Imagine That (Short Stories) by Leon Rice (essential reading .txt) 📖

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Filled with Kristoff’s rhetoric of killing, Zealand made his way back through the town to Cornelious’s house. Despite his apparent success with Kristoff, he placed the memory of the fighting in a private place in his mind. He would not think of it again until tomorrow, when it was time to fight and practice killing again.

Cornelious gave Zealand a hug when he enter his house. Zealand notices immediately this man, this house, was far removed from his endeavors with Kristoff. He was a happy young man in the presence of Cornelious and Amalthea. They brought joy to his life.

“So, tell me Zealand, how goes the craft of war today?” inquired Cornelious.

“I learned killing with my hands and a broad sword today. On the morrow, and for a fortnight, we shall learn planning an assault on a village. After that, and for a fortnight again, I’ll be instructed in defending our village.”

“Serious tasks, these. Learn the lessons well,.” commented Cornelious. “In a short time, you’ll be our defender, as well as the defender of the reformation - Grumpus will speak to thee about the reformation.”

“But I am still a lad, not yet a man. Am I to become a man at this short notice?”

“Physical strength and age are nothing to do with manhood. Manhood is in your mind. You’ll be there soon enough,” stated Cornelious.

“Pray Cornelious, the prospect frightens me. But how will I know? “

“It will spring forth from your mind in great revelation. Grumpus and I have been watching your progress and we believe your almost there.”

* * * *

Zealand and Cornelious sat quietly for a short time and Amalthea prepared their noon meal.

“I have mutton for the two of you today for your midday sustenance. Pray thee, eat heartily gentlemen!”

Amalthea returned to the rear courtyard and sat in the noon day sun, contemplating matters of love and the heart and her dear sweet Cornelious. Cornelious and Zealand ate their meal and when they were finished Zealand inquired:

“What will our lesson be for this day, Cornelious?”

“We shall speak of your ancestry and how your people came to live in Voltaire.”

“It is my understanding, kind sir, that you are not form Voltaire and that your home country will always remain a secret, for yours and Amalthea’s safety. Is there truth is this, or have I been lead astray?” inquired Zealand.

“A truer statement could not be made, young gentlemen. Genteel Amalthea and I barely made it out of our country with our lives. We left everything, including our titles; I will tell only this: There are many more of us in the small stature in which I exist, and we all do great work in the world and deeds of kindness. Now, as for yourself, your ancestors are from England, a majestic country. It has it‘s dark side, but England is a major influence in the world.”

“Your grandfather Grumpus lived in England. As I’m sure you’re aware, master Zealand, your grandfather is a prophet and knows the wherefore and the events of the future. He is indeed a wise man.”

I know what is, and has always been, your grandfather knows what is, and will be. So shall you be a prophet and know the wherefore and events of the future; in this way we will be prepared to meet our enemies head on, with no reluctance.

When your grandfather first became aware of his gift, he simply predicted the weather, and simple events that would take place in the days and weeks that lay ahead of the residents of his fair town. Because of the accuracy of his predictions the citizens of his fair village become frightened of him: He was branded a heretic and a warlock. He and your parents fled the country and took up residence here in Voltaire.”

“Your grandfather predicted that our village would be attacked, but residents of Voltaire had not yet established trust in Grumpus in their minds. If they would have listened to him, the siege against our village could have been avoided and many would not have been killed.”

“Pray thee Cornelious, if Grumpus could predict that we would be attacked, why wasn’t he able to predict that many would be killed, or did he,” reasoned Zealand.
“Your grandfather explained to us all that he knew many important events that would come to pass, but not every single outcome. So shall it be with you. The reason I know this, is because your grandfather has imparted this knowledge to me. God himself has told me what has been. If God tells me, I know it is truth. This is gods gift to me.”

Zealand and Cornelious talked for the rest of the afternoon, with Cornelious filling Zealand in on the details of his grandfather’s and his parent’s life in England.

Amalthea entered the room once again and enquired as to weather the men were hungry and if they would be in need of food in the near future. They indicated that they were not hungry and Zealand prepared to leave for home. Almost as an after thought, Amalthea commented: “You are of the age now young Zealand, when you mind will turn to matters of the heart and of love and of having a family. Consider if you thee will, which of the young women in the village thee might consider for a wife.”

“Not yet a man, and still I am to make consideration for a wife. I am truly blessed. I shall do as you have indicated, kind Amalthea.”

Realizing the hour was late, Zealand gave them both a hug. With the crimson sun low in the sky, surrounded by clouds, and the mountains standing majestically in the background, Zealand gave his final goodbyes of the day and left for home.

* * * *

The pinkish red cobblestone street felt solid beneath Zealand’s feet. He made his way past Kristoff’s house, turned on a side street and proceeded to his home on the outskirts of the village. Grumpus sat on a chair near the front door of the dwelling, nodding off in silent dreams. Zealand approached quietly so as to not startle Grumpus. He touched him gently on the arm and Grumpus opened his eyes.

“There ye be, young master! I have awaited thee with great anticipation,” said Grumpus, wiping his sleep filled eyes.

“I am not late, grandfather. It is the same time that it is everyday, after leaving Cornelious’s house, that I have arrived. I came straight away to our home.

“I do not admonish thee Zealand; it is a simple comment not to be taken harshly. Did you have a good day with your instruction?”

“I learned a great deal today. I learned of your life in England and that I too am a prophet and also I learned much about fighting and the art of war.”

Marisela had prepared the evening meal; they ate at their leisure and relaxed after dinner. Marisela busied herself with chores around the house and they settled in for a pleasant evening at home.

“On the morrow, Zealand,” said Grumpus, “you will encounter a women in the village on your way to Kristoff’s house. This women’s name is Stellar. She has come here from a country in the middle east. She has a talent that will be invaluable to us, and more specifically, thee, in the future. She is a stunning and striking figure of a women, with coal black hair and sultry green eyes. Pay her heed and listen to what the woman has to say to thee. She will assist when we find ourselves in conflict or battle and are overwhelmed.”

“Stellar can kill with her eyes and wound with a smile; she is a master of deceit if need be. She can set an object ablaze simply by setting her gaze on it. She is, to say the least, a formidable asset to our fair village. She will be at your side from the morrow onward,” said Grumpus.

“I will speak to thee of a man of great importance in the world. There is a man in Germany named Martin Luther. He has set out a proposition that is in conflict with the Catholic Church and it’s leaders. In years to come, there will be many wars fought over their differences. You and Stellar, after a time, will participate in these wars.

It is Luther’s supposition that God, Jesus, and the holy spirit are of more importance than the church and their teachings. His followers are called Lutherans and protest the Catholic Church and so are also called Protestants and believe in justification by faith and reject Papal authority. This is where your parents are now. You and Stellar will join them and fight with the protestants.”