Part 9
“You’re quiet, friend,” said Autolycus, Late the next night at the pub. Isaac sat beside him, and was nursing his tall beer. “Just thinking,” Isaac said, And scowled, And took a long pull from his glass. “About what, may I ask?” “My love,” said Isaac, “The love of my life.” “Cordelia, then.” “Yes!” Isaac cried. “I love her, Love her, Oh, so much! But I had always dreamed we’d never fit, Could never work, But now...” A flicker came to his dark eyes, And he turned long aside. “But now, perhaps,” said Autolycus, Soothing, manly voice pitched low, “But now, maybe, you’ve started thinking There’s a way to make it work-- Or, perhaps, your love has grown So great that you no longer care About the threats her family’d make About what her circle would do If you did dare-- So great’s your love! I see it now, my lovestruck friend. I see you pushing, yearning, striving, Working to compose yourself, But you are so bewitched by love It’s nearly got you mad.” “What should I do?” asked Isaac then. “What can I do? What is my path?” “I say: go forth,” Said Autolycus, Tipping back his pitch-black beer. “You’ve loved her long; you’ve known her all your life, And she has kept the faith. It seems that she has never wavered In her love of you, and you Have likewise been steadfast, expectant, Never giving up. Such love can withstand any test; It could endure all sorts of things That her family or friends would do. So have no fear! Go forth, be bold! Fortuna favet fortibus! Take her up in your arms and pledge To be with her, forevermore!” “I...” Isaac trembled, staring out Into the vasty nothingness That marked the darkness of the pub, And thinking, breathing, pondering, A fire burning in his gut, Until he stood, alone, and silent, As the pub went rolling on Into the night So dark and still Save for the snow, the everlasting snow That drifted ever downward. “I will do it,” Isaac said, And nodded, and then drained his glass. “I will make her my true love.” “Well done,” said Autolycus then, And rose, His silver eyes agleam. He put his hand out. “Go and get her. Let nothing stand in your way!” Isaac nodded, Isaac smiled, Isaac shook the man’s pale hand. He never could have noticed That from then on he was tracked, For Arius’ methods Went unseen by nearly all. They smiled, and laughed, and shook their hands, And exited the pub. “Good night then,” Autolycus said, “And let the morning bring success.” “I hope so,” Isaac said, and nodded, Then the two men broke away. But they did not go off unseen-- For in the shadows, up above, High upon the stony spires Red hair billowed in the wind. Rafiel touched two long fingers Up against her head, her temple. <Basil,> she thought, and her thoughts Were sent out telepathically And Basil heard them, heard them in his mind, Though he was far away. <Basil, I’ve seen Arius again. He’s just left that same pub, And that same man was with him Once again, just like last night. I think that man should be observed. If we can follow where he goes I think in time he’ll cause Arius To expose himself.>
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