Anno Domini 2040
(The Year of our Lord 2040)

A gray, grizzled grandfather gently rocks his five-year-old
great-grandson on his ample lap.

"What story should I read to you tonight, Tiger?" asks Grandpa.

"My favorite one, Grandpa Nick - Ode to Ernie!"

"I was hopping you'd say that, Tiger," smiles grandpa, as he
reaches for the well-thumbed tome. "It's also my favorite tale."

PROLOGUE

Like a plague, the feared tyrant Bad Odor (BO for short)
appeared from the faraway Arbor of Ann.

Mercilessly, meticulously, he spread his dreaded evil stench throughout
the embattled magic kingdom of Tigris Detroitus, until finally all hope
was lost.

And the tall trees dried, and the green grass died, and the Song of the
Turtle could be heard no more across the land.

And the people cried and mourned for what once was...

Copyright © 1990 - 2010 Nick Pontikis