Elaina J. Davidson's Blog, page 380
November 9, 2015
The King's Challenge #101
TKC 101
Kay eventually drags Manuel with him, and they climb rapidly. When they reach me, we nod at each other and swiftly head for the summit. We are out of time. After everything we have sacrificed to bring people to safety, we will not now forgo our reward.
It is hard to accept and perhaps we are selfish, but we climb. Unspeaking. Fast.
Others begin to scramble as well. Perhaps it is our haste, but it is probably Damin’s continuous prodding from above.
Then again, that orb definitely alters state overhead.
Flames begin to engulf it. It is no longer silver bright. It is amber.
It is time to scramble indeed.
As the three of us come to heaving halt beside Damin, dawn’s light pierces the eastern horizon. I am not alone in watching the spectacle. This may be the final sunrise any of us see over Massin as we know it. It may be our final sunrise, period.
It is beautiful and inspiring.
The terror in the heavens bursts into flame. The screaming starts on the slopes behind us. The slopes before us are filled with those running.
Taking Siri and Horin’s hands, Damin steps over the edge. “Time to go.” He strides away. I notice Attis fall in behind, leading Forest and every kid the boy took into his care. How he got them up, I do not know, but I am abruptly very proud of that tousle-head, my ‘nephew’ in another life.
Scarlet and amber dominates the sky. Sunrise pales in comparison.
Kay grips my arm. “It istime to go.” He hauls Manuel along on his other side.
We step into Arc. And then we are running as everyone else is. Many still pour over the edge, but no one now looks back.
We head for water, hoping, praying … running.
Kay eventually drags Manuel with him, and they climb rapidly. When they reach me, we nod at each other and swiftly head for the summit. We are out of time. After everything we have sacrificed to bring people to safety, we will not now forgo our reward.
It is hard to accept and perhaps we are selfish, but we climb. Unspeaking. Fast.
Others begin to scramble as well. Perhaps it is our haste, but it is probably Damin’s continuous prodding from above.
Then again, that orb definitely alters state overhead.
Flames begin to engulf it. It is no longer silver bright. It is amber.
It is time to scramble indeed.
As the three of us come to heaving halt beside Damin, dawn’s light pierces the eastern horizon. I am not alone in watching the spectacle. This may be the final sunrise any of us see over Massin as we know it. It may be our final sunrise, period.
It is beautiful and inspiring.
The terror in the heavens bursts into flame. The screaming starts on the slopes behind us. The slopes before us are filled with those running.
Taking Siri and Horin’s hands, Damin steps over the edge. “Time to go.” He strides away. I notice Attis fall in behind, leading Forest and every kid the boy took into his care. How he got them up, I do not know, but I am abruptly very proud of that tousle-head, my ‘nephew’ in another life.
Scarlet and amber dominates the sky. Sunrise pales in comparison.
Kay grips my arm. “It istime to go.” He hauls Manuel along on his other side.
We step into Arc. And then we are running as everyone else is. Many still pour over the edge, but no one now looks back.
We head for water, hoping, praying … running.
November 8, 2015
The King's Challenge #100
We have reached the 100th episode!!
TKC 100
The grass is soon earth under the weight of many feet, which makes it easier for those behind to keep to the path. Horses and donkeys are led up. Movement is slow; there are many too old and too young for this kind of activity.
As dusk deepens, I understand no one will reach the summit in daylight.
Damin and Joseph are at the head of the column, along with Horin and Siri. I am many switchbacks lower, exhorting folk to climb faster, while Kay and Manuel are near the bottom, helping people start the ascent. Messengers, with their red sashes, have arrayed themselves all along the route for visibility.
We will sleep where we are on the pass, I hear men say to their women and children, attempting to pacify frayed nerves. No, we will not. We will continue despite darkness. There are ten hours left on our civilisation clock; we will walk, run, stumble, fall and pick ourselves up to go on, or we are dead.
I pray now as I have not since the time my mother died. I pray that Lyra is at the Spire and that she has discovered the means to deflect the terror approaching from above.
Able to see in the dark, I help many when they falter. I wish I am able to share this gift with everyone. We need make haste.
It is deep night when I hear Damin holler from the summit. His words are garbled in the constant noise of moving people, but I know he is at the top. Relief fills me. It is attainable; we simply need to quicken the pace. Looking down, though, I see how many remain on the plain awaiting their turn at the pass.
Somewhere down there I hear Manuel swearing foully. The man understands we are out of time. Kay laughs, no doubt tempting the fates.
TKC 100
The grass is soon earth under the weight of many feet, which makes it easier for those behind to keep to the path. Horses and donkeys are led up. Movement is slow; there are many too old and too young for this kind of activity.
As dusk deepens, I understand no one will reach the summit in daylight.
Damin and Joseph are at the head of the column, along with Horin and Siri. I am many switchbacks lower, exhorting folk to climb faster, while Kay and Manuel are near the bottom, helping people start the ascent. Messengers, with their red sashes, have arrayed themselves all along the route for visibility.
We will sleep where we are on the pass, I hear men say to their women and children, attempting to pacify frayed nerves. No, we will not. We will continue despite darkness. There are ten hours left on our civilisation clock; we will walk, run, stumble, fall and pick ourselves up to go on, or we are dead.
I pray now as I have not since the time my mother died. I pray that Lyra is at the Spire and that she has discovered the means to deflect the terror approaching from above.
Able to see in the dark, I help many when they falter. I wish I am able to share this gift with everyone. We need make haste.
It is deep night when I hear Damin holler from the summit. His words are garbled in the constant noise of moving people, but I know he is at the top. Relief fills me. It is attainable; we simply need to quicken the pace. Looking down, though, I see how many remain on the plain awaiting their turn at the pass.
Somewhere down there I hear Manuel swearing foully. The man understands we are out of time. Kay laughs, no doubt tempting the fates.
November 7, 2015
The King's Challenge #99
TKC 99
Joseph is our leader. Light is barely visible in the eastern sky when we are on the move. It will take time to get this host over the mountain; we need every minute of light.
He finds the pass easily, for the way is somewhat trampled. Lyra and Hanna have left clear sign.
I glance up. Are those flames I see licking at the orb in the sky? Am I imagining it? Abruptly fear assails me. Until this moment I have been calm and logical, and the approaching event was something academic, something to watch, to study, to discuss. But the object is now close, we are almost out of time, and I feel the threat into the marrow of my bones.
Jerking my head down, I breathe with difficulty.
“It’s real now,” Horin murmurs from beside me.
I did not see the lad take up position there, but he is right. Now it is real. I glance at him to find only serenity. The boy is taller again, stronger. “Will we get over in time?”
He shrugs as he watches the first climbers. “Maybe.”
“Can you build a bridge, Horin, to speed this?”
His eyes lift to the summit and he is quiet for some time. Eventually he says, “To enter requires of the penitent will, courage and a true heart.” He lowered his gaze to the orb in his hand. “Magic negates that. I am not permitted to help now.”
I stare at him. “Try!”
He smiles sadly at me. “No.” Turning then, he walks away.
I double over, breathing hard. By the sands, many will not reach the summit. Many will die. I see the truth of it in Horin’s eyes.
“Stars, Horin!” I hear Damin snap. “Can you not do something?”
I straighten to see Damin stare after the boy. His expression mirrors my feelings. Our eyes meet, and we begin shouting at people to MOVE!
Joseph is our leader. Light is barely visible in the eastern sky when we are on the move. It will take time to get this host over the mountain; we need every minute of light.
He finds the pass easily, for the way is somewhat trampled. Lyra and Hanna have left clear sign.
I glance up. Are those flames I see licking at the orb in the sky? Am I imagining it? Abruptly fear assails me. Until this moment I have been calm and logical, and the approaching event was something academic, something to watch, to study, to discuss. But the object is now close, we are almost out of time, and I feel the threat into the marrow of my bones.
Jerking my head down, I breathe with difficulty.
“It’s real now,” Horin murmurs from beside me.
I did not see the lad take up position there, but he is right. Now it is real. I glance at him to find only serenity. The boy is taller again, stronger. “Will we get over in time?”
He shrugs as he watches the first climbers. “Maybe.”
“Can you build a bridge, Horin, to speed this?”
His eyes lift to the summit and he is quiet for some time. Eventually he says, “To enter requires of the penitent will, courage and a true heart.” He lowered his gaze to the orb in his hand. “Magic negates that. I am not permitted to help now.”
I stare at him. “Try!”
He smiles sadly at me. “No.” Turning then, he walks away.
I double over, breathing hard. By the sands, many will not reach the summit. Many will die. I see the truth of it in Horin’s eyes.
“Stars, Horin!” I hear Damin snap. “Can you not do something?”
I straighten to see Damin stare after the boy. His expression mirrors my feelings. Our eyes meet, and we begin shouting at people to MOVE!
November 6, 2015
The King's Challenge #98
TKC 98
Folk from the west mingle with those from the east, with much astonishment from both sides, and the hubbub increases. The noise, however, does not cover Manuel’s arrival.
We greet him, Kay and I, with much back slapping and laughter, and bring him in to meet Damin. Horin, I notice, hangs well back. No doubt the press of people overwhelms him.
Manuel’s long dark locks are plaited into a thick rope. The man was always vain and clearly still is. His hair is ever first on his list of priorities, but this man is steadfast, a cool head in any crisis. Axel and I have known these two men since childhood. I wish Axel was with us to see this.
The camp grows swiftly then. The host finds place to rest. I smile. We are now a host. Who would have thought?
“What’s the plan?” Manuel asks of Damin.
He gestures at the dark mountains. “Tomorrow we climb.”
“You found the pass?” Kay questions.
“We have one among us who knows where it is.” Damin gestures for Joseph to join us. As the Messenger begins to expound, Damin jerks his head at me, and I follow him into a quieter, more private place. There he stares at me, arms folded.
“Fine,” I mutter. “I have added sight. I can see in the dark and under water. I did not tell you, because you lot were still discovering the reality of talents.”
“That’s not an excuse. I told you about mine soon after meeting.”
“I cannot change it, Damin. I made a mistake.”
He nods after a time and loosens his arms. “And your friends? Do they have talent?”
I grin; I cannot help myself. “They have talent indeed! Kay makes mischief and Manuel is vain enough for all of us.”
Damin burst out laughing, and relief fills me. One does not cross Damin Mur.
Folk from the west mingle with those from the east, with much astonishment from both sides, and the hubbub increases. The noise, however, does not cover Manuel’s arrival.
We greet him, Kay and I, with much back slapping and laughter, and bring him in to meet Damin. Horin, I notice, hangs well back. No doubt the press of people overwhelms him.
Manuel’s long dark locks are plaited into a thick rope. The man was always vain and clearly still is. His hair is ever first on his list of priorities, but this man is steadfast, a cool head in any crisis. Axel and I have known these two men since childhood. I wish Axel was with us to see this.
The camp grows swiftly then. The host finds place to rest. I smile. We are now a host. Who would have thought?
“What’s the plan?” Manuel asks of Damin.
He gestures at the dark mountains. “Tomorrow we climb.”
“You found the pass?” Kay questions.
“We have one among us who knows where it is.” Damin gestures for Joseph to join us. As the Messenger begins to expound, Damin jerks his head at me, and I follow him into a quieter, more private place. There he stares at me, arms folded.
“Fine,” I mutter. “I have added sight. I can see in the dark and under water. I did not tell you, because you lot were still discovering the reality of talents.”
“That’s not an excuse. I told you about mine soon after meeting.”
“I cannot change it, Damin. I made a mistake.”
He nods after a time and loosens his arms. “And your friends? Do they have talent?”
I grin; I cannot help myself. “They have talent indeed! Kay makes mischief and Manuel is vain enough for all of us.”
Damin burst out laughing, and relief fills me. One does not cross Damin Mur.
Collage 8 - The King's Challenge
Another two weeks have passed while we've been following our challenge from Mirlin's point of view :)
If you have missed episodes, all links are on The King's Challenge page.
Stay tuned for episode 98!
If you have missed episodes, all links are on The King's Challenge page.
Stay tuned for episode 98!
November 5, 2015
The King's Challenge #97
TKC 97
Kay earned the nickname ‘Pennant’ when he turned ten. He was ever up for a prank and us kids followed him with glee. We always seemed to be in trouble. The day his birthday arrived, to celebrate his double digits, he thought up quite the plan. We crept up the old watchtower shortly after sunrise with a furled flag under Kay’s arm. The tower was unattended, but it was old and considered dangerous. No one climbed the worn stairs anymore.
At the very top Kay slotted his makeshift pole into the sunken receptacle for the watch flags of warning … and his pennant flapped over the city of Orlean. A massive raised middle finger, no less.
A search for the pranksters followed, but we were not caught.
The next year, eleven years old, Kay flew naked buttocks over Orlean. The boy’s reputation was that day entrenched. We were caught then, but it did not matter. Kay is the Pennant. In the years since, he has raised many flags in many cities.
“I heard about the eye you flew over the coastal cities,” Damin grins at Kay. “Good move.”
Kay laughs. “It raised the questions we wanted asked, yes.” He squints at Damin. “Like to Mirlin, I wonder how you know about it.”
Damin shrugs. “Mirlin isn’t the only westerner to cross the plains. A few plateau dwellers braved the wastes to your territory also. We understood we needed to communicate.”
I stare at Damin. The man has utterly surprised me. His view is not what surprises me, for it is logical; my surprise is for his ability to keep it close. We have discussed many issues, yet not this one.
“Why did you not say?” I ask.
He turns to me. “I waited for you to share what your talent is able to do. I, after all, revealed mine and thus put my life in your hands.”
Kay earned the nickname ‘Pennant’ when he turned ten. He was ever up for a prank and us kids followed him with glee. We always seemed to be in trouble. The day his birthday arrived, to celebrate his double digits, he thought up quite the plan. We crept up the old watchtower shortly after sunrise with a furled flag under Kay’s arm. The tower was unattended, but it was old and considered dangerous. No one climbed the worn stairs anymore.
At the very top Kay slotted his makeshift pole into the sunken receptacle for the watch flags of warning … and his pennant flapped over the city of Orlean. A massive raised middle finger, no less.
A search for the pranksters followed, but we were not caught.
The next year, eleven years old, Kay flew naked buttocks over Orlean. The boy’s reputation was that day entrenched. We were caught then, but it did not matter. Kay is the Pennant. In the years since, he has raised many flags in many cities.
“I heard about the eye you flew over the coastal cities,” Damin grins at Kay. “Good move.”
Kay laughs. “It raised the questions we wanted asked, yes.” He squints at Damin. “Like to Mirlin, I wonder how you know about it.”
Damin shrugs. “Mirlin isn’t the only westerner to cross the plains. A few plateau dwellers braved the wastes to your territory also. We understood we needed to communicate.”
I stare at Damin. The man has utterly surprised me. His view is not what surprises me, for it is logical; my surprise is for his ability to keep it close. We have discussed many issues, yet not this one.
“Why did you not say?” I ask.
He turns to me. “I waited for you to share what your talent is able to do. I, after all, revealed mine and thus put my life in your hands.”
