Welcome to my site. This is simoly a gateway that connects you to the prolouge of what is to be a wonderful book, Unfortunate Upbringings.

Please read the prolouge posted below. After, send me comments and feedback.

send it to alexbeachbum@yahoo.com Please Note: The format might be a little messed!Sorry

Prologue

In the forgotten period of time long ago, not too long after the biblical era, an uninhabited land stood to the east. For clarity purposes, I shall refer to this land by its future name, “Anpoth”. Anpoth was vast, resplendent grasslands, with the tallest trees that rose up to the heavens, like the beanstalk from a child’s fairytale. The rivers that flowed through Anpoth were enthralled! The animals that lived there were few, but they were the most pure creatures that ever roamed the Earth. The water animals jumped in and out of the rivers, creating ripples that never end. The grassland animals grazed with elegance, and built their homes in such a way to not agitate the nature of the land. Animals, similar to the Aboriginal peoples, respect the land and everything on it. Look around your city, can man say that they share this same trait – no! Yet there was once a kingdom that did have this respect for Anpoth and all of its beauties.

Man’s population was increasing in the west. The animals were becoming inferior, and power struggles between groups were constantly occurring. There were so many separate groups in the Western Lands, however these groups were not strong enough or didn’t have enough resources to provide for themselves. So groups from all over were forced to join together as one régime, with one king. Some groups defied this way of life, the reason they moved to the west was because there was no government on which they had to base their lives around. These groups, who just wanted their own lives, moved in the opposite directions that the others were moving in. They made their livings fine at the start, but after a while they ran out of supplies. They had no food and no access to food. Their only hope was to steal from the newly formed kingdom of the west. These groups were killed off very quickly. However, the groups that did form together were not doing any better. They could never agree on anything, especially a ruler. Everyone there was very greedy and the land and supplied didn’t permit them to live such a life. In short, if they didn’t all start agreeing, they would be gone. Yet, they didn’t start agreeing, a king was put into power but quickly killed for he was truly an incompetent man. The group that this man had originally come from would be enraged, and they started a war, they were all killed that day. These events continued to repeat themselves as more and more people were killed and more and more wars occurred. As you could imagine, this wasn’t very good for the land!

Natholas was the leader of a former group. His group was still around. Natholas was a small man, he had no interest in starting these wars, but one day he had to interfere. A new king had come into power; he was a greedy stubby little man, with an equal sized brain. He started proclaiming what he would do to the land, in short it wasn’t good. So as you might guess another war broke out, but this time Natholas couldn’t keep silent any more. He stood up and walked up to where the king stood.

“We have lived here long enough, watching king after king die, and war after war begin!” A mighty cheer went up from the crowd as Natholas’ strong voice carried these words. “And every time another war breaks out…” Natholas stopped dead! Everyone stared in disgust! One of the king’s men, who was standing in the back of the crowd, had raised his bow and aimed it at Natholas’ head. His small wooden arrow whizzed through the air on a mission to deliver death. Fortunately, fait intercepted this mission and the arrow missed its target. The shooter was then stabbed by one of Natholas’ followers, thus starting another war.

“How dare you pierce my guard,” shouted the king to the man still holding his dirk at the dead corpse. “Shoot him!” The king’s guards all armed with bows reigned Hell upon those trying to defend the people who took Natholas’ side, while more of the king’s followers with either daggers or pistols made it worse for the people. And in return Natholas’ people responded with axes and swords. Natholas just stood upon the platform, watching everything that was happening, as the appalling king sat on his chair laughing as his men conquered! Then as if nothing at all were about, Natholas continued his speech,

“Every war that occurs on this great land…” he paused, hoping to gain some attention; but failed, “damages it!” Natholas was screaming now, hoping for even the slightest sign of notice, like a little child who won’t stop until you acknowledge his presence.

“My people listen! We deserve better! If you are truly pure, grab a boat and follow me!” The war continued as more of Natholas’ people were struck down. He did the only thing he could think of to get his people’s attention; he raised his dagger and yelled, like a true barbarian. Everyone turned to look, whether they were following the king or Natholas. His dagger was gleaming as it reflected the sun giving out a blue tint to it!

“Bravo,” started the greedy king as he went to stand beside his nemesis. “You stopped this madness, but you…” At this point the king was giving a quiet signal to one of his bowmen. Natholas intercepted this signal. He took his hand, which contained the dagger and quickly brought it upon the king’s head! A loud gasp, so loud that one might consider it a scream, rose from everyone in the crowd. They all stared, as did Natholas, as the king gave out a shriek and clutched his head. Natholas hadn’t hit the king with the sharp part of the blade; in all honesty, Natholas didn’t wish to kill him. Yet still, it was enough. As the king continued to screech and wail, he finally gave way to his fait and he let his stubby feet collapse from under him.

“After him!” cried the king with one last breath as he plunged to the ground. “Don’t let him escape!”

“Now’s our chance,” screamed Natholas, as he grabbed his horse and steered towards the coast where the boats lie. Although he didn’t look back, Natholas could tell what was happening by the commendable cheers coming from the people running, or riding to Natholas’ aid, followed by the king’s guards shouting curses, and shooting arrows. They reached the shore and dozens of men, women and children packed onto ships, hoping to sail east for a better life, a life of peace.

*****

It was a snowy, cold winter’s day in the north as Klatocks Bevick steered his boat into the shore. He heaved his heavy bag onto his back, which contained jewelry, money, food, and anything else, that caught his fancy. For you see, Klatocks had just returned from the west and since every resident was at the fields either following Natholas or the king, all the houses were completely open for ransacking. And now Klatocks was heading for his home in the mountainside. The people of the north were not as barbaric as the West. They had a king, and everyone accepted him. So whenever Klatocks would return from his “occupation” he would deliver some of his findings the king, to show his appreciation. Klatocks approached the castle of Zal VI; it was a comely, but bantam stone castle.

“What is thy bidding with his majesty, sir traveler?” Questioned the guard standing at the door.

“What’s with the formalities Molton?” asked Klatocks, poking the guard in a jokingly fashion.

“Ah, Klatocks the thief. I didn’t recognize you, you look worse than usual and you smell of death, why?” “I was in the west,” Klatocks responded, and they both started to laugh. “More wars I trust?” “Worse than usual my friend.” “Nasty things, wars are.” “My bag would say differently,” Klatocks joked. “Easy business?” “No, the seas were horribly rough; I almost lost my bag twice!” “I meant on the land, any difficulties?” “Let’s just say, houses do not protect themselves very well! A carrot of gold will not scream as I take it. A diamond necklace will not punch my lights out as I place it on my back. And the people of the west certainly will not care about me while they are being struck down with swords and arrows!” Molton opened the door for him. “Well it’s been nice chatting with you,” said Klatocks as he walked away. “You too my old friend. Anytime you wish to pay dear old Molton for one reason or another, you come and find me.” “I’ll keep that in mind, friend,” replied Klatocks. He turned his back to Molton, but was quickly turned around. “Even if I’m seemingly busy. Even if I’m with His Majesty. Even if I am entertaining a lady, and my clothes happen to not be on my body, and the lady is mounted on a bed…” “Please, Molton,” Begged Klatocks, hoping to get the image of his naked friend out of his head. Molton realized he was out of line, so he gave his friend a sincere apology, and let him go on his business.

Klatocks reached the king’s study, for he was told that Zal would be inside. He opened the door to find Zal conversing with Eleanor, a representative of the people. She was a woman of great formalities, a woman who seemed to take everything seriously, especially the happiness of her people. Eleanor was a religious woman, followed every one of god’s orders. And usually, Eleanor tried to flatter her king, but today Klatocks could tell she was being firm with him. “My people do respect you, my lord,” she began. “That is good,” replied Zal, “Respect for the head is what makes a kingdom. Respect from the people is what separates us from the west, that and the fact that I respect your people. But–“He started to give Eleanor a look, “I know you didn’t set up this meeting just to inform me that the people respect me, am I correct?” “Yes,” Eleanor did not want to make eye contact with the king, she now had to tell him the bad news. The problem with Zal was he was either in a very good mood or a very bad mood, and Eleanor didn’t know which one it was at the time. “My lord,” she started off slowly, “My lord, as you know expenses for certain commodities have recently increased.” “Eleanor, you know why I had to raise prices, don’t you? I went over it a thousand times. First I held that meeting, then that seminar and then I made you all attend Molton’s ‘Why I had to raise prices camp’!” “Yes my lord, but since the blizzard some months ago, my people have gotten very sick. They have run out of food, and are almost out of money! If this keeps up, by the year’s end, you will be the ruler of a large pile of dead people! We must…” “My dear, you’re rambling,” quietly spoke Zal. “I know not what to do, but I am open to suggestions. So tell your people to come up with ideas. But I am terribly sorry; I have other business to attend to.” Zal motioned for Klatocks to come in. “Sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Bevick.” “Klatocks will do just fine your majesty. And Eleanor Xopher, it’s been a while.” “We might be able to spend more time together if you weren’t out thieving all the time! But, I must be off.” “Don’t go,” Klatocks grabbed her arm as she was about to leave, “I overheard your conversation and after I discuss some “matters” with his majesty I might have a good suggestion.” “Excellent!” Chirped Zal, never taking his eyes off Klatocks’ bag, “Now Klatocks, where exactly did you go this month?” Klatocks explained his story, than handed Zal some of his jewels and a bit of money. “How considerate this boy is,” said Zal to Eleanor, “He brings me my things even before he takes a bath! Klatocks, I invite you to use my personal bath downstairs, you smell like the fields of the west after a virulent battle.” “Thank you, your majesty. First, I would like to present my suggestion to you and Miss Xopher.” “Go ahead,” replied Zal, fiddling with his new toys. “While I was leaving the west, I caught a glimpse of one of their wars. However, this was no ordinary war!” Klatocks went on to explain about Natholas’ speech, and his followers. “So I propose we do the same thing, The east will have so much more room to actually grow our own crops, so we will not have to worry about money problems.” “On top of that,” added Eleanor, taking Klatocks’ side. “The weather would be so much warmer.” The two waited in silence to await their king’s response. He seemed to be thinking hard about this, he had his hand on his neck and didn’t move a muscle. “Absolutely not!” Declared Zal, “I will not abandon this kingdom. My great grandfather and his brothers built this kingdom on their own; they tore down this great mountain in which we live on just to make a civilization. Five men, on their own, built this castle and several other buildings here. Do you know why? They didn’t like the people of the west, that’s why they escaped and moved north! And now, you want to join the people of the west and you want us to just walk away from our home! Besides, how do we know the east is uninhabited! Since when did we start listening to the people of the west, this Natholas was probably a madman! Now get out of my sight!” Klatocks took his bag and left Zal’s study, followed by Eleanor.

The seas tossed and turned the ships as they cleared mile after mile. It was still winter, so the waters were as violent and ruthless as the people Natholas had left behind. Natholas was in the first ship. Accompanying him was his darling wife Daisy, his son Natholas Jr., and his daughter Marry. Following them were all of Natholas’ followers who were able to make it out to sea. Behind them was the land of cruelty and war and ahead lay a shadow covering their path. Yet, they had a flashlight called hope and they knew that this would be enough to get them through the undetermined path that awaited them when they got to shore. “Father,” Natholas Jr. asked one day while they were sitting on the deck staring out into the endless oceans. “What are your plans when we reach shore?” “Well son,” Natholas responded, but had to stop. Having this question posed to him made him think clearly for the first time since his party left shore. Would he and his men have the strength to set up a whole kingdom? Will he become the new ruler? “Well son, first we must clear the land. Next we must set up to start building houses.” “Will you be king?” His son asked. “I don’t know.” They sat in silence for a while finally Natholas Jr. returned to his quarters downstairs. By this time the sun was going, the sky was becoming a beautiful blend of pink, yellow, and orange. The waters, with areas of icebergs, were reflecting the sun illuminating themselves with these same colours. Although it was stilling winter and the wavers were potent, during the sunset, it seemed to Natholas like he was in a still life picture.

“Land Ho!” Cried the watchman from above a few days later. The cry was made early in the morning so as Natholas came up onto deck all he could see was mist. He could tell it would be one of those days, the ones where the sun is too lazy to pull back its blanket and take control of the day. Natholas took his telescope and pointed it eastward, and sure enough he could make out the blurred shadow of land. “How much longer?” Called Marry (who had just emerged from downstairs) to the watchman. “Not too long Miss. If the weather doesn’t turn rotten on us, all ships should be at the shore tonight.” “Good,” mumbled Natholas, “if this is true we will sleep on the ship tonight and head on the shore first light tomorrow. Would you run and tell this to the captain dear?” “Sure,” replied Marry, as she skipped off.

The men wasted no time. At first light they cleared out of their ships, started gathering wood, clearing out land, and mixing up some building products they were able to get from their homes. It was hard work, but they knew it was worth it. For this uninhabited land they had just landed on was a haven. Fresh undestroyed air, potential for great farms and homes. Best of all, the land did not smell of death. Natholas let his men do their own for a few days while he constructed a home for him and his family. However, he did frequently check up on his men. Natholas’ goal was to preserve this land, so he didn’t want too many trees being chopped down. His men respected his wishes. A week after setting foot on the land, Natholas called a meeting for all his men and their families, “A few matters to discuss,” He spoke, “First we must think of a name for this great land, any ideas?” “How about we call it just that?” Screamed a woman. “Just what?” Asked her husband. “Natholas referred to it as a “great land”. In the language of God, “great land” is “Anve Potha”. I propose we call our land “Anpoth!” After the woman was done speaking a cheer went up from the crowd, indicating that they liked her idea. “Very well,” continued Natholas, We have a name, but how shall we govern ourselves “YOU! YOU!” Screamed the people gathered in the field. “Be just! Be righteous! And govern us to peace and beyond for years to come!” “These promises and more, I shall keep!” Natholas screamed in reply.

Natholas was as good as his word. He satisfied the people while keeping up his own wishes of respecting the land. Yes, everything was in order. They had built a market for shopping, a building for praying, and a well for water. The kingdom of Natholas (for this is what they referred to themselves as) was flourishing, and the best part is, they lived in peace. Conversely, as we all know, as long as two men have the slightest difference between them, peace could not last! As long as two men admire the same prize and wish to claim it all to their trophy case, they will revert to their natural instincts and war will come over them. On this blistery winter’s day, the prize, and yes the victim was Anpoth!

Dozens of ships were sailing down the ocean and soon enough they were visible. In the front of the head ship was a rugged man, and beside him was a lady of formalities. She wore no reveling cloths and stood on the deck perfectly upright, just staring, not moving a muscle. The man was tall, dirty in appearance, and had a face that screamed war! Over their ship flew a banner that read “Klatocks”!

Natholas was traumatized by this threat. He had enjoyed being ruler of a kingdom for the past month or so, but what should he do. He had worked so hard at achieving peace, and now that might be lost! Natholas was afraid, afraid that these people were so keen on war. If so, what could he do? The kingdom of Natholas thrived on peace they did not have an army! “Maybe,” Natholas’ wife quietly spoke as they both stood on the shore watching the ship come closer and closer. “Maybe they are like us. They seem to be from the north; maybe their kingdom was having trouble too. Did you consider that the leader of the ships might have had the same intentions as you? I say, when they come to shore you talk to this man and maybe…” “I get your point dear. I will go talk to this man when he arrives.”

“Captain,” called Klatocks, who was still standing on the deck beside Eleanor. “Yes sir,” returned the captain, returning up to where Klatocks stood. “There is a nice community here, if we want it we might have to fight!” “I’ll tell the men to prepare their weapons sir” “Good!” The captain went to give the signal for all of the men to prepare their weapons, for war seemed a likely possibility. “Dear,” pleaded Eleanor, “couldn’t we make peace with them and avoid this war. “But Eleanor,” Klatocks explained, “why share the land? I know this Natholas character is bent on peace, therefore how good of an army could he have?” “That’s not the point! Couldn’t we thrive on peace as well?” “No!” screamed Klatocks, “Now listen here Eleanor, we are taking this land for ourselves so I could rein it, and so you could be Queen. So, stop arguing and hold your tongue, it would be a likely possibility that Natholas will wish to speak with me. During this council I want you saying absolutely nothing understood!” “Yes,” Eleanor reluctantly agreed.

Several hours when they had reached shore, Klatocks could make out a couple coming towards them. The man was tall and thin. He resembled a good leader, his face neither coarse nor refined. He bore no straight-out emotions. By the looks of the kingdom, Klatocks could tell that Natholas was a modest leader. The woman standing beside him, who Klatocks assumed was his wife, was more petite than her husband. Yet, her features were just as unadulterated. She had brown hair and a pale white face. The thing that perplexed Klatocks about Natholas’ wife and Natholas for that matter was that although they were King and Queen of their land they both dressed like regular citizens. No hint of royalty stained them at all!

“Right this way sir,” said the captain of the ship, as Natholas and Daisy boarded wishing to speak with whoever was the leader. “He is in his quarters awaiting you. He is very excited to meet you sir.” ”That is good,” replied Natholas becoming quite confused. “Pardon my asking, but does he have a name?” “Why of course! Master Klatocks Bevick, master thie…” The captain clapped his hand over his mouth and stopped there, he didn’t feel right telling Natholas that their leader was a thief. Being the honest man that he is, Natholas decided not to pry on what the end of the word was. He and his wife followed the captain across the deck and down to the quarters of Klatocks. The captain knocked on the door. “Who is it?” Called a voice so rough, it seemed to Natholas that it was likely that the owner of the voice has had too much to drink. “It is Master Natholas and Mistress…” “Daisy,” Daisy filled in. “Show them in,” spoke the voice. “Klatocks I presume,” inquired Natholas. “I am, and to my left is my partner Eleanor.” “I am Natholas, and this is my wife Daisy.” The formal introduction went on between the two men for a few minutes; finally they decided to get down to business. “Now I want to start by saying that I admire your land and am wondering how much do you want for it?” “More than you could offer, Klatocks,” Natholas spat out his reply at such a repugnant question. “I don’t know, I have a lot of riches,” Klatocks gloated. “If riches are all you have, than you have a ways to go.” Daisy started to laugh at this comment, but Natholas quickly silenced her. “I have weapons too, Natholas,” Klatocks seemed to hiss. “Are you threatening me?” “No. A man cannot threaten if there is indeed no threat to threaten!” Klatocks stood up and walked out of his quarters, the three followed. Klatocks went to where the captain stood and whispered something to him. The captain went over to where Natholas and Daisy were standing and ordered them down a different flight of stairs. Klatocks than took his horn and blew. At that instant the shores of Anpoth trembled, as hundreds of swordsmen rushed on to its bloodless plains!

The people of Natholas were terrified! They didn’t have a leader, and they were at war. Natholas was a kingdom devoted to peace so the army of Natholas was scanty. They would defiantly not be able to win a war against the armies of Klatocks. Meanwhile horses and swords were flying through the kingdom, destroying buildings and people alike. The men were merciless; offering no explanation to the man women, and yes, even children, who lingered under their swords! It seemed to the people of Natholas that there was no hope for them, until someone took a stand. At this time Eleanor and Klatocks were standing atop the highest hill in the land. While watching the battle, Eleanor lost control and disobeyed Klatocks’ wishes. “STOP!” She screamed, her voice echoing throughout the entire land of Anpoth, everyone in the land obeyed. Eleanor glanced over to where Klatocks stood, murderess rage stood in his eyes “Seize her,” he called to his guards, “Seize her and continue dominating this land, MY LAND!”

Natholas and his lovely wife Daisy were trapped! Trapped in the cell at the bottom of the ship. They knew that their land was in great peril and they knew that there was nothing they could do about it. “It looks like our dreams failed dear,” Natholas spoke in a solemn voice. “Have hope,” replied his comforting wife. To console his wife, for he knew she had her doubts as well, Natholas squeezed her hand and stared into her eyes. A consistent dripping of water, following a cadenced pattern, came from a pipe across from them. Rats scurried along under them, splashing and even drowning in the shallow water that their feet were emerged in. Ignoring all of this Natholas looked deep into his wife’s bright eyes of hope and his kissed her. In response, she returned his kiss and he returned the returned kiss in return. They now had their arms completely wrapped around each other. Natholas was going for his wife’s blouse, when she suddenly slapped his hand away. Natholas backed off in defeat. “Listen… Do you hear footsteps?” Just then the door to the room opened and entered Eleanor Xopher and Natholas’ two children. “Unhand my children,” Natholas screamed with blind rage. “Calm yourself noble leader,” spoke Eleanor, “I mean them no harm. I brought them here to show you that they are safe.” Eleanor walked over to the cell, took out a silver key, and unlocked the door. “What of my land?” Natholas questioned. “The war was abhorrent and unfair,” “Was?” Questioned Daisy. “Patience my lady. Several of your men died but many lived. I managed to call a halt to the war fairly early on.” “You called a halt to the war,” Natholas laughed, “Klatocks must have been enraged!” “Oh he was,” Eleanor laughed back, but then her face became very grave, “He ordered to have me beheaded! I took my dagger and gave him what was coming!” The three adults started to laugh historically “What of the people?” Daisy asked. “They have accepted me as their queen!” Eleanor beamed. “They still wish to as to different groups, but my people and yours are willing to live side by side in the great land of Anpoth peacefully and respect each other as if they were one”

The five of them exited the boat, and arrived on the shore. Waiting for them were every resident of Klatocks and Natholas. They gave great cheers to their leaders Eleanor and Natholas. That night a feast was held as everyone rejoiced in the name of peace, and planned for tomorrow. For tomorrow would bring the constructing of a new and better Anpoth.

Further along in the History of Anpoth, but not so far that it deserves its own chapter.

Anpoth evolved from a land, to a kingdom, and now to a country. On the Southwestern tip of the East continent, Faudlen, it sat. Anpoth was still inhabited by only two groups, and they still were referred to Natholas and Klatocks, however the bloodline of these two men died out years ago. Anpoth, unlike most countries wasn’t divided into states or provinces; they kept their bond between each other and lived in one large country. Yet the land, or country (whatever suits the reader best), had two different rulers. At the present time the ruler of Natholas was Andrew II, and the ruler of Klatocks was Peter V. Despite their closeness, the people of Natholas and the people of Klatocks had very different lifestyles. The Natholains (a name that they liked to be called, despite this author’s objection to it) were simpler than the Klatocks. They had farms, grew their own crops, and lived peacefully amongst each other. They relied on their land for their survival and they did survive. Their crops were abundant and the land was abounding with game. On the other side of the forest, the Klatocks were more open-minded and out there. They didn’t like the idea of farms and hunting, they would rather import. They believed in exploring and gaining their survival through trade. Klatocks’ spite for the west had settled and they traded commodities freely.

It was the year 1306 and Miles Sliner, a great Klatocks explorer returned home from trading in the West and he had discovered something similar to what Klatocks Bevick had discovered, something that would change them forever! Yet, this time it was no far off land that spelled peace, it was something different, not better, different! Within hours of Miles’ ranting and raving to his ruler Peter V, a council was held between Peter, Andrew, and Miles. “Now young explorer,” started Peter, “What is this life-changing news?” “Well sir – pardon me – sirs,” Miles tried to formally explain, but even in that time it was hard for sailors to be anything but coarse. “Well sirs, I was in the western lands. As you both know, sirs, ever since the Westerners put down their tools of death, sirs, they started using their men for more productive matters, sirs…” “Please Miles,” interrupted Andrew, “enough with the ‘sirs’ business!” “Yes sir,” Andrew just gave him a hard look, before asking him to continue with his story. “Well sirs, ever since the men of the west stopped using their brains for fighting, sirs, and started using them in other ways, they have become very successful, sirs.” “In what ways?” Inquired Peter. “Pardon?” Asked Miles. “What have the Westerners come up with that intrigued you so?” “Oh sirs,” Miles’ face lit up. “You wouldn’t believe the contraptions that now lie in every home in the west! The first is a box that allows you to hold a full conversation, just like the one we are having now, sirs, and the people talking don’t even have to leave their recliners!” “Interesting,” said the two men. “Next, sirs,” continued Miles. “It is another box, sirs, that allows you to make your supper, sirs, without having to light a fire!” “Yes, but the food probably loses its quality,” Andrew objected. “No sir, I had a splendid supper of lamb that was beyond compare, sirs!” “And it was made by this box,” asked Peter. “Yes, sir.”

This conversation went on for quite some time, but I would not wish to bore you with the details of the many “boxes” that Miles discovered. The more the conversation progressed, the more it intrigued Peter V, and at the same time disgusted Andrew II. Apparently, Miles Sliner and his adventure of (I have yet to think of a good name for it), was a harbinger for the next crash that befell Anpoth. For technology, although the men did not know it as so, but that is what it was, was thought by Peter as something that should be brought into Anpoth immediately. However, Andrew strongly objected to this idea. “I think that this is something that the Westerners created just to pursue their lazy ways!” Andrew yelled. “They never liked to work, and so they invented something to accomplish their goal!” “What’s wrong with making life easier?” Peter protested. “It is not considered making life easier, Peter, it is making life lazier. Before long, the Westerners will be corrupt and their land too!” “What are you talking about?” “I know about these types of things; these boxes! They destroy the land, and take over the man!” “That’s preposterous!” Retorted Peter, “But if you feel like that,” he paused shortly, his eyes burning and never moving from Andrew’s face. “We will have to agree to disagree. I will not pass up this great opportunity, this chance to forever change the way we live. I will not let you make my decisions and I assume that you think this way as well.” “What are you proposing?” Quivered Andrew, in fear of what might now spill forth from his partner’s mouth “Separate!” “You couldn’t be serious?” Andrew had a horrid look on his face, “Our people have become so accustomed to each other. Natholains work in Klatocks’ offices and reverse. Even families are spread across the two countries, you couldn’t possibly suggest… I mean this isn’t Québec, this is…” “It is done!” Peter screamed back. “This is not your decision to make!” “And it is yours?” Peter quickly snapped back. “Pardon sirs,” interrupted Miles Sliner. “What?” Roared both feuding rulers. “I mean no rudeness, sirs, but, sirs, I have an idea sirs,” Miles was starting to stutter, “Why not let the people decide, sirs. Let them know about the boxes, sirs, and each of your opinions of them. Let the people know sirs, of your great feud your talk, sirs, of separation. Let them be the judges, sirs!