the Soldier and Death

"Years later the Soldier was a rich gentleman, rewarded by the Czar, but his son fell very ill, so he called on his devil."

"The Soldier's devil showed him a magic glass in which Death could be seen. By Death's position at the foot or head of the bed, the Soldier could determine if the victim would recover or perish. The devil gave the Soldier the magic glass in exchange for his freedom, and after a successful career as Miracle Worker, the Soldier managed to trick Death itself, and capture it in his sack.

​He then climbed up the highest tree in the thickest forest, and hung the sack with Death up in it."

"So, no one died?"

"No. There were wars in most parts, but after a day of carnage, flashing of swords and exploding bombs, it was very strange.....no one had died. Crossed lovers threw themselves off cliffs, only to face a long climb back up...."

"But people were not meant to live forever, and soon tired old men and women begged the Soldier to set Death free, and put things right. So he climbed back up the tree and released Death.  
​But Death would not take the Soldier, and he lived on and on...doomed to wander the Earth forever...."

"That is so sad....
​So, is that the Soldier's sack?"

"No. It's just an old sack...with some stale biscuits...."   and he tossed it across the floor...

But it started to move....

*To see my entire story from the beginning - 'the Soldier and Death'

​* To see the original Storyteller episode on which my characters and story are based -
​ 'the Soldier and Death'