

“Eve,” he took her in his arms and kissed her gently. “Go to the far guard station, at the back of the court and stay there until I come for you.” He turned and called two of his knights over.

 

“Valance! Tarton!” They bowed to their Lord.

 

“Stay with the Lady and see that no harm befalls her.” They saluted sharply.

 

“Go now, my dear, and pray for us all.” They kissed again and Seth was up the stairs once more.

 

All was still; on the wall and in the army below. An emissary had come forward and a great gray stallion and awaited Seth.

 

“What business have you here? Leave my lands!” Seth called over.

 

“The Lord Maynard Ellingham calls upon you to relinquish your position on the council, give up your lands and your wealth. In the name of the Regal Consistory, we place you under arrest.”

 

“On what charges?”

 

“Deception of the Council by means of a false lineage to gain your position.”

 

“Deception of the Council?! A false what? Of all the absurdities… You speak of deception but look to the wrong party. Where is your Lord in all this? Look to him if you speak of deception.” Seth looked down on the assembly over his spectacles and certainly looked the nobility that his lineage told of. The emissary scowled.

 

“The doings of the Lord Ellingham are not your concern, and slander will not help your position, Lord Exodus. Will you not come of your accord?”

 

Seth was silent and unmoving for a time.

 

“I may be well versed in speech, but a bowstring sings better than I.” At that the Exodus bowmen let sing their strings and sent a rain of arrows over the first regiment of enemy soldiers. One arrow sank deep into the leg of the emissary and he rode back, clutching his bleeding leg and cursing at Seth. And thus the battle began.

 

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Ooh, a cliff-hanger moment; what a place to stop.

 

Sincerely,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

The enemy troops regrouped, after the first assault of the Exodus bowmen, and charged. Ladders were raised up the walls. The ground archers returned fire. And now the gate was assaulted yet again. A great wooden ram was brought forth and collided with the iron bars; though, they stood unmoving as they ran strong and deep into the stone on all sides. The cavalry formed rank in the court and stood ready.

 

Although the attack was unexpected, and cost them dearly, Seth’s men were not unprepared. Fires were stoked along the walls, vats of oil were brought up and multiple siege weapons were brought out. Seth had saved a ballista and two catapults from a past siege on a northern king when the Consistory had sought to expand it’s territory years earlier; they were no worse for all the years of disuse.

 

Missiles flew from the walls and sundered the ranks below, but the ingenious long-range weapons were far from able to reach the real threat. Looming dark in the distance, two colossal siege towers awaited their charge order. Seth looked on these with foreboding and took council with his captain.

 

“I don’t like it. What chances do we have of stopping those towers when they advance?”

 

The captain looked out at them and thought for a moment.

 

“If we concentrate all our fire-power at one, we can bring it down before it reaches the walls. But…”

 

“But that still leaves the other to come without opposition.”

 

“It’s our best chance, sir.”

 

“So be it.” As if by that word their fate was sealed the towers began to move. Men were sent with orders and the machined were made ready. As they neared the defense began. Missiles roared through the air and great balls of fire went up from the catapults, slowing, but not stopping one of the towers. Two assaults were made as thus. One tower still came on strong, the other had begun to burn and falter. Again the captain approached Seth.

 

“My liege, you must retreat to safety. The battle grows to the climax and your safety and that of the Lady Exodus is priority.”

 

Seth looked into the eyes of his loyal officer and friend. “Aye, I can do no more. I leave command to you now,” he placed a firm hand on the officer’s shoulder. “When the Lady is safely away I shall hasten back, if I can. God bless.”

 

“God speed, sir.”

 

Seth started down the stairs when, after the release of one final missile, he turned in time to see one of the towers fall in a great billow of smoke and flame. He then turned and went off through the courts.

 

Seth came to where his wife waited just as the second tower docked and unleashed its force unto the parapets.

 

“My Lord - my love. What goes on? How weights the war?” She stood and went to his arms.

 

Seth kissed her gingerly atop her head and laughed lightly. “ Such questions; a dragon’s seed in your heart, as I’ve said, my dear. Worry yourself not, my love. Come now, we must flee.” Seth dismissed the knights back to the walls and they started off down the hall.

 

“Where wouldst we fly, Seth?”

 

“To the cliffs. Not far below I have built a haven for just such a day.”

 

Indeed, to an unknowing eye there was naught but a sheer cliff behind the castle to the rumbling surf below. But, concealed in a crevice lay a stairway leading to a chamber in the rock wall that was laid as a clever hiding place. Here they would take refuge.

 

Seth led Eve by the hand as they raced through the castle. The sound of heated combat resonated through the halls after them; steels clashed, men cried out and from the fray rang the battle cries of the Exodus house: “By God! For God!” Seth longed to return to the battle, to his men, but he needed only to squeeze the soft hand in his and look on the flushed yet lovely face of Eve next to him and onward he urged; for her sake.

 

Seth’s leather shoes clapped hard on the stone floor as they ran. They finally reached a small wooden door at the rear of the castle; it was of simple make; a servants entrance. It flew open and they ran into a grove of thinly dispersed trees; down the center path and over the cliff the sea thundered menacingly. Swiftly they ran through the grove and unto the rocky and wet ground atop the cliff.

 

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-Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initaite of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

As Seth passed the last of the trees the sound of steel being drawn caused him to turn and pull Eve behind him. There, in the shadows, stood the silhouette of a man, a great golden rapier in his hand.

 

“Do you run from battle, Seth? So far and fast you have come from it.” A large built man with fierce eyes and bushy whiskers descending his cheeks stepped forward.

 

“Maynard,” Seth drew his sword from his cane. “I run from no battle. I only look to protect that which is most precious to me.”

 

Maynard looked past Seth to Eve; her features drawn in a scowl at him.

 

“Ah yes. The lovely Lady Exodus. Well, at least you have your priorities straight, Seth.” He grinned a wicked smile and winked at the Lady. Seth’s eyes flared and his heart raged.

 

“Maynard, you scoundrel. Why do you pain us so? I’ve served the council naught, if not faithfully; and you as well, for that matter. Why these lies; this treachery?”

 

Maynard laughed; wickedness in his voice.

 

“My dear Seth, you know as well as I that the council is weak and easily swayed; but for one. You are all that has ever opposed me.”

 

“Only the most faulty of your plans; which were ludicrous.”

 

“And would have brought me much gain.” He scowled as he thought back on his best-laid plans dashed before the council.

 

“So, the question is, why do you pain me so?”

 

Seth gazed upon his adversary with a look of wonder and pity.

 

“You have no thought for others, do you? Your soul is as black as night with malice which wouldst stun the Seraphim.”

 

“Preach it to your own men, Exodus,” Maynard snapped. “With you out of the way the council shall bend to my will.”

 

“Surely, you don’t believe you can deceive the council - that they are so blind?”

 

Maynard ground the tip of his blade and rested on the hilt.

 

“Oh Seth, your diplomacy lacks greatly. The council holds naught but doddering old fools. With a word I can twist their dusty old minds; they will believe me.” He began to pace about Seth. Seth kept Eve close behind him and the tip of his sword towards Maynard.

 

“It’s not so hard to believe, really. You used false documentation to gain your status - it seemed fitting for you - and we found you out; you resisted arrest, struck out against us, and were killed in the heat of battle. Ingenious, really.”

 

Seth’s face went grim.

 

“You know very well I shan’t die easily.” He raised his sword and took stance.

 

“We shall see, Seth. We shall see.”

 

A great expanse of churning dark clouds hovered o’er the lands, like the seething waters of hell’s own Styx in the sky, and cast an ominous shadow o’er all. A chilled northern wind had swept down and on it floated peals of thunder; the death knell of hundreds it seemed as it echoed through the heavens. All the while the earth trembled at the clash of the two warring armies below.

 

Round back of the castle the two nobles faced off. Maynard with naught but sin and malice etched into his countenance and vice spawning behind his wicked eyes. Seth stood with all the stony resolute decorum of his Lordly title.

 

A jagged streak of lightening caressed the sky with all the gentle touch of man’s hand on God’s own son, rending the darkness to light and striking into the heart of the siege battle. Thus the heavens sang out and at the burst Maynard leapt at Seth. His rapier flashed. Seth held strong and blocked the first attack. Pressing steel to steel, Maynard leaned close.

 

“What say you and I dance?”

 

Seth, with a great heave, cast his foe back and lunged forward. Their blades met and sang high and shrill. Maynard set his foot on a loose stone and stumbled back. Seth leapt to the offensive and struck out fiercely.

 

“As Satan to God, you have under estimated me, Maynard; and by that same token you, too, shall fall.”

 

Fear sprang to Maynard’s eyes at the realization of the skill of his opponent.

 

Seth struck out with a rage of vengeance unmatched but on high - this injustice would not go unpunished if it could not be prevented. Ever anon the stately titans clashed, pulling down hard on their steels; both seeking the destruction of the other, but both failing to draw even first blood.

 

Though both exceptionally skilled, Seth had the upper hand of a pure heart and clear mind. The passion of his heart flowed to his blade and he drove hard on his adversary. Maynard found himself backed to the tree line of the grove and, with new resolve, fought as a cornered beast. Seth brought round a coupe, which Maynard dodged, and sunk the silver of his blade deep in a gnarled old tree.

 

No honor could be found in the black heart that beat in Maynard’s chest. He leapt at his defenseless adversary, dislodging the stuck blade, and both fell hard to the rocks. Hand in hand they grappled and rolled on the ground until Maynard brought the guard of his rapier across Seth’s face. Seth ceased his struggle, senseless.

 

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Is this the end of Lord Seth Exodus? Will he meet his demise atop the perilous cliff? Will Maynard complete his wicked scheme? Tune in next week to find out, in the heart stopping episode "Cuffed on the cliff" or "Naughty nobles." Same bat time, same bat channel.

 

Yours,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Mere moments passed before Seth regained his senses and was on his feet again. He took his rapier in hand - surprised, indeed, to be still alive - and wiped the blood from the long gash down his face. But, one thought sprang to his throbbing mind.

 

“Eve?!”

 

He spun about wildly seeking his wife - he gained that which he sought. Over near the edge of the cliff stood the Lady Exodus; though, he would have rather not seen her at all. Behind her, the very root of all evil in his decorum, stood Maynard, his arm groped across her chest, holding her arms down and a great long dagger at her throat in the other hand.

 

Seth took a step forward.

 

“Pray, rethink your actions, Seth; for her sake.”

 

“Maynard, you bloody coward! If you so much as harm her in the slightest, I swear to God I’ll…”

 

Maynard laughed evilly, cutting Seth off.

 

“You are in no position to threaten me, Exodus!” he snapped coldly. He pressed the cold blade to Eve’s throat harder and she winced in pain. “You’d be wise to cooperate with me.”

 

Seth’s eyes flared with fury and he shook with rage; his moustache bristled and twitched, and his knuckles were white, so tightly clenched were his fists.

 

“All right, now come over his way; there’s a good lad.”

 

Seth stood now on the edge of the cliff, a score of paces from his wife and her captor.

 

“Right then, you know what I want, Seth. Jump!”

 

Eve cried out, “No!” tears streaming from her eyes.

 

Seth looked over the edge of the cliff into the inky black. Far below, in the midst of the mass of churning water and foam, the breakers thundered upon the craggy rocks below, rending themselves asunder. A cold mist met his face and eased his burning wound; though, no ease came to his heart.

 

Hr turned back to Maynard and his wife, who radiated with both the heavenly beauty and passionate rage of the Seraphim.

 

If I die, what becomes of Eve?”

 

“She’ll be taken care of,” he said with a malicious grin. He put his face to her hair and inhaled deeply the sweet fragrance she wore, exhaling with a lustful sigh.

 

Eve struck out in disgust, bringing her heel down hard on Maynard’s foot.

 

“Blasted wench!” he cried out in pain and brought the back of his hand hard across her face. Eve cried out in pain and Seth stepped towards her, hand held out.

 

Maynard lifted the knife to her throat again.

 

“Now jump!”

 

Seth hesitated.

 

Maynard glared at him and thrust ever so slightly on the blade. Eve gave yet another cry of pain as a drop of blood ran down her neck. Maynard leaned forward and licked the bloodied length of her neck with a grotesquely long tongue. Eve struggled in disgust and Seth could only stand raging and watch this degradation be brought upon his wife.

 

“Cease this!” was all he could utter in his fury.

 

“Then jump.”

 

Seth stepped to the edge with the downcast air of a defeated man; though, he held his head high with dignity. Maynard’s eyes twinkled madly with the anticipation of victory.

 

Like the bursting of a dam, Eve was overcome. She cast her head back, smashing into her captor’s face. Maynard released his grip on the fair Lady and stumbled back in agony. Eve broke into a run for the arms of her husband.

 

Maynard brought his arm back and let fly his dagger. “Then you die as well!” he thundered. The blade sunk deep between Eve’s shoulders, she stumbled forward and was lost over the cliff’s edge.

 

Seth’s heart lurched to his throat and his cry was stifled as Eve fell from him. Without uttering a scream Eve fell, for her eyes locked with Seth’s and they shared a final moment of tender, yet sorrowful love and both felt an assurance that they would be together again someday; then she was lost in the torrent below.

 

Seth shed not a tear but turned on Maynard with a burning vengeance in his heart. Maynard stood with sword in hand and mock sympathy on his countenance.

 

“Unfortunate, indeed, Seth; this could have been avoided. Had you just complied with my wishes she could have been spared. So, really,” a malicious grin formed on his lips, “this is your fault.”

 

Seth spoke not, but retrieved his rapier and looked on his murderous foe with a stone-set and expressionless gaze.

 

“Satan be your sire, you demon; and now I give you back to him,” he said softly on a quivering breath.

 

Seth advanced slowly on Maynard, his eyes never swaying from their set goal, and his rapier trembling in his iron grip. Maynard leapt forward for a thrust. Seth deflected with such intensity his blade sang like a peal of thunder. Again Maynard lurched on the offensive and struck out. And again, with such force it shocked his aggressor, Seth deflected the attack. Ever still Seth advanced on Maynard, backing him along the cliff; and over and anon Maynard would strike out at Seth as a serpant trapped, and Seth would deflect the attack, never moving his blade more than was need, burt with such power Maynard would stumble. And on Seth came with stone-set countenance.

 

Finally, with a cry like The Coming, Seth leapt on his like a man posessed. Both blades sang and sparks lit their wielder' faces when they met. Seth moved with a speed and passion, it seemed, not of this earth. Maynard was forced on the defensive and pushed to the cliff's edge. With a quick,sweeping slice, Seth brought his blade down the side of Maynard's face, severing his ear clean off. Maynard gave a cry of pain and dropped to one knee, clutching his bleeding wound and holding his rapier aloft, like a dog with it's tail betwixt it's legs. Seth stood over him.

 

"As Peter in the garden, I bring you to your knees; but mercy shall not stay the hand that holds the sword this day." He brought his rapier up and pulled it down hard over his advisary. He struck Maynard's sword and both blades shattered and rained their shards on the ground.

 

Seth towered over Maynard, still with a countenance void of emotion.

 

"On your feet; I'll let you die with that much dignity, at least."

 

Maynard remained on his knees, breathing hard and cowering in the shadow of his conqueror.

 

Seth reached into his coat and drew out a small flint-lock pistol and clapped it to Maynard's head.

 

"Get up!" he said through gritted teeth.

 

Maynard staggerd to his feet and stood with intense distain on his face, though he trembled as the sweat poured over his brow.

 

Seth leaned close to his good ear.

 

"Now jump!" he whispered coldly.

 

Maynard stood resolute in his pitious state.

 

Seth grabbed him roughly by the hair and shook him.

 

"A fitting death if any there be. You shall die as you took her from me!" Tears burned down Seth's cheeks.

 

Still Maynard stood resolute; trembling, twitching, but ever head-strong.

 

"Then die as a coward would," Seth shot sharply. He stepped back a few paces, raised his pistol and fired. The gun thundered and let fly it's deadly pearl. The bullet sunk deep into Maynard's shoulder. He spun around in pain and toppled over the edge of the cliff; his shriek was lost to the song of the breakers below.

 

 

 

Seth stood motionless as he looked down over the cliff's edge into a churning abyss. His eyes were glassed over, his face void of emotion, his hands hung limp at his sides. Then, with a twitch of his moustache, he fell on his face and wept.

 

His captains approached him with praises to God as they were victorious over their besiegers; though, he did not move. All that fell on his ears was the sweet voice of his wife as she called him as he longed for her to do; and he saw naught but her angelic face at that final moment when she fell from his world, blurred by the burning tears of agony. nd for many an hour he did not move - would not move - for all he knew was grief. And, finally, when the sea had calmed and the celebration of a battle victorious had died, God placed His loving hand on the broken noble and then he knew his grieving was done; it was done; his loss would be her gain. Evangeline Exodus could rest sweet in that better place.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

And so ends the flash-back. The rest of the story shall progress from here on in the time frame inwhich it beagn. I'm rather proud of this last bit, the wholeflash-back scene; I hope you enjoyed it.

 

Sincerely,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Right, so back into the night inwhich this began. Enjoy.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

A day lived in a night. The moon had flown many leagues on it's nocternal journey before Seth looked up from his painful reminicence. Still the Lady stood fair and patient; her hand still held out towards Seth who looked up at her with red, longing eyes.

 

"It's impossible - it's improbable," Seth thought aloud. He looked into her sparkling blue eyes; as precious as the very heavens itself.

 

"Could it be? - would it be?"

 

The Lady stepped forward and placed her hand on his cheek. Seth, with complete bliss, accepted her caress and inhaled deeply the sweet fragerance that wafted back precious memories of times long past. He gently took her hand, stood and held her in his arms, and wept and kissed her.

 

"By God's great grace you are come back to me; praise Him."He brought her hand, held in his, and kissed it over and anon; then he paused. He held her hand out and turned it to be in the moonlight.

 

"Where, my love, be the token of mine love everlasting? What has become of your wedding ring?" Indeed, where once there glimmered a pure silver ring was naught but her dainty finger. Eve turned from him and pulled her hand away.

 

"We are together again; is that not enough? What matters this physical token of what is in our hearts regardless?"

 

"Indeed, my dear, how foolish of me; forgive me." He went to her and took her in his arms once again. Eve laid her head on his chest.

 

"As long as it is known between us, what more matters?" she said with a sigh.

 

"Us and God, of course," Seth interjected.

 

"Yes, I suppose that as well," Eve said with a groan.

 

Seth let fall his arms from the Lady and stepped away, shaking his head.

 

"What disrespect is this you speak? Nay, not from my Eve; not to the Lord." Anger flashed over his face. "I was right, then; you're not my Eve. No blessing from God, rather, a cruel trick from Satan." He turned his back on the maiden with the air of a broken man, who stood motionless and stone-faced.

 

"Be you fear and cowardice as well? Show your true form and defile this memory no more!" His voice shook with rage and again he was blinded with tears.

 

The Lady spoke not a word but seemed to melt into the ground, leaving only an inky puddle where once she stood. As Seth looked upon the spot with wonder it started to creep - almost glide - into the shadows, and was lost.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Viola!

 

Yours,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha

[Guest Lord Seth Exodus]

Yes! Here it is, the final installment of my little work. I pray that you have thoroughly enjoyed this story; I am quite proud of it, and I would love to have some feed back now that it is all out in the open.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Seth placed his spectacles atop his furrowed, sweat stained brow and wiped the lingering tears from his blood-shot eyes with a silver handkerchief. He let fall his head back and again prayed.

 

"All the legions of hell could not induce torment such as this; God almighty, give me rest from this." Seth lowered his his spectacles again and composed himself once more. He fumbled through his pockets, took out his pipe and, after lighting it, took in a deep, calming draught of the rich smoke.

 

Behind Seth, within the shadows, seven pairs of large, glowing red eyes appeared and watched Seth intently.

 

"Caution, m'lord; smoking has dire concequences." Seven voices, dripping with malice and evil, spoke in unison and echoed through the night; sending a shudder up Seth's spine. Seth spun about just as seven great plums of black smoke from before each pair of eyes filled the air. As Seth looked on the eyes rose up and a monsterous form seemed to grow from the shadows.

 

Before Seth stood and incredible creature. An enormous dragon, with shimmering crimson scales. The seven pairs of eyes had taken form on seven heads, with ten horns between them, and a golden crown resting on each head. It swished a great tail behind it, which smashed the surrounding trees and seemed to churn the very heavens. Great putrid billows of black smoke rose into the night sky like smog from hell's fire.

 

Seth's heart raced and his face went deathly pale as the demonic serpent towered o'er him. Upon a quivering breath the solitary thought which raced through his mind escaped his twitching, sweat-beaded lips.

 

"The beast. Lord, why did it have to be the beast?"

 

Indeed, his fears were well justified as the abomination of the Revelation loomed high and dark, eminating from every pore and orifis an evil, venomous stench of death. And, as it looked down upon the horror-stricken Lord, the seven heads laughed in unison; echoing through the night a bellow like the groaning of a thousand damned souls.

 

"Noble Lord, with head held high; by thine fear thou shalt die," it laughed maliciously. "Bow to me, proud noble, and I shall spare thee."

 

Seth remained standing; resolute and unwavering; though, still trembling inwardly.

 

The hell lizard lowered it's heads to be at eye level with Seth; choking the lord with it's pungant smoke.

 

"Defy me and die!" it snapped viciously.

 

Still the lord Exodus stood unmoving. Then, with an air of acceptance of the sight before him, he reached into his inner waist coat pocket and drew out a small, black leather encased bible. The beast drew back with a hiss of hatred. Slowly and calmly Seth flipped through the pages of the book and came to stop on the verse which he sought; Matthew 4:10. He thrust his gaze upon the monstrosity before him and read aloud.

 

"Get thee behind me, Satan! For it is wriiten: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" With that he snapped closed the book and looked upon the beast which raged before him.

 

"Then die for Him, as well!" it hissed. It lunged at Seth, billowing smoke and flames and roaring like all the demons of hell. But it ceased its advance as Seth was bathed in a pure, white light, steaming from the heavens ; though, it was not from the dawn, as the moon lay low in the night sky, still. The serpent hid its eyes and let out a shriek of pain.

 

As Seth stood within the pillar of light he was over come with an inner peace. Seth began to to radiate light from within, and, before his very eyes, began to change. His eligant black garbs were made white as snow, and over this appeared heavenly armour. And on seth's ears fell the voice of the living God in heaven.

 

"Seth, I am the Lord thy God, and am well pleased in thee. Through thine faith have I seen it fit to bless thee in thine trials this night. As it is written, I give thee the full armour of God: the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth about thine waist, and the boots of readiness from the gospel of peace. Use well the shield of faith. The helm of salvation be on thine brow. And weild for Me the sword of the Spirit." And, indeed, as the Lord spoke, all things came to be on Seth; even the bible, which he still held in his hand, became a great flaming sword. Then Seth praised God, and the shaft of light was gone.

 

Though the heavenly light was gone Seth still stood radiant in his armour; gleaming as gold refined. The armour was plates of gold and silver, shining like diamonds. From his shoulders hung a billowing white cape; white as snow; so too was the white ploom which streamed down from his helm. In his hand the flaming sword flared up with every movement. Seth seemed to be greater in stature now, and stood confident and terrifying; as a holy warrior of God.

 

The beast cursed him.

 

"No! This is not fair," it hissed. Then from it's mouth flew hell fire like a javelin from the hand of some dark warrior.; though, it was exstinguished on Seth's sheild. The dragon roared and lashed out with it's black, razor-like claws. Seth brought down his sword and, with a great flash of white fire and light, severed the monster's hand. The demonic lizard bellowed in agony and attacked furiosly with all it's heads; biting and gnashing with it's teeth. Seth bashed one head with his sheild, raining it's teeth on ground. Another he dodged and came up near the center, and largest of all the heads; which bore the largest of the seven crowns, and four of the ten horns. With a great cry from Seth the sword thundered and flared up, spewing holy fire in every direction, as the blessed blade sunk deep into the dragon's great, brawny neck, and the severed head fell to the ground. The golden crown shattered to pieces and with a cry that shook the earth, the beast was engulfed in flames and was gone.

 

As Seth knelt on the ground, regaining his breath, the heavenly armour faded away, his normal garbs returned, and once more he held his black leather bible in his hand; at his side lay his cane. He stood, held his hands to the heavens and worshipped God. And he did so until the rays of morning brightened his face and even then did he continue to worship the Lord. And finally, when Justin, Foe and Bhurin, who had spotted him from their windows had gathered about him to wish him a good morning, for indeed it was, with the sun shining brightly on the morning dew from a clear, cloudless, blue sky, he lowered his arms and greeted them warmly. And when he was asked how he had spent his night he would simply smile on those faces which looked upon him with love and friendship and say, "Fearfully, yet blessedly," and would say no more.

 

The End

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Yours,

Lord Seth Exodus

 

Initiate of The Pen

Edited April 29, 2004 by Alaeha