Introduction
Please
don’t ask for my name because I simply will not tell you. It is too
much of a painful matter. I can see that you are foreign and
therefore can not possibly understand the complexities of the name my
nation has given me, but my past is a very sad story, and if you will
humor an old gypsy woman and her boy for awhile, then I would take
great pleasure in telling you my life history. You see, gypsies
inherit the talent of storytelling, adding color and sparkle to their
stories, and no matter how implausible their stories may seem, a
gypsy can make it completely believable by the emotions she
expresses. Why, I have altered my story numerous times, changing it
to satisfy the wish of my listeners who have never been so heartless
as to walk away without dropping a piece into my collection can. I
touch them, you see? We gypsies are known for telling captivating
tales, and it is a gypsy’s secret to know what kind of stories will
delight our listeners. We can see into the windows of your soul and
grasp from them your passions as well as your fears. Ah, yes, fear.
Here is an ancient secret every gypsy learns from childhood: Fear is
the most vital ingredient in any tale. We know that you Hûvelles
will concentrate wholly on the horrifying parts, remembering that
image for days, weeks, years, or possibly your whole life. You aren't
thinking of running from me now, are you? I have not yet told my
tale, and you do not yet know what my story will be. Perhaps it will
be sadness, or maybe love? I have never cared for tales of romantic
grandeur as I believe love is simply an illusion, but be it so, I've
learned through telling hundreds of tales that love is a very
powerful ingredient indeed. I have also learned, however, that though
love may posses you temporarily, it does not threaten you or summon
surreal nightmares that scar you. Love is powerful, yes, but fear is
the seed of hysteria. Don’t ever forget that.
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(Original drawing for cover drawn by my brother)