Nano returns
because PD asked nicely.
The Promised One
Ace lived comfortably with his master. He had food when he needed it, water, a soft place in the sun to lay when he wasn’t required for duties, but his mind was troubled and his soul was impatient. His dreams haunted his waking hours. Lately, he’d even begun to think he’d seen the beings from his dreams during the day. He didn’t know who they were, only what they said. It wasn’t good to listen to the voices in one’s head, but he couldn’t stop them from speaking, so he had no choice but to listen. They told him to leave, that there was more expected of his life than giving foot massages and cleaning up after others. But how could he leave? He knew there were others out there, beyond the safe walls that held him, who did not have enough to eat or a dry warm place to sleep. Leaving would be hard, but the voices were hard to ignore.
***
Rath looked up from his charts, his eyes bleary from staring too long, hoping to find some sign that would lead him to the one he sought. The legends said there would come a day when the world would set itself straight and his kind would no longer live in bondage or poverty. The stars said that time was now, but where to look for the one who was promised to lead them to peace and plenty? He got up from the table and went to the cupboard. Bare, as usual. Why his master didn’t do the simple things like buying groceries, was beyond him. ‘Well, when your head is in the heavens, it’s hard to remember that your stomach is closer to the ground.’, he thought. He’d have to do the shopping himself, again.
Rath checked his fur and set out for the market, mentally checking his list: cream, coffee, flour, salmon, potatoes, onions, maybe some nice fruit for his master if he could find any in season. It was cold. Winters had been getting steadily worse every year, but Rath knew that would all change as soon as the Promised One had completed his task. He continued to walk toward town, setting his shoulder to the wind and wishing his master would complete that contraption in the basement he’d been working on for so long. A mechanized vehicle would sure come in handy on days like today! He turned the corner of the road leading to the edge of town and headed for the market section.
***
Ace wandered the streets of the market, eyes filled with the variety of wares available. His master had sent him to pick up his clothes at the tailor’s, a function Ace had never been permitted to perform. He’d never been to town, before. Now, if he could just find the booth where the tailor worked. He was so busy concentrating on his errand, he neglected to watch where he was going and ran into Rath, both ending up in a pile in the street. Rath growled as he adjusted his dignity and picked himself up off the ground. Then he noticed the youngling who had caused the accident. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. It was the Promised one! Quickly, he helped the male child to his feet.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you,” Ace said, “Really, I suppose it’s the height of bad manners to be so tourist-y, but I’ve never been to town, before”
“Quite alright, young sir, and I should be the one apologizing.”, Rath replied, “May I help you? Do you need assistance navigating the booths?” Rath needed to stay close to this youth. The world depended on him. He needed to gain this one’s trust. “I’m Rath, of the House of Madril. May I ask your name?”
“I’m Ace, of the House of Hoepf” he said, touching noses with the stranger, as was the custom, “I’d be glad of your help.”
They wandered the bizarre, picking up the clothes and groceries as they strolled, talking constantly, getting acquainted. It was late afternoon and the snow had begun to fall again when they were finished. Ace’s tummy growled. He’d been so awed by the wonders of town, he’d forgotten to eat. Rath looked at the youth. “Ace, my home is just down the road, and as we’ve just bought the groceries, I’d be honored to share my supper with you.”
“My master will be wondering what happened to me, but it is far and it is getting cold. A warm fire and hot food would be welcome before I start home. I would appreciate sharing your table.”, Ace said, as they started down the road leading out of town and toward Rath’s house. They had just rounded the corner when a shrill voice came from the trees. “The Promised one shall set things right! Look to Plume Lake. There is where you will find what you need.” Ace shook with fear. The trees at his home had never spoken.
Rath eyed the trees. Up in the top of one was what looked for the world like a blue jay, but there was something strange about this bird. “Come closer, Friend”
“I dare not, you will eat me!”
“Eat a talking bird? Parish the thought, for I suspect you are not what you seem to be. We are Ace and Rath. What would your name be?”
“My name? No one has ever asked me before. I do not think I have one. I’ve never even thought of having one. In all these centuries, I’ve never needed one.”
Centuries? Ace was confused. Birds don't live for centuries, do they? Rath nodded as if making up his mind. “Come, Friend, show your true visage. You have nothing to fear from either of us.”
The winds picked up, snow glittering in the air. There, on the road, a young maiden stood, her wings gossamer and iridescent, her hair flowing, luminescent with dulcet light. Ace hissed in confusion and was immediately embarrassed. Bowing low, he murmured, “I’m sorry, I was just shocked, is all”
“‘Tis alright, Ace. I’ll wager you’ve never seen one of my kind before.” She smiled at him. Turning to Rath, she said, “So, about this naming business, how does one find a name?”
“Well, I think we will call you Gliss. That should do.”
“What means this ‘Gliss’?”
“It’s short for a musical term, ‘glissando’ which is a series of notes, rising up, usually.”
“Oh, I like that!” She smiled, “Gliss it is, nice to meet you”
“Ace and I were on our way to my home for supper. Would you care to join us?
“In your house? With real food and drink? In all these centuries, no one has ever invited me willingly into their home! What a treat! Thank you, I think I will.”
***
Rath showed his guests into the kitchen, leading them to the chairs closest to the fireplace. He went out the door, whistling, and came back in with a load of firewood and a salamander to light the fire. He wished there were another way, but salamanders were the most reliable, when coaxed just right. It seemed a waste of such an awesome power to be used in such a menial way and a little disrespectful. Setting the wood in the grate, he placed the salamander on the stones in front. Bowing respectfully, he asked the salamander if he could please have a fire to provide warmth and food for his guests. The salamander blinked and looked at Gliss. Suddenly, the salamander grew into an awesome beast, and spoke.
“Welcome, Promised One. I’ve been tending fires in this abode, waiting for your arrival for months.” He was looking at Ace. “I have been sent to give you tools for your journey.” He pulled a suit of chainmail and a box that looked to be of gold from the fireplace.
Ace was agast. “But, why me? I’m not much older than a kit! I haven’t any education unless you need your house swept!” He eyed the chainmail. It was obviously his size and was woven as fine as a spider’s web. His gaze moved to the box. He opened it. Inside was the softest pillow of red velvet and two tiny cups secured to the side of the box. “What’s the box for?” he asked.
“It’s for me to ride in.” said the salamander, “You don’t expect me to walk all day and night, starting fires wherever you go, do you? The chainmail is forged in the hottest fires and folded 300 times to make it strong, but light. It will protect you against any weapon you can think of. Now, I think I’ll start this fire so we can dine.” With that, he shrank again and walked over the wood to start the fire. When the fire was built to his liking, he crawled to the bucket of sand near the hearth and fell asleep.
Gliss, meanwhile, inspected the chainmail. “This is the most exquisite mail I’ve ever seen! Even the gnomes can’t make mail this fine. Ace sat in his chair, looking afraid and confused. Rath tried not to notice and busied himself with supper preparations. Gliss looked at Ace, her face softening. “Ace, do you not know the legend?” She sat next to him on the chair and cradled his head. “When the world turns a cold eye, one will come who will bring balance to the world and peace to all who dwell there.”
“Supper’s ready” announced Rath.
“Come, let us eat, then you rest. It’s too cold and you are in no condition to go home tonight.” Gliss cooed.
They ate their meal in silence, remembering to offer some to the salamander, who really didn’t want any, but didn’t want to seem impolite. The fire roared in the fireplace, making the kitchen cozy and warm. Ace ate like he’d never tasted food, a proper response for one of his age when thoughts and worries can melt away at the sight of a good meal. He went back to study the fire, thinking of the words Gliss has said, but the fire was warm and his belly was full. He was soon fast asleep.
“Thank goodness!” said Rath. "I had no idea he would be so young. I wonder if he’s up to the task he is about to face.”
“He’ll do.” Gliss said, knowingly, “He has the most important weapons already, even if he doesn’t know it. His heart is good and kind and he has courage. He hasn’t run away from any of the strange things he’s seen today. I’d better whisk away these clothes to his master. He won’t be missed so soon if the clothes are there in the morning.”
“Good idea. Come back when you’ve finished. No reason for us to separate if we are to start this journey in the morning. I’ll stay here and pack. Oh, see if you can find any of his belongings while you are there. He may have need of his things”
Ace slept fitfully. Strange images appeared in his dreams. First, there was the woman in green. She kept saying “Come to me and I will help you” She was lovely, but he didn’t know who she was. Then, another being he couldn’t quite see was beckoning him toward the lake water. Multi-colored feathers floated on the surface. He knew he would meet both, soon. He would be the Promised One, but that didn’t make him feel any braver. He wanted more than anything not to mess things up. The whole world was depending on him. He hoped he was strong enough to do whatever it was he needed to do. Strange how legends and prophesies can be so vague. The dreams released him to be replaced with visions of his childhood, chasing butterflies and napping on manicured green lawns in the sun.
Another chapter (not necessarily the second):
The land along the road, as far as the eye could see, was furrowed and filled with an abundance of grain, waiting to mature enough to harvest, providing a pleasing sea of light green and silver for the eyes to feast upon as the breeze gently tipped the heads of the stalks to and fro. A river echoed the winding and well-used path. Moss covered stones lay along the banks as the water slowly lapped at the stones. Ace gazed at the interaction of the stones and the water and smiled. Ahead, a stand of trees obscured the path.
“There’s a town, up ahead.”, said Rath, “We should see if we can find some provisions.”
“Oh, yes!”, bubbled Gliss, “I hope they have a baker.”
Ace looked at Gliss and smiled more broadly. Her infatuation with fine food was as constant as the stars. He then frowned. “Rath, how will we pay for what we need? There are a few items we’ll need that will cost more than a year’s pay.”
“I very much doubt we’ll find all that we need, but we may find a few items for defense and we’re certain to find food.. I wonder if we should try to bargain for a pack animal? As for paying for the items, don’t you worry, the universe will provide.”
Ace was not reassured. The universe might provide, but it didn’t always provide when most needed.
The trio entered the darker, cooler world under the trees. Straight burly trunks lined both sides of the path like soldiers standing in review. Their branches reached across the path creating a natural arbor. The effect was both soothing and majestic. Almost unnoticeably, the path widened to a natural glen. Above, the branches still covered the sky, the trees seeming to hold branches with their neighbors to create a spontaneous net above the circle of meadow. In the center of the meadow stood a single knotted, twisted, aged tree. Somehow, Ace got the impression that this tree was special. The party gazed at the meadow, loathe to step on the tender perfection of grass.
“Who enters this glade?”, boomed a deep baritone voice.
Gliss took a timid step onto the grass. “We are travelers on our way to the village on the other side of your magnificent glen,” Her eyes narrowed, “Would you, by any chance, be Dubois, the Ancient?”
The tree straightened a little, then shook. A light tinkling came from his leaves which didn’t match his rugged look at all. Rath stood transfixed. Ace looked ready to run back down the path the way they had come.
“Yes, my lady, although I was not so ancient the last time our paths crossed”
“No need to be reminding me of age, Dubois!”, Gliss chided playfully. “May I present my friends? The elder is Rath, an astronomer; the younger is the Promised one, Ace.”
“The Promised one! My roots and leaves, I never thought I’d meet the Promised one! Welcome, friends. Sit by my roots and I will tell you what I know.”
Rath sidled up to Gliss. “Do you know everyone in the forest?” he kidded while poking her gently with his elbow.
Rath, Ace and Gliss settled on the ground at Dubois’ roots and prepared to listen.
“ Longer ago than most remember, there were creatures on this planet who called themselves Man. They were a destructive and selfish race. They did not respect each other, the earth, or any other creatures that lived with them. They sought personal gain and took what they felt was theirs without asking or giving consideration to anyone else around them. They stripped the earth of her minerals and overused her topsoil to the point where nothing could grow where they had touched the earth. They made fearsome weapons and used them against each other, not heeding the effects on others around them, poisoning water and land. They took animals from their homes and experimented on them to see what their minds could come up with, not caring about what might happen to their test subjects. They felled whole forests, developed chemicals to control what they did not desire, which poisoned birds and other animals. They consumed to the point of causing thousands of animals and plants to die out. In their greed they caused the air to grow thin in places and the land to heat up everywhere. They changed the earth so much they couldn’t live on it anymore.
“They had a habit of taking your ancestors into their homes for companionship, but they were not content to accept the animals as Nature had made them. They took apes and mice from the wild and experimented on them, trying to make them more useful to their purposes. They reasoned that if a dog was helpful as a pet, then it would be much more helpful if it had more intelligence and could use tools. They changed dogs, cats, mice, and apes. They achieved higher sentience which helped them, for a while, but the effects were cumulative. Each successive generation became smarter. The animals they had altered and their children began to resent being kept as servants, as their intelligence increased. The new sentients longed to create on their own. Along with intelligence came greed. The cycle began again.
“An interesting unintended effect also began, though slower. The chemicals and manipulations Man used to increase the animals’ intelligence, was not disposed of properly. It got into the water system where the nearby plants got their nourishment from. Man never intended to have smart plants, but some of us were more susceptible than others. Older trees died from shock, but sprouts and shoots were still pliable. We grew and gained knowledge, which was ironic since Man had been cutting down trees for centuries to use as paper for storing knowledge. Eventually, Man corrected the problem, but a few of us had learned how to hide our intelligence and we survived.
“So, now Man is gone, but we still have war and strife, famine and plague. There are still areas where the earth has not recovered. We still have slavery. We still have need. |
Posted: 07:03, Fri-2-Nov-2007 |
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| wow! that is very interesting and juicy!! |
Posted by norahs at 07:21, Fri-2-Nov-2007 |
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| Wow, this is very good. You have quite an imagination and you are putting it to good use in writing this novel. I wish you much luck! |
Posted by LauriesAsylum at 07:52, Fri-2-Nov-2007 |
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| Wow! You truly do have a way of putting words together. I am impressed. |
Posted by DeeJay at 06:39, Fri-2-Nov-2007 |
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| Thank you all. Today I didn't write, really, but I did jot down the ideas for the scenes I have worked out in my head and which characters still need to be introduced. There will be more. ;) |
Posted by treasa at 04:27, Sat-3-Nov-2007 |
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Excellent!!!
I love this story, how it is developing & hope to read more of it soon! You have such a wonderful way with words, my dear friend. :)
One note: in this sentence, "“Eat a talking bird? Parish the thought, for I suspect..." perhaps the word Perish is the one you meant? Both are spelled correctly, so spell checker might have ignored it. Sorry - the proofreader in me was curious. <3 |
Posted by LadyVisine at 09:44, Sat-3-Nov-2007 |
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spellcheck:
Parish is an area of jurisdiction for a church or the church itself--- sort of close synonym: village.
Perish is die-kill-obliterate.
:) Now I have to go look to see which one I used. lol
EDIT after looking, GOOD EYES! MsV |
Posted by treasa at 04:42, Sun-4-Nov-2007 |
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