Castlewarming Chapters 681-690
by Hercules Forum Collective
Chapter 681
by Aquillea
Trees were rather sparse along the bank of the river, but the gently
curving path of the waterway obscured the view of what lay ahead.
Unfamiliar with the terrain, the night riders nonetheless pushed their
horses harder than was reasonable given the unevenness of the rock strewn
trail. The piercing shrieks that assaulted the quiet evening were clearly
being cried out by terrified children. That realization propelled the
heroic pair forward on the verge of recklessness.
Intermittently, pinpoints of light would appear between some branches, only
to disappear instantly, like winter fireflies. Iolaus had been right, it
seemed. Delios couldn't be too far off.
With both hands on the reins, Aquillea again began outpacing the blonde
hero who, less comfortable on horseback to begin with, was now riding one
handed. He had already reached back for his sword in preparation for the
danger that lay ahead. It disturbed him to see his love drawing away and
still unarmed. The Golden Hunter was about to call out to her when he got
his first glimpse of the likely problem out on the river itself. The Amazon
must have caught sight of it before him explaining why she hadn't gone for
her weapon. At least he hoped that was the reason.
A vague black arch spanned the dark but shimmering expanse of water, a
bridge, no doubt. Oddly, the unmistakable outline of tree limbs seemed to
jut out from the structure at unnatural angles, perhaps a third of the
distance from the shore. A fallen tree must have floated downstream, rammed
the structure and damaged it.
"No sand shark today," commented Iolaus as he replaced his sword and
concentrated on losing no more ground to his lady love.
By the time Iolaus reached the intersection of the trail with the main
road, Aquillea was already sprinting towards the bridge. His keen, hunter's
senses drew his attention immediately to the small, dark figure quickly
disappearing down the road to town. 'Damn,' he thought to himself with a
jerking nod and a scowl. It was clearly one of the frightened youngsters
and he had no choice but to check up on the child.
The Greek hero dismounted quickly, intending to shout a warning, 'Be
careful,' to his Amazon love but thought better of it. Somehow it sounded a
bit overprotective to him, so he settled for, "Watch yourself." He would
have said the same to Hercules.
Aquillea didn't like what she saw nor did it make any sense to her. A
hysterical, mere toddler of a girl was wandering a small platform, all that
remained of the section of bridge upon which she had been standing. A
massive tree had, indeed, impacted the span with enough force to tear a
huge chunk out of the upstream portion of the structure. The tree itself
was positioned primarily on the west side of the support pillar which had
proven to be the child's salvation. Curiously, however, the damage had
spread across the entire width of the crossing along both sides of the
stone column.
Large as it was, it was odd nonetheless that the tree could have wreaked so
much havoc. Although she couldn't be certain in the darkness, Aquillea
suspected the bridge was architecturally sound and well maintained.
Moreover, the river's current might be considered moderately strong at
best. These were hardly raging flood waters she was looking at.
'Come to think of it,' the puzzled Amazon thought to herself, 'how'd the
tree even get in the water in the first place?'
The other observations had been more vague impressions than thoughts,
really, as there was no time to analyze the situation. The bawling, baby
girl tottered this way and that, randomly and blindly, except for when she
would periodically step up to the edge to see if everything was fixed and
she could go home.
"Hey. . . Little girl!" Aquillea called out trying to get the child's
attention. She had to calm the tiny sparrow down. Everything would be all
right if she could simply get the girl to stand still until she could be
rescued. Unfortunately, the tot's lungs were strong and her full compliment
of tears far from spent. Only once did she seem to notice the unusually
dressed woman on the eastern portion of the ruined bridge.
"I want my mommy!. . . Maaaahmeeee!" she cried, then continued calling out
for help and her parents and just basically screaming to no one at all.
After another attempt to reach the girl vocally, Aquillea realized it was
just no use. The child was too young, surely no more than four. She was
completely consumed by the kind of panic that only a small, frightened
child feeling totally abandoned could realize. Words could not soothe the
little bird, only the safety of warm, reassuring arms would calm her.
Aquillea knew she had to get across to her without delay.
All that stood in the way was about twenty feet of nothing.
"OK, so it's a long 20 feet," the dark Amazon muttered to herself. It
wasn't a problem. She'd jumped that distance a dozen times and with much
less at stake.
Well, maybe it was only a handful of times. . . Certainly she'd done it
more than once.
Actually, making it over would be a piece of cake if Aquillea used her
warstaff to vault across the gap. The problem was, she'd have to run back
to Mischief for it and there just wasn't enough time. The toddler's wailing
had stopped for a moment, and the brunette's heart with it, as the support
column vibrated and the tree slid a few more inches down-river. Dislodged
stones from the destabilized pile could be heard dropping into the icy
waters below.
The tree and the shaking both came to an immediate halt prompting renewed,
more-terrified screaming from the young girl. There was no telling how long
it might be before pillar, platform and all came crashing down.
Somewhere just below conscious thought was the memory that Aquillea's baby
sister, Alexandra, had drown in a fall from a bridge. The elder sibling
hadn't been there to avert that tragedy although she was supposed to have
been Their mother had never recovered from that final, devastating loss and
sometimes the guilt-ridden young girl had wondered if their deaths had been
a punishment from the gods.
"Your mother's gonna tuck you into bed tonight, little one," the dark
Amazon declared resolutely. The she bent down and started her run.
Iolaus made it back to the intersection, alone, in time to spot Aquillea
begin her mad dash for the broken edge of the bridge. It was clear what she
intended and his eyes strayed to the horse beside him and the warstaff
still carefully tied in place.
"Quilla, wait!" he yelled reaching for the instrument, but it was already
too late.
Later that day, all the Amazons aware of the mission, assembled in Xena's
lean-to for a progress report.
"How do we stand with the potion?" Kendaa asked RainCloud.
" We gathered all but one herb and Alec is in the healing area sorting
through those now. Hopefully, it will be there and in the quantity we
need." said RainCloud. " I stayed behind to begin measuring and mixing the
ones we have, that way the potion will be ready for the final ingredient."
" I need to ask you, just how dangerous is this, potion? " Kendaa asked
cautiously. "What are the possibilities of side effects and what are they?"
"I won't lie to you and say it's perfectly safe, because it isn't. As with
anything that makes you sleep, there is the possibility the person won't
wake up." RainCloud explained. "However, this one is very strong and I have
only seen it used three times. Fortunately for us, Alec has used it
successfully on several people."
"What exactly happens to the person who takes it?" Calee asked, as she
joined them.
"The potion with no extra herbs, acts like a sedative, the way it puts a
person to sleep. However, with the added herbs interacting together, the
sleep is deepened until the one taking it appears to be dead." said
RainCloud. "Here is where it gets tricky. You have to give an exact amount
based on the persons height, weight and general build. If the dosage is off
even a tiny bit, it could cause permanent damage."
"What kind of damage ?" asked Calee and Kendaa together.
"I'd like to hear a little more about that myself.' Xena said, "Considering
I am one of those going under, so to speak"
RainCloud looked from one to the other. The time she had dreaded, finally
arrived. She had to tell them all the truth about this potion, but how. "If
only Alec would get back," she thought, "He would know exactly how to
explain all of this."
But he wasn't here and the question had been asked.. Now she knew it was up
to her. Taking a deep breath, she began the much dreaded explanation.
As Aquillea pushed off to make her leap, Iolaus yelled to her from behind.
His concerned voice mildly distracted the dark Amazon but did not break her
concentration completely.
It wasn't a problem.
To an average Greek, the landing that followed would have been cutting it a
little too close for comfort, but then an average Greek would never have
attempted the jump in the first place. The soles of Aquillea's leather
boots made firm contact with the wooden platform although her heels
extended out over the edge. With the cat-like balance of an Amazon, the
touch down seemed perfectly safe and comfortable. At least it would have,
had it not been accompanied by a crunching noise as the end of the already
damaged plank broke off beneath her feet.
But it wasn't a problem.
The Amazon resisted the temptation to reach out for the jaggedly splintered
wood in front of her, instead, twisting to her right to grab hold of the
cleanly sawed end of an exposed cross-board. Unfortunately, this plank too
had already been stressed to its limits. It split across the middle sending
Aquillea arcing downward as though she had grabbed hold of a giant
pendulum.
Still and all, it really wasn't a problem.
The curve of the descending Amazon's path brought her in close proximity to
the sturdy, middle branches of the tree. By the time one rather distressed
Golden Hunter skidded to a stop at the broken edge of the bridge, Aquillea
was standing on one limb, casually draping back over two others. Even in
the shadowy recesses beneath the structure, enough moonlight filtered
through for Iolaus to see the joyfully mischievous and self-satisfied grin
that lit her lovely face. He hadn't seen her smile like that in days.
Iolaus' own expression was uncharacteristically blank as, both relieved and
irritated, he tried to decide whether he should kiss his exasperating love,
strangle her, or pat her on the back with fraternal pride. All three
options held great appeal for the handsome hero, but alas, for the moment
he couldn't indulge in any of them.
"Lucky break," he chastised his dear Amazon teasingly. The gently swinging
wooden plank lent its support to the hunter's assessment by breaking free
of it's flimsy tether and plummeting to the dark water below.
"Humph!. . . Luck had nothing to do with it. . .," Aquillea bantered,
thoroughly enjoying herself. Iolaus couldn't help but be a little taken in
by her exhilaration although he recognized it for the delayed trauma
reaction that it was. He was going to be hard pressed to keep up with her
mood swings for a while.
The dark Amazon continued speaking without pause, "I'll have you know, that
was painstakingly choreographed for your viewing enjoyment."
"Enjoyment?. . . Well, I see some potential there, kid. But you really have
to work on your timing."
With agile grace, Aquillea began almost gleefully weaving her way upward
through the tree limbs, much like the squirrel her brother had nicknamed
her for. "And you have to remember. . ." she began only to pause as the
tree lazily shifted another few inches. Then it was onward and upward,
finishing her thought one branch at a time, " not to. . . interrupt. . . an
artist. . . at work!"
Up popped the head of the dark Amazon, her bobbed hair gently tousled, her
cheeks slightly flushed. She turned to look over at the now mute toddler
who stood staring at her, eyes wide with awe.
"You. . . you 'n Amazon?" the tike stuttered in wonderment.
Aquillea knelt down to examine the child then looked her in the eye
confessing, "Sometimes. . . I have to wonder about that myself." Then she
smiled again adding, "But this isn't one of those times." Rising to her
feet the brunette thumped her fist against her chest in a traditional
salute of honor and introduced herself.
"The Amazon, Aquillea, little princess. . . At your service."
Keeping things as simple as possible, RainCloud told them how the different
herbs would interact with each other.
While one alone would do practically nothing at all, when combined with
another, it became a very powerful sleep enhancer.
Others have a mild calming effect on the heart, however, when mixed with
the aforementioned herbs will create the appearance of death.
"These herbs, when combined properly will wear off after a few hours. Once
given, however, there is no antidote and the person can not be awakened."
RainCloud went on. "I can't stress this point enough. As to side effects,
what could happen if not properly mixed the person could suffer brain
damage, slurred speech, slight paralysis or any combination of the above."
"So what your saying is, if the dosage isn't 100% accurate, we could suffer
any or all of the side effects or worse, die." Xena said.
"Yes," answered RainCloud quietly, "I won't lie to you, it is very
dangerous indeed. But I have every faith in Alec. And I wouldn't let him do
anything if I thought it would harm Lyrical…..or you."
"You said before, that you had seen this process used but had never really
attempted it yourself." said Calee,"Were the ones you observed successful?"
RainCloud was hoping this question wouldn't come up, but knew in her heart
that it would.
"How do I explain what happened without causing a panic?" she thought to
herself. "Once they know what happened, I'll never convince them to go
along with the plan."
Panic started to rise, creeping up from the pit of her stomach. Swallowing
hard, she fought desperately to squelch it, hoping no one would notice her
inner struggle.
"Well, Calee," RainCloud began,"The procedures I observed were performed
under some highly adverse conditions, an…….."
"I've got it!" exclaimed Alec rushing inside and interrupting RainCloud. "
We even have more of the herb than we need. Did you get the others measured
out?"
"They've all been measured and placed in separate containers. I have just
finished labeling the bottles with the name of the herb and the amount
inside." said RainCloud, as relief flooded through her body.
"Actually, RainCloud was just about to tell us the details of her encounter
with the potion." said Calee, " Exactly what did you observe? "
It was obvious that Calee wanted answers and she wasn't going to give up.
"RainCloud has never used the potion herself, she merely assisted as it was
given to the patients." said Alec, "I, on the other hand, have had the
experience from start to finish."
"How many times and what was the success rate?" asked Kendaa.
"Around eight to eleven times," replied Alec, "All but one person made it
through just fine."
"Did that one person….?" Calee started to ask..
"Die? No, nothing like that." said Alec. " It just took a little longer for
him to wake up and there was some memory loss. Of course he was over
seventy."
Alec then told the Amazons and Xena every aspect of the procedure from
beginning to end. After the patients are weighed and measured,the
information was charted. Next, their build is determined and this was added
to determine how much potion to give the individual. Then the exact amount
of herbs are measured not once, but twice.
As a precaution, the bottles are checked again by a third person, to make
triple sure it is correct. Once that is done they are carefully mixed then
allowed to settle. This takes about four days.
When the different herbs begin to blend, the color changes to a very vivid
shade of blue. After the second or third day, the color will start to
lighten until only a tinge of blue color remains.
"Once this happens, the potion is ready to have the finale and most
important ingredient added.” said Alec. "*Pure* water.”
"Water!?” asked Xena, "Are you telling me that water can make that much of
a difference?”
"Xena, he said Pure water. Not the kind found in just any old stream or
water skin.” stated RainCloud. "It must come from a mountain stream and
never touch the ground. The only thing that can keep it pure is a glass or
crystal bottle that's been heated till it almost melts.”
"Just where do you expect to find this Pure water?” asked Stripe
skeptically, "In case you've forgotten, almost every steam, and any other
source of water around here, were tainted by Strife.”
"Oh, Alec doesn't intend to get the water at all” stated a familiar voice,
"I do!”
"Oh, Alec doesn't intend to get the water at all" stated a familiar voice,
"I do!"
Everyone's eyes opened wide as they looked from one to the other. No one
dared to speak.
"Like, what is the problem here?" asked Aphrodite, "Daddy just came down to
deliver the water. Duh! He wanted to do his bit."
"We are honored Great Zeus, to have your assistance." said Alec with deep
respect.
"Hey, Healer Honey, where Lyri is concerned, nothing is to much trouble."
stated Aphrodite, "Is it Daddy?"
"In this my daughter is correct. I seldom get involved with mortals and
their problems, however, in this instance, one of our own has caused
considerable damage and this needs to be rectified."
Zeus then produced two medium size bottles containing Pure water which he
handed them to Aphrodite.
"I trust this will be sufficient for your needs. Should you require more,
simply ask Aphrodite and she will contact me." Zeus said. Then he looked
straight at the two Healers. "On another note, you are about to put the
life of someone I care very deeply for, on the line, so to speak. Let me
assure you that if anything, and I do mean anything, should happen to her,
I will hold the two of you completely responsible."
He smiled at Aphrodite, and in a burst of light was gone.
"Do you both still want to go through with this?" asked Kendaa, "I won't
blame either of you should you want to change your mind. We can always try
a different plan."
RainCloud looked at Alec and smiled. The two of them looked steadily into
each others eyes in silent communication. Volumes were spoken during just a
few moments as the healers made their decision.
"I have every confidence in Alec and his abilities." said RainCloud. "While
we both admit this procedure is dangerous, we would never risk Lyrical or
Xena's life."
"I would never have suggested this method if I thought there were any other
way of accomplishing what needs to be accomplished." Alec added."Also, both
RainCloud and I are in the business of making people better, not hurting
them. This will work if done properly and believe me, we intend to do it
right."
"Fine, then it's settled. We proceed as planned." said Kendaa.
"Excuse me for putting a damper on this, but has anyone talked to
Hercules?" asked Stripe. "After all, he could nix it when he finds out what
could happen to Lyrical. I doubt he is going to risk loosing her again."
"Don't worry yourself about Herc, sweetie. I'll handle the Big Guy."
Aphrodite said confidently. "I'm going to explain it to both of them at the
same time so there will be no misunderstanding. Besides, once Lyrical,
like, makes up her mind, Duh, Herky will like just have to go along."
Everyone smiled at this. They all knew when Lyrical and Aphrodite put their
heads together nothing but nothing could slow them down, let alone stop
them.
"Well, I am off to like find Ares and give him an update. Anything you want
me to pass along, Kendaa?" asked Dite, slyly.
Kendaa blushed, and shook her head. Aphrodite left then leaving behind the ever popular rose petals.
Emitting a squeal of delight Aphrodite looked around the small cabin that
she had just created. Oh it didn't have the quite the elegance of one of
her temples, but that is not what Lyrical wanted. Wandering around the room
she straightened the pillows on the oversized lounging chair. The chair sat
facing a large fireplace with a lion skin rug on the floor separating the
two. A ceramic bowl filled with rose petals rested on a table across the
room, perfect for a romantic meal. The door just beyond the table led to a
room for food preparation.
Aphrodite's eyes lit up as she thought of the room that required her final
inspection. This was by far the best of the three. Entering the room her
gaze rested on the large bed with a canopy of pink satin fabric. A caldron
of water sat heating in the fireplace, ready to fill the marble tub created
identically to the one in her temple. Candles were scattered through out
the room creating a breathtaking picture.
There appeared to be one remaining detail to take care of thought
Aphrodite. It was time to bring the guests of honor to this little party.
Leaving in her usual fashion she reappeared at her temple as Lyrical stared
into the mirror.
"You look absolutely beautiful Lyrical, that brother of mine isn't going to
be able to resist you."
Lyrical turned to look at Aphrodite, "I think I'm ready."
"Well then what are we waiting for." giggled Aphrodite as she whisked her
away.
Arriving outside the cabin, Lyrical looked on in amazement. "This is
perfect!" exclaimed Lyrical giving Aphrodite a quick hug. "I can't wait to
see the inside."
"Well you just go right in and give yourself a tour while I get Herc."
Picking up the skirt of her gown Lyrical rushed up the steps and entered
the cabin. Candle light flickered giving the room a soft glow. Heat from
the fireplace was welcome as the brief time outside had chilled her skin.
Finding two goblets, Lyrical filled them with wine from a pitcher on the
table. Walking over to the fireplace, she placed one goblet on the mantle
and sipped slowly from the other.
"Well here you go Bro, don't do anything I wouldn't do." laughed Aphrodite
as she and Hercules arrived outside of the cabin.
"Aphrodite," Hercules turned to speak with his sister only to find the
space next to him empty. "I hate it when she does that!" he grumbled.
Shaking his head Hercules began walking up the path to the cabin steps.
Lost in thought Lyrical didn't hear Hercules as he entered the cabin. He
stood for a moment absorbing her beauty. Walking silently across the room
he stopped just behind her. Reaching out he circled his arms around to her
waist gently drawing her close. Lyrical let out a gasp which turned into a
sigh as she realized Hercules had arrived. Leaning back against his chest
created a fluttering sensation in her stomach that she was sure that
Hercules could feel as his hands slowly journeyed over her abdomen. His
warm breath tickled her ear as he began to ply her neck with soft kisses.
A need to start her own exploration Lyrical reached out with a shaky hand
and set her glass on the mantle. She could feel the muscles on Hercules
arms tensing as she began to run her hands upward. Reaching a spot on her
neck Hercules could feel Lyrical's erratic heart rate causing a similar
effect on his own. A hunger unlike anything she had ever known filled
Lyrical, turning she sought out Hercules lips with her own. Emotions of the
last few days seemed to add fuel to the fire creating an explosively
sensual situation.
Hercules crushed Lyrical to his body as his hands roamed her back. Lyrical
filled with the same emotion reached up with her left hand her fingers
tangling in his hair, while her right hand made a slow exploration across
the expanse of his chest. Reluctantly pulling his lips away Hercules looked
deeply into Lyrical's eyes communicating his need for her. Taking his hand
Lyrical began walking backwards to the bedroom as she reciprocated that
same need.
Neither paid any attention to the flickering light of the candles as they
made their way over to the bed. The fire that continued to consume them
blazed stronger than the one in the fireplace. Picking Lyrical up and
placing her on the bed they began a journey that held promises of a night
full of passion.
Aphrodite's first stop was the cabin she had created for Lyrical and
Hercules. Silently she whisked through the cabin, as only a god can do.
Smiling, she was satisfied all was going well there.
Mt. Olympus was her next stop, for an update and to see if Strife had been
persuaded to part with any additional information.
Then her final destination before heading back to the base camp, Hephestus'
Forge.
The burst of light from which she appeared, paled when compared to the
radiant smile she gave to Hephestus.
"Hi Heffy!" said Aphrodite, sweetly.
"Dite!" he replied as he swept her into his arms placing a long awaited for
kiss on her perfect lips. The soft kiss deepened and feelings of longing
started to surface in both of them.
"Oh Paleeze!!!" said Ares. "No way are you two going to start something
that will take weeks to end. We don't have time for this!"
"Lighten up bro!" said Aphrodite, "It was just like a little hello, hi, how
are ya kiss. Sheesh, do you need a life or what!"
"Whether we discuss my so called life , ever, is highly unlikely!" Ares
stated, "Now, do the two of think you can cool off long enough for us to
get something accomplished here?"
"Ares, I have everything you asked for." Hephestus said. "And…a little
surprise."
This statement certainly peaked Ares' interest. Hephestus led the GOW over
to a long table where the items Ares had asked for were placed. Also on the
table was a scarlet cover made out of what appeared to be silk.
Ares watched as Hephestus slowly lifted the silk cover. Underneath was a
breath taking, finely crafted sword. The detailed intricate pattern on the
blade were like none Ares had ever seen. Truly a unique work of art.
"What do you think? " asked Hephestus. "I fashioned every inch of it after
a sword you once described to Kendaa. Aphrodite was near you both at the
time and she in turn, described it to me."
It was then that Ares realized he had been holding his breath. The sword
that Hephestus held was an exact duplicate of the one he dreamed of. It was
amazing.
Ares reached out and took possession the sword. The balance and weight were
perfection itself, and the handle fit him like a glove. This was indeed the
sword of his dreams.
"Hephestus, you have created perfection." said Ares, " You have out done
yourself. And Sis, you are, how do you say it, Ah yes, "so into details".
This is exactly as I described it."
"Well, Bro, don't you think we ought to get busy and start this mission,"
Aphrodite teased, " Like, time is wasting here."
Ares gave her THE LOOK and if Heffie hadn't been there…no telling what
would have happened.
Aphrodite just giggled and started to pack the items Hephestus made for
Ares in a leather pouch while Ares tested his new sword.
"I'm not a pwincess. I'm Taia!" giggled the diminutive ragamuffin.
No sooner had the laughter subsided then the stone column shook again
starting the toddler wailing and causing the adults' hearts to skip a beat.
Fortunately, the vibration ceased almost as soon as it had begun and Iolaus
set about finding something to span the gap in the bridge while Aquillea
worked on calming the child.
"Taia?" the dark Amazon inquired. Then she dropped to her knees and grabbed
the small girl by the shoulders. "Not Taia of Delios?!" she exclaimed
pretending that the name held some meaning for her.
The youngster's tears ceased with a big sniff as she stared at the stranger
with a confused squint. She nodded several times before finding her voice
again. "Uh huh."
"The one and only Taia of Delios?!"
A tiny mittened hand swiped away the last teardrops then the tyke answered,
"I. . . I tink so."
"Well then. . ," Aquillea began only to be interrupted by Iolaus.
"Quilla." The Golden Hunter stood at the edge of the rift holding a long
plank he had pried up. "The best way to get this across, I think, is to
just let it fall like a cut tree. You'll have to catch your end when it
comes down."
Aquillea's eyes dropped to the gap for an instant, then took in the board
and returned to Iolaus. Keeping her skepticism to herself , she walked over
to the edge of the platform and signaled she was ready. The blonde hero
balanced the piece of wood vertically for a moment so that he could get a
firm grip on his end, then he let the plank fall. It arced downward and,
after falling about 8 inches short of its mark, continued on its way until
it disappeared into the river below.
The couple stared down into the dark expanse and then, simultaneously,
their eyes met. With her head tilted in disappointed amusement Aquillea
quipped, "You know all those times I tried to reassure you that size. . .
doesn't. . . matter. . . I was wrong."
"Hey," the handsome hunter shot back with a smirk. "After having watched
you in action before. . . I figured you needed a practice run."
Before Aquillea could respond the toddler behind her gasped. The brunette
spun around but could find nothing amiss. As Iolaus began searching for
another, longer plank, Taia whispered to the Amazon, "You. . . you gunna
kiwl 'im?" She knew it was a bad, bad thing for a man to talk mean to an
Amazon.
"Why?" asked the woman warrior in a goofy and secretive voice. "Do you
think I should?"
While prying up another plank, Iolaus called over his shoulder, "I heard
that."
