============================================================== To reach ALL SJD members, please send to sjd@satjadham.net ... Do NOT include any other addresses when sending to the list... Include as LITTLE of the original messages as possible........ Message sent by: Douangdeuane Khamvongsa *** Announcement: *** Please send your member fee to Victor if you haven't done so. ============================================================== The Great God sat on the grass surrounded by forest creatures; he looked calmly at Konkoi and smiled. "How long is it now Konkoi that you have guarded my forest?" He asked Konkoi shook his head unable to even guess the number of years he had live in and protected the forest and its creatures. Again the God smiled as he held out his hand to Konkoi who rushed forward to abase himself before his master. " Well it's been quiet a while." The god said in his calm and quiet voice. "You have served me well as guardian of my forest and I am pleased with your efforts Konkoi. I will free you from the curse I imposed so long ago." Konkoi felt his body lengthen and become smooth, his feet turned the right way round and his face became the face of the beautiful immortal he had once been. Konkoi began to laugh and sing he rolled in the grass and slashed in the lake knowing now he was free of the curse and able to go anywhere he pleased. Thanking his god Konkoi launched himself into the air wanting to travel with the winds to the four corners of the earth but heard a strange sound over his own laughter. It was a sound Konkoi had never heard before and it was sad, so sad that it tore at Konkoi's heart. The beautiful immortal boy stopped his ascent looking down in search of the sadness that caused such a noise. High as he was he could see nothing but forest from one end of the land to the other and it was the forest making the sad noise. Konkoi realised that all the trees, all the animals and all the birds of the forest were crying and calling to him in sadness. Down he flew to the beautiful field where the Great God still sat among the animals of the forest as they grieved and cried out his name. Konkoi approached a grizzled Sun Bear and asked. " Why do you cry out my name in sadness old friend, why not rejoice in my freedom?' "Konkoi, all the animals of the forest, all the birds of the air, and all the trees who give us shelter grieve at the thought of loosing you as our protector. " Konkoi's heart was touched by this little speech. He turned to the trees and heard them use the wind in their branches to call his name and beg him to stay. Birds of every color flew about his head singing his name and begging him to remain with them. Lastly he saw the forest spirits standing in the shade of the mighty trees and asking him to stay with them in their forest home. Konkoi was vexed, the whole wide world waited for him beyond the forest yet he was no longer in a hurry to leave his prison of so many years. Never could he remember a time when he had been as happy as he had been while living here in The Great Gods forest. "How can this be my Lord?" He called to the god who lay upon the grass smiling at him. "How can I wish to remain in my prison now that I am free to leave." 'Konkoi." The Great God said. "Your prison has become your home. These creatures I commanded you to protect have become your friends. You are free to stay or go as you wish, it is your decision." "Go or stay, I can't decide. Please help me lord." To Be continue.....Shall he stay or shall he depart and live among the gods and goddesses? What would you do? _ ***************************************************************** Visit SatJaDham Homepage at: http://www.satjadham.org (or .net) *****************************************************************