It is queer I think that this journey south I take would would make my skin tingle with night's cool breath. This fire that dances before me is again my security and my warmth. I stretch out my hands and feel the touch of life itself. Fire is life; and death. I bask within its glow and feel the moisture bubble across my face. Should I not be warm in these southern reaches even as the night calls to me?
I look skyward into the blackness of the heavens. The lights of the firmament seem to shimmer against their curtain. Do they have a purpose? Do I have a purpose? I look down again as a spark flees its prison, the pop of wood rising above the quiet crackle as my sticks surrender to their fate. It is their purpose to give me light and safety this night.
The daylight hours which guide my steps have begun to lessen in their wonderment. Those vistas that excited even in my dreams no longer tantalize. They mesh one into another as each day is stitched to the next. Even my nighttime dreams are stilted. They seem as desolate at the firmament.
I look ahead past the fire's light and know the path that I will walk this next morn. To my right the Sirris no longer beckons. My day passes to eve and once again since my departure from Authurn. He has a purpose in these lands. Perhaps I shall find my own in the coming days.
Perhaps.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Monday, February 6, 2017
A day after
A day has passed since Authurn and I have parted company. This second sun begins to bring new life to my heart. As I pass one foot before the other I begin to feel more like myself, at least the self I have begun to know since I have left the confines of the Middle Valley. I feel the new warmth upon my shoulder, life's light from the east calling the world from the depths of its slumber. My confidence in the world around me is slowly returning as I struggle to shake the memories of my capture.
I look out now across the barren landscape and view the changing landscape as wild grasses and weeds, stunted wildflowers and awkward bare patches of soil have slowly taken the place of lusher fields across the edge of the Far Wilderness. I know this place only by the tales told within the Chrystum, though how those tales have come to be is a mystery. Few if any of a Sheima clan have walked its depths that these tales could be told. I as well have only now cast my first glances at its edges.
The Far Wilderness is a place in name only to most. I feel its call as I stop, my face turning fully unto the rising sun. I am bathed in its warmth now fully as I feel its heat wrap my soul. Perhaps this is my calling, my next step away from the Sirris. I look over my shoulder to spy the mountains that surround my homeland. I would likely be a third of the way down into the Dream Valley, the lowest of the lands within the Chrystum. Yet, without a familiar marker, I may only guess at my progress. I turn and look again over the plains tinged with fading orange from the dawn.
South. My journey takes me south. Perhaps one day it will take be to meet the rising sun, but it shall not be this day.
I look out now across the barren landscape and view the changing landscape as wild grasses and weeds, stunted wildflowers and awkward bare patches of soil have slowly taken the place of lusher fields across the edge of the Far Wilderness. I know this place only by the tales told within the Chrystum, though how those tales have come to be is a mystery. Few if any of a Sheima clan have walked its depths that these tales could be told. I as well have only now cast my first glances at its edges.
The Far Wilderness is a place in name only to most. I feel its call as I stop, my face turning fully unto the rising sun. I am bathed in its warmth now fully as I feel its heat wrap my soul. Perhaps this is my calling, my next step away from the Sirris. I look over my shoulder to spy the mountains that surround my homeland. I would likely be a third of the way down into the Dream Valley, the lowest of the lands within the Chrystum. Yet, without a familiar marker, I may only guess at my progress. I turn and look again over the plains tinged with fading orange from the dawn.
South. My journey takes me south. Perhaps one day it will take be to meet the rising sun, but it shall not be this day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Dancing flames
This night I find myself restless, the crackling fires that keep us warm are that which soothes my thoughts. Yet, it is not enough as my mind meanders through these past hours, these hours that were my indignant torture. The flames dance before my weary eyes as I lay upon the dampness of the cool earth.
My eye falls to my savior, this man-folk, this Authurn. He has let this night pass seemingly without thought and is held tightly within his nights dreams. He seems undisturbed. Would that I had the strength of his metal to face this world I know nothing about. This episode has proven that I am not destined for a life of adventure. My journey is surely a folly to be played out for all the world to see.
The burning of my chest causes me to exhale and my sight falls away to the night, but it is useless as the flames again call them home. My savior rests easily though he has fought a tremendous battle this day. His hand is steady and strong while my fingers quiver beneath the weight of a simple farmer's knife. My breast suffers the weight of this day as I feel the fear that lingers within my soul.
The creatures of the night sing their songs yet retreat from the dancing light. It is not their world. Theirs is one of darkness beneath a lesser sky, much like that of my captors. My sight wanders to the darkness held between the trees which shelter us this night. Darkness is not the world I tread, yet I shall be doomed to walk its paths for a time. My journey is not yet over.
My vision fades as the flames dance, my shield against the darkness this night.
My eye falls to my savior, this man-folk, this Authurn. He has let this night pass seemingly without thought and is held tightly within his nights dreams. He seems undisturbed. Would that I had the strength of his metal to face this world I know nothing about. This episode has proven that I am not destined for a life of adventure. My journey is surely a folly to be played out for all the world to see.
The burning of my chest causes me to exhale and my sight falls away to the night, but it is useless as the flames again call them home. My savior rests easily though he has fought a tremendous battle this day. His hand is steady and strong while my fingers quiver beneath the weight of a simple farmer's knife. My breast suffers the weight of this day as I feel the fear that lingers within my soul.
The creatures of the night sing their songs yet retreat from the dancing light. It is not their world. Theirs is one of darkness beneath a lesser sky, much like that of my captors. My sight wanders to the darkness held between the trees which shelter us this night. Darkness is not the world I tread, yet I shall be doomed to walk its paths for a time. My journey is not yet over.
My vision fades as the flames dance, my shield against the darkness this night.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Alcove
The day wears on, the sun adrift above the clouds. Gloom has moved across the peaks of the Sirris and reached down to touch the canopy with a light finger. Though I sense no coming rainfall, we retreat to the safety of the mountain walls and slip within a fissure.
We have moved from the opening where once I faced death, staring into its eye. I measure myself against myself as I have none other to reflect upon. I steal a glimpse at my savior as the low fire basks upon his chiseled face. He is a hunter, of that I have no doubt. My hope of travel quail before his life. He has walked the trails of the world where I have walked none but a path from my back yard.
"What troubles you, Clancy?
The silence hangs between us as I stare into the ground. I feel the coolness of the rocks as they surround us. I look up as my benefactor comforts me with his words.
"My day has been unsettling, my friend. I feel the foils of my folly rolling within my stomach."
"I see." I watch as he leans back, resting his hands upon his lap. "You are troubled by what happened to you today."
"I am." It is a statement he makes. "I would be dead had it not been for you."
"Would I have suffered any less fate than you?"
"Well, you may have been able to..."
"To what?" A smile broadens in the light. "You were one against five. You were surprised. Had I been caught unawares, I would likely have suffered the same."
"But you killed them all!"
"Only because they did not know of me. It is surprise that was my ally, and the light of the day."
"What of it?"
"They are creatures of the night. They prefer to walk in subtle tones of night. They do not fear the day, but it is not their friend."
"You seem to know much of these creatures." The churning I feel begins to lessen as we talk. "Why is that."
"I do." My savior rises, dusting off his pants before the fire. He stands tall before me, a serious look suddenly upon his face. "Because I hunt them."
My soul shakes at his words. What has become of my friend? What would turn his life to such ends? I can only guess. The flames crackle as night begins to take hold of the mountains, daylight snuffed as were the lives of my captors.
It is time to sleep.
We have moved from the opening where once I faced death, staring into its eye. I measure myself against myself as I have none other to reflect upon. I steal a glimpse at my savior as the low fire basks upon his chiseled face. He is a hunter, of that I have no doubt. My hope of travel quail before his life. He has walked the trails of the world where I have walked none but a path from my back yard.
"What troubles you, Clancy?
The silence hangs between us as I stare into the ground. I feel the coolness of the rocks as they surround us. I look up as my benefactor comforts me with his words.
"My day has been unsettling, my friend. I feel the foils of my folly rolling within my stomach."
"I see." I watch as he leans back, resting his hands upon his lap. "You are troubled by what happened to you today."
"I am." It is a statement he makes. "I would be dead had it not been for you."
"Would I have suffered any less fate than you?"
"Well, you may have been able to..."
"To what?" A smile broadens in the light. "You were one against five. You were surprised. Had I been caught unawares, I would likely have suffered the same."
"But you killed them all!"
"Only because they did not know of me. It is surprise that was my ally, and the light of the day."
"What of it?"
"They are creatures of the night. They prefer to walk in subtle tones of night. They do not fear the day, but it is not their friend."
"You seem to know much of these creatures." The churning I feel begins to lessen as we talk. "Why is that."
"I do." My savior rises, dusting off his pants before the fire. He stands tall before me, a serious look suddenly upon his face. "Because I hunt them."
My soul shakes at his words. What has become of my friend? What would turn his life to such ends? I can only guess. The flames crackle as night begins to take hold of the mountains, daylight snuffed as were the lives of my captors.
It is time to sleep.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
A light of life
At the moment of my freedom, the sun blazes through the sun-swept canopy above. It is as a sign of deliverance, and I am free once more. My hand releases the rod that was to be my savior, letting it fall to the ground. The voice that once I heard, I hear again, in time of my greatest need.
"You seem to have a penchant for getting in trouble, Clancy."
I nod, as the expression of my gratitude shines through. Not once, but twice have I been the benefactor of such good fortune.
"Authurn." His name is all that I can offer as my body begins to shake. My courage is leaving me in the face of my savior. My breath is heavy as my knees land in the moist earth, my head falling toward my chest. I lift my face to warm it in the light of day.
"Clancy, it is over."
He strides toward me, standing tall in the light of day. Sunlight beams over his shoulder, his shadow casting its pall upon me, but it is a blanket of salvation that lifts my soul. I can do nothing but smile in relief.
"You have come to my aid in times past, my friend. That I could call you friend, if I could be so bold."
His booming laugh echoes across the clearing, yet another dagger in the backs of my enemies. His hand comes to rest upon my shoulder, and I feel the power of his touch. His face is alight as the sun itself. His is a soul of joy, even in this time of death.
"We shall be friends from this day forward, Clancy." He chuckles at the notion. "It seems we come together at the most opportune times."
"Opportune for me, that is."
"Be that as it may, it is a beautiful day and we shall make the best of it."
A helping hand raises not only my body from the damp ground, but lifts my soul in reverie. I shall live to walk the world, another day.
"You seem to have a penchant for getting in trouble, Clancy."
I nod, as the expression of my gratitude shines through. Not once, but twice have I been the benefactor of such good fortune.
"Authurn." His name is all that I can offer as my body begins to shake. My courage is leaving me in the face of my savior. My breath is heavy as my knees land in the moist earth, my head falling toward my chest. I lift my face to warm it in the light of day.
"Clancy, it is over."
He strides toward me, standing tall in the light of day. Sunlight beams over his shoulder, his shadow casting its pall upon me, but it is a blanket of salvation that lifts my soul. I can do nothing but smile in relief.
"You have come to my aid in times past, my friend. That I could call you friend, if I could be so bold."
His booming laugh echoes across the clearing, yet another dagger in the backs of my enemies. His hand comes to rest upon my shoulder, and I feel the power of his touch. His face is alight as the sun itself. His is a soul of joy, even in this time of death.
"We shall be friends from this day forward, Clancy." He chuckles at the notion. "It seems we come together at the most opportune times."
"Opportune for me, that is."
"Be that as it may, it is a beautiful day and we shall make the best of it."
A helping hand raises not only my body from the damp ground, but lifts my soul in reverie. I shall live to walk the world, another day.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Dark to light
My legs begin to strengthen as does my will. My pack and belongings having been strewn about, hide my weapon from my eyes. A stout log lays near my side and it is quickly within my grasp. Though I tremble within, I do not taste the fear I would have imagined when I began this adventure. Be it only a few weeks, I have begun to rely on myself and face those shadows that fade within the light of day. I shall not run. I shall fight. The log I raise with which to do battle shall be my sword. It shall be my rod.
The sound of footsteps echo from the dark place where my captors have taken refuge from the light, the screams of death and torment now silent. My savior has surely not suppressed them all. They are too many. He has likely fallen and I shall face their retribution as a result. A stampede erupts as a black creature scampers from cover. His eyes are wide as if death hunts his soul, should such creatures be in possession of one. He bores down on me, and I ready my rod. Vengeance shall be mine.
As I ready my thrust, my enemy falls to the dirt, his weight flushing out the leaves that litter the ground. My eyes are wide, my heart a symphony of percussion. I am dumbstruck as I see this lifeless corpse face-down in the muck. My lungs exhale violently as the threat is taken from me. Another shuffle grabs my attention and I look up to see my savior strutting from the dark hole, a smile washed across his face as wide as the Orange River.
"Hello." His voice booms across the clearing, no filter to mask his presence.
My mood brightens as I see who walks before me. It shall be a good day, today.
The sound of footsteps echo from the dark place where my captors have taken refuge from the light, the screams of death and torment now silent. My savior has surely not suppressed them all. They are too many. He has likely fallen and I shall face their retribution as a result. A stampede erupts as a black creature scampers from cover. His eyes are wide as if death hunts his soul, should such creatures be in possession of one. He bores down on me, and I ready my rod. Vengeance shall be mine.
As I ready my thrust, my enemy falls to the dirt, his weight flushing out the leaves that litter the ground. My eyes are wide, my heart a symphony of percussion. I am dumbstruck as I see this lifeless corpse face-down in the muck. My lungs exhale violently as the threat is taken from me. Another shuffle grabs my attention and I look up to see my savior strutting from the dark hole, a smile washed across his face as wide as the Orange River.
"Hello." His voice booms across the clearing, no filter to mask his presence.
My mood brightens as I see who walks before me. It shall be a good day, today.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Release
The sun has climbed to its zenith as I remain encumbered, my back snug against this oak. I feel its bite, my back nearly raw from the turns I have spent within its grasp. My captors have retreated to as dark a place as they are able to manage. It is obvious they do not suffer well the light of day. I have relented in trying to observe them further as they have settled into their night world. I sit now with the light of day to do nothing more than ponder my fate, certainly a prospect that appears bleak.
I hear a dull thump and feel a shallow vibration through the massive trunk. My shoulders fall slightly, no longer pulled tightly behind. A whisper floats upon the stillness, a calmness that awakens my spirit.
"Now stay still for a moment, my friend. I have work yet to do." The voice is as calm as a summer's breeze among the leaves.
I pull my arms forward, my shoulders screaming in agony as a blade slices though my bindings. My feet now free allow me to slide my legs forward. They as well, feel the sting of atrophy. I am free. My mind races to cover the ground away from my captors, yet my legs are not to the task. I remain beneath the shade of the oak, afraid. A single step I hear as my champion retreats into the background, lost to me in the light of day.
I turn abruptly toward the hollow where my captors have taken refuge. The sounds of death have awakened them. But whose death shall follow? I struggle to my feet and shake the weariness from my bones. I will not go down without a fight. Of this I vow, yet my mind screams the obvious; run!
I hear a dull thump and feel a shallow vibration through the massive trunk. My shoulders fall slightly, no longer pulled tightly behind. A whisper floats upon the stillness, a calmness that awakens my spirit.
"Now stay still for a moment, my friend. I have work yet to do." The voice is as calm as a summer's breeze among the leaves.
I pull my arms forward, my shoulders screaming in agony as a blade slices though my bindings. My feet now free allow me to slide my legs forward. They as well, feel the sting of atrophy. I am free. My mind races to cover the ground away from my captors, yet my legs are not to the task. I remain beneath the shade of the oak, afraid. A single step I hear as my champion retreats into the background, lost to me in the light of day.
I turn abruptly toward the hollow where my captors have taken refuge. The sounds of death have awakened them. But whose death shall follow? I struggle to my feet and shake the weariness from my bones. I will not go down without a fight. Of this I vow, yet my mind screams the obvious; run!
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