Cheap Gothic Soap Opera, Part 15

*Interlude*

Somewhere, in a small cottage, a man is sleeping. He lies with a childish grin, weak and pale, as though he has yet to experience life, but the fine wrinkles around his eyes betray that he is older than he appears. Suddenly, with a start, he sits up, wide awake. He looks at the blue sky outside, at the fall colors. "Dear Lord, Aggie!" he says, to the old crone sitting in the rocking chair by the fire, "How long have I been out?"

"About 18 years," she replies, nonchalantly, and returns to her needlework.

"Zounds!" he exclaims, "but that man is going to PAY for this!" He grabs his sword, leaps out of bed, and then collapses as he discovers just how atrophied his legs are.

(OP: Abe, October 30 2006)