The Black Swan

swan maiden n. a being of mythe, havinge the irregular abilitie to take on the forme of a swanne or thatte of a beautiful maiden, at will. (excerpt from The Gramarye of Mythical Beasts and Beings, by Lord Brock of Heatherwood) "Stupid birds," said Young Nathan Brock. He picked up a pebble at his feet, and threw it at them, just to illustrate his point. The various waterfowl in the lake skimmed away from the pebble, and almost immediately skimmed back to investigate the ripples that it had caused. "Stupid," Nathan repeated morosely. He turned to his companion, a nervous-looking boy of about twelve dressed in moss green livery. "Where is my father?" he demanded. "He said that he would take me riding today." He sat down at the lake shore and glared at the lake and its denizens in hatred. His companion gulped nervously. When Young Lord Nathan went into one of his "moods", there was not a person in Heatherwood who knew what to expect: depression, self-pity, or the Young Lord's personal favourite, mindless and bloody violence. The boy in livery took a deep breath. "His Lordship," he said, choosing his words carefully, "has been in his study. I believe that he is compiling information for his Gramarye." Nathan snorted. "That old thing? I thought he finished it ages ago. Tell him that I am waiting. Go and tell him now, James." James coughed nervously. "Begging your pardon, sir, but His Lordship is currently occupied with the completion of his Gramarye of Enchanted Castles and Churches, and he has given orders that he not be disturbed, under any - " He choked as Nathan whirled around and grasped him by the neck. "What are you saying?" he snarled. "That I am less important than a musty old manuscript? That I am worth less than some paper and ink? When I give an order, I expect it to be followed . . . IMMEDIATELY!" Nathan abruptly released his hold on James' throat. "Yes sir," gasped James, as he stumbled away. "Right away, sir." Nathan returned his gaze to the lake. The sunlight innocently shone and shimmered on the water's surface, bathing the swans and ducks in a gentle white glow. SPLASH! Nathan hefted another stone and savagely hurled it into the lake. "Stupid birds." Turn the page Back to the Blueberry Fields index page

.

.

.

Page design, layout, and contents by Clockwork Penguin Productions. Backgrounds and flower plates courtesy of System F. Penguin Kao Ani Smilies courtesy of Miwa's Farm

.

.

.