Grusel, who lived in the early Gothic era, grew up with the name of horror. He was too young to know his father, but lived most of his life with "Fluch des Vaters" (Curse of the father) hanging over his head. While meeting the demands of life Grusel wandered in search of breaking the spell to insure his greatest fear was conquered; to make certain that he did not pass it on to his sons. Chapter 1 I, Iinício do Tempo, can't remember when or where I started on this journey. To be truthful, I don't even know why I'm on the road. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for my existence except to say I'm here and somehow; I know this is where I belong. I've fought the three-headed monsters, the eight-legged bug-like creatures and the horrid slimy things with wings. I lost my right hand when I broke my leg in a fall, and lost my left eye as a result of that winged creature when he dropped me off a cliff. Unlike many of my ancestors of long ago, I can regenerate parts so once more my body is whole. The one thing that hasn't changed though is the pain when it happens. Healing takes time, so when I run into a situation where I am not entirely recovered, I could get killed. I'd not be able to regenerate from that I'm told, so I always recede into the depths of my abode and wait. Not too long ago after a battle that I lost, I managed to retreat to my cave and the needed wait for regeneration. Unfortunately, I was nested with a dragon who had taken up quarters, and I had little defense against her, so I wound up in the cold. I didn't like it, but I didn't have an option as I was in no condition to argue, especially when she burst a flame ball and my normally tough skin was singed. I never did like fire burns as they take the longest to recover from. I waited three weeks hoping for a complete recovery, but the fireball slowed my recovery so much that even after that amount of time I was still less than 50%. But I was hungry as I hadn't eaten anything except tree bark for some time. At last, I decided that I'd had enough of her obstinate attitude and told myself, if I perish, I perish. Without the sparkling water that I used for healing, I'd not be able to recover fully, and I'd never be one hundred percent. Like I said before, I don't know where I came from, where I'm going or how I'll know when I arrive but one thing I was sure of, if I didn't recover, I'd never get there. That being the case I decided to face down the dragon and chase her out of my home or die trying. I slipped into the entrance and took my time so my one good eye would adjust to the dim light. Low and behold there she lay sound asleep. I was especially careful not to make any noise so as not to wake her and slipped by her long scaly body. I was in the process of congratulating myself when I stepped on the tail of a newly hatched baby. It squealed and with a flip of its tail knocked me into the pool of water. I heard quite a commotion as mommy dragon reared her head in a strike position. Fortunately for me, I can hold my breath for a long duration so in time she settled down. Perhaps she was thinking that the baby just had a bad dream. As she settled back down, I slowly raised my head out of the water so once again I could breathe. I often had drunk from the pool but had never bathed in it, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the healing process had accelerated to the point that I was one hundred percent healed. With renewed confidence, I made my way to the back of the cave where I had my sustenance stored.
About the Author: The author, a poet of many years, has developed the desire to tell his stories in longer format. His original short stories have received exemplary reviews from his followers and enhanced his desire to provide great reading enjoyment. For those who know him, his mastery of fiction entices his readers to immerse themselves as if they were an active character. His primary interest is to provide good wholesome reading while following the dictates of the Lord Jesus Christ. INTRODUCTION In the way of introduction, before you I place myself I'm a man of modest means I've never attained great wealth Yet I stand before you, this truth I do proclaim I may never shake the world, but without me it wouldn't be the same I spent my adult life working, as many others do I never drove a rail spike, yet a song I have for you With joy and tears, hand and hand we forged our life together Though she's now gone from me, I still must face the weather I've been touched by an angel, sent from up above To let us know that we're bound together with eternal love So now I spend my days, reaching out to mortal man To teach those who are confused the best way that I can So I turned my head toward the Lord for He has set her free Yet, if not for her, I'd be lost, not what I now be You see with all my wisdom I do realize The best moment of my life was when she became my bride So who am I, this you ask, where does it all fit in With love we gave the world two sons to start it all again No, you'll not remember me as the time it passes by The best you can hope for is to praise our Lord and try. No tears please, when it's time for me to leave this world Be happy for me, as once again I'll go to meet my girl Although there'll be no marriage, as we had here on this earth Eternal love with the Lord we'll share, in our eternal berth.