Soap Pt.6
From: marcos1
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 1999 13:28:24

It was jokingly called the Castle of Indolence based upon an old poem. The poem was about a land of enervating delights. There was a castle there, in which lived a great enchanter, who deprived all who entered his home of their energy and free will. Nicholas loved the name. He admitted to having a great talent in that area. He had an uncanny sense of a person's innermost desires and knew how to use that knowledge, to gain power and submission. In truth, it wasn't a castle at all, but an old mansion, empty for many years. The building had long ago become part of public property. And after all, Nicholas was the mayor. The was the home of the Egg club, a men's secret society.

"Nicholas," Professor Eliot Stokes said, "I think the device is nearing completion. We just need a few more parts." He narrowed his eyes. "Do you think that it'll be a problem getting in touch with your source again?"

"No," Nicholas said, he was smiling. "Eliot, my friend, you have certainly made my night. I look forward to this!" He was sipping a glass of port. He was surprised about how much enjoyment could be derived from being the a community leader. For years, he had operated along the fringes of society. Now he was center stage.

"We shall use the time machine to travel through time and collect the great relics of the occult," Eliot said.

"We shall have the greatest collection in history," Nicholas added. "Because we will control history." The dark haired warlock reached for a tray of cheese. "Eliot, you must try some..." He was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Whoever could it be, at this hour?"

Willie Loomis stood at the front door. His face was covered with sweat. He was so drunk and so very excited. He called out the customary greeting. "Egg, egg, I must see the egg."

"And who must see the Egg?" Nicholas asked through the heavy oak door.

"A small chick that is seeking his home," Willie replied. "Nicholas...Eliot, it's Willie."

Nicholas slowly opened the door, at first his face was in a scowl, but then he remembered himself and smiled. "Welcome little chick to the home of the Egg." He reached out his hand. "And how may the Egg help you?"

Several minutes later, Willie was sitting in a big wooden rocking chair. He was rocking back and forth and grinning. "She was buck naked, Nicholas...I swear she was. Looked good, too." he laughed.

"Eliot and myself are men of the world," Nicholas said, sternly. "We have seen our share of naked beauties. Why do you think this matter would interest us?"

"Well," Willie said, holding himself, he needed to go to the bathroom and hoped he could hold it, "when you guys let me join your club last year, I made a pledge to tell the great Egg about anything that could be magical."

"And what is magical about this incident, my boy?" Eliot asked, chewing a bit of cheddar cheese.

"This woman had real green eyes and marks around her neck," Willie replied. He reached for a piece of cheese. "And those marks sure looked like rope burns to me...kinda like she'd been hung."

"Interesting," Nicholas said, "thank you chick, Willie. The Egg is very grateful." He stood up and walked towards the door. "Now go away little chick...go home." Willie got up and ran out the door, for the Egg had spoken.

To be continued--