The Greylands: Volume VIII

By Susan Skylark

A land of shadows, of mystery, of obfuscated Truth. Welcome to the Greylands, that strange world, within the bounds of Time, peopled by mortal men. We cannot see truly, only as through a glass, darkly. There are things that move and have their being completely beyond our ability to perceive them. There are things beyond our mortal ability to comprehend. There are hints and glimmers hidden within the body of revealed Truth, but there is much we do not know, cannot yet understand, and could never dare dream. These stories are mere fancy, with a seed of Truth at their core. They play with the ideas of mortality and Eternity, Time and things beyond it, and of course the epic battle of Good against Evil. Each stands alone, and though there are common themes, threads, names, and concepts, each story is an entity unto itself and should not be seen as occurring in the same world or mistaken for installments of a series. These are random musings, not Gospel Truth, and should not be taken as such. Joy, hope, and encouragement are hopefully a byproduct, but certainly not sound Theology. If you would know more of the true world beyond these Greylands, one must be a careful student of the Scriptures, not of silly stories such as these.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Jun 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463213957

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

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The Greylands: Volume VIII

Susan Skylark

Copyright 2019 Susan Skylark

Smashwords Edition

Author’s note: each story is unique to itself and not related in any way to any other story, character, or world in this or any other series.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an authorized retailor and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents:

The Shining Vale

The Dark ere the Dawn

Lightwalker

Other Books by this Author

Sample Chapters

The Shining Vale

He stood upon a rocky precipice, perched upon the very roof of the world with all its Kingdoms spread out before him like a great patchwork quilt. The stars were bright overhead, the thin atmosphere at that great height doing little to diminish their radiant beauty, high and cold, untouched by the troubles of the world below. Behind him lay the Shining Vale, his home, as bright and untroubled as the stars in their courses. He could go back, meander once more among the great and ancient trees veiled in river mist. He turned his great head back to look again upon the troublous Kingdoms of Men and knew what he must do. The stars watched indifferently as a flash of silver ghosted down the mountainside like a trickle of water in the moonlight anxiously seeking the distant sea.

At the foot of the mountains, he gazed longingly up at the now distant stars that seemed but fickle specks of light in an endless void of blackness; with a shudder, he knew if he were not successful, even those pitiful flecks of light would utterly be swallowed by Shadow and all the world with them. He then gazed upon his own diminished form, knowing mortal eye could not look upon his unveiled glory without going blind. His beauty had dimmed as much as the stars, but it was necessary if he was to survive in this strange and broken world. He did not look back at the mountains, nor the Vale that lay beyond, but rather he looked in the direction his heart was inexorably drawn and turned his steps thither. With the speed of a darting bird, rather than that of any earthbound creature, he galloped off into the gloom of a mortal night.

Brin stood upon the crest of the hill and studied the vale that spread out before him, contentment and pride welling up unbidden in his heart, for all of this would one day be his as it had been his father’s and grandfather’s for seven generations back, neither would he be an idle lord who sat in comfort while others tilled the ground and tended the stock, but rather he would be as active and productive as any of the servants in his father’s service, even as he was today. He grinned sheepishly at nothing, for he was certainly alone upon the hilltop, only then remembering the task that had brought him to this place. He turned his horse and continued down the hill and upon his way, his reverie soon forgotten as duty bade him onward.

The unicorn stepped out of the trees as the boy vanished into the distance, glancing uneasily up at a magpie perched in the lower branches, said he, this then is Your hero?

If he will agree to it, said the bird.

The unicorn shook his head in dismay, but he seems far too prosperous and content therein to take up such a foolish quest!

True, said the magpie, cocking His head, though if he refuses My call, his rather idyllic life will not long last and all he once cherished will be laid waste.

The unicorn snorted, and if he agrees?

Child, said the pert little fowl, only I am allowed to know the future and all its possibilities and potentials.

The wondrous creature bowed his head in contrition, then let us hope he chooses wisely that I may see what comes of it.

Let us hope he chooses thusly, not only for his sake but for the sake of all mankind, said the bird quietly.

As the evening stars began peeping out of the quickly darkening sky, Brin sat beside his fire and stared sleepily into the dancing flames, perhaps watching his brilliant future unfold in the stupefying flicker of the flames. A sudden movement brought him wide awake and back to the present moment, wondering what or who was so bold as to enter the light of his fire. His jaw fell open in astonishment as he looked full upon a creature out of legend; he blinked desperately, trying to clear the mystifying vision from his eyes, but it would not be banished, but rather stood there as real as a cow in the meadow, placidly gazing at him, as if expecting some word of greeting.

The boy was on his feet as soon as he regained some semblance of control over his sensibilities, though still thoroughly befuddled, he would not have so wondrous a creature accusing him of rudeness. He offered the unicorn an awkward bow and said in a strained voice, welcome to my humble encampment, how might I be of service?

The creature tossed his head and snorted a laugh, that is much better lad, one cannot go gaping like a yokel at every strange sight that crosses your path, for certainly you shall yet see far more peculiar and wondrous sights than me. As to your service, that is yet to be seen. As to my presence, I have come to deliver a message: you are hereby summoned to the Shining Vale.

S...s...summoned? gaped the boy, The Shining Vale!

Yes, said the unicorn in amusement, mere fancy and legend though you mortals think it, from thence am I come. As to the reason, that you will have to discover when you get there.

But how? gasped the boy, No mortal man can climb the Impossible Mountains, let alone gaze upon the lands beyond, or so say the stories.

Yes, said the creature with a shrug, but you have been summoned nonetheless and must find a way, that is if you intend to answer the summons?

The boy sat heavily upon the turf, his head in his hands, what am I to do?

The unicorn yawned, stomped a foot, and said, answer yea or nay.

The boy looked at the creature in astonishment, I dare not defy such a summons yet can I leave everything behind?

That is the pivotal question, lad, said the unicorn quietly, and only you can answer it. You must forsake everything you once knew, perhaps even life itself, if you are intent on this quest, else you can go home and pretend it was all a dream.

The boy stared at the creature as if he were mad, have you any idea how impossible it would be for me to do the latter? He stared morosely into the fire, yet how difficult it is for me to accomplish the former?

The unicorn turned back towards the woods, you have your answer then. It is better to attempt the difficult rather than the impossible.

You are going? said the boy in consternation.

Certainly, said the unicorn, I have delivered my message, all that remains is for you to act upon it, if you will.

The boy frowned, when must I go?

The unicorn eyed him significantly, when do you think?

The boy nodded sadly, immediately, at least as soon as I am able. First thing tomorrow I must ride towards the mountains with nary a word of farewell or explanation for my folk.

Then fare you well upon the road that lies before you, lad, said the unicorn with a slight smile, and remember that He who has summoned you has not done so in vain neither do you tread this path alone.

I suppose, said the boy quietly, though I cannot say it makes any sense to me at the moment.

Nor I, said the unicorn with a flick of his tail, but He need not explain Himself to the likes of us. He vanished into the surrounding shadows as suddenly as he had come, leaving the boy utterly alone with his thoughts. He did not sleep that night for the strange and wondrous thoughts coursing through his mind. As soon as the sun was up, he was in the saddle and pressing towards the mountains. The unicorn stood amongst the bushes and watched him go, turning again to the magpie, he whispered, so it is begun.

Yes, said the little bird with a smile, your tale as well as his. My Enemy will not be pleased when he discovers he is not unopposed in his bid to conquer the world.

The unicorn shuddered at mention of that name, said he in trepidation, what have I agreed to?

The bird chirruped amusedly, a great adventure indeed, child. Now go ward the boy’s steps, though he must not know he has acquired a shadow.

Brin’s heart was uneasy upon his quest, though he had agreed to it, he still felt himself an undutiful son in not completing the mission his father had lately assigned him, namely picking up a satchel full of mysterious correspondence from one of the outlying farms. So it was that night when he stopped at an inn on the very border of his father’s lands, his heart rejoiced to see a lad with whom he was very slightly acquainted, hoping perhaps he could carry the letters to his Lordship. The boy seemed rather astonished to see Brin in such a place, but quickly schooled his features to friendly neutrality and asked after Brin’s adventures.

Said Tippin in reply, I had thought to go adventuring myself, but this seems a needful task so perhaps my adventures can wait a few days. Are you really going to try climbing the Impossible Mountains?

Brin said with a heavy sigh, I will try, but if the stories are to be believed, I will not likely succeed.

Tippin frowned, you really believe all that nonsense? The old stories our grandmothers tell before a winter fire?

Brin eyed the boy askance, did I not just say I was sent on this venture by a unicorn and I’m attempting to find a place that most men think a myth?

Tippin raised his hands defensively, whatever you say milord, but how was I to know you weren’t trying to make a fool of me?

Brin said coldly, think me a fool if you will, but I must be on my way come dawn. See that these letters reach my father and he will see that you are well compensated. He handed over the satchel, the boy snatched it, bobbed an awkward bow, and dashed from the inn before Brin could change his mind. Frowning after the scamp, Brin shook his head and wondered if he had made a mistake, but there was nothing to be done now but to see to acquiring provisions for his journey and then getting a good night’s sleep in the last inn he was likely to see for some time.

Tippin hid himself in the stables, and by the light of a stolen candle, spent the night perusing his Lordship’s mail, what he read both horrified and thrilled him. Come morning, bleary eyed but eager, he found Brin as the boy was mounting his horse, demanding more than asking, might I accompany you?

Brin frowned, have you not a mission of the utmost importance?

Tippin wore as genuinely fake a smile as he could muster, I found a lad bound thitherward sir, and he happily agreed to deliver his Lordship’s satchel.

Brin’s frown deepened, but he knew the fellow would follow even if he bade him stay, with a sigh, he said, very well, but do not tarry long, for time presses! With a bob of his head, Tippin vanished around the corner of the inn and emerged very soon thereafter with a moth-eaten roan. Brin shook his head in dismay but wasted no words as he dug in his heels and took to the road, hoping the bedraggled horse of his companion would soon fall by the wayside, unable to keep apace of his well-bred horse, but alas, the beast though homely, was quite a sturdy and resilient animal thus was Tippin now a permanent member of the party.

This is insane, said Tippin as their horses jogged along.

Brin frowned at him, then why are you coming along?

Tippin grinned eagerly, it is still an adventure, perhaps my only chance at one. And I do not think you have told me what you are really about.

Brin gave him a quizzical look but a curious smile curved one side of his mouth, what then do you think I am up to?

You’re a spy, said Tippin triumphantly, or at least a scout.

Brin frowned, what on earth are you talking about?

Tippin laughed heartily, you play a wonderful innocent, milord, but you cannot hide the truth from me! Unicorns and the Shining Vale indeed! It is all a cover story to hide your true errand: scouting for your father. Strange creatures have been sighted in the wide world and he would know more of it but can trust none but his own son to carry it out. Tell me all you know of these lizard men.

Brin was truly confused, lizard men? What, pray tell, is a lizard man? And you think me mad for believing in unicorns!

Tippin was rather aghast, you truly do not know? Those letters you carried!

You read them! said Brin aghast, I was merely their carrier and knew nothing of their contents.

Tippin smiled like the rogue he was, I could not help it milord, it reeked of danger, which is a requisite part of any adventure.

Sighed the young lord, did you really find someone to carry them to my father? The boy’s impish grin was answer enough yet he knew he could not turn around and see them safely delivered, for he felt himself drawn inexorably to those fabulous mountains.

So you’re not really a spy and thought you did see a unicorn? asked Tippin in dismay.

Brin met his gaze and said tiredly, I have spoken only the truth, whatever you decide to make of my tales. You can go chasing lizardmen for all of me if you think mine is a fool’s errand; I did not ask you to come.

Tippin shrugged, these lizardmen have been seen lurking along the edges of civilized lands and as that is where we are headed, our journey shall be one and the same. Brin sighed heavily but made no further reply, leaving Tippin to plot, scheme, and dream as he would and wondering what his own future held.

They rode on for several weeks without incident, seeing nothing of lizardmen or any other creature out of legend or rumor, but ever did the mountains grow on the distant horizon until they stood at their very base. They could do nothing but stare up and up and up, for there would be no climbing such an edifice. It was as if some ancient god had taken a dagger of cold stone and driven it into the very heart of the world, for the rocky wall rose nearly perpendicularly with no cleft or crack in which to gain a foothold. These were no natural mountains, but a very fence of stone, raised to keep men out of the Shining Vale. Brin’s heart fell, the stories were true! But how was he to answer this summons?

He had grown no fonder of Tippin during the course of their journey, for he had but one interest and that was himself. Ever did he try to discover whatever it was Brin was truly up to or speculate upon what and who these so-called lizardmen were and how the creatures might avail them, either as monsters that a hero might vanquish or as powerful allies who could do much to advance the cause of so bold a peasant lad. Brin simply let him talk and kept his uneasy thoughts to himself.

Said Tippin with a mocking grin, well milord? Whither lies your Shining Vale?

Brin’s eyes widened as he took in the creatures standing behind his smug companion, there was no sign of the Vale but at last he knew what a Lizardman was. Tippin saw Brin’s surprise and turned to stare at whatever it was that had so discomfited his companion and smiled eagerly, despite his terror. The creatures fell upon the boys in the very next moment and easily trussed them like a pair of market hens, carrying them triumphantly back to their camp. Brin was terrified, but studied their captors with interest, wondering what interest they had in mortal men, from whence they had come and whither they were going. Some almost appeared human while others were far more reptilian in form and feature; he wondered what the difference was.

At last they were flung at the feet of a huge reptilian monstrosity that lounged upon a crudely made throne of stones and branches. The creature eyed them hungrily and asked of his minions, spies? Prey?

One of the underlings hissed, we do not know, my Lord. We found them at the foot of the Cursed Mountains and brought them hither, that you might determine what was best to be done with them.

Ah, hissed the repulsive captain of the lizard host, then speak you wretched children, who are you and what is to come of you?

Brin frowned deeply but held his tongue, but Tippin was not so inclined, I am but the son of the meanest of peasants, milord while this is the very son and heir of a great lord. His father is aware of your presence, has had your people spied upon, but I managed to intercept the vile correspondence and offer it to you freely as proof of my good will.

The great monster hissed, you are a bold one, child of men, would you like to become something more?

Tippin shivered in dread and eagerness, if it would please your lordship.

Yes, hissed the captain, and what of you, traitor’s son?

Brin said stonily, I want nothing to do with you, you loathsome reptile.

The gathered creatures snarled and hissed in displeasure in their own vile tongue, grated the greatest at Tippin, is he of any use whatsoever?

Tippin smiled grimly, he knows nothing that would be of use to you, milord, and I doubt his father would bargain for his life.

The monster laughed coldly, we do not bargain: we destroy utterly. If he is of no use or interest, then there is but one thing to be done. His awful smile deepened, and you will be the one to do it, as part of your initiation into our ranks.

Tippin shuddered but said faintly, so be it, milord. The laughter of those gathered about was terrible to hear, but they loosed the boy and handed him a dagger.

Take him to the cook, said the lizard captain. Tippin shuddered again but quickly scampered after the lizardman that had taken up the wide-eyed Brin and bore him bodily away. The creature cast Brin on the ground next to a half skinned deer; Tippin stood anxiously over him, dagger clutched in his sweating hands. He took a deep breath, as if to steel himself, and then struck, while the lizards about him laughed scornfully at his hesitancy and anxiety.

The mire burbled and squelched as something stirred in its depths, at last a bedraggled creature crept out of its midst. The wretched thing tried to stand on two legs, but the best it could manage was a hunched crouch, before collapsing miserably upon the muddy bank where it wept disconsolately. In the distance, the voice of a mighty water sang a song of utter joy while a shining grove stood silent vigil upon its banks. Brin felt his soul drawn to that splendid vale, but he had not the strength to stand, let alone to approach the distant wood and river, nor would he dare appear amidst its shade in such a terrible guise. His entire being seemed made of nothing but mud and clay and sodden ash; he made the lizardmen appear comely by comparison. He fell again into wracking sobs of despair and knew nothing more for what seemed a very long time.

He shuddered, for he felt a Presence and it was terrible. He slid back into the mire, hoping to lose himself again among the mud and the muck, but he knew those Eyes could find him, wherever he tried to hide himself. Trembling in absolute terror, he looked upon a unicorn, but not just a unicorn, rather the Unicorn, a creature so great and terrible, He made his mortal image appear a child’s pony by comparison. Brin felt those awful eyes upon himself and knew they knew everything about him, but rather than scorn and revulsion, he felt pity and such sorrow that he felt the very heart of the world must burst asunder, which only worsened his own grief. Then the wondrous Being did the unthinkable and took a step into that awful bog. A drop of silver blood fell from a wound in the Unicorn’s side, the moment it touched that unspeakable mire, everything was made new.

Come child, said the Unicorn, as the creature of filth became something else altogether and rather splashed out of a crystal clear pool with varicolored rocks lining its bed rather than slogging through stinking mud and ooze.

Brin trembled, but whether in joy or terror, perhaps both, he could not tell, but he dared not disobey that wondrous Voice. He hastened after the retreating form as He vanished into the Shining Vale, finding no difficulty in following the path. They stood upon the bank of the River; great, shining trees towered overhead, alight from within. Said He, quietly, will you cross the River?

Brin frowned, what kind of a question was that? Of course he’d cross the River, it called to him with a song he could hardly resist, yet some part of him did resist. He met that fathomless gaze as he went to one knee and whispered, what would you have of me, Lord?

You’re not so homely after you’ve had a proper bath, came an amused and vaguely familiar voice.

Brin turned suddenly and saw another unicorn, this one far less terrifying and wondrous than the True Unicorn, though he was a far more fearsome and glorious sight than he had been in the mortal world. Said the boy faintly in awe, I have come. His smile became rueful, and now I must go.

Then what are we idly standing about for? said the unicorn eagerly, We have our Master’s business to be about.

They stood on the edge of the Vale, the Impossible Mountains rising sharply before them, said Brin faintly, glancing up and up and up, and how do you propose I do that?

The unicorn snorted, quit thinking like a mortal man.

Brin frowned, how else should I think? Is that not what I am? For the first time since emerging from the crystal pool, he studied himself and gaped at the changes wrought in his person. So mystified by his Master and all that had happened was he, that he had not even thought about his personal appearance thereafter. He smiled faintly in wonder, not bad looking indeed! What am I?

The unicorn chuckled, a man, what else would you be?

But? said the boy, holding up a glowing hand in wonder.

The unicorn shook his head in amusement, you mortals are such shortsighted creatures. You have immortal souls, if bound by mortal flesh. It is your choice whether you become something eternally hideous or the creatures our Master intends for you to be. You are a man as he was intended to be, no longer the fallen and broken creature you once were. You have heeded our Master’s call and thus have fulfilled your potential, whereas, had you chosen against Him, well, we shall not speak of such awful things in the shadow of the Vale. Come, we have a mountain to climb. The creature turned broadside to Brin, as if expecting him to mount. Brin stared at the unicorn in astonishment, prompting the creature to snort in impatience, come lad, we have a world to save and you cannot do it afoot!

As one in a dream, the boy climbed aback the glorious creature and suddenly they were flying up the mountainside as easily as stones might plummet from its peak. They stood for a time upon the summit and studied all the world about them. Brin stared wistfully into the valley behind them, it pains me to leave it behind!

Certainly, said the unicorn quietly, you have come Home at last. He turned his gaze to the mortal world, but our duty lies thither.

Brin shivered, it was the only home I have ever known, but now I shudder to go back. It seems a very fog of fear and death covers it over.

And so it does, said the unicorn sadly, such was the price of your forefathers’ rebellion against the Master and so shall it linger until the End of Days, when all shall be made new.

Brin smiled eagerly, just like me!

Yes, said the creature gravely, save some will fall forever into utter night for rejecting our Master, including the Fiend and his minions, but for now the Villain wages war against our Master and the mortal world, he is intent on covering all these lands forever under his veiling shadow.

Brin said stonily, an eventuality we will do all within our power to prevent. He grinned sheepishly, how ever do I know that?

The unicorn chuckled, ah lad, you will see stranger things yet, did I not tell you so upon our first meeting? With a shriek of utter joy, Brin felt himself plummeting down the far side of the mountains faster than thought.

When the world quit spinning, they stood in the stableyard of an inn in the wan grey light of predawn, apparently unseen by any of the few abroad at that early hour. How are your thieving skills, lad? asked Erian.

Brin gave him an eager grin, it is not theft to retrieve something of your own.

He slid from the great back and crossed the stableyard, not bothering to hide himself, for he knew himself invisible to mortal eyes, at least for the moment. He saw Tippin run out of the stables and vanish around the corner of the inn; the moment the boy was gone, Brin entered the stable and found the place where the boy had secreted himself for the night. He shook his head grimly at such a breach of faith, as he gathered up his father’s letters and placed an equal bulk of straw into the satchel in their stead. Grinning like a naughty child, he took the letters and withdrew from the stable even as Tippin dashed back in. He climbed aback the unicorn, his eager smile answer enough. The creature shifted slightly and the world about them spun. Brin felt suddenly lightheaded and fell from Erian’s back, the opened letters still clutched in his hands.

He awoke in his own bed, he sat up suddenly in agitation but then slumped back in dismay; had it all been a dream? A glorious, horrid dream? Easy lad, came his father’s gentle voice. Brin glanced about anxiously and saw the beloved man sitting in a chair beside the bed, lines of worry creasing his brow but relief bright in his eyes. We found you collapsed in the courtyard this morning and have not been able to waken you.

Brin glanced at the golden light of a late afternoon slanting through the open window then grimaced as he remembered the open letters he had been holding. His father seemed to read his mind and soothed, whatever happened, I am not angry, only happy to have you home, safe and sound.

The boy said contritely, I did not read them, father, rather a scamp of a young man got ahold of them and opened them all, but I managed to get them back.

The man nodded, despite his assuring words his gaze and countenance softened as he said, I did not think you did, but it is good to know what really happened. He looked sadly at his hands in his lap and then met his son’s curious eyes, and I believe the time has come to reveal the reason for such mysterious correspondence, that is if you feel up to it? Perhaps I should have told you sooner, but I did not want to destroy your childish innocence any sooner than I had to, but I fear the time has come, whether I would or not, for fell things are moving in the world and they will destroy all I hold dear whether you are aware of their existence or not.

His father then told him of the sightings of uncanny creatures along the borders of civilization and in the wilds where no man was usually wont to go. Of disquiet rumors of war and worse in the southlands. So you see, said the man quietly, evil is stirring and seems like to consume the whole world. What can one little province do against such an awful foe? I fear you shall soon be left with nothing to pass on to your own children, if you even survive to have them.

Grim tidings indeed, said the boy as he stood, indeed, I saw just such monsters upon my journey!

No! said the man aghast, Within the very borders of our land?

Brin frowned, no, rather a journey of many days from our borders, upon the very brink of the Impossible Mountains.

It was his father’s turn to frown, lad, you have not been gone long enough to make that journey and return. Indeed, I was surprised to see you returned so soon, for you hardly had time to retrieve the letters and ride back therein. Is this not just some imagining of your fevered mind?

The boy’s smile grew thoughtful as he suddenly understood that he was a creature beyond time and that its usual ebb and flow meant nothing to him now, rather his duties would dictate when and where he was wont to appear. He met his father’s worried gaze, my horse?

The man’s frown deepened, the creature is in the stable, why fret about the beast now?

Brin smiled like his long dead mother, causing his father to sigh wistfully, said the boy, it was no dream sir, and perhaps we are not as undefended as you think. The old man could only smile patiently and shake his head at his son’s insistence that his deliriums were indeed true. Time would cure him of his curious notions and he felt no need to quash his son’s rising spirits when he had been lying as one dead for most of the day.

The boy leapt from his bed, eager to be about his duties but his father chided, had you best not rest a bit lad?

The boy grinned widely, I feel fine, sir! But come, the day wastes.

The man could not help but smile slightly in amusement, and what urgent business are you at this very moment neglecting?

Brin laughed ruefully, excellent point, sir, but I will not linger longer abed than I must when there is absolutely no need for it.

No need! exclaimed the man, "Are you not deathly ill