The Warlock

ed reinforcements from Albion, North Wale, Saltire and Rome. But he was betraye

hly prepared and competent to battle with the adversaries that might surface in a handy space of time. Now king Algernon travelled with his nobles from one mountain to another in search of a suitable

a castle is raised to a magnificent height, a strong wind blustered from the west to destroy the work of a thousand hours. And the king was furious about th

ies to spy and hunt for an illegitimate child as the prophecy foretold. The day was devilishly hot as the living coal of heaven

k hair gave the ball a good boot and it flew high and looped into the air, gathering strong wind and specks of dirt, and he called out loud, "None of you can catch this." And although it looked like a simple kick, not one of the

fly that dubbed himself a

to play with us again,

that they had found the boy whom they sought. They

ur father?" t

know." the

other of the child and demand

with a start. Then I felt a human presence - and I looked up sharply when I heard someone drawing closer to me. Lo, it was this child. So I took

child would be slain. The woman turned to look at him for the last time, but he looked plain with no trace

ise men, soldiers and all the builders to witness the sacrifice

ought me here?' D

ou to death.' one of

"W

blood," he replied again. "the

hat?' Desideratus

e questio

on and said to him, "I know that I wi

ng with a quick bob of his head i

hat the castle will not stand unless my blood is spr

." the wise

what is hidden

men said, "We

nk of water und

m with the answer. "Di

and found the bank as

tie me,

d and put his hand into the deep water and fished out a coin. He tossed it into the air, and immediately the su

also out of the midst came the likeness of a man with a double face, and every one had two wings and his feet were straight

cover their bodies. They turned, backing themselves. And above their heads appeared another shape like a throne, settling in between the six terrible beasts. It was as if they perceived a p

en. And they all confessed their ignorance with shame. 'My king,

ee." the k

gs signified that all kingdoms shall be centralized." Desideratus explained. "As for you

a livelihood to make a reasonable living. And the same fortune cuddled his earthly m