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                                          The other side of the world


    Waves crashed over the bow soaking those rowers again and again.  They had not seen a speck of land since they sailed through the straight of  Gibraltar.  That had been five long days ago but Adamon was not worried they had enough supplies for a month. His childhood tutor Laertius had proven theoretically that the world was round and Adamon meant to physically prove it.  He had spent his fortune on this boat and the hundred slaves he had to free to sail it. 
   It was an old dream, one he had had as a child when Leartius had shown him his threory.  How the shadows of sticks lengthened as you moved north.  Ever since then he had thousands of dreams of what he would would find on the other side of the world.  People had already gone east most notably Alexander, but nobody had dared look westward.   Adamon relished the thought, Alexander with his armies of thousands of warriors conquered the some of the west.  Adamon with his one boat conquered the sea and discovered the east.
   He knew he was right, all anyone had to do was look up.  The sun was round, the moon was round, why would the earth be any different?  They would all see soon enough, land was inevitable on a round earth.  Adamon returned to his hammock in the shaded section of the stern and beckoned his serving girls to feed him more grapes.  It was all only a matter of time.
   It was another fine spring day and the wind was strong behind them.  The ship he had made was a modified bireme that was lengthened and widened for open water.  It even had enough room to carry a small skiff at the back which Adamon intended to use for going ashore.  The main ship had three square sails instead of one but retained the standard two oar decks for when the wind failed.  Though the wind had not failed them yet he still exercised the rowers tirelessly to keep them fit. 

                  *   *   *

   Hodo pulled the oar and lifted it back around ignoring the waves as they splashed him again and again.  Around him the other rowers muttered under their breaths but Hodo ignored them.  He was excited to see the other side of the world.  The land of silk and dragons and spices.  He hoped there were pretty girls there, nice girls that liked flowers.  Not like the mean girls from Akrai.  When he picked these new girls flowers they would not laugh and throw them away.  These new girls would be nice and they would smile at him and put the pretty flowers up in their hair.  Hodo wondered what the flowers would be like on the other side of the world.
   â€œWill they have pretty flowers?”  He asked his brother Tatius again.  Tatius was talking to the other rowers and Hodo had to wait for him to finish.  He kept going on about how Captain Adamon had not really freed them. Telling them that they would all drown if they did not turn back.  He told them how much better it would be with him Captain.   Hodo did not listen to it, he liked Captain Adamon and he liked his life as a free man rowing much better than as a slave in the quary.
   Finally Tatius turned to him “No”  Tatius said mockingly “I won't tell you this again.  There is no other side brother.”  He used the word cruelly and Hodo got angry.  He did not like it when his brother belittled him or there kinship.  Hodo's massive hands squeezed the oar until it the wood creaked with strain.  The rhythm was thrown off slightly and the other rowers looked back in concern.
   â€œJust tell the nit-wit the flowers are pretty.”
   â€œNo! I am sick of this madness.”  His brother said standing up defiantly.
   Its too soon someone whispered.  I thought we were waiting till night fell someone else said.
   â€œYou there! Sit down and row!”
   
               *   *   *

   Adamon heard a commotion at the bow.  Unbelievable not even a full week out and his rowers  were already getting cold feet.  This was unacceptable he had freed this man with his own hard earned gold, where was his gratitude?  There was no room on this ship for the weak of heart; he would have to make an example of this one.  Adamon motioned for the guards to toss him overboard.  One bad apple would spoil the bunch.   The man tried to resist but he was no match for the guards who were all Spartan veterans.  The dissenter's calls fell on deaf ears and soon his pitiful rebellion turned into pleas for mercy but it was to late for that now and  Adamon nodded his consent.     
   The Spartans had prodded him onto the edge using only the butts of their spears but now the  captain speared him in the thigh with the precision of an artist.  The mans shriek cut through the salty air and Adamon smiled in approval but his smile faded all to quickly when he saw the leviathan charge into action.

                  *   *   * 

   Hodo was pouting.  He new he was pouting but he did not care.  Tatius was always mean to him.  Always mocking him because he was slow and they had different fathers.  He was always stepping on his dreams and laughing at him with the pretty girls who were mean.
   Hodo barely noticed the men who came for his brother through his watery eyes.  “Now!  Take them now!”  His brother had called but no one was listening and Hodo was glad when one of the men poked Tatius in the belly with a staff.  Hodo enjoyed it as the men laid a beating on him and he even had a few chuckles as his brother was corralled up the boat and only briefly wondered where they were taking him.
   It was only as the poked him over to the edge that Hodo began to worry.  He began to wine and squeezed his massive hands on the oar making the wood creak.  Some of the rowers looked back at him but Hodo's eyes were only on his brother.  He wasn't supposed to stand up unless he had to relieve his bowels. Why had his brother stood up?  Was it something Hodo had said?
   Tatius' shriek cut through his soul and Hodo jumped up and ran.  He cried his brothers name and smashed through everything between them.  The rowers screamed when he stepped on them but Hodo was not listening to anything.  One of the men tried to stab him with a spear but Hodo snatched it from him and beat him over the head with it.  The other mean men tried to stab him and Hodo batted there spears aside and shoved them down.  Something bit him in the shoulder and Hodo turned to see an archer notching an arrow.  Hodo screamed as he through the spear at him.  Instinct drove him to dodge back as a man tried to stick him with another spear.
   Before he was confused and scared; now Hodo was angry.  Hodo did not like being angry and that made him even more angry.  Hodo did not enjoy hurting people, but these people had wanted to hurt him and his brother.
   Hodo bellowed as he blacked out in rage.

                  *   *   *

   Adamon watched it all in awed disbelief.  He would not have thought it possible if he was not witnessing it.  How could such a big man be so nimble?  He stared in amazement as the tough guy simply snatched a spear away as it was being jabbed at his heart. There was no grace to his movements but  somehow the leviathan deflected or avoided the Spartans spears as he continued to press forward.     
   Watching it reminded Adamon of a bear swatting at bees as it reached in for the honey.  Adamon shook his head when he saw the leviathan topple three of his guards at once. He signalled to the archer at the bow because he had the clearest shot.  An arrow hit the brute in the shoulder and Adamon let out an annoyed hiss.  The brute hurled a spear back and the archer hastily loosed his second arrow that hit one of his own men as the spear took him in full in the chest.  Adamon pulled at his curly hair in frustration.
   The leviathan was getting frustrated too and he bellowed in rage.  Adamon was half a ship away but even he stepped back.  Before the big fellow had only wanted through now he was out for blood.  Adamon had held back his aft archers too long, the other oarsmen could sense the changing tide of battle and more of them were climbing to their feet.   
   â€œKill him!”  He cried to the archers.  If they killed him now the ship could still be salvaged.  Adamon watched the arrows fly and he thought for a moment that all would be well.  Then the leviathan lifted the Spartan captain up and used him as a shield before tossing him overboard riddled with arrows.  The the brute quickly dropped out of sight only raising up enough to to swing down his fists massive fists. 
   â€œNo!”  Adamon shouted at the rowers.  “Sit back down you fools!”  Nobody was listening anymore.
   All the oarsmen were now standing or fighting off the few remaining guards.  There was no way of turning them back and there was nothing for it but to surrender on good terms.  “Stand down” he called to his remaining men.  “We surrender, though we do not know how we angered or offended you, oh giant one.”  Adamon could not resist adding in a mocking bow.
   The ship grew still and all that could be heard over the wind and waves breaking against the ship was the despairing sound of a grown man crying as he continued pommelling dead flesh.
   â€œSave your breath.”  Someone called out confidently.  “Believe me your better off talking to a rock.”  The oarsmen made way as the speaker hobbled up to the dais.
   Adamon swallowed when he realized who was addressing was.  It was the man who had started it all, the man he was trying to make an example of.  Nobody had noticed him slip away in the fray.  Adamon considered having one of his guards kill him now, but he had already surrendered and was too honourable to go back on it.
   â€œNow,”  the defiant one said as he stepped onto the upper deck “if you want to know how you angered me, we can start with this stab wound and your men trying to throw me off the ship-”   
   The brute was still sobbing and slogging away at a Spartan corpse and Adamon was not the only one having a hard time concentrating.
   â€œHODO!”  The ring-leader called out angrily.

               *   *   *

   â€œHodo”  Hodo recognized the voice.  It was his Tatius, his brother was alive! 
   â€œHodo stop that its discusting, you've pounded a hole right through him.”
   â€œTatius!”  He called as he ran to his brother wiping at his teary eyes only to smear blood and and gore on his face.  “Tatius is alive! Hodo is sorry.  Hodo did not mean to get Tatius in trouble.  Hodo  likes flowers-”  Hodo voice broke at the word and he started crying all over again “-but Hodo won't ask about them anymore.”
   His brother just stood there smiling and shaking his head.  “You see”  He called out to everyone “better off talking to a rock.”  His brother laughed his cruel laugh and the laughter slowly caught on.  Hodo did not get the joke but he joined in because he did not like feeling left out.
   â€œNow that I am Captain.”  Tatius called out.  “We will be ending this suicidal journey. My first order is to turn this boat around.  With luck we will be back through the straight of Gibraltar in a week.”  The rowers erupted in raucous approval. 
   Hodo almost joined them; not wanting to be left out.   Then he noticed that Captain Adamon was slouching and he began to think.  Captain Adamon, Adamon was Captain.  He was the nice man who had freed them from the quarry and was taking them to the other side of the world where there were nice girls and pretty flowers.  His brother was not the Captain he was a rower, he rowed beside Hodo and they were supposed to be rowing to the other side of the world not back to Gibralter.  It was all too much and Hodo did not like it.
   â€œNO!”  Hodo yelled, angry once more.  “NO!  Tatius is not Captain.  Adamon Captain.” 

                  *   *   *
   
   When the rowers cheered to Tatius' plan Adamon felt utterly defeated.  How could people be so narrow minded.  No one cared what was beyond the next horizon.   Nobody had any vision, they were all blinded by the past.  This young man, undoubtedly a native of Sicily was probably vexed by  the Greek settlements and wound up as a slave.  No doubt he had foolish plans of vengeance that would see all these fools killed.   Adamon felt sick, it was all such a waste and he contemplated jumping overboard and trying to swim the rest of the way.  He knew it was suicide; but as everyone kept telling him this whole venture was a suicide.  At least he would die trying.  Adamon braced himself for the running leap overboard-
   â€œ-NO!”  Adamon stopped himself short.  The lack-wit Hodo could not possibly have read his thoughts.  “NO!  Tatius is not Captain.  Adamon Captain.”  Adamon bulked, what was this?
   â€œNo Brother, I'm Captain now and we are going home.”  Tatius said, calmly ignoring the angry giant.  Adamon thought that would be it and turned his thoughts back to the choppy blue waters.
   â€œNo!  Hodo does not want to go home!  Adamon going to other side. Adamon take Hodo.  Adamon Captain not Tatius!”  The brute had move forward as he shouted till he was right below them.  He was so tall that his chest rose above the upper deck and he pounded the dais with his fists for emphasis.  Tatius stepped back to remain out of reach.
   â€œBrother-”  Tatius began reasonably but Hodo was not having any of it.
   â€œNO!”  Hodo screamed lifting up the plank his brother was standing on and prying it loose.  Tatius was thrown off balance but he managed to stay on his feet.
   â€œBrother!”  Tatius shouted.
   â€œHodo no go home!”  The leviathan was now pulling at a support until it snapped making the whole structure drop a hands-width forward.  Everyone stumbled and Tatius screamed as his brother almost got hold of his ankle.
   â€œSomebody stop him before he tears the ship apart!”  Tatius screamed.
   A plan had been forming and sensing his chance Adamon stepped forward.  “Hodo” he said crouching down and smiling. “How would you like to come to the other side of the world with me, just the two of us, unless anyone else cares to finish the journey.”  Adamon was not surprised when nobody spoke up.

               *   *   *

   Hodo smiled up at the true Captain.
   â€œWe'll take the skiff,” Hodo did not know what he meant and the captain explained.   â€œThe small boat,  we will need supplies, food and water.  You start loading it and I will talk to your brother.”
   Hodo could hardly contain himself.  A whole boat to themselves, just him and the captain sailing to the other side of the world.  It would be even better than before.  Hodo practically ran back and forth grabbing everything he could find not just food and water.  He grabbed nets and rope, fish hooks and canvas.  Nobody stopped him.  Finally when the skiff was almost overflowing Adamon joined him.

               *   *   *

   Adamon left Hodo to do the packing and went to go see his brother Tatius.  Standing before him Adamon said but four words.  “He is your brother.”  Those words said it all, there was no surer way to earn the gods wrath than killing ones brother.
   Tatius looked away but nodded.  The wind now blew colder from the north and the waves crashed.  The rowers had taken to the benches muttering to themselves while they waited.  “There is nothing out there, you'll both drown in the first storm.”
   Adamon was pleased.  He was letting them go.  Hodo was grabbing everything he could find and Adamon smiled.   â€œPerhaps but how will you ever know.”
   Tatius looked at him.  His green eyes flashing.  “I'll know, I've always known when he was in trouble.”
   Adamon shrugged, some siblings had that kind of connection.  He doubted it this case though.  He could believe Hodo had the gift, but not Tatius.  He did not have the heart for it.  Nonetheless he had to have the last word.  “If you can sense him then by years end you will know I was right.”
   Tatius laughed genuinely, pleased with this latest turn of events.  He pointed to the darkening horizon  “I suspect we will know who was right by the end of the night.”
   Adamon swallowed but kept his head held high as he said his last parting words.  “Take care of my boat.”

                  *   *   *

   In the middle of the Atlantic two boats parted ways; the small boat rowed into the storm and the big one rowed away.
            

                  To be Continued..?

   

   
   

I think we should stay with this voting system. I like the feedback option but even without it you can see where your writing is strong and where it is weak.

[Sinitrena, Kconan, Ponch]

Good voting system Baron.

Character.  Sinitrena, Kconan, Ponch. If I had to choose a best it would be Ponch's Ludwig.

Plot.  Sinitrena.  No one else has a story that even measures up in this category.

Atmosphere.  Kconan, Sinitrena, Ponch.  They were all good. For me Kconan's mass hostage taking crazy Burns quoting couple takes the cake.

Background world.  Sinitrena.  Again no one else came close.

Word choice.  Kconan.  I don't know if it was plagiarism putting all those verses and poems in there but it was clever nonetheless.

Message.  Adeel.  I think all your stories have good messages.  Keep it up.

["If there is another world he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the most of this."]

My topic is "If there is another world he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the most of this."  And to keep with this fortnights theme I tried my hand at poetry.

Too awkward in style
Too honest in guile.
A scorned first kiss;
a thorn dismissed.

A will that was strong
A word that was bond
The path set upon
Was a map to be drawn.

Fresh and free
Like a bird in the sea
A field not grazed
A black sheep unfazed.

The mountain first seen was first climbed
And more glorious mountains the find
The sash once hollow
was a path now fallowed

A trail that held true for the tame
For it held no great riches or fame.
Still the friends were content
That their time was well spent

The friendship grew strengthened
The nights grew lengthened
Followed soon by a screaming new voice
Though demanding there was much to rejoice

Though only themselves to command.
They still had children and land
And the time to understand and to plan.
And each other to stand hand in hand.

Through thick and through thin
Through the whiskey and gin
They reminisce with their kin
As the world had its spin

Though a life may seem small
The wise may have it all
And greet death without regret
Or a care for whats next.

Good stories all around. 

Gotta say I am not in love with the voting system.. 

Baron's Heist takes the cake even though the plan was miserably flawed and they didn't actually steal anything.  Baron gets 2 votes.

Kconan deserves props, that was a tricky trope and he pulled it off quite well.  Kconan gets 1 vote for Best use of trope.  (I'd give you two but that doesn't seem fair to Baron.)

Adeel's tragic love story showed me a world unknown.. on the one hand I'm glad there is a place out there where the kids are not all sexed up by middle school. On the other hand wherever the story was set took things way too far.  1 vote for Adeel

Sorry Kconan 4 vote system

[Merlin]

    Alright here goes, It's a little long.. but length is very subjective.  Besides whats a little under 5000 words between friends?  My tropes are the keystone army, Merlin and Nimue, and I'm sure there is one about king Arthur so I tossed him in there too.  Anyways, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy!

               

Merlin



   Merlin's head was pounding as he slowly awoke. His arms and legs felt numb with pain.  When his vision finally cleared he realized he was in serious trouble.  Nynave and Morgana stood before him viciously regarding their prisoner. 

   â€œWhat have you done my love?”  he asked neither in particular.  If his circumstances were not so dire he might have laughed.  His love for Nynave had died long ago and lately he had grown tired of Morgana.   Time was weighing her down like it had the others and his interests had wandered elsewhere. 

   â€œWhom do you address dearest master?”  Nynave asked rhetorically.  “Is it I you love or did you mean Morgana?”

   â€œYes Merlin is it I you love or were you addressing poor Vivien.”  Morgana smiled sickly and both jilted lovers stepped aside so he could see what their vengeance had wrought.

   Vivien lay dead.  She had been stripped naked and staked to the ground. They had brutalized her to death.  Merlin wrenched his body furiously but is was no use.  His whole body was encased in an iron cast.  “That was not necessary”  he said tiredly.  At least they hadn't killed Niniane, his most recent infatuation.

   â€œPerhaps not, but it was delightfully fun and we had to do something while we waited for you to wake up. Plus we needed the blood of a witch.”  Nynave smiled over to Morgana and Morgana picked up the helmet and placed it over Merlin's head. 

    As his eyes lined up with the helmet's visor he saw Nynave slit Morgana's throat.  “And the blood of two witches is better than one,”   She cackled merrily .  Nynave took both her hands; her left was bloodied with Morgana's blood and her right with Vivien's.  “I stood beside you for a thousand years while you hid away.  Then after your children had all warred and died and we finally return, you leave me for these strumpets!  Goodbye Merlin, I would have given you the world once..  Now I'll keep it for myself,”

   Nynave leaned forward and placed her bloodied hands on either side of the tree behind him.  While whispering the proper words she pulled the trunk around him, locking him in the tree forever.


                  *   *   *
   
   He had been trapped inside the great tree for an eternity.  At first he had went mad.  Unable to move, unable to see or hear anything and completely cut off from magic .  Slowly though as the time passed by in complete solitude he began to sense something within reach.  It was almost imperceptible, a new force that felt completely alien and unresponsive.  Eventually he began to understand the force  he felt.  It was the mind of the tree or the tree's equivalent.  More than that though Merlin realized it was a keystone to all magic.  The great tree's mind was a link between the nether and the ether.  Trapped as he was he could access neither directly but through the tree's mind incrementally Merlin began his escape.
   

                  *   *   *

   Arthur galloped out of the shadows speeding ahead of his sister to lead the charge against the Empress's prison guards.  As he closed in on the enemy he could sense that something was wrong.   The guards were stepping aside,  and the prisoners -were not prisoners.  They were mages,  Arthur swallowed as the chains binding them fell free.

   â€œFall back!”  He cried veering to the left, but it was to late .  He could see the fire coming and he dove from his saddle.   His sister had fallowed suit landing half on top of him. He rolled over her to protect her as the fire swept over. 

   Men and horses screamed in the fire.  Arthur jumped to his feet and dragged his sister Madeline with him as the fire passed.  “Back to the forest” he called as they ran.  Only a handful ran with them zigging and zagging to dodge bolts of fire and arrows.
   
   As they came to the forest Lancelot rode out of the trees swinging and it all made sense.  Lancelot had betrayed them.  The traitors blade bit John's head in half but Sam managed to roll clear.  Lancelot left him there and made strait for Arthur and his sister. Madeline was already in her trance, calling to the shadows in the forest to hide them.  With mages so close it took her full concentration.  Hounds were baying, the enemy from behind was closing in. 
   
   Arthur had no choice but to hurl his sword like it was a dagger.  It was a well balanced blade and he would miss it.    It had served him faithfully for years and its last use was no different.  The blade sank deep into the chest of Lancelot's steed sending the betrayer tumbling as it crashed dead on its feet.   

   Arthur tipped his sister onto his shoulder and ran into the shadows of the forest.
                  
                  *   *   *

   The acorn fell to the ground from the great tree and a squirrel quickly gathered it up.  Then a  falcon swooped in and gathered up the squirrel.  The bird flew off toward the forest with its prize.


                  *   *   *

   Madeline screamed as something smashed down the front of her dress.  She quickly covered her mouth as her brother Arthur glared back at her.  “What is it now?”  Her brother said sternly, but quietly.  “Another spider Madeline?  They will kill us if they find us!”

   â€œSomething hit me! Its not my fault you trusted him,  I never trusted that pervert.”  Madeline retorted quietly as she reached down into her adequate cleavage.  “Look! Its an acorn”  she said quickly cutting off one of her brothers scathing reply's.

   â€œWow, no way, lets scream and tell Empress Nynave!”  Arthur said snidely, “and he brought ten good men with him, brave men who died along with us back there!”

   â€œArthur there are no oak trees”  Madeline said, trying to change the subject.  Her brother looked around but shook his head.

   â€œI don't care Madeline throw it away or eat it but shut up before they find us.”   He was done, now.  Too exhausted from running to argue. That suited her just fine, her brother argued intolerably.  Unknowingly she tucked the acorn back between her bosoms.

   They walked on, heading ever deeper into the forest. 

                  *   *   *

   Arthur suddenly stopped and turned on his sister.  “What are you doing?”

   His sister looked lost, “I wasn't doing anything.”

   â€œYou we're muttering something, speaking in tongues”

   â€œNo, I don't believe I was.”  His sister looked scared.  “Don't look at me like that.”

   Arthur relented, but he kept listening as they walked on.  They had successfully evaded their pursuers and he was no longer in a rush.  They needed to save their energy.

   â€œ..alakazam alakazoo abra kadabra!”

   â€œWhat-”  Arthur turned around suddenly and Madeline screamed

   -but not at him, she was digging fiercely at her bust.  Something was bulging and getting bigger.  His sister shook her dress vigorously and an acorn bigger than his fist fell out of her skirts and it was still growing.  “I thought I told you to-”

   â€œ-Eat it?  Ya that would have been ingenious brother.”  Madeline said pointing to the object that was now the size of a pumpkin. 

   Arthur held his dagger at the ready while his sister drew her bow.  The acorn stopped    anticlimactically when it was waist high.  Brother and sister shared a glance but they did not let down their guard.

   Bang!  They were both thrown back deafeningly as the acorns cap blasted skyward. 
   
   Arthur climbed to his feet as a naked man emerged from the smouldering shell.  Arthur was ready to attack but the stranger held up his hand.  “Bigger. Problems.”  he said gagging on smoke while pointing in the direction of baying hounds.  “I can help.”

   Before Arthur could reply the man set his fingers to his temples and closed his eyes.  Soon after wards sounds of battle echoed through the forest.  Between flashes of mage fire they heard the horrible sounds of dogs turning on each other and their owners.  Then the screams of men burning and the sounds of iron on iron and iron entering flesh and those accompanying screams.  Then finally silence.

   The naked man opened his eyes.  His eyes were the deepest of blue. Arthur knew at once who this man was and he was not happy.
                  
               *   *   * 

   Madeline had seen it all. Had felt the subtlety of this mans sorcery as he bent their pursuers minds into such a frenzy that they killed each other off.  It was a quiet form of magic akin to what she  used to manipulate shadows.   When he finally opened his eyes Madeline almost melted.  They were so blue.  Bluer than her own and her brothers combined and he was so handsome.  Taller then her brother but not as brood, and he was naked.

   â€œMerlin”  Her brother said the name like a curse.  “Madeline get behind me.”  It was an order. Madeline hated being ordered.

   â€œHe saved us Arthur”  She protested as she moved to where she was told; but only to regard him behind her brothers back.  He was slender but well built, very well built.  Madeline smiled and Merlin smiled back.

   â€œDon't smile at her like that!”  Arthur shouted.  “Its disgusting, she is your grand daughter!”

   â€œSo that's why she's so pretty. Madeline is it?” Merlin asked ignoring her brother.

   Before she could answer Arthur cut in.  “No, You do not use her name, if you talk to her again I will cut off your incestuous cock.”

   Merlin laughed in her brothers face.  “Incestuous, that's just semantics, after all I'm everyone's great great something.”

   Arthur laughed mockingly.  “So your claiming to be the father of humanity Merlin?”

   Merlin waved a dismissing hand.  “No, Gaia had six sons, Atum, Cronus, Pangu, me-”

   â€œ-Ha”Arthur cut in “So we're supposed to believe your Gaia's, the Earth Mothers son.”     

   Merlin crossed his arms, impatiently waiting to continue.  “Gaia bore six son's and then in turn we six gave her many more children-”

   â€œThat is even more disgusting!”  Arthur spat to ward off evil.  “Having sex with your own mother!”  Madeline had to agree, frowning she averted her eyes, for a moment.

   â€œYou know nothing, Gaia takes many forms, the flesh I made love to was paler, like ours.  She was younger, slenderer, yet soft in all the right places.  She was beautiful and she was insatiable”  Merlin's eyes wandered in blissful reminiscence before snapping back to reality.  “Completely different from the gaia who birthed me.”   

   â€œBut still very much incestuous”  Arthur righteously declared holding his dagger purposefully.

   â€œNevertheless, Boy”  Merlin said stepping forward. “It is where you came from. I might not be the father of mankind, but I can and do claim the Celts as my own.”

   Her brother scowled.  “It matters not, you seduced our grandmother Niniane Pendragon, princess of the realm, while she was betrothed.  You destroyed her life.”

   Merlin was unmoved.  “Aside from the obvious, had I not been trapped in a tree, that would not have happened.  This is all Nynave's fault.” 

   There was only one person her brother blamed more than Merlin, and that was the Empress Nynave.  “So what will you do to make things right old man.”  Her brother used the term as an insult but Merlin looked only slightly older than her brother.

   â€œI would kill her and place the rightful ruler upon the throne.”

   Her brother smiled.  “How”

   Merlin whispered but one word.

   â€œBetrayal”

               *   *   *


   The first part of the plan involved a body.  The boys were searching the fallen soldiers for a suitable candidate while Madeline took care of the food.
   
   Merlin had found a corpse with the right build and they now carried it back to camp.  “You can't expect her to fall for this?”  Arthur asked looking down at the dead body.  His hair was wrong his eyes were the wrong colour, the nose was crocked and his beard was all patchy.   

   â€œWhy not? He looks just like me.”  Arthur looked again and almost dropped the corpse.  The  resemblance was now uncanny right down to the blue eyes full of life.  “As long as  I-”  Arthur really did drop his end of the corpse when it talked up to him with Merlin's voice.

   Merlin dropped the illusion and the corpse returned to normal.  “-As long as I stay close no one will be the wiser.”  The young man still looked unsure.

   â€œYour sure she won't see through the magic.”

   Merlin sighed.  “Its not that kind of magic, its like what your sister does.”

   â€œShe calls the shadows”

   â€œNo she doesn't, she makes people think its darker, wherever your hiding she puts a blind-spot in their eyes. Instead of doing that I'm going to make them see this poor fellow as me.”

   â€œStill if things should go wrong, then what?”  Arthur said play-fighting with his dagger.

   â€œAh”  Merlin said, “let me see that.”

   Arthur handed him the dagger. “Show me your sword arm.”  Arthur did as he asked and Merlin sliced open his palm.

   â€œGods!”  Arthur cursed. 
   
   â€œQuiet boy! Do not waste the blood, pour it over the dagger, yes.  Now come here.”  Merlin pulled him over to a waste high boulder.  “coat the stone and keep it coming.”   Merlin held up his dagger and began speaking in tongues

   Arthur was getting light headed and began to sway but he didn't miss it when Merlin suddenly plunged the dagger into the stone burying the handle.  Arthur shook his head.  “Its gone, what good  is that?”

   â€œStop being a dammed fool, reach in there and take it back, or better yet take the sword you really want.”   Arthur was a bit queasy but he reached out and felt the stone, sure enough it was solid.

   Merlin muttered a string of curses under his breath and grabbed Arthur's still bleeding hand.  “Picture your sword boy, picture your sword the way you always wanted it.”  Merlin flicked him in the forehead.  “Close your eyes boy and picture your sword.”   The wizard said impatiently. 

   Exhausted, Arthur went along with it.  He pictured the sword he had lost the day before. The one that had saved them and slayed Lancelot's horse.  In his memory the sword was longer, and lighter.  In his imagination it was stronger and sharper and it had a grip made of sharks gut.  The pommel was gold and it was in the shape of a dragons head the dragon looked-

   Merlin slammed his hand downward  “Don't look!  Take the hilt, take it.”  Arthur's hand felt like it was in stew but he reached around and grabbed hold.  “Now pull it out!”  Merlin cried.

   Arthur tried but the blade was stuck.  He tried again but it would not budge.  “Pull boy! Did you think it would be easy?”  Arthur rolled his shoulders, bent his knees, squeezed the grip and pulled.  He pulled on the handle like it was the boulder and the boulder was trapping his sister in a burning house.  Arthur stumbled backwards as the blade came free now light as a feather.  Arthur looked at the sword.  It was the perfect blade, just as he had pictured it. 

   â€œGood, now put it back until you need it.”  Arthur looked up at Merlin as if he'd gone mad.  Merlin snapped his fingers and the sword flew to him.  He slammed it into another rock and it disappeared.  Then he walked over and pulled it out of a tree before slamming it into the forest floor. Then he pulled it back out a few steps later and slammed it back down.  “Give it a shot, reach in and grab it.”

   Arthur closed his eyes and plunged his sword arm into the earth.  Remembering the battle he had retrieving the blade last time he went in full strength and came up armed with more than a smile. 

   â€œLunch is ready”  Madeline called.  Arthur reluctantly sheathed his sword in a tree and went back to the corpse

                  *   *   *
   
   Madeline didn't care for this plan.  It wasn't heroic or brave in the least.  The worst part was she was the one watching the ever rotting corpse.  She had to concede though, that so far the plan was working splendidly.  When they made the rode soldiers came upon them.  Arthur invoked the right of parley while she held the dagger to Merlin's(the corpse's) throat. 

   After that they were escorted right into the castle where Nynave met them in the courtyard.  Merlin was trailing them a few steps back hiding in plain site dressed as any other mage.  Madeline still held the blade to the corpses throat.

   â€œSo you wanted to parley?”   Nynave asked snidely.

   â€œYes”  Arthur said bowing.  “We come to make peace.  As a gesture of good faith, we bring you your lost prisoner.”  Rising he ripped the bag from the corpses head.

   Nynave's cackled.  “So it is true you do have him, when I heard I checked the tree.. but how, how could you two brats capture Merlin.”

   Now it was Madeline's turn.  Merlin had made her repeat this story over and over.  “He,”  Madeline started shyly “He wanted me.”

   The Empress looked confused “And you resisted his charms?”  She asked disbelievingly.

   â€œNo,”  Madeline said before adding “yes. Not at first but, but he's my grandfather I couldn't.. So I gave him poisoned spirits.”

   Empress Nynave smiled.  It was a story she could relate to.  “Why did you bring him to me child?”

   Madeline didn't want to over do it but she could not stop the tears from falling.  He looked so real.  “We tried to kill him, we tried everything.. He can't die, he can't die and he'll come for me I know it!”  Madeline said the words as a lie but deep down she knew they were true.  Merlin would come for her.  She would not say no,  she would be as cursed as all his other women to follow the same path.

   For her part the Empress actually looked sympathetic for a moment.  “You did the right thing darling, but still, you'll both have to die.  Guards!”  The Empress ordered.  Madeline and Arthur were quickly surrounded.  Lancelot stood in front, sword at the ready with a serpentine smile on his thin lips.  Arthur's fingers were digging between the courtyards cobblestones.

   â€œHold!”  Nynave shouted looking confused.  “Bring them along first, they might as well watch”  The Empress sounded unsure but she quickly recovered and led the way to her secret garden.  Lancelot couldn't resist  giving Arthur a cheap shot to the guts.  While Arthur recovered he whispered to Madeline with a wink “I hope she keeps you alive a little longer, so we might enjoy your company.”  Madeline bit her tongue till she tasted blood.

   When they arrived in front of the great tree the Empress ordered the guards to nail Merlin's body to the tree.  For his part Merlin made the body moan rather convincingly.  “How did he come to you children?” 

   â€œAn acorn Milady”  Madeline said kneeling face down. 

   â€œShe is your empress!”  Lancelot said before kicking her in the stomach.

   â€œThat is enough Captain.  An acorn you say?”  The Empress cackled.  “You were always such a clever man Merlin, it was too bad you always thought of your cock first.  Only out one day and it already landed you in trouble.”  The empress had walked up and was now pinching the illusions face.  “Well we can fix that”  She said reaching down but something made her stop.  She stood for a moment looking confused again.  “We can fix that”  she continued, “no more acorns, no more leaves, no more branches.”  Nynave was laughing hysterically “Witches, bring me witches blood!  It was good seeing you again Merlin.”

   Madeline watched amazed as the Empress pulled the trunk around the body. She then walked  back ten paces and reached into the dirt still speaking in tongues.  The ground started shacking terrifyingly.  Stones fell as whole ramparts collapsed but the Empress would not desist.  Finally the Empress stood holding the tree roots and all.  “Goodbye. Merlin”  She said grunting under the strain.  With a deep breath she tossed the great tree into the air where it flipped and landed back in its hole upside down with a crash.

   As the dust settled Nynave whispered “what have I done?”

                  *   *   *

   Merlin was very relieved when it was finally over.  Keeping the charade up for the journey was tiring but manipulating Nynave had taken all of his willpower.  Now the charade was over and Merlin started laughing out loud at the foolish woman who had dared to trap him in a tree. 

   â€œWho is laughing! Kill that man!” Nynave shrilled.

   â€œI think not Sweet-ems”  Merlin said stepping forward the empress shrieked like a child in fear.  She raised her hands to cast a spell but nothing happened.  “You fool, you severed the bridge when you flipped the tree.  Your powerless.”

   â€œThen so are you, Archers” The empress called.  “Kill this one first.”

   Merlin glanced around focusing his mind.  The archers turned about and shot each other.  “What?”  Nynave said astonished “Guards kill them all!”  She called as she ran.

   Merlin turned his mind to the guards and they turned on each other. Controlling the minds of men was much simpler than that of a tree. 

   â€œNo!”  Arthur demanded  “leave them to me.  Go take care of the Empress” 

                  *   *   *

   Madeline had called the shadows as soon as the fighting started.  She had learned that she was not actually calling the shadows but that is still how she thought about it.  The guards had rushed in upon her brother thinking Arthur was unarmed.   They were very surprised when he reached down and  pulled his sword up from the cobblestone at the last second.  He had deemed the blade Excalibur and he flashed the blade right around him deflecting their blows and driving them back. 

   â€œAttack”  Lancelot shouted.  “Shields up! He's just one man.”

   Arthur didn't wait for them to close in. He dove at the closest guard driving Excalibur  through the mans shield.  He buried the hilt in the shield and the blade in the guards belly and left it there as he headed for the next guard. 

   Her brother moved like a wolf, avoiding the mans sword he punched into his shield and pulled out Excalibur slicing the mans chest open as he withdrew.

   Madeline could see Lancelot circling around trying to stab her brother in the back.  She moved in keeping the shadow's with her she moved to hobble his ankle with the dagger Merlin had helped her conceal.  Lancelot jumped at the last second, somehow sensing her.  He turned to her and Madeline ran summoning the shadows.

                  *   *   *

   Arthur caught a glance of his sister running from Lancelot.  Arthur's blood went cold.  “Coward!” he called, but the betrayer did not stop.  Five guards remained.  Arthur flung his sword at the first.  Without watching the kill he reached down into the cobbles and withdrew Excalibur in time to block another guards attack severing his sword at the hilt.  Before the second guard could recover he cut the man in half, shield and all.

   After seeing this and seeing their captain flee the remaining guards abandoned the fight.  Arthur ran after his sister.  She could still use her magic because it didn't require nether or ether.  Arthur didn't know what that meant but that is how Merlin explained it when he told them his plan.  His sword would still worked because it was mystically bound to him he was told.  The magic came from within and not without.

   There was an open door in the corner of the garden that led into the cookhouse.  Arthur followed a trail of pots and pans out into the servants dining room where he saw Lancelot heading into a stairway he ran after him.

   â€œCome back and fight me you wretch.”  Arthur called as he flew up the stairs.  He did not stop when he came to the open doorway and he ran through only noticing the strange shadow when it was too late.

                  *   *   *

   Madeline ran up the stairs and out the door onto the rampart.  She could hear Lancelot behind her as she climbed onto a battlement nestled in the towers shadow.  She was focusing her mind on concealing herself when she noticed Lancelot was no longer chasing her.  He was waiting for someone coming up the stairs.

   Arthur.  Madeline acted instantly but she was too late.  Lancelot was already swinging when she dove onto his back thrusting her dagger into his throat.   She watched Lancelot's sword cut into her brothers belly and she stabbed him again pulling the traitor to the ground.  She saw her brothers blood on his blade and she stabbed him again and again crying as the blood splashed into her eyes.

   She stabbed and stabbed until someone stopped her.  “Its alright.”  She looked up, it was her brother. “Only a flesh wound Sis, a few broken ribs but the armour took the worst of it.”  Her brother smiled down at her and Madeline hugged him until he moaned “broken ribs Sis.”

   She released him feeling sorry but he wasn't looking at her. He was looking up at the top of the tower. Where Merlin was dangling the Empress over the battlements by her neck.

               *   *   *

   â€œAt least tell me how you did it, you owe me that.”

   â€œI owe you nothing, you knew exactly what you were getting into and you chose to come along.”  Merlin squeezed her neck tighter and watched her eye's bulge.

   â€œI was young then.”  She croaked and Merlin lessened his death-grip.  He could afford to listen. He could hold her out here all day. “I was a fool. I was in love. You used me up and made me barren and tossed me away like a whore.”

   â€œI told you you would bare me no children.  Cronus was at war with his children, a war he lost.  The same fate befell Atum and the others.”  They had had this fight a hundred times but he supposed he could have it one last time. “My children planned to overthrow me so I left for Avalon.  I told you I'd sire no more heirs and I told you I would make no commitment after Avalon.”

   â€œBut it was a thousand years, It took a thousand years for the last of your children to die.  You are immortal. It was easy for you to start over, but I got older.  I couldn't start over. Why couldn't you have just waited for me to die!”

   Merlin had had enough of her whining and he dropped her.  Her scream did not last long.  He supposed he should have killed her when they returned from Avalon, but she had not deserved it.  Nynave had been a wonderful companion throughout his absence.  It was only when they returned from Avalon and his eye's started to wander when things got nasty.  She had had enough when he started things with Morgana and left him.

   Merlin didn't want to think about any of that and he was glad to see Madeline and her brother waiting for him below.  “So what happens now?”  The brother asked.

   â€œI guess your King”  Merlin replied while looking at Madeline.  “Are you ready my darling?”

   â€œYes” she replied and Merlin took her hand.

   â€œMadeline”  her brother called to her, but she was not listening. She was his now, his until he grew tired of her.

Many fine works to choose from this fortnight, but hard choices must still be made.

1)Sintara 3 points.  I liked how he created a whole world with history and culture along with a story that was well crafted.  Cudos.

2)Stupot+ 2 points.  This story was also well crafted and I liked the plot it had theme with good family values and a happy ending.

3)Adeel   1 point. This was probably my favourite story-wise, but it needs allot of editing. Editing is many-a-writer's downfall; I've been struggling with it for years but I hope you keep at it.

The Viper
   



   She had been captured and imprisoned.  She had been questioned, beaten and raped.  All because of one little vile of poison.  All because of some highborn tripe named lady Carlyn; but she would pay.  “They all would pay,” Viper muttered under her breath as she paced around her cell waiting for her chance to strike.

   Viper heard foot steps approaching and got into position and began holding her breath.  She had watched this guard carefully.  He wasn't like the others, he was kind.  He was young and naive.

                  *   *   *

   Private Hadfield didn't particularly like being a guard but it was easy work and it paid well.  He should be grateful.  He only got the this position because he was the earls bastard.  Today was different, there was a lovely girl in the dungeons. 

   She had been beaten. The captain was a cruel man; but not enough to mar her beauty.  They had captured her yesterday and questioned her relentlessly.  They called her the viper, she denied it; claiming she was only delivering the poison.   

   Private Hadfield believed her.  The Viper was old, everyone knew that.  The Viper had been around before his father became earl and his father had been earl since before he was born. This girl was young, barely a woman. 

   He was only after the reward, Private Hadfield was sure.  If Captain Bailey really thought she was the Viper he wouldn't have put her in this private cell.  He would have left her chained to the rack in the dungeon.  She was here because she was harmless, and because she would make him money by selling her to the soldiers. 

   The thought made him sick and ashamed.  He had been given first watch for a reason, he was the earls beloved Bastard.  He was supposed to go first; first aside from the Captain.  He had walked by twice already.  She had stared at him emptily both times. This time he was going to do it, he had decided it was alright if he was gentle.  She was so lovely.

   He found himself walking faster as he neared, eyes straight ahead longing for that first glance.  He stumble slightly when he saw her.  Something was wrong.  She was dangling by her neck from the bars of her cell.  Private Hadfield ran to her.  She had hung herself with torn strips from the bottom of her skirt.
   
     He shoved his hands through the bars and picked her up by the waist.  He felt her move and thanked god she wasn't dead.  Suddenly she jerked free and grabbed him by his tunic.  Her other hand was holding his dagger between his legs.  “Open the door Private.”

   The blade did not waver. A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as he tried to think. She had fooled him, fooled them all.  The blade twisted up and under his crotch and she pressed it in further ever so slightly.  “Open the door now.”   This time the words were a command.

   He did as he was told.  As soon as the lock clicked open she whipped the dagger up and drove it into his throat.  The last thought that went through his head was please god strike her down.

                  *   *   *

   Viper made her way out of the cell and dragged the guards body back in.  She tucked the body under a tattered blanket to look like a sleeping prisoner.  It wouldn't buy her much time but it was the best she could do.

   The brutish looking prisoner in the cell next to her had been watching and she tossed him the keys before moving on.  Viper didn't want to free him but he might raise an alarm if she left him.  She moved on quickly running through the shadows.  She didn't want to get caught up in a prison riot.  If she was fast enough though a riot could be a useful distraction.

   Ahead she saw another gate, it was locked but a guard was sleeping at his post.  Viper didn't let up, she moved as silent as a shadow and let her dagger fly when she reached the gate.  The blade sunk into his skull like it was wet sand.  Warm satisfaction flooded through her body.  She would soon be free.  Free to collect her vengeance.
   
   She couldn't reach him through the bars with her hands so Viper used her feet.  Grabbing his tunic with her toes she tipped him out of his chair.  Now that she could reach him she took the keys and opened the door.

   Viper heard the other prisoners close behind her and she shut the door.  She needed more time for herself.  She left the keys just out of reach to keep the others prisoners quiet when they saw them.  Around the corner she found a bow and arrow and smiled. 

   Memories and daydreams flashed through her mind jumbling together.  Poisoned arrows, darts, and knives sailing through the air before sinking into the unsuspecting flesh of lady Carlyn and Captain Bailey.  Viper shook her head.  That was too quick for them.  She would tip the darts with a paralysis poison and then toy with them until they begged for death.

   A door opened fallowed by footsteps.  “Leave it open Rob, we won't be long.  We just can't let little Hadfield have all the fun; even if he is the earls bastard!”  The dungeons flooded with laughter.

   â€œAlright I'll leave it open but be quick about it, my watch is over in a bell and I don't want her all used up.” 

   Their mocking laughter filled her with rage.  Viper clenched her jaw to steady her nerves.  Flashes of the captain beating and raping her streaked across her vision.  She had fooled him, fooled them all.  Acting like a scared child, when she was anything but.

   Viper was seasoned nearly forty years.  Her secret was in the venom's she used.  It was a discipline her father had instilled in her.  Pricking her skin and then dripping diluted venom into the blood.  Slowly building up the potency and then the dose.   She had fooled them, but it wasn't all acting; age couldn't prepare you for that, nothing could.

   She drew the bow and waited in the shadows between the torches.  Three of them appeared, stumbling slightly, jesting and jeering each other.  Merrily anticipating the gang rape to come.

   Viper was no longer listening. She waited for them to come closer.   One stumble and stopped, leaning down to tie his boot.  Another looked back and viper sent an arrow into the thirds nose.  The second turned to see what had happened still smiling and she put an arrow in the middle of his chest.

   She was already running. The third looked up with a completely lost expression; his boot only half tied. She cracked him on the forehead with her bow.  When he fell back and viper stomped on his throat.  She felt his windpipe break under her heal.  As his hands reached up to his ruined neck Viper shot an arrow right between his legs.

   She left him there rolling around on the cold stone floor like a dying fish.  Silence again.  She was almost free of the dungeon.  She would still have to make it across the Courtyard and get through the gates or over the Ramparts.  An idea came to her and Viper donned one of the dead soldiers tunics and helm and waited just around the corner.

   A drop of any of the venom's she collected will kill any man; six drops would barely even affect her now.  The venom didn't kill her it only made her stronger. Some affected the flesh and this was what kept her looking so young all these years.  The other venom's affected the mind, they kept her senses sharp.  She was more in tune with her surroundings.  She could hear every leaf ruffle in a tree and disappear in any shadow.  No one had ever come close to catching her before. 

   She had been a fool to help Lady Carlyn.  She had wanted the poison for her husband, who beat her and spent her coin on whores.  She had confessed her plans to the priests and betrayed her.  Soon she would pay for treachery along with Captain Bailey.

   Viper heard the gate open behind her.  The prisoners had freed themselves.  Viper slung the bow on her shoulder and walked around the corner.  She made her way quietly up the stairs and through the open gate.  “Done already?”  Rob chuckled.

   Viper met his eyes for a second and rammed the dagger up under his chin.  The gate faced the  rampart in the corner of the courtyard and was fairly secluded.  Viper looked around, it was mid afternoon and the soldiers who didn't have the day off were drilling in shield walls. 

   Viper hid where Rob had been standing.  She waited for the prisoners and slashed one across the face.  She cried out in her deepest voice “The prisoners have escaped!”   Viper backed up quickly and repeated herself louder while drawing her bow.  The men at arms rushed forward.  Viper fired a few  poorly aimed arrows before vanishing during the fray. 

   She climbed the stairs leading up to the ramparts, seemingly for a better vantage point.  Then she leaped over the battlements while everybody was focusing on the prisoners.  Landing with a roll down a thatched roof viper dropped into an alley bordering the market.  She quickly ditched her guards uniform along with her bow and arrow.  Hiding the dagger in her sleeve she covered any blood up with mud.

   No one noticed her conniving smile when she walked out the front gate.  She would be back soon enough for her revenge, but first she needed her supplies.  She needed her blow gun, her bow, her knives and daggers.  She needed her armour and her venom and poisons; the sleepers, aggressors, mind-benders and especially the paralyser's. Viper thought of Captain Bailey and lady Carlyn and smiled viciously.   

    Soon Viper consoled herself.  Soon the lady would pay for her treachery and soon the captain would pay for what he had done to her. She would burn that village and tear down the earls entire castle  if she had too, but she would have her vengeance.   

                  *   *   *

   The Viper left the road and disappeared into the forest.

   
   

   

Good work Ponch,

By the way I stole the hat..

From that guy on the can.

[Baron]

Excellent now we have two dishes and a random ingredient

A lengthy Longing by Baron

An untitled poem by  Jwalt

..and we can't forget Armageddon's entry

But encase there's anyone frantically typing away out there we'll leave it open until 12:00 eastern after which we'll have a 3 day vote

Last day people, we can't leave poor stranded Baron all alone out there.  Surely there will be one last minute contender. If not we couldn't call it a competition we'd have to call it a Fortnightly Writing Challenge.. and that just wouldn't be Write now would it.

What time zone are you in Ponch?  I'm on eastern time but I'm willing to extend the end date by a few hours to accommodate people out west.

Our first dish is served let the feasting begin!

Nothing... Oh gosh.. We have a story hungry mob building up in the dinning room.  What am I going to feed them, Moon Dust?  Ha. I tried but nooo they want Cast Away's. Only four and a half days left people no more dilly dallying. From now on its production, production, production! 

Only 7 days left to polish these beautiful trophies until I have to give them away..

I see allot of interest, ideas are flying around, but we wanna see some stories dag nammit!  We want tales of survival, tales of heroism, tales of betrayal and tales of woe. The table is set lets see what your cooking!

Ha Cerno I think you got a good baseline for your story; hopefully she maroons you with a typewriter!

Excellent we now have two contenders!  Who else has the word-craft to put pen to paper and the guts to cast the dice on a epic tale of cast-aways?

Ah Baron I knew you would be in this competition, but what of the others?  Will Stupot+ pen another of his epic poems?  Will Ponch write about something else entirely unexpected? Who else would dare to challenge you, Cerno? Wham? or will Kconan steal your thunder once more.. 

Write a story or a poem about survival in isolation.  Whether it be a shipwreck on a desert island or a plane-crash in the mountains or a space captain marooning his mutinous crew it matters not anything can happen.  One lone survivor or a hundred; what matters is their adjustment to hostile surroundings.   

Anything can happen on this uncharted territory it could be a barren beach with a lone coconut tree or an island full; dinosaurs, aliens, ancient tombs or tall sexy Amazon women ruled by a femputer.

This was a pretty close contest but a winner has been chosen.

First place is Baron with 14.63 votes for his doomed love letter


Second place is Ponch with 13.47 votes for his torrid tale of a lost sock 


Third place is Jwalt with 8.62 votes for his poem of paradise without love