Why? This is the answer I would have of ye, but first, shall I give the question, friend? Let me say that I have left this as record, because it may well be called for.

May I also state that, though the question does come from my lips, I know not the answer. I have guessed many a time, make no mistake of thus. However, I fear there are some things only the gods may have answers for.

And now to the tale from my youth, may it bring thee as much pleasure and entertainment as pain and remorse it has brought me.

�Heed me, corners of the four!� the figure called. �I summon ye, unto this right! With this blood-� he slit the throat of the animal on his altar �-I beckon thee, and I command thee! Bring me what I seek. If ye shall not grant it, then bring me thou who will! I command you! OBEY!�

The clear blue sky turned gray, blocking the moon. Hail poured from above as a circle of striking light deafened the man. Or was he a boy?

There was a dark aura around, he could feel it. The thing he summoned had come.

�That which hides in shadow, I speak to thee,� the boy said. �I command ye, show yourself! Your pathetic games do not scare ME!�

A giant lumbered from the shadows. Gods, it was 30 feet tall! Was it an actual giant? Maybe an ogre? He wasn�t sure, but he was sure that both were magic-less, and this thing radiated power.

On trembling legs, the boy rose to his full height of about 6 feet. �Do ye come to my call, creature?�

�I do, mortal. I am Tulan, a trader, of sorts. What do you seek?� it responded.

�I seek a trade. The price to name is yours, but the deed is thus; I will that the cold knock of time never again sounds on mine, nor mine love�s, door. Will you heed?� the boy asked.

�For your eternal servitude, and a price to be named, thine will is mine.�

�So be it,� returned the boy, not caring to think what �the price to be named� could entail.

�Then age shalt never again be felt by ye, immortal,� so speaking, Tulan disappeared in a flash of lightning.

James turned immediately and ran toward is home. It was a half mile away. He wanted to tell his family of his new acquisition: Immortality.

But what he was seeking was not as he found.

He saw the smoke from the ridge close to his home, at the edge of the forest. �No!� he screamed.

His pace tripled as he ran toward his house. �Twas exactly as he feared.

The house was a blaze, his family likely dead inside. He walked slowly toward it, tears in his eyes. His love was there, lying in a puddle of blood that came from her chest.

She said her last words as her dying breath escaped her lips, �I--love--you!�

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