#passionoftheliger

Narteb sat on the pier with his legs dangling relaxedly over the edge. It was raining, but it wasn’t so bad. He was actually having a rather good time. He was currently doing some fishing, with very little luck. Sitting next to him on the pier was his friend, Pip, who was blowing away on his ocarina. It was a small triangular shaped instrument made of clay and had a hole to blow through and little holes for the fingers, similar to a flute. Pip had his eyes closed and seemed to be entranced in the music as he played. Pip rarely fished when Narteb and his friends went fishing. He chose instead to bring his ocarina and practice. The song Pip was playing was a slow, sad one, but strangely, it made Narteb feel happy as he listened to it. He had heard Pip play this song, which was called ‘Eventide of Evermoor’, countless times, and often on repeat, but he never got tired of it. On a night like this, with the horrible weather and lack of fish, Narteb was really glad his friend was there with him and playing music. Narteb turned to look back at the pier. He had been checking periodically for the past hour or so. His dad was supposed to come join then, and they had been fishing for a few hours and he still hadn’t arrived. This made Narteb worried because Narteb’s dad, Anton, never broke a promise. If he said he was going to be somewhere, then he was going to be there. The music stopped. “Hey, Narteb, where’s your dad?” said Pip. “I don’t know,” said Narteb, “It’s not like him not to show up.” “Well, I think I’d better get going now,” said Pip, “If we stay out any later we’ll be dead at school tomorrow.” “Yeah, I guess,” said Narteb, “I wanna check at home anyway, I want to know if anything’s wrong.” The two boys packed up their things. Narteb took a bit longer than Pip, because all Pip had to do was put the ocarina into his pocket and stand up. When Narteb had gathered his equipment, the two of them made their way back up the pier towards shore. Thankfully, by now the rain was easing up to the lightest of drizzles. The two of them walked along the dirt track that led back to the village. It was cold and they were both soaked, so neither was in a real mood to chat. They stomped through the night in comfortable silence. Which was why it was easy for them to both hear footsteps of someone approaching them out of the darkness ahead. “Is that someone running towards us?” said Pip. “Looks like it,” said Narteb. The two boys stopped walking and waited to see who it was. It wasn’t long before they could make him out. It was one of the men from the village, Bob Denton, father of their friend Cedric. “Hi, Mr Denton,” said Narteb. “Thank the Gods I’ve found you,” said Bob, “Narteb, something happened to your mother.” A shiver ran through Narteb as he heard that. He was already worried that something might have happened, but to actually hear someone say it… “What happened?” said Narteb. “I…” began Bob, “I think it’s better you see for yourself. I really don’t even quite believe it myself.” His voice sort of drifted off. “What happened to her, Mr Denton?” repeated Narteb. Bob shook his head and turned around, “Come with me. You have to see for yourself.” He started running back towards the village and the two boys followed closely behind him. Butterflies were churning in Narteb’s stomach. “I hope everything is okay,” said Pip. Narteb grunted in agreement. Finally, they reached a lone house on the outskirts of the village. Narteb knew this house. It was the home of his dad’s friend, Ray. There was someone sitting alone on the front steps of the house. It was an old lady. Narteb knew this old woman; it was Ray’s blind mother. She looked like she was in shock. “Where did everyone go?” asked Bob. The old woman said quietly, “They took her away. Back to her house. Everybody went with them.” “What happened?” said Narteb, “Did something happen to my mum?” The old lady said, “Who is it?” “It’s Narteb, Granny C., Anton and Ginessa’s son.” The old woman put a hand over her mouth and shook her head. She stood up and reached out towards where she heard the sound of his voice. Narteb walked towards her and touched her hands to make it easier for her. She wrapped her bony arms around him and gave him a hug. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “What happened?” said Narteb. “You don’t know yet?” said the old woman, surprised. “I didn’t tell him,” said Bob, “I can hardly believe it myself.” The old woman let go of Narteb, and said, “You should go back to your house.” “Can you tell me what happened to her?” said Narteb. There was a long pause. Finally, the old woman spoke. “I don’t know how it happened… but I think your mother was turned to stone.” Silence. “What?” said Narteb. He didn’t understand what he’d just heard. “One moment she was normal,” said Mavis, “And the next, she had become like a stone statue. I wouldn’t have believed it myself, but I felt it with my own hands. I still don’t quite believe it. I didn’t know such things could happen…” She explained to Narteb all that had happened that night. “And then your father came by later on, and said that your mother had been turned to stone. By some woman named, Maruska. Yes, I think he said her name was Maruska.” This was all too much for Narteb. Turned to stone? Was this all a big joke someone was playing on him? If it was, then it wasn’t funny at all. He felt really confused. “Come, Narteb,” said Bob, “We should go back to your house. That’s where everyone is.” Narteb nodded. He turned to Mavis, and knew that he should say goodbye to her, but was still in such shock that nothing came out of his mouth. The old woman took Narteb’s two hands in hers, and held them tenderly for a few moments, before letting them go. She too could think of no words to comfort him. Narteb, Bob and Pip began running back towards Narteb’s house. Narteb shot passed the two others; he was fully sprinting. He wasn’t sure exactly what was going on, but he knew that he wanted to get home as soon as possible.

Ginessa and Paddles followed Mavis into the house. It was dimly lit by candles scattered around here and there. The candle flames were still and the living room had a calm and tranquil aura. “Take a seat, dearie,” said Mavis, “I’ll fetch you a cup of tea. I was just bringing it to boil before you arrived.” Ginessa took a seat on a soft velvety couch and Paddles lay on the floor near her feet. He seemed more relaxed now they were inside. While she waited, Ginessa examined the living room. There were some paintings on the walls, but in the dim light, it was quite hard to make out what they were. One seemed to be a portrait of a lady, and another was a landscape; rolling hills and a tree in the foreground. She couldn’t make out what the third painting was. Mavis re-entered the room, carrying two dark cups. The cups had no handles and were made of polished wood. “There you go,” said Mavis, “Be careful, it’s rather hot.” Ginessa carefully took the cup off the old woman and immediately felt warmer holding it. The aroma was unusual, but pleasant. She took a sip. “Wow,” said Ginessa, “What is this?” “Corn tea,” said Mavis, “How do you like it?” “It’s really nice,” said Ginessa, taking another sip. She had never had corn tea before. She liked trying different foods and drinks. Mavis took a seat next to her on the couch; Ginessa was so impressed how well the blind lady was able to get around. They sat in silence for a while. Eventually, the old lady spoke. “You have a very good energy about you,” said Mavis. “Oh?” said Ginessa, “What do you mean?” “Being blind,” said Mavis, “I have to rely on my other senses a lot more. I’ve come to learn that people have different energies. Sitting near you, I feel calm and relaxed.” “Maybe it’s the tea,” chuckled Ginessa amicably. Mavis smiled. “It’s always a joy to meet one such as yourself. Hold still a moment, I want to feel what you look like.” Mavis put her cup of tea on a small table nearby and then reached her fingers up Ginessa’s face. Both hands started up at Ginessa’s forehead and traced their way lightly down past her eyes, nose, mouth and chin. The old lady’s hands felt warm and somehow Ginessa felt very relaxed afterwards. The old lady was about to say something when suddenly there was a loud crack of thunder from outside, and moments later, heavy rain began pouring down outside. Ginessa thought of poor Anton, running around outside in the rain. Suddenly Paddles sat up, and started barking. Ginessa turned to look at where Paddles was looking; it was the window at the front of the house, next to the front door. It was too dark to see outside, but Ginessa could somehow sense that something was wrong. Lightning flashed outside. It illuminated everything outside for a split second. And Ginessa saw the silhouette of someone standing in front of the window! Even though the lightning had flashed for the briefest of moments, there was no mistaking who had been standing there. It was Maruska. She was standing outside the front door now. Ginessa turned to Mavis. She had to get this little old lady out of harm’s way. “Mrs C.,” said Ginessa, “I can see someone I know outside your front door. I have something really important I need to discuss with her in private. Would you be able to leave us alone for just a few moments?” “Why of course, dearie,” said Mavis, “I shall retire to my room. It’s about time I headed to bed anyway. Just make yourself at home. You can offer your friend a cup of warm tea if you like.” Mavis picked up her cup of tea and disappeared down the corridor. Ginessa calmly waited on the couch, sipping her warm corn tea. Paddles was growling defensively at the front door. OUt the corner of her eye, Ginessa could see the handle of the front door slowly turn. The door silently opened and a figure stepped inside the house, and closed the door quietly behind them. Ginessa continued to sip her tea, and didn’t look up. Woof! Woof! barked Paddles. “Shh!” said Ginessa, “Stay.” Paddles obediently lowered his bottom to the ground and sat. Instead of barking, he now whimpered occasionally, as if begging to be given the order to attack. “So,” said the intruder, who was of course Maruska. “Any last words before you get turned to stone?” “None that I want to say to you,” said Ginessa, still drinking her tea. “My, you certainly are calm,” said Maruska. She reached into her robes and pulled out the deadly glowing orb. “Do you not realise what this thing does?” “I was afraid before,” said Ginessa, “Because I was worried something would happen to Anton. But he is not here, so there is nothing for me to be afraid of.” “Oh, that is where you are wrong,” said Maruska, “He will suffer greatly from what I will do to you. And so will you actually. Flesh turning to stone is excruciating, I am led to believe. And once it happens to you, that’s it. No one will be able to rescue you. An eternity spent as a stone statue. Unable to move. Unable to talk. Unable to hug and love your dear, sweet Anton ever again. How does that sound?” Ginessa drained the rest of her cup and put it on the small table beside her. “Corn tea is quite nice. Have you ever tried it? I can pour you a cup if you want.” Maruska smirked, “I must admit, your calmness impresses me.” “I care not for the admiration of fools,” said Ginessa. Maruska snarled, “You think I am a fool? In my place, you would do the same.” “No, in your place, I would have just walked away from Anton and continued with my life,” said Ginessa. “I can’t do that,” said Maruska. Ginessa now stood up from the couch and turned to face Maruska. “What are you doing?” said Maruska. “If I’m going to become a stone statue, I at least want to have a cool pose.” *** Mavis was lying down on her bed, just about to drift off to sleep. She was feeling so cosy and warm. It was perfect sleeping conditions. The heavy rain outside, wind howling at the windows, the occasional thundercrack. And an extremely loud pop sound. Mavis opened her eyes. An extremely loud pop sound? What was that? It sounded like it had come from the living room. She quickly got up out of bed and went to investigate. As soon as she opened her bedroom door and went into the corridor, she immediately began coughing and spluttering uncontrollably. There was a smokey smell in the air; she could feel dusty particles as she breathed. Was it ash? Why would there be ash inside her house? She gradually made her way into the living room. Woof! Woof! It was Ginessa’s dog barking at something. “Oh, get away from me you dumb mutt!” It was a woman’s voice. Mavis had never heard this voice before. It was not one of the villagers. Suddenly, Mavis heard the dog whimper and stop barking suddenly. “Ginessa?” said Mavis, and she coughed once again from breathing the ashy substance that was still floating around. There was no reply. Mavis heard the stranger leave through the front door, without saying another word. “Are you okay, Ginessa?” said the old lady. She was walking slowly through the room, with her hands held out in front of her, feeling through the air. At times like this, she really hated being blind. Where was Ginessa? Was she okay? And then, Mavis’ hands touched something. Something hard and cold. Cold like stone. It was shaped like a person. before long, Mavis had realised it was a stone statue. What was a stone statue doing in her living room? It was very strange. And where was Ginessa? Suddenly a scary thought entered Mavis’ head. “It couldn’t be,” she said to herself. But just to make sure, she fumbled her hands onto the statue’s torso, up the neck and placed her fingers on the face. And then she froze. She recognised this face immediately. She had only felt it a few moments ago. But how could this be? What did it mean? The old woman had no idea, but there was one thing she knew for sure. The face of this statue was the face of Ginessa DiManlen.

“I am sorry,” said the old woman, the back of her palm feeling the temperature of Maruska’s forehead, “But there is nought that I can do.” “But you are Bruskala Dee!” said Anton, “You can cure anything!” “Or so I thought,” said Bruskala Dee, “But I have never seen such a poison as this.” They were inside a small hut. Maruska lay unconscious on a straw pallet. The shrivelled-looking old lady sat on a stool beside her. “What did you say the creature was again?” said Bruskala. “I don’t know what it was,” said Anton, “It was some giant fish, but it had arms like a man!” “Of such a strange creature, I have never heard,” said Bruskala, “So the ocean still holds many great mysteries…” “Is there anything we can do for Maruska?” said Anton, “Surely there must be someone in the world who can save her?” Bruskala sat quietly, thinking calmly to herself. ”There might be one person,” she said, “But alas, she is too far away. Even if you were to ride there on the fastest of horses, it is still a two day journey. This young lady would surely be dead by then.” “Who is this person who could cure her?” said Anton eagerly. “I never said she could cure her,” said Bruskala, “I said she might be able to do it. I’ve seen this woman work miracles before, with nought but her bare hands.” “Who?” said Anton. “Lady Joyce,” said Bruskala, “The King’s Royal Advisor.” “Joyce!” said Anton, “Of course! I will leave at once.” “You will not make it in time,” said Bruskala Dee, “At this rate, Maruska will be dead in a few hours.” “There is always hope,” said Anton, and he reached down and picked Maruska up gently in his arms. ”Thank you, Bruskala. I am in your debt. I must take my leave now. Until we meet again.” Bruskala nodded and said nothing. She didn’t even watch Anton as he carried Maruska out of the hut. She sat there staring into space. She was thinking about something. Outside, Anton went over to his trusty black stallion, Thunderclap, who was tied to a peach tree. He placed Maruska onto the saddle and tenderly propped her up so she was sitting upright. “Brace yourself, Thunderclap,” said Anton, “You and I are in for a long ride. We will not rest until we reach the King’s Castle.” Thunderclap snorted, as horses do. If you didn’t know better, you would swear this horse knew exactly what was going on, and how urgent the situation was. “Wait!” Anton turned around. It was Bruskala Dee, running out of her hut. In one hand, she was carrying a large flagon of water, and in the other hand, she was carrying a mysterious looking black root. It was small, about the length of a finger, and about the same width. “What’s that?” said Anton. Bruskala held up the root for him to see. Obviously it was something quite important, as she was holding it very carefully in her hands. ”It’s a piece of root from the Wurramunga tree. This tree doesn’t grow anywhere in Tuscan. In fact, the only place it is known to grow, is on a far away continent, beyond the sea of Ice. It was given to me by my master. I was saving it for a rainy day. And it doesn’t get much rainier than today.” “What does it do?” said Anton. “I’ve never used it, but apparently it allows the person who eats it to mimic death. As in your heart stops pumping, your brain stops working, your blood stops flowing. Everything in your body just stops. To the casual observer, it would be the same as if you were dead,” said Bruskala. “How exactly is this useful?” said Anton. “Don’t you see? said Bruskala, “If Maruska ingests this root, it will buy us some time. Twenty-four hours at least, maybe more. Twenty-four hours where the poison won’t spread.” Anton’s face lit up! ”Bruskala you are a marvel!” “Ah,” said Bruskala, “Don’t thank me, thank my master for giving this to me. Now, I have to give it to her, and since she’s unconscious, I have to… well, you’ll see.” Bruskala looked at the root for a moment, with an apprehensive look on her face, and then took a bite out of it. “Hmm,” she said, as she began chewing, “Tastes like licorice.” She shoved the remaining portion of the root into her mouth and chewed it all until it was a dsisusting mash of pastey black stuff. Then she went up to Maruska, who was still propped up on the horse, opened the young lady’s mouth and spat the chewed root inside, along with a good deal of old woman saliva. “That’s kinda gross,” said Anton. Bruskala Dee then moved Maruska’s jaw up and down a bit, and then looked inside, to check that most of the root had gone down her throat. “Good,” said Bruskala, “Now you’d better get going. And I’d better wash my mouth out. Thoroughly.” “I can’t wait to tell Maruska what you just did to her,” said Anton with a little chuckle. “Let’s hope you get the chance,” said the old woman, and she took a swig from her flagon of water, swished it around in her mouth, then spat it all out onto the ground. The liquid that came out was black. “Do you know the way to the castle from here?” said Bruskala. “Yes,” said Anton, “I’ve been to the castle a fair few times. I’d almost say I was a regular there, but I can’t really say I’m a welcome guest of his Highness.” “Our King is an imbecile,” said Bruskala, “Not being welcome there is a compliment.” Anton smiled, and then nodded, his face now donning a mask of resolve. ”Thank you again, Bruskala, for all that you have done. I am eternally grateful.” “Farewell, boy,” said Bruskala. Anton jumped up behind Maruska on the saddle, and shouted, “To Aerie Castle, Thunderclap! Ride!” And with that, the black stallion bolted off, and very soon had vanished down the road.

Twenty-five years before… Standing atop a sheer, craggy cliff face overlooking the ocean, were two people. One was a tall rugged looking man with scruffy dark brown hair and a strong face. Standing beside him was a strikingly attractive girl, with red hair tied up in a ponytail. The man was standing close to the edge, unable to take his eyes off the massive waves below. They were crashing hard on the base of the cliff. It did not look pleasant. He feared very few things in this life, but it would have been a lie to say he wasn’t scared at the moment. Although scared might not have been the best word; apprehensive was probably a closer fit to how he was feeling. “The water looks really cold,” said the man. “You don’t have to do this, Anton,” said the girl, “I have a bad feeling about this.” “You really should know me by now, Maruska,” said the man, whose name was indeed Anton DiManlen, “I already made up my mind a long time ago that I was going to do this.” He finally tore his gaze from the monstrous waves below and looked around at the view around him. It was sometime in the afternoon and the sky was full of pale grey clouds. There was no blue in sight. It was a dreary day and there was a bitterly cold wind blowing. “I guess I’d better get this done,” said Anton. He took off his tunic and pulled off his boots and now he was standing in his underwear in the freezing cold. Although she had seen it many times before, Maruska could not help marvelling at his muscular frame. Which at the moment was shivering slightly. “You look cold,” said Maruska. Anton reached down to one of his boots and pulled out a knife that he kept sheathed on the side of it. “Not as cold as I am about to be,” he said, “Um, tell me again what it is that I am looking for?” “It’s called Dahrion’s Tear,” said Maruska, “Down there, you will see some giant clams. If you pry them open, one of them may contain a light bluey-green coloured pearl.” “And you need this to make those potions of yours,” said Anton. “Well I don’t need it,” said Maruska, “But it would allow me to make some of the more powerful formulas. I didn’t realise it would be so dangerous! We could ask around, maybe there’s another place where we can find these clams.” “No,” said Anton, “That guy said here is the surest bet to find them. And we’re here already. I’ll see you when I’m done.” He put the knife between his teeth, took in a deep breath and then leaped off the cliff face! Down….. down…..down…. towards the tumultuous ocean. Splooooooosh! Maruska, standing up on the cliff, watched the surface of the water. She was holding her breath. Sunddenly Anton came to the surface, he was kicking around in place as giant waves were tossing him up and down. He looked up at Maruska, and waved. It put her a little more at ease to see he was okay. She could breathe again. Then she saw Anton dive back under the waves and disappear. Maruska stood there watching the waves, waiting to see Anton. She was counting in her head, to time how long he had been under there for. He had told her that when he was a kid, he used to compete with his friends, to see who could stay under water the longest. He told her he could hold his breath for over two minutes. Eighty-nine… Ninety… Maruska was counting. She was beginning to get nervous. She looked everywhere down there, trying to spot him. And then she saw something that caught her eye. It was a dark shape moving in the water! She looked again and saw nothing. She prayed hard that it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. Then she saw Anton! He had surfaced! He had a big smile on his face and was waving to her. He was holding something in his hand. At such a far distance, Maruska couldn’t see what it was, but really at this stage she didn’t care. All she wanted was Anton out of the water. “Get out of there, Anton!” she shouted down at him. But she didn’t need to. Anton was already swimming towards the base of the cliff. Once he reached there, he would be safe. Anton was the best rock climber Maruska knew. He would make it up the cliff no worries once he reached it. Maruska was starting to relax. Anton was very close to the- Suddenly, a green scaly…. thing…. came out of the water and with its mouth wide open, dived at Anton! “Anton!” shouted Maruska. There was a huge splash and both Anton and the…. (Maruska actually didn’t even know what it was…. except that it had pale green skin and red fins) vanished under the water. “Anton!” she shouted. All she could see when she looked down were the terrifying waves. Nothing. She could see nothing. Without thinking, she stripped off her tunic and threw it to the ground. She fumbled on the ground and picked up Anton’s other boot, which had another knife in it. She drew it, then put it inbetween her teeth. She didn’t even know why she did that, except that she had seen Anton do it. She looked down at the water and jumped. She pointed her body towards the water and held both her arms as straight as she could. You can’t even swim good! the voice inside her head said to her. Splash! Maruska entered the FREEZING cold water. If she didn’t have a knife in her mouth, she would have screamed! Now she was underneath the water, arms and legs flailing around. She forced herself to open her eyes. She was amazed that she actually see fairly well. She spun around and then saw them! Anton and the sea monster or whatever it was, were fighting, wrestling… Maruska swam through the water, kicking hard. She reached Anton and the sea monster. It had arms! It looked like a half-man, half-fish! Maruska really didn’t care at this point what it looked like. She took her knife out of her mouth and stabbed it! She wasn’t aiming, she just had stabbed randomly. Somehow she managed to catch a softer spot on its scaly skin. Her knife sank in deep. Aaarrrggghh! She heard the monster scream in the water. It turned to look at her and then suddenly she felt an excruciating stinging pain spear her in the back! She looked and saw that the monster had stabbed its tail into her! She pulled out her knife from the creature and tried to reach around to cut its tail, but just couldn’t turn enough to reach. Suddenly, she realised she was running out of oxygen. Seriously! She looked up and the surface of the water above them seemed so far away! She was going to die, she knew it. She resigned to that fact and decided to stab the creature as many times as she could. But then, just as Maruska had completely given up hope, she saw a splash of dark blood spurt out of the creature and it started to flail a bit and then stop. She saw Anton come over to her, push the dying monster away. She felt his strong arm wrap around her waist and then he began to swim up to the surface. Maruska felt her knife slip out of her hand and she looked down and watched it vanish into the darkness of the water below. PLOARR!!! Fresh air! Maruska breathed! They were on the surface! She breathed in again and again. She had never experienced anything as wonderful as the fresh air right then and there. Anton was swimming towards the base of the cliff, dragging her along with him in the water. Maruska felt a sharp pain on her back, near her shoulder-blade; each time the water splashed on it, it really stung. She tried to move her arms and legs, but they felt numb. She looked up at the sky. What a day she was having. The sky looked nice….. seagulls… “Maruska, can you hear me?” Maruska suddenly realised she had been daydreaming. “Maruska,” said Anton firmly, “I need you to climb onto my back and hold on really tight. I’m going to climb up the cliff. Can you do that? Can you hold onto me and not let go?” “Yeah…..” said Maruska, “I….. cannnnnn….do that….” She could hear her voice like someone else was speaking for her. She was shivering and slurring at the same time. Why was she slurring she wondered? Anton positioned himself so that Maruska could climb piggy back on him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and held on tight. She felt Anton testing her grip around him, to see if she was holding firm. “All you need to do,” said Anton, “Is hold on tight and don’t let go. We’re going to get up this cliff face and then we’re going to laugh at what a day we’re having. Are you ready Maruska?” Maruska nodded and said, “I’m holding tight.” Anton started climbing. Maruska watched as he climbed. She had never had such a good view of his climbing before.. from his back! She saw him reach at the edges of the rock face and make his way up. He was going really fast too. Maruska felt so safe. She really trusted Anton. She felt so lucky, to be with someone so trustworthy. Her hands were beginning to get tired, but she just squeezed her grip even tighter. She just had to hold on and Anton would do the rest. She closed her eyes. it seemed to make it easier, but not for long. Soon her hands were getting really tired. She just thought of Anton to distract herself. He must be having an even harder time…. climbing and carrying me, she thought. “No!” said Anton. Maruska felt Anton’s arm holding onto her butt. She realised her hands had slipped. “Hold on!” shouted Anton. “I’m sorry,” said Maruska. She clasped her hands around his neck again. And then her world started to go dark. Her hearing went all weird. Her body went all numb. She found it so hard to talk. And that wound on her back was throbbing! Then….. relief….. She felt the ground underneath her back. She was looking up at the sky. Where was Anton? She turned her head to look. She saw him lying on his back, arms and legs spread out wide. His chest was heaving up and down. He looked exhausted! She glanced at his hands; the palms and fingers were red with blood! “I’m sorry…” Maruska tried to say, but she could barely hear her own voice. Anton turned to look at her. He smiled at her, and in that moment, she felt alright. The pain, it was nothing. Anton was smiling at her. “We made it,” she heard him say, but the sound was all muffled. Suddenly, Anton’s face looked concerned. He said something, but this time she couldn’t hear him at all. “I love you,” Maruska tried to say. She knew she was going to die. She hoped he heard it.