From: ssalter@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (-=[SLS]=-)
Subject: Jame's Journeys -01 [CASTLE]
Organization: OFSA
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 17:55:04 GMT

				--==<0>==--


	Nightbirds flitted through the treetops in search of insect
prey as the leaves rustled softly in the evening air. Overhead a
large, pale moon cast it's silver beams over the sleeping land,
illumining the forest with traceries of subtle light.  In a clearing
near the old Forest Road a small fire smouldered, occasional flickers
of flame revealing a modest party of travelers bedded down among the
thick cushioning grasses.        

	A fox passing silently through the trees chanced upon the camp
and stood at the fringes of the campfire light momentarily while
observing the people curiously. Two large horses with strangely
intelligent eyes gazed at him unworriedly as they stood near three
large sleeping human figures. The fox edged a bit closer and the light
breeze brought him the scent of five figures, two of which were
cuddled close to the human female. Two human infants that were *sniff
sniff*  male and , in fact, *sniff* only a few days old. The fox
grinned as one large horse moved marginally closer to him. <Just
passing through, big fella>, he said and scampered off into the night.


	The night passed quietly and slowly the sky lightened ,
forcing the blazing stars to fade into insubstantiality. Morning mists
rose and wandered mysteriously through the ancient boles of the
surrounding trees as the travelers rose and broke their fast. After
extinquishing the remnants of the fire and covering it with the dirt
that had been scooped out to form the fire pit,  they moved back to
the Forest Road and paused.      

	"You are about a mile away from the Castle Path that will lead
you, after a couple miles more, to the meadows surrounding the Castle.
I have sensed no danger of any sort and will now take my leave of you
all." Jame stated quietly. "It has been wonderful to see the two of
you again, and an honor to be present when you needed me, Morgana".


	"But, I thought you were going to come back with us", Alarian
asked. 

	"No, I have a journey to make and will return later"

	"Jame, I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the rescue
and your invaluable help in the cave", Morgana said.  "John and Arthur
will grow up hearing of their "Uncle" Jame. I hope you find what you
need to during your journeys. Please travel with care and in safety."


	Jame gathered her into his arms and held her tightly for a
moment and then kissed the two infants, John and Arthur. He hugged
Alarian and bade Morgana's equine friends farewell. He paused for a
moment, staring off in the direction of the Castle and then sighed.
Smiling at his friends he moved off into the forest, the mists
wreathing his figure.      


				--==<1>==--

	He walked through the forest mists and thought of the Land and
of the Castle and those that inhabited it. He thought of the tall,
slender woman named Brianna and of this love that had blossomed inside
of him for her.  Suddenly, he became aware of something moving off to
is right in the underbrush. His hand flashed back and up to seize the
pommel of his sword and then he relaxed as he identified the aura of
the creature. A huge, black panther leaped fluidly over the last
barrier of scrub bushes and landed in front of him. The beast was
overly large for his kind and his eyes blazed with intelligence.
Smooth, powerful muscles flowed underneath his sleek fur as he sat to
regard Jame.          

	"Hi Jimmy,  did you deliver my message?" Jame asked.

	"Yes, and she was very moved and satisfied with my words. It
was good for you to ask me to visit her, Jame.  Her heart is lighter
now." the panther replied.  

	"I assume you appeared to her in your domestic form", Jame
chuckled, "Even Brianna might have been startled with the sudden
appearance of a giant black panther."  

	"She would have been ok, I sensed that. But, yes, I assumed my
more diminuitive shape. NOT domestic, Jame...never that." he growled. 

	Jame laughed and scratched the enormous cat's ears.  Jimmy ,
in turn, hooked a paw behind the man and tumbled him off his feet. The
two wrestled about for a few moments and then Jame pushed the playful
feline away and his face took a serious cast.   

	"I am ready now. While I am gone, please guard and help her.
Since we are linked you will be able to find me no matter where I may
travel. If I am needed, let me know."  

	"I will enjoy being with her, she has an inner goodness and is
full of love and care inside. It makes me feel warm" Jimmy purred.
"Travel safely, man, and may your claws never dull."  

	With that, Jimmy sprang to his feet and bounded off into the
forest. Jame stood quietly for a few moments and then %turned% a
corner in his mind.....and vanished from the Land!  

				

-- 
Spirituality is what is inside : religion is humankind's vain attempt to
express it outwardly.