"You know my name, and have come hence from the Ivory Tower and yet..you profess not to 'know' who I am?" Resumed Cairon. "I do not know you". "I know your name. That is all. I know many names", the horse continued. Cairon could see that this conversation wouldn't go much further.."So..you give me news of our Empress. Is she well?"He asked. "She is not well", replied the other. By now Cairon was extremely impatient. "Then WHAT is YOUR mission?"Said Cairon as he tried to control his anger. "To find Cairon. A centaur with skin as ebony and hair like a zebra found in the World of humans", stated the other. "To take care of you! To guide and protect you". "ME!" Laughed the old centaur, Cairon. "Protect me! I need not protecting young mare. I am old and wisest of the wise. There is a World suffering and you are sent to protect me?" He said with great sadness at heart. " You are old and you yet have much to know". "You are but young. Is it not so? How can you profess to know more than I know?" "I am young in appearance, but my heart is of old" "I am old in appearance..and...my heart longs for rest",replied cairon closing his eyes. "You are wrong. You are but young at heart. Your hope however is faint, without this small amount you would not live" concluded the young mare, and cairon's eyes lit up. "You speak as an old mare. Who are you?" he asked. "I have many names. They are patience, charity, kndness, humbleness.." "These are not names!" Interrupted Cairon. Suddely the young mare's voice became quite angry. "These are the most important names of all!" he declared. "If you were to possess but one of these!" . Then he resumed his composure and added,"but alas these you must learn". "Have I not given my gift of healing to many? Have I not restored the health of the sick?" Declared Cairon. "You have, but charity lies within the heart. Your heart is hardened and proud", stated the other as if the words left a fowl flavour in his mouth. "I am none of these. My pride is justified. Not many possess my knowledge and discernment. The Empress has said so herself", answered Cairon. "Everyone has their own unique knowledge and particular discernment in given situations" "You mock me!" Expostulated Cairon. "I speak not to mock you nor belittle you nor puff myself up, but to make you wise. Did I not tell you my names?" Asked the young mare. "You did" Cairon added with uncertainty. "I am the opposite to lies, conceit and pride. I am..but your servant" Replied the young horse to Cairon's astonishment. "And yet..you speak as my Master", declared Cairon. "I only serve your hungry soul" Cairon reflected upon these words. "You have not come to give me this water-have you? But the water of eternal life" presumed Cairon. "Your eyes are open. Touch my mane and you shall be well", said the young horse with pure delight. Cairon reached for the other's mane. At once he was encradled in his mother's love, a love that told him he was beautiful and of value. That healed his sorrowful heart. Darkness fell. COPYRIGHT PINKCLOUD 2001 |