| The voice sounded both old, and evil. Ozzy shook off the feeling of dread so that he could make the pitch. “Look lady, we don’t know each other but you are going to have to trust me. I will get right to my point. You are old. Despite the fact you are aging at a slower rate than the rest of us; you ARE still going to die. Probably within the span of an ordinary life if it were starting at a young age.” Ozzy paused. “Are you with me so far?” ‘…es. Yes.” Ozzy felt cold, strong fingers close around his throat. (cough, cough) “To continue … So you will die in the length of a normal person’s life span. You can spend that time as you are now. An old woman. One that will die never having known love as it should be known. No husband. No children. Therefore of course: no grandchildren. Nothing remaining in this world to ever remind it that you ever existed. Or you can spend that time as a young woman. One that will be free to marry, have children. Possibly grandchildren. This is a one-time offer. You must choose before we step out into the night air. Lead me to a balcony and when we are staring out at the stars; tell me yes, you accept my offer, which means giving up all your power and wealth. In trade you will receive absolution for all that you have done previously, and will enjoy the remaining years from the age of twenty. Now Dark Queen, is the time of your most important decision. What say you?” The Dark Queen was silent for a short time. It seemed like she was thinking over the proposal. What was obvious to Anna’s team, and had been from the start, was that they completely expected the queen to say yes. Even if she was doing it just so she could trick them. That was all they needed. All that was required was for her to say yes, and it sprang into action the team’s plan. next page |  |