His parents had been enjoying themselves having a run on a grassy plain when surprised by a party of men on horseback. Henry had bravely drawn them aw...y from Helena, but she had watched terrified as the men surrounded Henry and secured him to a rope. “What,s your name, Centaur? an older cruel looking man with a thick black beard asked his father who tried to look brave. “Charlie. Charlie Parks” Charlie replied. “Well Charlie till today I thought the stories of half men/half horses was idle talk. This was — had been — Birgit’s room! And I was going to be sleeping here. Alone. The room I would have shared with Birgit and made love every day for a year. I stifled a sob and quickly dabbed the tears that welled up. In my mind, I could see her lying there on the bed, waiting for me.“I’d like to shower and change, please, if you don’t mind.” I said, trying not to choke.“Certainly! The bathroom is there,” he said, pointing. “Take your time.”I grabbed the small bag with my soap and shampoo, as. It was Colonel Royal, and he was more than a bit upset. I happened to be in her office going over the plans for that night and heard her end of the conversation.“Colonel, we did not start the fuel leak. We did detect it as Tiger Team was leaving the mess area after warding the fresh food storage units and planting some booby-traps. Miranda cast a containment ward around the leaking tank, so the leaked fuel wouldn’t spread and contaminate the surrounding area, and so it didn’t present a fire. Shania quite pined away, and began to look pale and miserable. For forty days and nights of rain her husband foolishly blamed the weather, but finally Celine was so alarmed that she asked, "What ails you, dear wife?" Big Sue groaned loudly. Or possibly she burped. Then, as sarcastically as she could manage, she repeated with emphasis on the wrong syllables, "What ails you, dear wife? You gotta be kidding! Nobody, but nobody, speaks that way - not even in fairy tales. Can't you do better.