Dear reader, This is the readme-file of the Spring Thing version of "The Baron". Thank you for taking a look at this story. FILES ===== Presumably, you have received two files: baron_DU.z8 and baron_EN.z8. The first is the Dutch version of the piece, the second is the English version. The Dutch version is the original, and is recommended for those who can read it; the English translation is, obviously, meant for those who do not read Dutch. BLURB ===== (Dutch:) Een kwaadaardige edelman, een ontvoerde dochter en een vader die haar koste wat het kost wil redden - zo steekt het leven niet in elkaar. De waarheid is veel duisterder, en veel menselijker. (English:) An evil nobleman, a kidnapped daughter and a father who wants to rescue her at any cost--that is not the way life works. Something much darker, something much more human, lies underneath. IMPORTANT NOTICE ================ "The Baron" is about a tragic and possibly shocking theme. Therefore, it is not appropriate reading for children; I advice an age limit of at least fifteen years. In addition, anyone who does not want to be confronted with fictional misery would do better to avoid this story. For the Spring Thing competition, wherein you will have to read a given number of works in order to be allowed to vote, this may mean that you will have to give "The Baron" a one when you decide to avoid it for this reason. Don't hesitate to do so. I would much rather have a one than a reader who reads on against his or her wishes. I hope the tale will be able move you, and that you will be able to move the tale. Regards, Victor Gijsbers