Thursday, December the 30th, 2004

back to: title, date or indexes

hear this 

Belshazzar's Feast

“Will you come with me to Belshazzar's feast?” asked Agnetha.

“I didn't know you'd been invited. I'll have to ask Björn,” said Benny.

Benny strode off into the mountains to find Björn. Agnetha stayed at the hotel, sipping her alcohol-free absinthe. Wild winds were howling and storm clouds gathered.

Benny found Björn sheltering in a declivity. He was burning charcoal.

“Agnetha wants me to go with her to Belshazzar's feast,” said Benny, after tipping his hat to Björn in greeting, “What do you think?”

“The gods may throw a dice,” said Björn, “Their minds as cold as ice.” He stared off into the mist-enshrouded distance, towards the fireworks factory and the abandoned tennis courts.

“I shall reflect on what you have said and come to a decision, then,” said Benny, “Thank you.”

On the way back to the hotel, Benny was accosted on the mountain path by Anni-Frid. She was dressed like a gaucho and looked as if she had been weeping.

“Anni-Frid, whatever is the matter?” asked Benny.

Anni-Frid dabbed at her tears with a paper napkin from the hotel. Her upper lip curled in a sneer. Discomfited by her silence, Benny began to gabble.

“Agnetha asked me to accompany her to Belshazzar's feast,” he said, “And I asked Björn for his advice. He is up there in a declivity burning charcoal.”

“Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin,” said Anni-Frid, and she pranced away into the mist.