Elaina J. Davidson's Blog, page 388
September 30, 2015
Changing focus - The King's Challenge
The King's Challenge now moves into Part II. Having finished episode 62, I realised the story needs to change focus. Lyra has reached Arc, and we will pick up her quest for the Spire later, but now I feel we need to return to Damin, and his adventures with the slavers in Porlese as he seeks to rescue his sister and Lyra's brother.
To that end, to mark the end of Part I, a collage of the images used for recent episodes:
Tomorrow we delve into the underworld with Damin!
(If you have missed what happened to date, click on the episode links in The King's Challenge page in the sidebar)
:)
To that end, to mark the end of Part I, a collage of the images used for recent episodes:
Tomorrow we delve into the underworld with Damin!
(If you have missed what happened to date, click on the episode links in The King's Challenge page in the sidebar)
:)
The King's Challenge #62
TKC 62
Four days later we are before a mighty edifice, mountains such as I have never seen. Impossibly high, solid, and seemingly impassable.
After the journey fording raging rivers, picking our way carefully in shifting sands, then racing like the wind across firmer turf, I had hoped for an easy passage beyond.
Hanna glances at me. “This is why Arc survived. There is no gap. When water or rock races across the plains, it fetches up at this barrier. What lies beyond is untouched.”
There is logic there. “We climb?”
“Joseph’s map shows us a the pass. My hope is time has not covered it too much.” Hanna flicks her horse and leads the way along the rock curve, moving south.
Hours later, we halt under an overhang, and Hanna points. “See those boulders set in a diagonal line? The ancient markers, I believe.”
Hope surges in me. It does in her as well, for she smiles brightly.
We make camp, for night falls. Any attempt requires hours of daylight. We are up before dawn, horses packed. We will lead them up.
There is no pass that deserves the term. There is no narrow path either. Time has covered over what was. What there is, however, is an easier route through the scrub and loose rock, if we keep the boulders ever to our right when climbing north, and to our left when ascending south. The horses find the way easier than we do, thank the stars.
We sleep cramped in a level area when it gets too dark, and continue on with the new dawn.
Then it is before us. Arc, in all its magnificence.
Rolling, emerald hills. Rivers and lakes. Warm air, mighty trees, birds in song. Buck play in wildflowers.
It is paradise.
Here we could be safe.
Four days later we are before a mighty edifice, mountains such as I have never seen. Impossibly high, solid, and seemingly impassable.
After the journey fording raging rivers, picking our way carefully in shifting sands, then racing like the wind across firmer turf, I had hoped for an easy passage beyond.
Hanna glances at me. “This is why Arc survived. There is no gap. When water or rock races across the plains, it fetches up at this barrier. What lies beyond is untouched.”
There is logic there. “We climb?”
“Joseph’s map shows us a the pass. My hope is time has not covered it too much.” Hanna flicks her horse and leads the way along the rock curve, moving south.
Hours later, we halt under an overhang, and Hanna points. “See those boulders set in a diagonal line? The ancient markers, I believe.”
Hope surges in me. It does in her as well, for she smiles brightly.
We make camp, for night falls. Any attempt requires hours of daylight. We are up before dawn, horses packed. We will lead them up.
There is no pass that deserves the term. There is no narrow path either. Time has covered over what was. What there is, however, is an easier route through the scrub and loose rock, if we keep the boulders ever to our right when climbing north, and to our left when ascending south. The horses find the way easier than we do, thank the stars.
We sleep cramped in a level area when it gets too dark, and continue on with the new dawn.
Then it is before us. Arc, in all its magnificence.
Rolling, emerald hills. Rivers and lakes. Warm air, mighty trees, birds in song. Buck play in wildflowers.
It is paradise.
Here we could be safe.
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September 29, 2015
The King's Challenge #61
We are one sixth of the way through this challenge!
TKC 61
We are definitely further south. It is warmer, and the sun is a white glow in the heavens.
As our horses pick their way along a narrow, descending path, I ask, “Have you been here before? Have you seen the presence in the sky from here?”
“A few months ago, yes, but it was much smaller then.” She shrugs at me. “I tried to get people to look up and see, but it was too little to make an impact.”
I then send her a look. “You and Joseph?”
She splutters into laughter. “Is it that obvious? We have had our moments!”
“Hanna …”
She talks over me. “Don’t worry yourself. Joseph gathers the Messengers and when they are together, they too will use the underground path to join us.”
I wonder if there is time for that, but do not say it, for Hanna needs to go forward holding the hope of seeing Joseph again close. As I need to for Damin, and Siri and Horin. A ragged breath escapes me, for that hope is fading too fast.
She gazes at me in understanding. “Concentrate on Arc, my lady. Do what must be done there and we will all see our loved ones again.”
A tear runs over my cheek. “Please call me Lyra.”
She reaches over and squeezes my hand, and then we concentrate on our descent. The path winds to the lower lands and already the mighty western plain draws us in. Great rivers rush through the dryness, the overflows from further north where the rain still plummets. We need to cross those; it will not be easy.
Far ahead there are smudges on the horizon to give evidence of great mountains.
We halt as we reach the bottom.
“There. The outer reaches of Arc.” Hanna points at those smudges.
TKC 61
We are definitely further south. It is warmer, and the sun is a white glow in the heavens.
As our horses pick their way along a narrow, descending path, I ask, “Have you been here before? Have you seen the presence in the sky from here?”
“A few months ago, yes, but it was much smaller then.” She shrugs at me. “I tried to get people to look up and see, but it was too little to make an impact.”
I then send her a look. “You and Joseph?”
She splutters into laughter. “Is it that obvious? We have had our moments!”
“Hanna …”
She talks over me. “Don’t worry yourself. Joseph gathers the Messengers and when they are together, they too will use the underground path to join us.”
I wonder if there is time for that, but do not say it, for Hanna needs to go forward holding the hope of seeing Joseph again close. As I need to for Damin, and Siri and Horin. A ragged breath escapes me, for that hope is fading too fast.
She gazes at me in understanding. “Concentrate on Arc, my lady. Do what must be done there and we will all see our loved ones again.”
A tear runs over my cheek. “Please call me Lyra.”
She reaches over and squeezes my hand, and then we concentrate on our descent. The path winds to the lower lands and already the mighty western plain draws us in. Great rivers rush through the dryness, the overflows from further north where the rain still plummets. We need to cross those; it will not be easy.
Far ahead there are smudges on the horizon to give evidence of great mountains.
We halt as we reach the bottom.
“There. The outer reaches of Arc.” Hanna points at those smudges.
September 28, 2015
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The King's Challenge #60
TKC 60
The way into the tunnel is a steep stairway. The horses have difficulty negotiating the steps, but eventually we vanish into the outcrop. As night falls outside, Hanna and I enter absolute darkness.
We each have a mount, and another carries our gear. Initially we will lead them, for the ceiling is too low, but that will change Hanna promises. That is when we will make up time, by riding.
We have lanterns, but the pools of light create confusion. I trust to Hanna to guide us, for I barely see my feet.
An hour later, the path descends and begins to broaden. There is more space overhead also.
We clamber onto our horses and go on. The silence is broken only by the metallic sounds of hooves.
Occasionally we halt to water the horses and ourselves, but we do not stop long. I have no idea how much time passes, but I know I am exhausted. Nothing changes in our environment. There is only rock on all sides.
Finally Hanna calls a halt to sleep. The space is larger. Clearly this is resting place, but I ask no questions. I am asleep before I have even wrapped into my blanket.
This happens again and then again, before a glow in the distance reveals we are nearing the end of our dark journey. When I ask Hanna how long we have been underground, she murmurs three days. It feels as if forever has passed. Damin is now in Porlese; I wonder how he fares.
The glow strengthens into an oval of daylight. We exit into a forest grove alive with birdsong and beams of sunshine.
“The rain has stopped,” I say as I inhale the fresh air of the world again.
Hanna grins my way. “Lyra, we are far south. It does not rain as often here.”
The way into the tunnel is a steep stairway. The horses have difficulty negotiating the steps, but eventually we vanish into the outcrop. As night falls outside, Hanna and I enter absolute darkness.
We each have a mount, and another carries our gear. Initially we will lead them, for the ceiling is too low, but that will change Hanna promises. That is when we will make up time, by riding.
We have lanterns, but the pools of light create confusion. I trust to Hanna to guide us, for I barely see my feet.
An hour later, the path descends and begins to broaden. There is more space overhead also.
We clamber onto our horses and go on. The silence is broken only by the metallic sounds of hooves.
Occasionally we halt to water the horses and ourselves, but we do not stop long. I have no idea how much time passes, but I know I am exhausted. Nothing changes in our environment. There is only rock on all sides.
Finally Hanna calls a halt to sleep. The space is larger. Clearly this is resting place, but I ask no questions. I am asleep before I have even wrapped into my blanket.
This happens again and then again, before a glow in the distance reveals we are nearing the end of our dark journey. When I ask Hanna how long we have been underground, she murmurs three days. It feels as if forever has passed. Damin is now in Porlese; I wonder how he fares.
The glow strengthens into an oval of daylight. We exit into a forest grove alive with birdsong and beams of sunshine.
“The rain has stopped,” I say as I inhale the fresh air of the world again.
Hanna grins my way. “Lyra, we are far south. It does not rain as often here.”
September 27, 2015
The King's Challenge #59
TKC 59
Hanna reveals we need to make haste to Arc.
Joseph says, “That is why I am here.” He unrolls the scroll. “This does not tell you how to get there, but it does tell you what is there.”
It is a small map, filled with contours. It is about high and low ground, rivers and lakes. I see a few symbols also. I admit, I do not see how it helps.
“The tale is in the symbols.” Joseph flips it over to point to the legend on the back. Each symbol is explained.
The warm glow erupts inside me as I see the word ‘Spire’ beside a line with a squiggle around it. Reaching over, I turn back to the map to see the same symbol marked in at a high point. “How old is this?” I whisper.
“I cannot say, but my grandfather told me it is from before the empires of the Ilfin and Glonu.” Joseph rolls it up and hands it to me. “It is yours now, my lady.”
“Why?” I blurt.
“The legend states the two-eyed raised the spire and only a two-eye may enter again. This then does not belong to me.” He glances then at Hanna. “Few of us know of the underground path, but Hanna does. Both of us have a long family history in the Messengers and we know the untold ways. It is difficult, but will take days off your journey.”
“Underground?”
“Indeed. I hope you are not scared of the dark.” Joseph stands and gestures. “Eat. I shall gather what you require.” He swiftly leaves us.
“Hanna?”
She sighs. “It is a single file path, Lyra. To herd the others through will result in a line so long, most of them will not exit the tunnel in time on the other side.”
Hanna reveals we need to make haste to Arc.
Joseph says, “That is why I am here.” He unrolls the scroll. “This does not tell you how to get there, but it does tell you what is there.”
It is a small map, filled with contours. It is about high and low ground, rivers and lakes. I see a few symbols also. I admit, I do not see how it helps.
“The tale is in the symbols.” Joseph flips it over to point to the legend on the back. Each symbol is explained.
The warm glow erupts inside me as I see the word ‘Spire’ beside a line with a squiggle around it. Reaching over, I turn back to the map to see the same symbol marked in at a high point. “How old is this?” I whisper.
“I cannot say, but my grandfather told me it is from before the empires of the Ilfin and Glonu.” Joseph rolls it up and hands it to me. “It is yours now, my lady.”
“Why?” I blurt.
“The legend states the two-eyed raised the spire and only a two-eye may enter again. This then does not belong to me.” He glances then at Hanna. “Few of us know of the underground path, but Hanna does. Both of us have a long family history in the Messengers and we know the untold ways. It is difficult, but will take days off your journey.”
“Underground?”
“Indeed. I hope you are not scared of the dark.” Joseph stands and gestures. “Eat. I shall gather what you require.” He swiftly leaves us.
“Hanna?”
She sighs. “It is a single file path, Lyra. To herd the others through will result in a line so long, most of them will not exit the tunnel in time on the other side.”
September 26, 2015
The King's Challenge #58
TKC 58
News travels now without prompt. Joseph tells how, wherever he goes, folk speak of a wall of water vanquished, the path through the flood, of light beams, a map that points the way to safety and of a two-eyed lady and her rebel leader.
“Until now the Messengers took the word to isolated places,” he says as he invites us to breakfast. “And now the word is already there when I ask to speak. Some of it may be garbled, but it is a fact that people hark now to both warnings and hope. I have seen lines of travellers cross the countryside, all heading south.”
His news fills me with relief. It means Damin and I no longer need to get people moving. Now we are able to concentrate on what needs doing, not saying.
Joseph is a tall, spare man with short, grey hair and a stubbly beard. He wears his red sash proudly. His years and bearing have presence. I feel able to trust him. I also believe his words. Unlike Mirlin, he does not fill me with misgiving.
Hanna eyes him. “You expected the lady Lyra to come here? How?”
“I cannot explain, Hanna. It was a feeling,” he says with a smile.
As he pulls a small scroll from an inner pocket, I ask, “Have you heard anything about the raiders?”
Sighing, he sets the scroll down amid platters of sausage and fresh bread. “The Porlese slavers take advantage of people moving from place to place. This movement is unprecedented and they see bags of coins and do not hear the words of doom. Ever has it been thus with the slavers – coin first. Now, however, it is no longer necessary for them to cross the plains to grab the westerners beyond. They are emboldened, knowing authority is breaking down.”
News travels now without prompt. Joseph tells how, wherever he goes, folk speak of a wall of water vanquished, the path through the flood, of light beams, a map that points the way to safety and of a two-eyed lady and her rebel leader.
“Until now the Messengers took the word to isolated places,” he says as he invites us to breakfast. “And now the word is already there when I ask to speak. Some of it may be garbled, but it is a fact that people hark now to both warnings and hope. I have seen lines of travellers cross the countryside, all heading south.”
His news fills me with relief. It means Damin and I no longer need to get people moving. Now we are able to concentrate on what needs doing, not saying.
Joseph is a tall, spare man with short, grey hair and a stubbly beard. He wears his red sash proudly. His years and bearing have presence. I feel able to trust him. I also believe his words. Unlike Mirlin, he does not fill me with misgiving.
Hanna eyes him. “You expected the lady Lyra to come here? How?”
“I cannot explain, Hanna. It was a feeling,” he says with a smile.
As he pulls a small scroll from an inner pocket, I ask, “Have you heard anything about the raiders?”
Sighing, he sets the scroll down amid platters of sausage and fresh bread. “The Porlese slavers take advantage of people moving from place to place. This movement is unprecedented and they see bags of coins and do not hear the words of doom. Ever has it been thus with the slavers – coin first. Now, however, it is no longer necessary for them to cross the plains to grab the westerners beyond. They are emboldened, knowing authority is breaking down.”
