War of the Runes, Chapter 20
An Axe to Grind, a Hatchet to Bury:
Perhaps the greatest lesson Caesar Silvergerg had ever learned from his mentor, at least the lesson he had taken to heart above all others, were the words the celebrated strategist Shu had told her. "Ever lie contains a truth and every truth contains a lie." It wasn't so much the words themselves, rather the concept that so intrigued him. As things could be intentionally designed to conceal what is truly meant to be revealed, so too was his strategy based on such simple philosophies.
Two weeks after Chris had retrieved the True Water Rune, the war was in full swing. The territories of Chisha and Duck Clan Village were already occupied, and reports as they stood indicated that the Harmonian forces had besieged the Great Hollow and two battalions were presently marching on Brass Castle. And despite the dire state of affairs that seemed to have many of the clan leaders up in arms, Caesar could not resist the urge to smile at the mental image of Albert's smug face when he knew he had lost the war to his younger brother. That meaning of defeat and the look on his brother's face would be well worth its weight in gold.
That however, did not placate the leaders. Many of the clan chiefs, and even Salome Harras had brought into question the sanity of Caesar's overall strategy in regards to his next planned move. Regardless, his overall plans were already in place, and the others knew to change them now would be disastrous for the war effort. Though he himself had to admit, if he were an outsider looking at his own lackadaisical methods, he would question his motivations as well.
At present, he poured himself over the final preparations one last time. He knew Albert well enough to know to expect anything, but he also knew Albert to be too conceited to view his involvement as anything less than a minor annoyance. At any rate, it seemed a sad day for the Silverberg bloodline that the two left to carry on the family name were pitted against each other. He wondered silently if his own hesitations were not due in part to his inability to want to bring harm to his own sibling.
His thoughts, however, were interrupted as a hurried knock at the door drew his attention to the appearance of the soldier who quickly intruded upon his musings. "Excuse me milord," the solder replied, bowing to the strategist, "But we've just received word that Brass Castle has been put under siege."
"I see, any word from Lords Rowland or Leo?"
"Only that the troops dispatched number about 10,000."
"What?" Caesar replied, his mind going blank for a moment at the calculations before him. He had anticipated nearly twice that number and the only answer that sprang readily to his mind was that Albert was testing him, as if he had already seen through his strategy. It was not at all unexpected, but it would cause him to readjust his own plans. However, before the problem had fully formed itself within his mind, he had already devised a solution, and a slow forming smile had developed on his face.
"Understood," the red-haired Silverberg replied as he looked carefully at the messenger. "We have a lot to do and little time in which to do it. First, do we still have the stored Harmonian equipment?"
XxXStorm clouds were billowing just beyond the horizon as the mercenary captain sat in his bedchambers, his mind focused on the parchment that was spread over his desk. He had fallen into the pattern of studying the document without really seeing it, his mind searching the most recent information obtained from headquarters. Only minutes after examining the declaration, the captain had succumbed to his catatonic state, moving only to press his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose in the hopeless attempt to bring this latest development into focus.
"Enter," the gruff man spoke in response to the light knock at his door, not bothering to turn to greet his visitor as the door creaked open.
"There you are Duke," the swordmistress of the Fourteenth Unit of the Southern Frontier Defense Force remarked, cocking her head as she stared at the large man's back. "Everyone is gathering at headquarters. We have our orders to move out."
A moment passed in relative silence however before Elaine moved closer to her captain making certain he had heard her. "Uh…Duke? We're getting ready to leave."
"Elaine," the quiet mercenary replied, taking his eyes off the pamphlet before focusing on his companion. "Do you trust me?"
The remark caused the woman to take a step back as though the usually unshakable man were battling with some unknown forces of doubt. "Y…yes, of course I do. Why do you ask?"
Duke refused to respond and merely handed the document on his desk to Elaine as she quickly scanned its contents, her swiftly moving eyes slowing as she caught words on the parchment that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. "Is this accurate?" She replied, the encoded document shaking in her loosely gripped hand.
"I have no doubt it is," was the simple reply as he arched an eyebrow. "Our informant from Crystal Valley has been very busy it would seem, and I have to wonder about the reasons behind all of this."
"I'm not entirely sure I understand any of it myself," Elaine replied, her eyes again looking upon the parchment in her hand.
"Neither do I, but as Bishop Sasarai has been charged with treason and has been stripped of his title, that is only the least of what concerns me regarding this. Not only has Bishop Sasarai disappeared, but there are the riots in Le Buque and on a lesser note, Geddoe and his entire unit has vanished."
"And you think this is all connected?"
"I think something is happening to undermine this war. If this were simply to conquer the Grasslands, then all the searching and inexplicable investigations by the Masked Bishop wouldn't be necessary. He's looking for something and I want to know what that is."
"You realize of course," Elaine remarked, furrowing her brow as she stared at the set, squared jaw of her captain and knowing any argument would fall on deaf ears, "That the bishop won't explain anything, not to mercenaries at any rate. Probably only his closest inner circle knows the truth behind that."
"Which is why," Duke remarked, rising to his feet and walking the far wall where he retrieved his sword. "We are not going with the reinforcements into Grasslands. We're going to track down Geddoe and find out what is really happening."
XxXHugo sat in relative silence, staring out of the window of his designated room and trying his best to ignore the sidelong glances awarded him by Beechum and Sergeant Joe. At times the two apparent guardians seemed curious at the strange tattoo on his hand, while other times, they appeared more than nervous at the thought of the power this young boy now wielded.
The two warriors jumped to attention as the door opened, half expecting an attack on the new Flame Champion; and for a moment, Hugo was delighted that they had something other than him to occupy their interest. Yet the bile had quickly stirred within his stomach as he watch the Captain of the Zexen Knights walk tentatively into his room.
"What is your business here you butchering ironhead?" Beechum howled, his hand instinctively reaching for the large sword strapped at his back. Hugo however, was particularly curious that the knight captain had not so much as blanched at the remark, though a sullen look settled just beyond the recesses of her sapphire eyes. It was as though she bore every wound within herself, letting no one see the pain she really felt, and for but the briefest of moments, Hugo found himself in awe of her strength, and wondered how she could shoulder such pain.
However, the moment was quickly dashed as the Zexen bowed her head and spoke softly, pleading her petition to those in the large chamber. "If I may ask a simple request, I wish to speak to Hugo alone."
The reaction did little more than confirm her preconceived notions regarding their expected response as the aged Karayan warrior took a threatening step forward, his hand smoothly sliding the weapon from its sheath. "You have the gull to ask that woman? The Karayan tribe may be fighting along side the Zexens for the duration of this war, but don't be fooled into believing that we trust you murderers."
"Beechum," Hugo said at last, his eyes never leaving the face of the White Maiden. "We have to build trust somewhere. I will speak with her."
"But…"
"It's okay Beechum," Sergeant Joe replied, taking the large man by the arm and helping to direct him from the room. "I will personally vouch for her."
Though the suspicious warrior was not convinced by the Sergeant's endorsement, he nevertheless allowed the two leaders to remain within the room in relative privacy. The tension had built within the room however to a level far exceeding what Beechum was capable of, as Chris, for the first time, began to fidget slightly in response. The moments of strangling silence began to stretch indefinitely, as the Zexen knight contemplated to herself the wisdom of her decision to speak to the young man.
Regardless, she did not leave, and instead moved to stand by the window, her eyes focusing on the soldiers below who seemed to prepare for deployment to reinforce Brass Castle. Hugo merely leaned against the large desk, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the uneasy woman with the intensity of a jungle cat eyeing its prey. No matter what Sergeant Joe said about the nature of loss and war, he would be damned if he was going to make this easy on her.
As the silence continued unabated and the anxiety peaked within the enclosed room, Chris finally took a deep breath and spoke against the harshness that encompassed the two of them. "It appears as if I will be in this until the end," she said, raising her right hand as if staring at the crest beneath the armored gauntlet.
Hugo however, remained unshakably silent and watched as the Zexen slowly turned from the window to face him. Drawing her lips together in a sharp line, Chris waited yet another few moments for some reaction from the young man before speaking again. "Do you suppose Hugo, that we can reach some level of understanding, at the very least for the sake of the war? The Grassland tribes are openly hostile towards the Zexens and its causing tensions between our people to climax. We are here to help you after all."
"So what do you want, a medal?" Hugo retorted, unfolding his arms and allowing the first signs of emotion to filter into his features as he glared at the knight commander. "I know we stand no chance of beating the Harmonians without your help, but after all that we've had to endure at your expense, you want us to forget all the past hostilities?"
"You know as well as I do that we were all tricked by the Harmonian sorcerers, you can't hold us accountable for that."
"You really have no idea do you?" Hugo continued, shaking his head at the realization of the woman's own ignorance. "Burning our village, yeah, that was a hard thing to get over. Killing women and children who were just trying to escape your slaughter, that's a scar that will last for many years, and don't think I've forgotten Lulu. He's probably cursing me right now for just talking to you. But you know, despite all of that, despite the pain you and your knights have caused us, we still can't get past the single greatest reason to despise you ironheads."
"Then enlighten me Hugo," Chris said, stepping forward, her own defiant eyes flashing as she gazed at the Flame Champion. "We are in this with you, and yet you and the rest of the Grasslanders harbor a stewing resentment towards my people. So what do we have to do? How can we prove to you that we really do have every intention of supporting you in this war, not as allies, but as comrades? What do I need to do to convince you of this?"
"Do you remember when we first met?"
"Yes…at…the Karayan Village burning," the captain remarked, her eyes tearing away from the young man and finding comfort in staring at the empty wall before her. "When I killed your fr…when I killed Lulu…"
"That wasn't the first time we met," Hugo replied, his eyes narrowing as he studied the woman before him, not the Zexen, not the knight, but the person beneath the mask of noble intent. "You don't remember?"
After a moment of thought, Chris shook her head, waiting for the bearer of the True Fire Rune to continue. "It was at Brass Castle, on my way to deliver the peace agreement to your council. One of your knights told us, 'This is Zexen, here we decide who speaks, who lives and who dies,' or something like that. But the point is, since dealing with the Zexens, I have heard every cruel remark your people throw at mine. Barbarian. Savage. Animal. How do you expect us to respect your people when they have nothing but contempt for us? You were on your way to sign an armistice with the clan chiefs, and still we were mocked at threatened by your own knights no less. A great way to start a peaceful relationship with your eventual allies, belittling them regardless."
Chris' furrowed brow slowly eased as she recalled the fragments of the memory, her mouth drawing together again in slow understanding of Hugo's resentment. "And I reprimanded Rowland for his actions."
"And yet still the Zexens belittle us. Its no secret your people have no respect for mine, and simply for the purpose of how we choose to live. So you ask me how to make peace with the Karayans? After all these years of harbored prejudice and resentment between our people, do you honestly believe such a thing is possible?"
After several moments of silent contemplation and understanding, Chris finally nodded her head with assured confidence. "Yes I do Hugo. Despite everything between us, I fully believe that the Zexens and Grassland tribes want nothing more than peace. And I believe it is within our power to give them that."
"How? Your council will never allow peace to stand between Zexen and Grassland…"
"Let me worry about them, but I swear to my name that I will not allow the council to manipulate us knights again. There is no greater oath I can give you than that."
Hugo closed his eyes and turned his face from the captain, his mind swimming with the conflicting thoughts and emotions that battled for supremacy within him. After confronting each in turn, fighting to strangle back the less-proactive emotions, Hugo finally nodded his head and gazed once more upon the Zexen Captain. "Very well, Chris. But how do you expect the two us of to change everyone's opinion?"
Chris could not help admire the young man. Despite all of the loss, he had shouldered a great burden upon himself, claiming the True Fire Rune and standing as the symbol against the Harmonian offensive. She could not help but wonder as it was, what kind of man he would become, and how the True Fire Rune would influence his life, or how her own True Rune would affect her own. Maybe, if time allowed, the two would discuss such matters after the war. But for now, she had a bridge to forge.
Reaching to her right hand, Chris removed the gauntlet, revealing the long, delicately thin fingers beneath, and the tattoo that scared her otherwise unblemished flesh, and extended her hand. "I am Chris Lightfellow, citizen of Zexen. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Hugo arched an eyebrow as his attention was pulled between Chris' hand and her face, trying to discern some meaning from the faux greeting. "This is a Zexen greeting Hugo. I am sorry I'm not acquainted enough with Karayan ways to offer a greeting you may be more familiar with…"
A slight, almost unwilling smile tugged at the corner of the young man's lips as he reached his right hand forward, taking the proffered appendage in his own. For a moment, the two True Runes sparked, yet quickly fell silent as Hugo looked to the face of Chris, wondering what more there was to the simple gesture.
"I know it doesn't seem like much Hugo," Chris replied, gripping his hand and shaking it in the accustomed method. "But it's a start."
XxXFranz found himself frantically flying from Le Buque, the Mantor serving as his mount working desperately to keep up with the demands of its rider. Time had run out for his city, and though he had fought, though he had struggled to keep the Harmonian Forces at bay long enough for the citizens to flee, he had ultimately failed, and the last scene he witnessed before his flight from the doomed village was Iku being dragged from the city.
The memory made his guts roil with disgust as he pressed his mount forward. He would seek out the Fire Bringer, beg for their help if he must, and all the demons of Hell and the Holy Hosts of Heaven would not bar his way. He would save his people, or die trying.
XxXThe wrecked remains of the merchant ship that had run aground at the foundation of Budehuc Castle were a suitable reprieve for the man who stood upon the bow, his eyes focused on the horizon, as if the distant lands were calling him. Perhaps when this was all said and done, he would find it within his means to venture to where the ocean stopped. Until that time however, he was bound to the cause, body and soul.
Since arriving at Budehuc Castle, the four companions had found temporary residency in the cavernous sub-level of the estate. Not accommodations that they approved us, with the exception of Sierra of course, yet it served their needs to remain hidden from the residence who would either become curious of their presence, or know too much of their identity. The information that they were even on the grounds were the highest of secrets, and only the clan chiefs and the Zexen captain and second commander knew who they were.
However, two weeks in the dank and moistened caverns was too much, even for the stoic general, and with little recourse, he advised them to spend the day however they wished, yet to remain inconspicuous. There was a price however, to the power they wielded.
The solid footfalls against the rotting timbers of the deck brought Tir's mind from his own transgressions as he turned to address his visitor. Though the steps were far to loud to belong to her, he had half expected Sierra was again coming to encroach upon his privacy in an effort to get him to open up, and for reason's he could not even fathom, he felt a twinge of disappointment to see that it was not her who approached.
"May I have a word Lord McDohl?" The large man asked, bowing at the waist in ceremony of his former general before coming to stand beside him and gaze out over the lake.
"Its been a long time Futch," Tir said, unable to hide the smile or amusement as he inclined to head to look at the warrior he had known as a boy. "You've grown."
"That's what happens after 18 years I suppose," the Dragon Knight commented, smiling despite himself at how casual their conversation had quickly become.
"How is Humphrey?" Tir asked, his eyes directing towards the massive sword strapped to the man's back, a sword he remembered in the hands of another great warrior.
"He's doing well actually," Futch said, a self-conscious laugh escaping his lips. "Retirement suits him well. He's not much of a farmer, but he certainly has the patience to stay with it."
"I suppose he does," the ageless man remarked, nodding his head in agreement before turning his attention back out toward the body of water before them.
"Well…uh," the soldier replied, coming to the reason of his intrusion and finding the words more elusive than he expected. "I have a request," the Dragon Knight continued into the silence that indicated the general would hear it. "When you go to confront Luc, I would like to accompany you."
Gripping the banister tightly in his hands, Tir nodded his head, not in agreement but as if he knew the request would eventually come, and the reasons behind it. Regardless, he entertain the request, if for no other reason than to bring closure to the pain of this man's past. "What did Commander Milia say?"
"She had her reservations of course, but said it was up to you."
"So then, will you tell me why you want put your life in danger like this? This isn't an imperial soldier we're facing you know, this is Luc."
"I know that, and…I guess I just have to find out for myself why he's doing this. Why has he turned his back on us and is seeking this mad mission." Futch responded, bowing his head and heaving a heavy sigh at the thought. "I want to know how we could have failed him so badly that he'd go to these lengths to rid himself of his True Rune."
"Not bearing a True Rune yourself, it is difficult to understand. Though honestly, I can't say I understand it myself," Tir remarked, turning to face his former companion while leaning against the railing. "But you forget one important thing Futch, you've never been a very good liar. That's not all of it is it? In fact, I would venture to say that's very little of your actual reasoning."
Closing his eyes again, Futch nodded his head and absent-mindedly reached to his pouch tied securely to his belt, retrieving the pristine, ebony scale that was his only keepsake from his dragon, Black. "Don't get me wrong, Bright is a wonderful dragon, and the closest thing I've had to a brother since Black. But Black was my first dragon, and will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't forgive Windy for what she did to him."
"I understand Futch, but do you honestly believe confronting her will change anything. Do you even think you could beat her in a fight? If you were to die, who then would remember Black?" Tir turned his head to watch the great white dragon, his large, amber eyes staring fixedly upon his master before continuing. "Commander Joshua once told me that dragons hold a special affinity to their knights, almost as if the two hearts beat as one, that they feel what their master feels. You should think about Bright, he knows you're suffering Futch, but doesn't know how to help you. So help him by helping yourself, and let it go. I promise, I'll make Windy pay for everything she's done these past 300 years, Black's death included."
A half-mocking snort escaped Futch as he looked at his own hands, trying to pull back the clouds that formed within his eyes. "I guess in many ways I'm still the impetuous kid, trying so hard to do things I know are beyond my abilities. If I hadn't been so reckless that night…"
"Then you never would have found Bright, and he would never have found you. Worrying about the 'what should have been' of our lives doesn't change the fact that this is our life at this moment. All we can ever do is press on."
His arms dropping heavily to his side, Futch let a single sob shake his body before fighting back his own sense of powerlessness. He knew from the beginning that to face Windy, he would die, and Bright with him. But his own loss of Black had clouded that reason and it was only now that he realized it. Walking to the edge of the boat, Futch extended his arm, holding the shiny black scale over the water and fighting with his own need to abandon the past. But despite all that, he couldn't bring himself to release the scale and brought it back to his chest, cradling the memory to him. Taking a large breath to clear his mind, Futch returned the treasure to his pouch, and began walking from the deck.
Yet before he reached the place where Bright was waiting for him, he turned to address his former commander once more. "I have to admit, I'm relieved Lord McDohl."
Cocking his head in confusion, Tir studied his one-time ally before asking, "About what?"
"When I had brought the four of you to the Grasslands, you seemed so distant and reclusive. I must admit, it was refreshing to see the old Tir once more. I was afraid we had lost you to that Rune." And with those words, Futch turned and continued to take his leave from the general.
"So was I," Tir whispered, as he turned his eyes again to gaze out over the lake.
On the shoreline of Budehuc Castle, the ageless vampire watched the exchange between the two men with great interest. She had toyed with the idea of approaching Tir, only to reconsider the prospect a number of times before the Dragon Knight had eventually snatched her opportunity. She could not quite define the undeniable need to speak with him, but it was there nonetheless.
Casting her eyes downward in a slight sense of regret that she was unable to approach him for a casual purpose, she retreated into the castle, half expecting to find Nash. She knew he was watching her, and knew equally that he was perhaps jealous of her interest of the fellow True Rune Bearer, but truth be told, there was nothing to be jealous over. She would simply have to convince him of that. Though the tightening sensation that encompassed her stomach when her mind was brought again to Tir told her that she may need to convince herself of that as well.
XxXLuc found himself searching the skies that extended toward the west, half expecting a flock of Dragon Knights to appear, his dour expression one of utmost disappointment at the absence of his enemy. It had been sometime since he had allowed the Mantor Rider to flee, and though he knew it would take considerable more time for the True Rune Bearers to come to the rescue of Le Buque, he nevertheless felt the surge of impatience consume his immortal soul.
"You should not be so hasty Luc," the soft, harmonic tones of the woman who approached from behind the immovable man said, her soft steps carrying her to his side. "Our enemies will reveal themselves soon enough."
"Unlike you Windy, I am not that patient," Luc remarked, turning to face the ageless sorceress.
"I suppose 300 years of pursuing the Soul Eater has given me a bit more patience in the matter."
"Save your lectures witch, I am only assisting you because it will serve my needs," Luc retorted, his eyes again focusing on the clouded sky.
"The same could be said in the reverse Luc. I have no doubt McDohl will come to stop you, and that is when I will finally have what I want. Nobel people are easy to predict after all."
"I suppose they are," the sorcerer replied, his attention never wavering, as he felt suddenly uncomfortable in the woman's presence. "After all, I doubt McDohl will allow this village to be sacked and its people enslaved. This will surely bring him out, and at least one of the bearers of the True Elemental Runes as well. With the Earth Rune and the Wind Rune already in my possession, it will be easy."
"Really?" Windy asked, a taunting smile forming at her lips. "I wasn't referring to McDohl, I was referring to you."
"How's that?" Luc asked, his eyes moving quickly to take in the Bearer of the Sovereign Rune.
"Nobel people are easy to predict, even easier to manipulate. You should know this Luc. How many years has Leknaat manipulated you? How often have you done the bidding of others because it was expected of you? Your no less the puppet than your brother."
"Watch your mouth witch!" Luc replied, the wind whipping about him in response to his anger, yet Windy merely watched his reaction with mild amusement.
"What would you do Luc? Would you fight me? Would you fight the world?"
"I will fight God himself to rid myself of this curse, and if I can take my father," the bishop replied, pushing the word from his mouth with a distaste that reflected his own inner hatred, "Then my death will have a purpose. I will free these people from enslavement, and all creation be damned!"
"Very good Luc," Windy remarked, a smile of contentment at last parting her beautiful features, "You know how to think beyond yourself, and use your pain against those who would use you. You are no longer the marionette, but the puppeteer, and with such dedication, all will tremble at your whim."
"I don't want anything as grandiose as that Windy, I simply want to be free of my curse. Freeing the humans is a matter of secondary importance. Erasing my pain is all that consumes me."
"Then it seems I am mistaken Luc," Windy said, placing a light hand upon his shoulder. "You are not the puppeteer after all. You have the makings to be God himself. Now, if I am not misguided, we have guests to prepare for. We should arrange a suitable reception."
XxX"So, that's the situation," Caesar replied, addressing the assembled leaders of the Fire Bringer in the hastily constructed meeting. "The Harmonian Forces are currently besieging Brass Castle. However, the messenger from Le Buque has advised us that Harmonia has arrested all citizens and has charged the people with conspiracy to commit treason."
"This is turning into a nightmare," Lucia replied, shaking her head. "We can either help Brass Castle or assist, Le Buque, we haven't the manpower to do both."
"Which would explain why the Harmonians divided their forces when we expected the numbers that surrounded Brass Castle to be larger," Salome replied. "Also, this could confirm the rumor about the missing bishop, as the tactics we are seeing now are different than what we've faced previously."
"Regardless of the rumor at this point, this could be a good opportunity for us," Apple answered, surveying the assembly as she continued. "If we can liberate Le Buque, we can attack the Harmonian forces on two sides and begin taking back the Grassland villages under occupation."
"But how many are we willing to divert for this operation? If Brass Castle falls, there's nothing to keep Harmonia from conquering Vinay del Zexay."
"Don't worry about that, my strategy is in place to ensure Vinay del Zexay won't fall," Caesar replied, his hand cupping his chin as he considered the proper strategy. "We really can't spare many to aid Le Buque though."
"You won't need to," Geddoe replied at last, turning to gaze at each commander in turn. "My men should be sufficient."
"You can't possibly expect to lead your squad against an entire Harmonian Battalion," Apple replied, her eyes growing in shock at the suggestion. "Even with proper planning, its just plain suicide."
"We have to try," the mercenary captain replied, raising his right hand in emphasis of his words. "The last Flame Champion left a legacy behind. That being a hero is not based on a rune, or your charisma, but on the strength of your spirit. People will flock to you if you give them the reason to believe in something beyond themselves. All we really need to do is free the Mantor Riders and ensure they can get to their mounts, then we'll have the means to fight the Harmonians on equal ground."
"You do realize that this more than likely a trap?"
"I would be foolish not to see it, but some things are worth the risk."
"He won't be going alone," Tir said, his arrival startling everyone as he pushed open the large double doors of the meeting hall and entered, followed by Riou, Jowy and Sierra. "We'll be going with him."
To be continued
A/N: Huzzah, another chapter finished. Whew, this took longer to complete than expected, but I think I got some pretty good characterization in there. I'd like to give a HUGE thank you to those who've reviewed my story, you guys really are great. Thanks much. Now, kudos to anyone who can figure out Caesar's strategy. A little hint, the secret is actually in the Fox and the Bear chapter. I said that would be the trick…heh. Anyway, as always, if you're kind enough to read my story, please be kind enough to review. Thank you much.