This medieval castle, turned into hotel, is a gem at the foot of Bronze Face Mountain and is surrounded with breathtaking grounds, beautiful gardens, a pond with gold fish and water lilies. The 'Bronze Face' name comes from the bronze colored outcrop at the side of the mountain where rock climbing competitions are held every year. Its surface is vertical and it looks like a human face, ears, nose and all, with very few cracks. The hotel and surrounds, no matter of season, look idyllic and tranquil. Occasional visitors and vacationers flock to it because of many available activities, its décor, excellent food and service. It is early spring, with still considerable snow on the ground, and this morning the hotel lobby is busy with arriving and leaving gests, hotel personnel carting luggage. Outside warm sun shines, and sweet smelling breeze fills the air, and lungs of visitors. A taxi stopped at the front entrance. A young man stepped out with long brown hair and beard, tall and broad shouldered, retrieved his hand bag from the cab, and paid the driver who placed his suitcase in front of him. He was still standing there when the cab was leaving, looked up and admired the castle, turned and took in the beauty of the landscape. Then, he took a deep breath, grabbed his suitcase and stepped inside the lobby. The luggage boy politely ushered him to the reception desk. -Good morning sir. May I have your name, please - said the receptionist. -Flint Hill - he said and dropped his hand bag on the floor. -Thank you Mr. Hill. My name is John. Your room is going to be ready shortly. Would you, please take a seat in the lobby, and I will let you know when is done. It shouldn't take too long. -Thank you John. - said Flint, he looked around and headed toward the seats, arranged in a circle, close to the stairs leading up to the rooms. There was a young woman already sitting and waiting there. He chose a comfortable armchair across the small table in the middle, and picked up the day's newspaper. He nodded towards his waiting companion when their eyes met, and immersed himself in reading when a gentlemen walked into the lobby. The man was well groomed and sophisticated looking, his trimmed mustache sharp, turned in loops at the ends. Flint and the woman looked up from their reading to measure up the newcomer. They both noticed the mustache the man was wearing, they glanced at each other and the young woman nodded smiling towards Flint, just like she was saying -'see?... that is neat'! Flint smiled back and shrugged his shoulder. He has no time for a haircut and shaving, he is just too busy doing stuff like...rock climbing and alike. The man stepped close to the desk and placed his handbag on the floor besides Flint's. -Good morning Mr. Flopp. Nice to see you again! - said John the well-rehearsed phrase. -Likewise John, likewise. Is my room ready? - answered the gentlemen in a pleasant deep voice. -Certainly Mr. Flopp. The boy will help you with your handbag right away -said John. -O...that won't be necessary, but thank you John! -As you wish, sir. Here is your key Mr. Flopp...room number twenty one...as usual!- said John. It seems like Mr. Flopp’s mustache had a mind of its own. The longer he talked the more its right side curl turned downwards until it pointed completely towards the ground. He knew this, and compensated it with a twirl from time to time. Mr. Flopp reached down and noticed that there are two identical travel bags sitting on the floor side by side. Not sure which is his, he grabbed the one that looked newer, picked up the key John placed on the desk, and headed upstairs. -Ms. Blondie...your room is ready. -said John stepping close to the waiting area. -Thank you John, I'll be right there.- Ms. Blondie stood up and proceeded to the desk to sign some papers. Flint couldn't help not to watch as she stood up and approached the desk, her appealing figure and swinging, shapely hips. She noticeably acted as she knew she is being inspected, and when she left for the stairs she looked back at Flint with a tempting smile, and disappeared. Flint replayed in his mind the scene as she smiled at him, over and over again. He wondered if he's fallen into a trap as he did several times before. He had to admit to himself...he liked the woman he saw in the lobby, but what if he just reads too much into that smile. In his room he looked into the mirror and contemplated shaving his beard and trimming his hair...but...what if she doesn't recognize me after? What am I doing? Flint...you are not good at this...just let it go! -he told himself aloud, and laid on the bed to try it for comfort. He stared at the ceiling and visualized the practice rock-climbing he planned next day when there was a knock on his door. It is the gentlemen with the mustache from the lobby, holding a leather handbag just like his. -O… It’s you! – said Flint when he opened the door. -You… who? – came the answer with raised eyebrows. -The gentlemen with the weird… never mind… what can I do for you, sir? – asked Flint. -I think I have your bag Mr. … ? - and opened the bag he was holding. -Hill, Flint Hill… it surely looks like mine - said Flint. The bag was full of climbing gear. -And you have mine…you are awfully disorganized! – said Mr. Flopp standing on his toes peeking in. -Now…now Mr. Flopp…you were the one who picked the wrong bag in the lobby…weren’t you? – Flint remembered the funny name. -All right…all right…can I have my bag, please? -Sure…come on in. – Flint opened the door wide and waved him in. -So…where is your beautiful wife? - asked Mr. Flopp looking around for his bag. -What wife? -The lady you were sitting with in the lobby…? -That’s not my wife! I don’t have a wife! I don’t even have a girlfriend, as a matter of fact! -Huh…no wonder…look at your appearance! I wouldn’t want to be your girlfriend either, the way you look!? – Mr. Flopp tugged at Flint’s beard and long hair. -Why? What’s wrong with how I look? – waving his hand around to protect himself from the intruder. -Look at me! Groomed, neat and presentable! That’s what women want! – and started to walk around in the room, with his head held high, like a peacock. -And a mustache like yours!? – said Flint with irony, watching him. -Well… this is my main lady catcher! They are drown to it like flies to a… - and he gave his mustache a twist with both hands searching for the right word. -A horse!?...hehe! – Flint waved towards the door, to indicate the end of the show. -Now that is rude Mr. Hill! All I’m saying is that if you want advice regarding women, I’m your ticket. Call me Gordon! My room is across the hall from yours, I have a good bottle of Scotch and we can talk. I’m serious! - Gordon picked up his bag and walked out the door. He had to admit that Gordon had a hunch about his unwillingness to get into a lasting relationship, but refused to admit the reason he presented him. Flint attributed all to the way he approached women in general. He wasn’t a virgin by any means, women were attracted to him because his good looks. The hobbies, and solo activities he pursued hindered his chances. His appearance was just the result of his intension to have some control over the advances of the opposite sex, with more or less results. Gordon’s intrusion into his personal life intrigued, and entertained him. He was genuinely interested in where this new found character would take him. The courtesy sleighs were ready early morning, stationed in front of the entry door, to treat hotel inhabitants to a ride up the mountain, destination Bronze Face. The route meandered amidst pine forests, with breathtaking vistas peeking through the branches down below the valley, and onto the castle. The sleighs were pulled by two horses and had four seats for passengers, two and two facing each other, and one for the driver in the front. Flint didn’t want to miss the opportunity to finally see the cliff up close, so after breakfast he grabbed his bag with the climbing gear, and took a place in one. Shortly after Mr. Flopp and Ms. Blondie joined him. The two men sat side by side and Ms. Blondie facing them. As soon as the ride started Gordon elbowed Flint. He looked over and saw Gordon gesturing towards Ms. Blondie with his eyes. He pretended not to notice, and turned away. -Allow to introduce myself… I’m Gordon Flopp, and this gentlemen here is Flint Hill. – said Gordon unexpectedly, leaning forward to catch Ms. Blondie’s attention. -Jenifer Blondie – she said extending her hand to Gordon and then to Flint. -Flint Hill – and held her hand for a second. He felt the warm, velvety softness of her skin and the smell of perfume she was wearing. -What a wonderful sunny spring day this is Mr. Hill…Love is in the air, don’t you think? – She showed obvious interest in Flint. -Yes it is. – He turned his head away. He couldn’t bear Ms. Blondies steady gaze in his eyes. Flint looked any other way, except at Ms. Blondie the whole trip to the top. Ones there, everyone could wonder freely on the snow covered plateau situated in front of Bronze Face Cliff. When Ms. Blondie was out of hearing range Gordon confronted Flint. -I know now what’s wrong with you! You can’t even start a conversation, let alone continue one! You need serious help! - Can’t you see… she is all over you, and all you can say is ‘Yes it is’? – What is it?...You don’t like her? -Yes I do! I like her allot! But … I’m just not interested! -In that case you don’t mind if I….? -Of course not… go ahead. – said Flint smiling. He was curious to see if Gordon can have any success with her. Is he is as skilled in women’s matters as he portrays himself, or he is just full of some hot air? To his surprise after a few minutes Ms. Blondie was walking on Mr. Flopp’s arm laughing, and later they stopped to sip Champaign at the tent erected for this purpose. Mr. Flopp twirled his mustache from time to time, and stood on his toes to counter the height difference with Ms. Blondie. Visibly they had a good time, and were still giggling on the way downhill to the castle. Flint didn’t say much, and resented somewhat the fact that he was pushed out of his uphill seat. -Thank you both, gentlemen! I had a wonderful time! – said Ms. Blondie as she stepped off the sleigh. -It was our pleasure to enjoy your company Ms. Blondie – said Gordon with a wide smile. -In that case … I would be delighted to sit with you at the same table at lunchtime. And I mean you too Mr. Hill. Don’t you dare bail on me! – said Ms. Blondie stepping closer to Flint. -Are you always this assertive …? – asked Flint. -I just want to … know you better. Is that a crime? – she answered playfully. The two men left to get ready for lunch. All their conversation revolved around Ms. Blondie, leading up to their room. Gordon confessed that his dialog with Ms. Blondie consisted mostly of an unending inquiry about Flint, and that he told her everything he knew about him, which isn’t much. Gordon couldn’t help raving about her lovely voice, intelligence, her taste in clothes, but most importantly her attractive silhouette. He told Flint that he would date her in an instant, but she graciously declined saying that she liked his ‘manners’, ‘lovely humor’, admired his ‘frisky mustache’, and that’s all. The hotel diner was busy with patrons, and participants of the approaching rock climbing competition, to be held on this weekend. At the table Flint couldn’t hold back his excitement, he talked about his past experiences scaling foreign mountain peaks. This was his territory, this is where he could shine, and grab audience. This time he set his eyes onto this cliff nobody could climb so far to the very top. Jenifer couldn’t take her eyes off him, she was mesmerized about his enthusiasm, and she felt, yet an unexplained attraction towards this man. It was a warm dusk, and Flint watched the sunset from the balcony at the end of the hallway. He immersed himself in the sight of unfolding new vegetation, the mountain and wildlife, the rebirth of nature. He didn’t realize the passage of time, and soon everything was shrouded in darkness. He only came to his senses, when he heard the squeak of a door opening behind his back. He turned to see who it is, and saw a woman’s head emerge from Mr. Flopp’s room, she looked left and right, and not seeing Flint in the darkness she left in a hurry on her tip-toes. The woman was wearing a chamber-maid outfit, and visibly struggling to tie her apron as she disappeared from Flint’s site. He unwillingly discovered a secret about his new found friend, and realized the woman he saw was Carla, the maid who serviced this level of castle hotel. Flint arose early to perform his routine morning workout. The air was chilly and fog hovered above the treetops. At some point he looked up and saw Jenifer watching him from the castle window, dressed in a hotel maid outfit. She waved, and soon after she disappeared from his sight. Later she served breakfast in the diner. When asked she said she is ‘volunteering’, and excused herself saying she had something important to discuss with Mr. Hugo Beryl, the hotel owner. They were both puzzled about this, and still at the table, Gordon confessed that he has an affair with Carla, and he spends long vacations at the castle many times a year only for this purpose. Mr. Hugo Beryl, and every one of the staff knows about the relationship, they tolerate it, because he is a good paying patron, and he even sponsors the mountain climbing competition. He loves Carla, and she loves him, but, just as Flint, is not ready for commitment. They agreed that they had a bond which is based on the same principle. The horse was all saddled up when Flint got to the barn, he gained some last minute instructions from the keeper how to handle ‘Hay’ the horse, fastened the climbing gear and lunch bag to the saddle, and rode out towards the Bronze Face Cliff. Not long into his trip he heard the sound of horse trotting behind him. Flint stopped his horse, turned and waited to see who it is. It was Jenifer with rosy cheeks, and happy to catch up with him. -Good morning Mr. Hill! Can I join you? -Certainly… If you don’t mind being bored? – said Flint, and turned his horse towards the path uphill. -Bored? Why do you think I would be bored? -Well… just because I’m not much of a conversationalist, and my mustache isn’t as perky as Mr. Flopp’s is. I think my interests are not shared with most people, and that limits my audience. -I’m interested! I want to hear what you have to say! – Said Jenifer with enthuse. -Really!? Even about mountain climbing!? -Everything! Who you are, where you were born, what you’re doing… and everything else in-between! -Well...I was born in a town called Hiketown. My older brother and I acquired a successful printing company which allows me to pursue my passion, but I’m only rich in adventure. This pretty much says it all. – Said Flint shrugging his shoulder. -Exactly as I imagined… Simple, yet fascinating. – She said looking ahead in a distance. She had her share of failed relationships, and perhaps this could be, or so she thought, one without too much drama and unnecessary tension. -And how about you…? What is this volunteering all about? – Flint interrupted her gaze with genuine interest. Jenifer didn’t answer his questions. She averted his focus on the matter by spotting a patch of spring flowers among the trees off beaten path, and showed her desire to have a closer look. Flint didn’t mind the brake, he enjoyed Jenifer’s company, and nature is always in the center of his activities. He led the way to the meadow and proceeded to help her off the horse. Jenifer made sure she placed her arms around Flint’s neck as she slid off, and wouldn’t let go. She was so close to his face that she could feel his breath. The alluring embrace lasted only seconds, yet it felt forever. They both fell into a trap they couldn’t get out of, which can have only one outcome. The suspense grew the longer they looked into each other’s eyes, and the kiss was just the release of the tension. They felt there is more to come, and both content, released their tender embrace, picked some flowers, and continued the ride up the mountain. Surprised by this sudden turn of events, it was Flint who broke the silence. -We are almost there. You can turn back if you want, and I will join you later in the hotel. I need to do my daily practice! It is boring to watch someone dangling from a rope on the side of a cliff, don’t you think? -Are you kidding? I didn’t just ride after you for a kiss, and leave! I’m not going to let you out of my sight… ever! – She said playfully. -All right then. You can’t say that I didn’t warn you! -I won’t. Even more… I would appreciate if you gave me some rock climbing lessons. – She said with conviction. -Are you serious? That’s hard work, dedication and lots of lonely ours in the wilderness! Are you up to that? – Said Flint with disbelieve, although he liked what he heard. He met very few men who shared his passion at his level, let alone women. -I’m hard working… just test me! I’m dedicated… and besides I’m not alone when I’m with you! -True! So… you want to spend more time with me? -Only if… you don’t mind…? Upon arrival Flint started to unpack, and prepared for the climb. He had a secret weapon he himself made, and showed them to Jenifer. They are some devices on the principle of a reversed pinch clamp with serrated teeth at the outer edges, and fitted with a metal ring for the rope. He called them ‘expansion clamps’, because when placed in a crack or crevice of a rock, big or small, the more weight placed on it the further it tends to expand, securing it firmly, providing added safety. The device is most useful when climbing under horizontal, or overhung rocks, so he guarded them from spying eyes. Bronze Face Cliff had several of these, chin, the nose, eyebrows and under ears. Flint started with some stretches, pull-ups, push-ups and he encouraged Jenifer to do the same. She followed the instructions to the letter with strength and vigor to his amazement. Flint removed all unnecessary clothes, put on his special foot-ware, grabbed his gear, and chose a spot to start his ascent. -Just watch and learn – Said Flint, and stepped close to the foot of the almost vertical rock, which represents the neck of this amazing natural formation. -I’m watching… I’m watching! – She said with excitement. And she did as he placed his foot carefully into small cracks, sometimes dangling from his fingertips as to get closer to the target he set eyes on. His calculated, well-choreographed moves, and calm attitude astonished Jenifer. The skill he presented fits in the art of circus acrobats, he performed poses she never thought was possible, with stretched body like a spider tight to the cliff, and always in perfect control. She admired his contoured muscles, and proportionate figure as he climbed higher and higher. Two hours have past, but it appeared minutes for Jenifer in her tense guard of the man she adored. Worm midmorning sun lit the rock, and Flint was just a bright red speck, like a pimple, on the cheek of Bronze Face. Jenifer took frequent brakes, because her neck tired for looking up. At some point she heard laughing, spitting and sneezing above, coming from where Flint was hanging. She saw him let go of the rope and flinging his arm around his head. There were things flying, lending on Flint’s head, arms, shoulders, and everywhere on his body. Lucky for the expansion clamps he managed to secure his foothold, and slowly started his descent, still hurling his arm around from time to time. The creatures letup with their assault about mid distance in his descent. Exhausted, but safe finally he reached the ground. -You won’t believe what I just lived through up there! I saw some promising crevices suitable for exploring under the ‘eyebrow’, and when I approached, these creatures swarmed out, and started to tickle my eyes, nose, ears and mouth with their skinny tails! They are the size of a mouse, and they can fly, have a big head like a gargoyle with horns, a mouth with tiny sharp teeth, but they didn’t bite! Those skinny long tails with a hairy ball at the end were nasty! This behavior must be a defense mechanism to protect their habitat. – Said Flint with apparent excitement. -What are they? -I have no clue! Nobody saw them before, and they are not documented anywhere… as far as I know! I guess, nobody could reach that height so far. – said Flint with satisfaction. -Does this mean that this cliff is unclimbable? – She asked. -No… no! I already have a plan, but first I have to go to the castle library, check the available encyclopedias to see if there is anything mentioned about a creature of this nature. I’m glad I didn’t wear loose leg shorts, because I don’t know what they would’ve done with my other tender orifices? Flint inadvertently stumbled upon a so far undocumented species, and decided that he won’t disclose his discovery until later. The books don’t even mention anything similar, so he is sure that this is a major thing. He went to bed, but had hard time falling asleep because of today’s events. Jenifer, the kiss, the creatures was just too much to process. The morning seemed to come way too fast, and he woke up to the sound as if somebody was pulling the window curtains apart in his room. -What are you doing? – He asked covering his eyes from the sunshine flooding the room. -Rise and shine Mr. Hill. It is breakfast time. We got work to do. – said the voice coming from the direction of the window. -We? Who are you, and what are you doing in my room! O…it is you Carla! – Realizing it is the chamber made from the outline of the figure covering the light. -Well…not exactly Mr. Hill! I am your personal chamber made, and happy to serve you, sir! – came a stark answer from the shadow as she leaned over, and kissed Flint on the cheeks. -Now this is unusual! What is your name? – He said sitting up in disbelieve. -My name is Jenifer, sir! -What…? What are you doing in those clothes again? Is this a joke? – Just realizing who it is. -Nop. I volunteered to do this, and I decided that you are going to have breakfast in bed. – Without hesitation she placed the prepared tray on his lap, and pulled the pillow closer to his back for added support. -Why do you do this? Are you in need of money…? Just tell me! – said Flint with reverence. -I’m in no need for anybody’s money! Just eat your breakfast, and I’ll meet you in the garden for your morning routine. Just promise you won’t ask any more questions! – And she left the room smiling. Flint was dumbfounded. He couldn’t make sense of what he just experienced, but had to admit that Jenifer looked very sexy in the ‘made’ outfit. He wanted more of her, more than just a little kiss. He ate his breakfast in a hurry, and retreated to the bathroom to freshen up. In haste he decided to shave his beard, which he didn’t for a couple of month, in hopes to thrill the lady of his affection. He caught Jenifer from behind by surprise in the garden already doing her exercises. She didn’t turn to see who it is, because she knew this strong arm just by the feel, and enjoyed the embrace for a while before she turned to face him. -O my god! Who are you, and what did you do with Flint? – She asked pushing him away with a wide eyed stare. -What? You don’t like it? I thought you’d like it! -No…! I mean yes! But Flint, I…like you just the way you are. You don’t have to do anything special. And…what about that mustache you forgot to shave. It looks exactly as Mr. Flopp’s. It has to come down! – She said shaking her head. -I heard it’s the main attraction for women! At least that’s what Mr. Flopp said! -Come here you fool! I want to have a closer look at you! – She held his face with both hands for a while, and then standing on her toes she kissed him. Flint’s world turned up-side down. His heart turned sentimental on him as his mind told something else. Is this for real, and who is this mysterious woman? The more often they met her charm became more irresistible? The following few days he saw her playing the chamber maid, restaurant server, laundry worker, cook, masseuse and so much more. All she said when asked is ‘I’m just volunteering’. What is going on? There must be more to this! The hotel owner Mr. Hugo Beryl answered the same, she is ’just volunteering’. Jenifer managed to divert Flint’s attention from details of her identity despite many love encounters. Its early morning on competition day. Jenifer dashed into Flint’s room, opened the curtains, and placed the food tray on his lap, as she used to do as a good chamber maid. She watched him finish his breakfast, and ordered to take off his sleepwear. -But…darling…not today! You know I need all my strength! – He said with begging eyes. -Not that, you silly! I’m going to give you a good massage! Bronze Face Cliff climbing is a spectator event. All who want to observe are welcome. Reclining chairs, binoculars are provided by the hotel and sponsors, placed strategically in neat rows. Booths at the perimeter of the plateau provide plenty of refreshments during the competition, also supplied by sponsors free of charge. Mr. Hugo Beryl, a chubby, red faced man stepped on the podium. -Good morning ladies and gentlemen! My name is Hugo Beryl, owner of Bronze Face Hotel. I’m pleased to announce the beginning of the thirty sixth yearly rock climbing competition. Five Towers Castle turned Bronze Face Hotel proudly hosts, accommodates and pampers all that wish to take part in this wonderful event. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce in short our sponsors that make this event special, because without them just wouldn’t be the same. -Sitting behind me are Mr. Cory Apple, president, and Sid Pitt, vice president of the Regional Fruit Growers Association. They provide fresh fruit to our hotel, to businesses in the area, and they are the first to use the unique ‘rodent power’ method. They have an arsenal of chipmunks, trained to recognize ripe fruit, chew their stem, and let them fall onto a net below. All people have to do is empty the nets at night, and the chipmunks are paid peanuts. -Mr. Brad White and Mr. Dustin Crumb are the owners of ‘Dough Foot’ bakery. They supply us with fresh bread, and buns that are kneaded with bare feet, by people whose foot baths are not permitted, ensuring the rise of the bread dough without yeast. Clever, don’t you think? -Our drinks, sparkling wine, and spirits are provided by Mr. Ryan Whiskey and Mrs. Cherry Brandy founders of the local grape grower’s enterprise. They are convinced that their sparkling wine can be ‘aged’ with the help of employees, whose average age is ninety two. The higher sale price is justified by the loss, due to frequent breakage while handling the bottles. -The meet products, and deli is curtesy of Mr. Butch Grinder and Mr. Cleave Chops. Their patented invention of self-peeling hot-dogs and sausages, are well known and favored by our patrons. The fact that the next bite is revealed as soon one bite is taken is a neat feature, and the array of flavor is endless. The most popular is the ketchup, and the mustard variety. The thin middle tube along the sausage is filled with the desired flavor…m…m…m… delicious! Brilliant! You should try them, ladies and gentlemen! -Mr. Harry Wolfe and Mr. Chase Runner officers of the Wildlife Habitat Protection Agency. They are the ones to ensure that our cherished, serene surroundings are the way they are, and hunting is not performed on our land. They are the breeders, and suppliers of the worker chipmunks, which contribute to the fruit grower’s success in harvesting their crop. And, of course, they are the ones who trap or shoot the predators that want to decimate the chipmunk population. -And finally Mr. Gordon Flopp, philanthropist, writer, and owner journalist of ‘The Daily Tale’ newspaper, which makes this event special by promoting it worldwide. He is well known by our patrons about his unparalleled generosity, and characteristic mustache. -Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give them all a round of applause! – And applaud they did. -Furthermore, ladies and gentlemen, it’s is my pleasure to announce a milestone in my own carrier, namely the successful closing of a deal in selling Bronze Face Hotel. The transition of ownership is smooth, and I’m sure that everyone will enjoy for many years to come, the hospitality of the capable, and gorgeous new owner, who sits right here, Ms. Jenifer Blondie! – Mr. Beryl stepped close, held her hand, and invited Jenifer to the forefront. After the applause she thanked Mr. Beryl and sponsors their kindness, and assured them about her intent for close cooperation. -And now…let the games begin! This year we have six talented competitors, who will attempt to concur Bronze Face! May the best win! – And she gave sign to the climbers to start. Flint was the last to start, and he chose the smoothest surface nobody wanted. None of the climbers knew what was awaiting them along their ascent. He stayed calm, focused, made steady progress, and tried not to think about what he just heard. Nobody knew why he is wearing a full, close-fitting suit, a ski mask and goggles. The weather was pleasant, and a steady light breeze caressed spectators, and competitors alike. Meanwhile the anchor of the event Mr. Talker presented each competitor’s achievements, strengths, and weaknesses. As he was talking the rows of binoculars were directed towards the competitor in subject. An uproar erupted every time as one of the climbers lost footage, and cheers when he recovered. It seems to be the only competition spectators watch laying almost horizontally. There are no multiple attempts to climb Bronze Face, which means by night it has to be scaled and returned on solid ground. The next attempt will only happen the following year. At around noontime almost all climbers reached the mid-distance on the Face, and one even made to the notorious ‘under-brow’ area. This is when all hell broke loose, and the assault of the little flying devils started. They emerged, and swarmed the poor guy with ferocity, tickling him everywhere. Sneezing, laughing, spitting, protecting his eyes and ears, and soon he was enveloped in a cocoon of flying creatures. All binoculars were focused on him, and spectators started to lough too. Soon the whole valley echoed from a contagious, hysterical laugh, and nobody seemed to be able to stop. Flint was the only one who was immune to the creatures’ advances, and continued his ascent. He is unstoppable, while the others had to be rescued by the fire department with high reaching cranes. Exhausted, but victorious Flint returned to ground, celebrated and admired by all. The first to conquer Bronze Face, reaching the very top and return safely isn’t just any feat, and thus writing his name in history. On one hand he is ecstatic about his achievement, and on the other, he just couldn’t come to terms with his relationship with Jenifer. He developed strong feelings for her, though it wasn’t supposed to happen. He is a traveler, and had plans to travel with her. And now he finds out that she is rich, and the owner of this hotel. He felt betrayed, by all her secrecy, playing the chamber maid and all, and now he is at a crossroads of choices he isn’t ready to make. His stay at the hotel ends on Sunday night, but he didn’t want to leave before he talks to Jenifer. His opportunity came Sunday morning. -Rise and shine…Mr. Hill! Its six o‘clock, and your breakfast is ready! - Jenifer barged in his room as usual, like nothing changed. -Jenifer… Why do you do this?...and don’t say that you are ‘just volunteering’. You are a hotel owner, and have personnel to do this! – Said Flint sitting up in his bed. -I love doing stuff for you and I want to be indispensable! I knew that at some point I have to explain myself. So here are my thoughts and desires, which include you by my side! – She sat on the bed placing the tray on his lap. -Are you serious? How do you think I’m going to fit in your world after all this, and yet worlds apart? -Just hear me out. I never believed that our affair is something I would take lightly. My feelings for you are real, and I hope you feel the same. I’m in love with you Flint, and I want to marry you! – She said with teary eyes. -I love you too, very much… but why would you marry a drifter like me? And besides I have to leave tonight! -Because… I’m … stupid!? Please don’t leave! You can stay as long as you want! After all I’m the owner of this hotel! – She embraced him with both arms, and placed her head on his chest sobbing. Flint was torn between thoughts. He was packing his suitcase, and equipment when he heard the familiar knock of Mr. Flopp on his door. The gentlemen took Jenifer’s side, and he argued that all Flint has to say is ‘yes’, and he could be the luckiest guy among mountain climbers. Flint countered this by reflecting on Mr. Flopp’s unwillingness to marry. Hearing this Mr. Flopp, in haste, promised that if Flint marries he is going to tie the knot with Carla too, which he regretted right away. Flint’s leaving was painful for all. Jenifer followed the taxi with teary eyes until it disappeared amid the trees on the curving path. Mr. Flopp’s attempt to comfort her had no effect. She wanted to be left alone, to cope with emptiness, and mend her broken heart. Such a short week, so much action, love, and now she felt as if the world collapsed around her. The week that followed she spent most of her time in the garden, staring in the distance. One day she was sitting on the same bench at the edge of the pond she spent so much time kissing in warm embrace. At some point she noticed a man approaching from the castle. The man’s long hair was fluttering in the wind. She recognized right away the familiar figure and walk. Her heart started to race, and jumped to her feet to have a better look. It is him, and she darted towards the man with open arms. That night they had no sleep. Jenifer wore her memorable chamber maid outfit, and playfully let Flint remove them piece by piece. There was much to talk about, things to do, and dreams to fulfill. They both confessed their unbearable past week not seeing each other, and vowed to never leave. Flint sold his share of the printing business to his brother, and planned to open a climbing gear shop in the hotel. He is going to teach mountaineering lessons to interested patrons. He indicated his desire to enjoy travel, and rock-climbing with Jenifer. He was happy to proclaim ownership of the discovery of a new species, living on Bronze Face Cliff undisturbed since the time of dinosaurs, and get his name in encyclopedias. The species is given the name of ‘Devillis Teasimus Nosae (Bronzee)’. Nose Teaser Devils, in English. They foresaw an increase in business due to this attraction, and planned to boost housing capacity by purchasing more territory, to build another similar castle hotel nearby. Jenifer revealed why the secrecy around her identity. She is the granddaughter of the well-known fertilizer baron Mr. Dug Poopley, and she wasn’t going to brag about that. After his death Jenifer inherited all his wealth. Mr. Dug Poopley made a fortune by collecting, pressing, and drying regular manure in pea size pallets. He then capsuled them in a cluster-bomb type projectile, and used air cannons to disperse the dried stuff on the fields. It became an alternative choice of ammunition for the military in regular target practice. It was harmless, and extremely beneficial for the farmers. People only had to close windows and doors, and wear face masks when the army appeared in town. Who knew you can get rich working with poop? It was a huge ceremony celebrating the marriages of Mr. Gordon Flopp and Ms. Carla Brush, and between Mr. Flint Hill and Jenifer Blondie. Patrons were treated lavishly at the hotel, where reservations were free for a week, so were trips to Bronze Face, massages in the hotel’s spa. Gordon, best seller writer and journalist, signed a contract with Flint’s brother Walker to have his articles, books and flyers printed in Walker’s print shop. Gordon and Carla have become honorary, permanent inhabitants of Bronze Face Hotel, and friends for life with the Hills. A win-win happy ending for everyone. This true story appeared in ‘The Daily Tale’, printed in Mr. Walker Hill’s print shop, and written by Mr. Gordon Flopp, best seller writer, philanthropist.
Noteworthy Notes 