Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 21:34:14 -0800 From: Chris Vaughan Subject: INT: Dysmal Keep ~Agatha's Story Greetings, child. You look like you like to hear stories. Yes? You do? Wonderful. Then come in and sit down. No, not there, there. Yes, that's right. That green stone. Hmmm? My hair? Why yes, child, it is green. Does that surprise you? I can't imagine why. There are so many wonders in this world, the color of an old-woman's hair should hardly matter at all, no? What's that? Oh my, but you are impatient! Heh heh. That's okay, child. I love stories, too. That's why I know so many of them. My name? Oooo, now that's a good question. Let's see, it's been so long I'm afraid I've forgotten. Your mother's name? What is it? Agatha? Yes, you can call me "Agatha" if you'd like. I know a story about an Agatha, you know. Oh yes. Would you like to hear it? Yes? Just let me sit down. Ohhhh. Ah. That's better. Heh heh. These old knees don't bend so well anymore. Now, what story was it you wanted to he? Oh, about Agatha. That is a wonderful story. It all happened a long time ago. Agatha was only a child, then. Agatha lived with her mother and father in a small village. The village was nestled in the shadow of a great castle which had been deserted for longer than anyone could remember - even the village elders. Every day Agatha would do her chores - feeding the pigs, milking the cows, collecting the eggs. Once her chores were done she could do whatever she wanted for the rest of the day. Agatha loved to spend all her free time ... What's that? No, child, they didn't have schools in those days. Agatha learned to read and write from her mother. It was a rare blessing, too. Most people in those days could not read or write, and lived very limited lives. But, no, Agatha was not a limited girl. She could have done anything because she was so bright and lively. Everyone loved her. She had the most beautiful red hair and cheeks which could only be described as rosy. Yes, I am embarrassed using such a trite expression. Anyway, Agatha loved to spend all her free time exploring the forested grounds of the ancient castle. Its tall, stone walls and towers seemed to scrape the clouds and outreach the mountains that rose up behind it. In the distance, a blue waterfall fell into the canopy of green leaves far below. Deer and rabbits ran free. It was filled with all the things that delight a young girls heart. One day, Agatha was playing a game near the old castle gate with some bones she had carved into little cubes. As she played she thought she heard a voice whispering to her. "Hello?" She said, looking around. "Is anybody there?" No one answered and she returned to her game. Before long she heard the voice whispering to her, again. "Who's there?" Again, no one answered. Now here is where Agatha was different from most young people. Instead of being frightened away by the voices she was intrigued. She began walking around, looking for the source of the whispering voice. She searched for a long time, and soon it grew dark and she had to go home. But Agatha didn't want to leave the voice without first telling it she would be back. "I have to be going now," she said. "But, I'll return tomorrow and find you. I promise," she said. "Goodbye," the voice whispered. Agatha smiled, then ran off towards home. She paused for a moment and looked back, then waved and ran on. She did not hear the soft laughter that rose up as she ran off. If she had, she might not have been so brave, again. ******************************************** nahguaV sirhC moC.slorE@gubratS lmth.xedni/nahguaVJC~/moc.dopirt.srebmem//:ptth !GUB lanigiro eht ,ylno eht , eno ehT