'
Quickly Demo turned to the maiden. In those few moment her
breathing once more has ceased. Loosing her bodice he turns her
over, lets the dank water seep from her lips.
Almost he gives up hope. And then she once more stirs, moans.
She moves, half sat, wide-eyed. Gently he holds her hand.
She looks wildly around.
"Where is he? Is he gone?"
He told her of Pluto's last words, of how Pluto died - evil,
misshapen, cast out from the heavens. Of how he knowingly cast
himself into the deadly waters of the Tarn of Eternity for her
sake.
Hated by all. Destroyed, though, not by any of these, not by
the power of his enemies. Destroyed by the one small touch of
goodness left in him, the ability to love.
Bemused she looked at the now placid surface of the tarn.
Pensively she gazed at the quiet, dark waters. And though she
is silent he noted the quiet tears upon her cheeks. Then she
rose slowly, walked to the water's edge, and reached out to a
green weed growing there.
"Mother, grant me beauty." She whispered the words.
And as she touched the plant a white flower bloomed, fell into
her outstretched hand.
"As you have died for love, oh Pluto, I pity you. And though
you will be remembered for the evil of your ways, and as master
of the infernal regions, one consolation you shall have."
She tossed the flower with its large white petals out on the
now still waters.
"When the water lilies bloom, you shall be remembered, not for
your vices, but for your one saving grace.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273